Stunning and sustainable cotton clothing from Creative DeZigns

Slow fashion is very much on our agenda and most of us want to know more about where our clothes come from, where they were made and by who.  Not only are we more concerned about our over indulgent buying habits but we have also become more aware of 'modern slavery' especially since the Black Lives Matter campaign and the recent disturbing news about the Boohoo factory sweatshops in Leicester (not that I'd ever buy Boohoo)!  So when Nikki from Creative DeZigns got in touch with me, I was really interested to learn more abut her business as I could see from her website they focus very much on timeless, classic and long-lasting styles, a real capsule wardrobe collection.

Nikki came to see me at my home just as lockdown was starting to ease and we spent a lovely hour sat in the garden chatting about her and her small business, I learnt about how Creative DeZigns came about and she told me about her childhood growing up in South Africa and how she has developed the business since taking over from her mum a few years ago. 

Gilly hat, Isabella poncho and beads from a selection at Creative DeZigns

I really love supporting small businesses but especially women in business.  I am so impressed with their achievements and dedication to their success.  Many women I meet are juggling family and other commitments, maybe like me with older parents now needing more support and I have such a huge admiration for what they do.  So I love sharing their stories with my followers and introducing a brand that maybe you wouldn't have found otherwise.

Because Nikki has such an interesting story, I have asked her to appear in my Embracing Life (in Midlife) interview series - so look out for that soon.  But for now this post is to show you some the fabulous styles available on her website and at shows and events (when she is allowed to do them).  Like so many small business she had to adapt during lockdown so being seen on social media and being found online has become even more important.  I hope if you like what you see you will give her a follow, I will share all the details at the end of this post.

Everything I am wearing on this post is linked at the bottom.

Isabella poncho and beads from a selection (jeans are from French Connection)

Nikki told me that at the very heart of Creative DeZigns is the fact that nothing is mass produced, everything is made in small batches and Nikki visits South Africa to spend time with the makers and to be absolutely sure she is happy with where and how everything is made.  Nikki and her mother have had very long and successful business relationships with many of their makers.  Chatting to Nikki it was obvious she is very passionate about this and proud of the support network that has been created.  There is more and more focus on consumers wanting to know where their clothes are made and #whomadeyourclothes is a movement aiming to unite the fashion industry in this mission.

All of the styles available from Creative DeZigns are timeless and the quality is amazing.  They are made to last.  Nikki explained that she hopes this encourages the wearer to hold onto the clothes they buy from them and not dispose of them readily.  And everything in the range is exclusive to Creative DeZigns in the UK, you can't find the same anywhere else!

I love the 'capsule' wardrobe approach that comes across so clearly when browsing the Creative DeZigns website.  Everything mixes and matches perfectly.  Nikki has a selection of core colours that work with each other.  And I hope my outfit photos on this post demonstrate the mix 'n' match benefits of the range.

Isabella poncho and snood both from Creative DeZigns and below white Gilly hat (see further below for dress details), my blouse and jeans are from French Connection

Nikki arrived to see me looking stunning in a simple navy blue shirt dress, accessorised with a statement beaded necklace and bracelet, she also had on a gorgeous pair of slider sandals.  She exuded simple, effortless style.  The dress would dress up or down and you can see me wearing it below.  It has 3/4 sleeves, a belt that can be removed (no belt loops) so you can wear the dress undone as a kaftan/longer jacket style.  Or you can swap the belt for a different one.  Flexible styling at its best and I love the attention to the small details.

The vast majority of styles from Creative DeZigns are made from cotton and this is one of the other main reasons I was really keen to meet Nikki and find our more about the clothes.  I am always on the look out for a good quality cotton dress and they are not easy to find (I wrote a blog post about it when I was due to go to Sri Lanka) - when we travel to really hot locations especially where humidity is high, cotton is the best choice.  Nikki explained that her styles are ideal for travel, many of them are designed to have a crinkled look meaning they can be pulled from a suitcase, shaken and hung up and not need any ironing.  I love the look of linen but I hate wearing it as I don't like looking so creased.  I am always jealous of the women that seem to waft through airports in immaculate white linen, how is that even possible (and in fur coats in the winter, you know the ones)!?

Sleeveless cotton shirt dress in Navy, beads from a selection and white Gilly hat

The other items that caught my eye on the Creative DeZigns website were the beautiful hats and accessories.  I have the Gilly hat in navy and white to try out.  It can be adjusted to fit and it is crushable making it ideal for travel!  No more having to wear/carry your hat on the flight.  These hats have gained the maximum UPF50+ rating from ARPANSA and will give you protection from the harmful effects of the sun, and they look so stylish!

I could go on and on about every item stocked by Creative DeZigns but I don't want to make my blog post too long!  

But do take a look, the jewellery range is so pretty and different!  The colours all mix 'n' match, so you can buy a complete accessorised outfit.  I love the 'seafoam' blue colour that co-ordinates so well with the white and navy core items.  Check out the poncho!

Sleeveless cotton shirt dress and carrying the Isabella poncho, I love the loose shape of this dress, ideal for the heat and pockets!

And comfy trousers ... how about cool cotton trousers with a ribbed waistband!?  These would be ideal for a long flight or I am also thinking they will be excellent for my few days away in Cornwall in August.  I found they came up small so I am in a Medium (I am usually a 10), the wide leg style are longer on me but the straight leg are perfect turned up.

See below for links to everything that I feature on this post.

Navy shirt dress worn with textile necklace (above) and (below) is the cotton vest in seafoam and a selection of beads and (centre) beautiful slider sandals

I was very lucky that Nikki bought over a box of different styles for me to try out, I have had fun playing and styling them together or with bits from my own wardrobe.  Nikki has kindly gifted me a few items in exchange for my time writing this blog post, but I have to say, I'd have done it anyway (shhh don't tell) because I really love the range and I love the ethos of the business - slow fashion right there.

The navy shirt dress worked equally well on my 5 ft 2 frame as it did on Nikki who is taller. It also has the all-important pockets!

Hopefully from my photos you can see how versatile everything is.  I think the styles speak for themselves.  Buy the basics, mix 'n' match and create some truly timeless outfits.
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​I hope you enjoy looking at everything I have featured, do have a browse through the Creative DeZigns website, Nikki is working hard on a revamp and adjusting to coronavirus restrictions, we need to support each other, women supporting women!  And her, and her friend and colleague, model most of the items!  It is good to see different styles on different shapes and sizes, real women.

You can find Creative DeZigns on Instagram here and keep an eye out on my Instagram too as `I feature different outfit combinations, I am planning to review the knitwear range in the autumn and don't forget I will be sharing my interview with Nikki on here soon.

​Links to all the items I have featured on this post are below.

Let me know what you think.

Love
Michelle xx

Wide leg cropped trousers in navy (with ribbed waistband) worn with cap sleeve top and holding vivid blue cotton scarf (trousers not so cropped on me, I am 5 ft 2)

Pull on cotton trousers in white with soft ribbed waistband worn with vest top in seafoam

​Details of the outfits I am wearing (top to bottom):

Isabella poncho and Gilly hat (white and navy plus other colours)
Beads from a selection
​Textile necklace from a selection
Snood from a selection
Sleeveless cotton shirt dress in navy
Flared shirt style cotton dress in navy
​Selection of sandals
Cotton vest top in seafoam (also other colours)
Navy wide leg trousers (also other colours)
White pull on trousers (also other colours)
Vivid blue cotton scarf

​Disclaimer:  I have chosen a few items from the range to keep as a gift but most items featured were loaned to me to try on and share with you on this blog post.  I do not use affiliate links.

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