Your Yearly Small and Sustainable Brand Gift Guide

Hello!! Can’t believe it’s that time again, but I’m back with your yearly gift guide for small and sustainable brands. Add them to your own xmas list or treat your loved ones to something from the below brands. I’ve grouped them by the friends you’ll find in your life; the ones obsessed with interior design, with colourful statement clothes, or with comfy loungewear, plus much more. You name it and I’ve pretty much thought of a gift for that kind of friend. So, read on, get gifting and have a very merry lovely festive season you big ol' babes. 

For The Colourful Babes:

Picture this - your friend is never seen in neutrals. She loves expressing herself through colour, pattern and print and her fave insta babes are Marianne Theodorson and Zeena Shah.

1. Pickles Knitwear 

 

Handmade with love, pickles knitwear combines traditional slogan tees with hand-knitted pieces; resulting in funky knitwear adorned with slogans, pop culture references, art and kitsch icons. My favourite piece is the ‘hot girls eat veg’ vest, seen below! I c o n i c.

 

 

2. Wiggle By Wendy Pyjamas  

 

Wendy Lowe has created some of the most fun pyjamas I have literally ever seen. Wiggle by Wendy brings you ‘joy through wiggly lines’ and I’m gonna go ahead and second that. Ethically made in the UK, this slow fashion brand doesn’t make boring pyjamas. Oh no, they make wiggly, pink and green beauties - perfect for festive sleepovers with your gal pals. Because you’re never too old for a fun pair of PJs. Get 10% off this beaut brand using the code: Luciejenbea10.

3. Grandpas Shirts 

 

Another one for wiggle fans! Grandpas shirts upcycle vintage men's shirts and jazz them up with ric-rac, ruffles and bows. They’re extra and they’re perfect for party season. Pair them with a slouchy pair of jeans and converse for the ideal Sunday roast outfit, or a silk slip skirt and your sparkliest heels for a Christmas party.

 

4. Katie France London 

 

Lovers of pink and colour, look no further than Katie France goodies to gift. Her slogan is ‘more colour more joy’ and the pieces are certainly joyful. Made to order to your desired size, the brand is size-inclusive as well as centring itself in slow design and production. I particularly love the pink quilted gilet! You can get 10% off using LUCIE10.

 

 

5. ByAmyNicole Trousers 

 

You’ve seen the Saks Potts trousers that took over Instagram, but here’s a slow fashion, made to order version for you to set your sights on. Available in a selection of citrus and berry colours, they’re the perfect pair of party trousers. Style them up for new year celebrations no matter where you’re headed. Grab a 10% discount with GIFTGUIDE10 too.

For the Comfort Lovers:

The sporty spice of your friendship group - the streetwear lover or the Netflix fan. They prioritise comfort over colour or pattern and love nothing more than something snuggly to wear on a cold day, whether they’re in or out of the house. 

1. Sustain Sportswear 

 

Nothing makes me want to wear a tracksuit 24/7 than cute sustainable jogger sets. Office appropriate? Probs not. Christmas WFH appropriate? Absolutely. For that reason, you can count me in. That and the fact that the Sustain Sportswear sets are made in limited runs and printed onto soft, organic cotton sets. Use LUCIE10 at checkout for 10% off too. 

2. Hermit Pyjamas 

 

If you’re after the comfort of 100% cotton pyjamas, but prefer a more subtle, low-key design, Hermit have got you covered. Fresh white luxury cotton, crisp scallop collars and adorable piping. Repurposed from old hotel bedsheets, this is one of the best brands we’ve seen repurposing waste materials. LUCIE10 will get you 10% off too!

3. Emilie Flora Scarves 

 

A slightly more colourful option, but mostly just comfortable, warm and cosy. Emilie Flora hand-makes woollen scarves (and totes and cushion covers too). I honestly can’t decide which pattern I like best - but the mushroom knit is too cute! They’d make a fab gift and you can pick from a whole range of colours, meaning you can tailor the gift for the recipient. You can get 10% off the scarves using LUCIE10.

4. Blonde Gone Rogue 

 

Comfort is really at the core of what Blonde Gone Rogue do. If you’re looking for comfortable, sustainable pieces that will be worn time and time again, check them out. All pieces are upcycled or organic, meaning you can choose from a whole selection of guilt-free gifts from this B-Corp certified business.

 

5. The Norah Store 

 

The Norah Store are a one-stop-shop for small and sustainable brands, but my gift recommendation from them are their Siberian slippers. Can you imagine kicking back on the sofa tucking into your xmas choc while your feet are in the softest slippers ever? Bliss. I’m in.

For the Vintage Obsessed:

Secondhand does not mean second best, and whether your pal loves vintage-inspired pieces or genuine vintage, here are some great brands to look at for presents. Choosing pre-loved also means gifting something unique and special, which makes the perfect present in my eyes!

1. Margot and Lux Vintage 

With a brand new shop that's just opened in Manchester recently for those nearby, Margot and Lux have a selection of the nicest vintage pieces I've seen. Quirky knitwear, vintage boots and 90s leathers are pieces your loved ones will look after for life. LUCIE10 will get you 10% off in store and online - yay!

2. Jubilique

Based in my hometown of Norwich, I'm lucky enough to have Jubilique on my doorstep. With pieces that range from the 60s-90s, there's something to suit everyone - whether they prefer subtle pattern jumpers, retro print dresses or vintage handbags, Jubilique has you covered. GIFTGUIDE10 will secure you a 10% discount too! 

 
 

3. Mad Brown Knitwear

Another Norfolk-born business, Maddy Brown repurposes pure wool vintage Aran jumpers; repairing and repurposing them to give each piece a new lease of life. Each jumper is different, with coloured wool knitted into the jumpers, making them one-of-a-kind.

 

 
 

4. Alchemy London

 For fans of vintage, the Livia Suit by Alchemy London is an amazing choice. The cut is so flattering and so are the colours - it's a piece the recipient will reach for time and time again. Personally, I love the sage green Athena set. It would look incredible paired with some vintage pointed boots. 

 

5. Asime Clothing 

These dresses aren't vintage, but the designs will please any vintage fan. Ginghams and joyful prints combined with tiered silhouettes are made even better by the small-scale production Asime work with, making the brand an easy, ethical choice. It's not just womenswear either, you can shop unisex and menswear too!

For the Interior Stylists

Spending time at home over the pandemic has really brought the interior designers out in some of us. Choosing to decorate your house to reflect your personal style is pretty standard now, with so many of us desperate to get our hands on mushrooms lamps, swirly cushions, mid-century tables. But, there are some who've really taken to designing their homes and here are some brand recommendations just for them.

 

1. Harriet Says Hi

Keep your home cosy over winter with a statement tufted rug from Harriet Says Hi. She'll be at the South London Maker's Market at Selfridges this Christmas, so if you're looking for a statement gift, make sure to visit and secure one for yourself or a loved one. 

 

2. Dave Rowsell Prints

One of the most talented dot artists I've seen, Dave makes pop culture risograph prints which make the perfect gift. I know - I've gifted some myself and they've always gone down a treat! Personally, I love the coffee print on pink paper. Grab that print here.

  

 

3. Bloh Candles

Another South London Makers Market attendee, if you're stopping by Selfridges on the hunt for some Christmas gifts between the 1st-5th December,  you'll be able to see the Bloh London candles in real life. Not your average candle, these striking pieces are more like art than candles - just take a look.  

4. Eva Malley Art

If your friend is a fan of colourful art and illustration, look no further than Eva Malley's prints.  Her fun art is available on phone cases, t-shirts or good old fashioned prints to frame and hang on the wall. Her stickers are a really nice stocking filler to include with other presents too! 

 

  

5. Norfolk Retro

For midcentury pieces, at totally affordable prices - Norfolk Retro has got your back. A curated selection of vintage furniture that's on show in store in Norwich, or available online. For Ercol, cane and quirky pieces (think decorative mantlepiece dogs), take a look at Norfolk Retro's Instagram.

For the Jewellery Magpies:

For some friends, jewellery is always a good choice for a present. Timeless pieces or kitsch pieces, I've got some brands below to help you find the perfect gift for your magpie friends. Choose a few pieces to stack up or opt for a statement piece to gift alone.

1. Seol Gold

Seol Gold offer sterling silver, gold vermeil, and 9ct gold pieces that your lucky friend will reach for every day. Choose a few statement rings or necklaces to help create an easy jewellery look that's trendy but can stand the test of time.  LUCIE10 will get you 10% off. We love to see it.

 

2. Mont Jewellery

With a selection of pieces under £100, Mont Jewellery have many beautiful earrings that would make the perfect gift. If you've got a slightly larger budget or just fancy treating yourself,  their necklaces are stunning and would be a breathtaking present for somebody important. 

 

3. Charlotte May Studio

 Something more fun than classic gold pieces, Charlotte May Studio make colourful glass rings, fruity earrings and joyful beaded necklaces that are perfect for layering. Treat your pals to a couple glass rings for the perfect Christmas present.

 

4. Poppy Lewis Studio

A fab little stocking filler and ideal present for your best friend. Get creative and design a custom bracelet, with a word of your choice. Go for a star sign, their name or just something they love! Mine would say Pasta <3 for sure, haha!   

5.  Bloma

I would recommend Bloma until I'm blue in the face. The designer, Georgia is lovely and her pieces are so special. The beaded creations are the kind of present you open and want to put on immediately.  Wear them with a simple hoodie to brighten the greyest day, or to a Christmas to New Year do for something fun and festive! The code, lucie10 will get you 10% off, with a minimum spend of £15. Ends 02/01.

For the Stocking:

If you've secured most of your presents, but still want some pieces your friends and family will love, here are a couple of ideas for stocking fillers. They may be small, but they're certainly not lacking in beauty or wow-factor. Even better - they're all from small, independent businesses. So no tat that'll sit unused or unloved here. What's not to love? 

1. Hanga

Hand-woven bags that you can use to bring colour to an outfit or just carry your goodies home from the shop. Available in a range of sizes, Tor hand knots the bags from home. Knot only that (see what I did there?) but, she also makes cute plant hangers too - which would make a lovely gift paired with a small potted plant. LUCIE10 will get you 10% off until Christmas. 

2. Lily Em Knit

 You might have already seen Lily's beautiful balaclavas over on my Instagram. A trend I can definitely get behind - cosy, warm and stylish! Lily makes custom colourways or you can choose from her pre-designed ones. She offers wool, alpaca and mohair and you can grab them from her Etsy page here. Use LUCIE10 for 10% off too!

 

3. Pantee

Repurposed from t-shirts that are destined for landfill,  Pantee create some of the softest skivvies known to man. I've got a pair of the turquoise/teal and the bra is so comfortable it feels like you're not wearing one! Owned by sisters Amanda and Katie, they're also some of the loveliest people I've met on insta! Secure a 10% discount with LUCIE10.

4. Rue Clotilde

 If you're a slow fashion fan like me or are gifting somebody that is - this is the perfect stocking filler! The tote is big enough to pop your laptop and essentials in, meaning you can use it every day. Practicality is essential to consider if you're shopping sustainably. Grab free postage with the code freeshipping.

5. Beaded Babe Phone Charm

A cute insta-friendly stocking filler; the phone charm. I have one and it saved my phone from being dropped a number of times - sensible as well as stylish. Beaded babe also offer a lot more than just phone charms, so if you're looking for a few beaded bits to gift to a babe in your life - look no further!

6. Cro-che Hat

Crochet is not just for summer. If it's good enough for Dua Lipa to style for A/W, it's good enough for us. Pairing it with a leather jacket like this looks so fab. Whether you're gifting it or keeping this one for yourself - you're gonna love it! 

I hope this guide has given you some suggestions for small or sustainable gifting options this xmas. If you buy something - let the brand know you came from here - it's helpful for both of us to know who's been reading and which brands you like best, so I can suggest more of the same! 

Let me know in the comments which small biz gifting suggestion you liked best. 

 How to Shop Mindfully 

With all the temptations of social media and online shopping, it can be hard to resist the urge to splurge. Sometimes, you can feel as though you need a wardrobe refresh. You might have, for example, changed sizes, perhaps your style has evolved, or, you just need a new basic top, jumper or pair of jeans. In these instances, you might need to buy something new (or new to you). So, how do you ensure you’re taking steps to be more mindful about your shopping habits and garments you purchase?

I would always recommend looking for items secondhand, first. However, if you can’t find a preloved version of what you’re looking for and need to buy new, here are some good rules to follow to ensure you’re shopping mindfully - especially when it comes to high street or fast fashion brands. 

Buy only what you need and don’t succumb to impulse purchases and you’re already on your way to becoming a more mindful consumer. Here are my tips/guidelines to follow:

Will you wear it over and over?

Before buying something, think about the ‘30 wears rule’. This is actually more of a guide than a rule, but it means that you’ll wear the item 30+ times, therefore justifying it as a worthwhile purchase. If you think you’ll only wear it once, it’s not a mindful purchase. Instead, you could borrow or rent something similar from a friend or peer to peer rental service - especially if it’s for a specific event like a wedding or birthday. 

Single wear outfits, for example for a wedding, christmas day or your birthday, generate the same amount of CO2 as 56 million cars do in a day. That’s an incredible amount of CO2 to manufacture and deliver something that only gets worn once.

Can it be styled multiple ways?

If you’re shopping for basics or wardrobe essentials, you know it can be worn time and time again, but, if you’re shopping for a trend-driven piece, make sure it has the longevity to stay in your wardrobe for years to come, not just for the duration of the trend. There are ways you incorporate trends into your wardrobe without limiting the way you can style the item. For example, if there’s a certain print or colour that’s trending, try and find an item that incorporates the trend while also being wearable, e.g. zebra jeans, a bright pink jumper or a green handbag. 

Try to style the item in 5 different outfits in your head before buying and think how the item can be worn seasonally. Can it be layered? Will it look good with flats and heels? Could you tuck it into jeans or wear it with tights? Try and figure these things out before buying something just because it looks good on the website.

Do you already own something like it?

Everybody is drawn to a certain style, fit or colour of items. We know what suits us, and we tend to gravitate towards similar garments and ‘safe’ styles. However, that can mean that sometimes we end up looking at items that are similar to clothing we already own. 

To avoid purchasing something similar to items you already own, you can use a wardrobe digitisation app such as Whering to take photos of your wardrobe and log your belongings. This way, you can view your wardrobe in the palm of your hand and you’ll be able to quickly tell if there’s a gap in your wardrobe for the new item or not. If you don’t already own a grey sweatshirt for example, but think you’d wear one regularly, then you’re choosing to buy more mindfully, knowing there’s a gap in your wardrobe for it and it’ll pass the 30 wears rule.

Is it an impulse buy or do you genuinely need it?

Trends can suck us in with clever marketing, styling and sales. They entice us to buy into trends, even though they may not be aligned with our personal style. Trends make us feel a part of something when it comes to fashion, and feed into our desire to be seen as stylish or ‘on-trend’. Retailers know this, which is why they produce clothes so quickly in order to stay relevant and on trend with what consumers are shopping for. 

Make sure you aren’t drawn into buying something impulsively and instead think ‘Do I actually need this?’. Refer back to the 30 wears rule, take a look at how the item can be styled multiple ways and again, think if you already own something similar. If you can hand on heart come to the conclusion the piece is unique, wearable and durable then the item may be worth purchasing. If not, don’t buy it.

A good way of working out what you actually need is assessing your wardrobe and keeping a note in your phone that has a list of items you genuinely need. This way you can tick off items you need and have planned ahead for, rather than impulse buying. 

The list might be something like:e

• Black straight leg jeans (current ones are too small)

• Thick winter coat (with hood - don’t have a hooded coat)

• Dressy top (bust is too low on ones I have l already)

Can you wait and come back to it in a few days?

Sometimes it’s good to take a step back from an item and leave it for a few days to see if you’re still thinking about it. Impulse buys are easy to fall victim to, and taking a step back can ensure you still want the item after some time has passed - indicating it’s the item you like, rather than the price point (especially if it’s on sale), or a trend that may be fleeting. 

With secondhand shopping, it can be hard to wait a few days with items as they may be sold within that time, but refer back to the note on your phone we mentioned earlier and if it’s not something filling a gap in your wardrobe and looks as though you may not get 30+ wears out of it, it’s ok to leave it behind. You might feel as though you’re missing out, but it’s important to shop mindfully and consume mindfully, even if it’s secondhand. 

DM me over on @luciejenbea on instagram if you have any further tips, or want any advice on how to grab second hand pieces and opt for more sustainable purchasing habits! 

 Sustainable fashion should not be exclusively for straight-sized womxn.

Brands which don’t accommodate for those over a size 14 are not inclusive and do not provide a sustainable alternative to fast fashion ‑ meaning those who are “plus-sized” are forced to shop fast fashion, as those are the brands that accommodate them.

It is the responsibility of brands to make sure they are accessible for all sizes and are inclusive for womxn who are the average size in the UK ‑ which is a size 16. If you aren’t making clothes for the average size in the UK, you’re exclusive and discriminatory and in 2021, you need to do better.

Thin womxn should not be the gatekeepers of sustainable fashion. It may be more expensive for you to produce a wider size range but if you’re an established brand, these are costs you need to consider. If you cannot afford to be inclusive, then perhaps you aren’t ready to start a brand yet.

Here are some brands that get it right and cater for size 16+. A lot of them are made to order so can create something special that fits you like a glove ‑ just message them!  Also, if I’ve missed anybody or you have suggestions, please let me know and i’d love to add them on.

Rhi Dancey

Offers up to 3XL. Also offers custom sizing to your requirements and specifications.

Visit website.

With Love Evie

Caters for those with disabilities with inclusive, disability aware design and offers up to a UK 18.

Visit website.

Fulla Love

Offers up to a UK 18/XL.

Visit website. 

Studio Minti

Offers a selection of straight size and plus size garments, also offers custom creations to your specifications.

Visit website.

HissyFit Clothing

Offers up to a UK 20/22 or XL in most pieces, including trousers.

Visit website.

Lauren Chivers

Offers up to a UK 22/XXL or custom made pieces to your specific size and measurements.

Visit website. 

Tula and Tye

Offers up to a UK XL.

Visit website. 

The Make Studio

Offers custom sizing to fit your measurements and specifications.

Visit website.

Fast fashion is what most people believe fashion is. It's the fashion you can buy on the high street and what most people gravitate towards when they start to shop for their own clothes as a teenager. It's affordable, and often trend-driven, which means that even if you can't afford expensive clothes, you can still purchase clothes that represent your individual style. 

All this, however, comes at a price. Fast fashion is cheap because other people are paying for it. Be it through poor working conditions, the exploitation of garment workers, or forced labour picking the cotton that makes the clothes. 

Fast fashion pulls us in through low prices and is carefully marketed to us (specifically young women) as being stylish and sassy pieces for 'independent women' - think of Missguided, who's Instagram bio used to be 'committed to empowering all women' while they simultaneously rely on the exploitation of POC women to create the garments themselves. So much hypocrisy! Their bio has also since been changed... Ironic. Without researching or being exposed to sustainable or secondhand shopping via family, friends or the internet you might not even realise that fast fashion isn't the only type of fashion, and you also might not realise how damaging it is to workers or the planet.

So, how have influencers impacted fast fashion? 

Influencers have had a very significant impact on fast fashion, with many influencers collaborating with the top fast fashion brands to release their own lines. These are primarily straight-sized, white women, who've found fame on reality tv shows, or from YouTube or Instagram. Celebrities like Molly Mae-Hague are the perfect 'influencer' for working with fast fashion brands, because they aren't bothered by the impacts of fast fashion, and prioritise their own fame, success and wealth over the lives of others, which is what fast fashion brands rely upon. 

Before influencer culture erupted, brands would have to invest in traditional or digital marketing, which can vary widely in cost, and results - it can also directly compete against other fast fashion brands as they'd all be competing for the same billboards, google search ranking or social media advertising placements. 

Now influencer marketing is such a huge industry, influencers are providing a direct marketing tool for fast fashion brands and make it easier than ever to get clothes seen by potential consumers. 

A lot of influencers will also provide free promotion in exchange for garments, which means that the brand is getting advertising space and content almost for free, as the cost of the garments themselves would usually be under £2 to make (fast fashion brands do not pay a living or fair wage, which is why they are able to offer such low prices). 

In these circumstances, brands prey on young women's desire for status, free clothes and admiration from their peers and followers, and provide influencers with the chance to align themselves with a fashion brand that in their eyes is impressive. It's very easy to fall into this trap and feel flattered when a brand approaches you to promote something, but all influencers should be held accountable and responsible for what they post online - just like any form of traditional advertising has to adhere to advertising standards. 

By receiving free clothes which they then proceed to promote on their page, influencers are encouraging more sales from the brands they promote. Millennial women are the most likely to purchase off the back of an ad  or influencer post and this is the exact target audience fast fashion brands rely on. 

Without influencers, fast fashion brands, which operate solely online would not have experienced the success that they have. Brands like PLT, Missguided, Boohoo, InTheStyle all have 100's of influencers on their books, with micro-influencers offering the key to success - these are accounts with between 10,000-100,000 followers. This is because those with a larger following often have a lower engagement rate (less likes, comments, shares compared to number of followers) and their content can often be seen as in-authentic as they're no longer relatable or have an attainable lifestyle that regular people can afford to emulate.  

Here's an interesting report on influencers marketing stats. 

But, I'm technically an 'influencer' too, right?

I am technically classed as a micro-influencer due to the number of followers I have on social media. But, I like to think the way I influence people is different to the majority of influencers on social media. What sets myself and other slow fashion advocates and sustainable bloggers apart other fashion influencers?

For me, being a slow fashion advocate on Instagram means I can connect with other likeminded people who prioritise 'people first fashion'. That's fashion that considers the wellbeing and living standards of garment workers around the world before how cheap, stylish or appealing a piece of clothing is. 

There's a great community of slow fashion fans on Instagram and it's been so fun connecting with them all this year and sharing tips on how to shop more sustainably, how to cut down on clothing consumption, or how to flip and item of clothing and turn it into something else. 

Some brilliant sustainably minded but super fashionable grammers to follow are: @sashakathleeng, @izzy_manuel, @sustainthestyle, @annyahdeanna, @ashliebrombley, @yemagz ,@_kerrylockwood_, @nextwearer, @thatcurlytop, @charlbudgen and @theniftythrifter. These are the genuine, good influences you want in your life and on your feed. Not people that promote throwaway clothing. 

What needs to change? 

The future of fashion cannot be fast fashion. It's not sustainable and will continue to damage the planet irrevocably if people don't take a stand against it and demand change. In 2019, the fashion industry was the second-largest consumer of water and the second-largest polluter of water. That's a phenomenal effect on the planet and not in a good way! I'm proud to say I actively reduce my impact on the planet through shopping sustainably or secondhand - with the preference being on secondhand shopping. This is because secondhand items are already in circulation, and by shopping secondhand you increase the clothes lifecycle, rather than allowing them to go into landfill and become waste. 

Aside from the reduced impact my clothing habits have on both people and the planet, I also enjoy the excitement behind searching for secondhand pieces. They're unique, they tell a story and often you can find things for cheap that are brilliant quality. It's a privilege to be able to shop secondhand, and I recognise that. I am a straight-sized woman, not plus size, therefore I do not struggle to find things in my size. I also benefit from time privilege that allows me to spend hours trawling depop, vinted, ebay or swap groups for items that others may not have. Fast fashion is affordable and it is also quick, and for those that have no other choice but to shop there, they should do so. 

Unfortunately, fast fashion is not driven by those who are less fortunate or wealthy, it is driven primarily by the middle class with disposable income who can afford to shop elsewhere but choose not to. This is where education is so important, and through my social media platform, I hope to educate people on how to shop secondhand, where to shop sustainably and why it is so vital to reduce their new clothing consumption.