Spotlight on Indigenous - Fair Trade and Eco Fashion

INDIGENOUS is an organic and fair trade clothing manufacturer and retailer. You may have seen their adds on the internet, as they are one of the leaders in ethical fashion. Their beautiful and stylish clothing is made from fibers such as Alpaca wool, organic cotton, silk, and Merino wool. The clothing is hand made by artisans in South America giving many of the items a traditional yet modern flair. I have yet to acquire one of their pieces, but I am sure that any of the pieces would be a well used staple in a wardrobe.

"Each time you wear fair trade clothing, you are working to actively preserve artisan traditions while supporting fair wages and safe working environments. Designer fair trade clothing is the height of fashion, because it expresses your personal style while staying true to your morals. Because we’re all part of the fabric of humanity."

Indigenous offers:

• Free shipping every day
• Fair Trade, organic clothing
• Superior comfort and style
• Organic certified cotton, GOTS processing, and Oekotex 100 approved dyes
• Womens and Mens line

Unfortunately, I haven't received approval for posting any photos of their beautiful clothing, but please check them out at the link above.

You can find Indigenous on the following social media sites:
https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousDesigns
http://www.pinterest.com/indigenous/
https://twitter.com/indigenous
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+IndigenousDesigns/posts
http://www.youtube.com/user/IndigenousDesigns

Fix It, Don't Trash It

Today we live in a throw-away society. Buy new and throw away the old is the mentality of many Americans. Why don't we just learn to fix what we have? What about upcycling or recycling? Think about how many items we throw away each year. What else could we do with them?

My blog focuses on resources for eco-friendly clothing, but that doesn't mean that I want to spread the message of consumerism. I understand that sometimes we cannot find something used, would like a new item, or need gifts for others. I want my readers to understand that my blog is about sustainability in the fashion industry, which also means reduce/reuse/recycle.

I fix or upcycle my families clothing whenever possible. I patch the knees on my kid's pants if they are in otherwise good condition. I mend holes in socks and wool thermals and fix rips in my husband's shirts. I take apart one garment and make another.

 

One problem that we face today is that many do not know how to sew, mend, or darn clothing. I am lucky enough that I do know how to sew, and can fix much of our clothing. I tend to lean towards a sustainable lifestyle, using less and enjoying the fruits of my labor. I love the thought of sitting by the fire on a chilly evening hand stitching clothing or knitting a new scarf. For those of you out there that long for a more sustainable lifestyle; take a sewing class, look at creative blogs on how to fix things, look to the older members of your family that may know how to teach you how to do things yourself. If you really aren't interested or don't have the time, enlist a seamstress or family member to have items fixed for you.

When I do have an item that is to worn or damaged to fix, I make cleaning rags, save the scraps and buttons for other projects, or give the good fabric parts to my daughter to sew with. (She is very imaginative!) We are thinking of making a prayer flag with our fabric scraps. See what you can do, and if you need inspiration, I recommend Google or Pinterest!

Spotlight on Gaiam

Gaiam has been one of my favorite sustainable clothing resources. Since I lead an active lifestyle, I love style mixed with comfort. Their clothing allows me to go from studio to street with just adding a flowing top or wrap. Among other items, I have a lovely asymmetrical skirt from Gaiam that has been in my wardrobe for years, and it is still one of my favorites. I just love the way it flows when I walk, and the soft fabric feels so sensual!

Gaiam is a lifestyle company, which offers casual and yoga/athletic clothing basics for women and men; as well as home goods, wellness products, fitness equipment, and videos. Gaiam even puts outfits together for you, on their "Must Have Looks" page. Below is their Organic Flow Wrap + Organic Flow Capri + Pima Flow Tank + Yoga Wrap Flat. You can purchase the whole outfit on one page - Can you say convenient?!

Photo courtesy of Gaiam

About Gaiam Life:

"Our name GAIAM was created as a fusion of the words Gaia — the name for Mother Earth in the Minoan civilization in ancient Crete — and “I am.” It symbolizes the interconnection of the Earth and all the life it sustains.

Gaiam (pronounced "guy-um") was founded on the concept of making decisions based on personal values that consider all aspects of our lives, as well as our impact on others and the planet, today and in the future. This concept is already shared by over 50 million people in the United States alone — and we believe that it is not just a trend, but a major cultural shift.

We see signs everywhere in today's life experience of how conscious lifestyle values — including social and environmental responsibility, health and wellness, and personal development — are driving more consumer purchase decisions and pervading an ever-wider range of venues, from mass-market grocery stores to online communities. We believe that a growing number of people have a desire for media and products that inspire them to expand their awareness and pursue positive change in their lives."

Please visit Gaiam on their website, or connect via their blog, Gaiam Life, Gaiam TV, or facebook page.