Blog

“Made in the U.S.A.” and fair trade

Posted on March 18, 2013 by rtfairtrade | 0 Comments

While so many stylish products have entered the fair trade market since RTFT began in 2004, it can still be difficult to leave the house ethically dressed from head to toe. For too long, the decision between price, style and source has forced shoppers into a corner. Does this sound familiar? A product has a great story and social mission, but is too simple in design or belongs on the bottom of the NOT HOT list or the floor of your mom’s closet. Or you find a beautifully hand painted organic fair trade silk dress, but it will cost you your rent.

Living in Brooklyn, proud home to the Etsy empire and a bevy of talented entrepreneurs, I see amazing locally made products popping up everyday. But it wasn’t until a recent trip to California, where I uncovered another layer of homegrown fashion that made me rethink how “Made in the U.S.A.” and fair trade products can symbiotically blend to bring what ethical shoppers everywhere have craved for far too long: choice.

As important as it is to ensure production abroad is safe and fair, it feels like it has also never been more important to create jobs at home. And with so many new labels made here in the good old U.S.A., consumers can now choose great cuts and styles for foundation pieces and pepper them with vibrant, exotic fair trade accessories made ethically abroad (like RTFT bags!). Here are our top 5 picks for the best building blocks of a made in the U.S.A worry-free wardrobe. Enjoy and please share your favorites with us!

Alternative Apparel Flagship Store in Venice, CA. Amazing selection of burnout tees, pants and maxi dresses.

Raleigh Denim – now in Nolita, NYC; Great for hims and hers

We love Steven Alan, but just be sure to check the label as not ALL their products are made in the USA.

Emerson Fry. Can’t get enough of this made in NYC via New England label.

Imogene + Willie. More great denim for hims & hers, plus well tailored blouses, jackets and dresses.

Posted in apparel, Brooklyn, clothing, fair trade, NYC, rising tide fair trade

Destination: Istanbul

Posted on December 16, 2012 by rtfairtrade | 1 Comment

The Blue Mosque

Galata Tower

Eye candy abound at the Grand Bazaar

In textile heaven, there are endless choices.

The most beautiful vintage (1950) hand woven runner…

…that I couldn’t afford (+ the Ikat Voyaguer Tote in action!).

Weaving class for young women at Hisar Anadolu Destek Derneği (HADD) in Van, Turkey. Photo credit: Global Giving

Weaving class for young women at Hisar Anadolu Destek Derneği in Van, Turkey.
Photo credit: Global Giving The talented young artisans of Van with examples of their work. Click on the image above to support their work.

Photo credit: Turkish Philanthropy Fund

Posted in textile, travel, Uncategorized

Give what you love: Gifts that support Sandy relief

Posted on December 16, 2012 by rtfairtrade | 0 Comments

Art print by TheThrowbacKid on Etsy, $14.
50% of proceeds benefit Hurricane Sandy Relief Foundation Gift Cards by 343Design on Etsy, $3 Proceeds matched by Gap Inc.

Stella Luna Cosmetic Bag, $45. 100% of proceeds benefit children affected by Sandy.Children’s jumper by thetrendydot on Etsy, $52 Benefits the American Red Cross Note cards by AllPassionSpent on Etsy, $4 (additional gifts available). Benefits Occupy SandyBy Jetty, $20 by ReveranceApparel on Etsy, $39.99 By Grey Area, $40