Handmade by supporting fair trade labor practices in Phnom Penh, Camboida.

Sophea started working with our Cambodia partners, Smateria, back in 2005.  She was unemployed at the time and her husband was a moto taxi driver.  She has risen from being a cleaner of recycled mosquito netting used for bags to chief tailor for Smateria.  She has earned enough money working to buy her two children and husband a nice home in the countryside, where she is from.  The home is a big investment for her children and safe place to retire one day with her husband.   

Madden Girl Toriie - only $49.95!!!

They’re satin with man made soles so they appear to be vegan.  I love the sparkly detail on the platform – makes them fun festive without being over the top.  I think I might go try them on!  I love all three color options but black is so versatile…the pink and red ones are super fun though…hmmm…check out these high heels for yourself!  They might be on the high side for me but then again, they’re reasonably priced and it’s not like I’m looking to wear them to work – I can handle a little pain for an evening here and there   Paired with a fun sparkly skirt and sweater they’ll help to make the perfect outfit for my holiday party this weekend.  Now that the important stuff is sorted out I need to get working on the menu!

This weekend being the traditional start to holiday shopping, you may want to consider staying home – warm and cozy with a hot tea - and doing some online shopping for handmade items on Etsy.  It’s wonderful to support small businesses and individuals who craft beautiful gifts.  You’ll be surprised at all the marvelous things you can find!

Be sure to check out my shop on Etsy for my organic cotton cowls

Infinity Cowl in Khaki

Fall is officially here and once again I’m selling my cozy knitted cowls on Etsy.  The regular cowl is great for tucking into your jacket – keeps your next warm without the long ends of a scarf bunching up on your chest under your coat.  The infinity cowl is fun to wear over a light jacket or even over a top while inside.  The yarn is organic cotton and it’s super soft and cozy.  Each cowl is made to order - just pick from one of the many colors and give me a week to get it made.  They’re machine washable and although the label says not to dry, I always dry mine and haven’t had any problems.

Check out the EcoCupscious Shop on Etsy!

Almond Cowl

Teardrop Spot Blouse $76

I was a bit frustrated with the jumper/sweater collection as they all had wool, which I no longer buy and a lot of the cute dresses had silk, which I also avoid.  That aside, there were plenty of other items I wanted so I’ll definitely be going back.  It’s so much fun to have the shop in town now – I adore it so much!

I love how light and airy this collection is for summer. This dress is adorable, it could so easily be dressed up with fun jewelry and heels for a wedding or wear it on a summer afternoon with flat sandals and just one very simple accessory.

Recycled Fabric Dress $49.95

 According to H&M, the materials they’re using in this line are…

This is my other favorite piece – $44.95…

Check out the entire collection…H&M Conscious Collection

If you’re interested in learning more about H&M’s corporate responsibility – working conditions, wages, environment, etc., you can find it all here.

I had been waiting for these adorable sweatshirts for ages and I finally snagged myself the adorable pink one with elephants.  I’m in LOVE!  These Alternative Apparel shirts are super soft and cozy and Leanne’s animal prints make them so unique and a must for your wardrobe.  With the wide neck I can even see throwing one on in the summer over shorts and a tank as the day cools off.  They’re great all year round.  More importantly they share an important message without screaming crazy vegan!  Although when I put mine on Eric did tell me if I was really going to continue to ”do this vegan thing,” I need to darken my hair, get some tattoos and maybe dress a little more like Katy Perry.  Funny he should mention that because I do have an appointment to go darker on Thursday but the tattoo thing still isn’t me and I’m pretty sure Katy Perry is only married to a vegan, not one herself, so I’m not really sure why he chose her – other than he thinks she’s hot   Eric is right though, that at first glance I don’t come off as the old stereotypical, edgy looking vegan, but that’s what I think is cool about it – veganism has become so much more main stream now that all different types of people are embracing it!

Anyway, now’s the time to get yourself one of these super cute sweatshirts!

Congrats to Vaute Couture for winning Company of the Year!   So happy for them!!!