Sheer Goodness via Kumudini and People Tree

(Cleo Print Blouse, £89)

(Cleo Blouse, £75)

I have an thing for men's fashion and androgynous style, and the recent popularity of a mix of menswear and sheer is definitely doing it for me. These blouses, made by Kumudini Handicrafts Centre for People Tree, are perfect AND = made by hand by artisans in Bengal and sold on a fair-trade shopping hub. 

And thanks to Refinery29, here are some examples of how to rock 'em long time (drool):

Happy Aloha Wednesday, all!

Pura Vida, Pure Goodness for Your Wrists

These simple, handsome bracelets, $5 to $8, are made by Costa Rican artisans, with 1 percent benefiting Surfrider Foundation. The company behind this wrist party gone awesome is Pura Vida.

(San Diego Chargers! kine, 5 dolla)

Pura Vida started when a couple of grads took a trip to Costa Rica to celebrate officially being grown up, and met man selling bracelets on the roadside. They requested some to take home, sold them like hotcakes, and decided to keep it going. Now, they employ 15 Costa Rican artisans, and Jorge is doin' good. (Full story)

(Beachie Bead 4, $8)

They also have platinum bracelets and bracelets with a cause (besides the plain $5 thread ones and the $8 beaded). I can't see anyone not having a thing for these. Perfect for beachside or surf sesh ... may need.

Why I Wish I Was in NYC: Treasure and Bond

(A shot of the building Treasure and Bond is located in, courtesy of Proof, whose killer shades are being sold there!)

Yeah, yeah, I live in paradise with no impending hurricane (PS, I'm thinking of you East Coasters! Stay safe!). But seriously, the stuff that Treasure and Bond carries is killer and can't be found on the islands, PLUS 100 percent of after-cost programs go directly to programs that benefit people in need in the Big Apple. PS SNEAKY... It's Norstrom. But still, donating to nonprofits ... NY Times suggests it's warming up those cold Manhattanites to a potential full-fledged Nordstrom in the city. However, in the meantime, Treasure and Bond will still make for some good perusing.

The store's in-part definition: "Part gift boutique, part art gallery and part neighborhood gathering place, it’s an exciting new experiment in giving that has, at its core, one simple goal: To help people help people—and to do so with wit, imagination and style." = Two thumbs up.

Plus, the few entries they've somehow had time to post while prepping to open the store make me believe the selection is going to be awesome:

(A package from Injiri, an all-handcrafted line from India.)

You can also find the shop's nonprofit partners on the website, as well as the location. Check it out for me! And I'd love to hear thoughts on this interesting Nordstrom move.

A Peace Treaty Bling

For the Thar jewelry collection, A Peace Treaty makes use of traditional metal-smithing skills of desert artisan families in Rajasthan, enabling the revival of centuries-old recycled materials and sustainable techniques including the use of discarded camel bone.

(Above image is from this collection, the Kokna necklace, though it's sold out on the website. Probably a good thing, because it was $225...) Other goodies from this collection:

Baiga bangle, $130

Parja ring, $90

Then there's the Sunari collection, inspired by the Kuchi nomadic tribes of Afghanistan and the Turkoman tribes of Central Asia and is made by Turkish artisans:

Talogan necklace, $168

Chiras ring set, $72

A Peace Treaty started off making stunning scarves. I'd go into them, but the backgrounds and options are just too awesome and I'd blab on and on. So learn about them all for yourself here. Or check out one fave below:

Ondo Sand scarf, $160 (from the Adire line)

While its a bit expensive, these are some of the most high fashion collections I've seen in my time blogging with an awesome concept, definitely worth checking out. The first paragraph of the company description: "Born as a personal pact between Farah Malik, a Pakistani Muslim, and Dana Arbib, a Libyan Jew, A Peace Treaty creates employment for skilled artisans working in places of socio-political strife, effectively supporting their craft while elevating their products to the level of high design for an exclusive, international audience." Read the rest, but right???

Oh, and they donate to Counterpart International -- this season's funds are going to reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.

You can find A Peace Treaty goodness at Urban Outfitters, Need Supply Co., Polyvore (which actually links to sites where you can make purchases), Shop Acrimony, and Cloak & Dagger, to start.

Place Settings, Please! Riverside Design

While nesting is only in my far distant future, I still have a soft spot for dinnerware. And man, is the seaglass collection by Riverside Design Group gorgeous.

Combination 5

Combination 1

Combination 18

Riverside Design Group is doggedly eco-friendly, working out of an LEED certified building, using recyclable and sustainable materials, and shipping products in lightweight recycled materials. They also have a Plates with a Purpose line, of which 15 percent of proceeds are donated to nonprofit organizations. All designs are handcrafted by studios in the United States with the exception of the Elements line, which is made by their studio Thailand. Read more here.

If you're ready to snatch some up, you can do so at online ethical shop Equita. They're priced at $152, and while I'm out of the loop when it comes to the cost of house wears, it definitely seems pricey, but possibly justifiable (especially if you only plan on feeding or hosting two people max). Shabby chic mini beachside cottage, anybody?

Boys, Want: Men's Shoes by Sole Rebels

I apparently have a thing for men's shoes -- it's the first section I drift to in the Goodwill shoe section, and in general, I think they're awesome. Sole Rebels does my addiction right with its kicks that are handcrafted in Ethiopia, sustainable, fair trade, AND organic. I mean, what's not to like, ladies?

ClassACT Hi-Top, Brown, $75

RIFF Core, green, $75

RIFF Essence, red, $75

They also have gorgeous slip-on styles and sandals if that's more your, your man's, or your friend's style. Because you might as well share these with everyone you know.

The detailed, good process behind these shoes is incredible. To skim the surface, all of the fabric is handwoven, and they mail the shoes in a cinchsak to reduce the waste of shoe boxes. Learn more here.

Thakoon's Scarf for the Horn of Africa

One-hundred percent of the proceeds of this scarf, made by Thakoon, go to help those affected by the Horn of Africa drought. Not too shabby, and rather beautiful. Another way to help out is buy "High or Low Tide" by Bob Marley and the Wailers - read more in this Lloso post.

T-Shirts Can Be Good Too! Anvil Knitwear

"What is this???" you ask? It's a t-shirt, of course -- perhaps not on the forefront of high fashion, but a staple in almost everyone's wardrobe and a surprising addition to outfits that CAN be stunningly fashionable. However, many people don't give thought to where these t-shirts come from (unless it's a $30 American Apparel purchase).

This version ($10) is made by Anvil Knitwear, which offers organic, recycled, and sustainable (branded separately, so not necessarily all in one) cotton t-shirts and accessories for women, men, and keiki for under $15. They use a variety of sources, recycled materials, and recently joined a "Made in Africa" alliance. Not too shabby.

(This is fashion awesomeness from Refinery29 ... they don't even mention her T, but for me, it's half the look! Check it out here and explore their fashion pics, which boast a ton of t-shirts).

Anvil even has a "Track my T" feature (though someone forgot to tell them how annoying the sound of a buzzing bee is ... you'll see what I mean) that shows you where your shirt came from, from seed to mill to maker to your back. AWESOME, right??

Gotsta run, but learn more about their mission and goodies here! (You can even read their Corporate Responsibility report.) This is where you'd shop (it's slightly confusing).

Happy Tuesday!

Reading List: The Aid Trap; + Lionne Satchel

Just started reading The Aid Trap: Hard Truths About Ending Poverty by R. Glenn Hubbard and William Duggan. So far, I've just made it through the introduction (Hawai'i's not just for reading on the beach apparently, sigh), but it's definitely going to make for an interesting read. Here's the final paragraph from the introduction:

"Business will never touch the heart the way charity does. Some ... want to pay for a well in a  village and then go visit to see it working. There is nothing wrong with that desire, but typically they remain completely unaware of the damage behind the scenes: how a local well-digging company can never compete with a foreign charity that digs wells for free. But there are ways to help the well company too, and that's the path out of poverty. Charity and business are equally worthy, equally possible to support with aid, and equally vital to saving the world."

Speaking of supporting business as the main road out of poverty, I've been wanting a cross-body satchel. Wait, those two phrases don't go together? OH YES THEY DO! Look at this beautiful leather clutch made by a leather artisan in Kenya, available through Ethical Ocean:

Lionne Cross-Body Satchel, $32.41, by Kenya's Leather Trading Company. You can even read a bit about the Kenyan creator under the product description.

The satchel's seller, Lionne, partners with African designers and artisans and has a two-pronged mission: "Enhance the livelihood of its partners by paying fair prices and offering a new export market, whilst providing women around the world with high quality, fashion forward clothing and accessories handmade in Africa."

While Ethical Ocean is one of those online stores that has great finds but almost makes them look frumpy, sift through a little and you're guaranteed treasures for men, women, keiki, your desktop, and more. And if the lack of design turns you off, just think that that may be what's keeping prices down! Because they've got some great scores for folks of all ages and styles.

REUSE Is Jeanius (forgive me ... it's Friday)

Interviewed owner of local sustainable lifestyle boutique Super Citizen this week for an upcoming post for Fashion at Liberty, and she introduced me to REUSE Jeans. Specifically, a pair of cargos that I would love to add to my closet:

Recharged cargo pant, $95

After having browsed the website, there are a couple of other pairs I wouldn't mind having as well:

ReFashion pant, $95

ReBorn jeans, $95

While I'm not a huge fan of how they styled these pictures (where did they find these heels??), REUSE's practice of using materials from tossed-aside scraps from the fashion industry to create practical, stylish staples is worth the look.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generated more than 11.8 million tons of waste in 2006. REUSE uses textile waste and produces their wears in China, and their products are around 80 percent recycled fabric.

While I'd stick to my selections, they also have men's jeans, jackets, vests, shorts and skirts (I would have loved the skirts when I was in high school, and I'm sure my sister would love them, along with most of the collection, now. Great gift for a younger girl?).

Now go forth and enjoy your Aloha Friday night!

Lemlem's Prefall Is Here! Love, Orange.

Ciru Poncho, $245

Alula Split Scarf, $150

Hana Pocket Bag, $188

Slightly pricey (for me at least), but if you stick to that only Goodwill or quality, long lasting investments motto, then you're set. :)
Read a post about Lemlem that explains its awesome background here.

Reading List: Brand Aid, + Side of Kicks

In the process of reading Brand Aid: Shopping to Save the World by Lisa Ann Richey and Stefano Ponte. It focuses on the RED branding concept, versus most of the products I try to highlight here that work specifically with artisans or using socially conscious guidelines, but it's still bringing up some interesting critiques and concepts.

Read a guest blog about the book by the authors at TripleCrisis here.

Sticking with the same color theme and the fact that I love men's fashion, check out these kicks:

Learn more about this featured pick via Well Spent, who said everything I need to say (and who I found them through in the first place).

Happy Monday! Wooo!

Favalaves Round Two

I started this blog when I realized I kept falling down the black hole of beautiful style and design blogs, at first awed, and then overwhelmed and unsure of how something good could come out of it (besides making me want a lot of pretty things I couldn't afford and didn't want to be my sole obsession).

Well, here are a few examples of things I love that I wouldn't normally post (except for the Ghandi quote) except for that it's Friday and sometimes beauty or truth is, of its own, enough.

This one was found via Fashion at Liberty's Tumblr:

(I will get to work right away on how to make this amazing outfit socially conscious .... I think it involves a Goodwill trip!)

Found via Twitter on Pinterest, and lovin' it.

From blog Size Too Small ... Another hunt on my list.

And, last but not least, what I really want to be doing with my life right now:

Via Cold Splinters.

Oh and officially in love with Jeff Tweedy's solo styling of the Wilco song "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart." Saw him perform last night, and it was two hours of straight amazingness. Listen below:

Happy Aloha Friday all, hope you have a GREAT weekend.

Me + Fashion at Liberty, + Extra Nest(ing)!

Super stoked to be a contributing writer for Fashion at Liberty. I'm going to get the chance to do more interviews and style pieces versus company, marketing, and product profiles, which will be a nice balance. Yesterday, I posted about "Digs and Duds" that compare with a stunning Haleakala sunrise while doing good for the world.

To see what I selected, head to Fashion at Liberty!

One of my selections is a pillow from Nest, a nonprofit that empowers women and artisans throughout the world with interest-free microloans, mentoring from designers, and an outlet to sell their goods. I like this concept because it allows the artists to determine how to best re-invest in their families and communities, instead of an outside source determining what facet needs to be addressed most.

Along with goods from loan recipients, Nest has a "Artists Helping Artists" shop, which sells hand-crafted goods with all proceeds going to Nest. And the pillows are killer (though slightly expensive, so dream until you save enough!):

Modern Diamond Rectangle Pillow, $140, by katehenri

Mountains Pillow, $72, by Friendly Product

Wind Hand-Screened Pillow, $85, by Erin Flett

Most pillows are offered in different colors, and all artists have their own stories behind them (for example, all of katehenri's pieces are woven, handprinted, and/or sewn by artisans in India).

Visit Nest to learn more about making a microloan to an artisan or to check out the shop.

Heads up: I got the chance to check out Super Citizen yesterday for a post for Fashion at Liberty, and found some great products! Woooo.

Handmade, Helping Accessories - Andean Collection

Andean Collection jewelry is all handcrafted by artisans in Ecuador using seeds found or harvested in South America. They've got everything from super hip pieces to more motherly finds to bead bracelets teens will love, and below are a few of my faves:

The Floresta Necklace, $72

Tassel Necklace, $52

Piedra Bracelet, $24

Toro Ring, $26

Infinity scarf, $58

Says Andean Collection of its jewelry: "Some materials are gathered from the rainforest floor while others require a skilled farmer to climb high into the tropical canopy to harvest ripe pods. In both cases, trees are not harmed and the commercialization of these seeds helps to ensure the survival of the world’s rainforests by providing an alternative income for its inhabitants in place of logging or selling their land to destructive industries.

"Through a manual, low energy process, seeds are transformed into beads, which have sculptural natural irregularities, both in color and form. Each piece is truly one of a kind."

The Andean Collection was founded to create sustainable change, and they have a nonprofit arm "to ensure that this change is productive and healthy and to address other poverty related social issues, all funded through our sales and private donations."

I know, I know, I let the Andean Collection do most of the talking. But hey, they said it well!