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!

Stella McCartney Sale on The Outnet {Sustainable Splurge Alert}

Sustainable designer fashion alert! There are some beautiful Stella McCartney pieces on sale for more than 60% off at The Outnet right now.  As I've discussed here on MFV, Stella McCartney's entire line is vegan and she strives to use sustainable materials in her clothing and even in her physical stores, so I always feel good supporting her work.

Fair warning: things tend to go VERY fast on this site, so if you fall in love, pull the trigger!  For example, those underwear are already in my cart. They're actually cheaper than a similar and much more shabbily-made Victoria's Secret set I've had my eye on. Race ya to the check out!

wool trousers / dress / vegan cross-body bag / bra / panties

Shop my sale round-up (plus a few extras that didn't happen to be black, white or taupe):

Noonday Collection {Fair Trade Jewelry}

Noonday Collection is a fair trade jewelry company that offers a kinder alternative to the Stella + Dot business model. Noonday works with artisans in 11 countries (including the United States) to produce their line of jewelry, while also providing no-interest loans, scholarship programs, emergency assistance, and long-term trade opportunities for their partners.

Instead of importing their products from factories, the Noonday team builds relationships directly with artisans and other community-based businesses and programs, which means they work exclusively with companies and ministries who assure that their artisans are growing, learning, and benefiting from their craft. It also means they can get to know the people they work with, and so can you.
 


What's more, Noonday Collection empowers women here at home to earn extra income by becoming ambassadors and home sales associates for their brand. I have to say it's a tempting offer, and if I had more free time, I would jump at the chance to join forces with this beautiful, kind company.
 


The necklace I'm wearing today is called the Shalom necklace (care of Noonday Collection*) and it was made in Uganda from handcrafted paper beads. You can learn more about how it was made and who made it right here.

Last but certainly not least, I put together a few of my favorite pieces, but I encourage you to browse their full collection on your own. With a variety of style and colors, and prices ranging from as low as $15 up to $288 per piece, there is something for everyone.







*The Shalom necklace was gifted to me by the kind folks at Noonday Collection.

Don't forget: you can shop all of my favorite, fair items 

in my new store section!

Summer Faves for Summer's End

Preppy in Plaid

Mixed Print Mania {Clover Canyon}

White Out

Ikat Romper

Even though we're headed towards fall, the temperature just doesn't seem ready to drop just yet, so I thought I would pull together a few highlights from June, July and August.

I also feel I would be remiss if I did not highlight the collaboration I did with Teeki, Capitol Movement, Aaryn West, and photographer Jason Hornick, which was the most fun summer post by far!

Feel free to share your favorite summer look in the comments-- I'd love to see what you were wearing, especially if it was fair.

Don't forget: you can shop all of my favorite, fair items 

in my new store section!

Mode Marteau {Luxury Vintage Consignment}

I've mentioned Mode Marteau here on the blog before in a "three wishes" post, but with each new season, owner Ariana Boussard-Reifel surprises and delights me all the more with her sharp editorial eye and quirky tastes.

Her site is my go-to resource for luxury-quality vintage and designer items with a certain je ne sais quois. Ariana has a collector's taste that shines through in each piece she offers. What's more, she implements sustainable practices in many aspects of her business, from credit-union banking to recycled packaging. 

When a new Mode Marteau lookbook appeared in my inbox, I knew I had to share it with you all as soon as possible. Shot in Montana with a Go West theme, the looks Ariana has styled are pitch perfect for fall transitions and the photography is simply stunning. I've put together some of my favorites below, including some beautiful Frye boots and an Hermes scarf, and you can shop the full collection here.

Reader Bonus: Take 20% off at Mode Marteau with code MYFAIRVANITY

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And don't forget to take 20% off at Mode Marteau by using code MYFAIRVANITY :)

iPhone Bling {Made in the USA}

After spending at least two million minutes of my life fishing around in the depths of my bag for a jet black phone, I've decided it's time for a new case.

Aaryn West's Society 6 shop has me covered. Each case is manufactured in the USA of an extremely strong plastic called Lexan. According to Society6, Lexan is a stronger, lighter, more flexible, and of higher quality than other plastic cases on the market. Bonus: each phone case was designed by the talented Ms. West in Los Angeles, California.





I've narrowed it down to the few cases above, but I was also delighted to discover that all of Aaryn's designs can be purchased as eco-friendly throw pillows, hoodies, tote bags, and more. 

The hoodies are American Apparel, the totes are made from 100% post-industrial recycled cotton, and all other items are made in the USA.




Which one would you choose?

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Introducing: Lydali

I'm pleased to introduce you to my fairest new find, Lydali.

Lydali offers a cheery online collection of brightly-colored jewelry, home goods, bags and accessories made by artisans around the world who are operating under fair trade and fair labor standards.

For example, the bracelets on the bottom left are from one of my all-time favorites, Raven + Lily (remember them?). In addition to creating sustainable economic opportunities for marginalized women, Raven + Lily returns proceeds to their partner communities to fund education, healthcare, and micro-loans. By purchasing R+L products, consumers are part of breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming the lives of women and families.

Bonus: you can find a whole new collection of my favorite Lydali finds over on their blog! I encourage you to check it out and explore the rest of their lovely store.

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