Fair Trade Fashion Tells a Story

Top: Grace & Lace c/o | Jeans: Old, similar here | Earrings: Nickel and Suede | Necklace and Bracelet: Starfish Project c/o (use code “MOLLY10” for 10% off) | Bag: Sseko Designs caramel leather accent tote with fringe accent c/o (use code “stillbeingmolly” for 15% off) | Shoes: Sseko Designs crossover slide sandals c/o (use code “stillbeingmolly” for 15% off)

I love ethical and fair trade fashion for a lot of reasons – but one of the biggest reasons is because fair trade fashion tells a story. Every single piece I own has the name of a person whose life has been changed “written” on it (whether that’s literally or figuratively). It tells the story of a person who has been empowered. Fair trade fashion tells the story of a man or a woman who has been given an opportunity and a chance at a dignified job that they can support a family with, put kids in school with, put food on the table with, and save for the future with.

For example… this amazing cold-shoulder top from Grace & Lace was made in an ethical factory in China and a portion from every sale that Grace & Lace makes helps to build orphanages in India. Hundreds of orphans are being impacted every day because of this amazing company!

This unbelievably gorgeous and unique bracelet and necklace from Starfish Project are helping to restore hope to women escaping human trafficking and exploitation in Asia. Starfish project provides life-changing opportunities through their Holistic Care Programs and their social enterprise where women create beautiful jewelry and become managers, accountants, graphic designers, and photographers.

Through their Holistic Care Programs, they provide vocational training, healthcare, shelter, counseling, and education grants for their women and their children. Starfish Project has employed over 100 women and has served thousands through their Community Outreach Services.

These earrings from Nickel and Suede are not only comfortable, stylish, and lightweight – they’re also handmade right here in the United States. Nickel and Suede is a family owned company that works to provide job opportunities for everyone from moms to those needing a second chance in the Kansas City area and impacting the community in a positive way.

This amazingly versatile bag and these classic, comfortable, and stylish sandals from Sseko Designs are literally helping to put some of Uganda’s brightest young women through university. The purchase of every item from Sseko Designs helps to fund a woman’s education… and an education is priceless in a country like Uganda. Sseko has impacted over 100 women on their journey to pursue higher learning in a country where access to higher education is so challenging for so many.

Your purchases really do matter. When was the last time you walked into a Forever 21 or an Old Navy and left and said, “I can’t wait to tell people the impact this dress is making!“? I do not say that to make anyone feel bad or even tell you that you shouldn’t shop at those places… For me, the thing is, I’d rather spend more a little less often and know the impact my purchases are making, than spend less more often and buy something that isn’t meant to last.

What about you? What’s something about ethical fashion you aren’t sure about? What “myths” have you heard about ethical fashion that maybe I can help bust for you?