Conscious shopping · Amsterdam Gathershop

February 20, 2020 Elena Stavropoulou

Intentional or conscious shopping for me is choosing to buy things that I really appreciate. Of course there is an element around sustainability and non-toxicity, for the benefit of my body and the planet, but instead of mainly focusing on the labels and ingredients I also like to become conscious of how items that I buy make me feel. What feels good for me is buying things that are made from natural materials; not only knowing that but also sensing the qualities of the materials gives another dimension to the relationship I have with an item. And that’s what conscious shopping is about for me, the relationship we form with the things that we buy, how much we can love them, the energy that we put into them and how they influence our energy when we see them every day in our personal space.

When it comes to things that I put on my body, like clothes, I go for natural fabrics, and for cosmetics I strictly focus on products with non-toxic ingredients. For homeware, I love earthy materials that give a sense of living close to nature.

The times that I used to shop from large impersonal brands and department stores are quite far behind me these days. Turning my attention towards items that have a certain story behind them makes me appreciate them by forming a direct relationship with them by noticing how they make me feel. I love items from small design studios, independent designers, handmade, fair trade, non-toxic, natural and consciously created things.

The Gathershop in Amsterdam’s De Hallen, which is around the corner from my house in the old-west neighbourhood, is one of my favourite places to shop in the last year or so. It’s a super cute little shop filled with items from small designers and natural cosmetic brands with a story. Entering the shop I instantly feel inspired and intrigued, almost like in a gallery, about to experience someone’s artistic expression; and that is explained by the beautiful curation of independent designers whose creations are on offer here.

Here are some of my favourites from this season in the shop:

Earthenware Mali mug by Nkuku | this UK brand has come up with designs inspired by travels in Africa, I instantly daydream about their stories while holding this little earthy mug in my hands.

Incense holder by Marie Eve Dompierre | I love this incense holder made from speckle glazed stoneware, simple and clean, and beautiful, it gives me a sense of serenity when I look at it.

Brass spoon by Nkuku | an instant touch of light and earthy tones feels my heart.

Wall brass tea light holder by Nkuku | this is so cute, in my wish list for when we get to paint the walls in our new apartment.

Hair pin by Kapelika | lovely design, holds my curls with grace and gives me a sense of old, cherished times.

Linen kimono jumpsuit by OffOn Clothing | give me anything linen and especially high quality texture with clean simple design and I’ll probably buy it; I love this kimono style jumpsuit to wear with my gold jewellery. In my wish list for the summer.

Gold bar necklace by Jennifer Kwang | simple and timeless, I had to buy this again after I lost a similar bar necklace in Tinos island last year. So happy to have one again, I wear it everywhere and all the time.

Finn solid hoops by Hart & Stone | I’ve had a blockage when it comes to hoop earrings since I was young; depending on my hairstyle it can feel a bit too street sometimes and I’ve avoided buying them for this reason as I never had that style, but this time I went beyond this blockage and decided it was time for reconsideration of this staple item..and I love them!

Rose hibiscus face mist by Herbivore Botanicals | wow this natural cosmetics brand is so delicious, this face mist is refreshing and energy uplifting in an instant.

Coco rose lip tint by Herbivore Botanicals | love this tint and texture on my lips, in my wish list for when my current lip products are finished - I have about twenty five at the moment.

Apricot & fig natural perfume by Ginger June | a few years ago I stopped wearing any kind of fragrance after I realised all commercial ones are full of toxic ingredients. That is until I discovered natural perfume products and I’m so happy to have beautiful smells back into my life! This one feels super fresh and playful.

PRACTICE

Identify | which are your favourite items and why? how do they make you feel?

Let go | which items in your wardrobe, cosmetics or homeware don’t feel so good and why? Chuck them or donate them.

Space | how do you want your energy to be? what items help you feel this way? Time for some conscious shopping.

ABOUT ELENA ZOE

Welcome to my online portal!

I am a former Googler reborn as conscious & self-aware living advocate.

I’m a speaker, writer and coach passionate about helping people live their best lives by tapping into the Source of their truth, power and true desire.

I offer individual mentoring and online programs, and I lead transformational expeditions in nature.