Some Things to Feel Good About- Kids vs. McDonalds, UC San Diego Bottle Ban, and the Value of Values

I try to keep on top of the news around the environment, but I often cannot stand to read so much depressing news stories in a row. I am suspicious that this constant onslaught of bad news stomps out our motivation to try, because the problem just feels too big. On this blog, I am trying to propose an environmentalism that is personally sustainable- a bunch of little changes we can all keep up with, and I want to focus on the positive, not because I won't readily admit the problems we face are huge and important, but because good things are happening. It's worth focusing on and feeling empowered, because the changes we make CAN make a difference.

Wow, I am trying to think of a more depressing week for news, but it would be hard to top this one.I mean, just nothing kind to be found. But, there are good things out there!

1. Awesome Kids take on Plastic Straws- Meredith Moss in the UK started a petition to deliver to McDonald's CEO to encourage them to give up the plastic straws. Preach, girl! We use over 500,000,000 plastic straws A DAY, and if large restaurant chains like McDonalds gave them up or switched to paper, we could eliminate a tremendous amount of pointless. waste. Interested in backing her up? Read her story here, and even better, sign her petition here. Clean water is worth fighting for!

2. UC San Diego Bans Single Use Bottles on Campus- In the battle against single-use plastics, it doesn't get much better than a major university banning them completely. Please, let this continue to catch on. I don't think you can discount that a university right on the water can see the tremendous destruction caused by these bottles, and I am so pleased they are cutting the bottle (let's all follow in their lead). I am living for a world with boxed water, and I know it is coming.

3. Buffalo News "The Value of Values"- This article talks about the growing consumer investment in the ethics and values behind what they buy. It isn't just a race to the cheaperst option anymore, and thank God for that. Let's all keep learning this lesson and making the world better!

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Picture of the Week- I'm So Sorry, Kirby

Bougie Environmental Blogger: "Oh yeah, totally re-use party decorations as house decor to give them more life!"

Reality Barbara: "Let's just put this in the dining room, so it can watch us eat"

3 months and much better weather later, Kirby is kind of begging to be put out of his half-crushed misery. I am willing to bet he will still be up at the end of the summer. I will let you know.

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Don't Buy Aden + Anais, Instead Try...

aden +anais started in 2006 when an Australian immigrant living in New York City was looking for muslin swaddle blankets like she was used to and to her shock, realized that wasn't a thing in the States. The company never advertised themselves, but they were a huge hit by 2010 based purely on word of mouth. By 2014 when I was registering for baby, it was unheard of to not have a set.

And for good reason, these are the kinds of products that are made when a woman actually doing the job makes a product for moms. The blankets were larger (47" square) and more breathable than anything else on the market. I know we quickly gave up on the other blankets, and we just rotated the four.

Talk about an American success story! But, here's the problem. The company exploded quickly, and the once Madein Brooklyn blankets are now all made in China. So not quite as American as it used to be.

I'm not going to tell you that aden and anais are the evil overlords of baby blankets. I mean, they may be, but the simple truth is that it was a small company that blew up, and I assume to sustain that growth, they moved all of their manufacturing to China. All of it. This may not be a Nestle situation, but the bottom line is that other blanket companies are continuing to grow by making more American jobs, so why not give them your money? Not only do these companies provide more jobs, they also have a more positive environmental impact, because the blankets are shipping from all that way.

 In other words, why give aden and anais you money when there are cooler and more ethical options out there? Let's look at our options:

1. Get them Used- Yes, these blankets are great, and the muslin blanket really is perfect for swaddling babies. That being said, the secret about these blankets is out, and now you can buy them anywhere from Target to Kohl's to every baby boutique we can think of. In other words, everyone has bought these blankets, and while they are great, they are amazing. Then, you are done with them (after six to nine months tops). Our baby consignment store always has a bunch of them for sale, usually at around 5 dollars a piece (instead of a 4 pack for 50 dollars). This can save a ton of money for you and keep more waste out of landfills for your baby. Can't find them at your store? Amazon also has open box options and ebay has 300+ on there as well).

The Snug Bug on Amazon

2. The Snug Bug- These sets of four look just as sweet and soft, and they come in eight different design sets, so you still have some room to pick what you like. They are comparably priced, a little less than five dollars more, but they are made in the United States! Perfect switch if you don't want to take too big of a leap but still want your baby purchases to have a positive impact. If you want blankets that are even more organic and dye-free, Snug Bug sells pure white organic muslin blankets that are pricey but worth it if you want your baby blankets to be 100% chemical-free.

Swaddle Designs from Amazon

3.Swaddle Designs- This company (based out of Seattle, I think, because they have a real following here) makes more traditional cotton swaddle blankets. Even their cotton is made in the United States, and I can vouch for the fact that they are very soft. The ones I have seen aren't quite as stretchy as Aden and Anais, but they are thicker, which is better and warmer for a fall or winter baby. They sell muslin blankets as well, but as far as I know, they are all imported. They also make sleep sacks, which are the bomb.

4. Etsy- Oh yes, Etsy is absolutely amazing for all things blanket, including swaddle blankets. Instead of getting the same aden and anais blankets all of your mommy friends will have, think about getting something cool like one of these. Again, this is the tip of the iceberg, so if you want to go this route, try "muslin swaddle blankets" and the US filter, and you will see tons of options. These muslin blankets could also make really special baby shower gifts:

sweetheart n sunshine- I love these colors. 11.50 a blanket, and so pretty.

Rainy Day Woolies-You can get dyed ones as well. GOTS cotton, so it is fair-trade as well

Little Logan Designs- with pom poms!

Rosie's Idea- Bamboo Muslin, so stretchy and sustainable. Tons of colors. 

Wee Babee Bundles

KBCute

Swell and Cloth- Heads up, these are really stretchy, but only 36x36"

Tumbleweed Babies- 42" and only 23 dollars for two! Awesome option for parents

Little Bud Boutique- Perfect if you are sick of all the saccharine pastels. Great deal too!

If a baby is coming into the world that you care about, it's great to see there are options to buy them almost anything they need that will also make the world a little better. You can help grow American jobs and take care of the environment by just looking a little bit out of the mainstream picks!

If you want to do more Made in America or Environmentally-Friendly shopping (it's amazing how often these two play into each other), check out my Giant List of Shopping Lists!

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Quote of the Week- Stopping to Help

Feeling broken-hearted today, like I think most of us are. Dreading that there is always work to be done, but feeling encouraged by this:

Also, this one. 

Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you. ~Mother Teresa

Just want you to know whatever little things you are doing to help the world do make a difference, and let's all do one more. If nothing else, let's all go meet a neighbor today.

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Don't Buy Converse Sneakers, Instead Try...

Converse Sneakers

  When I think about sneakers, I definitely think of a sort of All-American look. Casual, like a pair of jeans but tough, sporty, and fun too. Doesn't it sound like an American? Of all the sneakers, Converse has the most All-American, everyday image. People are widely committed to their Chucks, and now they even make tiny ones for babies, so you can be a Converse family from the very start. With all of this brand loyalty, you would think the company still manufactures in America. It doesn't. Let's talk about it.

Converse is one of the most iconic American shoe brands. Their branding leans on this, even their branding is a little star, often in red white and blue. The company began in 1908 making rubber soled shoes, and started making tennis shoes in 1915 (yes, they are that old), but now they are a "subsidiary" of Nike, another seemingly American brand. Converse had a huge share of the shoe market starting in World War II through the mid-century, but they lost ground when new athletic shoe companies was founded. All Stars became popular in the 80's, but by the early 2000's, Converse filed bankruptcy and was bought by Nike. Neither of these brands make any shoes in America anymore. Not one.

Converse is not very impressive in terms of social or environmental responsibility. Their offices are in Boston, and they say they support that community, but there isn't much evidence of that to come by. Converse says they are transparent about their supply chain, but I had a difficult time finding reliable and concrete information about it. It's clear they contract work out to factories in other countries. Look out for companies that contract labor out like this, because it is a way for them to distance themselves from responsibility for the nasty and unsafe conditions their products are made in. Could it be alright? Yes, but it is highly unlikely.

Now, when you get into buying American and shoe-shopping, things can get very depressing. Very fast. I have written about this once before, so you can read more options and ideas here.  I am pointing you to my best finds, and let's hope things improve in the future.

from Sincerely Jules

1. New Balance- New Balance is the one bright light in this whole thing, still making at least 4 million shoes in the US every year. They still maintain a factory in Massachusets, and they are the only mainstream sports shoe brand that can still claim their Americaness.

That being said, not all of their shoes are Made in America, but some of them are. They also are not cheap, so you are really getting one pair of shoes in place of a couple. This may sound bad, but take a look at the shoes- of the Made in America shoes, some are really great looking and stylish, so it may not be the same style as Keds or Converse, but you don't have to wear anything embarrassing either. They have our loyalty from here on out.

from Indulgy

2. Keds (Soon, Not Now!)- Keds are currently manufactured in China (I can't find them made elsewhere), but at their Centennial celebration, the company claimed they were going to begin manufacturing their shoes in Michigan once again. I really hope this is true- I love my old keds, but I refuse to buy any more while they are made in China. You better believe, if they move to the United States, I will be all over it. Keds has a pretty similar history to Converse- founded in 1916, the shoes were one of 16 brands that used US Rubber as the bottom of the shoes, becoming the item we call sneakers. They started making and marketing shoes specifically for women in the 1930's, and in the mid-century, they were worn by sports and music stars.

In 1979, they were sold to Stride Rite, and in 2012, Stride Rite was acquired by Wolverine World Wide, who is based out of Michigan. This year, they announced the move to Michigan, where Wolverine World Wide has its headquarters. If they actually move back, that would be such a momentum-changing step for an American company, and I can continue to buy the same sneakers as my Grammy, so win all around.

If this comes to pass, you know I will be throwing a digital parade, so you will know all about it. But feel encouraged it might be happening!

Frye's from Zappos

3. Frye's- This American-made company is mostly known for their boots, but they do sell a few designs of lace up leather shoes that might be a grown up alternative to the Chucks that a grown man could wear all the time. Still has a slightly playful feel, but a little more mature for sure. Again, not cheap, but they are leather not canvas, so they will probably last a lot longer.

from Soft Star Shoes

4. Soft Star Shoes- Soft Star makes minimal shoes for adults and children out of Oregon (in fact they won one of the greenest workplaces in Oregon, which is pretty impressive since Oregon is all kinds of green). Some have hard bottoms, many have soft soles. One of the best and only places to get casual shoes for kids that are made in America.

from Som Footwear

5. Som Footwear- These shoes, perfect for climbing but great for regular days as well, were all made in Colorado. In fact, if you live near Montrose, you can go and tour the factory! The founder made minimalist footwear for running and hiking. I am not in love with all of the designs, but the simpler ones look great, and they might perfectly fit your style! And lots of reviews say they are the most comfortable shoes the owner has, so that says something too.

A few other companies that may work for you- Evolv, Keen, Munro American,

A few extra thoughts on Fair Trade shoes:

A lot of people have switched out casual shoes like Chucks for Toms, which give shoes one for one every time you buy a pair (right now, they are specifically helping Syrian refugees, which I think is pretty awesome). There are some pretty legitimate arguments against buying Toms over something fair trade (they have some fair trade products, but this is not a fair trade company); if you give a child a pair of shoes but work their family member to death to make these shoes for no money, have you really done them a favor? It's a complex issue, but I have been reading about some progress being made by the company (and you can read up on their factories here), and in general I say Toms are WAY more ethical than Chucks, so you weigh out what is most important to you.

If you want some casual shoes with more developed and ethical approaches to their factories, I would suggest Oliberte or Sole Rebels. Check out their Urban Runners. Natural World prioritizes eco-friendly shoes as well.

When you factor in these fair trade sources and the shift in the tides represented by Ked's potential move, the shoe story may not be as depressing as you think. Converse may have abandoned the American worker, but not everyone has, and you still have options if you want to avoid unethical, environmentally irresponsible, and just unpatriotic shoes for your everyday life. You can do this!

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Beautiful, ethically made AND affordable? My newest Heavenly lace wedding dresses mean you CAN have it all...

Dear Reader,
I hope 15 May is in your diary! My first vintage wedding fair of the season is only a few days away, and I'm in the middle of planning what delights to take. 

Perfectly boho! Original 1970s lace wedding dress.

Original French lace wedding bolero, priced £235 

In the elegant surroundings of Charlton House, I'll have over fifty romantic and boho vintage wedding dresses to show you. As well as samples from my own collection of beautiful boho dresses.

Original 1970s lace wedding dresses available from Heavenly Vintage Brides. So boho!

And completely new for the fair, I'm delighted to be launching an affordable line of the most beautiful, ethically–produced lace wedding dresses. All my vintage and boho wedding dresses are handmade here in London, using only the finest quality English laces. And now they're amazing value too – priced from just £950!

Butterfly floaty lace wedding dresses, now available from just £995

I've spent SO many hours researching, refining and talking to new suppliers to make this line possible – at amazing value (from just £950 including a pretty underslip) with no compromise on quality or principles. 

Violette, shown here in satin, is now available in lace from just £950

The dresses are all ethically made here in London, by hand, and feature the most beautiful silks and laces. Even the buttons are hand–covered in real silk... and their teeny–tiny delicate button loops too! All are created by a wonderful team of skilled traditional seamstresses here in London for the best possible quality and ethical credentials.

Angel lace wedding dress – beautifully handmade in England.

So by choosing these dresses you're supporting local industry, and helping the planet a little... as well as choosing the most fabulous, romantic lace wedding dresses possible!

Boho lace wedding dress Butterfly, now from £995

One of the pretty tulle and lace wedding dresses for sale at my stand on 15 May.

I'll be showing affordable – and stunning – new versions of my most popular dresses: Angel, Butterfly and Violette. I'll have samples of these beautiful new wedding dresses with me on the day (as well as many beautiful vintage boho wedding dresses, of course).

Angel, one of my new romantic lace wedding dresses

Butterfly, one of my romantic and boho lace wedding dresses from £995

My new Violette is now available as a lace dress over a satin slip (it's shown here in satin only, as it's so new I don't have the photos yet. So you'll have to come and see if for yourself!) It's in the most beautiful delicate 'cobwebby' cotton lace for a supersoft feel and a lovely drape – and still priced from just £950.

Violette, shown here in satin, is now available all in lace from just £950

Violette is similar to Butterfly and Angel (both pictured below), both of which are always very popular. But with its higher back and more structure, Violette is exceptionally flattering to a curvier figure.

Violette (shown here in satin) is now available in lace from just £950

My new Butterfly is in a gorgeous cotton blend lace, with a geometric 'art deco' style pattern. It's available for £995, including a pretty underslip in a choice of three colours. 

Butterfly lace wedding dress, so romantic, available from just £995

One of my other most popular lace dresses, Angel, will now be available in a very soft floral lace – very flowing and SO romantic – priced from £995 including a pretty underslip in choice of three colours.

Angel floaty lace wedding dress – now available from £995

The dresses can be bought online and will soon feature in my Etsy shop or you can find them at my studio in Brentford, West London. I'm proud to say they're all made as one–offs here in London, and the lace is also made in the UK. I really believe you can combine amazing beauty, quality and still use UK suppliers and manufacturers.

Angel lace wedding dress, handmade in England and priced from just £995

Look forward to seeing you on 15 May at Charlton House, or just contact me to visit my studio!

Love

Helena

Heavenly Vintage Brides

If you'd like to see more of my lovely lace wedding dresses for sale, 

click here to visit my Etsy store...

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Old-school glamour at the Met Gala

Dear Reader,
This week saw one of fashion's biggest annual events in New York: the fabulous opening night for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Manus x Machina exhibition. 

A Chanel wedding dress covered in silk camellias – and 700 hours in the making!

All about the meeting of style and technology, the exhibition features work by Vuitton, Chanel and Dior. And of course, the fashion world turned out in style for the opening – with a 'white tie' dress code. 

I don't know what you think, but there seemed to be fewer really beautiful dresses this year – perhaps the theme made it more difficult. But here's a small taster of this year's standout outfits. 

Blake Lively in beautiful pink Burberry gown.

Although it was neither high–tech nor white, Blake Lively looked pretty and elegant in her 1950s–styled baby pink Burberry dress, that flowed over her baby bump.

Lily–Rose Depp in Chanel, already so confident at 16.

Lily–Rose Depp looked amazing in white Chanel dress and bomber jacket casually slipping off her tiny frame. Only 16 and so confident... But then she does have mum and dad to guide her!

Rose Byrne, in fabulous 1970s style silver dress.

Silver was a big trend on the night, giving a techno feel to even the softest and most floaty of dresses. Here's Rose Byrne looking stunning in a slinky silver 1970s style dress.

Sienna Miller in 1970s style dress by Gucci

Keeping to the 1970s / metallic theme, Sienna Miller looked fab in her Gucci gown. Again, this one is very 1970s style – but still simple and chic. 

Lorde in Valentino tulle floor length dress

Lorde chose a super–pretty Valentino dress in layers of pastel tulle for her Met Gala debut.

Dakota Johnson in 1970s inspired Gucci with star-shaped lace panels

Many dresses have really divided opinions this year – including this kooky Gucci dress worn by Dakota Johnson, with its clashing colours and star–shaped lace panels. Young and fun, or a bit too Camden Market…? What do you think?

Elizabeth Debicki in pretty green Prada – and Tom Hiddleston

Another dress that garnered very mixed reactions is Elizabeth Debicki's green floral Prada gown. Personally, I think she looks darling in it – so fresh and pretty, with a timely hint of boho – and a lovely change from some of more obviously sexy (I'm being tactful… some were really tacky) outfits. What do you think of it?

Nicole Kidman in twinkly 1920s inspired dress by Alexander McQueen

Nicole Kidman stepped delightfully outside her comfort zone this year – leaving behind the severe minimalism of her usual red carpet choices to go for a twinkly, pretty and fun 1920s inspired dress with cape from Alexander McQueen. And the choice really paid off with a winning combination of glamour and prettiness. 

Clare Danes in beautiful 1950s style princess dress… with a secret...

And taking the theme to heart in a spectacular red carpet coup, Clare Danes completely stole the show in this 1950s style baby blue princess dress by Zac Posen. Yes, it was pretty. But more importantly…

Clare Danes lights up the red carpet, literally!

…It glowed in the dark! Truly combining technology with fashion, Clare's (slightly bonkers) dress is made from fibre optic woven organza and had 30 mini battery packs sewn into it.

Crazy… but also kinda fabulous. Fashion, eh!

Love
Helena

Heavenly Vintage Brides

For more gorgeous dresses, check out my Etsy Store here…

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