Sustainable. Ethical. Beautiful

Triangles - the holy grail of Hipsterland

2012-02-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

The wonderful online magazine PONY ANARCHY has described triangles as "the holy grail of Hipsterland" and I had to pinch the phrase as how could I put it better?! This morning I saw this beautiful design on pinterest which features the ZNAK Mosaic Wall Decals. This would be so lovely in a kid's room or in a kitchen using grey or black triangles (below). I thought I might try to do something similar with paint as a project for the weekend.

Source: design-milk.com via Hannah Seeds and Stitches on Pinterest

Source: susannavento.fi via Si on Pinterest

Wishlist

The illustrator Kerry Layton uses lots of triangles in her work -her new B for Bear print is so cute.
Go to Secret Squiral for triangles in fashion form.
Hus & Hem have some zesty print fabrics by Swedish designer Linda Sjunnerson.
TriAndGull's etsy store is (as the name suggests) all about the triangle. Their jewellery and styling is beautiful - a mix of pastels, pale wood and brass.
Triangles feature heavily in Ferm Living's new collection. They also have some beautiful geometric wallpaper.

Chris Court Photography

2011-12-02T06:48:00.001-08:00

I can't resist dark shades in these cold months and the beautiful images from Chris Court are a particular treat. These are a few of my favourites but there are so many wonderful images on his website.

Glinting Gold

2011-11-18T15:14:00.001-08:00

A little bit of sparkle is always welcome especially as the festive season approaches.

{1 and 2} from my personal tumblr page. {3} Gift wrap from anthropologie - sustainably crafted from the renewable bark of lokta bushes and very pretty to boot! {4} The beautiful All stars wallpaper from Barneby Gates

Daily Inspiration from Queen Anne Farmhouse

2011-11-14T09:18:00.001-08:00

I always like to save my favourite interiors to my desktop to inspire me (I have posted about this before). This past month I have had the dining room from the Queen Anne Farmhouse in East Sussex on my laptop and thought it was just to lovely not to share. It was mainly the concrete floor which caught my eye but I also love how relaxed the styling is - it feels very lived in - there are visible wires in most rooms and the stairs aren't 'perfect' and I really like that.

I love the mix of flooring throughout this home - especially in the shot above with the mix of concrete and sisal flooring. I think the hallway below is wonderful - we are planning to repaint the floorboards in our hallway a similar colour and I can't wait to see how it looks. I think it would work really well with this Ibis wallpaper from Turner Pocock Cazalet. What do you think?

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QUEEN ANNE FARMHOUSE EAST SUSSEX

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Have a lovely week x

Jeroen van der Spek

2011-11-06T10:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning whilst having breakfast I caught up with some blog reading to give me some much needed ideas and enthusiasm for carrying on with decorating. A recent post on Mechant Design's lovely blog featured Dutch photographer Jeroen van der Spek and I was blown away by the rustic materials and smouldering colour pallet - in particular this image is amazing. In Jeroen's portfolio was a series of wonderfully styled shots which I think is a monthly feature for Vtwonen - it took my breath away. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to shop via images like this in a Supermarket Sarah fashion?

earth matters

2011-10-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

A little while back this beautiful poem written by Lidewij Edelkoort was posted on the wonderful Trend Tablet. I can't explain how moving I find this - it is filled with promise and hope that we will learn from our mistakes.

EARTH MATTERS: THE STORY

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she is talking loud and clear.
she is protesting violently with frontal attacks.
she is flooding her tears on the world and shaking off
buildings and people like flies. she is spitting her anger in the air.
she has had enough and is tired of accommodating further abuse.
torrential floods, severe draughts, unpredictable climates,
erupting volcanoes and multiple earthquakes are the result.

the earth is hurt and emptied.
she feels gang-raped and shackled.
most fossil fluids and matter are taken from her
and most stones and metals are gone.
most material is transformed into buildings
and most forests have become furniture.
most boulders are carved into bathrooms.
most gems are dancing, adorning human skin.
most crystals have become chandeliers.
most water is spoiled and most food is spilled.
most fields are wasted and most jungles untangled.

we have taken it all and it is still not enough;
we have taken it all and transformed it into waste
which we give back to the earth
as a poisonous present and
as an unsolvable mass of matter.
this century is bringing a moment of reflection and radical change,
making up for a century of abuse, greed and violence.
for the first time a post fossil society is emerging,
giving man much hope and faith in the future.
resetting attitude and mentality towards
more respect for the earth and each other.

therefore fashion will be mining mental matter;
taking inspiration from earth and trying to give back its beauty and strength;
restoring her self-respect and reflecting on the huge gift
this planet was, and still will be for us humans.

a wealth of ideas will sprout from the earth,
analyzing all her entrails and components,
to be transformed into dimensional textiles and earthbound colours.

our entente with nature will be re-written and re-invented;
we will try to live together in a more harmonious way,
giving and taking, and caring for each other.
a more intimate and intuitive relationship will be the result,
based on primitive emotions and ancient rituals and archaic systems,
re-inventing animism.

- lidewij edelkoort

pale pine - simple, organic interiors

2011-10-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

I love the simplicity and purity of pale pine. Mixed with other humble, natural materials such as linen, wool and rough stone it is the ultimate in organic interiors. Pale wood with white is serene and gentle on the eye whereas contrasted with black it is a great way to make pale wood feel more cosy - most welcome now winter is upon us.

{child's room via anoukbinterior - such a beautiful idea for wall art made from cotton fabric}

{desk via weekday carnival mixed with cardboard accessories and a simple bin made from an Ikea paper bag}{dining table via Trine Thorsen}

{Bedroom by Janne Peters} {DIY table via Livet Hemma} {black tableware also via Janne Peters}

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FLOORING

Pale wood as flooring is beautiful and you can't really beat this amazing floor by Dinesen - it's just too lovely. If only I had a home large enough for these floorboards. A very sustainable choice too as the Douglas Fir comes from responsibly managed European forests and can be treated with a natural soap to protect it rather than a harsh lacquer or oil.

{Flooring by Dinesen} {Boxes designed by Studio Vit}

The beautiful collection of boxes (above) is from Studio Vit. Designed by Helena Jonasson and Veronica Dagnert '11 boxes' is a typology of storage units based on the idea of an archetypal box. The boxes can be used on their own or grouped together and each box is perfectly finished on each side so it can go anywhere in the room.

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TRINE THORSEN

I am totally inspired by Trine's work. This series of images was styled by Kirsten Visdal and really capture the essence of organic styling. The colour pallet has such an uncomplicated charm and serenity and I love accents of grey throughout the series. You can follow Trine's blog here

All photographs by Trine Thorsen, styled by Kirsten Visdal

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SHOP THE LOOK: PALE WOOD

{1. Cubes on string from Ferm Living}
{2. This amazing lamp is designed by Gabriella Gustafson and Mattias Ståhlbom for Muuto and is available from the Finnish Design Shop.}
{3. Chairs via Kvist - currently 50% off!*}

* When I contacted Trine to ask her about using these images, she kindly shared with me Kirsten's website www.kvist-visdal.no. Her site is amazing! She sells an abundance of beautiful things many of which I had on my wish list for miki. My favourite is her lighting section - I don't think I have seen a nicer collection. She even has the most coveted koushi lamp

What are you thoughts about pale pine? Do you have pale pieces in your home?

postcard from wales

2011-10-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

a few pictures from my weekend away in the brecon beacons. we stayed in the most rural cottage - it was blissful.

autumn

2011-10-11T05:15:00.000-07:00

Autumn ideas : 1.2.3.4.5.6.7

Ideas for an awkward corner

2011-10-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have a small 'hallway' at the bottom of our stairs next to the kitchen. For me spaces like this end up as storage space in other words a mess. I like the idea of using it a utility area with space for recycling and cleaning things. I also love the idea of having large white bags for storage like the image below and also having it as a space for moodboards ..

Cabbages and Roses New Collection

1. 2. 3.

I really like the idea of painting the whole wall in blackboard paint but it may be a little too dark. Perhaps this monthly planner from ferm living would be a nice compromise.

1 and 2 from Labour and Wait. 3 and 4 Fog Linen

All from the wonderful Baileys in Bridstow 1. 2. 3. 4.

New In

2011-10-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

These are a few of the lovely new things we received from our latest box of goodies from Nkuku that have been added to miki this week.

The beautiful white ceramic knobs are my favourite - they're really simple and clean. It thought I'd use a couple as hooks in the bathroom but then I've seen these lovely hooks (below) so I might hang on for them. I've been trying to take a few of my own photos need to work on the styling though - they look a bit bare. Not quite Tine K Home standard yet! Also available are the very sweet patterned ceramic door knobs and the wire baskets which are perfect for... just about everything really.

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Nkuku have added lots of new things that will be 'available soon' to tease me with. I'm so excited about the new range - they introduced lots of lovely homewares that I have been thinking about sourcing for the shop including these amazing lanterns. I've seen so many lanterns that I've liked but unfortunately they haven't been ethical or at least I there were no guarantees that they were ethical. Also I love the little mango wood bowl and spoon! We will definately be ordering in some of all the following so let me know if you'd like to back order/reserve anything.

Also their new bathroom items are pretty special - I really love the soap dish.

To view all their collection go here

Copenhagen Fashion Week

2011-10-08T08:12:00.001-07:00

The Baand, an exciting new eco label, had it's debut at last weeks Copenhagen Fashion Week. It was founded by two very stylish lady's Julie Villumsen and Stine Bauer Boskov in 2009 who use only the best organic cotton from Peru to make their collection. From their blog and pieces I have seen on wear aware their style is very simple and wearable and in the girls own words are "Those favorite pieces in your wardrobe that always save the day for you and make you look your best"

How cool is this moodboard from their homepage... shades of grey? I'm sold! | One of the founders Stine at their stand at the gallery | Taken from the SS11 collection | I love this photo of the HAY Hall Stand in Julie's office.

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Stockholm and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks are the eco design destinations, not surprising as Scandinavia is miles ahead in terms of sustainability. The Ecologist this week reported on Copenhagen Fashion Week and also on a new project called NICE devised by Helsinki Design Week, the Icelandic Fashion Council, Oslo Fashion Week and the Danish Fashion Institute. NICE or Nordic Initiative Clean and Ethical, is a Scandinavia-wide attempt to highlight social and ecological issues and boost sustainability in the fashion industry.

Unlike in the majority of fashion markets, Scandinavia’s fashion councils are making centralised efforts to boost green design – not just in terms of dedicated eco-designers but in the industry as a whole. ... To boost the use of waste fabric and to promote the use of local, Norwegian wool. The five countries even agreed a 10-year plan on reducing water use, carbon dioxide emissions and waste, along with bad labour practice and minimising the use of chemical dyes. Ruth Styles The Ecologist

A beautiful setting for a fashion show (from the Spring CFS) | Via The Ecologist | Photos taken by R.F Hansen of the fashion week

Pretty Dishes

2011-10-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

Sfgirlbybay

Vosages Paris

Blue and White China from House of Brinson

Porcelain Wallpaper from Studio Ditte

1 Wallpaper from Studio Ditte 2.3.4 All Remodelista

Dream Home

2011-10-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Do you have images that you just can't stop looking at? I certainly do and my favourites I always save to my desktop so that when I'm on my computer its always there tempting me. The home of Johanna Flyckt over on seesaw is my latest obsession - to me it is perfect. Hopefully this will convince Andy that a white painted floor is a good idea. What do you think?? Anyway back to work xx

Inspired by botany

2011-10-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

photos by siouxzen kang and nicol ragland

This stunning living jewellery is designed by Jessica Viola. I first saw her work on Trend Tablet.

Her work is handmade and designed using sustainably harvested and ecologically responsible materials, including natural fibers and hemp, rare and inspired gems from friends around the globe, fine chains including 24K gold overlay, sterling silver, rose gold, copper, brass and recycled metals, and rare species of Tillandsias (air plants) that are grown organically and sustainably.

Sexy, modern, fashion-forward botanical jewelry which acts as a vehicle to inspire greater environmental consciousness by deepening our relationship to plants, articulating this connection within our bodies, our spirits and our lives.

1. 2. 3.

These pretty pieces are from Etsy shop mydogandi. Unfortunately they aren't available outside the US as they contain live plants but they are lovely all the same.

I thought this was such a cute idea from Ruffled, from a wedding photographed by Dreambox Photography, to have DIY terrariums in light bulbs as wedding decorations/ name cards - I think they'd look great in the home too if you had several all hung together what do you think? There were lots of inspiration for light bulb terrariums over on pinterest and also there is a DIY tutorial here

Backyard DIY Wedding: Feather Love

2011-10-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

Found via facebook (thank you cottoncandy!) I was blown away by the work of Noa from feather love photography - I was particularly taken with this diy wedding in Arizona that they posted a week or so ago. I love the idea of a wedding in your own garden - it would be less expensive for one thing but it would be just more comfortable + laid back. It has a real vintage tea party feel which is a perfect fit for the photography style. If we ever decided to get married this would be how I'd want it... we'd need a bigger garden first though. I couldn't choose between them so there are quite a few...

Over the weekend it was our friends Lucy + Dan's wedding and this really reminds me of their day - there were lots of handmade, individual touches that made it so special. Similar to this wedding - so much thought went into every aspect that it was a perfect reflection of them as a couple... it was such a lovely day.

Tine K Home

2011-10-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

Today Tine K Home posted these lovely pictures of Tine and her family at the small Moroccan factory of one of their suppliers. It makes me very happy to see the faces of those skilled artisans who make their homewares.

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About Tine K HomeDanish homewares brand Tine K Home was founded in 1999 by designer Tine Kjeldsen and her husband Jacob Fossum.The Tine K Home Collection is based on Tine K’s passion for beautiful objects, sweet memories, different cultures, and storytelling. The Collection includes interior, textiles, furniture, and clothes from own designs or as unique findings from different journeys abroad in Vietnam, Morocco, India etc. With her passion for 'cold' colors, the Scandinavian simplicity is combined with handmade items and charming objects from different cultures which altogether creates a warm and cozy atmosphere:"It is the contrast between light and dark which creates the style and atmosphere. Often, the dark colors come from old objects, furniture and carpets from the East. I like pieces that have history, that are handmade and different, and that I can't usually find in Denmark."Today, Tine K Home's head office is placed in Odense. The company has retailers in many different countries. Furthermore, the company has agents in Sweden, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and Portugal.Tine Kjeldsen talking about opening her shop - Tine is a huge inspiration for me, she started her business around the same age as I was and it would be a dream to one day be as successful as her.

my own shop, Tine K, which I opened when I was 22, and which was located in Charlottenlund, the town where I lived. My biggest challenge was to trust my own judgment and the purchases I made. Only few interior shops existed back then. To differentiate myself, I decided to sell not only articles from Scandinavian fairs but also other interesting objects from tradeshows in France – Maison et Objets. This was a new and unique combination of different styles.

This is Tine K's home at Christmas. Isn't it beautiful?! You can view her amazing home here.

View our collection from Tine K Home

Ne sois pas triste

2011-10-08T07:45:00.001-07:00

WE HAVE MOVED

2011-07-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

This blog has now been moved to our lovely new blog www.mikiorganic.com

French Grey Moodboard

2011-07-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

I am currently in the process of redecorating our downstairs wc. I brought a vanity basin ex display from Habitat probably almost a year ago now because I couldn't resist the bargain but its oak and I'm slightly worried its going to clash with what I have planned. Perhaps I'll paint it but that might be a bit risky? I've put together a couple of moodboards - I'd love to know what you think. The idea of this moodboard was based around the french grey eco wallpaper from MissPrint - to soften the print I think the accessories and furnishings should be very feminine using silvered glass and lace.

Featured: Organic Hemp Fabric | Vinyl Flooring in Antelope and White | Window Film from Emma Jeff | MissPrint Wallpaper in French Grey | Earthborn Claypaint in Trilby | Recycled Glass Name Holder

I really love the vinyl flooring from colour flooring company but we have already had tiles laid - I wish I'd found them sooner as it would have been less costly and warmer under foot! Also the window film from Emma Jeff is wonderful and is a good option for privacy. I also want to use some lace drapes across the window - I think it would look lovely with the wallpaper.

Images via pinterest 1 2 3 4

desire is...

2011-07-01T01:47:00.000-07:00

The kitchen of Dutch fashion photographer Fred van 't Slot

via emmas designblogg

New Collection

2011-06-30T04:46:00.001-07:00

Our new collection of eco homeware and ethical home furnishings is now available! Its been a very exciting few weeks here. Last week was the photoshoot with Gemma from cotton candy - her wedding photography is so beautiful you should check it out! The images came back at the weekend and I am so happy with them. Here are a few of my favourites - I'd love to know what you think?

The photos were taken in the garden behind Parmiter Antiques it was so amazing - I felt like a child finding the secret garden. This photo wasn't used on the website as the items get a bit lost but I wanted to share it with you to give an idea of how magical their garden was

I also was approached this week to use our eco wallpaper and eco paint for national TV which I am super excited about - its for a room makeover show.... oh the nerves - what if the family doesn't like it??

Hope your having a lovely week x

Harlow Carr

2011-05-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow it's mine and Andy's 8 year anniversary so we thought we'd do bit of what he likes (historic dockyard) and a bit of what I like (RHS Wisley). I'm super excited to go to Wisley as I've never been before and I've been told it's a beauty. When we went to York we visited Harlow Carr another RHS garden hoping to get some inspiration for our garden - most of it was, as you'd expect, a bit too grand for a small town garden but their vegetable garden was interesting considering how early in the season we visited.

I really loved how these crab apples had been used to screen the veggie garden

1. Redcurrant | 2. Blackcurrant | 3. Tayberry | 4. Sweetpeas

basic label: House Giveaway

2011-05-22T02:59:00.000-07:00

Vosges Paris recently mentioned this amazing giveaway by Marion at basiclabel. She makes these truly beautiful little houses and she is giving away 7! Closing date is the 1st of June.

Picture: basiclabel giveaway

The Apple Barn

2011-05-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in a previous post that we went to Yorkshire for a long-weekend and this is the little place we called home whilst we were there. The Apple Barn was as pretty as a picture and in a perfect location - in a village called Holtby which was around 5 mins from York by car.

We stayed in the 'barn' with the cream door which is next to the main cottage. I really loved the little sheds opposite - the doors are so pretty. It even had chickens for neighbours which was a really lovely treat!

Hope you had a lovely weekend, Claire x

Sustainable Fabrics: Feed Sacks

2011-05-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

I saw this lovely blog post on Etsy on the history of using feed sacks as clothing fabric. It was so popular that in the mid-1920's mills produced their bags with beautiful patterns on them and put their labels on easily removable labels. It is such a far cry from today's throwaway culture but from what I've seen the dresses were still beautiful and stylish.

"In many homes every bit of fabric — every coverlet, apron, diaper, and bonnet — was first a container for sugar, animal feed, or agricultural seed ... At a time when many rural families had limited resources, these bags were considered nearly as valuable as the items they contained".

And these beautiful feed sack dresses still look so stylish today..

thecatspajamas on Flicker

via weardrobe

There is also this beautiful store black strap who sell the most amazing cushions made from a range of seed sacks. I don't know how Etsy sellers manage to create such amazing photography - I'm so jealous of their talent - I'm sure the room being so beautiful helps too

Regal clover seed sack pillow

Lowe corn seed pillow

Back to work

2011-05-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

I hope you had a lovely couple of bank holiday weekends

I'm now back to work after my birthday break away in Yorkshire but it’s been very sunny in the garden so I haven’t really got much work done. My birthday has been a very fruity affair this year as I now have a patio apple tree and lemon tree to not let die and also some raspberry canes from my lovely Nan. I wish I had taken pictures of the parcels from Andy’s mum, they were wrapped so beautifully – she wrapped them in brown paper and twine with recycled chocolate mint wrappers for the labels and then tucked a small posy of garden flowers behind the twine. The flowers are now sitting pretty in some old jars I brought from Pale and Interesting last year.

Have a great week, Claire x x

Office Ideas

2011-04-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

We are hoping to make some changes to the house this summer - one of which is moving my office to a separate room as I need more room for the new stock. Your workspace can really influence mood, creativity and productivity so I’m really keen to get it right. I have been collecting inspiration on pinterest and these are a few of my favourites.

Source: emmas.blogg.se via Claire on Pinterest

Source: sfgirlbybay.com via Claire on Pinterest

Source: style-files.com via Claire on Pinterest

Inspiration

2011-04-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

For the first night in ages I don't have much work to do so I thought I might treat myself to an Ikea visit. I love looking around Ikea and I particularly like looking on my own - no guilt about how long I take and no arguments over cushions. I'm sure you've seen their family live blog before but I thought this home was so beautiful I had to share. It's the home of Desiree a blogger from Amsterdam - her blog is amazing and full of Nordic style, white and grey shades, rustic wood and industrial furniture.

The entire feature is here. But these are my favourites x

A DIY Easter Project

2011-04-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

I saw this wonderful DIY project on A Tiny Bit of Heaven a lovely Norwegian blog and thought it would be a perfect little project for the Easter holiday. Using rolled up pieces of recycled magazines you can make this lovely little bowl.

You can view the full instructions here

From This...

To This...

Scrapwood

2011-04-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

I love these amazing Scrapwood wallpapers from Studio Ditte - using them on a feature wall is perfect for adding depth and contrast to a room. I can't wait to use them at home I just need to find a good place. Inspired by this wallpaper I've put together all my favourite scrapwood-themed things.

1 | 2 | 3

The Vintage Book Boat is from cottonbirddesigns and was inspired by the beautiful sailing boats at Cowes Week Isle of Wight. The wood and wool x-mas tree's are also available on Etsy and are made from vintage wood - they also do lovely scrapwood signs and stools.

Piet Hein Eek make the most wonderful things with scrapwood. They sell an array of furniture (below) and are commissioned to create amazing interiors, kitchens and commercial spaces. Above are some of their inspiring creations - all using scrapwood. (1 | 2 | 3)

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Conscious Collection From H&M

2011-04-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

I've just heard via the Ecofabulous facebook page that H&M are launching a new Conscious Collection in a few weeks time. They are using a lovely mix of sustainable farics including organic cotton, Tencel® and recycled polyester. The collection looks beautiful - really romantic and floaty and the prices also look great starting from around £12.99 for a top. You can view a price list and photos here.

Here are a few of my favorites

The collection will be in all stores on the 14th of April...

Peg and Awl

2011-04-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

I love Peg and Awl from Philadelphia - their work is so distinctive. They use lots of reclaimed materials and many of their pieces are made from joists and beams from 19th century houses from their hometown.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

"Our work is made from olde things, treasures found and recovered from misfortune and neglect, relics of the unusual, the confused and the macabre"

Message in A Bottle Vase

They are in the process of combining their two etsy shops but for now you can view Peg and Awl here and TheBlackSpotBooks here

Follow my blog with bloglovin

New Collection

2011-04-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

For the past fortnight I've been totally absorbed with planning the new stock for miki. I really can't wait for it all to arrive - I'm so pleased with the style of the new collection. It's quite Scandinavian, a mix of natural linen, rustic wood, muted colours and organic design. I'm hoping it will all be on the website late May so there is a while to wait but for now I'd like to share with you these mood boards that give an idea of what's to come. Images are from our future suppliers and also some beautiful shots from two blogs I am in love with elsass-elsass and eldrids.

1 + 4. Tine K Home | 2. eldrids | 3. elsass-elsass via pinterest

1. enhabiten | 2. Nkuku | 3. Sfgirlbybay | 4. via Bodie and fou

As mentioned previously lots of stock has been reduced - the sale will be ending at the end of April and I've also been added some old stock to ebay if you fancy a real bargain!!

Have a great weekend xx

Etsy Picks

2011-03-18T04:31:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at the Etsy Curator - I'd love to know what you think. I love this time of year - the garden is starting to come alive, I've started to sow some seeds and I feel so excited about all the plants I'm going to grow. I only started gardening a couple of years ago so the year ahead will be full of mistakes and lots of things won't work or die but at this time of year I don't have to worry about that - it's a very positive time full of promise. Here are some of my favourite garden treats to make your garden beautiful...

All the items can be viewed here

Clearing the deck

2011-03-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited by the new range I'm currently sourcing - I really hope you're going to love it. I'll be posting soon about the new range and the inspiration behind it but for now we need to make room for all these lovely new things.

We have lots of great bargains on miki at the moment - especially the clothes - they are currently more than 50% off. You can view them here. Also starting today all items in the Emmadime Knitted Collection are 1/3 off - this sale ends on Sunday and we only have a couple of each item left.

View the collection

The Knitted Bow Scarf is now £20

If you like to get in touch to find out more view our contact page x x

Steal Versus Ideal

2011-03-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

I am totally in love with US store terrain - the products and styling are so beautiful. Is is also very handy as, as far as I know, they don't ship to the UK so I can browse without the temptation of ever spending any money.

For valentines day they were promoting their Jasmine Hoop (below) costing $58. It is beautifully potted in a French pressed metal pot with lovely moss at the base.

Ideal - $58

On a recent trip to Homebase I saw a similar (admittedly not quite as impressive) Jasmine Hoop for a much more purse-friendly price of £2.99 and I potted it in an old small metal pot from Ikea. It has just started to flower today...

Steal - £2.99!!

I'm very pleased to have been a little thrifty - the only problem is I didn't realise how smelly they are when they flower so it has now been demoted to the conservatory

Showing Off Fair Trade

2011-03-04T11:40:00.000-08:00

Fairtrade fortnight is here and this year it’s all about showing off your label – shouting loud and proud about fair trade. It’s not hard now to find beautiful fair trade clothing and homewares both online and on the high street but for my first Fairtrade fortnight post I want to celebrate one of the Fair trade pioneers - People Tree. They have a concession store in Topshop’s flagship store, they have won many awards, they are one of the best known ethical brands and they most recently have worked with Emma Watson to create a stylish collection good enough for ASOS!

Emma Watson has collaborated on her final range for People Tree which has been released to coincide with Fairtrade Fortnight. It is so lovely to see that she is hands on with the project as she has travelled to Bangladesh to see how collection was made and also to get a first-hand account of the benefits of the label - “It was an incredible and life-changing experience - I really wish everyone had the chance to see the difference Fair Trade makes with their own eyes." (Take that Philip Booth!)

Also this month Laura Ashley will be launching their first collaboration with People Tree. Three original Laura Ashley prints from their 1970s archive were re-coloured in contemporary shades and printed onto 100% organic and fair trade cotton silhouettes.

It looks wonderful - I particularly love the shorts. Most pieces can be found on the People Tree website here if you can't wait to the Laura Ashley launch

When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race

2011-03-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. ~ H.G. Wells

via We Heart It

I saw this on Strong Island and had to share it. I've heard about Stu Trett's Olde Bike Shoppe before and was tempted then to contact him but never did. I've always wanted to buy a vintage bicycle but I'm very nervous on a bike so I always wimp out - in fact Andy actually gave me some money to buy a bike as a Christmas present 3 or 4 years ago... I think I ended up buying my lovely newgate clock instead.

The Olde Bike Shoppe is such a wonderful idea and you can tell the Stu really loves what he does - so much so that he has photographed everyone of the lucky people who have been through his doors. I love this - the image is a bit small here but over on Strong Island you can see it better

For those in Southsea The Old Bike Shoppe will be at the Southsea Boutique Market on Saturday - you can find out more on Facebook here. It looks like its going to be a good weekend as there is the Love Southsea market on Sunday too. I'm sadly not having a stall as its the first weekend in ages I'm spending off with Andy but I'm hoping to go to both and get a dose of retail therapy

Have a lovely weekend x

Golden Ink Jewellery

2011-02-26T15:28:00.000-08:00

I have finally managed to sit down and write this little post that I have been trying to write all week. My time-management is so rubbish! About a week ago I discovered this beautiful Australian store called Golden Ink (found via bloesem). Two very talented artists, Abby Seymour and Katherine Wheeler have created the most unique and charming jewellery - soft and tactile in nature using very simple organic shapes. They hand craft each piece using the highest quality porcelain and all are fired in their very own kiln.

I think my favourite is this wonderfully feminine bangle that has a lace imprint on the porcelain.

The rings are so beautiful too…

Also via Abby’s blog are these amazing saki cups – they aren’t on the website at the moment though

Hope you are having a lovely weekend x

Beautiful Vintage Kantha Quilts

2011-02-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

At the end of last year I signed up to pinterest a beautiful social site where you can make your own 'pinboards' to catalogue all your favourite things, photo's and styles. My profile is here http://pinterest.com/clairew/

Today I was browsing the site and I came accross this beautiful image.

Source: niki-jones.co.uk via Claire on Pinterest

These wonderful quilts are from Niki Jones and are made from vintage sari's, pieced together and then stitched all over with running stitch. Each one is unique and has different colours and patterns on either side. They are £165 each so not cheap but I'll definitely be squirrelling away to get one.

2010-12-01T07:28:00.000-08:00

A song for a chilly evening by the fire...

Find more artists like Lykke Li at Myspace Music

CHRISTMAS GUIDE PART 1: DECK THE HALLS

2010-11-23T12:46:00.000-08:00

It's now almost only a month until Christmas - what a very scary thought. I'm hoping to give mainly handmade gifts this year in an attempt to be thrifty..... and eco-friendly.... so I've got to learn to bake (edible) cakes and improve my decorating/wrapping skills so that my gifts are at least half decent. If you have any tips or recipes I'd love to hear them! I'd love them to look like this but I know that's optimistic.

Via Home and Gardens

OUR GIFT GUIDES

Over the next few days I will be adding our gift guides providing ethical, eco-friendly inspiration for girls, guys, couples, kids and stocking fillers. But today is for those who are looking for something beautiful and sustainable to dress the tree this Christmas. All these decorations are fair trade and are made from recycled glass with recycled saris ties!

We have just added these beautiful eco-friendly Christmas decorations to the website - they really evoke that magical feeling of the festive season. Team these lovely baubles with church candles, mistletoe and our silvered glass tea light holders (below) to create the perfect Yuletide mood...

Traditional Baubles £18 for 8 | Glass Tea light Holder £5 | Dew-Drop Baubles £15 for 12

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PURE GREEN LIVING MAGAZINE

2010-11-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

Pure Green Living is a bi-monthly online publication for green living and design, with style - it sums up exactly what we are trying to do at miki so it goes without saying I loved it! And to make it even more appealling one of it's contributers is Victoria Smith of SFGirlbybay. To view the entire magazine click here

About the magazine
'This month is the official launch of their second issue. The magazine features eco style picks, new products and ideas, DIY projects, green homes, travel, organic recipes and more. The magazine has, and will continue to have, a strong undercurrent of handmade culture; it supports small businesses and features green designers from around the world. They are very passionate in their views on green living, and don't for one second think that living green means sacrificing style.'

DIY FROM ECOUTERRE

2010-10-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

I'm so in love with Popomomo at the moment - Lizz Wasserman is so talented! Check out her DIY guide to making a braided headband using recycled T-Shirts on Ecouterre

It looks rather complex but the end result is definitly worth it!

Hope you had a fab weekend, Claire x

OCTOBER 31ST

2010-10-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

et lille oejeblik via sfgiflbybay

via pinterest

Snippet and Ink

Belle and Boo

Have a lovely weekend x

FASHION INSPIRATION

2010-10-30T04:40:00.000-07:00

Oh the beautiful people.... this very stylish video features Lizz Wasserman the designer behind our new clothing brand POPOMOMO. She looks so stunning I really regret not ordering in the dress she is wearing - it looks amazing!

theFETE series 2/ Fashion designers/ Topic INSPIRATION from the FETE and LipstickTracez on Vimeo.

Designers in the FETE gathering: Nony Tochterman, Magda Berliner, Jeffrey Sebelia, Lizz Wasserman, Rachel Pally, Jane Bower, Alicia Lawhon, Corey Lynn Calter, Henry Duarte, Paul Mittleman (moderator). Exec. Producer: Reggie Casagrande, Producer: Jen Egan, DP: Jorge Oswaldo, music: Jean Marc Virard

The topic was "inspiration" and naturally a lot of that was fashion inspiration. Music, hair, family, nature, fabrics, books, films and travel were all mentioned. Watching the group in discussion was an inspiration in itself. Old friends were able to meet and new friends were made. All in all , everyone left with a lot to reflect upon .

theFETE started as a “creative salon” where artists, designers, and inspirational thinkers were able to converge in a physical space in the spirit of curiosity, generosity and good times.

BOTANICAL BEAUTY

2010-10-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

Doesn't she look beautiful

studdedhearts via designlovefest

YEAH MAGAZINE

2010-10-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of YEAH magazine is now available to buy on our website and a small number of copies will coming with me to all future events. Its an amazing magazine that showcases the best in emerging creative talent and provides a platform for yound people and students to promote themselves.

If you would like to get your copy head over to our shop

ZOO SHOES

2010-10-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

Hope your having a lovely Thursday

I was so excited as soon as the first bundle of YEAH magazines hit my door mat this morning, I quickly grabbed the top copy and had a good old read. The magazines will be available online later today but I couldn’t wait to share with you this amazing feature.

The Zoo Shoe is a fab idea that has been awarded a bursary from Enterprise Inc, an initiative in the East Midlands designed to encourage and support students who want to develop enterprising ideas into businesses.

The Zoo Shoe from ben flannaghan on Vimeo.

‘THE IDEA is a shoe with an interchangeable upper or 'skin' which is separate to the sole and tongue. The Zoo Skin would be ‘open source’, whereby anyone can contribute their design, resulting in a collaborative experience that aims to showcase new and emerging talent. The skins attach onto the sole of the shoe using a zip that would run around the back of the sole. The skins would be sold separately from the soles so that the wearer can change the appearance of their shoes cheaply and easily.’

Now sustainability is present here as it means you buy less sneakers and the uppers are posted flat so there’s very little packaging needed but I must admit I am more excited with how damn cool they are.

These flowery ones are by far my favourite… I really want them. Hopefully they will be available soon

Bye for now x

BEAUTIFUL SOUL

2010-09-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Soul SS:11 Believe. from oliver Prout on Vimeo.

Beautiful Soul is an eco luxury label on CSF’s Business Support Programme. They have launched a short creative film to celebrate their SS10 Collection.

Nicola Woods:

I have drawn a team of creatives together, including an illustrator, photographer/filmmaker and stylist. Their enthusiasm matched my own and we each take full credit for this film. With regards to the music, I thought the song was perfect, as both Gabby Young and I share an ethos of supporting the growth of emerging talent and we are fans of each others work. My collection came to life listening to this song.

The film takes you on a dreamlike journey through our spring/summer 2011 collection. A girl wanders through varied illustrated landscapes, she is dreaming and her dreams come to life around her.

Via Centre for Sustainable Fashion

MIKI CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

2010-09-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

Gemma Correll's Daily Diaries

2010-09-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to share with you a really creative blog from Gemma Correll. Gemma Correll's Daily Diaries features lots of Gemmas amazing illustrations. I'm very jealous of her talent....

MIKI MOOD BOARD

2010-09-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

NEW RANGE OF RAPANUI CLOTHING NOW ONLINE

2010-09-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

I've been taping away today adding all the lovely new Rapanui t shirts to miki and I'm so excited to share them with you.

Rapanui are really quite hard to resist – they are a very cool brand, they have such great photography with gorgeous people wearing their clothes and they have an incredible dedication to sustainability and ethical business

1. Garuhoa t-shirt - from last years collection but still great

2. Rapanui are based in the Isle of Wight - just across the water from us not surprising then that they have created this I Heart Wight™ Top. Available in a t shirt for the fellas and a vest top for us girls. A bit late for Bestival but would make a good souvenir when you get back maybe?

3. I already have my eye on this Men's Chock Zip Hoodie for my other half – very yummy!

An amazing example of their strong ethical ethos is this Supply Chain Traceability Map which is a world first. It shows where Rapanui’s clothing has traveled from and the sustainable practices used along the way which means the company is being totally transparent and honest with the customer – somehow I couldn’t imagine Primark et al doing something so brave!

View Rapanui Printed T-shirts in a larger map

You can view the entire collection here
More info on the guys at rapanui can be found here

BEAUTIFUL NEW WALLPAPERS

2010-08-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

Hello, Hope you had a lovely bank holiday weekend!

I am very pleased to say our new collection of sustainable wallpapers are now available to buy online. These beautiful wallpapers are part of our new wall decor section also including paint from Earthborn and lots of children's wallpapers and wall decals which are coming soon. I think they are a lovely addition to miki, I hope you agree.

Our collection of beautiful eco wallpapers are from some of the best designers including MissPrint, Turner Pocock Cazalet and Barneby Gates

Prices range from £30 to £120 and all designs are printed using sustainable inks on PEFC certified paper
The entire collection can be viewed here

THE SECRET TEA PARTY ILLUSTRATION

2010-08-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hello. Hope you all had a good weekend...

Just a quick one today to share with you an amazing illustration featured on Amelia's Magazine - I think it was a little while ago but it’s very petty and obviously I loved the ethical sentiment so I thought it was worth posting. It is by a very talented lady Natasha Thompson. Visit her website here

Hope you have a lovely week

APARTMENT THERAPY VISIT ETSY HEADQUARTERS

2010-07-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Just a quick one to pass on the most beautiful images of Esty Headquarters posted on Apartment Therapy this week. It is more creative and inspiring than I imagined...

What an amazing place to work!

Hope your having a lovely weekend x

LOCAL CRAFTSPEOPLE WANTED

2010-07-23T03:43:00.000-07:00

I recently met a super-talented local lady, Jenny, who makes absolutely beautiful bags, bunting and more using vintage fabrics – you can view her blog here. I originally was introduced to her blog and flicker ‘The Custards’ when Jenny mentioned some wallpapers from my other website www.mylittleeco.co.uk on her Flicker page. I straight away fell in love with her style and her page is very popular so it’s obviously not just me that thinks so.

A lovely selection from the The Custards

all handmade by Jenny

This got me thinking how much I’d like to have a collection of locally made crafts on miki so we can showcase the best of what Southsea has to offer and to provide opportunities to people who haven’t got the time or money to set up a website or run a business.

Top left and bottom right from The Custards Flicker page | Top left taken from Décor8 | Bottom left Tea Revives You Print

So … I am now on the lookout for local artisans and craftspeople to contribute, it can be anything, new or vintage, clothes to furniture as long as it stays true to our core values of being sustainable and stylish. We are also keen to work with local illustrators to create a range of accessories using their designs as I would love to have simple things like tote bags or art prints that are unique and special to us.

If you think this would be something of interest please contact me at claire@miki.uk.com or through our facebook page

PENGUIN BOOKS PART 2

2010-07-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hi,

As a follow up to my post last week I found these beautiful Clothbound Penguin Classics that I wanted to share with you. Anthropologie has a series of six classic novels from Pengiun that have beautifully embossed canvas covers to replace any tired well thumbed copies you may have. They are so pretty!

I know I am a bit behind the times here as I have only just discovered anthropologie but everything they sell is so beautiful - I really hope that miki will develop to have the same 'feel' as they have achieved with their website. I love that boho style and there doesn’t seem to be many shops that do that well. I don’t know what their environmental/ethical policies are – if anyone has any info I’d love to know.

Here are a few things I have my beady eye on:

If you have any ideas where I could get vintage/ethical alternatives I’d love to know!

Hope you have a lovely weekend x

SUMMER FACEBOOK COMPETITION: 'YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE' ORIGINAL ARTWORK

2010-07-13T03:20:00.000-07:00

Hi,

To celebrate the beautiful weather we have been having - apart from today typically - I thought it would be nice to try out a competition. Up for grabs is one of these beautiful pieces of Wall Envy Art artwork that are exclusive to miki. Hand drawn onto a page from a vintage french dictionary mounted onto a wooden frame.

Please leave a comment on our facebook page if you would like to enter. The winner will be announced on facebook on the 30th of July.

AMERICAN: THE BILL HICKS STORY ON AT NO6

2010-07-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

I recently saw this film at the lovely Harbour Lights cinema in Southampton and it was amazing! If you can go and see it you should - what an inspiration that man was. It has really funny video footage of standup I hadn't seen before plus a lot of interviews with his family and friends which was beautiful to watch. If only we had more people like Bill Hicks!

It is showing tonight and on tuesday and thursday of next week all at 6.30 - if you've never been to No6 its in the historic dockyards and its such a fab venue - try and take the right money though as they can get short of change!

Have a lovely weekend x

SUMMER SALE

2010-07-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say we have started our summer sale http://www.miki.uk.com/.
All Annie Greenabelle clothing and Nkuku homewares are 20% off

Annie Greenabelle Babydoll Dress Was £48 Now £38.40

Annie Greenabelle Playsuit Was £45 Now £36.00

'HOME' Wooden Letters Was £45 Now £36

75 YEARS OF PENGUIN BOOKS

2010-07-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

Penguin Books will turn 75 on July 30th and to celebrate Penguinbooks75 explores the history behind the bird.

This lovely site lists the original 10 ten titles that Allen Lane launched Penguin Books with in 1935 along with an array of wonderfully vintage images.

To mark their 75th they are supporting The Nature Conservancy and their campaign to Plant a Billion Trees in The Atlantic Forest of Brazil

GINGERLILYTEA

2010-07-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

Gingerlilytea is a wonderful Etsy shop that is home to the beautiful photography of Keri-Anne. There is something so magical and nostalgic about her photographs and it’s not just me that thinks so - her Facebook page has well over a 1000 fans, more than doubling since February so she doesn't really need any promotion! She now concentrates on photography for children and her blog is all about her lovely little girl.

All images are available to buy from Etsy

FASHION me GREEN

2010-07-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this fab website through the Ethical Fashion Forum. Fashion me Green (FMG) is a sustainable fashion awareness project and style site which includes eco-fashion makeovers with "style influencers", such as the PR Director of Teen Vogue and Style.com’s Eleanor Banco, that are ‘fashioned green’ with eco-designer clothing. The FMG team travels to the fashion capitals of the world and hones in on local sustainable fashion designers and fashionable muses to model the ethical threads.

Jumping For Jellies: These jellies are so sweet! From Melissa’s Plastic Dream shoes

I love this idea of 'Shop the Shoot'...

1. Electric Koolaid Necklace by Lizzie Fortunato Jewels.

2. Suno Skirt.

3. Maia Fluo Wedge Sandal by Stella McCartney.

Striped top is by Study and available at International Playground in New York.

KEEP CALM GALLERY INTERVIEWED

2010-06-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Just a quick post today to share with you an interview with Lucas and Hayley from Keep Calm Gallery on the beautiful blog TheBeatThatMyHeartSkipped.

"We love what we do because… We get the chance to work together doing something that makes us really happy. We love creating new products, and when people like them enough to make them part of their home that really means a lot to us. Similarly it’s also fantastic to be able to work with so many talented artists and designers and to be able to bring their work to a new audience. Before we launched our first site over three and a half years ago we never expected to be doing this today, but we can’t imagine doing anything else now"

Hope your enjoying the sunshine x

SUMMER SUN

2010-04-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

With the weather finally heating up my excitement is starting to bubble as summer and all its pleasures are just around the corner. For me summer is about parties in the garden, tomato salads from the veggie patch and (if I’m lucky) a holiday.

Picture from Cassia Beck's Etsy Shop

And of course summer wouldn't be half as much fun if it wasn't for fashion so I’ve picked a few of my favourite pieces that are available from our online shop that I hope you’ll love as much as I do.

Playsuit, sailor top and tube dress all Annie Greenabelle;
Ruffle dress Stewart + Brown

The collection from Annie Greenabelle is perfect for summer plus all their clothing is made from super soft organic cotton and are certified fair trade.

My particular favourite is the amazingly cute babydoll dress. I love it with large sunglasses as shown here - very classic chic - and would look great worn with black wedges or platforms. It would also look beautiful with a simple cotton cardigan and flip flops when perusing shops and bars even if you’re not on holiday. How have you been wearing yours we would love to know?

Babydoll Dress Annie Greenabelle

And for the fellas? I can’t think of a nicer look than t shirt and jeans on a man so why complicate things? Here is a few of my favourites..

The Harder They Come t-shirt from THTC; Garuhoa t-shirt,

Moto Nui Organic Polo Shirt and Takeo t-shirt all Rapanui

Hope you have a lovely weekend

Claire x

What's better than a new bag? ... Magpie Accessories

2010-04-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hello I hope your having a good weekend!

Recently I was contacted by Kathryn from Magpie Accessories about becoming a stockist of hers and although we haven't ordered yet I just couldn't wait to share her beautiful designs with you as it was love at first sight for me. Her beautiful collection of bags are made from sustainable leather and are a true example of our ethos sustainable. ethical. beautiful.

My favourite by far is this stunning weekender bag. It costs around £400 so its one to save up for but I’m in love and I don't think I can resist its charms. Plus it’s big so there’s a lot of leather and Magpie bags are very ethical; eco tanned leather, organic linings and water based printing - I think I’ve justified it enough to myself now.

It comes in gold too. In fact it comes in a beautiful range of colours that it will be hard to choose.

Also by magpie is this canvas + leather tote bag which is equally as lovely. I really love the way the model is styled in these photos - I LOVE her hat (+ the wings!).

Magpie Acccessories website isn't quite finished but it has an etsy shop that has most designs and you can become a fan on facebook.

Also we are finger crossed planning to have a small selection on miki for AW10/11

UK Etsy Finds - Jewellery

2010-03-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

My favorite things from UK sellers I've found this week

1. and 3. from fluxplay in Devon. 2.Stag silhouette bow brooch from louloudo in Norfolk. 4. silver stitch texture rings by allthosethrees in London

Welcome to the Miki Organic Blog

2010-03-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hello

I’m the founder of Miki Organic an online ethical boutique full of beautiful fashion, accessories and home wares. I started miki in September 2008 as a way for me to channel my two loves; style and ethics.

After a fair bit of procrastination I have finally got round to starting a blog. I want this blog to be a collection of what I love and a way of documenting my journey rather than just a list of new products and special offers (there will be those too of course). This blog will be a space for me to share things I find online that I’m crazy about whether that be inspirational interior design images, other businesses and Etsy shops or amazing photographers and photographs.

A little bit about me.
My background is more environment than retail; I studied Environmental Biology at university and had aspirations to become a conservationist. After university I stumbled across a job as a business manager and I did this for almost 2 years. The business, Greener Living, sold a variety of eco-friendly products which really excited the environmentalist in me. I loved being around people who were environmentally minded but mostly I loved sourcing new products and seeing peoples reaction to them. For me there is no better feeling than opening a newly delivered box of goodies. When I left Greener Living I couldn’t imagine doing anything else and it seemed very natural for me to start my own business.

I feel now that miki is really coming alive – for me there seems to be a change in ethical clothing and over recent months I have come across a stunning range of designers that are creating beautiful collections that really merge sustainability and fashion. The bench mark for me is always ‘would I buy this if it wasn’t ethical?’ and to be honest in the past the answer would mostly have been no (apart from lovely Howies of course!) but that has changed now and I really look forward to creating an online space with all of these beautiful designers in one place.

Thank you for visiting my blog

Claire x