I love online shopping. I love how easy it is to click the “Add to Cart” button, and how it’s just a short hop, skip and jump to “Proceed to Checkout”. I’m sure many of you share in this delight and borderline addiction.
Our recent trip to South Africa this month offered me the opportunity to do just that, and I had solid intentions on getting my mitts on some vegan-positive merchandise.
After a little bit of time searching, I came across The Bespoke Artichoke, a lovely website with a range of clothing, jewelry, skin care amongst a myriad of other little delectable items. I knew, with swift certainty, that this was my place. This was a vegan smorgasbord deliverance, right into my little laptop screen.
And I was not disappointed.
I bought a few items, that I’d like to share with you;
I admit, I bought this for the shock factor. As one of the only vegans in my small, beachside community, heavily populated by a largely meat-loving group of friends, I bought this hat with the intention of getting a few giggles and a few questions. When people make the vegan jokes, I lean into them. I have a little folder of memes on my phone that both poke fun at (tongue in cheek, of course), and defend veganism; ready to whip them out as appropriate. Amazingly, the wording IS embroidered on (instead of screen-printed); not something I had anticipated, after so many online-shopping disappointments in the past. But nope! This hat is sturdy, holds its shape well, and sits nicely on my head. When I first whipped it out at a dinner party, a friend of mine promptly took it off my head and wore it himself; he was SO CHUFFED with the shape and feel of it; and he is the biggest meat-eating-allergic-to-vegetables man that I know. It made me smile to see.
Solid-quality material, a really lovely shade of grey, I was so happy with this shirt. It has already stood up to numerous washes and has held its shape well. As the shirts are designed to be unisex, I found my shirt is a little loose, so I would probably buy a size smaller, if I had my time again. But on the whole, really happy with how this item came along, and have already set it as a staple choice on “casual Fridays” at the office. Over the next week or so you will see it in action on my instagram @the.jd.mo
Sterling silver chain (55cm), a lovely little bronze tag; since receiving this in the mail, I have worn this little bugger just about every day. It has handled my tropical environment well; not leaving any tarnish on my clothes or skin no matter how sweaty or salty I’ve gotten on the beachside, and really suits the minimalist style of dress that I’m ~trying~ work towards. I always seem to default to picking long chains when it comes to necklaces, however with this one sitting at the top of my bust, I think it would have actually worked even better as the 45cm chain, with the tag much more on display as a feature. That said, that choice was mine, and I am still very much in love with my new little bling.
Bonus gift; Cherish Face serum
What a nice little surprise! As part of my order (or perhaps by accident?) I received a small bottle of charming face serum by Cherish. With no animal testing, chemical ingredients or nasty surprises, I’m looking forward to experimenting with this little baby! Provided all goes well, I look forward to incorporating this brand into my usual skin care routine; as the brand supports a completely wholesome, non-chemical approach to skin care and beauty. I love to support any plant-based, environmentally conscious businesses as much as possible, and with a company ethos like Cherish has, it’s a clear no-brainer, as far as I’m concerned.
“Our products contain no parabens, polyethylene glycols (PEG), petrochemicals, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), artificial fragrances and colour additives.
Our products are cruelty-free and are only ever tested on humans, never on animals. We are very environmentally aware so our containers and packaging are recyclable wherever possible. We believe a product should be good for you and good for the Earth.”
You really can’t get much better than that!
Throughout this process, I also have to commend the customer service; Lauren from TBS was friendly, helpful and prompt when it came to answering my questions. Though I did realise (as did she) that I ended up placing my order even before she confirmed what I had asked (Is the hat embroidered? Is the necklace chain pure sterling silver? – the answer to both was YES, in case you’re wondering). As I explained to her, I was caught up in the hummmmmmm that online shopping seems to spark in me; I saw something I liked, so I bought it. Then asked questions. Oops. But all’s well that ends well.
If you’re interested in seeing what other goodies might take your fancy (Foodstuffs, clothing, jewellery, accessories etc) visit their website, or contact Lauren and her team on info@thebespokeartichoke.com
NB: This post is in no way sponsored, nor did I receive any discounts or anything for writing this. I just really, really dig the products <3
