Ethical Fashion Blog

IT’S AUGUST ALREADY?
IT’S AUGUST ALREADY?
This summer has been scorching.  Also, this summer has been the busiest.  Lots of exciting projects!  I’ve pretty much resorted to wearing dresses only.  This slightly cuts my prep time in the morning – dresses are no-brainers because it’s like an instant outfit.
Continue Reading
MATA MEETS INSPIRATION
MATA MEETS INSPIRATION
Here’s a pic of me and my friend Rian out to lunch at the new Inspiration Kitchens that opened up 2 months ago in Garfield Park.  The restaurant is the newest social enterprise of Inspiration Corporation, a non-profit homeless service organization.  The delicious “contemporary American cuisine” is prepared and served by students and graduates of their food service training program.  Of course, there is an obvious connection between Inspiration Kitchens and Mata Traders as organizations with a double bottom line:  a sustainable, self-generating income and a social mission of being a vehicle providing people a way out of poverty.
Continue Reading
AMERICA!
AMERICA!
The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays.  Three day weekends, fireworks, bar-b-ques, freedom.  Mata’s Prairie Top was the perfect top to show my patriotism.  It is such a good summer top – practically all of Mata’s pieces are 100% cotton.  I also wore this earlier in the day.  I get so many compliments on that dress, and I love the chambray.
Continue Reading
FAIR TRADE FEDERATION CONFERENCE
FAIR TRADE FEDERATION CONFERENCE
Michelle and I drove up to the very cool city of Milwaukee in May to attend the Fair Trade Federation’s annual conference.  Michelle is an old hat with FTF conferences, but it was my first.  I really enjoyed meeting other folks involved in the fair trade movement, people who dedicate everyday of their lives to providing a way out of poverty to hundreds of farmers, artisans, and skilled workers all over the world.
Continue Reading
In the Garden
In the Garden
Hello, everyone!  Here I am guest blogging for Mata!  I have always been a fan of this brand, and have a sizable Mata collection in my closet.  I am such a blog junkie, so it’s neat to be writing instead of reading.  
Continue Reading
Fair Trade Lingerie is Not Easy to Find
Fair Trade Lingerie is Not Easy to Find
Michelle got married on Saturday!  It turned out to be a fabulous event and all of us bridesmaids were looking great in our fair trade bridesmaids dresses.  We’ll be sure to post lots of pics as soon as we get them from the photographer.
Continue Reading
1000 Fair Trade Towns
1000 Fair Trade Towns
A few weeks after Chicago was declared a Fair Trade City, several more towns will reach that milestone.  Enough to make 1000 fair trade towns in the world!!!!  Fair Trade is clearly a strong and growing movement, as more people shop for fair trade products and demand fair trade options in their towns.  The fair trade towns campaign really epitomizes that expression, “Think Globally, Act Locally.”
Continue Reading
Spot a Mata (Online Edition)
Spot a Mata (Online Edition)
San Francisco fashion blogger Modelina Michelle found us in local boutique Marmalade, and if you’re in the Bay area, you can, too!  Entitled “Sweet Bohemia,” Michelle’s post features the Edgewater dress, Lakeshore dress, Skylark skirt, and Symphony skirt from our new Spring line.  She notes Mata’s bright colors, bold patterns, and laid back bohemian vibe, but she’s just as impressed with the line’s social impact – empowering Indian women.  She asks, “How often can you buy a dress for yourself and help empower other women at the same time?”  Thanks for the shout out, Michelle!
Continue Reading
Our Skirt is Famous!
Our Skirt is Famous!
Well, maybe not THAT famous, but we are so proud of our little Arbor skirt for making it on a TV show!  She was just a little fair trade skirt, and now she’s hit the big time.  It was only by chance that we found out our skirt is a star. Our designer Kristin spotted it when she just happened to be watching her guilty pleasure, the show Pretty Little Liars.  She was amazed to discover that our Arbor skirt from Winter 2010 is featured on one of the actresses!
Continue Reading