Staples

This looks like a promising t-shirt, even if it does only come in a few colors (black, white, pink, & blue). One in white, one in black...and the fair trade wardrobe continues...

www.districtcotton.com, $15

Tie Me to the Moon

The search for cute fair trade clothing is enough to make me want to start my own business. Well, almost enough. A helpful website is www.coopamerica.org which lists ratings and information about mainstream companies, as well as links to sites that feature fair trade, organic, etc. type products. That's where I found a link to Avatar Imports, a fair trade clothing line made in Kathmandu. Very reasonable prices and some cute stuff, if you're willing to wade through the neo-hippie pieces that seem to be the mainstay of fair trade designs. Seriously, people -- enough with the tie dye!

www.avatarimports.net, $32

She Had to Wear Something Under Her Robes

Next on the shopping agenda, a fair trade camisole from Maggie's Organics. Or maybe a couple. (See previous post, i.e., not Mother Teresa). I'm thinking black and teal. And maybe plum...

www.maggiesorganics.com, $15

It's Only Fair

Working at a fair trade store and learning about the plight (yes, I said plight) of workers in developing countries will absolutely ruin you for shopping at all the places I used to buy clothes and shoes. With a non-profit employee's salary, what to do? Basically, I haven't bought anything new for my wardrobe in quite a while, and I'm starting to feel a little frumpy. Okay, I know I don't *need* anything, and Mother Teresa only had two pairs of shoes, but Mother Teresa I am not. So, yesterday I decided that it must be possible to be stylish, socially, and fiscally responsible simultaneously.

The options seem to be fair trade and vintage (or just plain Goodwill). My first purchase was this dress from Fair Indigo. A classic, work appropriate, fair trade, and on sale! Take that, Target!

www.fairindigo.com, $24

Some Prefer Treacle

It's too late to get an off-beat card for Mother's Day. You'll have to settle for something from Hallmark, or the grocery store (you slacker!). But you can always get this one for Dad...www.uncookedlandthestore.com, $2.50.

National Treasury

This isn't really me, exactly, but I think it's cool. A little too modern for my taste. The blossom print in the frame is actually a piece of Japanese money. In looking at all the necklace options (and there are quite a few) I had to lament the fact that our own money is so incredibly boring. Very Puritan of us, I think. www.blendcreations.com, $83