Maxi Dress for Maximum Humidity

• Linen maxi dress, purchased second-hand from Secondi, similar available used on Ebay HERE but not for long...ladies, if you are in the DC area, you MUST check out Secondi.
• Belt is also from Secondi, similar available from American Apparel
• Woven bracelet made in Hawaii, similar fair trade version available from Ten Thousand Villages
• Shell bracelet is from a store in San Francisco, similar fair trade version available from Ten Thousand Villages
• Topaz ring, similar fair trade version available from Novica
• Wedding ring is from Brilliant Earth, who use recycled metals and Canadian diamonds
• Nail polish is not eco-friendly, but here is similar version from Essie that contains no formaldehyde, DBP or toulene.
• Shoes were a birthday present from my huzzband last summer. But guess what--there are SO many similar used pairs on Ebay right now: HERE in size 6, HERE in size 7, HERE in size 8, and HERE in size 9 

Where I wore this:
A lunch meeting, then out and about in 100 degrees + crazy humidity with my friend V (who wishes to remain anonymous).

I think you will agree with me that V should begin life anew as a fashion photographer.  I hope she will agree to unveil herself as the Artiste she is someday. I asked her for help taking pictures while I was putting together a collage and she was like "THIS is your next outfit post! Look down, now smile, now STOP, now turn slightly to the right, feet more apart...go sit over there..no no, stand up straight, DON'T MOVE." I thought she was going to pull a wind machine out of her purse, but she didn't. Without her, the below was all I could come up with. This is my Fashion Game Face:



So thank you thank you thank you, V!!!

The Eco Breakdown

I'm pleased to introduce you to Brilliant Earth.  They believe strongly that  "high quality, fine jewelry need not come at a great human or environmental cost," and I couldn't agree more. They really do provide an amazingly beautiful and kind product, right down to the packaging, which is handcrafted from wood sourced from a sustainably harvested forest that preserves biodiversity, soil, water, and air quality. And ALL of their beautiful bling is cast from 100% recycled and re-refined precious metals.

Brilliant Earth also works with non-profits to provide education about the social and environmental issues affecting the jewelry industry and identifying ways to help, and as if that were not quite enough, they also donate 5% of their profits to help communities who have suffered from unethical practices in the jewelry industry.

If seeing their pretty shiny jewelry isn't enough for you, check out their "Top Ten Reasons to Care Where Your Jewelry Comes From"