Magical Maxi Dress: Summer Travel & Maternity Style {Istanbul}

I almost forgot about these beautiful photos that J took when we visited Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. As you can see, he was really getting into it and I was not going to stop the magic! Psst- there are bump photos if you keep scrolling.

One of my go-to summer dresses (and maternity dresses!) is, of course, the maxi dress, but this one is particularly awesome because it is breezy, comfortable, and so, so simple. If I were more patient and let my mother teach me to sew, I guarantee I could whip this number up in less than an hour. When you hold it up, it's in the shape of two square scarves put together, with a few seams here and there.

As is the case with half of my wardrobe, I purchased this particular dress secondhand from Secondi, but FEAR NOT, internet friends! I put together a collection of handmade and used maxi dresses just like this one on both Etsy and Ebay for your ethical shopping pleasure. They start at $20 and most are under $50. I got you, girls. I got you.












Ahem...If you're not into buying used (which I hope you will be soon, because it's super awesome and sustainable!) or not accustomed to all this Etsy and Ebay stuff, I've got you covered with a few pricier yet brand new and made in the USA options from Nordstrom and Zappos. As you know, that means means free shipping both ways so you can shop risk free:

Lastly, if you'd like to see dozens more ethical items inspired by my recent trip to Istanbul that you may or may not need to own immediately, check out my Istanbul-inspired Pinterest board for more Turkish delights, or my Eco-friendly Surf and Sun board for 100+ ethical summer picks.

Istanbump in Istanbul

Soooo...surprise! My husband and I are expecting a very small human to join us this November, right around Thanksgiving. Thus we thought it appropriate to bring our little Turkey to Turkey! If you'd like to follow along on our travel adventures over the next two weeks, join me over on Instagram. Istanbul is only Part 1 of a two-part adventure, so there will be lots to see!

I hope that you will accept this new addition to my family as a totally legitimate excuse for the decrease in posting as of late-- I've been distracted...? But! I vow to supply you with twice and thrice-weekly doses of ethical style inspiration from this day forward.

In today's outfit, I'm wearing (as I so often am) second-hand finds from my favorite DC consignment boutique, Secondi. But no matter where you live, everyone wins, because I found virtually the same maxi dress on sale for $39 at Nordstrom, and it's made in the USA. Yup. You're welcome. 

I'm wearing it with a white bucket tote bag (also from Secondi and purchased especially for this trip), a vintage Vera scarf (endless options from $10-$25 on Etsy), and bangles made sustainably by Mango Tree Fitted Bangles.

Follow me on Pinterest for more fair trade, made in the USA, and sustainably-made summer options!

Sustainable Summer Style: Chilllin' out, Maxin', Relaxin'

Though I may prefer minimalist and edgy in winter and fall, come summer, I am ready to tie my hair up in patterned scarves and slink around in flowing skirts. When I'm city-side, that means a leather or other structured jacket to hold me down to earth, but near any body of water, I just want to be free, free, free. :)











The dress and jacket I'm wearing are second-hand, as is the belt, and the scarf and shoes were all purchases from long before I started this here blog, but below I've put together some made in the USA and fairly made maxi dresses and flowy skirts to help you get the look fairly:

Summer Maxi Dress: Day to Night

In the middle of a DC summer heat wave, I want my clothes to be easy and breezy, so maxi dresses are a got-to option for me. I picked up this cobalt beauty from Secondi last summer, and I'm so glad I did.

It's 100% cotton with lots of stretch in the bodice, so it keeps me cool even during the day. I wore it last fall on a wine tasting jaunt with my mother with a straw bag and flat sandals, which gave the dress a hippie-chic feel. But the addition of strappy heels and a skinny belt changes the whole look of it, don't you think? I finished my evening transformation with a faux leather envelope clutch and a swipe of my favorite lipstick. Boom. My lazy, comfy day dress was ready for date night.

Re-imagining and re-styling your clothes is one of the best ways to stay eco-friendly and shop your own closet. The next time you feel like you have nothing to wear, take another look at your favorite maxi dress and see if it could work as evening wear.

If you have other ways of styling your daytime dresses for evening, please do share in the comments section-- I'd love to see how you do it!

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UPDATE: As a Lucky contributor, I'm entered in this little contest, and I'd love your vote! It's a great opportunity to share some sustainable fashion love with Lucky magazine fans :)

Just scroll down until you see me, and click "vote." Or go directly to moi.  No sign-up forms or anything like that.

The Perfect Summer Sandals {by Pikolinos}

Shoes by Pikolinos; dress from American Apparel; lipstick by Radiant Cosmetics

Last Saturday was the perfect summer day: my friend Victoria made us a delicious brunch, the weather was warm but not humid, and I got to wear my favorite new shoes!










I'm so pleased to introduce you to my new summer sandals from Pikolinos, a Spanish company that is clearly committed to being kind to people and to the earth. This pair has beautiful Maasai beading and is part of a recent collaboration with the Association for Development, Alternative Commerce and Micro-credits (ADCAM), which works to promote social projects in various parts of the world, and specialises in education, women and micro-credit.

Even though they are brand new, they feel buttery soft like I've been wearing them for years. Plus, Pikolinos uses a vegetable tanning method, water-based dyes and solvent-free glues. I'm in love!

I'd also like to say a special thank you to the sales team at Pentagon City's Nordstrom. When I explained that I was looking for shoes that were made in the USA or fair trade, they were so incredibly helpful, and I never would have discovered this lovely company without their expert assistance. Thanks, ladies!

Shop Pikolinos at Nordstrom here (free shipping both ways!)

Photography and styling by Victoria Corkhill.

Last but not least, I want to reassure you that I am hard at work on a few big posts, so please stay tuned for an exciting collaboration that I hope to reveal this month. :)

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for fair news, sales, and adventures!

Tuesday Trend: Wine-tasting Season

Boston Public

Back Bay Yoga

Before heading up to Portland,  I flew into Boston to meet my friend Carissa (of Breathing Room Yoga) for a workshop with David Regelin at Back Bay Yoga. It was an awesome time, not just because we got to learn so much from David, but because I had never been to the Back Bay area of Boston. As you can see, the firemen of Back Bay are very, very nice! As soon as they saw us snapping pictures, they opened up the door and invited us in to look around.

P.S. This outfit is 100% in keeping with my Fair Vanity Challenge, which you can learn more about here.  From other posts (THIS ONE and THIS ONE specifically) you've seen all of these elements: my Staring at Stars crochet shirt (made in the USA) and the linen maxi dress, both purchased in July from Secondi, and both in heavy rotation in my wardrobe. The belt is from Secondi, too. Last but not least, I'm carrying a clutch from Secondi that was given to me as a birthday gift a few years back. Whenever I wear it I feel so grateful to the stylin' friend who not only chose it for me, but let it out of her hands! I don't think I could have been that strong. Thank you, Carissa!

P.P.S. I always kind of liked Boston Public. Just sayin.

Maxi Dress for Maximum Humidity