Sustainable Fashion that doesn't look like your mum made it
Tunic dress, currently on sale $30!
When Jess from Naturally Chic asked me if I’d like to collaborate with her and have some photo’s taken in her ethical clothing range I instantly said yes. Not because she was (full transparency) giving me a dress as a thank you, and certainly not because I’m super comfortable in front of the camera - you’ll see from the photos this clearly isn’t the case - but because I genuinely love her clothing and the ethos behind her brand. I’ve been buying clothing from her since she started nearly 4 years ago.
As you’ll know from my last couple of blog posts I’m very much an ‘eco warrior type’ who really cares about human impact on our planet, and is conscious of our modern day consumption. This isn’t just the amount of plastic we bring into our homes, and waste we produce from daily living, but also what we put on our bodies.
‘The fashion industry, including the production of all clothes which people wear, contributes to around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions due to its long supply chains and energy intensive production. The industry consumes more energy than the aviation and shipping industry combined. Cumulatively, the fashion industry produces about 20% of global waste water. Furthermore, 85% of textiles end up in landfills or are incinerated when most of these materials could be reused.’ Read more here.
‘To make just one pair of denim jeans, 10,000 liters of water is required to just grow the one kilo of cotton needed for the pair of jeans. In comparison, one person would take 10 years to drink 10,000 liters of water.’
Source: United Nations Climate Change article, linked above.
What I love about the clothing Jess stocks at Naturally Chic is that they’re all from brands who use sustainable materials such an organic cotton, hemp and bamboo. These not only feel amazing to wear but the quality is second to none, all for an affordable price. In paying for these clothes you know that your hard earned dollars aren’t going to a major corporation just out to make money, with zero regard for the environment, and the humans who made the garments. I loved the popular hashtag #imadeyourclothes that aimed to raise awareness over the human toll it takes to make fast fashion happen.
When you buy your clothing from Jess you know that the people who made the clothing you’re wearing were paid a decent wage. We are so fortunate to live in a country where our children have access to free education and healthcare. I can’t imagine having to send my 8 year old to work in a factory in order to help our family survive, but this is a reality for many globally who are trapped in a cycle of poverty. It’s easy to push that to the back of your mind while you’re wandering through the mall because it’s not on our doorstep, but it certainly is in our shops! If you’re interested in which clothing labels we stock here in NZ have a good track record with their supply chain check out the annual Ethical Fashion Report which is put out by the Tear Fund. If you’re just getting started on the eye opening journey of discovery when it comes to the clothing industry start here and take note of some of the brands to stick with and those to avoid!
The clothing Jess stocks are all pieces made to easily fit into, and intermix with your existing wardrobe. They are everyday staples for home, work and the school run. For anyone who knows me (and my husband will certainly attest to this) you'll know I live in three things; PJs, painting clothes and #mumuniform active wear. What I love about the clothing I have from NC is that I can be covered in paint one minute, throw on a bamboo dress and be ready to do a kindy pickup within 30 seconds flat. I not only instantly feel presentable, but look like I actually put some effort in and have my sh*t together!
Most of the items she stocks transition seasonally, that tunic dress you got can have a long sleeve top thrown underneath and be worn with boots in the autumn/winter and can be worn simply with jandals to a BBQ in the summer months. This means you’re getting a versatile wardrobe the will last you for years to come. She also has staple items like singlet tops that you can wear and wear yet last and last.
‘Paying a living wage to garment workers would add on average just 1% on average to the retail price of a piece of clothing.’
Another bonus to shopping at Naturally Chic is you don’t actually have to set foot in a shopping centre! If you’re a busy mum this is the icing on the cake. You can book an appointment with Jess and pop out to her showroom which is just before Inglewood. It’s literally 10 minutes from NP and you don’t have to worry about driving around looking for a parking spot and plugging the meter. Plus you can bring your kids with you! I have to drag mine away from her awesome backyard set up complete with a playhouse and swings - they think it’s a trip to the park and I get to shop without the three year old repeatedly opening the curtain on me in public while I’m half dressed - it’s win win!
Below are a few pics to show you how just a couple of her pieces can be worn in different ways. My favourite is the the first one where I’m falling over because I’ve forgotten how to wear heels lol. She has such an amazing range when you go to her shop, including lots of items on sale. Make sure you check out Naturally Chic on Instagram, Facebook and her Website.
Be nice peeps, I have a new found respect for models of all kinds! Looking natural while finding somewhere to put your hands, trying to remember what your face should be doing, and sucking in the ole mum tum is much harder than it looks! A massive thank you to Jenna Brom photography who is incredibly talented and did her best to make me laugh and relax. Check out her stunning work on Facebook, if you’re after a family/newborn photo shoot or wedding photographer or this is the woman to see!
