Fashion with a Conscience
Now I’m no fashionista. I’m not “in the know” before the latest trends drop and I’m definitely not one to care where my clothes and accessories came from... well i didn’t care.. until recently.Once I started getting into the social media limelight, more and more people started asking, “oh, where’d you get that from!?” I would respond with one of two answers, I either found it thrifting (which I loveeeee) or at a big name company store like Target or Forever 21.&& don’t get me wrong, the clothes there are trendy, versatile and affordable. BUT in today’s more inquisitive and transparent state, we need to start looking into WHERE our fashion pieces come from and WHO is making them.
This is where conscious consumerism come into play. According to Jaya Ramchandani a conscious consumer is an “agent of change who considers the social, environmental, ecological, and political impact of their buycott and boycott actions”.I’m not staying never buy from those big corporations again... because we all know it’s going to happen. BUT, you can be intentional on what you spend your money on and where.Yes, some of the more transparent and ethical companies have “more expensive items” but that is because it’s FINALLY not costing someone else their life and wellbeing. So before you go off to a big store and get a tote or T-shirt, check out the local companies around you. They could support a great cause, give back to your community or help out a budding entrepreneur who may just be the “next big thing”.Like I said before, I’m no fashionista, fashion blogger. BUT I have found some companies that I am 100% in LOVEEEEE with. So what better way to get the word out, than to share them with ya!!
A bit about the company: In 2009, MZ founder Shelley Tennyson was volunteering with a microfinance non-profit in the small Zapotec village of Teotitlán del Valle in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. She was offering business classes to the female loan recipients, many of whom were weavers. Shelley realized that no matter how exquisite the product, or how savvy their business skills, without buyers, these hardworking and skilled artisans were not able to support themselves or their families adequately.Three years later, MZ was born out of a belief that commerce can, and should, change lives for the better. What began as a wild idea to sell Zapotec bags globally, in a village where most of the women had never even left the state, has grown into a fair trade fashion brand run by a team of five women in the US that supports over 50 weavers in Oaxaca.Each MZ bag holds an element of discovery. From the significance of the Zapotec designs, to the bold color combinations, and most importantly, the distinct story of the artisan who wove it.
A bit about the company: Love Your Melon began with the simple idea of putting a hat on every child battling cancer in America.After achieving the original goal of giving 45,000 hats— one for every child battling cancer in America — Love Your Melon set a new goal of giving one million dollars to pediatric cancer research and providing immediate support to children and their families.Fifty percent (50%) of profit from the sale of all Love Your Melon products is given to Love Your Melon’s nonprofit partners in the fight against pediatric cancer. Our nonprofit partners work in the field of pediatric oncology, fund cancer research initiatives and provide immediate support for families of children battling cancer.
A bit about the company: All tees are hand drawn and photographed by founder & lady boss Dani Dazey. Each item is hand made to order in Los Angeles. We use the highest quality fabrics and wash processes creating a truly artisanal tee. Every purchase goes towards fueling art and small business.
A little about the company: Mona B is a lifestyle brand committed to producing high-quality products while keeping sustainability in mind. We are continually designing in an effort to utilize materials that will impose less harm on the environment without compromising style.To add to our philosophy of sustainable design, we are proud to introduce our collection of vegan leather accessories. These have less of an environmental impact than PVC or vinyl. We promote living in a way that positively impacts the world.
A bit about the company: Conscious clothing that combines our inner hippie with our inner G. Our goal is to spread high vibrations through a message of positivity with an edge that sets us apart. Each piece is one of a kind and made with positive intentions so you can motivate, inspire & vibe higher.
Oh, and then this too...
There’s an INCREDIBLE organization, the Fashion Revolution, that is a leading force in conscious consumerism. They have a passionate and global force ready to help any individual be empowered and knowledgeable to make a change in the industry. “We celebrate fashion as a positive influence while also scrutinizing industry practices and raising awareness of the fashion industry’s most pressing issues. We aim to show that change is possible and encourage those who are on a journey to create a more ethical and sustainable future for fashion”. To dive deeper into what Fashion Revolution is all about, click here.So wether you’re here to learn about this fashion movement or just to support me and my blog, thank you! I’m grateful and thankful I’m able to shed light on important topics like this and somehow, someway make a change. We couldn’t do it without each other, so THANK YOU THANK YOU.Ps. If you end up getting the shopping bug.. use my code "sunshine" at checkout for a 20% discount at MZ Fair Trade.Much love & Talk soon,C