Monday 19 March 2012

Monkee Genes!


When I made the decision to start buying ethically earlier this year, I was a bit worried about how I'd buy
ethical jeans, having not heard of any companies who sold them - or at least, companies who had a choice of more than one or two styles. But Monkee Genes have saved the day with their huge range of design options... with 'Skinny', 'Supa-Skinny', 'Skin', Flares, 'Slim Fit', Shorts AND Chinos to choose from, in the largest selection of different fabrics and finishes I have ever seen (have a look here).

I chose their 'Skin' Fit style, which is the skinniest of all the styles available on their website. And I must say I'm genuinely very very impressed. These jeans use their 'Bamboo' fabric which is made from natural fibres known as Tencel (more sustainable than cotton), making them super soft. But the best thing I noticed about the fabric is that it somehow maintains the shape of the jeans. I've worn them most days since they arrived and they still feel as good as new every time. Nothing worse than baggy knees!

The jeans are made in a factory in Indonesia which is certified by the Soil Association, and has commitment to not using sweatshops and child labour - one of the brand's biggest selling points in my eyes. That, and the fact that they are so well made... I doubt I'll have any trouble with zips breaking or seams ripping after a close inspection of the details.

It's surprisingly hard to model jeans but I hope these photos give you an idea! Thought I'd roll up the legs a bit as it was a sunny day :).




Jeans c/o Monkee Genes, Vintage Lace top: Carboot, Vintage Blazer: Charity Shop, Shoes: Vintage shop in south of France!

For these photos I dared to venture to a public place with my tripod and camera remote. I spotted this location on my university campus a few weeks ago: a strangely 'forgotten' old changing room that is still in use as a ladies bathroom but contains hints of its former use (and décor!). The pipes I'm standing on were still connected to the central heating, and I assume once heated benches under the pegs. As soon as I walked in here I knew it needed to be used as an outfit location... just needed to pluck up the courage to face the risk of people walking in and having to awkwardly explain that I'm a 'fashion blogger', not just really weird...

So... who here hates posing for photos in a public place? I'm never doing it again, haha!

Sadie xxx

P.S. Monkee Genes have kindly offered 20% off for the rest of the month if you enter SADIES1220 at the checkout :). I'd really recommend them if you want to invest in a good quality pair of jeans. And they do half sizes too! Who'd have thought you could buy size 9 jeans?!

27 comments:

Tamsin said...

I once got a pair of monkee genes for £1 in a TK Maxx sale...unfortunately they ended up being too small (I was being optimistic and didn't try them on) but my sister loves them and they're amazing quality! They look great on you x

Ani said...

aww I love these photos! I think I would definitely give these jeans a go next time!

-Ani xx

Amy said...

Wow, these look amazing. I, too, have a growing interest in ways to live a more ethical life; I think we are in all too real danger of developing into a world that really doesn't care. I will definitely be checking out the website, and with 20% off, well- it would be rude not to ;)
amycard.blogspot.com

Miss Tallulah Porkchop said...

You always look so cute. Fantastic style, great photos.

Kellie Wellingtons said...

I was looking to buy these jeans a while ago but was put off by the large branding on the bum... maybe I should just go for it.

Anonymous said...

You have an great glasses! Where did you find those frames?
Magda

Caramel Latte Kiss said...

I never realised Monkee Genes were an ethical company. I've tried on their jeans loads of times and always decided they were a bit pricey. If they solve that baggy knees issue though, I might take another look!
Great photo location. Hey, if anyone asks, you're famous on the internet.

Peacock's Hat said...

No no Sadie, don't give me discount codes! I'm really impressed actually by the range of fits and colours. I would buy some but I have bought so many new jeans recently I just cannot justify the purchase!

Phara said...

Oh these look lovely, definitely having a look!
X

angharad said...

I have some monkee gene cords and the fit is great! And Kellie Wellington, don't worry, the branding on the bum is totally optional - it's sewn on with normal cotton in loose stitches, so you can just snip right through.

Sam said...

That's great. I should look into purchasing ethically too. Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

You are much braver than I am. You were right, that was a perfect place for photos! I love your post. The jeans (genes?) are great but I especially love that brown coat!

Megan

http://thedarlingewe.blogspot.com/

Harry Pothead said...

Very bold doing that in a public...you know...A bloke caught doing such would probably get his collar felt and taken down the station for a long chat, haha.

Lol @ "put off by the large branding on the bum..."!

I like the jeans, but this is my fave shot of the shoot:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ToNAZOFYUB8/T2TPsziyeXI/AAAAAAAABpc/Wai7Sqxio8c/s1600/IMG_1146+copy.jpg

PS These caught my eye on some random web wandering; thought you might approve ;)

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/11/12/article-1227403-06163FCB000005DC-281_634x936.jpg

http://iconolo.gy/sites/default/files/0000074091-190572-7381685-.jpg

Elise said...

Ooh never heard of this brand, must go check it out! Yes I'm also not a fan of public posing, mostly cause I also take my pics with a tripod and feel it would be a weird thing to explain if caught! :)

Anonymous said...

The branding is detachable!

Lauren. said...

I'd never heard of this brand before but they look really great! I've been looking for some nice well-made jeans for a while, they're my wardrobe staple and I need them to serve me well. Might give these a go :) x

Unknown said...

Like the jeand and the shoes a lot! And a great place to take pictures!

XX

Ali Hval said...

Half sizes sound perfect because I am totally in between sizes! Hmm, they look soft. I'm glad you found some awesome jeans!

Sweet Indigo Road said...

i love your shirt and those pants' brand sounds so cool!

http://www.sweetindigoroad.blogspot.com/

Andy C said...

I really like the logo and name for these jeans. Might have to get a pair for my wife's wardrobe.

Lia said...

I love that outfit!!!

Georgina Hatton-Woods said...

I love that outfit!

Little Miss Sunshine
A Great British Style Blog

Girls Bedroom said...

Hi
Please keep it coming and I'll be back for a more bit of surprise! It seems so simple and yet extremely useful.

Chloë, Wardrobe Quarry said...

A little irrelevant but I love your top.

It's funny that you mentioned the whole 'taking photos in public' issue cause I just mentioned that in my blog post. I don't mind doing it if someone else is taking the photos for me but when I'm using my tripod and remote I feel like people will think I'm self obsessed or something.

Wardrobe Quarry

Anonymous said...

This jeans soo fits you ! :) Lovely lace top

G.

Ladies in Navy said...

You are darling! I just came across your blog and love it! :)

~CP, ladiesinnavy.blogspot.com

AlexGracexx said...

love your outfit such a cute shirt!!
great blog :)
xx

alexgracexx.blogspot.com.au