As I’ve mentioned, I don’t take many risks when it comes to fashion, so I steer clear of their wackier options (for one, I will not be wearing the silk, MC Hammer inspired pants this fall), but their line is definitely worth checking out.  It’s verrrrrry reasonably priced–and it’s never boring. 

Here are a few of my favs right now–

Remade leather hobo bag. Too amazing! and only 48 bucks!

love the print–if you can pull off super-short!

kinda conservative for Urban renewal--probably why I like it

My mom has been encouraging me to buy new running shoes ever since she bought new ones a few months ago.  I don’t know why she thought I needed new ones, I’ve only had mine since I graduated college–oh wait, that was over 5 years ago…. 

I don’t exercise much, actually not at all unless you count walking my dogs, so new athletic shoes are not something  I get too excited about. 

Until……I found these New Balance running shoes that are Made in the USA!  Athletic shoes are almost ALWAYS made in China, so I was pumped to spot these–and in pink!  They are awesome–so cushiony, I feel like I am running on clouds (at least for the first 10 yards anyway). 

New Balance only has 5 factories left in the USA, so not all of their shoes are made here, just be sure to check the label.

It’s the week before I begin another school year, so back to school shopping is on my mind.  I don’t need much, but I always like to get a few new pieces to replace some older, more boring ones in my closet.  I’d like a bag big enough to hold all of the junk I carry to and from work-my lunch, water bottles, and a million other things-and it’s got to be durable because I’m gonna toss it in the car, under my desk, etc…

I hunted on Etsy for recycled leather bags and hit the jackpot.  Rookie Rags handmakes bags, purses, and wallets in America out of recycled fabrics.  Their dedication to recycling is so strong that usually even the zippers and thread are recycled!  What really sold me on Rookie Rags is that they have a huge selection (over 70 bags) and are very afforably priced ($30-$185-ish).  Most of their bags are leather, but use other fabrics also AND take custom orders.  Rookie Rags sells exclusively on Etsy, so click here to see their selection. 

These are a few of my favorites (I could have selected a lot more). 

I might just become a Harry Potter fan! 

photo credit: Splash News

Internet rumor has it that Emma Watson will be partnering with organic and fair trade fashion company People Tree (whose line is also featured at Topshop).  Allegedly the line would be targeted for teens and the profits would go to UNICEF.  None of this has been confirmed, but I very much hope this rumor is true.  Emma Watson has fantastic style!   People Tree has been featured on Shopping Ethically before, and if you haven’t checked them out, you should here.  They have great clothes for men, women, baby, even a teen section– ethical back to school shopping anyone?

This line would be a million times better than Miley Cyrus + Max Azria for Walmart—for so many reasons.

Joe's Jeans, Chelsea fit in Ryder wash

During a recent shopping trip, I tried on skinny jeans (Joe’s Jeans in a dark wash, made in the USA) for the first time.  I know that they’ve been around for quite awhile by now, and I was very slow to give them a chance.   I just kept thinking (hoping) that they’d go out of style, so there was no sense in my buying a pair.  Now, it seems the skinny jean isn’t going anywhere, so I decided to give them a chance. 

I’ve never been a big fan of things fitting tightly on my legs, but they were surprisingly flattering!  I liked the way they looked, but I just can’t picture myself wearing them very often.   Can those of us pushing 30–or older–get away with the skinny jean or is there an age limit?

Good news for WVU and Marshall fans! SustainU has obtained collegiate licenses for these two universities and will be selling WVU and Marshall tees in local stores this fall. Perfect timing for thousands of new college freshmen!

Also, companies and organizations can purchase blank SustainU tees and have their own logos printed on them. I’m wondering if I can’t convince the high school club I sponsor to use SustainU for their club t-shirts this coming school year.

For more information go to http://www.sustainurclothing.com

Yesterday my sister and I went shopping in Pittsburgh as a belated birthday celebration for me. We had a wonderful day–she really spoiled me. My sister is the best shopping partner. She admittedly has a shopping problem–yesterday she bought everything from a doorknob to a fedora and a whole lot in between–and she pushes me to be more daring with my wardrobe. In my case, more daring means staying away from solid colored, especially the color blue, tops. I know, I’m wild.Yesterday at Anthropologie I found a Porridge tank that not only appealed to my style, but also to my budget. This made in the USA tank is two tops in one. It’s reversible, and the other side is even cuter than the one shown in my opinion. It’s navy with little white polka dots. Also the tie is removable. The top is pretty blousy which would be great for camouflaging anything around the midsection, but you could also cinch it in at the waist with a belt or sash. For $68 these two tops in one are almost a bargain…almost.

I’ve made the switch from Blogger to Wordpress–and lost all of my old posts in the process.  I will be rebuilding my site with links to sweatshop-free designers during the next week.

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

These sites sell free trade items online:

Adili:

Bochica (UK online shop with international shipping)

Eco Chic: (UK online shop with international shipping)

Equita

Fair Indigo

People Tree

Hunger Site