Ethical Fashion Blog

The colors in the ‘Jardin‘ dress are perfect for fall. The crimson and chartreuse are vibrant, so I paired it with neutral accessories. I couldn’t believe I had this fedora that just so happened to be the perfect color….match made in fashion heaven.

SPRING/SUMMER LOVE

About a month ago I had the pleasure of posing for Mata’s Spring/Summer 2012 catalog shoot. It was on location in New Buffalo, MI which I had never visited before, and it was absolutely perfect. The sun shining, the sand between my toes, and the clothes…the clothes! Mata is showing bright colors for the spring and summer, and it makes me happy.

A FAIR WEEKEND IN CHICAGO

There are two very cool events coming up this weekend in Chicago.

The first is STOP TRAFFICK’s annual fundraiser on Saturday evening at the beautiful Intuit Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, at 756 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago.

The other awesome event is Old St. Pat’s Solidarity Market, happening Sunday from 9am – 1pm at 700 West Adams Street in Chicago.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE CO-OP?

Mata Traders’ fair trade clothing is made in India and Nepal by women’s cooperatives. Last summer I got the chance to visit three of them. I had a great time meeting all the women and getting to know their stories. I even interviewed several women on video with the translation help of social worker, Sampada, who took me on a tour of her co-op.

VISIT DONNA’S DRESS SHOP!

If you’re ever in Kansas City be sure to stop by Donna’s Dress Shop. Situated in KC’s hip Midtown neighborhood, you can shop new & used clothing, books, and more all in one block. Donna’s is carefully curated by the lovely Donna herself (check out her awesome aesthetic in the photos below). The Shop is filled with vintage curios and new Fall styles from Mata Traders fair trade fashion and other brands we love like Nooworks, Global Mamas, Many Belles Down, and Tulle.

The Chicago Uniform Project

In May 2009, Sheena Matheiken put on a little black dress and didn’t take it off for a year. Well, that’s not exactly accurate because I’m sure she took it off to sleep and wash, but the point is that she wore that dress everyday for a year and ended up raising over $100,000 for the charity Akanksha Foundation.

VISITING THE BLOCKPRINTERS

Maureen and Kristin are in India at the moment working with the co-ops on next Spring’s collection and even getting started on Fall 2012. This past weekend they visited one of the block printers where we source our fabric. Maureen said they got a lot of great photos and video, and it motivated me to finally get these pictures up from last summer when Michelle and I visited another block printer we use.

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.

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.

FAIR TRADE PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED

And Mata Traders wins!! …along with 11 other amazing photographs that will be featured in the 2012 Fair Trade Calendar. Of the 3 producer photos we submitted, our image of the rural woman hand block printing was chosen by voters. Thank you to everyone who voted for us!

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.

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.

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.”

Chicago is a Fair Trade City!!

Chicago celebrated World Fair Trade Day with an exciting announcement. After a 2-year campaign of outreach to residents and businesses, Chicago was declared a Fair Trade City!

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!

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