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Shopping

Dubai’s Sustainable Kidswear and Toys Directory

Posted on December 11, 2024

Did you know that an average child uses over 200 pieces of clothing! Babies will outgrow 7 clothing sizes in their first 2 years, which is not sustainable at all.

The $200 billion global kid’s clothing market is growing faster than adult’s, expected to reach nearly $300 billion by 2030. 180 million+ pieces of kids clothing go to waste each year. That’s not all, most modern textiles exact some form of environmental tax. Regular cotton is grown using pesticides, but organic cotton must often be shipped consumes lots of water. Plus, human-made materials like nylon and polyester come from petroleum. Toxins also get involved in the spinning, dyeing, and overall production of many fabrics, which contributes to the release of greenhouse gases and can leach toxins into the soil and water supply.

But there is hope… for used outfits and items that remain in good condition, there is a thriving secondhand market for children’s clothing, toys and equipment here in Dubai, both on and offline.

Christmas is as we know, a very consumer heavy holiday and we could all be more mindful with the gifts we buy in order to make them more sustainable. For me, that means shopping local, ethically minded brands of course, and I get asked a lot of questions about just who and where I recommend for tots and babies here in the U.A.E., so have compiled a list of my favourites for you:

Ideal for clothes:

Beaux Desert

Beautifully made collections for the whole family using eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices

Birdsn’Bees

A local family concept store specializing in clothing, beachwear, and swimwear

Little IA

The perfect place for personalized gifts for little ones

Atlas & Maya

Exclusively creating collections using certified sustainable materials

Baby Bazaar

A monthly circular pre-loved pop-up at Times Square Centre, Dubai

Reloved

A marketplace for buying and selling second-hand clothes, baby items, furniture, accessories, and more

Bump and Baby

A pre-loved maternity & baby store

Ideal for toys and equipment:

Made By Nature

Dubai’s only family concept store offering sustainable brands

Little Ones Arabia

Premium sustainable baby products, clothes and gift hampers

Maisontini

Experiential showroom and sustainably minded concept store

Eggs n Soldiers

Natural & eco-friendly baby products

Monki Box

Sustainably designed bilingual purposeful play program

Secondful

A secondhand online marketplace for pre-loved kids and baby gear

Secondgear

A secondhand online marketplace for pre-loved kids and baby gear

The Clean Beauty Brand At Sephora You Need To Know

Posted on December 5, 2024

The beauty industry impacts us in a whole range of environmental ways, Saie is Sephora’s newest clean beauty brand to really focus on a sustainable future.

Current practices can deplete natural resources, damage oceans, hurt wildlife, and produce harmful microplastics. One of the biggest challenges the beauty world faces is post-consumer packaging waste.

But what’s the answer?

Well one way is using more sustainable packaging, which is typically made from materials that are either biodegradable or recyclable. This includes materials like glass, paper, cardboard, metal, and certain types of plastic, like bio-based or plant-based plastics.

Saie, Sephora’s newest clean beauty brand, focuses not only on clean, good-for-you ingredients, but has also established their own ‘Saie Climate Initiative’ to take direct action to combat climate change.

“As a lifelong lover of Mother Nature, I believe it is our duty to be responsible for the impact we at Saie make on the planet. This unprecedented commitment is our way of taking action, because action is the only way to enact change. I know this is just the beginning, and I couldn’t be more excited to start this journey.” – Laney, Founder & CEO of Saie.

Saie is also committed to cleaning our planet of plastic waste through a three-year partnership with rePurpose Global. This initiative targets the impact of global plastic waste on communities while also investing in women’s development and empowerment. To put it into perspective, their goal is to reduce existing plastic waste by the equivalent of 120 million single-use plastic bottles that eventually end up polluting our oceans.

As well as production changes, Saie are also working towards net zero across all supply chain emissions by 2039 with the following:

Shipping Boxes
Kraft mailers are biodegradable and 100% recyclable.

Cartons
Their product cartons are 100% Recycled FSC-certified paper made in a carbon-neutral facility.

Cotton Balls
Their cushy, comfy cotton balls aren’t just for removing makeup; they actually use them as padding for the inside of the packages.

Paper Tape
Saie use kraft paper tape to safely secure all of their products in transit. The glue on the tape is made of water-activated cornstarch.

Eco Friendly Sustainable

Thankyou, Consumerism Reimagined

Posted on November 29, 2024

We all shop, we shop for what we want, need and also don’t need. But the idea that a product is shoppable solely to do good in this world is the main idea of Thankyou. (Currently) an Australian and New Zealand only based social enterprise, that bring’s consumers a product choice, for one reason only; “to help create a world where not one person lives in extreme poverty.”

In 2008, Daniel, Justine & Jarryd co-founded Thankyou to help bridge the gap between two of our world’s extremes; extreme poverty & extreme consumerism.

Still not quite sure how it works?

Step one: Thankyou makes necessary home, baby and body products you’ll love, like hand-washes, cleaning supplies, baby wipes and deodorants, that are designed to be kind to humans and the planet.

Step Two: Thankyou gives every cent left (after the costs in step one) to help end extreme poverty.

Thankyou is a social enterprise owned 100% by their own charitable trust, with 18.55Million AUD raised so far and donated!

How else are they sustainable? Thankyou focuses on consumer packaging by adopting goals to ensure packaging uses less resources, is more easily recycled, and uses materials which can be returned and reused, with the goal of minimising waste. As of 2020, Thankyou is a certified carbon neutral organisation for its operations by Climate Active. Carbon emissions associated with their products and supply chain estimations were also included and offset as part of this assessment.

Their new plan is to rapidly expand far beyond Australia and New Zealand, with their sights set on the U.A.E. in 2025!

fashion Sustainable

Dubai’s Sustainable Swimwear Directory

Posted on November 19, 2024

Have you thought about your impact on our environment? Choosing sustainable swimwear is one way to be a more conscious consumer, it involves understanding where you spend your money and on what.

Sustainable swimwear fabrics are important because they help reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. Sustainable materials and production processes use less water and energy, and by prioritizing durability and recyclability, the impact of swimwear on landfills and ocean pollution can be significantly diminished.

When you look at the labels in our swimwear, fabrics such as polyester and nylon are what you’ll likely find. But here’s what you can look for instead to help reduce your carbon footprint:

ECONYL: This Italian product is created from regenerated nylon collected from the landfills and oceans around the world. The primary nylon products collected which create ECONYL are things like used clothing, carpets, and nets from fishermen!

Vita PL: Made by the same people that create ECONYL. Vita PL is made of 100% recycled polyester from pre & post-consumer materials.

Repreve: This unique material is made from recycled plastic bottles and turns them into usable fibers. Used by some of the largest global brands that create fashion apparel, athletic wear, and swimwear, emitting fewer greenhouse gases during production and conserving less energy and water.

*All plastic-derived fabrics such as nylon and polyester shed dangerous microplastics into our oceans.

Here’s my run down of Dubai’s slow and sustainable swimwear brands for you to check out:

Let’s Swim

The brand works to cultivate community projects, working collaboratively with divers, shark conservationists and charities to clean up beaches, making oceans safer for marine biodiversity and shark populations.

Salt Sister

They use premium recycled Italian fabrics for our swimwear, in collaboration with ECONYL®.

The Moeity

Making conscious and environmentally friendly choices accessible to everyone.

Solis Ecowear

Their swimwear is made and lined with 78% Recycled Polyamide and 22% LycraXtra Life, using Econyl Recycled Vita fabric.

Hunza G

Hunza G’s one size stance is not only an effort to remain an inclusive brand, but also reduces the risk of over-purchased sizing on a commercial level.

Edos

Each item is ethically made, under safe labor conditions with reclaimed Italian fabrics and small scale production.

Cocora Boutique

Based in the UAE, all their items are proudly made in Colombia, utilizing eco-friendly practices that harmonize with the environment.

Coega

All their signature pieces, including modest swimwear, are locally made here in the UAE (reduced carbon foot print) using sustainable fabric made of ECONYL® regenerated nylon.

Veda

Made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon fibers, is not only soft and comfy but also built to stand up against all your beach adventures.

Sapia Simone

The brand works with a substantial amount of high quality, environmentally friendly fabrics and employs ethical production methods.

Second Summer

Devoted to fostering sustainability and cultivating slow fashion, styles from their swimwear are conceived from the world’s first fully biodegradable yarn.

Oceanus (via So Much Trouble)

Each piece is made from recycled, eco-friendly materials and hand embroidered with Swarovski crystals.

**Updated as of November 2024**

fashion Recommended

Summer’s Here with Black Coral XO

Posted on May 14, 2018

As the weather heats up at home, you get the feeling that we’ve missed out on a season or two… after all it’s in the early 40’s already. We’re all in the mood for summer, but not ready to face the scorching sunshine that goes with it. If like me, you were looking for a little escape from the sun, that relieves some of the heat-shock with somewhat cooler currents, then I would highly recommend a weekend away in Sri Lanka. Without a doubt it’s the easiest place to pack for too, I only bring with me swimwear and flip-flops! I absolutely love Aussie online boutique Black Coral XO for their summer-personified collections, beachwear and resort wear.

Only four hours away with FlyDubai or Emirates, this Indian Ocean hotspot is the ideal weekend escape. Hop on a late night Thursday flight and be sipping coconuts by breakfast. There are plenty of boutique hotels to choose from along the coastline, but I would definitely recommend heading south to Galle as a base. Unawatuna, Mirissa, Welligama are all great places to look at, especially if surfing is on your list.

Here’s my top 5 favourite swimsuits for your weekend away:

Sweet Disposition One Piece

Lazy Palms One Piece

Summer Safari One Piece

Malibu One Piece

Long Island One Piece

Fitness Recommended

Eco-Conscious Activewear from H&M

Posted on February 7, 2018

Blending fashion with function and fitness, H&M has announced that its latest activewear collection is made from totally eco-friendly, sustainable materials. Now we know H&M are great when it comes to encouraging conscious consumerism with their sought-after conscious collection, it’s great to see it transpire across more of the clothing in-store. “Inspired by nature and positive, strong women” the collection revolves around the theme of ‘In it for the long run’ …as we all want our most-washed items to last.

The collection includes; tights, sports bras, hoodies and tops for training, running and yoga. With a precedence on nature and sustainability, the prints and the colours feature Earthy greens, blacks and beiges. So where’s the Eco element? The clothes are made with recycled polyester and elastane and for an added bonus, are made for our quick gym-tan-laundry turnaround too, with quick-dry and seamless finishings.

“By bringing together the functional and feminine, the aim is to give customers a stylish, conscious sports collection. And not just through the fabrics – we utilized a new knitting technique that creates seamless garments while using less yarn or fabric waste. Blending function with sustainable thinking and fashion in this way is the way forward,” says Petra Smeds, head designer of sportswear.

What are we eyeing:

Recommended

Strip Off This Winter

Posted on January 25, 2018

Because it isn’t always cold in December. If you’re from the southern hemisphere you’ll probably be preparing to hit the beach rather than the slopes this winter, so if you’re looking for something with a little less fabric, we’ve spotted some gorgeous new swimwear for you to strip off for.

Creatively driven, with a touch more soul, & Other Stories is a one-stop styling destination filled with collections from three design ateliers in Paris, Stockholm and Los Angeles. Open at The Dubai Mall, it’s a H&M affiliate that’s just as addictive with both summer and winter collections.

With a bit more heart than your average store too, it’s great to see how brands are jumping aboard the eco-train and getting with the laundry program. Fashion is a high water-consuming industry and most fabrics end up as wastage, so with & Other Stories, you can bring your old clothes to one of their stores and they’ll give them a new life… (not currently in the U.A.E. but stay tuned.)

Here’s five gorgeous pieces from & Other Stories that’ll help persuade you strip off for our southern summer’s… it’s what we’re here for after all. Skip the clothes and adorn “spirited-hues and confidently feminine frills in figure-defining swimsuits”.

Because stripes are always a solid option.

Swimsuit aed 249

Baywatch eat your heart out.

Swimsuit aed 189

Butter wouldn’t melt.

Swimsuit aed 189

The little black swimsuit.

Swimsuit aed 189

Feeling a little more tropical…

Swimsuit aed 299

fashion

Alilia.com Launches In Dubai

Posted on April 27, 2017

Online shopping has to be one of my absolute favourite ways to fill up my wardrobe with season staples and i’m super excited about this new portal! Alilia is a Swedish based brand that is launching its first collection and Ramadan specials here in the Middle East.

Walking into the press day felt like taking a step into St. Tropez. A fully boho-chic white wardrobe on one side, full of embroidery and broderie pieces that can be worn anywhere from weddings to walks on the beach, and a day-night collection on the other side that promotes a more bohemian way of life.

The brand is based on creative designer Ali ́’s eclectic life journey, who has collaborated with some of the leading fashion houses throughout Europe including most recently Zara. “Alilia is a brand that evokes feelings of freedom, memories, creativity and love. The passion and emotion put into every detail results in collections full of timeless pieces. I don’t see fashion in individual shapes and forms. I see women who know they are all unique and will let their story be told with Alilia.”

Have a scroll through all the colorful dress prints and lacy tops, beaded skirts and chic kaftan’s which are made from fine fabrics and feature a real attention to detail. Check out my favourite pieces below…

fashion

Ray-Ban: Eye Candy Redefined

Posted on November 21, 2016

If we think about it… accessories are much more than just eye candy, they are adornments of culture, individuality and status (anthropologically speaking). But more than that, they help us to defy authority and regiment by interjecting elements of our personality outwardly.

I can try to rationalise why I have 400,000… earrings, rings, necklaces at home, but really, we buy accessories because they make people notice that little extra bit of effort you put in, that little added detail. Out of all my hoarding, i’ve got a real penchant for sunglasses, they frame the face and automatically make people (me) more attractive I think.

Which is why Luxottica’s press day at the gorgeous Culinary Boutique hotspot on Beachroad had me wishing I had more heads to wear them all on! Ray-Ban is a brand in particular I feel suits my lifestyle well. There’s an element of heritage, style and yet we’re not dealing with full on face-furniture 😉

Timeless style, authenticity and freedom of expression from its debut in 1937, I think their pieces are particularly perfect for the beach – bar scenario which is most of my weekends at the moment. Here’s my favourite pieces from the Ray-Ban at Luxottica round up:

And of course… my pair:

fashion

Bikini Ready with Blue Ink Beachwear

Posted on April 12, 2016

Another day and we’re another step closer to summer here in Dubai. As the saying goes, summer bodies are made in the spring, so it’s also true that the bikini’s we’re buying to wear in the summer, we’re shopping for now.

There’s a new designer on the net who’s highlighting the maillot in exciting ways. Designed by Anisha Lalani, Blue Ink Beachwear is a pretty mixture of prints and pastels that have us wanderlusting after the long sunsets in the Med. Designed in Belgium and made in Italy, Blue Ink is made using carefully selected luxury fabrics, that are both girly enough and sexy enough to excite us here at TBS.

With a focus on ‘strong is the new sexy’ Blue Ink furthers our mantra for a more confident summer outlook!

Check out our favourite pieces from their inaugural collection and the details that made us fall in love with them: