The Perfect Pair of Black Skinny Jeans {New Year's Resolution Shopping}

As I mentioned in my last post, one of my New Year's Resolutions is to focus not only on the ethics of my purchases, but on the size and wearability of my wardrobe. 2014 will be the Year of the Great Purge at Chez Fair Vanity, and my closet is no exception. It's much easier (and less stressful) to get dressed every day when we have less choices to make, not more, so I'm aiming for lean and mean in 2014. You can use that. 

One way that I'm keeping myself on the straight and narrow is to keep a list of the items I need, which is vastly different than the items I want. I keep the list updated on my iPhone so that at any time of shopping temptation, such as amazing sales, souvenir shopping, etc., I can refer back to my list and stay focused on finding something that I need, and really have fun investing in the best version of it that I can find, both morally and aesthetically. Essentially, I want to fill my closet with items that I absolutely love and that I want to wear all the time.  I am taking a vow not to purchase anything that I feel the least bit unsure about. Not. One. Thing.

My current list includes neutral sweaters, black jeans, dark wash jeans, button-down shirts in neutrals like white, navy, and taupe (in silk or cotton), black chelsea boots, and black leather sandals (not needed till summer, but I'm on the hunt). Clearly my wardrobe is missing some key basics. And I like black.

I'm thinking that this strategy will allow me to stick closer to a monthly shopping budget as well, since sometimes, I simply will not be able to match anything at a sale or at my favorite consignment store with my needs list, and that's ok. That just means I will have more money to spend during the next month when I find that perfect pair of shoes or the perfect jeans. Which brings me, finally, to the subject of today's post: the hunt for the perfect pair of black jeans. 

Since I invariably find a few more fun items to choose from when I'm browsing, you'll find a bit more than jeans in my round up of finds from the latest ShopBop sale, but here are the items that caught my eye (nothing wrong with window shopping!). All of these pieces are made in the USA, and each one is between 30% and 50% off. Enjoy!

***If you'd like to shop more of my favorite, fair picks, check 'em out HERE!

Down to the Wire: Last Minute Gift Ideas

OK people, we're down to the wire. If you're looking for last minute gift options that are fair and kind, you've come to the right place. Whether you want to order online and make sure that gift arrives by December 24th or you're currently running around downtown DC in a panic, there are plenty of options, so take a deep breath....and shop. :)






L to R: The Complete Works of Charles Dickens (collectible Penguin editions); made in the USA scented Voluspa candle; made in the USA Christmas socks; Organic coffee

Amazon:
There is still time to purchase made in the USA, fair trade, organic goodness from Amazon and have it delivered by December 24. All of the options above are available right now and can ship via Amazon Prime.

Gift Cards
Even if they are only available via e-mail at this point, you can print one out and put it in a holiday card or stuff it in a stocking. I strongly recommend purchasing one from Of a Kind.

Of A Kind
All of the tightly edited, limited edition lines they carry are made with careful attention to sustainability and produced here in the USA, and they carry a variety of stylin' option for both men and women. And folks, buying made in the USA is one of the kindest things you can do. When you make that choice, you are single-handedly:

• Supporting American jobs
• Creating demand for the skill and traditions of American artisans 
• Maintaining a small carbon footprint
• Gauranteeing your item is free of child labor

This behind-the-scenes video on how Lizzie Fortunato jewelry is made paints the picture better than I can-- it's 100% worth watching to the end, but beware: I am now obsessed with their line.

If you are lucky enough to be in the DC area, you have SO MANY options:



Proper Topper
Aside from their loverly hats, this place carries all manner of locally made, made in the USA, and fair trade gift items. From cashmere-wool socks to handmade ornaments to upcycled vintage jewelry, they truly do have it all. Bonus: everyone who works in the store is immensely helpful and can probably help you find something for anyone on your list. When I say everything, I mean it: books, candles, home decor...I could go on.


Proper Topper

Secondi
Incredible collection of lightly used designer and vintage scarves, sunglasses, jewelry, and bags. All women love these things-- you can't go wrong.

Teaism
This little tea shop is an oft-overlooked gift treasure trove. High-quality tea makes a great gift, but Teaism also has a great selection of gourmet chocolate, hot chocolates, brownie mixes and even a chocolate chip bacon pancake mix by Vosges. They also have beautiful tea accessories and traditional Japanese teapots for sale at many locations. Last but not least, a bag of their ginormous salted oat cookies would make anyone very, very happy.

Whole Foods (candy aisle)
Whole Foods has one of the best selections of fair trade chocolate I have ever seen, and many of the brands they carry are made in the USA as well. A really nice bar of chocolate or a selection of several is going to make anyone happy, man or woman, young or old. *****Stay tuned tomorrow for my guide to the best in fair trade chocolate.

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