Ethical Fashion Blog

HAVE YOURSELF A FAIR TRADE ARM PARTY

So, I keep hearing people use the term arm party to refer to when you’re wearing lots of bracelets.  I think that’s hilarious.  Here’s our gorgeous intern Mallika having several arm parties of her own, of the fair trade variety.

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WONDER WOMAN

One of the most amazing summer opportunities for American teachers is Teach With Africa.  This non-profit organization places experienced educators in underserved schools in South Africa to both teach and learn.  The org works closely with local partners to support academic programs, sustainability efforts, and social entrepreneurship initiatives.

 

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WHO WORE IT BEST? (PARTY IN THE PARK EDITION)

Our friends Ian and Lauren celebrated the 1st birthday of their little dumpling, Hemingway, a few weeks ago (that’s the birthday girl there on the left).  It was a lovely occasion in the park, but wouldn’t you know it, Maureen and I showed up in the same dress.

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FROM SKETCH TO SKIRT

The first half of our Fall collection has arrived, which includes the full and flouncyApplique Plume skirt.  It’s a great skirt for a girl on the go; pair it with a bright blouse as you dash out the door.

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TAKE ACTION!
About 1 in 8 people in the world lives in a slum.  By mid-century, with the population at more than 9 billion, the ratio would be 1 in 3, assuming poverty and migration to cities continue at their current rates.  (Source: LA Times)
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YOU ARE WHAT YOU BUY.
This was a billboard in a subway in Tokyo, Japan.  Though clearly not the intention of this ad, it carries a lot of meaning when you think of it in the context of fair trade.
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SWIMMING POOLS IN THE SKY IN MUMBAI

A planned 37-story luxury apartment complex called the Aquaria Grande in Mumbai, India will provide residents with the opportunity to enjoy a small swimming pool attached to their apartment’s balcony from which they can look out over their impoverished neighbors.

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Baltimore's Local Global Boutique
My mom was in Baltimore visiting my aunt recently and they popped into Milagro, one of the cutest shops on the eastern seaboard.  Milagro (meaning miracle in Spanish) specializes in unique, globally-inspired pieces from Baltimore and around the world.
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A Star is Born (Again)
Our little fair trade skirt is breaking away from her humble beginnings and making the rounds at the ABC wardrobe department.  After her show biz debut in ABC’s hit family drama, Pretty Little Liars, our Arbor skirt has starred on the small screen yet again – this time in ABC’s hit family drama, The Middle.  (Turns out that fictional teens shop Mata.)
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Festival Fashion
Going to any festivals this summer?  You can count on Mata to have some of your must-have festival looks.
Mata Traders got its start in festival booths!   So, being the veterans that they are,
Mata doesn’t disappoint when looking for festival gear (made from 100% cotton so you can breathe!).
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My Fair Wedding

Pig roast and potluck?  BYOB?  Patsy Cline cover band?  These were some of my husband’s early suggestions for our wedding plans.  A picnic affair he called it – I settled on ‘casual elegance.’  We went with open bar, affordable yet outstanding catering, Gatsby inspired attire, and yes, a Patsy Cline cover band.  Guests couldn’t have been happier and we did it all with fair trade flair!

 

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