Butterfly Dress, Mushmina
I never know (weather-wise) what my San Francisco summer wardrobe will look like. As of now, I am pretty confident sunshine is in the forecast and summer dresses will be a staple. SF summer dresses mean when the sun goes down or when the fog rolls in, I can easily throw on a jacket or pants. I want dresses that I can wear from work to play and from day to night.I also need to know that my dresses are made ethically. Luckily, I have good Fair Trade connections!
As a connoisseur of local clothing and a Fair Trade advocate I decided to pair Global Exchange’s clothing with Saako jewelry from the local designer co-op Loft1513 for summer looks that not only feel good on but feel good to buy!
Here are my must have dresses!
For the whimsical wearer and light of heart we have Mushmina’s Butterfly Dress: Perfect for all occasions. Easy to pair with a sweater, over pants, or over your bathing suit. How you would wear it?! Handmade in Morocco, Mushmina has a story worth reading about. “Designing Change” is their slogan and they are proving that high fashion can be ethical, affordable and empowering. The Butterfly Dress has an adjustable tie that creates a form fitted look in the front with a looser back silhouette. You have to come in and see for yourself! Soft fabric as well as elegant colors and patterns, make this an awesome summer go to piece. I paired this dress with a royal blue, jersey fabric Saako necklace.
Loft 1513
Loft 1513 (a SF designer co-op) has Saako necklaces in beautiful colors and various styles. Check out Loft1513 just down the street from our SF store.
For a structured look and for the 100% cotton lover ,Mata Traders’s Shanghai Shift Dress: Mata Traders has outdone themselves with rich colors and a flattering fit. Sweet details such as slight rouching down the torso, a camper shoulder with wood buttons and geometric patterns add flavor to the soft cotton.
Shanghai Dress, Mata Traders
Handmade, the artisans mix old fashioned processes (such as hand loom weaving and hand block printing) with fashion forward silhouettes. This dress falls above the knee and is easy to wear. These fabulous frocks are sewn by members of women’s cooperatives in India and Nepal.
I love visually pairing these dresses with treasures from Loft1513. You must see these Saako necklaces in person.
The soft jersey and weight of the necklace paired with the soft cotton of the Shanghai Dress together make a bold statement and feel great on your skin.
Nicole modeling the Shanghai Dress from Mata Traders
Global Exchange stores and Loft 1513 are perfect examples that when it comes to fashion, you do not have to sacrifice style for ethics. Clothing should be healthy for your body, your morals and the environment while showing off your personal style.
Looking for the Fair Trade label makes my shopping experience more rewarding and affirms my buying power. At Global Exchange Fair Trade stores, we provide an alternative (to corporate clothing) for the conscious shopper and fashion savvy. Fair Trade clothes are beautiful inside and out! Come in, treat yourself to a summer dress, let me take your picture, then stop by Loft1513 and say hello!
P.S Do you love Nicole’s bracelets? They are made in Mali from recycled plastic and of course you can get them in our stores!
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