Castellano Ethical Tribal Bags

A few weeks ago Daniela, the founder of Castellaneo, got in touch to ask if I’d like to become a brand ambassador for them. Of course I was thrilled and knew you guys would love what they’ve been doing. She also sent me the Rumuluya Bag to model and review for you – exciting!

About Castellaneo

They are an ethical accessories company, supporting Wayuu women to create fine craftsmanship and grow local businesses. All the products are handmade, very intricate, and of stunning quality. The Rumuluya Bag I’m wearing here has 600 pure Swarovski crystals in it and takes 30 days to make, from just one piece of thread. Isn’t that mind blowing!? Everything is done with traditional techniques and are truly stunning. I’m never normally sure about these higher end ethical companies as they’re so expensive compared to charity shops, but with something like this you’re getting incredible quality and design, and they’re even each one of a kind. My bag came with a label inside letting me know the name of the maker (Maria Theresa) and the technique she uses has been passed down over generations. How precious is that?!

They also sell bracelets, backpacks, and of course lots of other bag designs too. I pretty much haven’t stopped wearing mine since it arrived, and it’s been bringing a much needed ray of sunshine to my rainy England life right now (#takemebacktothailand).

Your Chance to Win One

In May Daniela is going to be running a Kickstarter campaign, and so in collaboration with that I’ll be giving away one of her gorgeous bags right here on this blog. Keep an eye out for that soon!

Learn More

http://fashionrevolution.org/the-human-face-of-the-wayuu-mochila-bags/ 

www.castellanoethnicorigins.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/CastellanoEthnicOrigins
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Castellanoeo
Instagram: http://instagram.com/castellanoethnicorigins

The Outfit

Of course my outfit is largely thrifted, but there’s a few non second hand items in here too this week – just for a change! I got the hat at Camden market with a couple of girlfriends, and boy did I have to negotiate hard. I used the whole arsenal of techniques from the Udemy negotiating course I produced. I think I paid £8 in the end by insisting that I live in London and don’t want to pay tourist prices. I’m really happy with it though, and it’s actually super warm so perfect for people who don’t like beanies in cold weather!

The other thing that isn’t second hand is my jeans – I got them at the West Quay outlet mall in Portsmouth and they were a crazy deal. I’ve been buying my jeans second hand for a while now, and there’s always tonnes of great choice. BUT, if you want that crisp dark blue that only new jeans have, then you’ll probably have to cough up a bit more than a thrifting price. I paid £25 for these, but they’re Reiss and were reduced from  £95. I was pretty happy (#understatement)!

Then onto the thrifted things – my boots are brand new this week from Waggy Tails charity shop in Poole. They were £4, but when I got to the till everything in the entire store was half price! Winning.

I love the scalloped design on the seam, and they’re just the perfect height for every day wear. I was over the moon to find them.

Finally, my top is also new this week (can you tell I’m excited to get back to thrifting now I’m in the UK?!?) from the Age UK charity shop on Ashley Road (Poole). I immediately fell in love with the cutout gypsy design and the dropped waist flirty hem. The detailing is so well thought out, and I’ve already worn it several times. It was £2.75 which is a total steal, and then the white strappy top underneath is just a Primark basic.

My earrings are gold hoops from the Miss Selfridge sale (£1.50) – I was clearly feeling the 70s boho vibe when I got up in the morning.

I thought I’d also give you a little peek into my current makeup stash. I’m mixing it up a lot right now because I’ve just got back and been reunited with my entire collection so am excited to try it all out again, but I think the Revlon 24 Hour foundation might be new lifelong favourite. It gives such a natural and flawless look, but still with really effective coverage, and lasts all day. Then I added a L’Oreal Naturals nude lip, some Sun Beam highlighter for the healthy summer glow that is oh so lacking here, and some purple eyes from my Sleek Bag Girl palette (definitely my favourite one from the range).

Thanks for reading! See you next time….