Ethical Fashion Find: Patriotic Style

Patriotism on the back of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee tour and Olympic fever has hit an all-time high, which is delightful to see. In the spirit of all things Blighty, I'm sharing my top three ethical pieces that are inspired by, or made in, Britain (and if you're lucky, a bit of both).

Nancy Dee Brooke Dress in Jubilee

Ever the maestros of jersey, the ladies from Nancy Dee do not disappoint with this Brooke dress. Featuring their exclusive absract Jubilee print in blue, red, white and taupe, it is lovingly cut from bamboo and organic cotton in a classic tea dress style with a flared skirt and fitted body. I'd recommend teaming this with simple and chic jewellery from a brand like Made and platform wedges from Olsenhaus.

 

People Tree Cycling Mini Dress

Motifs and illustrations are definitely in this season, with everything from owls to moustaches. Embrace a motif with meaning with this quirky Cycling mini dress from People Tree. Created following the brand's Circles of Hope competition, it represents the key countries it has worked with over the last 20 years and aptly reflects the success Team GB had in the cycling events. Wear it with tights or jeans and ethical sneakers from Ethletic.

 Hattie Rickards for Made Bone Circle Pendant

In the spirit of the many many medals won at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and a record number of golds for the Brits, it would be wrong of me not to include a gold pendant. This Bone Circle Pendant was designed by Hattie Rickards for Made, a brand that creates stunning jewellery in partnership with craftspeople in developing countries and uses bone that is a natural by-product of the food industry in Kenya.

One To Watch: Nancy Dee

The bosoms are bountiful, the waist is waspish and the hips are womanly this A/W season. Lara Stone caused a right rowdy reception at the Louis Vuitton show, proudly sashaying down the catwalk with her rather plentiful chest and brands such as Fendi and Dries Van Noten have followed suit. The likes of L'Wren Scott and Dolce and Gabbana have favoured the pencil skirt look instead but I am thrilled to announce that Retro Glamour is here to stay! For this season at least.

However, for the ethically minded consumer, where do we go for such beautiful shapes and echos of a bygone era? Well, it appears I have found the guiding light, the solution: Nancy Dee. Founded by sisters Tamsin and Seraphina Davis, Nancy Dee is an ethical womenswear label specialising in 'day to night jersey' garments. Painstakingly sourcing top quality jerseys from wide variety of natural, sustainable and organic sources such as bamboo, modal and soya, the girls believe versatility is the key.



"Our style is mainly inspired by retro shapes and prints - actually bold prints in exciting colours are a big part of the Nancy Dee look. The Autumn/Winter season is all about patriotic colours - think French Resistance and the forties with a bit of silent movie glamour thrown in too! You can expect pencil-skirted dresses, pussy-bows and a retro snowgoose print," says Tamsin.



I have to say that I am a huge fan of the Nancy Dee prints and always have been. Their rich colours give a luxurious feel and clever pleating and draping make their creations easy and comfortable to wear. The forties has come back with a bang!

"Ooooohhh Renéeeee!"

x