Momster

I adore Fall fashion and this year, as I looked at the aging items in my closet, I decided to make some purchases that helped others and the planet.

In a local shop I was introduced to a wonderful brand – Global Girlfriend.

Global Girlfriend was created by Stacey Edgar in 2003 to “help women worldwide gain economic security while providing you unique products and a simple way to help women in need.” All the items in their collection are not only trend-setting, but also made by women from around the world and are fairly traded (meaning that they get a fair price for their products).  Their products include fashion forward apparel, accessories and gifts and all have one purpose — ” helping women in need help themselves.”

According to Global Girlfriend, “We believe passionately that economic opportunity for women holds the promise for real change in the world; because when women have an income, they reinvest in themselves and in their children’s health, education and nutrition, building stronger families and communities over time. Many women try desperately to make a living selling their artisan-quality goods but find that they have little access to market opportunities. Through fair-trade practices, Global Girlfriend brings the work of these disadvantaged groups directly to you. Global Girlfriend believes in forming long-term partnerships that provide women a fair living wage with equal employment opportunities, healthy and safe working conditions, technical assistance and development strategies to foster prosperity and reduce poverty.”

And if that wasn’t enough to make you feel good about your choice, Global Girlfriend directs the royalties from each purchase to Camfed (Campaign for Female Education), a “nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating poverty in Africa through the education of girls and the empowerment of young women.” These royalties provide Camfed with seed money in the form of micro-grants and micr0-credit programs.  This money can be used to launch a small business venture, benefiting themselves, their families, and their entire communities.

My purchases included a beautiful, Giggle Organic, Long Sleeve Wrap Dress made from 100% Organic Cotton and dyed using pure vegetable dyes.  It looks very hip and stylish with my brown leggings and riding boots.  I also purchased some bangles made from recycled magazines and glass beads that garnered many complements and inquires at the grocery store later that day.  And that is what I love about eco-chic fashion – you look great, help others AND impress your friends and strangers.

Kate Ruffing transformed her home on Bainbridge Island, Washington, into a “sustainable living lab,” where she explores living an eco-friendly lifestyle that works for her and her family. She shares her sustainable living solutions on her blog Camp 4, and here on Momster.com.

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