WHAT I'M WEARING

COAT, Vintage Balmain Coat  |  JUMPER, Second-hand Roll neck |  DRESS UNDERNEATH, Split Dress from Asos Eco-Edit |  TIGHTS, Ethical Superstore  |  BOOTS, Etienne Aigner Boots I bought in 2003 

GET THE LOOK

COAT |  JUMPER/SWEATER |  DRESS OPTION 1 OR SKIRT OPTION |  DRESS OPTION 2 |  TIGHTS |  BOOTS OPTION 1 |  BOOTS OPTION 2

It was Yohji Yamamoto who said "Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Black is lazy and easy--but mysterious. But above all black says this: 'I don't bother you, so don't bother me.'" It is hard to disagree with most of what he says, but surely I don't want to come across as arrogant or unapproachable (although, it wouldn't hurt sometimes). Wearing black represents a plethora of other traits and virtues. Some that come to mind are freedom, powerful, passion, fortitude, prudence, elegant, and the list goes on. 

As you might have gathered--either from my extended periods of absence or just from my posts--I travel a lot, mostly for work, and with such a lifestyle comes a rather systematised set up when it comes to my luggage. The majority is made up of....you guessed it...black. Black shoes, black tops, and black bottoms. Usually, at least two of each, then two items that offer a pop of colour and at least two white tops (a shirt is a must).  Most importantly, my suitcase is never complete without a ton of accessories. Usually, I throw in this old ASOS Africa top, but almost always I have a pair of leggings I bought from the Ethical Superstore. The necklace is actually a gift from my sister, which, initially, I wasn't too keen on, as it reminded me of something an anthropological academic would wear--oh, right, I AAAAMMM an Anthropologist. However, I grew to love it in all it's organic it with, and was so glad to have an outfit to pair  it with. 

Below, are photos of this little number along with some of my shots of a stroll throughout Cusco on the same day.

KATE'S PAPERIE Leather Travel Journal, $67 | LYDALI Blue Gradient Clutch, $32 | PEOPLE TREE Recycled Yarn Pom Pom Hat, £22 | SEVEN HOPES UNITED Carved Rustic Whitewashed Picture Frame, $34 | FLENSTED Balloon 5 Mobiles, Price upon Request | TRUE GRACE Moroccan Rose Soy wax Candle, £14 | JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN Green Lambswool Shawl, £15 | GREEN & BLUE Birdball Belle Feeder, £19.95  | DOWSE Kaleidoscope Clock, £25 | HARABU HOUSE M-Cups Measuring Matyroshkas, $13 | EARTHLUST Stainless Steel Bottle 400ml, £12 | BASKETS FROM AFRICA Swazi Sisal Basket, $91(£56).

Two weeks ago, I went on a hunt for a gift for my intern for doing such a great job, and thanking her for her three months of invaluable assistance. I didn't know what to get, so settled on a People Tree Dress, which I guessed would fit her, and it did (whew). The experience got me to thinking about how often we get stuck on gifts to get for certain people outside of our immediate circles. For example, what do I get Winston, my Rastafarian Postman, as a thank you for being so chirpy, and remembering my name? Or a friend who loves to bake?

The list above is just a smidgen of all the amazing sustainable gifts that are out there, and that's counting the gifts in our GIFT GUIDE MAGAZINE. Yet, I thought I would compose a list of gifts based on those very people whose current roles, stations, and characteristics help define the types of gifts we purchase for them.

Today, the fiance and I took a trip to JeDeCo at the Oxo Tower, which is a shared studio and space where ethical jewellery designer Anna Loucah invited us to make our wedding bands from my grandmothers' old gold, and fairmined and fairtrade gold. Coincidentally, it just happened to be World Fairtrade Day, so I thought it appropriate (although this too was by coincidence) to wear Fairtrade for the occasion. 

Today, I am wearing fairtrade guru, People Tree. My headwrap, as you know by now, was made by Emma H., from a People Tree Maxi Dress she shortened. Both the slouchy oversized cardigan and dress are also People Tree (the perks of having one of your besties having worked for PT). My tights are from Ethical Superstore and my shoes are from African brand BATA, which I bought in Kenya for the many trips into the savannahs and deserts. Rings were handmade by artisans in Indonesia and Kenya.

And yeah, it's COLD here in May...brrr