Travel: Sustainability in Transit

November 2, 2016 Audrey Stanton

Paris

The LCF study abroad program took us to Paris for a few days. I've been to Paris before but never as a vegan. I was nervous but luckily had the internet, and my amazing vegan friend Charlotte, to guide me. I enjoyed eating at a few yummy places including Hank's Burger and Hank's Pizza!

Zürich

This was my first time visiting Zürich and I was excited to explore the city on my own! I found lots of vegan options as some of their most popular restaurants are the Hiltls- a series of vegetarian buffets. I also enjoyed a stroll around Frau Gerolds Garten and checked out the shops, including one featuring beautiful Sanikai clothes.

Dublin

Beer, castles and lots of smiles in Dublin. My friend and I enjoyed roaming the city centre and were recommended some amazing vintage shops! Lucy's Lounge and Om Diva are definitely spots to check out if you ever get the chance.

Tips & Tricks

Traveling and trying to stay sustainable at the same time seems difficult, but like anything else it simply requires a bit more thought. I am still learning, with every trip, how to pack better and travel more efficiently. Don't forget that it's a process! Here are some tips to start you off:

Be Yourself. Don't get caught up in the fantasy that you will suddenly become a different person with a new style on your trip. You don't need to find out that the new top you bought actually doesn't fit right when you're away from home. Your tried and true garments have and will continue to serve you well!
Wash on the Go. It's helpful to bring a bit of detergent to hand wash garments if you want to wear them again. Dr. Bronner's sells travel-sized bottles of castile soap and now so does The Simply Co.
Less is More. This is a rule that I definitely struggle with but is so helpful. Try to plan your outfits out ahead of time so that you can see what really needs to be packed and what can stay at home.

Weekend in Manchester

October 12, 2016 Audrey Stanton

Natural Dyeing: Stitched Up

The main reason for the trip to Manchester this past weekend was so that my friend and I could attend a natural dyeing workshop at Stitched Up. Stitched Up is a cooperative in Manchester which focuses on sustainable fashion. The space sells upcycled clothing, holds a variety of workshops and promotes DIY as much as possible to combat the waste that is created from fashion. I've been following Stitched Up on Twitter and Instagram for a while now and am thrilled that I finally got the chance to visit! The workshop was taught by the one and only Flora Arbuthnott who gave us some background on indigo dyeing and taught us the technique shibori. The process seems daunting but is actually wonderfully simple once you get the hang of it. Thank you to both Stitched Up and Flora for a great Sunday!

Vintage: Cow Vintage and Lou Lou's Vintage Fair

This weekend vintage clothing was really calling our names! We stumbled upon Lou Lou's Vintage Fair one day and proceeded to purchase everything in our path. In all seriousness though, there were some amazing items. One of the most exciting purchases were the earrings pictured above. These were part of a handmade section of a vendor's stall. MySteamLady features items that are made out of entirely recycled materials and the designs are incredible. She also sells online so check it out and get yourself some unique accessories!

On the last day we walked past a store that was hard to resist: Cow Vintage. The store is full of awesome 90's finds and some upcycled designs as well! I could have spent all day in there but unfortunately we had a train to catch.

Vegan Food: Fig & Sparrow and Unicorn Grocery

My friend Yvonne and I stumbled upon Fig & Sparrow when we were desperately in need of coffee on Saturday morning. The shop is filled with adorable dishware, coffee paraphernalia and handmade pieces- such as the natural soaps pictured above that are made from recycled coffee grounds! They also serve delicious coffee and some vegan pastries which made my day.

The natural dyeing workshop at Stitched Up was an all day endeavor so we took a break for lunch and I wandered over to the Unicorn Grocery. The vegan cooperative had a great selection but I must admit that my favorite part was the adorable plum bag. I couldn't resist purchasing it, especially since it was ethically made in Kolkata, India!

As I continue to travel I am determined to prove that it is possible and maybe even painless to find ethical and sustainable options. I am going to Paris, Zürich and Dublin over the next few weeks and can't wait to report back on the vegan food, vintage/sustainable clothes and inspiring businesses I find. Keep checking back!

London Fashion Week: Exciting or Overwhelming?

September 21, 2016 Audrey Stanton

As someone who has been interested in fashion for many years it would make sense if I was obsessed with the fact that London Fashion Week is currently happening around me. However, I've found myself wishing it would be over soon. I am a fashion student and therefore am surrounded by individuals who live and breathe that world. I have a great love for it but as a person whom is also incredibly passionate about sustainable/ethical work, it's hard for me to get completely on board with it all. I can't help thinking that I should want to be outside of every show, watching each online and trying to meet anyone I can that is in the industry. But that really isn't me. On one hand, I get it and on the other it makes absolutely no sense to me. A lot of wonderful creativity happens during this month of fashion but the amount of waste that is being produced alongside of it is just as great. I truly believe there needs to be a change in the industry and I think that includes fashion week. I read a Business of Fashion article recently that discussed the need for change in the industry and I would highly recommend reading it, if you're at all interested in the subject!