Eco Friendly Festive Christmas Gift Wrapping

We’ve got Christmas all wrapped up from eco friendly vintage wrappings to recycling pretty jars. Here’s our sustainable, zero waste gift wrapping alternatives to create some original and thoughtful gifts this season.

japanese furoshiki gift wrapping

Have a go at Japanese Furoshiki wrapping - traditional Japanese wrapping cloths were used to wrap and transport goods but as with many Japanese philosophies it had to have a beautiful aesthetic. Use a vintage scarf or some vintage or preloved fabric to wrap your present and give a gift within a gift. A beautiful eco friendly alternative to wrapping paper that will create a Christmas present to be treasured.

Time to sparkle

Tis the season to sparkle and vintage brooches are the perfect way to add a little extra to both Christmas outfits and gift wrap. Attach a vintage brooch to your finished gift when wrapped, either pinned or with recycled ribbon, and your love one receives a beautiful original piece.

Brooches can be easily converted to necklaces using brooch converters or jump rings, making them even more wearable.

edible gifts

Create the perfect homemade gift made in vintage vessels - vintage jars, mason jars and pretty recycled jam jars adorned with ribbon and upcycled with a sprig of foliage can house a multitude of homemade delicacies from chutney to christmas biscuits or gingerbread. Short of time, simply cheat it and dip mini pretzels into gently warmed chocolate and they make the perfect edible eco friendly gift.

paper wrapped presents

A return to the simple but beautiful, homemade decorations of Christmas past. Brown paper wrappings and string are still a wonderfully simple option that look nostalgic, especially with a sprig of foraged foliage or a decadent ribbon added. Embellish with candy canes, your own artwork or let the kids go wild with some potato printing.

Old vintage magazines, newspapers and sheet music also make brilliant low waste gift wrappings and you can tailor make to suit personalities and hobbies. Pair with paper tape and pop in the recycling when done or flatten and keep to reuse next year.

GIVE A LITTLE, GET A Lot

Giving never felt so good when your wrapping is zero waste and guilt free. Take it to the next level and go completely packaging free with one of our Gift Cards for a perfectly practical gift that won’t be left in the back of the cupboard. Our Gift Vouchers can be used towards any frames, accessories or glasses repairs.

All that’s left is to enjoy something mulled, pop on a Wonderful Life and give yourself over to the festivities.

Wishing you all peace and joy.

Jo

Spring pastels crystal clear glasses

Nothing says spring like pastels - they’re classic for a reason. With the change of season the flowers are blooming and their delicate colour palettes are reflected in this seasons preloved and vintage crystal clear transparent glasses frames. Light reflecting and fresh looking translucent frames work with our change of wardrobe for a lighter spring look.

Clear glasses are pretty easy to wear, suiting most face shapes and skin tones, so whether you go for completely see through or a hint of colour or print here’s our guide to clear transparent glasses..

a drop of dreamy pastel pink in these original vintage deadstock frames with generous current square shaping, 80s vintage glasses frames by Aspect in dusky rose crystal acetate with super skinny sides.

a floral edition, perfect for springtime with leaf and flower pattern on a crystal clear transluscent glasses frame.

Possibly the perfect pastel in these original vintage frames by Norville. Made in Britain, softened square shaping in peach and clear crystal ombre will go with everything.

retro styling in this transparent preloved glasses frame. Vintage style round panto shaping in grey crystal acetate with pins give you a little extra detailing but in a light and fresh colourway.

go anywhere in these easy to wear translucent frames from Ray-Ban, model 7176. Rectangular shaping in baby blue crystal acetate - fresh for days.

fresh and clean with a hint of playfullness in these sustainable preloved glasses frames from Iolla model Paterson Lilac. Modern shaping with upswept temples in lilac crystal translucent acetate just add sunshine.

a clear nude style with a hint of detail is a modern take on a classic style.  Modern exaggerated cateye shaping with gorgeous mink crystal acetate with tonal shell effect design detail.

We’ll be adding more clear transparent glasses frame to the store or if you’re looking for a particular colour just

get in touch.

Spring summer eyewear styles - what we're wearing

Maksim Goncharenok

Right now we’re loving 70s style for spring summer, along with oversized sunglasses. Lighter fresher colour palettes, florals and crystal clear glasses frames are giving us spring vibes. Uplifting colour palettes from pretty pastel tints to 70s sheer sepia washes and our latest spring custom colour tint creations. Here’s what we’re wearing right now..

70s style

Bohemian styles in natural earth tones like amber, orange, sepia and avocado will give you that orginal 70s style. We can’t get enough of seventies sunglasses right now - think The Serpent vibes and see our Serpent Sunglasses Collection. Graduated lenses rose to fame in the 70s giving us sunglasses with hand dip-dyed lenses in a tint that graduates lighter from top to bottom.

Oversized sunglasses

Go big or go home - you really can’t go wrong with an oversized frame. Oversized sunglasses are perfect for protecting your peepers giving the most sun protection as their sheer size blocks the most sun. They’re also just the job for both making a statement and shielding garden party fatigue.

the aviator sunglasses

We can’t get enough of the aviator sunglasses - classic for a reason, we love a 70s or 80s aviator for an easy to wear, effortless, relaxed vibe. Throw on a pair of 70s pilot sunglasses and up the ante for summer.

gold glasses

Elegant fine rimmed gold glasses frames are our go to for chic day to night dressing. Geometric and square shapes are timeless in gold, but the classic round shapes also team with everything and never goes out of style.

fauna and flora

Nothing says spring summer like botanical and floral designs in your accessories. It’s nice to have a lighter pair of glasses to coordinate with our lighter toned spring summer palettes in our wardbrobes, hair and make up.

Crystal Clear frames

80s vintage pale pink crystal

Cystal clear glasses frames are so chic right now. Pure transparent acetate or soft pretty pastel shades, delicately etched or lined with lace, these 80s style frames are flattering and face framing perfection - we can’t get enough of this contemporary and chic glasses style.

the cateye sunglasses

Elle 90s angular cateye sunglasses

Classic and chic the cateye will always be a go-to. The modern take is more angular for a modern twist and a sharper look, and we’re seeing more skinny cateye designs - easy to wear feminne feline shapes that don’t date.

block that sun in style via Maksim Goncharenok

All of our spring summer sunglasses and glasses frames are available for customing with prescription, blue light blockers or custom sunglasses tints to make them your own.

Jo

Sustainable gift guide

Gift consciously with our sustainable gift ideas, including vintage gems, upcycled one-of-a-kind and plastic free gifts. 

It’s more important than ever to shop small and support independent brands that care about our planet - here’s our sustainable gift guide to get you going..

plant based & zero waste cooking

As we now know one of the most eco friendly things you can do for the planet is go on a plant based diet (or more plant based) so what better Christmas gift than a planet friendly cook book. In EAST Meera Sodha takes cooks on a vegan and veggie journey across Asia, while Max La Manna helps you on your low waste journey with More Plants Less Waste.

Mamma Peep Pouches

Flora pouch - perfect for stowing your prescious vintage

Our new range of sustainable eco-friendly glasses cases and sunglasses pouches. Lovingly handmade by ‘Mama Peep’ from vintage deadstock fabrics to keep your eyewear scratch free.

Small batches of one-of-a-kind glasses pouches. Whether taking long walks or trips to the beach your sunnies will be kept safe and stylish.

Face masks with a cause

The B Collection supports CoppaFeel charity

We love Eliza Eliza’s organic cotton face masks - triple layered for extra protection, they’re reusable and the masks are adjustable - either tied around the head or altered so that they can be hooked over the ears. They support a number of different charitable causes with each style of mask too - also pick up matching sleep masks, scrunchies and lovely eco friendly bags.

washable wipes

Rifle Paper prints

These reusable face wipes from My January Baby are completely plastic-free. You can also choose your favourite print from the set to embelish the wash bag. Made from 100% cotton on the top and organic, hypoallergenic bamboo on the back, making them suitable for all ages and skin types. They make a great eco-friendly gift.

artisan art

There are some beautiful handmade artisan gifts on Etsy like the ones our friends over at Two Peas make. Their gorgeous one-of-a-kind Art Plates, hand painted onto beautful vintage plates will make your walls sing with joy.

wearable works of art

Treat yourself or a special someone to a vintage pin - what’s not to love about this 1980s brooch from Honeykins Vintage with a keep fit style lady in classic era appropriate neon colours! The perfect conversation starter at any party.

vintage glasses chains

Infamous - 1970s Trifari link chain

Glasses Chains are back. Never lose your sunglasses or glasses again with our one-of-a-kind vintage glasses chains. Remove the loops and wear as a necklace. Take a peep at our collection of the coolest rescued and adapted vintage chains - quite possibly the perfect present if we say so ourselves.

the eco friendly hamper

One for the Bee lovers

LFHP have a lovely selection of eco friendly hampers and if you’ve got a green fingered friend the Bee Garden Set is the perfect gift. We all know how important bees are and this bee garden is the perfect way to ensure they can thrive in your giftees garden. Designed to increase pollination rates through growing attractive flowers, these seed bombs make the garden bloom into a bee friendly destination. They also have a great gift guide for men in your life.

upcycled jewellery kits

I’m loving these cute upcycled jewellery making kits from Readorn London. Each kit contains everything you need to make a beautiful piece of upcycled jewellery. Every kit is unique and has been lovingly curated to bring you one of a kind designs. Such a lovely and mindfull gift idea.

vintage homeware

Who doesn’t love a bit of unique vintage homeware to brighten up their pad, like this vintage 60s West German pottery vase in Green and Orange four petal floral repeat from the gorgeous Miss Pigeon Vintage - get it while it’s hot.

virtual gifting

If you don’t want to gift more stuff why not give the gift of an experience instead - online classes or workshops from cooking to pottery are great ways to learn or develop new skills. Take a peep at Tea & Crafting for some lovely craft classes and workshops.

Happy Gifting!

Jo

Summer Sun

Summer’s arrived and we’re so ready to soak up that glorious summer sun. Staying home and hitting the garden is now a national pastime, so it’s pretty important to stay safe while having fun in the sun this summer.

le sun tan

Tanning became chic when Coco Chanel accidentally caught too much sun on a cruise in Cannes in the 1920s - or so the story goes. Before this having a tan was deeply unfashionable. Ladies went to unfathomable lengths applying lead based products and carrying parasols to stay chalky white.

But by the 1960s air travel was happening and the glamour of holidaying in the Mediterranean was irresistible. The main focus of the holiday to return with a deep tan with which to wow the neighbours.

Tanning got seriously fashionable - self-tanning products, around since the 1950s, were thrown around in abandon and then sunbeds were thrust upon us in the late 70s to keep us fully bronzed. As much as we love the feel of sun on our skin, these days I think we’ll all take healthy skin over tanned any day of the week.

summer sun and health

sarah o'shea

Summer in the sun… BBQs, lazy hazy afternoons, getting green fingered in the garden - there are lots of benefits to getting outside in the summer sun. A daily dose of vitamin D strengthens bones, while sunlight improves sleep quality by resetting our circadian rhythm. Sunlight reduces blood pressure - mine drops as soon as I hit the garden with a glass of something fruity.

Sunlight also improves mood - when light enters the eye, it stimulates neurons in the hypothalamus, a mood influencing part of the brain. These nerve impulses travel to the pineal gland, which regulates serotonin, the feel-good hormone linked to mood, the natural light boosting our mood and giving us all the good vibes.

how to stay safe in the sun

seeking shade - Tony Ross

Staying safe in the sun is essential to avoid sun damage and skin cancer (not to mention skin ageing). Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer and skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK. It’s on the rise again and 100,000 new cases are now diagnosed each year, while 9 in 10 cases of melanoma could have been prevented by enjoying the sun safely.

The sun’s UV rays are the strongest between 11am and 4pm from early April to late September. This is the time where the sun can cause damage, so we need to show it some respect.

One of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun's rays is to spend some time in the shade. Shade and clothing are more effective than sunscreen and more natural and eco friendly to boot. Take a break under trees, parasols, canopies or our personal fave - head indoors for a lazy long luncheon.

Rays reflect off pavements and burn through sheer fabrics, so choose loose-fitting pieces with a close weave material. If you can see through, UV radiation can penetrate the fabric and reach your skin. Unbleached cotton contains natural agents that absorb UV. Hats are your friend - I don’t leave home without my trusty cap.

SCREEN YOUR SKIN

Morgan Alley

Too much sun causes sunburn and can trigger early signs of ageing - the wrinkles, pigmentation and sagging skin we all want to avoid - so sun care is a must. It’s time to take a fresh look at our sunscreen. Wearing formulas that protect from both UVA and UVB rays are crucial in protecting our skin and slowing down the ageing process.

It will also prevent skin issues such as rosacea, acne and eczema from flaring up.  Whatever we put on our skin is absorbed into our skin, so it’s important to look at ingredients and go for more natural products that are kinder and show our skin some love.

It’s good to consider environmental credentials too when choosing a sunscreen. How ocean safe is it? Chemicals contained in suncreams are thought to be damaging to marine life and coral reefs alike.

Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate can seep into the water, where they're being absorbed by corals, algae, sea urchins, fish and mammals. Look for sunscreens with natural mineral ingredients aka titanium oxide and zinc oxide.

Choose a broad spectrum, high protection SPF with UVA 4* or 5* protection. Pop it on half an hour before you go in the sun. Apply liberally and reapply every 2 hours. Don't leave it in the sun - it stops working when stored above 25°C . And yes, it has a shelf life - once expired it's not effective... so bin it and recycle that tube.

protect your peepers

It’s National Sunglasses Day on 27 June and keeping your eyes protected from the sun is essential in summer. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light and UV radiation is linked to some serious eye conditions... cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (corneal sunburn) and research has found that 5-10% of skin cancers occur on the eyelid… eek!

Protect your peepers by investing in quality sunglasses that filter out both UVA and UVB radiation. Over 90% of UV light can pass through even light cloud - so don't leave home without them.

It's not the colour of your lenses, it's the percentage of UV protection that matters, so you can go for that dreamy pale tint as long as you go for 100% UV protection. Oversized or wraparound sunglasses block the most sun, especially when those rays are bouncing off pavements and pools.

UV damage is cumulative, occurring over a lifetime of exposure. Children are especially vulnerable, so get them in good habits of throwing on their sunnies when you do and stay sun safe this summer.

Check out our range of 100% UV protected sunnies or customise your own adding in tints and graduations from our frame only range.

Get ready to turn up the heat.

Jo

National Tree Week - Planting Trees for Climate Change

by Max Lakutin

This National Tree Week people are coming together to plant trees for climate change and to protect our wildlife.

National Tree Week has been going since 1975, led by the Tree Council it’s the UK’s largest tree celebration launching the start of the winter tree planting season.

‘The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The next best time is now’ Chinese proverb

Tree Lovers

by Brooke Cagle

Trees are our friends… they give us oxygen, store carbon, improve air quality, conserve water, preserve soil and support wildlife. They also make our environment more beautiful and improve our wellbeing.

The Tree Council have been taking care of our trees since 1973 and have also given us Tree Care Campaign, Walk In The Woods month and Seed Gathering Season

Existing tree planting targets will not help us plant the millions more trees needed to help reduce UK carbon emissions and tackle climate change.

We need to plant around 30,000 hectares of trees every year for the next thirty years throughout the UK - phew that’s a lot of lovely trees!

National Tree Week is an opportunity for everyone to plant a tree and help ensure a tree-filled future. 

The Woodland Trust

by Noah Buscher

The Woodland Trust is calling on one million people to pledge to plant a tree to help fight the climate emergency. Trees are a key solution to climate change, capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere is vital in the fight.

The 1,000-plus woodlands cared for by the Woodland Trust absorb and lock-up many tonnes of carbon each year in trees, shrubs and soils, but now they need our help.

On 30 November they’re holding a mass tree planting day with events across the country as part of their The Big Climate Fightback campaign, so join in or pledge if you can’t, so they can carry on with their work protecting our woods and wildlife.

what we’re doing - Trees for Cities

by Mikayla \Mallek

We partner up with the guys at Trees for Cities to help breathe new life back into urban areas. For every pair of glasses or sunglasses sold, our friends at Trees for Cities are planting a tree where it's needed most.

From urban forests to the creation of edible playgrounds, Trees for Cities strengthen communities by creating green spaces through volunteering opportunities. Trees for Cities have planted 1,000,001 trees and counting since 1993 and engaged over 80,000 volunteers in their tree planting work.

How to help

Plant a tree, attend a local event, pledge and donate or shop with us and we’ll plant one on your behalf!

Spread the word and be a #TreeChampion this #NationalTreeWeek #EveryTreeCounts

’A seed hidden in the heart of an apple is an orchard invisible’

Welsh Proverb

Let’s go get our green on!

Jo

Vintage & Thrifted: Eco Friendly Christmas Gifts

cottonbro

Vintage and second hand items make the most charming and eco friendly Christmas gifts. If you’re looking to give a thoughtful and truly unique present this Christmas why not thrift it, save money and the planet.

Start early and give yourself time to scope it out, then head to your local charity shop, flea market or antique fair and hop over to Etsy or eBay and pick out some personal presents this Christmas.

Accessories

element-digital

Seek out quality vintage bags, belts and gloves - scarves are abundant in second hand shops and charity shops, so gift them and use them as Christmas wrapping.

Vintage and antique jewellery makes a one-of-a kind unforgettable gift, while vintage Stratton compacts and perfume bottles make a pretty addition to the beauty fiends dressing table. Not forgetting the perfect present for the practical.. our upcycled glasses chains.

Homeware

Original art makes a truly personal gift - lovely retro prints can be found in the most unlikely of corners. Hand crocheted blankets - 60s style brightly coloured granny blankets are back in vogue, easy to pick up and make the cutest present for a house proud pal.

Retro kitchen ware makes a lovely gift – hello 1950s salt and pepper pots in the shape of vegetables. Why not create a hamper of Christmas lovelies for someone dear.

Tableware

nicole-michalou

Beautiful linens from tablecloths to napkins have fallen out of fashion over the years so you can pick up some beauties for a steal from your local second hand, vintage store or charity shop. They’re a great eco friendly alternative to devils like kitchen towel, as well as bringing party table settings to life.

Pair with elegant vintage glassware, an art deco cocktail shaker or some vintage candle holders to set the mood.

Vintage Books

Books are a classic keep forever present, pick up a beautiful crafting book from embroidery to crotchet - vintage house plant care for the green fingered friend or Mrs Beeton’s cookery for the food obsessed. A vintage penguin edition of a favourite classic tale is sure to be a Christmas stocking hit.

curios and collectibles

giallo

Snap up cute curios and collectibles - look out for signed and stamped pieces as the history will make them all the more fascinating. Try vintage pens for letter writers, budding authors or fans of calligraphy. Pretty vintage tins and antique wooden boxes make quirky gifts and are brilliant for wrapping other gifts within.

Kids

Eco friendly kids gifts are easy when you shop second hand. Find vintage classics games like scrabble,  dominoes, jigsaws and board games are perfect picks – just check the condition and make sure all the pieces are contained. Hunt down well made wooden toys, vintage dolls and you’ll find tonnes of Lego to save from landfill (just wash before use).

Zero waste gift vouchers

When your wrapping is zero waste giving guilt free gifts is easy. Take it to the next level and go completely packaging free with a gift card like ours. Gift Cards are the perfect practical gift that won’t be left at the back of the cupboard and zero trees were cut down to produce it. Our Gift Vouchers can be used towards any frames, accessories or glasses repairs.

If you’re looking for an alternative to ‘stuff’ why not gift an experience voucher, tickets for a workshop or gig make the perfect present.

Repairing or upcycling a much loved item for a loved one make a really personal gift that just keeps on giving long after Christmas is over and the mince pies are gone.

Finally sit back and feel smug knowing you’ve given an original and sustainable gift this Christmas.

Jo

Eco Friendly Festivals

It’s time to festival. Here’s our favourite eco friendly festivals to enjoy this summer with a spot of vintage thrown in coz we can’t not.

eco friendly festivals in the UK

Our festival culture in the UK is big - we love a good party. What’s exciting to see is the new eco friendly focus on environment, minimising waste and sustainability. From banning plastic bottles to recycling schemes and lots of lovely water points to refill your reusable bottle.

Tyson Dudley

Here’s some of the best eco friendly festivals in the UK happening this summer…

Timber 5-7 July, National Forest

Latitude 18-21 July, Suffolk

The Green Gathering 1-4 August, Chepstow

Wilderness 1-4 August, Oxfordshire

Valley Fest 2-4 August, Bristol  

Sunrise 16-18 August, Hereford

Green Man 15-18 August, Brecon Beacons

River Cottage 24-25 August, Axminster

Shambala 25-29 August, Northamptonshire 

A vintage affair

It doesn’t get any more sustainable than vintage. Invest in joyous pieces from the past, reminisce and revel in the look, feel and sound of bygone eras with a vintage festival.

Oh and we’ll be popping up at the Nottingham Carnival and Vintage & Handmade in Shropshire so come on down and party with us!

Twinwood Bedford,  23-26 August

Vintage & Handmade RAF Shropshire 17-18 August

Vintage Carnival Nottingham, 31 August

Goodwood Revival Sussex, 13-15 September

what kit to pack

When packing up your festival kit, remember less is more and who needs to shower anyway?

Here’s how to be a little more eco friendly this season…

• Avoid plastic; don’t bring disposable plastic with you and refuse single-use plastic when there.

• Bring reusables; your cup and water bottle, cutlery, a container for food, a cloth napkin and a simple bar of soap and cloth for washing.

• A rain mac to avoid those nasty single-use ponchos for the inevitable downpour.

• If you simply must glitter, make it biodegradable.

• Avoid cheap festival sunnies that will end up in landfill. Bring your own sunglasses and the hard case to protect them. Better still invest in a frame chain - perfect for a little festival action.

• Travel light - just essentials and the spirit of the fiesta and car share where you can.

by Gilbert Beltran

woodstock baby

We can’t talk about festivals and not mention Woodstock. In August 1969, over half a million people came to New York for the iconic 3 day concert. America was knee deep in the Vietnam war and Woodstock Festival was an opportunity for people to escape into music and spread a message of peace and unity.

“Woodstock 1969 was a reaction by the youth of its time and the conditions we faced,” Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang. “We proved that it is possible to live together in harmony and with compassion. Woodstock gave people around the world hope, which is why I think it remains relevant today.”

And they’re attempting to do it again this year, fifty years on. ‘For Woodstock 50, we’re supporting causes that represent the issues of our times… but our call to action is timeless. Stand with us. Make a difference. Help heal the planet and the people living on it’

We can’t disagree with that - read more here

Enjoy a planet friendly festival this summer..

Peace Out.

Jo