Tuesday, October 28, 2008

SPUN on SPRIG.com



Two of our favorite things have found each other. Sprig.com, the 'Daily Green Style Guide' devoted to true fashion-that-also-happens-to-be-responsible, has found SPUN Clothing, our fave line of accessible organic fashion. They featured SPUN's Cowl Neck Dress today - a favorite among favorites that ships this week.

VIEW the quick review of SPUN on Sprig HERE

SHOP for the Cowl Neck Dress in every color at Fashion Ethic HERE

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Your Shoes Stomp Out Poverty - Blog Action Day 08!




As the fashion-related Blog Action Day posts keep pouring in, we just had to share this great one from Anna over at ShoeSmitten.

CLICK HERE to read 5 ways your love for shoes can help fight poverty.

More Blog Action...Check out Fashion, Evolved.


I read a PR blog about how fashionistas are turning into "recessionistas" and hitting up H&M, Forever 21, Target, and the ilk to get their fix without spending a ton of money. At the same time I'm reading tons of Blog Action Day posts about fighting poverty. Hmmm...

So I sincerely hope my fellow fashionistas won't start sacrificing quality just to have MORE of something. Especially when it's not only the quality of your clothing, but quite probably the quality of life of the person who makes that clothing.

Check out any "best dressed" list and you will find women who have developed a personal style based on quality wardrobe staples and not fly-by-night trendiness that falls apart. And the Fashionably Responsible best-dressed woman knows to look for clothing that is ethically produced while she's at it.

There's a lot of inspiration to be found today, but we were especially inspired by the Blog Action Day post by our friend Amanda Q over at Fashion, Evolved. She shares some startling facts about the disparity between fashion CEOs and garment worker salaries from the Sweat Shop Watch website and has some strong feelings about flash/trash fashion vs. sustainable fashion.

TAKE a moment and read Fashion, Evolved's Blog Action Post HERE

Fashionably Responsible in the Fight Against Poverty - Blog Action Day 08


Today marks Blog Action Day 2008 and the focus is on Poverty. Fashion Ethic has joined the conversation and would like to remind you that poverty exists in every country, all around the world and CAN BE prevented and ended.

Today, 25% of all sales at Fashion Ethic will be donated to The Global Fund in honor of all of us coming together to make a difference.

The quest to end poverty this century put forth by the Jubilee campaign and Dr. Jeffrey Sachs was one of the sparks of action that got me started down the path that eventually led to founding Fashion Ethic. I believe in "Fashionably Responsible" living - and a big part of that is knowing for sure that your clothing was made by people being paid a fair, living wage and being treated fairly.

Beyond being a conscious consumer, there are a few other things you can do today to take ACTION in the fight against poverty.

READ the other blogs - nearly 10,000 blogs have come together to discuss one issue today. Click HERE to view others.

ASK your presidential candidates to honor their promises in regards to global poverty at the ONE Campaign HERE.

LEARN about the issues HERE.

SHOP Fashion Ethic and we'll donate 25% of your sale to The Global Fund. CLICK HERE.

and most important of all...

DISCUSS with your friends and spread the word about the issues and solutions like supporting Fair Trade and Fair Wages and giving Microloans through organizations like KIVA (more on this in a later post!).

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Sneak a Peek at StyleScout.com

Have you heard? StyleScout.com launches tomorrow, but it’s online tonight and Fashion Ethic invites you to be one of the first to check out this new personal shopping service.

How does it work?

You create a “request” for an item you are in search of – or describe the occasion that you need a new outfit for. Then nearly 20 boutiques (including Fashion Ethic) will send you recommendations personally chosen for you and your situation. Plus, if you sign up now, you’ll get 20% off retail from participating boutiques until Nov 15th.

Head over to www.stylescout.com/seattle and use code “Fashion Ethic” when you sign up. The site launches in Seattle but we're sure it will take off everywhere soon enough!

Friday, October 10, 2008

No Room for Panic in a Fashionably Responsible Life


It's no secret that the past four weeks or so have been pretty scary here in the US, and even around the world, as far as our economy goes. At Fashion Ethic, we've been watching as consumers batten down the hatches and get ready for the storm. Frankly, we're battening a few hatches ourselves, as any good business is now doing.

But we're here to shed a little optimism in case you're bogged down by the doom-and-gloom-speak. The good news about a recession is that it is part of the cycle that IS economics. And while this may not turn out like the "normal" recessions we are familiar with, there is certainly hope to be had. Because any time we all stop spending, spending, spending, we are all able to slow down and make conscious decisions about the things we DO buy.

Conscious consuming in turn leads to better choices in products that are offered. Continue to you use your dollars to vote for what you believe in, and the companies that are making the right choices and have a vision for a better future will continue to grow. Those that may be acting in unethical or irresponsible ways - whether towards the environment, workers, or even your health and well-being - will be the ones to fall by the wayside.

So the choice is yours, readers. The next few years will be an era where we can really impact change - as long as we don't kowtow to the fear tactics that are causing panic and turmoil throughout our country.

At Fashion Ethic, we choose to support independent designers who make "Fashionably Responsible" choices in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of their product in order to bring our customers high quality, ethical, and stylish clothing that will last. The vast majority of what we bring you is also designed and made here in the USA, and every item has been created by workers being paid fair wages and treated fairly. Clothing that may be organic or sustainable, but is also focused on style, fit, and wardrobe building.

Over the next few weeks we'll be adding some new Style features to the site, specifically focused on wardrobing and how living a Fashionably Responsible life can be as simple and as cost-effective as...well, not. Please, join the mailing list or add the Fashion Ethic Blog to your reader and keep tabs on us. We have exciting things planned in the coming months and are ready to connect you with fantastic designers and must-have sustainable apparel and ideas you won't want to miss.

But most of all, we ask that you spread the word about the opportunity before us. Sustainable living is at hand for all!

Inspiration

Dress For Success Closet Treasures Sale




Dress for Success is an excellent national organization focused on empowering women. Chapters throughout the US collect new and gently used job interview-appropriate clothing to offer to women who may not be able to afford it. In addition to offering this "interview styling" service, Dress For Success also provides their clients with interview skill training.

The Seattle chapter of Dress For Success is hosting their 6th Annual Closet Treasures Sale next Friday and Saturday to raise funds for their much-needed programs. Here you'll find designer items that were donated, but maybe not quite right for a job interview - take the gorgeous Oscar de la Renta caftan or the Jimmy Choos we saw last time we were in the office...and all at bargain prices!

Not only are the prices fantastic, but you'll be keeping some gorgeous garments "in the loop" and contributing to a sustainable way of life.

SHOP the Sale Preview on Oct 17 for $35 or Oct 18 for FREE. Details HERE.

SUPPORT your local Dress for Success by getting in touch HERE.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Spotlight Item of the Week: Sublet "Beth" Dress


It fits, it flatters, it drapes beautifully. Destined to become one of your "go-to" items, the "Beth" twist-front dress from Sublet is a must have. Available in two colors: classic black or the season's hottest shade, teal.

As our spotlight item of the week, you'll save 30% off the already low price with code BETH. Code expires Saturday October 11.

SHOP the Beth Dress NOW

Friday, October 3, 2008

For the Kids - Our Favorite R: REUSE


By nature, kids move through clothing, toys, and gear at a rapid rate. So keep their consumption rate as low as possible by reusing what others have grown out of. Check out your nearest consignment shops for the best deals on gently used kids clothing, toys, and baby gear. You'll be getting a great deal as well as reusing what has already been made - saving the energy and resources spent processing new products!

If you're in the Seattle area, check out The Kid's Sale at Issaquah's Pickering Barn and a second location during this weekend's Salmon Days Festival. Hundreds of parents have sent in their items to be reused by those with younger kids, and the selection of toys, baby gear, furniture, and clothing from newborn to age 12 is staggering, while the prices are equally jawdropping...in a good way :). So get out to Issaquah to grab a deal and keep those items in the R-R-R Loop!

CLICK on the Kids' Sale Website HERE