Tuesday Trend: Colored Jeans

Get the Look {Fairly}: Sunrise, Sunset

As promised, here are a few ways to get the look {fairly} from Saturday's outfit post.

1. Jumpsuit by Nomad, fair trade and on sale right now. Personally, I would cut off the pants into shorts and make it into a romper, which is also closer to the look from yesterday's post.
2. Vintage wood bangle available from The Vintage Square's store in Oklahoma on Etsy
3. Wood bangle available from Terrabella (organic and natural products handmade by a husband and wife team in Nicaragua) on Etsy
4. Coral Necklace is fair trade, made of red Masai beads by Lalesso, and on sale right now.
5. Snake print and giraffe print cuffs are made from reclaimed, upcycled leather by Nubambu. 
6. Clutches are fair trade by Mar y Sol, a collaboration between artists in New York and artisans in Madagascar. The bags are handmade using sustainable materials, and all of their products are crafted with care for both the people who buy them and the people who make them. Also, they are on sale!

The sunset is from my wedding day in Costa Rica. I want you to know, dear reader, that it is not photoshopped in any way. Mother Nature was pretty much like "Bam!" and she gave us the best wedding present we ever could have received. It really was spectacular, and the pictures don't do it justice. So, whenever I wear the colors of sunset, of mangoes and fire, I think of my wedding day and one of the most wonderful places on earth: Playa Negra, Costa Rica.

My husband and I go back every year to lay around, swim, eat yummy locally grown food, and (occasionally) attempt surfing. Mostly we drink cervesas and watch the world-class surfers do their thang and say "wow, did you see that?" Sometimes we make new friends, like the this guy:



But mostly we just watch the sun set :)




 Do you have colors that make you happy? Places or spaces?

Last but not least: tomorrow is the last day to enter the bracelet giveaway and be featured here on Fair Vanity! Comment with your pinterest board, your blog post, your flickr, whatever you like, and I will feature you and enter you to win the bracelet :)

Sunrise, Sunset

I celebrated my birthday last week (which is kind of like a little sunrise, sunset moment all on its own, right?), and I knew I had to wear this crazy Ikat romper. As soon as I tried it on I just loved it, for many reasons, I think. I did my best to explain why I love it in pictures, but I will also do my best to explain in words:

Tuesday Trend: Hottest Summer Hats

Remember when I promised a post all about hats and their awesomeness? Better late than never, right? There are some really lovely ones below from a variety of sources: handmade/vintage made in the USA on Etsy, fair trade options from Pachacuti, and handmade in New York from Tracy Watts. Hope you like!

UPDATE: Arm candy style challenge and bracelet giveaway deadline has been extended to July 31!

Both hats above by Tracy Watts and available from Juno and Jove. Tracy Watts hats are made by hand in Brooklyn, NY ($206 and $264).

Pachacuti Hat. Pachacuti is the world’s first company to be certified to carry the World Fair Trade Organization’s (WFTO) new Fair Trade label. This is the first audited certification which verifies that an entire supply chain is following Fair Trade principles and sustainable environmental practices (On sale now for $62).



Vintage Stetson from Abbeysaccessories on Etsy ($62).



Vintage blue fedora by ReVampingVintage on Etsy ($24).



Vintage 1960s straw hat available from recyclinghistory on Etsy and 20% off this week only with code "HUGESALE" ($22).



Hat is made in Memphis, TN and available by MakoskyMillinery on Etsy ($175)





Handmade from TheMillineryShop on Etsy ($190)

Summer Nights

picasion gif maker

• Crocheted top is double Fair: my latest find is used from Secondi AND made in the USA. There is a similar shirt (below) by the same brand (Staring at Stars) available now here, also made in the USA. This shirt is perfect for summer because of the wide open knit, which creates an awesome perma A/C situation.
• White shorts are not Fair but here is a great option from American Apparel, made in the USA, pleated, same length.
• Clutch was purchased used and is another find from Secondi. Fun Fact: if Secondi decides not to take the clothes you drop off bc they are the wrong season or just not what they are looking for at that time, they will donate them to Bread for the City. Above is a similarly lovely vintage option from MelissaJoyVintage on Etsy  and one more 1950s version from  EllensHomeandGift.  
• Shoes are not Fair but there are still great options available used on Ebay, such as these and these and these, shown above.

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win the giveaway and style challenge by Monday, July 23!

Summer Sale Round-up: Juno & Jove

 Throw/beach blanket in background by JadeTribe, whose fair trade handbags and accessories  are sourced from small villages throughout Southeast Asia. 

Bikini by Karla Coletto, made in the USA from Italian fabrics

Crocheted white sundress by Organic by John Patrick, organic cotton, made in the USA.

Cuff by Alkemie, made in the USA from reclaimed and recycled metals

Sandals by Coclico This company examines every facet of its production, from fair labor standards to carbon offsetting. I suggest checking out their web site (it's flash, sorry) to read about their incredibly thoughtful eco-planning.

• Top by Koch, a clothing line made by hand in Texas and New York. 
• Necklace by Study, made from reclaimed copper piping and hand-dyed vintage silk scarves.
• Chambray shorts by Majestic. It is a mystery to me why this company is considered to be eco-friendly. It doesn't say anything on their web site, nor in an article from ecosalon.com in which Clothes by Majestic was featured. But I know Juno and Jove has very high ethical standards for all of the brands they carry, so for now that will have to do :)
• Ikat messenger style bag by JadeTribe whose fair trade handbags and accessories  are sourced from small villages throughout Southeast Asia

Tuesday Trend: Arm Candy

All bracelets by Indego Africa

The Tuesday Trend is a new feature and I'm really excited to be kicking it off with such a worthy company. Also, I thought it might inspire some of you bracelet-lovers to enter the giveaway and win some new, handmade arm candy from a local DC artist (deadline July 23).

Indego Africa truly is, in their own words, "redefining an outdated handicraft model of economic development and mapping out a replicable blueprint for unleashing the power of women entrepreneurs in Africa." What's more, they are a trendy company, partnering with big name brands like Nicole Miller, J Crew, and Anthropologie, which increases their profile and accessibility for the average American consumer. Some people have negative feelings towards trends, but for me, anything that empowers consumers to make kinder, more conscious choices about their purchases without going out of their way to find a new store or change their regular habits is a positive thing.

Their model for success and empowerment is so comprehensive that I think it's worth outlining the whole thing, and you can learn more about it here:

• Indego Africa is an award-winning, design-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise that lifts women-owned businesses in Rwanda toward sustainable economic independence through access to markets and education.
• Indego Africa partners with for-profit cooperatives of more than 400 women artisans in Rwanda and exports, markets, and sells their jewelry, accessories, and home decor (a) on its online store, (b) to more than 80 retail stores across the U.S. and Europe, and (c) at major brands like J.Crew and Nicole Miller through cutting-edge design collaborations.
• Indego Africa then pools its profits from sales with donations to fund training programs – developed internally from the ground up – for the same women in management and entrepreneurship, literacy, technology, and health.
• Indego Africa hires top Rwandan university students from socially-vulnerable backgrounds to administer its training programs.
• Indego Africa has offices in New York City and Rwanda and is managed by a lean and diverse team with extensive experience in development, business, design, law, commerce, fashion, and Africa.
• Indego Africa is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation and the subject of a Harvard Business School case study.

If you're looking for inspiration before you enter the giveaway and style challenge, check out this collection for more delicious arm candy, and remember that only one of the bracelets in your entry has to be "fair" in order to enter. Good luck!

<This contest in now closed>

Play Hard, Play Fair

• Gym bag from American Apparel, also seen HERE
• Tank from Alternative Apparel
• Water bottle from EarthLust
• Shorts from Teeki, aka the Most Awesome Company Ever
• Shoe from Newton Running (100% recycled laces, webbing, insole topcover; 100% recycled box, packaging)

• T-shirt from Loomstate (100% organic)
• Yoga pants by Teeki
• Water Bottle from Kleen Kanteen
• Yoga mat from Gaiam
• Shoes from New Balance (Upper material is 95% recycled plastic bottles)

The Eco Breakdown

I am eternally grateful to my friend Carissa for introducing me to Teeki, and I am so excited to introduce you to them, too! They make all of their awesome workout gear and edgy swimwear in the USA from recycled plastic bottles, and as you can see, they have really fun patterns and color ways to choose from. I was so taken with their crazy designs that I ordered those shorts, and they should be arriving any day now, just in time for me to wear them during a yoga teacher training I'm doing, so I am super-extra psyched. I'm sure it's not very "yogi" of me to be jazzed about what I'm wearing to yoga, but I do not care. Those shorts are the jam.

P.S. Don't forget to enter the arm candy style challenge by July 23-- I'll feature you in a recap post plus you'll be entered to win an awesome bracelet to add to your collection

Style Challenge: A Wristful of Bracelets

Part 2 of 2: Shiny, Sparkly and Fair = Guilt-free Bling

• Necklace by Kris Nations
• Earrings by Kris Nations
• Ocean water is made up of a vintage melanine bracelet, available from JojosJewelbox on Etsy
• Alligator ring made of reclaimed metals in Los Angeles by Alkemie
• Seahorse necklace, fair trade by Fifi Bijoux, available from Fashion-Conscience
• Octopus cuff made of reclaimed metals in Los Angeles by Alkemie

How amazing is that octopus cuff?! I'm not even sure I would wear it, but instead keep it on my dresser like a little pet rock just so I could look at it every day. I would call him Olly.

As promised, this collection is inspired by Krabi Province, Thailand, which is easily one of the ten most beautiful places on Earth, right? The beaches and islands nestled between limestone cliffs are breathtaking, and going through my old pictures is giving me some seriously itchy feet!

The Eco-Breakdown:

Kris Nations is a jewelry line made by sisters Kim and Kris Nations. Every single piece is made of recycled metals in the good ole USA.

Long-tailed Boat, Krabi Province, Thailand


Limestone Cliffs, Krabi Province, Thailand

Rai Lay Beach, Krabi Province, Thailand

Shiny, Sparkly and Fair: Guilt-free Bling, Part 1 of 2

• Chandelier-style earrings from Connected Fair Trade
• Horn Necklace  from Connected Fair Trade
• Horn earrings from Connected Fair Trade
• Upcycled New York Transit Token Charm Bracelet available from Eco-Artware.com
• Sand Dollar ring made of reclaimed metals by Alkemie, available from Juno and Jove
• Starfish ring made of reclaimed metals by Alkemie, available from Juno and Jove

Chiang Mai, Thailand


Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand

Maxi Dress for Maximum Humidity

American Spirit

Happy 4th of July from Fair Vanity!

 Tune in tomorrow for the Fair Version. Easiest and best part-- the jeans are homemade cut-offs. Is there anything more American than jorts?


Happy 4th of July! May your fireworks be bright and your beer be cold, and locally brewed ;)

Men: Best 4th of July Shoes Ever

Someone's man has to rock these vintage beauties, available on Etsy from Travillian (size 11, $88).

That is all.