Introducing: Eco-friendly Glasses

I'm so pleased to share a new eco-friendly company I've discovered: Eco-optics.

I stopped into Dupont Circle's A Brighter Image and was delighted to learn that not only do they carry eco-friendly brand ECO, but with the exception of Ray Ban they do not carry brands owned by the somewhat shady Luxotica (see this 60 minutes story to catch up on why your Chanel and Gucci glass might not be exactly what you think they are).

Instead, A Brighter Image remains an independent local store carrying smaller, less mass-produced labels and high-quality eyegear. ECO-optics glasses like the ones I'm wearing above, for example, are made from  95% recycled materials, and they plant a tree for each pair of glasses sold (670,000 and counting). ECO brand eyewear is also a proud member of 1% for the planet, which means they've vowed to donate 1% of their profits to environmental organizations each year. I think carrying awesome brands like ECO eyewear makes Dupont Circle A Brighter Image deserving of your love and likes on Facebook, don't you?

Even if you're not in need of prescription glasses, DC locals should stop in to A Brighter Image to pick up a pair of groovy vintage deadstock sunglasses like the ones you see below, or you can have them order you a fun pair of Eco sunglasses, which are produced by Modo. It's definitely worth sifting through their online shop if you have the time. There, you'll find a veritable a smorgasbord of eco-friendly, polarized sunglasses. Check out their wares HERE.

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New Feature: Shop My Fair Vanity

Hello and happy Wednesday! I'm pleased to share a new feature of My Fair Vanity with you, called Shop My Fair Vanity.

I spend a lot of time sifting through the interwebs, doggedly searching for eco-friendly fabulousness and harassing PR people to find out where and how the things I like are made. And geez, someone should benefit from all of that searching and brand stalking, right?

Above, you see what I intend to be an on ongoing collection of items that are beautiful and fair (meaning made in the USA, fair trade, organic, vegan, made using recycled or sustainable materials, etc.). I hope you like it, but if you don't, or if you think it would be more useful to you if only I did x, y, or z, please do tell me in the comments-- I'm eager to make this a space you can depend on for all of your fair fashion needs. :)

Happy shopping!

DC Pride Parade + Fair Trade Accessories

I enjoyed the sights, sounds and colors of one of my favorite DC celebrations last weekend, so I wanted to share a few snapshots in addition to a pride-inspired collection of fair accessories.







The ladies of Thaitanic


PEACE Corps pride!



Clockwise from top left:

• Necklace is fair trade by Indego Africa
• Bikini top is made in the USA by American Apparel
• Bag is fair trade available from Lydali
• Stacked metal and beaded bracelets are fair trade, handmade and incorporate recycled aluminum. Available from Lydali.
• Earrings are fair trade, handmade and made from recycled materials from Lydali.
• Bracelets are fair trade by Indego Africa

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Tag it #myfairvanity

I've featured your fair styles a few times here on My Fair Vanity and I'm always bowled over by your fair, kind, rockin' ensembles, so I've decided to make it a regular feature.

Anytime you're wearing something fair, e.g.:

• made in the USA
• vintage
• organic
• second-hand
• fair trade
• upcycled or recycled

Snap a picture, tag it #myfairvanity on Twitter or Instagram, and mention which item of your ensemble is fair. 

At the beginning of each month, I'll share your pix in a post and show some link love to your social media account or blog.  And (obvi) I will be retweeting and reposting your awesomeness.

Above, for example, you are seeing the fair stylings of Waverly of Pich and Roor, the Amour Vert girls, Mode Marteau, Aaryn West, and Emily of Capital Style! Waverly is wearing a thrifted top and skirt; the Amour Vert girls' dresses are made in the USA; Aaryn is rockin some vintage pieces; Mode Marteau's skirt is second-hand; and Emily is wearing a thrifted sweater and trousers.

Here's my theory: I'd bet each one of you wears something fair and kind almost every day without even realizing it. Sharing a picture of your fair item and/or how your wore it will highlight for your friends and followers how easy it is to be fair, kind and fab.  

So tag those photos #myfairvanity and give yourself a pat on the back for your eco act of kindness. Then look for yourself here on My Fair Vanity at the beginning of each month!

Cuffs and Earrings and Bracelets, Oh My!

A little while ago, I got all bundled up to hit up the downtown holiday market on its very last night, and I'm SO glad I did! I discovered three new, fair accessory resources. and although all three are made by locals in DC, Maryland or Virginia, all three are also accessible via the interwebs.

My first discovery was Poppishop by Dawn Benedetto. Her earrings and bangles made of vintage lucite are like little bits of candy awesomeness, and you can watch her in action at Alexandria's Torpedo Factory Art Center. Dawn let me know that she doesn't keep the bracelets and earrings on display there, but if you contact her, I'm sure she would be happy to help you purchase one or many.








Next up is Booda Boutique.  I love love love these fair trade cuffs and bags, and so does Rihanna. I also loved the pop top bags, which are made of hundreds of recycled soda can tabs that have been filed down by hand and tied together to make stylin' clutches, messenger-style bags, and more.














This last jeweler is an artist you've seen before here on Fair Vanity, with one difference: he's finally online! I'm happy to announce the recent opening of Alitas Jewelry on Etsy, which features the incredible craftsmanship and unique designs of David Conroy.  All of his edgy, industrial pieces are made by hand by David from stainless steel hardware, and they are all super cool. I'm proud to say that thanks to Santa, I now have three of his rings in my collection, and I've got my eye on a beautiful asymmetric necklace for next year (pictured below)...










Last but certainly not least is Sharpshirter, whose hilarious shirts are not only clever, but are printed in the US exclusively on sweatshop-free American Apparel clothing. I'm still regretting my decision to leave without this badassical Dorothy sweatshirt.

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Cave Man vs Metro Man: A Fair Holiday Gift Guide

Some fair holiday fun for the men in your life...clockwise from top left:

• Socks are made in North Carolina, but there are only 100 of these limited edition babies from Of a Kind
• Jacket is made of recycled Danish military trousers and lined with over-dyed Schneetarn snow ponchos
• Vitamin E-D-A Cleansing Bar Soap (Baxter!) is all the rage and made in the USA
• Bag is made in the USA by Heritage for Apolis. Learn more about Apolis here. They are the jam.
• Candle is cypress-fig scent. Each part of the candle has been made in the USA, from the apothecary amber jar to the soy wax.
• Shoe is made by Alden in Massachusetts exclusively for Need Supply
• Sunglasses are made in the USA by Shwood with sustainable wood frames. Polarized, and available from Juno and Jove.

• Jacket is made from 100% recycled polyester yarn from old PET bottles
• Blanket is Eco-wise wool and made in the USA by Pendleton. Learn more here.
• Boots are fleece-lined, guaranteed for LIFE, and made in the USA
• Bag is handmade in New York as a limited edition run and available from awesome (& exclusive) online retailer Of a Kind
• The "Zombie Apocalypse Hatchet" is obvi the COOLEST HATCHET IN THE WORLD. It is also made in the USA of Tenessee hickory, steel, and brawn. 
• Aviators are made by Randolph Engineering in Randolph, Massachusetts. As the official sunglass supplier to the United States Air Force, these sunnies will get the job done...American style.

{Fair} Holiday Dresses

It's holiday party tiiiiiiime! Here are a few fair frocks I've got my eye on.




For winterwear, I think all of these dresses need black tights, but you get the idea.

• A little Judy Jetson number by Milly, made in the USA (I tried it on in CUSP a while ago, and now it's SUPER discounted!)
• This bohemian number is made of recycled polyester and manufactured by the lovely folks at Amour Vert in Los Angeles, CA.
• Lace overlay mini is made in the USA by Nanette Lepore
• This green one is sexay-rexay and I love the color. Made in the USA by Milly 

• Gold sequin wiggle dress is vintage 1960s era from Etsy.
• White tunic is made to order in the USA and also made to your specifications (trim, materials, color, you choose) by Bow and Drape.
• White embriodered dress is vintage from Etsy. I'm having trouble relocating it but I will do my best.

All of these LBDs (and OK, one blazer) are made in the USA.

From right to left, they're Stella McCartney, Rag & Bone, Milly, Rag & Bone and Milly again.

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An Ode to the Classic White Tee

There are infinite ways to wear a white t-shirt, but I've limited this post to three different looks that I'd like to try this fall. The first look incorporates the abstract graphic prints we've seen coming down the runways for the last few seasons with a stunning African print pencil skirt. An edgey cuff and earrings complete the look.
 

• White t-shirt (used throughout) is made using fair labor standards
• Earrings are fair trade and made sustainably from discarded camel bone.
• Pencil skirt is fair trade
• Cuff is fair trade and made from recycled brass
• Booties are vegan

This next look is my version of polished (with an edge).  The necklace and shoes guarantee you'll look prim and proper in spite of the lipstick red jeans, especially if you button up the blazer. Add a statement ring and you're good to go.

• Necklace is vintage from Etsy and only seven bucks!
• Ring is handmade of sustainable materials using fair labor from East Africa.
• Jeans are made in the USA
• Blazer is made in the USA

No prepster (prep + hipster?) should ever be without their trusty white t-shirt, right? This last look is inspired by the floral embroidered pieces I keep seeing from Balmain, Dolce + Gabbanna, and many others this season. In keeping with my promise, I can't link to examples because none of them incorporate the fair elements of style, but those awesome shoes are 100% vegan and much more affordable, anyway.

• Wolf ring is made of recycled gold in the USA
• Blazer is vintage from Etsy
• Necklace is fair trade and made of recycled brass
• Trousers are made in the USA
• Hat is fair trade by Pachacuti
• Shoes are vegan 

What's your favorite way to wear a white t-shirt? 

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