Trades of Hope Cyber Monday!
While I chose to skip Black Friday sales this year, there is something about Cyber Monday I find hard to resist. There’s no crowds or lines- just me in my pajamas browsing my favorite sites. It’s especially rewarding when you know your purchase helps women living in poverty and/or previous sex trafficking victims have dignified jobs and provide for their families. The Fair trade company Trades of Hope is offering some of my favorite pieces for up to 70% off through December 3rd. Here are some of my favorite pieces: To view all Cyber Monday sales and shop my Trades of Hope store click here!
FALLing for Ethical Boots
Forget diamonds– shoes are a woman’s best friend. Why do we love shoes so much? My theory is that it’s because shoes are versatile and body type doesn’t matter when it comes to rocking a pair of shoes. As I’ve learned more about ethics of the garment industry I’ve especially focused on what I put on my feet. Over the years shoe companies have become exposed and known for bad labor and environmental practices. In the 90s Nike and other sports shoe brands were exposed for their use of child labor and sweatshops. However, it’s not just sneakers that are made unethically. When it comes to boots, many consumers are…
My First Foray Into Fair Trade Fashion
How that’s for an alliteration? Fair Trade was a term I was vaguely familiar with for years after stepping foot in a Ten Thousand Villages store in Cambridge, Massachussetts. I recognized it as goods made by artisans in other countries and were made using traditional craftsmanship of those countries. It wasn’t until I created my wedding registry in 2016 at The Little Market that I discovered the full extent of fair trade decor and how buying fair trade certified products supports artisans in other countries by providing them with fair wages and safe working conditions. My enthusiasm for fair trade grew and I started working with a fair trade jewelry…
Trades of Hope Savanna Collection
“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.” -John Hemingway Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed about Africa, especially the animals of the African savanna. I preferred playing with figurines of cheetahs and giraffes over dolls, and my bedroom had an African safari theme. As an adult my childhood dreams of traveling to Africa came true and I was able to visit Ethiopia and Ghana. I also fell in love with the people, the traditions, the beautiful designs they incorporate into their clothing and crafts. As a first grade teacher I teach about the savanna habitat every year, and I love sharing my…
Patriotic Finds You Can Wear Past July 4th
If I’m going to be completely honest, I had every intention of writing a post for Fourth of July, but my husband and I planned a hiking and camping trip for the long weekend and time escaped me. At the weekend’s conclusion, with the work already half done I found myself sitting in front of the computer wondering how I could salvage the blog post. I found inspiration in my husband’s over-the-top patriotic shirt- a muscle tee with an American flag covering his whole torso and an American eagle busting through the middle of the flag. The kind of shirt that certainly inspires an “America- fuck yea” or two. Admittedly…
Trades of Hope has a new look for summer
Trades of Hope is a fair trade company that traditionally sells artisan made jewelry, bags, and home decor. This month the company added two new categories as part of their Capsule Collection. A versatile black dress and woven ikat sandals. Besides a couple kimonos, Trades of Hope has never sold apparel or shoes. I was excited to see the new collection which is classic black and white with a red accent. The pieces are made by upcycled fabrics and sustainable materials from women in Cambodia, Guatemala, and India. Here are some of my favorites pieces from the capsule collection named Endless Summer and the Summer ’19 collection! Endless Sandals Endless…
Meghan Markle, J.Crew, and the Rise of Do Good Denim
“When girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but also for those around them.” -Meghan Markle in speech to University of the South Pacific in Australia Meghan Markle and Outland Denim Beauty Meghan Markle has quickly become a fashion icon and when Markle wears something, people want to know where its from. Not only does she have style, but she has heart. She is a strong advocate for female empowerment and supports brands with a cause. On a tour in Australia the duchess was photographed wearing Veja sneakers and a black pair of skinny jeans from Outland Denim (the high-rise…
How to Wear Women’s History Month
Yesterday I celebrated International Women’s Day with my class of first graders. We watched a video that gave students some background knowledge of the holiday, including social injustices women faced and how women fought for gender equality. We watched a news clip of a 9 year old girl who wrote a letter to NBA Steph Curry asking why his shoes weren’t available for girls and discussed the power of writing a letter. Then we shared several stories and wrote about women who inspire us, including Mae Jamison, Simone Biles, Hillary Clinton, Malala, Beatrix Potter, Helen Keller, Rosa Parks, the list goes on! I was so impressed with the ideas they…
Trades of Hope Spring Line
Although the first day of spring doesn’t arrive until March 20, it’s fairly common to see new spring collections launch early in the new year. With a new year comes a fresh new look. Trades of Hope’s new collection is inspired by the Greek word eunoia, which means “beautiful thinking; a well mind”. The collection is beautiful, with both bold pieces and dainty feminine pieces to please different customers. One thing I like about Trades of Hope is that their pieces can appeal to different age groups, and the same holds true for the spring line. Here are my favorite pieces from the new collection: I do love a bold…
Winter Cause Box
Recently I wrote a post about my fixed feelings about New Year’s Resolutions. As I’ve had more time to reflect I realized that it’s important to find a balance between self improvement and self acceptance. Love oneself as you are but don’t be afraid to set new goals for yourself. The Winter Cause Box was curated with New Year’s goals in mind. The people behind Cause Box chose a variety of tools and treats to help your personal goals in 2019, or as they describe it goals that “build off of the accomplishments of our past year and push us to be greater versions of ourselves in the new year.…
