Well hello to you my reader chums! This past year, I've tried to take the step in living more sustainably and doing my part in trying to help the planet; it really is the little things that can help. I've made eco-friendly changes to my beauty routine, shared how to travel more sustainably and other lifestyle tips.

One thing that is hugely affecting the planet is fashion, fast fashion to be more precise. The type of clothes that are unethically made in the masses and sold cheaply worldwide. I used to be a shopping addict and spend excess money on clothes I really didn't need and I never actually thought about where they came from. However, in a bid to reduce my personal carbon footprint, I've taken a huge step back with my wardrobe and started to rethink my choices, spending habits, and how I can dress more sustainably.

Heiko Clothing is a sustainable clothing brand I saw on my Instagram feed and fell in love with their ethics and designs of their clothes straight away. When they offered to send me some items, I was so excited. They started the brand with one goal in mind - to bring an affordable eco-friendly and fashionable alternative to the market. The team at Heiko works closely with independent designers to create lovely pieces and aim to work together to save our planet. Amazing ethics to match some super cute clothes.

What did I think of Heiko Clothing?

The team at Heiko kindly send me two t-shirts which the prints 'plants are friends' and one with an ice cream cone, the earth being the ice cream to represent the damage being done to the planet. And, a tote bag with 'planet or plastic?' I'm a massive tote bag fan so when this arrived, you can imagine I was thrilled. I love how Heiko are representing the message about the planet on their clothing as it's a bold way to make people think.

I'm a sucker for a caption or printed tee and I definitely will be getting my use out of them, pairing the tops with denim skirts or jeans and a cosy cardigan over the top in the autumn months. The texture of the tops is well made and I know it's going to last through wash after wash, due to the material.

A lot of sustainable brands I come across are really expensive, however, at Heiko, it's the same sort of prices I spend in Topshop - so I think it's much better to invest in a brand with better morals for the planet than a larger corporation.

If you're looking to shop more sustainable or make eco-friendly choices when it comes to your wardrobe, here are a few ways to dress more sustainably:

• Second-hand shopping - I've been doing this a lot lately and utilising Depop as much as possible. The temptation out there for high street shopping is unreal, however, when I scroll on Depop, my high street is already there. People are selling clothes that have barely been worn for half the price so it's a no brainer really. Also, charity shops, Gumtree, and Facebook marketplace are great places for some second-hand clothes.
• Do your research into clothing shops - A lot of big companies 'greenwash' which means they claim to be eco-friendly with what they're selling but if you dig a little deeper, their clothes aren't actually ethical. Research into the companies, what they stand for, and how their clothing is being made - and invest your money correctly.
• Invest in sustainable clothing - You don't need every cute top you see on the market as much as you think it'll look good on Instagram (I'm terrible for doing this.) But, instead,  try and buy more versatile pieces from sustainable brands. They may cost more, but in the long run, they'll last a lot longer and you won't be needing to pick up new clothes as often (shoutout to Heiko Clothing here.)
• Rework your wardrobe - I can guarantee you have pieces in your wardrobe that you have and don't wear ever - I know I do. And, it's these pieces that you can utilise and style in different ways to make a whole new outfit.
• Clothes swap with friends and family - We all have at least one friend of similar clothing size to us so instead of repurchasing a new outfit for a night out, shop in their wardrobe, and they can do the same with you. It'll be a new look because you haven't worn it before and it'll save you money.
• Make new clothes - If you're feeling really creative, one of the best ways to be sustainable is by making your own clothes or altering pieces you already have in your wardrobe. I've seen this a lot on Instagram lately and I think it's so inventive and fun too.

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Autumn is well and truly here. As much as I'm a summer baby, there's something about autumn that warms my heart. The oversized jumpers, cosy nights in, neverending cups of hot chocolate, the lead up to Christmas, and dark lipstick screams autumn in so many ways. 

With a change in season, means a change in how I dress and the products I reach for more often. Here is a look at my autumn fashion and beauty staples. *This post features gifted products and affiliate links.*

Oversized jumpers

I have the biggest jumper collection ever and when autumn strikes, I love having the chance to sift through and rock some of my favourite jumpers - and add a couple more to the collection. Nothing can beat, chucking on a huge jumper with jeans and boots. It's cosy, it looks super cute and I just love them. I especially love any jumpers of autumn colours; browns, oranges, mustards etc.

Blanket scarves 

You won't find me rocking an autumn outfit without a blanket scarf. I like to wrap it around my neck, use it as some sort of cover on my shoulders or actually use them to warm my legs up when I'm in the office. They're such a simple accessory but can easily make a statement, especially if I'm wearing a monochrome outfit; the scarf can add that pop of colour.

Rings 

I've never been someone who has been a jewellery person, however, it's something recently, I'm trying to work on more to accessorise my outfits properly. As in autumn, my arm and neck area is usually covered my jumpers, scarved or coats, it's not the season for bracelets and necklaces - but rather for earrings and rings. 

I've been gifted the most beautiful ring from Daisy Jewellery and it's become my new favourite accessory. It's a silver ring with the daisies all around it. The ring adds the subtlest bit of colour to my hands and pairs really well with my Pandora ring. I also love how it's not too over the top in design, the simplicity bodes with my style really well.

Body Shop's pear hand cream

I get the driest hands as soon as the colder weather comes around and that means my stash of hand creams are dug out. My favourite hand creams are the Body Shop. I've used their hand creams religiously for years and my favourite has to be their pear one. When they launched it last year, I bought loads of tubes and will be continuously carrying one in my handbag.

Dr Paw Paw balm

I've loved Dr Paw Paw for years. It's the most natural balm I could ever use and I love how it can be used to moisturise all over the body. I like to use it on my lips the most as it's the only product I've found which really moisturises my lips, especially when they're chapped. The balm has no scent, has the silkiest texture on my lips and the soft feeling lasts forever.

Like It On Top, Lip Scrub Protection

My lips get really chapped when the weather is colder and having a good lip scrub is the perfect remedy for that. I recently received this scrub in my Roccabox and I've fallen in love with it. The scrub has the most beautiful lemon scent and when I scrub my lips, it's literally like putting a lemon cake all over my lips. It's yummy, scrubs well and the scent is to die for.

Red and berry lipsticks

Autumn means my favourite lipstick season. I absolutely love to wear a pop of colour on my lips when the cooler weather hits. It's the best way to dress up an outfit and really adds something to a neutral makeup look. My favourite red lipsticks are Nars 'Cruella' and Mac's 'Russian Red' and I love Mac's 'Diva' as my favourite berry tone.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What are your autumn staples?

Thank you for reading <3