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Meet the EKO Bumps!

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Everyone can enjoy EKO Sense clothing, but the collection is growing in popularity amongst a certain set of ladies.

The stretchiness and softness of the fabrics mean our clothes make great maternity wear.

EKO Sense’s marketing and PR peep Rachel is currently seven months pregnant and has been living in her Wrap Skirt, which ties neatly under her burgeoning bump. The Lazy Lizzie Tee is also proving event more effective than standard maternity tops in covering a growing tummy.

So Helen and Rachel caught up with some other EKO Bumps to try on EKO Sense goodies, consume cake and generally have a girly old time. Thanks to Vertigo in Truro for letting us take over their Rum Bar.

Our EKO Bumps testers are:

Angela Young, mum of two, 29 weeks pregnant and director of 100% Organics and Moonestates.com.

Angela sporting her favourite Suzyloo flick skirt, worn as a dress

Angela sporting her favourite Suzyloo flick skirt, worn as a dress

She said: “I’m now living in my teal Suzyloo Flick skirt.  Soooo comfortable, beautifully soft, with a fantastic elastic-free wide waistband that is comfortable but secure.

“The colour is stunning, the material feels lovely, I hugely approve of the its eco credentials, and I love the fact that it works as a babydoll dress as well as a skirt – my bump has never looked so glam.

“I’ve already ordered it in another colour as well.  This is an item I’m going to be wearing during pregnancy and well beyond, until it has holes in it.  And then I will be buying another one!  Why aren’t maternity clothes made like this?

“I really wish I had discovered EKO Sense before I bought any maternity clothes. I’m a proper convert, and will be ordering from the next range just as soon as it comes out. I can’t think of any other clothes that are more perfect for a day in the office followed by a long walk on the beach.”

Kirstie Newton, 28 weeks pregnant with her first, editor of Cornwall Today magazine.

Kirstie in the fabulous bump-covering Lazy Lizzie Tee

Kirstie in the fabulous bump-covering Lazy Lizzie Tee

She said: “There are many factors that commend Helen’s clothing to the pregnant woman – or indeed, any women. For starters, it wore well on all of us, despite not being maternity wear at all. Versatile styles and stretchy fabrics worked well over bumps, meaning that items would last long after pregnancy, hence saving money in the long run.

“The empire line Emily Jane dress is incredibly comfortable to wear – although pale quicksilver shade may not have been the best colour choice for a clumsy oaf like me, let alone for a mum with a messy baby. The organic cotton wrap skirt ties snugly under the belly, which I’ve heard is top style for Hot Mamas – I thought I was too old to qualify, but am willing to give it a go.

“I’ve been seduced by the idea of being able to support a Cornish company, and also of wearing something organic next to my skin. When I first found out I was pregnant, I rushed out to buy eco-friendly toiletries, lest chemical nasties be absorbed through my skin to pollute the new life growing within. My body became a temple – admittedly for about a week!”

Read Kirstie’s blog on EKO Sense.

Charla Symons, 34 weeks pregnant with her first, marketing and communications officer at not-for-profit company Totally Truro.

Charla in her Lazy Lizzie Tee plus Snug Bottom Wrap Trousers

Charla in her Lazy Lizzie Tee plus Snug Bottom Wrap Trousers

She said: “During these last weeks of my pregnancy, my number one priority is comfort, and I can clearly remember my initial reaction to trying on the Emily Jane dress and leggings – ‘this is the most comfortable I have ever felt’, I found myself saying, and suddenly I realised that maternity wear can look and feel good without compromising my style or taste in fashion.

“The Lazy Lizzie Tee is a must for all bump sizes. Unlike most maternity wear, it fits well over my bump and stays there!

“Post pregnancy, I am looking forward to using the Twisted Wrap as a cardigan over the top of nursing tops. The loose front will be great for convenience feeding when out and about with the front cross-over detail neatly hiding my post-pregnancy bulge.

“As well as getting a comfortable snuggly feeling from wearing the EKO Sense range, I also get that warm fuzzy feeling knowing I’m supporting a local environmentally friendly company producing exceptional high quality sustainable fashion – thank you Helen for making my pregnancy that bit more comfortable (and fashionable!)”

The EKO Bumps gang: Angela, Charla, Kirstie and Rachel

The EKO Bumps gang: Angela, Charla, Kirstie and Rachel

EKO Sense launches Spring Summer 2010 collection with Moroccan inspiration

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Cornish eco-friendly clothing company EKO Sense is relaunching its Spring Summer 2010 collection after an inspiring trip to Morocco.

Lazy Lizzie tee in charcoal with Suzyloo flick skirt in teal

Lazy Lizzie tee in charcoal with Suzyloo flick skirt in teal

Tams Twisted sports top with Dusk til Dawn wrap and laid back leggings

Tams Twisted sports top with Dusk til Dawn wrap and laid back leggings

Suzyloo flick skirt in striped with Lazy Lizzie tee in quiksilver - perfect shopping attire for exploring the medina

Suzyloo flick skirt in striped with Lazy Lizzie tee in quiksilver - perfect shopping attire for exploring the medina is re-launching its collection for Spring Summer 2010, fresh from an inspiring trip to Morocco.

EKO Sense’s founder, Helen Davies, and her team kicked off 2010 in style when they travelled to the small Moroccan village of Essaouira to shoot the brand’s new catalogue.

Helen said: “Our trip to Essaouira complements everything that I hope EKO Sense promotes; style, sustainability and a serene lifestyle.

“The unspoilt ethnic surroundings formed the perfect backdrop for the new Spring Summer catalogue, I felt truly inspired by Morocco and the lifestyle out there.”

EKO Sense was launched last year by Helen, aged 27 from St Just in Penwith. The designer returned to her home town after working as a fashion designer in London, to pursue her dream of owning an ethical clothing company.

The company has gone from strength to strength, having launched its website and online shop www.ekosense.co.uk in September 2009.

EKO sense is now stocked in over 15 different locations across the UK and Helen Davies won Entrepreneur of the Year in the Hub Awards 2009.

Helen adds said: “A healthy lifestyle and the concepts behind yoga acted as inspiration for this collection, and a number of garments are designed to endorse well-being.”

“Organic cotton and eco fibres such as bamboo and soya bean mean that each garment is kind to the skin, as well as being anti bacterial and designed for an active lifestyle.”

EKO sense will launch its revamped catalogue and website in March 2010. The collection can be viewed and bought online at www.ekosense.co.uk or by telephone: 0845 805 3917 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm).

Natural Remedies for Fighting the Winter Sneezes!!!

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Fight the Winter cough, sputters, sneazles and runny noses with some simple and natural rescue remedy recipes. Organic recipes that are tastey and cheap, cheerful and chemical free…..mmmm!

1. SORE THROAT

Antiseptic Sage + antibacterial properties of honey = a soothed throat (please find technical formula below)

rescue remedy

Step – by – step:

* Wash and dry sage leaves, place in a small pan and cover with enough honey to cover leaves and simmer for 1 hour and then allow to cool.

* Strain honey into a sterilized jar containing a sprig of sage.

USE – 1 tsp whenever needed to soothe sore throat. Perfect in hot water with a squeeze of lemon and to combat the cold and flu ickyness and keep for 6 months so will get you through these arctic winter months.

2. COUGHS

Sweet cherries + zingy lemon + magic honey = Happy chest and less spluttering

Picture 3Step – by – step

* Pop all ingredients into a pan covering with water and simmer for 30 mins, until cherries are soft.

* Remove from heat and strain out chunky bits and allow to cool, then pour into sterilized bottle.

USE: 2 tbsp to soothe and keeps for a week, so enough time to get lot of ZZZ’s and full recovery.

snowflake

Anyways….enjoy becoming your own chemist and using natural goodness to survive the winter months!

Helen

NEW EKO ACCESSORIES – Fair Trade Afghan Snuggly Slipper Socks

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

We have just received stock of some lovely hand made slipper socks which are hand knitted by women’s initiatives in Afghanistan and and a truly scrumptious and snuggly addition to the Winter wardrobe!

Winter warmer...

Winter warmer...

Eco Design Fair LONDON – come say hello!

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

EKO Sense will be packing up the van and heading to London soon for the Christmas ECO DESIGN FAIR @ The Truman Brewery so come and say hello…

Eco Design Fair

ON THE ROAD and touching down in the bright lights of London town soon!

We have lots of treats and special offers lined up and will be along side some gorgeous other eco brands like:

Om Padma – another Cornish company that sells fair trade and lovely spa and yoga bags, with some fun accessories available on the day! http://www.ompadma.co.uk/

PO-ZU – lovely ethical shoes…..http://www.po-zu.com/open.html

….and some other great things to see along the way:

Hopefully see some of you there…

Helen

Moroccan Road Trip – Inspiration for Spring Summer 2010

Friday, October 16th, 2009
Sundown in the Moroccan Rif Mountains!

Sundown in the Moroccan Rif Mountains!

The Spring Summer collection is coming along nicely and i just have to share my journey and images from Morocco which is the main inspiration behind the Spring Summer  2010 collection.

Over two weeks equiped with a backpack, 2 girlfriends, sketch book, notepad and of course a trusty Lonely Planet guide to Morocco we worked our way around the country from the laid back Atlantic coast, invigourating Rif Mountains, intense souks of Marrkesh and tranquility of the Sahara Desert!

Traditional moroccan achitecture

Traditional moroccan achitecture

1st stop Marrakech - We touch down in Marrekech and eventually find the most fantastic hostel which is a beautiful old Riad full of friendly faces and right in the middle of town http://tinyurl.com/yfo2pra . The main square is full of musicians, snake charmers, dancers and musicians in the day and by night transformed into a world of intense flavours, araomatic smells and hustle and bustle of night market traders…..and surrounded by dimly lit warm terrocota side streets….a true expolsion of the senses.

Transport by the infamous bone shaker bus and butt shaker camel

Transport by the infamous bone shaker bus and butt shaker camel

2nd stop road trip into the desert on the bone shaker – After meeting fellow travelers on day 2 we sign up to a desert extravaganza on a shoestring…invloving a rickety old bus, camel riding, bongos, Bob Marley CD and trusty tour guide who speaks just a little english! Highlights have to be the sunrise in the Sahara, camping out in Nomadic tents drinking sweet mint tea and attempting to play the bongos after a long and butt numbing camel ride into the desert, and lastly the road side bric-a-brac trinket stalls…truly fabulous.

Moroccan road side trinkets...

Moroccan road side trinkets...

3rd Stop Rif Mountains – The most tranquil and enchanting village Chefchuan set high in the Rif mountains…with all buildings painted white and blue, creating complete calm…with the evening calls for prayer which become the back drop to sunrise and sundown in the rif mountain village. If i were to recommend places not to be missed this would be top of the list, its raw, untouched and unspoilt and full of the the most fantastic textiles created straight from the loom.

Blue tranquility of Chefchuan

Blue tranquility of Chefchuan

4th Stop Essouira on the Atlantic coast and inspiration to music legend Jimi Hendrix – Our final stop involving a night train from the Rif mountains to the coast and time to kick back and relax after a jam packed 10 days of sightseeing, on and off buses and clocking up serious miles going from place to place. The artistic capital of Morocco and best place for live music, beach bum lifestyle and great Hammans which was a real treat at the end of a long but fantastic Moroccan adventure.

Laid back atlantic coastal town of Essouira...

Laid back atlantic coastal town of Essouira...

The Spring Summer collection will reflect my  moroccan adventure and will keep you posted on developments!

Best wishes

Helen

Cornish designer launches eco-friendly clothing label

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

A talented Cornish fashion designer has launched her own range of eco-friendly clothing.

EKO Sense, designed by Helen Davies, launches its Autumn/Winter 09 collection this September.

The garments are made from sustainable fabrics and selected using the latest technology in eco-fibres – including bamboo fibre, soyabean protein fibre and organic cotton.

Helen, aged 26, has moved back to St Just, West Cornwall after a career in London as a fashion designer.

Her first collection is inspired by Cornish sculptor Barbara Hepworth, incorporating soft lines, drapes and twists into the designs.

“I’ve been working with organic and ethically-produced textiles since my final year at fashion college,” said Helen.

“Bamboo and soyabean fabrics are fantastic to work with because they are so soft and drape beautifully.

“Launching the EKO Sense Autumn/Winter 09 collection is incredibly exciting and the culmination of a lot of hard work.

“I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible young, creative and local people to bring this project to fruition. I hope people like it as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it.”

An online shop launches in September at www.ekosense.co.uk, with the collection available at a select number of retailers.

Bamboo fibre is considered a sustainable textile because the bamboo plant is quick growing and can thrive without the use of pesticides or herbicides. It is highly water absorbent and can pull water away from the skin, as well as holding antibacterial qualities, which makes it ideal for sports wear.

Soyabean protein fibre contains components that are antibacterial, healthy and nutritional to the skin, with the softness and smoothness of cashmere.

Production of the fibre emits few pollutants while the residues created from the process can be used as animal feed.
The full range will soon be available to view at www.ekosense.co.uk by downloading an electronic catalogue.