Dressember Partner Highlights Part 2

Hi friends! I'm happy to share some more of my favorite fair-trade items from around the web!


PACT Organic Striped Tee ~ $16.00

I love this shirt because it's plain, simple, and affordable. PACT makes some of the most affordable fair-trade clothing on the web. They have all the basics you could need from underwear and bras to tee-shirts and leggings. And they're of course fair-trade!

http://www.beadandreel.com/products/organic-striped-tee-pact



Karuna Full Pants ~ $47.99

Sudara is a brand that empower women in India who have been rescued from sex trafficking. Sudara not only provides employment and skills for these women, but they also have a non-profit arm that supplies housing and education for the women and their children. Sudara hopes to break the cycle of sex trafficking in these communities. They do great work in the lives of many families. Plus, these pants are super cute! Most of the products Sudara offers are pajamas (but no shame in wearing them as regular pants!), but they also have a line of tee-shirts and tank tops. They also have cropped pajama pants and pajama shorts and jewelry. Plus, they always have discounts if you look for them!

Sudara goods are made from hope, and made for comfort.

http://www.sudara.org/products/karuna-full








Wakami Set of 3 Bracelets ~ $22.00
Available in Peach, Gray, and Mint
Single Wrap Bracelet in Mint and Copper ~ $11.50

These super cute bracelets are really wonderful for gifts. The brand, Wakami, helps villages become self-sustaining by providing mentorship, education, and lifestyle improvement services. They even help these villages have and sustain nutritional food and educational services to children. They help villages create sustainable energy and water filters to overall improve the well-being of people who live in poverty.

• Wakami is of Mayan origin and means “it already is”. The people at Wakami believe their mission for a better world already exists, they just have to find a gate into it. Today, Wakami is a lifestyle brand that serves as a platform for village artisans to make a positive impact in their communities. These bracelets are handcrafted by village women in Guatemala that participate in this program. The sole mission of Wakami is to break the poverty cycle and create opportunities for these women by teaching them the skills needed to become self-sustaining and independent and providing them necessary resources to accomplish these goals.

http://www.daisiesanddoodles.com/collections/jewelry/products/set-of-three-bracelet-peach
http://www.daisiesanddoodles.com/collections/jewelry/products/single-wrap-bracelet-mint-copper




Sambal Indosole ~ $45.00

I actually love these!! These completely organic shoes are made in Indonesia. These are actually repurposed tires. Indosole's goal to help the environment by repurposing things that would normally go to a landfill. They are vegan friendly too! Plus they use ethical labor--they even post pictures of their good practices on social media. It's really a win win win with these shoes.

http://www.beadandreel.com/collections/under-50/products/sambal-indosole



PACT Organic Cotton Fair Trade Print Long Legging ~ $34.00

PACT is a company that basically has every fair-trade ethical certification thing ever--seriously:
PACT's manufacturing process is designed to be good from seed to shelf, with GOTS, Fair Trade, SA-8000, and OEKO-TEX 100 certifications so you can feel good about every step taken to create your favorite basics.

They make basic clothes for everyday wear. If you need plain t-shirts, warm patterned socks, underwear, camisoles, leggings--PACT is the place to shop. They have reasonable prices and a great selection across many ethical boutiques across the web.

Bead and Reel is one of those boutiques. They have an amazing selection of ethical clothing that does a lot of good in the world. Check them out!

http://www.beadandreel.com/products/print-long-legging-pact






Redemption For All Tee ~ $32.00
Available in Heather Gray and Slate

Garment Collective works with a manufacturer in Nepal that brings in the poorest, the most marginalized, and those that are at-risk for sex trafficking or who have experienced sex trafficking, and teaches them how to make a living. They teach them how to sew, they pay them well and fair, and they give them opportunities for counseling and a new life.  The manufacturer is committed to creating a work environment free of discrimination and full of safety and dignity.The designer has a heart of gold and uses the profits to further her designs so even more jobs are available to help these women.

http://garmentcollective.com/product/redemption-for-all-tee/




Block Print Scarf- Pink ~ $24.95

When you make a purchase from Daisies and Doodles, part of the profit goes to Free the Children, which is an organization that provides education and necessities to children in poverty-stricken communities and encourages children to be philanthropic. They support a fair marketplace and are committed to helping the world in big and small ways. Plus this scarf is just super cute!

We are inspired by a passion for discovering handmade pieces from around the world that are unparalleled in beauty, quality, creativity, and social responsibility. Our collections offer contemporary pieces crafted using traditional, locally sourced materials and age old methods. We are dedicated to environmentally conscious  production processes and fair wages to the artisans that create these one-of-a kind pieces. By providing a responsible commerce platform for our artisan partners, we bring you an exclusive, boutique of pretty little things that are making a big difference.

http://www.daisiesanddoodles.com/collections/scarves/products/block-print-scarf-pink


Joan Skirt ~ $51.99

This skirt is perfect! It's great for summer weather, winter weather, and everything in between. I love it! Plus, Arrowroot is committed to using ethical production every step of the way. They provide fair-wage safe jobs to women who need it in Honduras. They have a wonderful selection of dresses as well.

http://www.shoparrowroot.com/currentreleases/joan-skirt-in-copper


Kira Lee Bracelet ~ $32.95

This piece is elegant and whimsical. This is one of my absolute favorite pieces of jewelry. The jewelry from Vi Bella Jewelry is an ethical and empowering source much like the others listed on this blog. This particular bracelet was made in Haiti.

The Vi Bella story has grown to provide employment, education, and opportunity to more than 30 artisans in Haiti, Mexico, and right here in the United States.  We also partner with organizations that provide employment in India and Ecuador. 

https://www.vibellajewelry.com/shopnow/Collections%20-%20Noir/Kira%20Lee%20Bracelet





Cobalt Crossbody/Clutch $189.00
I'm not going to pretend that this is super affordable... BUT, if you're into purses like this and you're willing to spend the money, why not buy a purse that helps people and doesn't exploit people?

 Our business provides financial empowerment through dignified employment. We chose worker-owned women's weaving cooperatives and small family businesses to be our producers because they share our commitment to ethical, sustainable production practices and high-quality results. We know that empowered women are the key to transforming their communities and ending the generational cycle of poverty. Additionally, we have partnered with local Guatemalan non-profits to increase access to healthcare in rural communities and support education and mentorship for Mayan girls. 

http://estrellademaronline.com/crossbodyclutches/cobalt



Thank you so much for reading this blog! I really appreciate the support I've received about making this. I hope to continue to grow the resources and products available as time goes on. Currently, I'm on Christmas break so I should have a lot of time to do research and make more information and product highlights available. So thank you!

Let me know your opinions on the blog--should I include higher end items, or should I try to seek out the least expensive options? Should I include kids clothes? Mens clothes? Whatever opinions and suggestions I receive will shape the content of the blog. So I would love your feedback!

Thanks again.
Karla

Dressember Partner Highlights Part 1

Hi friends! I wanted to highlight some of my favorite brands and products that are partners with Dressember. These brands are committed to using ethical labor and to making a positive influence on our world. Consider checking out their websites next time you go on an online shopping spree! A lot of them also have sales and discount codes if you follow them on Instagram. Let me know what you think!


Fiona ~ $64.00

This item is Fiona by Elegantees. Elegantees are "Designed with purpose to provide meaningful employment for women rescued from sex trafficking. It was made in Nepal, one of the least developed countries in the world, which ranks high for trafficking. This design creates a bright future for the survivor who made it" I just love this because I know this would look awesome with some fun leggings.
When you shop here, you can know you're empowering women! How cool is that?!

http://elegantees.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/fiona-in-black



Voyager Cuff ~ $28.99

This bracelet is made in India and is sold by Noonday Collection. Read their Mission "We partner with an artisan business in India that creates dignified jobs in a vulnerable community, empowering both men and women to provide for their families. Artisans create jewelry by hand, earning fair wages and enjoying a safe work environment." 
Noonday is all about providing opportunities for people who simply don't have many. Plus they make beautiful jewelry!

http://www.noondaycollection.com/Pws/homeoffice/store/AMUS/product/Voyager-Cuff,2362,345.aspx#impact




Gold Shimmer Ribbons ~ $12.99 (Straps range in price from $8.99-$19.99)
Chroma Chiffon Sandals ~ $44.99
Ivory Lace Sandals ~ $59.99
Ribbon Accessories ~ $10.00-$19.99

These are like my absolute favorite! They are from Sseko Designs, a fashion brand based in Uganda that These sandals come with interchangeable chiffon ribbon. The ribbon can be tied in a multitude of ways (the possibilities are actually endless--just see their website!), and you can even purchase multiple ribbons to switch out. The bases come in multiple colors too! And you can buy accessories for the ribbons! And they even carry women's sizes 5-12. Yay!

Sseko Designs uses fashion to provide employment and scholarship opportunities to women pursuing their dreams and overcoming poverty. To date, we've enabled 60 to continue on to University. We provide employment (along with access to a comprehensive social impact program) to our team of 50 women in Uganda. And we do it all through a financially self-sustaining model.

Seriously--say no more--empowering women + great shoes = no brainer. I'm ordering like now.

http://ssekodesigns.com/shop/gold-shimmer-ribbons.html
http://ssekodesigns.com/shop/chroma-chiffon-sandals.html
http://ssekodesigns.com/shop/sandals/ivory-lace-sandals-571.html
http://ssekodesigns.com/shop/sandal-accessories.html


Silver Spear Earrings ~7.99

These earrings are among the many cute pieces of fair trade jewelry over at Mata Traders. There are so so so many earrings for every style, Would recommend! Absolutely perfect Christmas gifts!

https://www.matatraders.com/shop/jewelry/earrings/spear-earrings-silver.html



Giving Keys Classic Necklace ~ $39.00

You may have heard about the Giving Keys before--keys are repurposed into necklaces with words of hope and encouragement such as "Hope" "Believe" "Courage". Wearers are supposed to embrace the word on their key and pay it forward by giving it to someone they feel needs the message more than they do. They employ members of the homeless and low-income population and provide a safe, encouraging, supportive, and hopeful environment. They work to help individuals transition out of homelessness. So when you buy a key, you're in some way buying a future for these individuals. Plus, who knows how many lives you'll impact through giving the key away? Also, you can now customize your keys! Giving Keys just keep getting better.

https://www.thegivingkeys.com/collections/best-sellers/products/classic-pendant


Sadie ~ $46.00

This item is Sadie by Elegantees. Again, what a great business!! I just love how simple all their pieces are, because it really allows versatility and gives you opportunity to express yourself with accessories. I love this!

http://elegantees.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/sadie-in-blue-yonder



Enchanted Headband ~ $34.00

I'm actually in love with this headband by Noonday Collection. They're the company that empowers women in India you read about with the Voyager Cuff!

http://www.noondaycollection.com/PWS/homeoffice/store/AMUS/product/Enchanted-Headband,2437,428.aspx



Amazing Lace Dress ~ $92.00

Mata Traders has some seriously cute clothing--all fair trade! These dresses were made at a fair trade women's cooperative in India. The lace is beautiful, and did I mention it has pockets?!

Mata Traders – a design driven, fair trade brand helping to end global poverty and inspire ethical companies and consumers to change the fashion industry. Made by artisans in India and Nepal, our colorfully original designs are now sold in 50 states and 12 countries, and provide a stable source of income for families in some of the world’s poorest communities.

https://www.matatraders.com/amazing-lace-dress-berry.html
https://www.matatraders.com/amazing-lace-dress-teal.html



Amanda Necklace ~ $18.00

This Necklace from Flourish Art and Gifts is made fair-trade by women in India. The different products are made in different parts of the world and empower different people who need opportunities to have a safe and fair living. Some of the products are even made by women rescued from sex trafficking. 100-50% of profit goes back to helping the victims. Read all about them on their website!

https://www.flourishartandgifts.com/Fair-Trade-Gold-Tassel-Necklace-p/fawgtasn.htm


Okay, Phew, thats it for now!!! I hope you enjoyed looking through some of the fashion pieces available from these vendors. I hope you consider purchasing some and supporting their awesome causes! Fair trade fashion is out there, and I hope that this blog is helping you find that. Remember, while fair trade items often cost more than you might pay at the mall, you can have confidence that your purchases are not contributing to unfair labor or human trafficking. Doesn't that make you feel good??

Throughout the month, I hope to highlight some more of my favorite fair trade and ethical fashion items, so stay tuned!!

Ignorance Is Bliss

Today, I went shopping for essentially the first time since making my commitment to no longer purchasing clothing that I feel is likely made through unfair labor practices.

It was seriously one of the hardest things I've done, which sounds petty and stupid but it's true.
I tried on the most perfect pair of dress pants in my perfect size, in the perfect color, with the perfect cut and length and everything. They were only $10 too. And then, I saw the tag: "Made in China". Uh oh.

I didn't jump to conclusions instantly. Just because something is made in China doesn't mean it's made under slave labor or underpaid and dangerous labor. But it's pretty likely. According to the things I've been reading from sources like Free2Work.org, China is a prominent place for unethical labor practices as laborers are highly unaware of their rights, and businesses take advantage of this. While I know of some fair trade businesses who actually make their clothes in China, I can expect that this particular store was not a fair trade business, because when I looked on the stores website about workers rights and factory policies, nothing showed up. Nothing. I googled for a good 10 minutes in that dressing room, and found absolutely nothing about this brand's policies. Yikes.
See, in my experience, good brands that use good labor talk about it. They'll put a little Fair Trade Stamp on their website, or include a small blurb about how "their products are made by people who are paid fair wages and who work in safe conditions" or they make their policies known, or they have some sort of transparency so that consumers can know that the clothes they are buying aren't costing the freedom of people half way around the globe.

But not this brand. I found nothing.

Maybe I didn't look hard enough. But I felt uncomfortable buying from this brand when I honestly had no idea who was making my clothes.

I've never looked so good in a pair of dress pants. But I've also never been so aware of the issues involved in the clothing industry. I couldn't buy them without knowing...

Then I went to a makeup store. Gah! I love makeup. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most beautiful makeup kit I've ever seen in my life. It had a beautiful makeup box and literally contained every kind of makeup I actually use in the colors I actually use. The box would even match my room, like it was made for me.

But then, I checked makeup on Free2Work.org, and I found out that Mica, a common ingredient in makeup, is mined by children as young as 6 all over the world. I read about the conditions they worked in--receiving very little pay, working in terribly dangerous conditions, working long hours, not receiving education, the scorpion stings and snake bites that these little boys get, just terrible stuff that goes on to mine Mica.

So with this knowledge, I scanned the ingredients of the makeup, hoping and praying that this perfect makeup kit wouldn't have Mica.

It did.

I was upset. Why do businesses have to taint their goods by using unethically obtained materials? Like if they could have not used Mica, or have somehow managed to find their own Mica mine where they took safety measures and payed people fairly, I could have purchased that most amazing makeup kit. But I couldn't. Even if I wanted to, I knew that I could never put on that eyeshadow, look at myself in the morning, put on my Dressember dress and advocate against human trafficking, and be OK with myself. I just can't.

Ignorance really is bliss. A year ago, I could buy whatever I wanted. I was advocating against human trafficking, and that was enough. But this year, I learned about the prevalence of unfair labor in the apparel industry and in many more industries, including food, coffee, and cosmetics.
It sucks.

Here's the thing. I know that my lack of purchasing a pair of $10 pants isn't going to change the world. Like it isn't. That brand is not missing my business. That store doesn't care if I skip out on that makeup kit. However, I can no longer align myself with brands that are known to have terrible workers rights policies, or are so non-transparent that I can't know how their employees overseas are treated. I can't. One of the things I've learned at TU is that as consumers, our dollars are our vote. Money talks. Money makes changes. I can't vote for slave labor. I can't vote for dangerous working conditions. I can't vote for child labor. I am simply doing what I can to stop MY contribution to human trafficking by cutting out my money that supports brands that use it.

But that's not all I'm doing. I'm making people aware of these atrocities. My hope is that, upon learning where the that the clothes they're buying and the makeup they're wearing come from, people will feel uncomfortable. Hopefully their discomfort will be an encouragement to also stop shopping at places that are known to have terrible workers rights policies. Hopefully their discomfort will help them be more conscious of the way that their consumerism can possibly be contributing to a global injustice.

And I know what you're thinking. Boycotting isn't the most effective way to end human trafficking. I know. But here's my thinking:

• I can't find peace knowingly wearing clothes that I'm pretty sure are made by slaves (or that I'm 99% sure are made by people who are not given fair pay).
• I can't give my money to businesses that are taking it for themselves and withholding it from their oversea workers who make pennies an hour.
• I can't let myself advocate for human trafficking when it's easy (on social media) but not when it's hard (passing up on cute and cheap clothes).
• The point isn't to boycott, but to hold companies accountable to fair labor and manufacturing transparency. This means that we must write to businesses* and let them know that we can not buy from businesses that use child, slave, or unethical labor.
• Purchasing from Fair Trade** businesses means a vote for freedom! When we buy Fair Trade, we are supporting businesses who pay their workers right. This means that in places of poverty or unfair labor, some people are being treated with dignity. This is awesome, because it means we are allowing people to have good, sustainable jobs in safe places; we are showing laborers that workers rights exist and that they should advocate for them; and we are proving to businesses that profit can be made without using unfair labor.

*I plan on making a post about how we can express to large companies that we can't stand with slave labor, when I find enough information. Research about things like this is scarce... Probably because companies really don't want you to know about this. :-)

**I'm also doing lots of research about cute clothing stores that are Fair Trade in some way, or who have very strong anti-slave anti-child labor policies, or who have good ratings according to Free2Work.org. I'll share resources soon! I've found some majorly cute clothes!

All this being said, sorry for bursting your bubble of ignorance. I hope it moves you to action to make changes in the way you look at clothes when you're purchasing them. Sorry not sorry if you have a hard time buying clothes for dirt cheap from stores who hide their workers policies :-)

It'll take sacrifice on our part, but we can actually change things and stop human trafficking in the apparel industry.

Also, don't stress yourself out about this. You aren't a bad person for having clothes made in sweatshops. You aren't a bad person for wearing makeup. You aren't a bad person for not really caring about human trafficking. But if you DO care about injustices and you want to make a difference, do it. Don't stop because it's hard. We can do it together.
Love Always, Karla

Purpose

Over this last month, I've been advocating for the abolition of modern slavery, for the end of human trafficking. I've worn a dress for the past 10 days as a part of a creative advocacy and fundraising program called Dressember, which raises money for two international organizations who work hards-on to end the injustices of our world. This is my second year as a Dressember advocate.
But this year, something feels a little different. As a "veteran", my message isn't really new and exciting or special among my friends--it's the same as last year after all. While a multitude of people supported me last year, the money is running on the shorter side so far--not that I'm complaining, just being real. This year I've also started college, which means I don't see the same people every day, which means I don't get as many questions or opportunities to speak about human trafficking. I'll admit that this has been discouraging, but last year I felt like I was on the track to change the world, and this year I've battled the feeling that all my work is in vain.
However, I remind myself that this isn't about me. It's about the survivors and victims of human trafficking. It's about what God has called me to do. It's about everything except me.
Last year, it was easy to follow God's call on my life to pursue ending human trafficking. Not only was it super fulfilling and impactful, but I also got some attention from it, some encouragement, something tangible that told me that I was somehow doing the right thing. But this year, it has been difficult, and I'm battling discouragement.
Luckily, this isn't the end of my post, because God is a God who works in encouraging times and in discouraging times. My impact and my passion are not limited by my feelings.
And this is where this blog begins. Over the past few weeks I've been thinking about Dressember, about clothes, and about slaves. I've been learning a lot about the global economy and inequality and trauma, and I've been thinking about my part in slavery. I don't know when it clicked, but I realized that even though it's awesome to advocate for slaves through Dressember, it's kinda hypocritical to do so wearing dresses made by slaves. I was convicted. So I got to thinking, and researching, and praying, and I came to the conclusion that I have to rid my life of products made my slaves. I have to completely take my share of the economy and place it in the hands of businesses that do not use trafficked laborers. My money is my support. I cannot support trafficking. I cannot support slavery. I cannot support injustice. I must purge it all.
But here's the thing--it's hard. And I don't know where to start. And I don't know what to do. And that's why I created this blog. I don't know where it'll go, I don't know who it'll reach. But I do know that through this journey of ridding myself of slave-made products, I'm following the calling that God has placed on my life. I hope that somehow in someway this blog will be a resource for others who share the same conviction.
As I take on this project of un-slaving my wardrobe and possessions, I plan on writing about what I'm doing. I plan on giving tips and advice about how you can do it too. I'll give more explanations about how this matters and what it does as time goes on.
But for now, here's my purpose: to contribute to the end of human trafficking but discontinuing my economic support of companies who use it.
So Help Me God.