This summer we were very lucky to be able to go to the South West of France to see Ben’s family. Given that we hadn’t seen some family members for more than three years, it was an emotional reunion, yet we had plenty of time to relax and enjoy our beautiful surroundings.

Ben’s parents and sister live in the Lot department, just about an hour from Toulouse. We’ve visited several times now and on every trip I discover new hidded gems in the area. Let me share some of our latest journey with you today.

Livres, Books & Company (Montcuq)

Hidden away from the bustling main road and weekly market, the bookshop and café Livres, Books & Company is located in the little town of Montcuq. Their beautifully curated selection of English and French books make one want to sit down and read by the fireplace (conveniently located right by the entrance), and their idyllic green garden is the perfect spot to enjoy the homemade food on offer. I can highly recommend their sourdough bruschetta, and I really loved their lemonade too. If you visit, make sure you check out the patio at the end of the garden as it overlooks the houses and rooftops of Montcuq, providing a romantic view of typical French town life.

L’Atelier du Dragon (Montcuq)

Located right under the Livres, Books & Company in Montcuq is L’Atelier du Dragon, an independent shop by creative Rafaële Rohn. Alongside her own art prints, handmade printed quilts, tableware and cushions as well as beautiful dried flower arrangements, she offers the creations of local artisans: ceramics, jewellery, accessories and a small selection of teas & honey products make perfect gifts for yourself and loved ones.

Antiquités Roman (Anglars-Juillac)

Whether you’re on the hunt for an antique piece or not, this place is definitely worth visiting. Even though their quirky selection of (primarily 60s and 70s) pieces are housed in a traditional French stone building, it instantly transported me back to the amazing antique stores Ben and I had visited in Palm Springs, California two years ago.

Latour-Marlias (Le Temple-sur-Lot)

Did you know that Monet got his famous water liles in Lot de Garonne? Well, he actually got them right at this beautiful place. Latour-Marlias was founded in 1875 and is home to more than 300 varieties of water lilies. I loved walking along their historical cultivation pool and taking some time to rest in their gorgeous park. I also really enjoyed the local food that they offer in their lovely café (that is open from May to September each year).

Le Raspberry Beret (Puy-l’Évêque)

This little shop has turned out to be one of my favourite places in the Lot department. Located in Puy-l’Évêque, Le Rasperry Beret offers a wide range of carefully selected vintage pieces (that are sourced in France, Germany and the UK) as well as antiques. From floral blouses, bohemian tunics to 60s dresses, Le Raspberry Beret is a paradise for vintage lovers.

Petit Biscuit et Gourmandise (Puy-l’Évêque)

Only a short walk away from Le Raspberry Beret and located in the middle of Puy-l’Évêque’s medival old town is the lovely little tea room Petit Biscuit et Gourmandise. Aside from their variety of teas, homemade cakes and delicious biscuits, I was particularly impressed by their terrace that overlooks the town. Definitely worth a visit.

Le Comptoir Des Chouettes (Castelfranc)

Only a short drive from Puy-l’Évêque, Le Comptoir Des Chouettes is my new favourite brocante in the area. A brilliant mix of antique furniture, clothes, toys from different eras and more, there’s something for everyone to be found.

Words & images: Katharina Geissler-Evans, heiter magazine

How often have you read that sustainable fashion is better? Maybe someone even told you that your wardrobe should only consist of sustainable pieces - perhaps they encouraged you to get rid off of all ‘non sustainable’ ones? That is pretty much the opposite of sustainability if you ask me.

I agree that it is important to support brands that work with ethically sourced materials and who ensure their employees, or that the factories they hire, have a fair working environment . They play a big role in my buying decisions too - but I have not always been in a position to make this a priority when purchasing clothes. The simple fact is that I was once was a teenager, then a twenty-something, and during those decades I didn’t have the income to buy from sustainable brands (making sustainability accessible for a younger audience has only developed over the last few years). I relied on high street chains, sample sales and freebies. However, I wouldn’t dare throw out the items I bought back then just because they don’t meet the standards I look for in a fashion item today. Yes, the fashion industry is harsh and it does harm human kind as well as our planet, but so does unnecessary waste. Many items that are produced and never sold end up in landfills. Wrongly produced garments get destroyed, cut up and burnt, this of course harms the environment even more. The list is long and I could go on forever. Either way, I don’t want to add to the damage that’s already been done by adding my perfectly good `non-sustainable’ things to the mix, and I would urge you not to do that either. Here are a few things that can be done instead (I am sure some of them are not new to you but I think it’s good to have them listed in one place):

Only wash your clothes when they actually need washing. If they smell a bit try hanging them outside first before you throw them into the washing machine. Remove stains with curd soap and a sponge. Your items will last longer - plus you save water and reduce the amount of nasty chemicals going into the precious groundwater
Mend damage. Unfortunately, I cannot sew myself but am lucky to have two grandmothers and a husband who are happy to fix small holes and tears or put buttons back on. For bigger issues e.g. broken zips, too much fraying on jeans or similar, I work with a seamstress
Store your clothes carefully. Folding your t-shirts and trousers carefully as well as hanging dresses and shirts neatly will help them last longer. Careful: never ever hang knits. If you do, they stretch out so fold them instead.
Remove pilling of woollen materials so that they look like new again. You can use a lint roller, or for sensitive knits a razor. You can also get a professional pilling remover if you prefer.
Have outfit parties with your friends (you can even do that via zoom or Skype). Get your old clothes out and come up with new outfit ideas together. You’ll be surprised how cool that t-shirt from your early twenties can look if it’s part of a new combo.
Swap clothes. If you really don’t love an item anymore and it only takes up space in your closet, hand it down to your sister or a friend. You might even want to swap clothes so that they get a second life. If that is not an option I suggest selling them on platforms such as Vestiaire, Shpock and Kleiderkreisel - or giving them to charity.

*jumper - inherited from my great aunt who wore it in the 80s, jeans - secondhand, blazer - high street but inherited from my aunt who bought it in the late 90s (I’ve owned it since my late teens)*

I hope you find the above useful. Furthermore, I hope that it’s inspired you to give older, perhaps almost forgotten pieces a second chance, and let them have a sustainable future. If you have other tips on doing so or keeping wardrobe staples alive for as long as possible, do let me know. I am always happy to learn more about it!

Katharina x

*cardigans - one is original vintage, the other two from high street brands (I’ve owned one of them since I was 17, the other one since I was 21), coat - charity shop*

Words & images: Katharina Geissler-Evans, heiter magazine

Heiter places to visit along the Lot, France

Clothes deserve a second change