If you read our blog regularly, you know that one of the perks of being a member of a fair trade cooperative is the opportunity to take classes and attend workshops. One of our artisan cooperatives recently updated us on what they’ve been doing– they’ve been celebrating and learning quite a bit!A
Ethical Fashion Blog
Athena is a mythological figure, an age-old symbol of many virtues that have inspired people throughout history. One of the most well-known goddesses of the Greek pantheon, she represents wisdom, justice, inspiration, courage, and the arts. In Greek mythology, Athena was the daughter of Zeus, the ruler of all the gods and goddesses. She emerged in the world fully grown, clothed in armor, bearing a shield and shouting war cries. Athena was from that moment Zeus’s favorite child and became who we all know now as the Goddess of Wisdom.
It’s that time of year again – the long days and warm nights turn into brisk days and chilly evenings. Throw on your favorite cardigan and grab your books. It’s back to school time.
The beginning of fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Though I’m sad that summer (and my internship with Mata Traders) has come to an end, I can’t help but be excited for the crisp air and for feelings of a fresh start to settle in – it’s a new school year for me! Fall wardrobes are an especially big part of my love for this season. I’m a practical girl, and there is so much that can be done with a fall dress with the help of layering and accessorizing. Take a look at these Mata dresses that can easily go from a casual day look in the classroom or workplace to a more sophisticated nighttime look for, you know, dates and things.
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Wedding season is here, and with the historic Supreme Court ruling on Friday, this season might turn out to be even more wedding-filled than ever! You remember me, Hyunmin, Mata’s intern from Korea (I posted about World Fair Trade Day last month!). When I researched American weddings, I was surprised to learn how different they are from Korean weddings– especially the bridesmaids. To me, it’s particularly interesting to see all the bridesmaids wearing the same dress!
Just in time for the holiday coming up, we’ve got some style inspiration for all of your 4th of July festivities (plus we have a fun giveaway going on – win your very own red, white, and blue Mata to wear for the 4th!). Though they may not have stars or stripes, quite a few pieces from our spring collection really fit the bill when it comes to a patriotic look. See for yourself!
You might know it as a wine. But the color marsala, as full-bodied as its beverage counterpart, is receiving an honor it hasn’t before: it’s been named as Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2015.
Have you ever tried wearing a sari? It’s a little more elaborate than a typical American outfit (shirt and jeans or a simple dress, for example). First, the blouse is worn (blouses vary in styles and embellishments). Then a floor-length petticoat is tied at the waist, while the upper part of the sari is tucked into the petticoat and wrapped around the body. The rest is draped over the left shoulder, often fastened with a safety pin to prevent it from falling off. While a bit challenging for beginners to learn, mastering the process of dressing in a sari brings a lot of elegance and pride to the women that wear them.
The days are getting a bit warmer, the sun is sticking around longer than it used to, and… what? Are those leaves on the trees?! Spring is here. Barefoot season has arrived. Painted toe nail season. Lemonade season. DRESS season.
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Can you believe spring is coming? Hi everyone! My name is Hyunmin, and I’m an intern at Mata Traders all the way from Korea. I’m not used to this endless snow here in Chicago. It’s hard to believe that soon it will be green again! In spring, I’m always so excited to try to do something new. It’s time to take your heavy coat off and wear something new for spring! Why not try a style you have never tried? Here’s some ideas based on the top spring trends for 2015.
Finally, there’s tons of wind and snow–winter has arrived. But just because the weather is miserable doesn’t mean you should stress about what to wear. Here we have an easy, cozy, layered winter look!
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Last year I found out about Dressember too late. It was already the end of December, just a few more days to go for the hundreds of women raising money for the International Justice Mission by wearing a dress every day for a month. I thought to myself: that sounds like a lot of fun, for a great cause, and I want to do it next year. So here I am, December 1st, embarking on my Dressember journey.
At one point or another we have all asked or been asked the question, “Who do you want to be when you grow up?” Typically this question directed towards a toddler or young child. The toddler’s response of “an astronaut” or “a movie star” is always seemingly outlandish to us wise adults. But maybe these kids are smarter than we think. Maybe they have the right idea about dreaming big and shooting for the stars. Jim Collins, a successful businessman and renowned author, teaches about the power of setting Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs). He says, the way you know whether or not you are truly setting BHAGs in your life is if you’re achieving only 50% of those goals. If you are achieving more than that, well then you are not dreaming big enough. If you shoot for the moon, even if you miss you will land among the stars.
Marisa Noelle, creator of The Shades of Monet Chronicles blog and Mata enthusiast, did an exceptional job remixing our Summerfest dress in four stylish ways. We couldn’t wait to share her creativity!