Ethical Fashion Blog

What a Difference a Dress Makes
What a Difference a Dress Makes
There's no better time than Fair Trade Month to celebrate all the good that comes from a fair partnership between producers and consumers. Throughout October, Mata is inviting fair trade fans and enterprises to share an image on Instagram of what fair trade looks like for them, with this hashtag: #whatfairtradelookslike.
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A Fair Trade Decade
A Fair Trade Decade
Mata Traders officially began in 2007, although I started wandering the globe many years before that, buying exotic things and selling them in the U.S. at flea markets and home parties.
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BACK TO THE BOOKS (& BACKPACKS)
BACK TO THE BOOKS (& BACKPACKS)
Fall is the perfect time to get back to the books, whether you’re headed to class or not. Grab one of our recommended reads, your ethical backpack and a notebook and hit up a cozy spot to give your mind some me-time.
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MUCH ADO ABOUT IKAT
MUCH ADO ABOUT IKAT
Ladies with a yen for compassionate fashion make a statement with both their wardrobes and their dollars. They set high standards for style (unique), quality (impeccable) and fit (flattering). And they celebrate the talents and traditions of artisans like those who handcraft Mata apparel and accessories in India and Nepal.
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Starting Out at a Fair Trade Cooperative
Starting Out at a Fair Trade Cooperative

The morning sun streaks across a bustling street in Mumbai.

Shakuntula has walked this path many times. After her husband’s death nearly two decades ago, she was in critical need of a steady job to support their young daughter. She came to the cooperative at the suggestion of a friend, 19 years ago.

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23 SPRING/SUMMER MATA STYLES FOR PETITES!
23 SPRING/SUMMER MATA STYLES FOR PETITES!
It can be hard shopping as a petite! While everyone has challenges when searching for new clothes, petites have to be on the lookout for items that are the right proportions – the proportions of the bodice and skirt must be short enough, and the length of a dress is often too long.
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Red, White, & Blue Giveaway 2017 [Giveaway Closed]
Red, White, & Blue Giveaway 2017 [Giveaway Closed]
As temperatures rise here in Chicago, so does our excitement: Summer is finally here! That means donning some flirty sandals, floppy sunhats, and your favorite sundress while you soak up the warm sunshine. Here at Mata we are rejoicing the return of our own favorite time of the year: dress season!
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Mata's Guide to Summer Fun
Mata's Guide to Summer Fun
Summer is finally upon us! And lucky for us, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Chicago during these next few hot weather months. If you ever find yourself at a loss for what to do, check out one (or all) of the things below! And, of course, we’ve provided you with some cute styling suggestions. Whatever you decide to do this summer, do it in style.
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HIT THE BEACH WITH MATA
HIT THE BEACH WITH MATA
It’s that time of year again: beach season! But just because your mind might be on summer vacation, doesn’t mean your ethical shopping habits have to be! Support local, sustainable, and fair trade companies when you hit the beach this year.
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