News

Home / News

Ethical Autumn Wishlist

Sep 07, 2017
We should all try to be as eco-friendly as possible with our shopping habits, but there are some brands that go the extra mile to create beautiful sustainably sourced and ethical products! We've picked a few of our favourites and put together an autumn wish list full of brands that share our passion for sustainability!
   
****
  
Thought is a passionate collective of creatives who craft sustainable, contemporary clothing. We love the Vienna Floral Print Tencel Dress (£69.90) - it's perfect for Autumn!
 
  
Essence + Alchemy offer earth friendly small-batch botanical scented goods, handcrafted in the garden laboratory in Sheffield, England. This Wild Garden candle (from £25) is perfect for reminiscing about those summer days.
  
   
We try to be as sustainable as possible here at Maria Allen, that's why we love these Bee Eco wraps. A non-toxic and sustainable way to store your food, they also come in a variety of beautiful prints.
  
     
Woven with stunning colours and unique patterns, The Basket room works with small craft collectives in Africa to bring you ethical, stylish, accessories with a story - whats not to love! 
  
 
    
6. VEJA
The VEJA project creates a positive chain.These trainers are made differently using organic and fairly traded cotton for the canvas of the shoes, wild and fairly traded rubber for the soles and recycled plastic bottles to create a technological fabric.
  
  
 We're committed to using reclaimed and sustainably sourced wood throughout our collection of jewellery, accessories, gifts and home ware. Much of the wood we use is reclaimed from the local area, close to our studio in lovely Brighton. This Wooden Wren Necklace (£31.50) is one of our favourites! 
  
  
8. STALF
STALF hand-makes small quantities of each of their garments meaning that each piece is unique and special! We love the high quality, minimal designs like this grey sweatshirt (£60.00).
  
  
From sustainable packaging to making donations to environmental nonprofits to tracking carbon emissions during the production process, Numi Tea make sure every step in sourcing, making and selling their tea is environmentally sound - and it tastes great!
We recommend trying the sample collection.
  
   
****

Eco-friendly Interiors

Aug 24, 2017
Here at Maria Allen Boutique we believe it's important to be as eco-friendly as possible. It's never been easier to find eco-friendly alternatives, so if you want to do your bit for the earth here are 5 things to consider when updating your interiors. Being eco conscious doesn't mean you can't be style conscious! 🌿
  
****
 
1. Buy 'pre-loved'
Spend some time searching your local flea markets, they are full of vintage gems and pre-loved furniture that with a little TLC, can be revamped into a great one-off piece. Give any old furniture to a new home, whether thats selling online or giving to a charity shop. 
   
   
   
2. Choose FSC 
If you are buying new, make sure it's made from FSC certified wood. This guarantees the wood was sustainably sourced and harvested according to FSC guidelines meaning it's a lot better for the environment and helps to combat deforestation. 
  
        
3. Watch out for VOC 
VOC is short for volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment and your health. VOC can be found in paints, many household products, furniture and carpets,  So, when decorating your home always try to buy items that ideally do not emit VOC or have a  low VOC content.
  
4. Setting the mood
Lighting candles around the house certainly adds to the ambience, but a lot of cheap candles contain the same harmful VOC as standard paints! Make sure you buy candles made from natural materials such as beeswax or soy and are scented with essential oils.
Essence + Alchemy have a beautiful range of earth friendly candles, no synthetic fragrances, no additives, just pure and natural Mother Earth goodness. 
   
Image source
    
5. Plant power
Houseplants breathe in carbon dioxide and convert it to oxygen, purifying the air. Why not join in the botanical craze and brighten up your home by adding plants to every room! 
Plants such as the Peace Lily, Boston Fern, English Ivy and Spider Plant are all proven to improve air quality and adding plants to your home is known to boost mood and well being.
     
 
   
****
  
We're proud to note that all wood used in our products is FSC certified and sustainably sourced 🌿
  
  
Follow us on Pinterest for more interior inspiration! 
 

 

Walnut Wood Luggage Tags

Aug 22, 2017
Last week saw the launch of our brand new walnut wood luggage tag collection, featuring our beautiful new brushed gold metal-effect acrylic inlays! Available in a variety of designs, these luggage tags would make a lovely gift for any style conscious traveller and can be personalised with the message of your choice on the back.
  
****
 
Personalised Walnut Geometric Initial Luggage Tag, £24.00
   
   
Personalised Gold Hexagon Honeymoon Luggage Tags,
from £34.00
 
   
Personalised Walnut Wood Initials Luggage Tag, £24.00
Also available in calligraphy font.
  
     
Personalised Walnut Wood Coordinate Luggage Tag, £24.00
  
Personalised Walnut Wood Name Luggage Tag, £24.00
  
Personalised Leather Envelope Luggage Tag, £30.00
Something a little different, this envelope style wallet is made from grey leather with a brushed gold metal-effect acrylic insert featuring a sweet paper plane illustration.
     
****
   
Click here to shop the collection! ✨