A month of travel and all that goes with it!
July was a busy month, and has absolutely whizzed by.
The start of the month revolved around me counting down the days until the official start of summer holidays, while planning my trip around Eastern Europe with my sister who flew over from Australia.
What a trip it was!
While I am back home in Munich now, I have certainly returned refreshed, and with that renewed focus and motivation you so often get after a break away.
When it comes to this months wrap up, I must apologise as my travels have meant it is a little light on. However, what I do have to share is what’s new on the blog, some timely and less wasteful packing ticks and tricks, and what I have been reading and watching this month.
I hope you had a lovely July, and here’s to August, my favourite month!
My wrap up of this month
New on the blog
My go to style is loose and baggy (think swingy, peplum tops). Therefore, I am all for a bit of gathering. This ‘How to: Machine Gather’ provides a simple step by step guide on creating fullness, while offering a few tips and tricks I have learnt over the years.
How to be that little bit less wasteful while travelling
I try my best when it comes to reducing my reliance on single use plastic, and just being that little bit less wasteful in general.
Unfortunately, when we are on-the-go travelling our zero-waste habits can take a bit more of a back seat. But this doesn't have to be the case. These are some super simple switches you can make, and items to pack, that will go a long in reducing your imprint. Here are just some of my favourites:
Pack your reusables.
Reusable drink bottle: A must wherever you go! When it comes to air travel, simply take through security empty, and fill up at the gates and again on the plane.
Reusable tote bag: So handy for anything from food, to souvenirs. They usually fold up to nothing so can be easily slipped into any day bag.
Reusable cutlery and straws: I unfortunately forgot these on my recent trip, but these are great for when you get a takeaway, or pack your own food for the train.
Reusable (silicone) zip-lock bag: These are perfect for getting you through airport security or for storing any snacks. Plus they don't tear, or get holes in them.
Reusable tissues: Best described as the stylish pack of modern day hankies, these are a super handy addition for everything from wiping your nose, drying your hands or mopping up a spill.
Reusable mask: Mask rules have definitely relaxed, but it is always good to have one with you just in case.
Opt for more eco-friendly toiletries like washable face wipes, and naked shampoo/conditioner bars. Also, avoid those travel mini's. Why not just reuse containers you already have lying around and simply refill them. My go-to are the black Lush pots that come in various sizes under 100ml (I accumulated quite a few during Covid while they weren't accepting them for recycling).
Reduce the printing. Opt for digital tickets and copies of your documents. Often a mobile boarding pass or copy of your booking will suffice. Save the trees and hassle of carrying them around.
'Can Fashion Influencers Persuade Us to Consume Less?'
This month I tuned in live to the New York Times' conversation 'Can Fashion Influencers Persuade Us to Consume Less?', moderated by fashion director and chief fashion critic Vanessa Friedman.
You may have read recently that popular reaity TV show Love Island is swapping contestants' fast fashion wardrobes for that of secondhand as they partner with eBay. If not, take a quick read of 'Love Island partners with eBay to dress contestants in secondhand outfits'.
This one hour talk explores this shift and the power of popular culture and influencers in shifting the fashion industry in a more sustainable direction. Well worth a watch!
What I was reading in July
Quick Question: Why Can’t We Just Recycle Our Old Clothes?, from The Sustainable Fashion Forum, focuses on the issues of over-production and over-consumption.
While textile recycling would help achieve a more circular fashion system, a number of barriers lie in the way.
As the article highlights, less than 1% of fibre used to produce clothing is recycled to make new clothing, and what is recycled is down-cycled, ultimately ending up in landfill anyway. Furthermore, preparing materials for recycling is costly, and labour and time intensive.
Closet care: How to make your swimwear last longer, from Vogue Scandinavia, is a timely read given the summer holidays are upon us here in the northern hemisphere. Our swimwear goes through a lot, from spending its days in the sun, chlorine or salt water, not to mention absorbing all that sunscreen. This article provides some simple tips on reducing the impact of the elements, ensuring our swimwear sticks around in our wardrobes for longer, from letting your sunscreen absorb, rinsing as soon as possible after wear in fresh water, wash less and in cool water (a rinse will often suffice), dry in shade or better yet inside out.
A stitch in time: the benefits of teaching prisoners to sew, from The Guardian introduces London’s Fine Cell Work, a charity offering rehabilitation projects that teach prisoners, and ex-prisoners, the skill of needlework.
The article details the story of one prisoner, and the positive impact the craft has had on his wellbeing and mood.
Past the parcel: how the end of free returns will change the way we shop, from The Guardian describes how a number of retailers are beginning to charge for their returns.
But will it have the same impact as charging for plastic bags?
Considering returns are more likely to be thrown away than resold, let's hope so!
Coming up in August
How to: Sew on a button
Pattern Review: Tops I Want To Wear Now - Japanese Sewing Book
Please get in touch or leave me a comment, I would love to know about your July. Also, let me know about anything interesting you have been reading, watching, or listening to.
Thanks for reading, and see you in August!
Emma xx
This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions contained on this site are my own. I am not affiliated with any brands, products, or organisations mentioned, and do not receive any sponsorship, payment, or other compensation for any of the content on this site.
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