Ethical Fashion Blog

Yup, time for me. I originally hadn’t planned on doing a wish list, but after sorting through everyone else’s I realized there are things! And I should point them out on the off-chance you, dear reader, knows someone who might also like these things.

We know, we know. Lotttts of October Rebel this season. But we can’t get enough of her, can you? Today she incorporates elements of nature and some holiday cheer while styling the Meet Me in the Meadow dress.

To be honest, it’s been quite fun seeing what everyone here wants for Christmas. And yeah, time’s ticking, but we’re going to keep posting our wish lists anyway. Because we haven’t had our Secret Santa yet. And someone has Alex, though I don’t know who. The smiley face of the office has a pretty great ethically-minded wish list. Straight from Alex herself, take a look:

October Rebel is back, working her magic on the Sylvia blouse from our fall collection. To her the blouse says, “I’m little fairy tale, I’m a touch Little House on the Prairie, but I also fit perfectly in a modern wardrobe,” so she showcased the floral print by pairing it with several solid basics, playing off the romance of the tiny floral print and voluminous sleeves.

What could the founder of a fair trade company want for Christmas? We asked and it turns out – lots of things! One of the items even looks an awful lot like an item on A.J.’s list (apparently we all love us some glass frames).

Our Saddleback skirt has been a pretty popular style this fall; the grey one is almost sold out!  One of our fave bloggers, Lily, from Fifth Freedom Fashion did a little remix with the Saddleback in blue stripes.  It’s made of a gorgeous, soft fabric which has been handwoven on floor looms. (Follow that link to see video of that process.)

You saw our first post about ethical gifts for Emily, but if you’re like, “Hey! Tell me what the Mata people WANT,” you’re in for a treat. A.J., our ever-pleasant Customer Service Manager, is up next! You might remember A.J. from our mention of her being the Volunteer of the Month at the Chicago Women’s Health Center. As you’d guess, she’s usually not one to ask for things, so we asked her to come up with a wish list:

We love the ladies who create Mata dresses! On our recent visit to India, we were able to spend some time getting to know many more of the talented artisans behind our products. Today, meet Gita, a skilled seamstress at the cooperative we work with in Mumbai.

If you’re buying a gift for Mata sales manager, Emily, this season (and someone in this office is because we are doing a Secret Santa), then you’re going to want to pay special attention right about now.

Hey Hey!

Have you been looking forward to another Blogger Style post?  We have, too!  This time Jacqui from Birds of a Thread styles our popular Sailor Moon dress.

For the month of November, Mata is partnering with Oxfam America to raise money for their efforts to end poverty and injustice.  You’ve probably heard of Oxfam, but if not I can tell you that they are one of the most respected social justice organizations in the world, working both on the ground and at policy level.

It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with a familiar face, and when the Mata team recently visited the cooperative we work with in Mumbai, we were pleased to catch up with Anita.