Fashion Fix

Stylish yoga clothes

I have recently started a yoga class and I would like to buy some yoga clothes. I don’t want to wear the traditional track suit bottoms so is there any place where I can buy yoga clothes which are stylish and comfortable? Thanks, Liz

Hi Liz,

I spoke about yoga clothes in a previous question as it is something that comes up a lot. People often ask where they can get nice cotton yoga pants etc and you will find a few different styles of pants in the sports shops. In Kilkenny Elverys in Market Cross sell some nice black ones which have a good stretch. Some people prefer a stretchy fabric with lycra others prefer their yoga clothes tight fitting.

I think the main thing to remember is to try and choose pure cotton which will allow your skin to breath and organic cotton would be the ultimate choice.

People Tree is a fair trade fashion catalogue I have mentioned from time to time and they have some great yoga clothes available such as yoga cami tops, zipped jackets, and yoga trousers in various styles and colours. All the yoga clothes in the catalogue are designed by a yoga instructor from Tokyo which is a real plus and all are 100% organic cotton. These items are a little bit different and very wearable.

You can take a look yourself by logging onto www.peopletree.co.uk where you can also order a copy of their current catalogue. You can also read the blog of Safia Minney, the People Tree founder at www.ptree.co.uk/safia/

Enjoy your yoga.

Follow up to Fair Trade question

With this being Fair Trade fortnight (6-19 March) I thought this would be a good time to include a follow up to a question I was originally asked back in October (linked here) regarding where to buy fairly traded clothing. Since then I have found a couple of good online stores that might be of interest. The aim of Fair Trade fortnight is to increase consumer awareness of the Fair Trade mark and encourage people to purchase Fair Trade products where possible. You can see more Fair Trade information on this website: http://www.fairtrade.ie/

When purchasing on the Internet I differentiate between accessories – which are relatively easy to choose from, and clothing with possible sizing issues.

A couple of good accessory and clothing sites. “The Pink Planet” (www.pink-planet.co.uk) specialise solely in fair trade jewellery and accessories. I saw some nice jewellery with very simple designs and nice beaded chokers in jewel colours. “Help And Art”  (www.go-fair-shopping.com) mainly stock jewellery accessories and a small selection of clothing. “Ganesha” (www.ganesha.co.uk) sell accessories with a nice selection of bags, small selection of clothing.

For clothes have a look at “Hug” (www.hug.co.uk) who stock adults and children’s clothing. And “People Tree” (www.peopletree.co.uk) - a great choice of jewellery and clothing for both adults and children and a personal favourite of mine with some very trendy up to the minute designs. They are launching their spring/summer collection on 1st of March. People Tree show us that design of Fair Trade garments can be equal to the fashionable clothing found in mainstream retailers.

Fairly Traded Clothing and Jewellery

With all the talk about Kilkenny becoming a Fairtrade city for food is it possible for me to buy fairly traded clothes and jewellery? Sue K

Hi Sue,

There is a shop in Kilkenny that sells ethically sourced clothing. The Butterslip Boutique on the lane of the same name does a small selection of very unique clothing, jewellry and accessories.

Items are sourced from all over the world and include several ranges from small and artisan producers - look out for their embroidered silk handbags from Vietnam.

However it is possible to buy online with a wide choice of adult and children's clothing and accessories available. And these days design of fairtrade garments can be equal to the fashionable clothing found in mainstream retailers. Have a look at www.peopletree.co.uk - a personal favorite of mine for both adults and children.