My top pick at London Fashion Week

Just a quick word from me to let you know about my absolute favourite show at London Fashion Week this weekend.

There was no question from me that the best event just had to be ethical lingerie designer Enamore's 'You Had Me From Hello' catwalk, which saw a combination of traditional catwalk modelling alongside cabaret performances. It was stunning, as I'm sure you can gather from this photo here.

Generally speaking, London Fashion Week's Estethica, the ethical fashion zone, was the best show so far, with far more designers showing than before.

I always love visiting the Beyond Skin stand. Their shoes are so wonderful and the designers are always a pleasure to gossip with.

The best new label showing there was Ajna - her beautiful knits from Peru are so luxurious.

There will definitely be some new labels featuring in our SS10 collection. Watch this space!

Shop for Enamore at Equa
Shop for Beyond Skin at Equa

Love, Penny x

Style Tips - Autumn Winter's Top Trends, plus exclusive discount

As London Fashion Week comes to a close, our energies at Equa are directed once again to the current Autumn Winter 09 season. New stock is arriving in store regularly, and each time a delivery arrives we feel the same excitement we first felt when buying the collections, all over again.

To celebrate the new season, we've made available an exclusive 10% off all purchases for our loyal blog readers. Simply add the promotional code LFWEQ09 at checkout to qualify for your immediate discount.

Meanwhile, the team here at Equa are all suitably style-savvy and trained to give you great styling advice, personalised to your look and needs, both online and in our Islington boutique. And one of my absolute favourite parts of owning Equa is seeing beautiful ethical fashion ranges go from showroom to shop-floor, and hopefully to your wardrobes!

Even at this early stage of a new season, between us we can spot the hottest fashion stories coming through. Here are our insider style tips:

Flexible dressing
We're definitely seeing a move from distinctly tailored pieces for smart events and casual pieces for weekend towards items that can move more fluidly between many occasions. As a general eco style rule we definitely say buy less and buy better, both in terms of quality and the amount of use you will get from a garment. We love to see in our new ranges, garments that will suit a laid-back style but also can be easily dressed for a meeting or a party.

Designers to try: People Tree, Alchemist, Outsider
Pieces to see: People Tree Owlen Jersey Dress (pictured), Alchemist Sheer Silk Dress, Outsider Slouch Pencil Skirt

Layering
An easy way to get through the transitional seasons, when it's neither overly warm nor too chilly, layering is definitely still a popular choice for Autumn Winter 09. We recommend experimenting with layering rather than opting for the every-day tops over vests look. Try blouses under party dresses, belted oversized cardigans over shorts, vests on top of long-sleeved tunics. Head for the unexpected. It won't always work, but when it does you'll find a new favourite outfit for life. Take your pick from the expanding collection of organic cotton items at Equa, perfectly weighted pieces for layering.

Designers to try: Stewart + Brown, Annie Greenabelle
Pieces to see: Annie Greenabelle button pleat dress, Stewart + Brown gathered tank

Winter blues
We mean winter blues in a good way of course! The entire blue-toned spectrum, including aubergine, plums and purples, provides the most striking alternative to perennial winter black and grey this season.

We find it's a colour range that flatters most skin tones and hair shades, though we must admit it looks simply stunning on pale-skinned brunettes.

If you can't face yet another draining grey day, popping on something a little regal will lift your complexion and your spirit. Want to introduce the colour sparingly, then opt for an accessory, like Matt & Natt's purple pool bag.

Designers to try: Nancy Dee, Matt & Natt, Kuyichi
Pieces to see: Komodo Ellie dress (pictured), Matt & Natt Fairbank Pool bag, Kuyichi Mimoza cardigan, Nancy Dee Queenie dress

Statement jewellery & accessories
We love, love, love our jewellery & accessories designers. We just know that our chunky brass pieces from Made will be best-sellers this season (fab Christmas presents too, by the way), and Leju's boldly coloured larger necklaces are simply transforming against a simple neckline.

I especially adore the Made Hayley Mardon rhombus Necklace, pictured. Born in Zimbabwe, Hayley is a graduate of the prestigious jewellery design course at Edinburgh College of Art, where she won a Precious Metal Bursary Award. This beautiful piece will be pride of place in my own jewellery box!

As far as bags go, Equa will be stocking Matt & Natt's fantastic new holiday collection. Suitable for vegans, expect a funkier spin on the classic Matt & Natt shape, at fantastically affordable price points.

Designers to try: Made; Leju
Pieces to see: Made Hayley Maron Rhombus, LeJu Mora necklace

From New York to London Fashion Weeks, Equa celebrates international ethical fashion

It's a fantastically exciting time to be in ethical fashion as September heralds the international catwalk season and, with it, a showcase of the very best ethical fashion and beauty across the globe.

Over the space of six weeks Fashion Weeks in New York, Paris, Milan and London will seduce, excite and entertain us with the shapes, styles, colours and fabrics we'll be wearing for Spring Summer 2010.

Of course, ethical fashion is about enduring style over seasonal fast fashion, but its still vital for ethical fashion designers, especially those we stock at Equa, to stay in touch with what influential design giants like Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and emerging talents like Luella, Christopher Kane and Danielle Scutt are up to. After all, what these visionaries create now we will all want to wear in seasons to come, just the most ethical versions we can find!

Equa will be at London Fashion Week from tomorrow onwards, spotting the most gorgeous collections and exciting fashion stories, and of course doing a thorough edit of the best of Estethica, the ethical zone which now features over 30 ethical collections.

Meanwhile, we're also inspired by Paris and New York's Ethical Fashion Shows, both of which are hotbeds for new talent. Find out more about these on Greenmystyle.com. Click here for Paris and here for New York.

At Equa we're having our very own celebration of international ethical fashion & beauty. We stock ranges from across the world, here are some of our favourites:

From Europe

Alchemist
Alchemist, pictured left, is a label for women who want to look feminine without being too girly. With a focus on perfect tailoring, the Dutch brand is certified by Made-By, which means you can track production back to its source.

Veja
A best-seller for us, there seems to be no shortage of fans for French ethical trainer brand Veja. To make their trainers Veja uses organic cotton canvas from Fair Trade cooperatives in Brazil, natural latex from the Amazon Rain Forest which requires no tree felling, and 'ecological leather' which Veja developed in 2003 which is chrome-free and tanned with organic compounds only.

From the UK

Annie Greenabelle
Who doesn't love Annie Greenabelle (pictured right and top). Using end of roll fabrics and Fair Trade Foundation certified organic cotton, her cute dresses appeal to the girl in all of us.

Enamore
Lingerie to feel exquisitely sexy in, and all ethically produced, much from vintage fabrics. A guilt-free Agent Provocateur if you like!

Beyond Skin
Pioneers in ethical footwear, Beyond Skin uses environmentally friendly fabrics such as hemp, organic cotton and recycled bottle tops, to create collections that are stylish and wearable across seasons.

From the US

Whish
Another new arrival in store and online this season, Whish is a range of bath products that are paraben-free, sulfate-free, TEA and DEA-free as well as petrochemical-free and use all natural and organic ingredients. We feel a pampering session coming on!

Stewart + Brown
Quintessential quality casualwear in organic cotton, Mongolian cashmere and sustainable fabrics such as hemp and Tencel from this American design duo. The pointelle cotton vests are popular all year round. Great for layering.

Komodo launch heralds a new AW09 season at Equa!

It's our mission to bring you ladies the most stylish, affordable and ethical fashion collections out there, and we think we've hit gold on all three of those magical ingredients with a brand new arrival for Autumn Winter 09. For the first time, we'll be stocking key pieces from much-loved ethical fashion brand Komodo.

At nearly 20 years' old, Komodo is truly an ethical fashion range ahead of its time. While the UK high street began building itself a mountain of poor quality, unethically manufactured, fashionable for a nano-second clothes, Komodo founder Joe Komodo was busy designing easy to wear, timeless pieces in environmentally-friendly fabrics, made under the principles of fair trade and in small factories that could be monitored.

But it's not just Komodo's ethical foundations that make it a shoe-in for our wardrobes this season. We also love the instant wearability of a Komodo item - it will fit seamlessly into your current wardrobe - and the affordable prices. It feels great to be offering you another range at high street prices without high street pain!

We predict the Komodo Shang shift dress in charcoal grey pictured above will be a best-seller. Cut to fit and flatter a feminine shape, with twist detail at front and back, raglan sleeves and a wide neckline, it's Breakfast At Tiffany's chic, and only £78. Mark this one down as a new wardrobe staple and breathe a sigh of relief each time you have precisely 30 seconds to muster up a look smart enough for a meeting or early evening drink.

Nodding to AW09's boyish trend, Komodo's Kay skirt adds cute braces to a tulip skirt, while the Otis pleat-front shorts are just calling out for a pair of brightly coloured opaques. Looking for something for lazy Sunday strolls? Try the Ellie dress or Ollie blouse, made from organic cotton, and trust that you're doing your bit for cotton farmers too.

Watch this space for more news about new brands at Equa and the Autumn Winter 09 trends we predict are on the rise!

Shop Komodo here
See all new season arrivals at Equa

Organic Fortnight begins this Saturday

The annual celebration of all things organic gets underway at the weekend, as Organic Fortnight sets sail. Running from September 5 to 20th, and organised by the Soil Association, Organic Fortnight is a nationwide campaign highlighting all the great things about organic products, including organic fashion.

Up and down the UK, people in shops, schools, cafes, churches and farms will be hosting events and raising awareness about why organic is the healthy choice, the best for animal welfare and the right thing for the planet.

Equa is a long-time supporter of organic fashion - we love the fact that organic cotton clothes have been farmed in a non-toxic environment using methods of production that are safer for farmers and textile workers. It makes the items all the more beautiful in our eyes.

We imagine you've already sampled organic food, and perhaps even organic wines, organic bedlinen and towels, and organic beauty products too. If you've not chosen organic fashion for your wardrobe before, now's the perfect time to try.

At Equa, we have a range of organic cotton tops, dresses and jeans available in our online shop, and at our Islington boutique too. If you'd like help choosing your first pieces, our instore stylists will be more than happy to help! After all, every organic item that becomes a cherished piece in your fashion ensemble helps to eliminate the serious health risks that intensive non-organic cotton farming poses for workers.

Organic pioneer Stewart+Brown (AW09 season is pictured above) is one of our most loved casualwear ranges. As well as using organic cotton, items are also dyed using low-impact dyes, and 1% of proceeds from sales are donated to charity.

For a perennial staple, we'd highly recommend the long pointelle tank. It's a classic racer shape and so delicate and soft to the touch we recommend it gets washed with your favourite lingerie! It's currently reduced to £31 from £45.

For an Eighties fashion twist, try the Stewart+Brown long merrow tank in blueberry. If you're particularly brave, dress with leggings and stack up the fluro bangles. It reaches mid-thigh, so if you're still sporting glowing summer legs it could even be worn as a mini-dress.

Organic jeans are another great option. Infact, we can't think of a good reason not to wear organic jeans. Switching to organic for the most worn item in our wardrobes is a small step that can have a very big positive impact. We're sure you'll love Kuyichi's skinny fit Sive organic cotton jeans, currently reduced to £92 from £120.

Eco Luxury for Less

Elegant and timeless pieces, with cuts and fabrics to endure seasonal trends, are the ultimate luxury items. Watching your finances should not mean weaning your wardrobe off beautiful pieces. The summer Sales are the perfect time to indulge, with glamorous eco garments available for less. It's maximum style, for a minimum price. Here are our biggest bargains on top-end luxury ethical fashion.


1. Wildlifeworks Karen Dress, Sale price £94.00 Was £235
This is the perfect timeless piece for chic office wear. This classic organic cotton shirt dress, in an elegant and subtle shade of navy is a guaranteed boardroom success. Pair it with high heels for eco power dressing at its best, or with colourful flats for a casual Friday look. Your colleagues will be jealous of both the immaculate tailoring and 60% discount.



2. Edun Zimba Wrap, Sale Price £194.00 Was £322
There is nothing quite as luxurious as the soft feeling of silk on the skin. This Edun Zimba dress is the perfect feel-good evening dress. In an unusual and sweet shade of baby pink, this silk wrap dress will take you from happy hours to dinner to clubbing. The shape and shoulder appliqué are reminiscent of the 1980s. With a 40% discount and fair-traded silk, it’s a guilt-free purchase.



3. Noir Martin Jacket, Sale rice £225.00 Was £450
This beautiful black jacket, in fairly traded fabric, will make your outfit day and evening. Paired with a pencil skirt, it’s the perfect work wear. Wear it on bare skin or on a beautiful dress such as this Noir Jersey Cross Dress for the ultimate glamorous look. With a 50% discount, it’s an investment piece which will soon become a wardrobe favourite.


4. Killerich Coat with Piping, Sale price £159.00 Was £390
Be financially savvy and buy your next winter coat during this summer's Sale! This Killerich coat, in a soft and warm blend of fairly traded wool with a cotton lining, is incredibly flattering. Not your average black coat, it stands out thanks to electric blue piping and buttons. A near-£400 coat you’ll wear for ever for just £159!



5. Matt & Nat Royksopp Tote, Sale price £135.00 Was £195
No outfit would be complete without an indispensable handbag. This Matt & Nat Royksopp vegan tote is the perfect alternative to fast fashion It-bags. It’s stylish, incredibly chic, and will add a splash of shocking red to any outfit, all year round. The interior of this roomy handbag, which includes practical and large pockets, is lined in 100% recycled red faux suede lining.

Five Top Picks for under £50

We hope that Equa will be your first destination for ethical fashion once you check out these five must-have pieces from our current range, all at under £50. Unique and boutique, we pride ourself on offering accessible, stylish and ethical fashion – without the hefty price tag. Shop online or visit our London boutique at 28 Camden Passage, Islington.

1. Made Brass Hoop Pendant, £35.00

This irresistible chunky brass chain, £35 by Made, is the perfect piece to team with a white cotton day dress and gladiator sandals - to add an edge. But don’t let it weigh you down, as Made provides fair wages and support to the people who create their products – helping to break the cycle of poverty. The three larger hoops linked into the chain make this pendant a simple yet unique eco-friendly gem.

2. Eco Noir Bamboo Camisole, Sale Price £37, was £55
You can never have too many black camisoles. This one would be perfect worn under a too-deep décolletage, as a pyjama top or for casual summer wear. It was ethically made in a process free of any chemical. It will make a simple, but stylish and effective addition to your wardrobe.



3. Noir white shirt, Sale Price £45, was £95
Team pegged trousers with Noir’s white shirt, for a crisp tailored look - the half collar adding a casual appeal. Whether you’re on the beach or in the city this organic cotton shirt is comfortable, stylish and you can wear it with a clear conscience. A staple item for your wardrobe at just £45, invest in one now and you can wear it under a blazer in winter.


4. La Lesso Jua Skirt, Sale price £32.00, was £44.00
This is summer in a skirt. This beautiful high waisted skirt in vibrant hues was ethically manufactured in Kenya in self-owned workshops It would look amazing with a bright primary colours top and simple sandals, or quickly thrown over your swimsuit on the beach. The full skirt shape was seen on many catwalks this season, from Michael Kors to Azzedine Alaia.



5. Alchem1st Bikini, Sale Price £25.00, was £50.00
When it comes to swimwear, join the girls by the pool this summer in a halter-neck bikini. Alchem1st's beige and brown two-piece is all you need for lounging on the beach. With a halter top and side-string bottoms, it’s a flattering choice for most. And the laume print is great for showing off your tan. Now priced at £25, hurry to our online store before you miss out.

Our favourite Sale picks

There are plenty of perks that come with working at Equa, and one of those is certainly having the first pick of the Summer Sale. It's been a great season for versatile wardrobe staples, and we've had our eye on quite a few since they arrived in-store. The team here, that's myself (Penny), Thalia, Marta and Christina, have each chosen our absolute favourite pieces from the Sale. We're secretly keeping our fingers crossed that you don't get to them first!

Penny
Director and buyer

1. Alchemist Linen Bell dress, Sale price £69 Was £130

"I love the shape of this dress. It is a perfect summer holiday dress, light and airy - you can’t beat linen as a good summer staple."

Team this white fair-trade linen dress with a chunky waist-belt and wedges for the perfect summer party look.

2. Edun Equality Cardigan, Sale Price £89 Was £216

"This cardigan is so beautifully made. I love wearing mine with a bright colour underneath so you can see it peeking through the lace knit – it looks fab with the Amana Eleanora Coral Dress."

Made from knitted organic cotton, this cardigan is perfect for any chilly summer evening. With a beautiful ribbon front tie, you can slip in and out of this as quickly as the weather changes.

3. Amana Tahini Skirt, Sale Price £44 Was £85

"I don’t have many skirts in my wardrobe and this one would fit in perfectly. I love the wide pleats that fall from the waist which can be worn high up or low on the hips depending on the outfit."

This navy skirt would look great with a camisole tucked in and some flats. It’s an organic mix of cotton and soya, with a white double lined trim adding extra detail.

Thalia
Sales and marketing manager

1. Edun Tuareg Tunic, Sale Price £189 Was £299
"This dress is elegant without feeling too grown-up. It’s also light and airy for muggy summer days. I’d wear it with plimsolls through the day to dress it down, but with a pair of heels and a dramatic necklace it would take me through the evening too. I love the detailing of the animals embroidered on the back panel. At £110 off the original price it’s a great buy."

In stunning silk, this fair trade pixel-print dress also comes with a cotton slip that’s detachable. So when you’re on the beach this light silk would make for a great cover-up, or wear with the cotton slip for an evening dress.

2. Beyond Skin Serena Wedges, Sale Price £95 Was £149

"In the summer I always go a bit crazy for all things nautical and these striped wedges are no exception."

Wear these vegan sling-back wedges with a linen playsuit to stay cool and stylish this season.

Marta
Sales Assistant

1.Tribal One Piece, Sale Price £152 Was £254

"It is the best and most unique piece of its kind. And it's black - my favourite colour for the evening. It is easy to combine with flat gladiator sandals or, for a smarter look, with high heels in any colour and shape. It’s great with gold accessories too."

All-in-ones have taken over the catwalks this season, and this little black number shows us why. In 100% silk, this onesie is light and airy –with a cinched waist and delicate sleeves. Take the plunge and swap your little black dress for this all-in-one while on Sale.

2. Kuyichi Lisette Organic Jeans, Sale price £80 Was £100

"The colour is amazing and the denim is so soft and light that it makes these jeans a perfect summer buy. These are the first pair of flared jeans I own and I love them! Soo flattering."

A great pair of jeans are hard to find and last for years. Tuck a vest top into these and team with a pair of ballet pumps for a great casual summer look.

Christina
Sales Assistant

1. Alchemist Bamboo Tie Dress, Sale Price £72 Was £120
"The drop-waist is comfortable while being elegant."

In Bamboo jersey this is soft, comfortable and smart - perfect for the office. You can look chic in this tie dress, without compromising on comfort.

2. Shazia Giraffe Camisole, Sale Price £49 Was £78

"It's a flattering shape and the brass detailing gives it an extra twist."

Tribal prints are flattering, fun and a trend that’s hard to miss. With this fair trade giraffe-print camisole, made from silk, you will definitely be noticed – the nipped-in waist will make the perfect hour-glass silhouette.

Equa Style Tips: The perfect dress

We love a perfect little dress at Equa, and we know you do too. Hey, you're female right?! Dresses are the ideal summer garment: easy to throw on, easy to dress up for evening. Whether you’re holidaying in the city, or relaxing by a pool, this season is all about the dress.

And the good news? When it's time to put summer dresses back in storage, AW09 rolls along with its own version of the perfect little dress. But both are just a warm-up for the big event of the year - choosing that head-turning Christmas party dress. Go on, admit it, dresses are sheer fashionista fun!

We're not short of dress fans here, so it's been a lot of fun choosing our recommended dress picks for summer, a selection that will translate well to AW09 too, and a Christmas party dress for early birds. You'll find lots of Sale bargains here too - I know, we're spoiling you.

Our picks for summer dresses...

On the catwalks, Calvin Klein, Day Birger and Mikkelsen and Mulberry all showed ethereal, beautifully cut dresses in innocent pastels. You can work the trend with this fair trade white linen Alchemist Bell Dress in a flattering bell shape or with Ciel’s demure Smock Dress.

In line with the current 1980s revival, Alexander Wang designed some nostalgic body-con numbers. This organic cotton Stewart Brown Long Merrow Tank would be perfect for an afternoon in the park or drinks on a terrace.

Prints were another star of the summer runways. Edun's Tuareg tunic has got to be the perfect tunic. Made in India from fair trade sources, this tunic will be perfect for very hot days, or over jeans or leggings when the weather gets chillier.

No summer wardrobe would be complete without a maxi sun-dress. Killerich has designed the ultimate maxi dress, in this season’s hit yellow (pictured). Perfect to cool down on a very hot day in the city, or to dance at a pool party!

And on to AW09...

Ethical fashion shoppers will be pleased to hear that many trends from SS09 will carry through to autumn/winter this year, starting with statement prints, and especially timeless animal prints. The Shazia Saleem Giraffe dress, made in peace silk and fairly traded in India (pictured left and above) will be perfect worn over opaque black tights.

Shazia Saleem has also designed a Check Weave and Frill dress which plays on another runway favourite: block colours. The mix of navy blue and pale green has the perfect amount of understated elegance which will take you effortlessly from the office to evening drinks. The silk was processed without the use of chemicals, making it a truly ethical and fair trade garment.

This Ciel Sophia Dress in a beautiful purple is reminiscent of the 1980s palette seen on Marc Jacobs’ runway. Its bright colours and organic jersey cotton is guaranteed to lift your mood on a sombre winter day.

Christmas party dress treat for early birds...

The Christmas party dress: a potential end-of-year pitfall against which our other sartorial choices will be judged. Ideally, it needs to check a few boxes: affordable, stylish, sparkling without turning you into a Christmas tree. It should be fashionable and sexy, but ensure that you keep your composure in front of fellow guests, no matter how many glasses of wine you've had!

The Amana Eleanora (pictured) is the perfect dress for the occasion. Its coral pink shade is the ideal alternative to the usual red or black, and will ensure you stand out in the crowd. The fluidity of its fairly traded and organically produced silk means you’ll want to dance again and again and again in it.

The LBD is the ultimate party fail-safe. This Edun Tribal One Piece is a successful spin on the season’s hardest look: the jumpsuit. Ethically made, this outfit will flatter your every curve thanks to its perfect tailoring. This is black with a twist guaranteed to put you firmly on the office best-dressed list.

See all day dresses at Equa

See all evening dresses at Equa

Visit the Equa Sale

Wedding Style at Equa

Wedding season is in full swing. For me it is a case of 2 down 6 to go and the eternal question of what to wear to each wedding, especially when they are within the same group of friends, must be answered. As one of the weddings was my own I can't really complain, but the last wedding I went to was on a beautiful part of the south coast near Chichester and I was proud that three outfits at the wedding were from Equa. I wore the fab Sika Empire Line Spellbound Dress which was perfect for a hot summer wedding day. My two friends wore the Debbi Little Parachute Dress and the Sika Bow Dress.

I wore the Sika Spellbound Dress with Made brass accessories to keep the African theme going.


The Debbi Little Parachute Dress needs very few accessories - the dress itself is the outfit.


Teamed with a soft white summer jacket the black Sika Bow Dress looks chic and dispels the myth that you can't wear black to weddings.









Now what will I wear to the next one..?
Happy Wedding Season! Penny