Big news this year for Chicago Fair Trade: we passed an ordinance in Chicago that will restrict the use of sweatshops in the production of apparel purchased by the city.
Ethical Fashion Blog
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.
We’re winding down our favorite month of the year, and though it’s a bummer, there’s still a week left!
We’re keeping the Fair Trade Month love (and free stuff!) going, with the third week of giveaways!
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!
If you haven’t heard, October is Fair Trade Month! An in an effort to collaboratively celebrate, we’ve decided to bring you an entire month of giveaways–a new one each week.
Fall is my FAVORITE season because it is the time of year you can get especially creative with your outfits. It’s the season of warm sweaters and lots of layering. Someone once told me that in order for an outfit to qualify as an outfit, you need to be wearing at least three pieces. Let this fall be the season of outfitting! Don’t be afraid to add layers of scarves, vests, blazers, leather bombers, necklaces, tights…you get the picture. I’ve created four looks to inspire you as you assemble your fall wardrobe, and with the help of my friend, Boyeon, I’m going to show you how to layer up and get out the door this season!
Sometimes it’s alright to get up to a little monkey business, especially if it involves swinging from a tree in your favorite Mata dress. Meet Lisa Marie Prang, a self-proclaimed fashion fanatic and the creator of LMP Collections blog. Lisa can’t say enough good things about our Zadie Belle Dress!
If you’re imagining Nepal, you’ve probably got scenes of towering Himalayan peaks in your head.
It was a year ago yesterday that my grandma, Harriet, passed away at age 98. The last 3 years of her life I was lucky enough to spend a great deal of time with her in my hometown of San Diego. At that time my family realized that she was unable to live on her own anymore, but instead of moving her into an assisted living facility, we decided it would be best if we took turns living with her in her own apartment. Thank goodness Mata Traders offered me the flexibility of working from home (my grandma’s home).
Don’t know about the rest of the country, but here in Chicago it’s getting chilly. Time to start breaking out the fall layers – tights, jackets, and hats! Marisa, from Shades of Monet, has seriously savvy style, and she’s got the Summerfest dress ready to make the summer-to-fall transition.
Do you ever notice that what you wear can change your mood? Or even make your day? “The Near and Deer Top” and “Buck Stops Here Skirt” from Mata Traders are those kind of pieces – instant mood boosters.
Cozy sweaters! Yummy scarves! The coolest boots! Fall is arriving, ladies. The trends are fun and wearable, especially with Mata Traders to back you up…