5 / 12 / 195 / 12 / 19
Disclaimer: I received a pair of Oka-B sandals in exchange for a review. This review contains my unbiased, independent opinions.
I used to always choose fashion over comfort when it came to my shoes. Now, I won’t settle for one or the other! I want super comfortable shoes that still look cute and are practical (i.e. can be worn for multiple occasions). And, it helps if they are made ethically and sustainably, too!
I had heard about Oka-B shoes and had contemplated ordering a pair for about a year or so. Then, Oka-B reached out to me and asked if I’d like to try some. The brand seemed like it could check all of my criteria boxes, so I jumped at the opportunity! I chose the Quinn Sandal.
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3 / 31 / 198 / 28 / 19
If you’ve gone clothes shopping lately, you may have noticed a new trend hitting the racks: snakeskin! This animal pattern is popping up everywhere. Unsure about how to wear it? I’ve teamed up with my favorite ethical fashion boutique, The Flourish Market, to show you a couple of different ways to style this versatile pattern! (And I’ve got a coupon link for 15% off your first order at The Flourish Market, too!)
Y’all have been asking me for outfit styling posts for a while now. While I often blog about fashion, I come at the topic from more of a social and environmental justice perspective. I don’t actually consider myself much of a fashion expert! So, I asked Katy, Chief of Style at The Flourish Market, to help show me (and y’all!) different ways to wear one of the latest trends in the fashion world, all while keeping it ethical! (You can read more here about why I choose to purchase ethically made clothing.)
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2 / 17 / 198 / 28 / 19
In this guest post, ethical fashion enthusiast Elizabeth Langefeld shares about the challenges she has faced finding ethically made workwear and recommends 12 sources for polished, office-ready looks!
The great thing about being in a book club is reading books I never would have found otherwise. Even if the book isn’t memorable, the discussion is.
Three years ago at one such meeting, Laura brought up that she had looked at the Slavery Footprint website and was changing the way she was shopping. I had long been trying to purchase items made in the USA to support families in our country, and I was concerned about the origin of my clothes made elsewhere but unsure of how to combat the issue. How could I reconcile the values I hold as a Christian with the often abusive practices of manufacturing? It felt overwhelming, but worthwhile, to find garments where I could trust that those in the production line had been paid fairly and were working in safe conditions.
Laura pointed me to a few sources, which helped me find more sources, and now I can’t imagine ever going back to my “old way” of shopping. I actually feel better when I’m in clothing from companies that pay workers a living wage. I’ve found that while the price point is a little higher, I’m buying items I love and am therefore buying less overall. My clothing budget hasn’t really changed, thankfully!
I’ve been very fortunate to not find it difficult to source items I like that are ethically made. Unfortunately, though, selection seems to be limited in the workwear category. While we are in an increasingly casual society, many of us do still need to look nice at work! On a given day in higher education, I may meet with a dean, attend a conference, or network with alumni. I don’t work in an office that expects suits (thankfully!), but for every “casual Friday,” I’ve got plenty of days to look nice.
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8 / 13 / 189 / 2 / 19
Last updated: 9-2-2019
I’ll never forget the moment I realized that the ethical fashion movement is anything but plus size-friendly. A friend of mine had read one of my blog posts and was talking to me about how she thought fair trade was a really good idea. “But, what about plus size people like me?” she asked. “Is there stuff for us out there?”
I felt shame rising in my throat as I realized this was not something I had ever considered. My privilege and lack of awareness, however unintentional, was suddenly exposed. I frantically flipped back through every ethical fashion brand I could think of in my mind, realizing with disappointment that I had never seen any of them advertise plus size clothing. There were a grand total of ZERO brands that I knew of at the time that I could recommend to my friend.
Part of the problem was that there aren’t a ton of plus size ethical fashion options, and part of the problem was that I just hadn’t stumbled across any yet. If you’re a person who is plus sized and interested in transitioning to an ethical wardrobe, this post is for you! I have rounded up 26 stores and brands that sell ethically made plus size clothing–all gathered together in one convenient, alphabetized list! Read More
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3 / 31 / 183 / 30 / 18
One of my biggest challenges when I first started shopping for ethically made clothing was finding business casual attire. Low backs, distressed denim, and cute yoga pants are great, but they aren’t always office-appropriate.
So, I’m thrilled that today’s ethical outfit inspiration is both trendy AND office ready!
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2 / 25 / 182 / 25 / 18
A hint of spring is definitely in the air! We have been having blessedly warm weather here in North Carolina for the past week, but winter isn’t quite ready to be done with us just yet.
With colder days still on the forecast for these last few weeks of winter, I have found myself reaching for seasonally appropriate clothes that also hint at the next season to come. My favorite color right now, hands down, is mauve.
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12 / 16 / 17
Real talk: Finding an ethically made cocktail or semi-formal dress is HARD, all caps.
Earlier this fall, I came up dry when trying to find a new dress to wear to semi-formal weddings. Many ethical fashion brands are on the casual side, and I just didn’t find anything I loved in my size at my favorite consignment stores. It was probably a good thing, because it forced me to re-wear things already in my closet. But if my friends have to see me wear that same navy dress one more time, they may forcefully shove me into a department store dressing room until I come out wearing something different. Read More
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9 / 21 / 1712 / 9 / 17
Happy Thursday, folks! Today I am sharing the perfect ethically made dress to wear to a wedding! I love that this dress is stylish, comfortable, affordable, and totally wearable at least 3 of the 4 seasons out of the year. And, it comes in a variety of color options!
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3 / 7 / 174 / 7 / 18
I am full steam ahead on spring getting here as soon as possible! This warm weather girl has had enough of cold hands. I am trying to stay patient and enjoy the remainder of winter by wearing all of my favorite winter outfits while I still can.
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11 / 6 / 164 / 7 / 18
I’ve got a roundup of 14 fair trade, ethically sourced, and socially responsible engagement rings for y’all today. You know I love weddings (who doesn’t love celebrating love??), and with my recent commitment to fair trade fashion, I thought it very appropriate to do some research on ethical wedding jewelry. Many of these jewelers make other jewelry that is not necessarily wedding-specific, so it may also be useful if you’re searching for a special gift for a friend/family member. Read More
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