Recently the levels of exposure regarding ethical and environmental issues have reached an explosive high. On a daily basis, newspapers and magazines, exposing documentaries and worthy speeches (from well known celebrity faces) have been pummeled into our consciousness. There are a few consumers that seem to have jumped on the bandwagon of Eco=cool (which unfortunately may mean short lived changes until the next cool trend emerges), but for the most part I have seen a more thoughtful approach in the minds of many avid shoppers.

Our knowledge of the dangers that face the environment and the revelations of high profile shops unethical working conditions compounded with the dismal credit crunch, have lead to myself and many others reconsidering their well heeled shopping habits.

As someone who has often been rather tight on the purse strings and known to frequent high street stores, I have often bought items on the basis of their low price tag. My love of fashion and design has meant that I generally only bought the essentials from the budget stores (plain white shirts, tracksuit bottoms, strappy tops) wanting to discover unique statement pieces from vintage stores, charity shops and car boot sales to ensure I wasn’t yet another clone.

It’s a great feeling going to a social event without the fear of being faced with someone in the same outfit (even worse when they look infinitely better). I think more and more fashion fans are cottoning on to the fact its good to be unique and being able to answer the question ‘where did you get your … from?’ with the comforting knowledge they won’t be able to go and buy one themselves.

Currently I am keeping my eyes peeled for any shops that have an eco/environmental slant that can also maintain my need to ‘feel special’ in an outfit.

Poppy Valentine in Portobello, Notting Hill, have listened to their customers worries and the climate of ethical/environmental awareness and have involved themselves in the research and development of a new bio leather which will reduce environmental harm.

Their newest bags in the popular Hepburn range are made from vegetable tanned leather which uses less harmful chemicals and no chrome during production. As well as the aforementioned benefits of their process, it also gifts the bags with a beautiful soft and slouchy appeal which is far more favourable for a day outing than the rather rigid, boxy examples that are around in many of the high street stores.

You may already be aware of Poppy Valentine through their printed/vibrant clothes and accessories that are completely individual and made from fabrics that the designers have sourced over many a dedicated year: trawling through thrift stores and antique markets. Undoubtedly there will be something in their store to suit people who seek inspiration from different fashion eras from the 40’s (which with the release of Edge of Love is an era sure to be emulated by many a fashionista) to the psychedelic 70’s. Their choice of fabrics also capture trends of the s/s 08 season with both ditsy and bold floral print and abstract print dresses, bags, and blouses.

Initially the plain leather bags in their contemporary collection don’t have the wow factor as they do not feature any intricate embellishment, unusual design features (such as the gold frog a la Marc Jacobs) or capture any of the major bag trends of this season (over sized clutch, ruffling, tassels) but this isn’t important. They are unarguably usable, long lasting and wearable and that is vital in these times of money woes.

I appreciate a bag that is honest, it does exactly what bag is meant to do, the slouchiness of the material makes it comfortable to bash against your side on a days jaunt, the bold but plain colours (oyster, red, black) make it a bag that will go with many an ensemble and it isn’t emblazoned with tacky logos. It’s a bag that won’t go out of fashion and will look great against some of the multi-coloured prints around this season and why must functionality be a bad thing!

The other bags in the collection combine their ‘Blossom Print’ with their leather and carry a sweet retro feel which will look fun in the summer, but not as useful all year round.

We have to come to the realisation that a lot of the clothes and accessories we have bought in the past, with their shockingly low price were so wallet friendly for a reason. In a sense, many of us will have to retrain ourselves with new knowledge of what is acceptable to pay for an item, which may mean spending more. The knowledge you aren’t contributing to a system that harms people or the environment makes it more than worth it.

I think the Poppy Valentine leather bags are very reasonable at £120 and you aren’t getting a fad item that you will regret and keep hostage in the fashion graveyard at the bottom of your wardrobe next year, it will come out day after day, year after year, a classic bag that isn’t a gimmicky show off.

A visit to their shop will inevitably give you a hint of the rush you feel when searching for one-off treasures at car -boots, markets, and take you away from the hoards of crowds that still flock to the high street budget stores rifling through piles of garments and trampling on items fallen from the hangers.

I look forward to seeing the next collection – I’d love to see some more soft leather bags with more design detail, interesting pockets and straps.