Blog Archives - fairdare

fair brand :: sotela

8/24/2016

Wear anywhere and any day of the month (yes, we're talking about those days of the month). And feel comfortable while looking beautiful every time. That's the beauty of Sotela. Well, that's not the only beauty of it... these dresses are made in California from sustainable fabrics too. The dresses are not only basics. They are versatile basics. Win, win, win, win, win.

I also enjoyed this article written by Sotela founder, Hanna Baror-Padilla, about the mind shift toward buying with intention... and this one too. These posts about styling the Sotela dresses are good too... and have more ethical ideas.

image via Sotela.

maybe i could make that

8/23/2016

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something i seem to pin again and again is a loose fitting shirtdress. these images hint at its versatility. its shape compliments bare legs in the warmer months... and it layers so well in cooler months. i haven't found my perfect shirtdress on a rack yet, but i'm hoping that i am about to sew it.

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this pattern from maker's atelier looks like what i've been searching for. i like its relaxed shape, its loose...but not too loose silhouette, the dropped shoulders, the rolled cuffs and the optional side slits. the pattern costs more than i've paid for a sewing pattern, and it took me quite a while to purchase. i'm choosing to see this as an investment in what i hope will become a well-used tool. :)

i have a couple pieces of fabric ready to go. now i'm just waiting on the postman.

love,
jane

zero-waste living room summer check-in

8/22/2016

our living room may not produce a lot of waste, but i like to check in on the stuff situation regularly. i've quit all magazine subscriptions (the internet fixed that "need"). i've used catalog choice to stop most of the catalogs. what can pile up is library books. i usually have a novel and a nonfiction selection going... in addition to some others in waiting. i have a planner notebook and a separate fashionary sketchbook for clothing planning that i keep with pens and a few other bits in a shallow basket tucked under the couch. the shallowness of the basket helps me keep these items edited.

our bookshelves underwent quite a transformation in the past few months. mr. tribe switched offices and needed to bring all of his books home for a few months. we have a lot of bookshelf space built into our living room. i don't really like fussy shelf styling with numerous tchotchkes and pointless looking displays, so i wondered if shelves full of books alone would suit. well, it probably would if they were all art books, but normal books aren't quite so pretty. it just looked way too dark and closed in to me, so luckily mr. tribe's new office provides some space for his newly edited book collection. :) (we did bring a lot of books to half-price books to sell, but there are still a lot of books left.)

i am no stylist, although i know what i like... and what i don't like. this situation has been months in the making, but i rather like where we ended up. jo felt she needed more space in her room, so she has a shelf of books here. mr. tribe has a shelf of books (i chose as many light-colored bindings as i could). my books are spread out along the middle shelf (i have a space for library books too!). a few of the things i edited off the walls in our bedroom... and my little collection of special items found a place here.

i try to keep stuff to a minimum in the rest of the room as well. we have a couch, two chairs, a rug, a stool, and a lamp. we don't have a tv. i took this opportunity to rearrange the furniture a bit to offer a fresh perspective (and unobstructed view of my masterpiece bookshelves). :) i love our ceiling fan and feel that it really helps us keep our air-conditioning working as little as possible in the summer months.

a little freshen up for a place where we spend a lot of time.

love,
jane

fair wearer :: julie fathy :: the beauty in simple

8/22/2016

OK. You have to let me gush a little, because this is incredibly exciting!! We have so much to learn from each other, so I'm thrilled to have a different point of view featured in this space! Julie Fathy writes about her unique way of seeing on thebeautyinsimple. Uncomplicated, inspiring, peaceful, and challenging are the feelings that come to mind when I think of reading her words. I was inspired by her approach to dressing for a formal event recently (a situation that would have me quaking in my boots!), and I always look forward to glimpses of her well-considered handmades. I'm so grateful to Julie for agreeing to share a bit about her journey toward a fair wardrobe here!

How do you approach "fair" in your closet?
My journey to a fair wardrobe started in earnest on January 1, 2015 when I pledged to “buy nothing new.” Rather than purchasing new clothes off the racks, I’m filling my wardrobe needs with thrifted apparel. I changed how I dress out of a desire to match my actions with my environmental, social, and economic beliefs.
Since 2015 all of my clothes, with the exception of intimate apparel, have been purchased secondhand. When I do buy new I consider the quality of workmanship, the material used (natural and organic fibers favored), and whether the item is USA-made or fair trade. I also sew some of my clothes using fabric I already have on hand or from upcycled materials. To increase the longevity of my wardrobe, I mend or alter clothes when necessary.
I’ve never been one to enjoy shopping, so prior to taking the pledge to “buy nothing new” I shopped the same stores for a consistent style and color palette, mainly classic attire in black, white, and denim. My wardrobe was simple, but boring and mostly not fair. An interesting thing has happened since I moved to buying secondhand—I’m bringing home pieces that have color, pattern, variety, and details that were missing before. Since I quit shopping (except for thrift stores) I no longer know what’s trendy or fashionable. It’s empowering not to be tied to fashion trends and instead dress uniquely for me.

Does "less" play a role in your fair wardrobe?
I’m somewhat of a minimalist in all areas of my life, and my wardrobe is no exception. For me it’s possible to have less because I’m not required to own unique attire for different aspects of my life. I dress casually for work, home, and going out. When the rare occasion arises that requires a different type of dress, thrift stores become “my closet.” My husband and I attended a black tie event this year, which I pulled together an outfit for $25. After the event I donated the dress and shoes back to the thrift store.

Do you have a favorite outfit that just makes you feel like you?
My current favorite is a sleeveless dress I made this summer using batik fabric that was gifted to me years earlier from my mom. I love the dress paired with cowboy boots. It’s fun, flirty, and comfortable.

Do you have a piece in your closet with a special story? Cowboy boots! Would you mind sharing? Two years ago my husband and I were married in the woods of my mom’s rural Montana property. Given the setting, it seemed appropriate to wear cowboy boots. I sought out boots made in the USA and purchased them new. My husband was lucky to find a secondhand pair. I don’t wear my boots often, but I absolutely adore them. It tickles me that my wedding shoes can pass as everyday shoes and will be worn and loved for many years to come.

Do you struggle with any part of buying fair clothing?
I really don’t. I think one of the most powerful forms of activism is voting with our dollar. By making fair clothing choices I’m taking action against social injustice, environmental degradation, and other atrocities that occur in the fashion industry. I balance the high price of fair clothing with the low, low price of thrifted clothes so my pocket book doesn’t take a hit. It also helps that I keep a minimalist wardrobe.

Do you have any goals for a next step you'd like to take in your own fair fashion future?
Buying clothes secondhand is definitely “slow fashion.” It’s taking me a long time to build a wardrobe I love. One thing that I’ve become adamant about is buying clothing made of 100 percent natural fibers. Building that into my criteria really narrows the options even further. My goal is to whittle out synthetic pieces, as well as clothing that no longer inspires me. I don’t necessarily want to grow my wardrobe; I just want to love everything in it. That takes time and patience with the approach I’m taking.
Fairly recently I started making clothes for myself again. I sewed a lot in my youth, but found it frustrating as an adult. I’d spend a lot of money on fabric and time to make, only to discover my handmade clothes didn’t fit well. I’ve started sewing again and have had more success. There are so many great independent pattern designers emerging. In fact, you have inspired me, Jane, with your series to sew more of my own clothes. I’m also more likely to sew when the investment isn’t high. All the items I’ve made in the last two years have been from fabric I already owned, found in my mom’s stash, or upcycled from thrifted items. Tracing whether fabric is “fair” is sometimes challenging and there’s such material excess that exists that I’m committed to using what’s already available.
I’m also a new knitter, having only made a hat and cowls. I’d like to continue to grow my skills and learn to knit sweaters. The biggest challenge I’ve had in buying secondhand is finding high quality wool sweaters. I’d like to fill that gap with my own handmade woolens.
For the first time ever, I’m building a wardrobe that I love and that is fair to the world. I used to think that cost money, but what I’m learning is it mostly just takes time.

All photos courtesy of Julie Fathy.

We can find more of Julie and her story at thebeautyinsimple... and her lovely Instagram!

Thanks so much for inspiring us with your unique approach to fair in the closet, and thanks too for taking the Fairdare, Julie!

don't lose focus

8/20/2016

"Don't lose focus" is a statement that certainly applies to our Fairdare journeys... but it is also something I want to say to the companies we support. I've noticed companies start with domestic production and then move their production overseas (with no mention of this production being fair) as they grow. This says one of two things to me: either (1) domestic/fair production was never important to them, or (2) domestic/fair production is less important than something else. (Profit.)

I don't want to name names, because it's not my point to shame or call out any one company. I'd like to encourage. I'm wondering, however, if an example brings my point home a bit more forcefully. There is an activewear brand that came onto the scene a couple of years ago that made all of their product domestically. Their aesthetic is beautiful and their product is basic, yet unique. I bought a piece from them and felt good about the choice. About a year ago, I noticed that their website no longer listed where each item was made. On further investigation, it became clear that they had move production overseas with no mention of fairness to the employees who make their pieces. It angered me a bit to think that many customers may not catch this, and keep buying thinking that their previous research into origins holds true.

I also noticed this happen with a certain shoe company with USA in its name. A few years into production they moved their sourcing from the USA overseas. There was no mention of fair working conditions or efforts on their website. I wrote to them voicing my concerns and asking for more information, but received no reply. This year, I noticed that they returned to making shoes in the USA with a greatly reduced offering. They received more press for this new collection than I've seen them have in years. I'm sure it was a monstrous decision with a pile of sacrifice, but I hope it pays off in sales and peace of mind.

This is one of the issues I would love to see this community come together around. We as individuals can certainly encourage our favorite fair brands and designers to keep "fair" and "ethical" as core values as they grow. We can write letters and emails and tell them in person. This is important and powerful. But how much more impact could we have together? A community of people letting our treasured brands and designers know that fair and ethical matters could truly change the trajectory of their decision making processes.

It is important for us to stay focused in our own closets and keeping our purchases voting in the right direction. We can use our individual voices to encourage small brands to stay focused too. We can encourage each other in our journeys and encourage others to join us as well. Together consumers can make a difference... but imagine the difference consumers can make together with designers, brands, and manufacturing! The lives of so many garment workers, farmers, and their families could be changed for the better.

love,
Jane

miracles

8/19/2016

every day you are choosing either to be grateful or to be disappointed.

you can worry to no end about what you don’t have. or you can marvel at God’s breathtaking gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. could you create any of these? these miracles of life are always around you, ready to be celebrated, ready to be welcomed into your life. ~unknown

fair brand :: pact

8/19/2016

"We make clothes that don't hurt people.
No sweat shops.
No child labor.
No toxic pesticides.
Non-GMO organic cotton.
Organic Content Standard certified.
Global Organic Textile Standard certified.
Fair Trade USA certified." ~Pact

This is the way to make clothing. These basics are so comfy and soft. They are well priced, long lasting, and worth every penny. We are devoted. Pact would probably be my number one recommendation for getting started on this Fairdare journey. They are a very focused company, and that focus allows them to remain true to their values.

(the collection of pact tanks pictured above are my own.)

zero-waste bedroom summer check-in

8/18/2016

the kitchen and the bathroom are probably the rooms that produce the most waste, but it's worth taking a look at the other rooms as well.

bea's 5 r's of zero-waste are:
refuse (what you don't need)
reduce (what you do need)
reuse (what is left)
recycle
rot
...and only in that order

there are still things to refuse to bring into the other rooms and things to reduce out of these rooms as well.

we don't have much unnecessary furniture in our bedroom. we have a mattress + boxsprings on the floor, laundry bins and sometimes that chippy white bench along one wall. an african basket sits empty under the bench at the moment. there are two hanging plants in one corner and a lamp with a paper shade next to the bed.

during this check-in, i was able to clear out that basket under the bench... a few things got recycled, chargers were relocated into a basket in the closet, and one unused item was donated. a couple of things were removed from the wall and a large woven circle was hung above the bed (right over top of the shell hanging). there is a row of hooks next to the closet, and i removed a couple things. all in all, editing prevailed in the bedroom. i tried to apply my own advice from the simple home style posts and leave only a very few things that communicate the vibe i want in this room. i think the baskets (both on the wall and under the bench), a straw hat hanging on the hook, a vintage throw on the bed, and the plants communicate a laid-back natural bohemian vibe. :) the color palette is limited and the feel of each piece is cohesive.

one of my favorite items in my summer bedroom is the ceiling fan. after finally painting the ceiling (and finally making peace with the popcorn ceiling), we replaced the existing ugly ceiling fan with this very plain and basic white one. we turn it on at night and can use the air-conditioning significantly less. we sleep under only a sheet and "feel" summer.

my closet will get a more detailed check-in soon.

love,
jane

zero-waste bathroom summer check-in

8/17/2016

the bathroom can be home to a lot of bottles and jars. the zero-waste bathroom first focuses on clearing out the clutter... and in my case focuses on distilling the necessities down to a select few. i wrote about my bathroom contents a few months ago and the contents are the same today. just thought i'd give a little summer update.

we are still using the same bulk container of shikai shampoo that we bought at the beginning of january. yay! three girls with long hair and it's still going. that is more value than i expected, and it has saved many individual shampoo bottles. i tried shikai conditioner in a little sample bottle, and there is no way that it is going to serve it's purpose in my fine hair. i'll stick with acure for now and try to use it as sparingly as possible.

we are still using toothpaste and the floss we have already. i still use a touch a hairspray daily, and i'm using a commercial deodorant in these summer months. i think one tube of deodorant will be enough to last through the summer... and will go back to the crystal as soon as the extreme temperatures dip.

my summer face is the place where the most changes happen zero-waste wise. what is more zero-waste than nothing, right? most days i wash my face with bulk soap in the shower, comb my hair and let it air dry... and go. back in may, when the weather got humid and warm, i stopped using moisturizer. of course, this practice will depend on the type of skin one has and also climate... but this is my experience: it takes a few days for my face to adjust from using moisturizer to not using it. once it has adjusted, however, i don't need moisturizer for months. my own oils take over and supply more than enough "moisture". :) for my "fancy" face, i just add a bit of blush and a swipe of lip balm for shine. :) obviously, personal preference and all that, but i love this light and natural routine.

it's amazing to observe how the body is truly created to care for itself. the less we mess with "natural" the better most of the time (and less waste producing too). :)

love,
jane

zero-waste kitchen summer check-in

8/16/2016

the kitchen is where the bulk of zero-waste efforts need to be made... and summertime can offer the zero-waste glory days. farmer's markets are in full swing and offer lots of package-free goodness. if we are lucky enough to have a patch of soil to grow some of our own food, we've got farm-to-table within steps of each other... no packaging required. abundance, planning and a bit of time in the kitchen come together with canning as the sparkling result... no waste that will stretch it's benefits into the months to come.

grocery shopping: at our house, i haven't been braving the crowds at the farmer's market quite as often as i thought i would at the beginning of the season. there is a lot of local produce offered at my supermarket and i have a garden. at the store, i put those jewels right into my reusable shopping bag- no produce bags. bulk flour, sugar, granola, honey, peanut butter, cheese, nuts, beans, rice, spices, tea, etc. go in reusable containers. sliced bread goes into a cloth bag... and into a reused plastic bag at home before being slid into the freezer. glass returnable and reusable bottles hold milk (some of which gets made into yogurt at home). each of my helpful shoppers gets a big bulk cookie slid into a cloth drawstring bag. that's my zero-waste weekly grocery shopping.

we do still buy some packaged items, some less often than others:
-free range eggs in a paper carton (recyclable)
-butter (recyclable paper box + compostable wrappers)
-baking soda (paper recyclable box)
-baking powder
-tuna (recyclable can)
-mayonnaise (recyclable glass jar)
-mustard (recyclable plastic)
-soba or udon noodles in a plastic bag (smallest bag for noodles that are my girls' favorite meal)
-pretzels (favorite snack for two... much less costly than the bulk ones... we use the bags for trash- one a week is plenty)
-bonne mama jam (we use the jars as cups and for take along snacks + i freeze tomato sauce in the jars for perfect portions + freezer fit)
-vinegar (recyclable glass or plastic)
-salt (recyclable paper canister)
-coconut oil (glass jar we reuse for glasses, take to work meals, freezing beans)
-olive oil (glass jar to recycle)
-boullion (glass jars i use for spices)
-ketchup (recyclable plastic)
-dish soap (i buy a large jug to decant, recyclable)
-advil (recyclable plastic)
-tea (it's our first aid + the type i can't find bulk... recyclable paper box, compostable bags)
-yeast

right now we also have:
-ice-cream sandwiches (because- yum)
-dill (because pickles... recyclable/reusable glass jar... my store doesn't offer in bulk)
-ant spray (because just before we left on our road trip we had a little issue that i couldn't trust to natural remedies while we'd be away)
-bug spray (used sparingly because, lyme disease)
-alcohol (used for an effective remedy)
-lightbulbs in packaging
-masking tape (because we hang stuff on walls with it instead of buying frames)

practice:
-we bring our grocery shopping kit to the store every time.
-i keep a folded baggu bag in my little purse at all times.
-i make yogurt once per week
-we grow tomatoes to make sauce + freeze. i just used the last jar of last year's tomato sauce last week!
-we are growing cucumbers for pickles this year.
-i'm growing potatoes, strawberries and chives as well this year.
-i make pizza dough, cookies, and other baked goods.
-we don't buy meat other than fish at the store. we will eat it at friend's/family's... and occasionally out, when we really want it.
-we buy organic as much as possible.
-we try to eat locally as much as possible. bananas are only occasional treats. avocados, on the other hand, are necessary. :)
-we try to save gas (and money) by only going to the grocery store on fridays.
-i like to know the farmers who grow our food, so try to get to the farmer's market as much as possible.
-we make use of the multifunctional nature of each piece in our kitchen, and keep stuff to a minimum.
-we recycle everything that we don't refuse or reuse. i try to be careful to remove bits that aren't recyclable (like a little plastic window on a box or staples) so that the whole thing doesn't get tossed into the landfill.
-we compost all food waste, hair, dryer lint (because we only dry cotton sheets and towels), and food soiled paper.
-but... we still toss a pizza box or two into the trash each month. we end up recycling a few more plastic cups and tossing a few more straws in the summer months too.

stuff:
-i looked through all the cabinets and considered each thing. it didn't take long- maybe ten minutes- this time. think i've maintained pretty well and haven't really added anything, so there wasn't anything to remove this time around.
-i cleaned out + tidied the junk drawer (just a few receipts i'd saved, but no longer need).
-i went through my shopping kit to make sure there weren't any extras.
-i consulted the kitchen and grocery shopping section of bea's book to make sure i didn't forget anything.

trash: we still have a little bag of trash each week mostly containing items that get brought into the house from elsewhere. i think we do pretty well for a family of four. at the same time, we can do better and it's fun to try. :)

love,
jane