Ethical Fashion Blog

This is the story of what happens when 2 people have babies.  Well, specifically, when those 2 people are my best friends, and they get a fair trade fashion business up and running, and through that business they design clothing made of original handmade block-printed and screen-printed cotton fabric.  And then I join the company, only for those 2 best friends to turn around and have babies at the same time.  It’s soooo awesome for best friends to have babies at the same time, but for business partners, it poses some challenges.

They’re not just one of our favorites because they carry a wide variety of our fair trade dresses, tops, and skirts.  It’s also because they’ve got a ton of cool stuff from all over the world, “from wondrous to wacky!”  And also because we love Nomad’s super-fun owner, Deb!

Here comes Sooners for Fair Trade, one of a growing number of student-run fair trade advocacy groups popping up on college and university campuses across the U.S. and abroad.  This group is starting off with a bang, planning an on-campus event called Fair Trade Fest, April 22-26:

…doesn’t necessarily stay in Vegas (Matawear goes anywhere)!

Last week my mom and I escaped to fabulous Las Vegas for some fun in the sun, and of course I brought along some Mata fair trade dresses to strut the Strip in color and style.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

Bonded labor, also known as debt bondage or indentured servitude, was declared illegal and officially outlawed in Nepal in 2000, and then again in 2006, and again in 2009.  Why must the the Nepali government keep announcing freedom for bonded laborers?  Well, it’s because the problem persists.

Today is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, present, and future.  Last week, Marlo Thomas keyed us in on a documentary airing on PBS entitled ‘MAKERS: Women Who Make America’.  You can watch the documentary here.

It’s a new year!  And that means new shows, new trends, and new inspiration!

Here are the hot trends we’ve been spotting for jewelry this spring:

Mint. Want some color?  Go for green!  Shades of green are big big big, and everyone is especially loving mint and emerald.  The Fan Earrings are a perfect touch and look good with practically everything; pair this touch of mint with an all black & white outfit (also popular this season).

A few months ago, I told you about Sunita, a once-shy and exploited artisan who found empowerment through fair trade.  She started her own fair trade artisan cooperative, called Sunita Handicrafts, and Mata Traders is one of their customers.  Her group has made such pieces as the Tiered Wooden Necklace:

The next generation of fashionistas walked the runway last week at Northside College Prep High School in Chicago.  They rocked the looks, but the coolest thing about these budding style-ophiles is that they are also the next generation of social justice advocates.  The students used their passion for fashion to teach their peers and community about fair trade and the way our purchases have an impact on global poverty.

Aromatherapy seems to be all the rage these days with celebrities, yogis, therapists and now me!  I’ve just recently gotten into aromatherapy, and I love the results.  I’m finding that I can rely on the scents to uplift my mood if I’m feeling down, or calm my stomach if it’s feeling a bit funny – even to alleviate headaches.  I haven’t had to use prescribed medicine for a lot of things since I’ve started using essential oils; both saving me money and boosting my inner (and outer) energy!  I always carry a few small bottles with me, and when I need a lift, the scent of grapefruit, lavender, or bergamot will do the trick.

The Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition, with its 90+ organizational members, works on advocacy and policy development in the maternal and child health field.  IMCHC envisions an Illinois that works towards equity and social justice, fosters the development of healthy families, and provides fair access to quality health care – the basic rights of all human beings.