The change of seasons always seems like a signal to shop. I try to resist the urge, only indulging in items that I know I truly need or have been coveting for quite some time. Last night I stopped by Nordstrom Rack. Before I knew it, I filled my feeble arms (they were seriously sore afterwards) with all kinds of sweaters and maxi dresses. I walked out with a new sweatshirt, the softest long sleeve, a flannel, and a maxi dress.

I love browsing Nordstrom Rack because they stock a bunch of designer brands and some of them are really conscious about sourcing, production, waste, and the like. I did spot a bunch of Eileen Fisher, but I really can’t afford it unless it’s used. Thankfully Seattle (and NYC) is home to an Eileen Renew store (think thrift shop, but only Eileen Fisher and obsessively quality checked). All that is to say, when I purchase anything whether it’s a pair of socks, a cup of coffee, or a new pair of shoes, I try to steer clear of fast fashion and towards brands that lead the industry in terms of production standards, workers’ benefits, and waste disposal.

I’ve shared these fall favorites in the past, so the links may direct you to slightly different (or my new favorites) styles, but here’s a reminder of why I love these fair trade brands.

 Here are the details:

One – The Root Collective is simply a heartfelt company.  I love these flats and although they are way out of my price range, I can admire the goal of the company and respect the price tag for what it represents.  The Root Collective partners with small-scale artisan businesses to handcraft vibrant ballet flats and now boots and wedges. The Root Collective strives to create a kinder world, and they are passionate about spreading the word about the positive impact that companies can have in the world.

Two – Eileen Fisher produces large lines of clothing all aimed at changing the way the world buys clothing.  Their three aims? Supporting women through social initiatives that address their wellbeing, practicing business responsibly with absolute regard for human rights, and guiding their product and practice toward sustaining the environment.  Who can argue with that? Each year, I find that Eileen Fisher pushes the industry forward to try to do better. It almost makes me well up with tears and I promise that’s no exaggeration.

Three – I’ve always had a thing for Good Society. Originally founded in America in 2007, with headquarters in Germany and an office in Italy, Good Society combines fashion and sustainable lifestyle. Good Society strongly believes in fair incomes for workers and they don’t use pesticide-intensive or genetically-modified cotton crops, only 100% organic cotton for their denim. You can find Good Society at Nordstrom Rack too!

Four – This company is near and dear to my heart. Why? Because elegant tees and dresses are designed in NYC and sewn by women freed from sex trafficking in Nepal. Elegantees creates a positive source of income that reinforces independence, a healthy self-image, and confidence. I love how casual and cute this dress is and their other designs are just as basic and beautiful. Also Nepal. Anything to support the beautiful humans of Nepal.

Five – These comfy looking zip ups (and everything else they produce) are 100% cotton.  Pact is a certified B Corp that goes to great lengths to make sure their entire supply chain, from the growing and harvesting of the organic cotton to the final sewing of the garment is as clean and responsible as possible.

Six – For how often I practice yoga, I only have one pair of yoga leggings!  My sister actually lent me a few pairs for my recent yoga teacher training in Nepal.  Ridiculous I know, but anyhow, if I had some extra dough, I would purchase these Good Cloth leggings. Good Cloth is outspoken about the lack of understanding in the fashion marketplace about the people that make our clothing and what conditions these workers may face. Good Cloth offers customers a space where they can purchase clothing and accessories that are produced in a way that is kind to workers and the planet.

Seven – I love the simple elegance of this dress. Shift to Nature sources the best of eco friendly brands and they do a damn good job of it.  Their products are made from certified organic cotton, hemp, bamboo and other sustainable textiles and that are also made through sustainable and ethical fair work production and business practices. Shift to Nature is a stock pile of basics in luxury organic cotton leggings, t-shirts, dresses, and active wear.

Eight – I am in deep, deep love with these moccasins and I know I’ll be thinking about them all fall, but I’m at the point where I can be happy something exists and that someone else can buy it – you should be that someone and then you should dance around in my living room so I can enjoy these beauties, but I digress.. Oliberté is the world’s first Fair Trade Certified footwear manufacturing factory. They make every single pair of Oliberté shoes at their factory in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (since writing this post, my lovely mother actually bought me a pair! I love them so much.)

Does it make you feel all warm and tingly inside to to know there are companies out there with big hearts?  Even if the price tag sometimes scares you, it’s worth knowing why something costs as much as it does. Is it simply a coveted designer piece? Or is the extensive behind the scenes work worth the price tag? Do some research before you buy and shop responsibly friends. XO