Sanchos, Exeter

A visit to local independents is more than shopping and parting with your hard-earned cash. It’s the experience. From the gentle welcome to the in-depth knowledge of the staff selling their wares. Sanchos on Fore Street, Exeter is no different.

I popped in one Wednesday morning for a mooch with my chum Angel to see what Kalkidan, the driving force behind Sanchos, had in store to tempt me. In a word…Plenty!

My regular readers will know that I am a massive jewellery fan. I love the way a piece of jewellery can completely change an outfit. I tend to wear quite subtle items and then outfit with a sparkle here and there. Sanchos have an amazing collection in store from the gorgeous jewels made by men and women with disabilities from Bombulu in Kenya to Juna from Brighton and finally Clare Elizabeth Kilgour from Plymouth who both create jewellery utilising recycled metals. I must have tried on pretty much every piece in the store. A highlight for me being Clare Elizabeth Kilgour’s statement gold disc ring. When payday hits that ring is definitely coming home with me!

After getting completely distracted by the gorgeous jewels I took a bit of time to become acquainted with the stock. Bigger named ethical brands like People Tree and Mud Denim sit alongside handmade items sewn in store. How amazing is it that you can get a bespoke item made by hand using vintage silks made by Annette, a valued member of team Sanchos?

Kalkidan was on hand to cherry pick the very best items in store and I was so thankful for her help. Gauging my simplistic style she guided me from rail to rail pulling items that I took a shine to. Between us, we selected 4 outfits including a fabulously glamorous Armed Angels dress. Being very much a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal it was great to step out of my comfort zone. The dress was dreamy to wear. 100% Lyocell (Tencel) which is made of botanic origin, extracted from the raw material wood. Tencel is wrinkle resistant and feels like silk on so it’s a perfect dress for the office or a night on the town. The Darcy dress retails at £110.00.

From the glamour of the Darcy dress, I moved my styling back to day wear and the comfort of denim. I love a good pair of jeans and understand how hard, as a woman, it is to find a pair that is just right. A decent pair really is an investment and if washed and cared for correctly they will last for many years. These MUD jeans were just the right amount of stretch with a secure mid rise that keeps everything in check if you know what I mean! Made with 92% organically grown cotton, 6% polyester and 2% elastane that gives that little bit of movement.

I mixed the jeans with two looks. A fabulous striped 100% organic cotton top that was an instant pull as I walked in the shop. You know the kind of top that can be worn in so many ways and in so many different locations? A top that would be your wardrobe best friend!

The next look was to satisfy my inner “crazy cat lady” vibe! Yes, I am one of them. With 4 fluffy creatures at home I couldn’t leave Sanchos without trying the People Tree Meow t-shirt could I? Made with Tencel it gives the t-shirt a lovely drape across the body. At £35.00 it’s a complete wardrobe staple for a cat lover like me!

On discovering my love of dungas last summer I jumped at the chance of trying the People Tree dungarees when Kalkidan highlighted them on my shopping trip. A relaxed and comfortable look for the day but add a pair of heels (or clogs for me!) and Bob’s your uncle – you have a laid-back evening look. Paired with yet another People Tree top I felt like I could take on the world. Definitely a winner.

So, there you have it. An insight into the wonderful world of ethical clothing. Kalkidan and her team are so knowledgeable about every single product within the store and will happily tell you where it was made, how it was made, what it is made from and in some cases, the name the person who made it. Ethical shopping doesn’t have to be difficult and with a shop (and online shop) like this available to us you are in good hands.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post and all views are my own as always.

A massive Thank You to Angel Wade Photography for the stunning photos and sharing rose lattes and cake with me.

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