First off: hi, welcome to my new blog. It’s been a while since I’ve had a crack at writing blog posts, but let’s hope it’s NOT like riding a bicycle, and I actually remember how (I famously forgot).
One of the things you can expect from this blog is to join me on my journey towards a more sustainable life. I’m making a concerted effort to buy less fast fashion, and support small, local brands.
One of my favourite discoveries that has come as a result of this new approach to shopping has been Luna Intimates. They’re a Cape Town based business that handmakes the most beautiful intimate wear. They have a focus on slow, ethical production, and their primary objective is to make women feel beautiful and comfortable. (They also have studio dogs, which is honestly just goals.)
I’d been lusting after Luna Intimates products for months when I finally got my first set in December. I instantly fell in love, starting the moment I saw the packaging.
Your order comes packed in a little box, wrapped in Luna branded tissue paper, tied with a ribbon, and sporting a Polaroid. Once the tissue paper is unwrapped, you’re treated to more lovely Luna branding, complete with a wax stamp.
While the lovely presentation is perhaps the least important reason to shop small, it makes such a difference to my experience as a customer. When you buy from a big corporation – even if you take the option to have your parcel gift-wrapped – it’s never going to be look this special. To most small businesses, each and every order is a gift, and they normally show their appreciation by making it an absolute joy for you to unwrap. The loveliness doesn’t stop on the outside, as you open it up and find yet more tissue paper, and a little scent bag to keep your underwear drawer smelling delightful.
Supporting small, ethical companies usually costs a little more than popping to your local fast fashion joint. There are so many factors that contribute to this, but the most important is that these companies are actually paying their workers a living wage. And that more than makes up for having to spend a little extra money. You also get what you pay for. Small scale production means more care is taken to produce each garment, and better quality control when checking finished garments. That being said, I don’t find Luna Intimates any more expensive than most ‘premium’ lingerie brands, who produce average quality garments in appalling working conditions in a sweatshop, then mark them up by 5000%, leaving the top dogs making a fat profit off other people’s literal blood, sweat, and tears.
All things considered, Luna Intimates is really reasonably priced, and the quality you get makes it worth every penny.
But if you – like me – are on a budget, your bank account might still start crying the moment you click onto their website. Lucky for us, Luna Intimates has pretty regular deals.
The most recent promotion I’ve noticed is their ‘surprise packs’. These seem to pop up every few months. The lovely ladies at Luna Intimates will find some beautiful lace, but not enough for a full range. To ensure it doesn’t go to waste, they’ll make as many items as they can, and combine them into surprise packs. You choose your size, select your quantity, and they send you a surprise selection.
Because it’s a limited range, you get the joy of knowing you’ve received something special that not a lot of other people have. On top of that – and in my case, somewhat more importantly – it’s a huge bargain. Most of the Luna Intimates thongs are between R240 and R290. Depending on the pack size you choose, these work out to R130 – R170 each.
But I’ve rambled enough about how much I adore this brand. I think it’s time to show you what I got.
I chose a three pack, and was treated with one sweet baby pink pair, a deep emerald green, and beautiful blue lace shot through with silver over a white backing. The emerald has to be my favourite. It’s one of my favourite colours, and it’s almost absurdly soft.
In addition to being beautiful and extremely well-made, all of the Luna Intimates pieces I own are SO comfortable. I’d highly recommend purchasing anything from them, but this surprise pack was such a fun experience. Because I didn’t know what I’d be getting, it was like a present to me from me!
You can browse the Luna Intimates range on their website or Instagram.
I think that’s it from me for today. I’ve missed blogging so much, and I’m loving this foray back into the written world. Thank you for joining me on this exciting new venture!
