Being our first official journal for the year, we thought this would be an appropriate topic as here at L&O, we're setting our intentions on continuing to be as conscious as possible both at home, and in the way that we run this company.
As we have all witnessed the natural devastation unfold across the globe of late, it feels as if there's no better time for us to take stock of our ultimate voting power - where we choose to spend our hard earned money. Whether it be in the wardrobe department, our beauty cabinets or in the household products we utilise on a daily basis, there are easy ways we can all make a difference.
With that being said, we're firm believers in the fact that you can still be glam, even when you do give a damn. So along with sharing some of our ethical fashion, beauty and homeware must-haves, we're celebrating a few of our muses who each champion environmentalist action in their own unique ways, all whilst looking incredibly chic in the process.

Kirsty Hume is a longtime muse fo L&O - a 90s Super, Artist and Environmental Activist - read about her philosophy here. Get her glam look with our Olympia by Love and Object Annah Triple Hoop Earrings in Silver, here, with each piece being sustainably handmade to order.
BEAUTY
If you love skincare but you also care about waste, our furry friends and the environment, finding products that work for you can seem like a hard task. CC made the conscious decision to not use brands that were not cruelty free over 2 years ago which was hard at first, but once she knew where to look and did enough testing, she didn't turn back.
"Websites like CrueltyFreeKitty.com are great to refer to when shopping for products. Trial and error is just part of the journey so before you invest, read the reviews and ask for samples from your local makeup store. I waste less because I now research everything that I purchase so my skincare costs have actually decreased and so has my environmental footprint. It's a win win."
There are also great websites devoted to natural and environmentally friendly products that are based locally, such as Ohnatural.co.nz, and if you're a Mecca lover (let's be honest, who isn't?!) has a category on their website devoted to “conscious” products that feature brands which also produce active skincare.
Pictured below are CC's latest and greatest go-to's:
Snowberry Instant Deep Cleansing Oil
Gallinée La Culture Hydrating Face Cream
Korres Hydro - Biome Mask
Apot.Care Hyaluronic Pure Serum
Goldfaden MD Doctors scrub
CC's current skincare favourites which are all cruelty and paraben free, including two absolute must haves, Apot.Care Hyaluronic Acid Pure Serum and Gallinée La Culture Hydrating Face Cream.
FASHION
When we were founded six years ago, buying
vintage wasn't as popular as it is now and we are so glad that it has since become a staple in every astute fashion lover's wardrobe.
Not only is buying and wearing
vintage the most environmentally friendly way to shop, but we love that it also gives life to revered designs and artists of eras past, who must never be forgotten.
And as our much loved clients know, all of our own jewels from within our
Olympia family are handmade using sustainable antique wax cast techniques. Being handmade to order (whether for our direct clients or our beautiful stockists), we also minimise wastage by never making excess stock.
Liya Kebede has long been known for her passionate advocation within the ethical and environmental spaces, particularly pushing to make aid sustainable in her hometown of Ethiopa. Follow Liya here for the latest news and if you love her black-tie look as much as we do, try our Vintage Sweetheart Drop Earrings, here.
HOME
Is it just us or has mass-produced homeware become exponentially prevalent over the past 5 years? Whilst inexpensive options may seem like a steal at the time, buying cheaply made, throwaway home products (often produced in unsavoury conditions for the workers who make them) is as problematic as fast fashion. In response to this we've been excited to see dedicated one-stop-shops pop up for ethical home products, like thewastefreehome.co.nz.
And whether your furnishing budget is at a luxe level or more cost conscious, we love that there are plenty of thoughtful ways to make the home look and feel beautiful, whilst still being functional.
In a similar philosophy to buying vintage fashion, Design55 is a go-to for stunning furniture and objets d'art, with each vintage pieces that founder Vicky hand picks being incredibly unique, not to mention sustainable.
For those looking for a smaller price tag, places like TheCollective have a high rotation of vintage furniture pieces and, as an added bonus, they gift 50% of their profits to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.

Red carpet and Vogue cover staple Arizona Muse is a champion of environmental protection and animal rights, all whilst turning heads on the regular. Follow her continued campaigning efforts via her Instagram page, here, and to emulate her glam look above, try our Vintage Cosmic Earrings, here.
Happy 2020 lovers, and stay tuned for news from us on more ways to make conscious choices in the wardrobe department in the near future; we may just have an exciting new launch on the horizon that will make giving a damn in your glam even easier...
Love, Constance and team xx