Perfect Holiday Gifts from AHAlife {Sustainable Sale Alert}

AHAlife is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to discover new brands and new designers that are creating thoughtful, long-lasting, handmade, and/or eco-friendly products. And with the holidays roaming around the corner, I feel like they will also become my go-to when it comes to giving (and getting!).

Bonus: for three more days, they are having a major holiday pre-sale of 20% off your total purchase using the following codes:

20BACK on $100 / 50BACK on $250  / 100BACK on $500 / 200BACK on $1,000

To get you started, here are a few of my favorite items to give and a few I daydream that I may get, all at a variety of price points, from $18 handmade slingshots for kiddos (or grown-up kiddos) to state of the art, American-made, electricity-free espresso-makers for the gourmand in your life at $199:

For more fair holiday gifting inspiration, follow me on Pinterest! 

On my Christmas wish list (and on sale!): House of Hackney

Confession: I've developed a bit of an obsession with House of Hackney.

Right now felt like the perfect time to confess because I've discovered they are right in the middle of a mid-season sale, and they're a little pricey. I realize that the prints are also a little insane, but that's kind of what I love about them. I don't know why, but I want to put on that carpet-print sweatshirt and sweatpants and go...I'm not really sure where, but I have to put them on.

House of Hackney began as an interior design label with a mission ‘to take the beige out of interiors’ and an emphasis on quality, design and Made in England. Later, Opening Ceremony noticed their awesomeness and proposed an exclusive line, and I assume the rest is history.

I first came across the line on ASOS Green Room, and I won't lie, I was like "WTF is going on with that sweatsuit?!?" but I clicked. And then I went back and gazed at it another day...and another, and another, until I realized that I was in love. I have spent huge chunks of time looking through every single item in the House of Hackney sale section to decide which one(s) I would put at the top of my Christmas wish list.  I narrowed it down to the sweatshirt, but I think I want the mod-style dress, too. And the sweatpants. And maybe a pretty silk flowered shirt. And one thousand extra dollars to burn.

Sustainable Splurge Alert: Trina Turk & Suno Sale

Suno is a line that grew from founder Max Osterweis' and designer Erin Beatty's idea that great fashion could sustain positive growth in developing countries. I found an interview in New York Magazine with their head of production, Nadiyah Bradshaw-Spencer, and I liked what she had to say about what "ethical" production means to her, and to Suno:

You said it's ethical. That's something we hear about often now.
All the time. Meaning how [the workers] are sitting. How it's not a sweatshop. There are fans in the room. There are ACs in the room. They're not sitting on top of one another. There's not water dripping on the walls, and slime, and people with their heads down. For Suno, "ethical" means I can sit, as head of production, at a sewing table and sew a garment and feel like I am comfortable. That's what it means for us.

It's refreshing to hear this kind of thinking, and I wish more fashion company employees could practice the simple act of treating others as they would like to be treated. Ethical fashion doesn't have to be complicated, and it begins with awareness and intent. Suno takes other steps as well, such as regular factory visits that build strong relationships, and hiring staff in-country whose job it is to ensure the quality of the work and the working conditions.

I'm kind of hypnotized by the highly structured, short-sleeved, high-low shirt above. I want to tuck it into high-waisted black skinny jeans and studded ankle boots, then hop on the motorcycle I would never ever own and drive into the sunset.

Up next are some affordable basics from Ms. Trina Turk.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Trina Turk is having a HUGE 60% off sale right now, and I rounded up the the basic blacks that we all need to build into our wardrobe. We have a little black dress, a jumpsuit, a statement skirt, and conservative dress for work, and pajama-style track pants, and each piece is made in sunny California.

Below, I've put together a few more of the sale highlights for you to shop, and just FYI that easy jumpsuit is $91.

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 :)

My Fair Calendar: Spring Things

There are so many fabulous and fair things to look forward to this spring, guys! Here are my top 5:



(1) Girl Rising: April 19-25 Nationwide



I can't wait to see Girl Rising, which was recently given a limited run in Regal cinemas across the nation April 19-25. If that trailer didn't get ya, I don't know what will, but I can also tell you that the film tells the stories of 9 extraordinary girls from 9 countries around the world who have risen above dire circumstances.

With voice work from powerhouses Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Selma Hayek and more, this film is not to be missed. If you don't live near a Regal cinema, you can find a screening near you or captain one yourself. 


(2) Green Festival: April 19-20 in NYC



If you're planning a trip to NYC or already live there (lucky!), definitely stop by the Green Festival. I've discovered some of my favorite brands at this festival, and dude- SO MANY DELICIOUS FREE SAMPLES. Need I say more?


(3) Building a Sustainable Career: Saturday, May 18 in DC




Image is from a guest post on sustainable work-wear, which you can find {here}.

The DC EcoWomen are holding their very first conference entitled I'm Here, What's Next? Building a Sustainable Career on Saturday, May 18, 2013, from 8:30 am - 4 p.m.

Join like-minded, passionate eco-women like yourself for sessions on Public Speaking, Green Investing, Running for Office, Salary Negotiation, Harnessing your Entrepreneurial Spirit, and more, followed by a networking happy hour from 4- 6 pm. Priced at just $40 including lunch, this conference is a steal, and the connections you'll make will be priceless. If you want to skip the sessions, there are special tickets just for the happy hour. For more information, visit http://dc.ecowomen.org/conference.

 (4) Japanese Street Festival: Saturday, April 13 in DC (tomorrow!)



You thought the cherry blossom celebrations were over? Nope! Not until the conclusion of the largest Japanese cultural festival in the United States, featuring food from local restaurants, handmade goods, live J-Pop performances on four stages, martial arts demonstrations, and THOSE TWO GIRLS. I took that photo at a past Japanese Festival, but let me just say that they probably aren't even the coolest thing you will see. Pay your $5 and enjoy, my fair friends.

 Bonus: the festival begins  at 10:30 am right after the Cherry Blossom Parade, which is the same day! More info here.



(5) Your Local Farmer's Market: Anytime!





Now that the sun is shining, Farmer's Markets all over the country are open and ready for business-- visit yours this weekend and I promise you won't be disappointed. For a little extra inspiration, check my last post on DC's own Dupont Circle Farmer's Market.


All photos by me, except for the one of me, which was taken by Victoria Corkhill.

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Summer Sale Round-up: Juno & Jove

 Throw/beach blanket in background by JadeTribe, whose fair trade handbags and accessories  are sourced from small villages throughout Southeast Asia. 

Bikini by Karla Coletto, made in the USA from Italian fabrics

Crocheted white sundress by Organic by John Patrick, organic cotton, made in the USA.

Cuff by Alkemie, made in the USA from reclaimed and recycled metals

Sandals by Coclico This company examines every facet of its production, from fair labor standards to carbon offsetting. I suggest checking out their web site (it's flash, sorry) to read about their incredibly thoughtful eco-planning.

• Top by Koch, a clothing line made by hand in Texas and New York. 
• Necklace by Study, made from reclaimed copper piping and hand-dyed vintage silk scarves.
• Chambray shorts by Majestic. It is a mystery to me why this company is considered to be eco-friendly. It doesn't say anything on their web site, nor in an article from ecosalon.com in which Clothes by Majestic was featured. But I know Juno and Jove has very high ethical standards for all of the brands they carry, so for now that will have to do :)
• Ikat messenger style bag by JadeTribe whose fair trade handbags and accessories  are sourced from small villages throughout Southeast Asia