• 💜💜💜Just a reminder that all small businesses need your support right now, despite whichever algorithms, settings, or bias these online platforms may have! Every like, comment, save, share and purchase make a huge difference- so if you can see this post, feel free to give it a like! I’m also currently taking custom orders if there’s anything you fancy on the blufruit Etsy shop/ website 😉 Xx Charlotte-Mary. (Image description: Black text against a purple floral background with the words ‘small businesses like mine need your support!’). #supportsmallbusiness #smallbusiness #indiebiz #mycreativebiz #shopsmall #thinkbigshopsmall #indiemaker #slowfashion #handmade #supportlocal #buylocal #madewithlove #ethicalfashion #creative #mycreativelife #maker #smallbiz #smallbusinesssupport #shopsmallbusiness #shopsmallthischristmas #shoplocaluk #madeinengland #madeintheuk #handmadewithlove #etsy #btnetsy #etsysellersofinstagram
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    💜💜💜Just a reminder that all small businesses need your support right now, despite whichever algorithms, settings, or bias these online platforms may have! Every like, comment, save, share and purchase make a huge difference- so if you can see this post, feel free to give it a like! I’m also currently taking custom orders if there’s anything you fancy on the blufruit Etsy shop/ website 😉 Xx Charlotte-Mary. (Image description: Black text against a purple floral background with the words ‘small businesses like mine need your support!’). #supportsmallbusiness #smallbusiness #indiebiz #mycreativebiz #shopsmall #thinkbigshopsmall #indiemaker #slowfashion #handmade #supportlocal #buylocal #madewithlove #ethicalfashion #creative #mycreativelife #maker #smallbiz #smallbusinesssupport #shopsmallbusiness #shopsmallthischristmas #shoplocaluk #madeinengland #madeintheuk #handmadewithlove #etsy #btnetsy #etsysellersofinstagram
  • ✂️💜✂️ As today’s #shopethicalinstead challenge theme is ‘Make it last’, I thought I would repost this photo of some wash labels that go into most blufruit items. I always remember the Joan Crawford quote “Treat your clothes like the good friends they are.” when it comes to making clothes last- whether that means washing them with care, repairing them or even upcycling or customising them! Fast fashion has made people very complacent about the amount of work (and materials, energy, etc) that has gone into their clothing- making them easily throw these items away, which is why I started re-making in the first place! To think that people used to cherish their tailored clothing and even hand down important pieces, to the situation we’re in now where everything is disposable. Maybe if we respected our clothes a little more, the process of making and crucially the people who make them, we can change this throw away, fast fashion culture. And it can start as simply as washing your existing clothes a little more carefully. They’ll thank you for it! XxC-M. (Image description: A pile of white hand wash labels with the words ‘Handmade In England’ on them, on top of some black satin fabric). @shopethicalinstead #handmadewithlove #handmade #madewithlove #madewell #makeclotheslast #madetolast #slowfashion #fuckfastfashion #fastfashion #fastfashionsucks #whomadeyourclothes #ethicalfashion #upcycling #upcycledfashion #recycledfashion #madeinengland #madeintheuk #fashion #fashiondesign #shopsmall #smallbusiness #thinkbigshopsmall
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    ✂️💜✂️ As today’s #shopethicalinstead challenge theme is ‘Make it last’, I thought I would repost this photo of some wash labels that go into most blufruit items. I always remember the Joan Crawford quote “Treat your clothes like the good friends they are.” when it comes to making clothes last- whether that means washing them with care, repairing them or even upcycling or customising them! Fast fashion has made people very complacent about the amount of work (and materials, energy, etc) that has gone into their clothing- making them easily throw these items away, which is why I started re-making in the first place! To think that people used to cherish their tailored clothing and even hand down important pieces, to the situation we’re in now where everything is disposable. Maybe if we respected our clothes a little more, the process of making and crucially the people who make them, we can change this throw away, fast fashion culture. And it can start as simply as washing your existing clothes a little more carefully. They’ll thank you for it! XxC-M. (Image description: A pile of white hand wash labels with the words ‘Handmade In England’ on them, on top of some black satin fabric). @shopethicalinstead #handmadewithlove #handmade #madewithlove #madewell #makeclotheslast #madetolast #slowfashion #fuckfastfashion #fastfashion #fastfashionsucks #whomadeyourclothes #ethicalfashion #upcycling #upcycledfashion #recycledfashion #madeinengland #madeintheuk #fashion #fashiondesign #shopsmall #smallbusiness #thinkbigshopsmall
  • ‘Buy less, choose well’ is today’s #shopethicalinstead challenge theme 💚💙💜 Which is a great mantra when buying fashion. Although I tend to make slightly over-the-top and eccentric pieces (rather than simple basics), I like to think that the buyer is choosing something that represents their own taste and style and is getting an upcycled piece that will be loved and worn many many times. A great place to start also, if you want to inject a little colour and flare into your wardrobe- but are not sure where to start- is with accessories. Even the smallest elements of colour and pattern can make an outfit, and the great thing about accessories is that they can be worn with so many outfits! From upcycled scarves like this one, to shoulder bags, collars, hair bows and even face masks, I love to make low waste accessories that are as unique as their wearer and of course good for the planet too! XxC-M. (Image description: blufruit model Keilah, a slim mixed race woman is standing side on in front of a large pampas grass and looking up. She has an upcycled purple and cranberry scarf on that’s draped over her shoulder and worn with the lilac striped wrap dress. Both are from the current ‘Acid Lilacs’ collection on Etsy). @shopethicalinstead #upcycled #upcycledfashion #accessories #recycled #recycledaccessories #upcycledaccessories #purple #lilac #checkscarf #tartanscarf #slowfashion #ethicalfashion #handmade #handmadefashion #madewithlove #etsy #btnetsy #etsysellersofinstagram #autumn #aw20 #scarfseason #sew #sewing #sewistsofinstagram
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    ‘Buy less, choose well’ is today’s #shopethicalinstead challenge theme 💚💙💜 Which is a great mantra when buying fashion. Although I tend to make slightly over-the-top and eccentric pieces (rather than simple basics), I like to think that the buyer is choosing something that represents their own taste and style and is getting an upcycled piece that will be loved and worn many many times. A great place to start also, if you want to inject a little colour and flare into your wardrobe- but are not sure where to start- is with accessories. Even the smallest elements of colour and pattern can make an outfit, and the great thing about accessories is that they can be worn with so many outfits! From upcycled scarves like this one, to shoulder bags, collars, hair bows and even face masks, I love to make low waste accessories that are as unique as their wearer and of course good for the planet too! XxC-M. (Image description: blufruit model Keilah, a slim mixed race woman is standing side on in front of a large pampas grass and looking up. She has an upcycled purple and cranberry scarf on that’s draped over her shoulder and worn with the lilac striped wrap dress. Both are from the current ‘Acid Lilacs’ collection on Etsy). @shopethicalinstead #upcycled #upcycledfashion #accessories #recycled #recycledaccessories #upcycledaccessories #purple #lilac #checkscarf #tartanscarf #slowfashion #ethicalfashion #handmade #handmadefashion #madewithlove #etsy #btnetsy #etsysellersofinstagram #autumn #aw20 #scarfseason #sew #sewing #sewistsofinstagram
  • Hello Sunday 🙃 Today’s theme for the #shopethicalinstead challenge is ‘Give back’ 💜♻️💜 which reminded me of my ‘Re-Upcycling Service’ where customers can literally send back their used blufruit items- whether they’re damaged, no longer worn or just not suitable- to me, so I can re-use them again for another design/s. Not only does this mean that you as a buyer get a massive 50% off your next blufruit purchase, but it also means that, that item can be remade again and closes the loop a circular way. I love that I can do this because it’s much more friendly to the environment and I have no problem taking something I’ve made back if it’s no longer being loved. (Plus I love a challenge!).. If you have any questions about this service or would like to use it yourself- just send me a message! XxC-M. @shopethicalinstead (Photo description: Photo of an image from the website, with some floral fabric, scissors and measuring tape, next to a description of how to use the Re-Upcycle service). #circularfashion #blufruit #upcycle #upcycling #recycle #recycling #fashion #upcycledfashion #antifastfashion #saynotofastfashion #madeinengland #madeintheuk #ecofashion #greenfashion #slowfashion #mycreativebiz #supportsmallbusiness #buyhandmade #thinkbigshopsmall #discoverunder1k #makersgonnamake #studiolife #mumwhosews #maker #fashiondesigner #ecofriendly #ecofashion
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    Hello Sunday 🙃 Today’s theme for the #shopethicalinstead challenge is ‘Give back’ 💜♻️💜 which reminded me of my ‘Re-Upcycling Service’ where customers can literally send back their used blufruit items- whether they’re damaged, no longer worn or just not suitable- to me, so I can re-use them again for another design/s. Not only does this mean that you as a buyer get a massive 50% off your next blufruit purchase, but it also means that, that item can be remade again and closes the loop a circular way. I love that I can do this because it’s much more friendly to the environment and I have no problem taking something I’ve made back if it’s no longer being loved. (Plus I love a challenge!).. If you have any questions about this service or would like to use it yourself- just send me a message! XxC-M. @shopethicalinstead (Photo description: Photo of an image from the website, with some floral fabric, scissors and measuring tape, next to a description of how to use the Re-Upcycle service). #circularfashion #blufruit #upcycle #upcycling #recycle #recycling #fashion #upcycledfashion #antifastfashion #saynotofastfashion #madeinengland #madeintheuk #ecofashion #greenfashion #slowfashion #mycreativebiz #supportsmallbusiness #buyhandmade #thinkbigshopsmall #discoverunder1k #makersgonnamake #studiolife #mumwhosews #maker #fashiondesigner #ecofriendly #ecofashion
  • ‘All that glistens’ is today’s #shopethicalinstead challenge theme, which reminded me of this gorgeous fabric! 💫💜💫 It’s one of many fabric remnants I’ve collected over the years, so of course it’s been made into a few pieces 🙂 (-two of which are currently available on the Etsy shop!). I do love a bit of metallic print/ fabric and I’ve used them often in previous collections in different forms, because of course it’s super bold and super festive! XxC-M. @shopethicalinstead (Image description: A close up flat lay photo of some jersey fabric. It is covered in rows of abstract shape patterns with bright shiny gold, mint green, lilac and peach). #metallic #fabric #print #pattern #repeatedpattern #gold #handmadefashion #sew #sewistsofinstagram #slowfashion #oneofakind #ooak #uniquefashion #bold #boldisbeautiful #etsy #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram #fashiondesign
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    ‘All that glistens’ is today’s #shopethicalinstead challenge theme, which reminded me of this gorgeous fabric! 💫💜💫 It’s one of many fabric remnants I’ve collected over the years, so of course it’s been made into a few pieces 🙂 (-two of which are currently available on the Etsy shop!). I do love a bit of metallic print/ fabric and I’ve used them often in previous collections in different forms, because of course it’s super bold and super festive! XxC-M. @shopethicalinstead (Image description: A close up flat lay photo of some jersey fabric. It is covered in rows of abstract shape patterns with bright shiny gold, mint green, lilac and peach). #metallic #fabric #print #pattern #repeatedpattern #gold #handmadefashion #sew #sewistsofinstagram #slowfashion #oneofakind #ooak #uniquefashion #bold #boldisbeautiful #etsy #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram #fashiondesign
  • ‘Conscious consumer’ is today’s #shopethicalinstead challenge theme 💚♻️💚 which made me think about this post I saw on @sustainableish during the first lockdown here in the U.K. It’s reassuring to hear facts like this when you’re also trying to be more sustainable in not only the work you do, but your lifestyle as well! Over the last 2 years or so I’ve tried to make several changes at home to help reduce our waste and use of plastic. From making reusable wipes/cloths and choosing green energy sources, to re-filling bottles and buying loose fruit and veg locally, there are so many everyday changes we can make in order to be more sustainable. I think we’re lucky here in Brighton to have resources to help do these things, especially when it’s not always affordable for everybody- but the fact that more people are becoming aware of this is very encouraging. I hope people also start looking at the clothes they wear too and make changes to how and where they buy their fashion.Xx p.s. I’d also recommend using the search engine Ecosia instead of google, as it plants a tree every time you search for something! (Image description: A screenshot of a ‘Sustainablish’ Instagram post that says ‘Google searches for “How to live a sustainable lifestyle” have increased by more than 4550% over the last 90 days’). #sustainability #sustainable #ecofriendly #greenerlife #thereisnoplanetb #climatechange #eco #greenfashion #slowfashion #ecofashion #planetfriendly #upcycling #recycling #recycledfashion #upcycledfashion #thoughts
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    ‘Conscious consumer’ is today’s #shopethicalinstead challenge theme 💚♻️💚 which made me think about this post I saw on @sustainableish during the first lockdown here in the U.K. It’s reassuring to hear facts like this when you’re also trying to be more sustainable in not only the work you do, but your lifestyle as well! Over the last 2 years or so I’ve tried to make several changes at home to help reduce our waste and use of plastic. From making reusable wipes/cloths and choosing green energy sources, to re-filling bottles and buying loose fruit and veg locally, there are so many everyday changes we can make in order to be more sustainable. I think we’re lucky here in Brighton to have resources to help do these things, especially when it’s not always affordable for everybody- but the fact that more people are becoming aware of this is very encouraging. I hope people also start looking at the clothes they wear too and make changes to how and where they buy their fashion.Xx p.s. I’d also recommend using the search engine Ecosia instead of google, as it plants a tree every time you search for something! (Image description: A screenshot of a ‘Sustainablish’ Instagram post that says ‘Google searches for “How to live a sustainable lifestyle” have increased by more than 4550% over the last 90 days’). #sustainability #sustainable #ecofriendly #greenerlife #thereisnoplanetb #climatechange #eco #greenfashion #slowfashion #ecofashion #planetfriendly #upcycling #recycling #recycledfashion #upcycledfashion #thoughts
  • New items alert! 💚🎄💜 In case you haven’t seen in my stories, I’ve been adding some very special handmade pieces to the ‘Christmas Items’ section of the Etsy shop, including these super cute pin cushions and heart cushions 💓 So if you fancy adding something a little bit unique and eco friendly to your loved ones gifts this year- check them out 😉 and remember I also offer free UK shipping! XxC-M. (Image description: 6 different photos of handmade upcycled pin cushions and mini cushions in various colours. All of them have heart appliqué details on them). #handmade #upcycled #recycled #ecofriendly #pincushion #pincushions #ecochristmas #greenchristmas #ecofriendlygifts #upcycledchristmas #recycledchristmas #etsy #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram #handmadechristmas #smallbusiness #madewithlove #madeinengland #madeintheuk #sewistsofinstagram #sewist #sew #sewing #christmasgifts #christmasshopping #christmas #christmasdecor #heart #hearts
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    New items alert! 💚🎄💜 In case you haven’t seen in my stories, I’ve been adding some very special handmade pieces to the ‘Christmas Items’ section of the Etsy shop, including these super cute pin cushions and heart cushions 💓 So if you fancy adding something a little bit unique and eco friendly to your loved ones gifts this year- check them out 😉 and remember I also offer free UK shipping! XxC-M. (Image description: 6 different photos of handmade upcycled pin cushions and mini cushions in various colours. All of them have heart appliqué details on them). #handmade #upcycled #recycled #ecofriendly #pincushion #pincushions #ecochristmas #greenchristmas #ecofriendlygifts #upcycledchristmas #recycledchristmas #etsy #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram #handmadechristmas #smallbusiness #madewithlove #madeinengland #madeintheuk #sewistsofinstagram #sewist #sew #sewing #christmasgifts #christmasshopping #christmas #christmasdecor #heart #hearts
  • 💜💜💜 With today’s theme for the #shopethicalinstead challenge being ‘Pass on plastic’, I was reminded about the content of cotton and other natural fibres in the pieces I make. As I’ve written about this subject before, I do also use synthetic fibres in some pieces- in order to stop them going to landfill- however in an ideal world I would prefer to use materials that don’t contain these plastics, as I know there will be microfibres released when they’re washed (I’d personally recommend using a wash bag to catch the fibres, such as a ‘guppy bag’ which I use in my machine!). I also try to use vintage and preloved cotton where possible, especially with the mini blu children’s pieces because of skin sensitivity and frequent washing. Plus, when you’ve got a vintage cotton with a print as beautiful as this- why wouldn’t you want to keep it simple and show it off? 🙂 (Dungarees currently available on Etsy!). XxC-M. @shopethicalinstead (Image description: A flat lay photo of some super cute purple and white floral printed cotton children’s dungarees). #upcycledclothing #childrenswear #ethicalfashion #ethicalchildrenswear #recycled #recycledclothing #slowfashion #handmade #handmadeclothing #dungarees #childrensdungarees #purple #printedcotton #purpledungarees #floraldungarees
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    💜💜💜 With today’s theme for the #shopethicalinstead challenge being ‘Pass on plastic’, I was reminded about the content of cotton and other natural fibres in the pieces I make. As I’ve written about this subject before, I do also use synthetic fibres in some pieces- in order to stop them going to landfill- however in an ideal world I would prefer to use materials that don’t contain these plastics, as I know there will be microfibres released when they’re washed (I’d personally recommend using a wash bag to catch the fibres, such as a ‘guppy bag’ which I use in my machine!). I also try to use vintage and preloved cotton where possible, especially with the mini blu children’s pieces because of skin sensitivity and frequent washing. Plus, when you’ve got a vintage cotton with a print as beautiful as this- why wouldn’t you want to keep it simple and show it off? 🙂 (Dungarees currently available on Etsy!). XxC-M. @shopethicalinstead (Image description: A flat lay photo of some super cute purple and white floral printed cotton children’s dungarees). #upcycledclothing #childrenswear #ethicalfashion #ethicalchildrenswear #recycled #recycledclothing #slowfashion #handmade #handmadeclothing #dungarees #childrensdungarees #purple #printedcotton #purpledungarees #floraldungarees
  • I think that when something is made with love, because the person wants to make it- rather than having to make it- it shows. For today’s #shopethicalinstead challenge theme, ‘Handmade with love’ 💗✂️💗 I was also thinking about my (slightly obsessive) love of hearts! I’ve always drawn them, made them and worn them/liked the shape or print and when I first got into kitsch and kawaii styles, this became magnified! As well as being on my upcycled garments, you can also find them as Christmas cushions and upcoming pin cushions too 🙂. I think I’m also just drawn to this shape because of its positive associations, as well as it bold and beautiful shape! Remember, when you buy handmade items, you really are buying something that’s made with love.Xx @shopethicalinstead (Image description: 3 different photos of pink and red upcycled garments with heart appliqués on them, each one worn on models). @pascale_rosemary 💗@naturally_untamed 💗@itsfunso 💗 #hearts #madewithlove #pinkandred #redandpink #ihavethisthingwithhearts #handmadewithlove #handmade #handmadefashion #uniquefashion #upcycledfashion #recycledfashion #slowfashion #remade #ecofashion #greenfashion #kitsch #kawaii #pink #pinklover #pinkeverything #onwednesdayswewearpink #sewistsofinstagram #maker #etsy #etsyseller #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram
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    I think that when something is made with love, because the person wants to make it- rather than having to make it- it shows. For today’s #shopethicalinstead challenge theme, ‘Handmade with love’ 💗✂️💗 I was also thinking about my (slightly obsessive) love of hearts! I’ve always drawn them, made them and worn them/liked the shape or print and when I first got into kitsch and kawaii styles, this became magnified! As well as being on my upcycled garments, you can also find them as Christmas cushions and upcoming pin cushions too 🙂. I think I’m also just drawn to this shape because of its positive associations, as well as it bold and beautiful shape! Remember, when you buy handmade items, you really are buying something that’s made with love.Xx @shopethicalinstead (Image description: 3 different photos of pink and red upcycled garments with heart appliqués on them, each one worn on models). @pascale_rosemary 💗@naturally_untamed 💗@itsfunso 💗 #hearts #madewithlove #pinkandred #redandpink #ihavethisthingwithhearts #handmadewithlove #handmade #handmadefashion #uniquefashion #upcycledfashion #recycledfashion #slowfashion #remade #ecofashion #greenfashion #kitsch #kawaii #pink #pinklover #pinkeverything #onwednesdayswewearpink #sewistsofinstagram #maker #etsy #etsyseller #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram