Travel: Sustainability in Transit

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.

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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:

1. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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. 

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Responsible Fashion for Men

 

I have to start off by getting on my soapbox...

At the end of the day, being a conscious customer means always questioning, checking labels (look for cotton and wool over polyester and acrylic) and making thoughtful purchases. Making thoughtful purchases means not always buying that shirt or pair of pants, even if they are ethically made. I struggle with this constantly and am learning more and more that I don't need half the clothes I own. A sustainable/ethical/responsible wardrobe is one that uniquely and honestly represents YOU. The lists below are full of great companies that will only continue to be great if we, the customers, hold them accountable! 

Non-Boring Basics

1. Patagonia – Everyone knows this brand for it's durable activewear but it also has great products for everyday.*
2. Pact – Affordable underwear, socks and t-shirts.*
3. Nudie Jeans – Ethical denim that's made to last.*
4. Everlane – Especially known for their handsome knits.*

Fashion Forward 

1. Apolis – A wide selection of high quality clothing and accessories.
2. Industry of All Nations – Casual brand selling clothing, accessories and shoes.*
3. Brothers We Stand – A large collection of simple and stylish items.
4. People Tree – Great brand selling a small selection of men's shirts and sweaters * 
5. Alternative Apparel – Minimalist style.*

Shoes and Accessories

1. Veja – Very cool sneakers that are made with integrity.*
2. Nisolo – A small selection of nice leather shoes.*
3. Oliberte – Casual sneakers, boots and oxford shoes.*
4. Mamahuhu – Sturdy, yet chic, boots and accessories.*

*Also sells women's clothing and accessories (or shoes).

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A huge shout out to The Good Trade, which provided me with much of this information! Check out their website if you're looking for even more ethical goodies.

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Weekend in Manchester

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!

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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!

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