…that I cherish, from le voyage créatif. Find marte marie’s shop here, and her beautiful blog here.

…from br.wn clothes, wrapped in a discontinued pattern. Isn’t it lovely? So lovely that I can’t make myself open it yet. But I will, and then I’ll show you what’s inside.

Mes amis, do you remember last year I wrote a post asking for childrens clothes on behalf of  House of Orange, the agency that represents my styling portfolio here in Holland? The request for clothes was for their charity organisation – Orange Babies – which works tirelessly to help HIV infected women and their children in Africa. To jog your memory, click here to read my original post about it, and also the post with the postcard  photographs (pictured below) we made displaying some of the clothes sent in, featuring some seriously sweet local amsterdam kids…

I’m pleased to let you know that the clothes made it to the children in Namibia and House of Orange wrote all about it on their blog last month. They wrote a post about each of the 6 days they spent there, including the day they held a little fashion show for the kids. There are heaps of photos, and the posts are inspiring and very moving. Click here to read them all, and be sure to scroll down to the end of the page to start with so you can read the days events chronologically.

It’s wonderful to see and read the results of this special project  – to know that the clothes that were sent in have made it to their destination. 3 cheers for House of Orange and Orange Babies, and thank you again to all who sent in clothes.

xx

Back in July, when I found the beautiful photography portfolio belonging to Australian photographer Olga Bennett, I was intrigued and inspired by her images (seen here above and below) of fashion stylist Kim Kneipp a.k.a the sustainable stylist. Doing a little research online, I soon discovered that Kim and I share the same passion and ethos – we are both striving for sustainable style in our everyday lives with the hope to inspire others to consume less. But while my work and focus leans toward interiors and homewares,  Kim’s focus is fashion. She not only works as a personal stylist  – which includes teaching you to “shop your own closet” (love this idea!), accompanied shopping trips, colour & style consultations, and tailored alterations –  but Kim also facilitates sustainable design workshops, teaching people how to refashion their tired garments into fabulous new ensembles. The idea is that you bring a suitcase to the workshop packed full of old favourites that you are no longer wearing, and for 3 hours or so, you  “unpick, drape, reconfigure and rework your old friperies.”

I love the idea of these workshops, it is something I’ve been looking for for years in fact. The sustainable stylist workshops are currently held on Saturdays in Daylesford and Trentham in Central Victoria, Australia where Kim has recently set up home having moved from Melbourne. Click here to find out dates and times. I’ll definitely be going along next time I’m in Oz…

more gorgeous photos of Kim and her home, photography by Olga Bennett

Kim has also started a blog and although it is only a few months old, it is already filled with lots of great tips and ideas. I’m so excited to have found her, and I can’t wait to see more from her in the months to come.

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For more information and contact details for the sustainable stylist, click here.

All images in this post are by Olga Bennett, click here to view her full portfolio.

Tomorrow evening,  ilovevintage here in Amsterdam is hosting a “miniature” exhibition in their beautiful new boutique on the Prinsengracht – for those who have Amsterdam: Made by Hand, you will find ilovevintage gracing pages 42-45.

There will be miniature handmade illustrations between 1 and 20 cm on display by two artists, based on the theme “woman”, along with music, performances, and fashion shows. Sounds like a fun night – doors open at 7pm, programme starts at 8pm. I’m going to try to go as I haven’t been to one of their exhibitions yet, and I remember when I interviewed the owner Faranak for my book, she was describing all the new ideas they had for the new store –  these special event nights being one of them.  Perhaps I’ll see you there!

When? Friday, august 27th
Where? ILV Atelier boutique. Prinsengracht 201, Amsterdam