Fair Trade Shopping

What the !@#$% Are You Wearing {Featuring “MaryInk”}

I try to keep this blog focused on decorating – but I also seriously dig fashion.

For the last year or two, however, it’s become increasingly tricky for me to find fun clothes to wear, since I swore off clothes made in questionable labor conditions.  No more buying clothes at Target, for sure.   Anthropologie / Urban Outfitters also disappointed when I researched their labor conditions.  And I’ve cut out all the other mall stores until I can research their approach to sweatshop labor conditions in overseas factories.  It sure helps me save money!

So how do I update my wardrobe, as a wanna be fashionista? I’m refashioning things when time allows, and if I shop then it’s thrift shops and consignment stores.

Well, my friend and favorite trouble-maker Sunny has started up a “What the !@#$% Are You Wearing Wednesday” feature (which today features my pets, apparently).  If you’re like me and Sunny, meaning you don’t actually dress like a supermodel each and every day (and take a million photos to show it), then this is the party for you.

I thought it would be a good excuse to show off two new dresses that joined my wardrobe this summer. Pardon the awkward pic, but I was in a hurry. . . and balancing the camera on a chair.

Fireworks Dress in Asphalt by Maryink

Introducing:  Maryink

I’ve practically lived in this dress, and its sister, this summer.  I discovered it in Boston when I was helping Melissa move – at an awesome shop called “On Centre” in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood.   I popped in just for a look, and immediately my eye was drawn to a rack of sleeveless dresses, screen printed with all sorts of great patterns.

I tried one on, and it fit like a charm – not to mention that the t-shirt-like cotton construction made is super comfy and easy to wear.

The designer, MaryInk, is a small business based out of Nashville.   Not only do they hand-print their clothes with beautiful and unique designs, they source their clothes from Alternative Apparel, which is a much more socially-conscious (and eco-friendly) company than most clothing retailers out there.  SCORE!

I decided to treat myself to not one, but two, MaryInk dresses. At $44 a pop, I felt that they were worth it for unique and totally wearable dresses from a small company.

Leafy Dress Pale Petal Pink from Maryink

Leafy Dress Pale Petal Pink from Maryink

These were the best summer wardrobe purchases I’ve made in several years.  I’ve worn each dress at least two days a week every week.  They are so comfortable, yet they can be dressed up easily with some cute high-heel sandals and jewelry.  And I’m totally going to rock these babies into the fall with tights or leggings and a cardigan.

After a quick poke around their website, I found that Maryink also offers some sweet tees that would make looking cute in a t-shirt and jeans so much easier.

Maryink Lily Valley Tshirt Blue

Lily of the Valley T-Shirt by Maryink

They also have some additional  designs on t-shirts & dresses in their Etsy shop, like this yummy chocolate one:

Maryink Leafy Tshirt Chocolate

Leafy Tshirt from Maryink

I just love their designs – and it’s so great to be able to add another designer to my short list of “clothes that are ok to buy.”  And the fact that there’s a handmade and artistic element to the items is like icing on the cake.

PS:  When you’re done here, hop on over and wish Sunny a “Happy 2nd Flammiversary.”  Seeing the DIY projects she was left with after her house caught fire will show that maybe your to-do list isn’t so intimidating after all.

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5 Comments

  • Reply Mikalah at 3:02 pm

    Cute dresses! I admire you for taking a stand on that, and I’m glad you finally found some dresses that you can feel good about buying and wearing!

  • Reply Christina Leaman at 7:29 pm

    Love that lily of the valley tee. So cute.

  • Reply adventuresindinner at 1:21 am

    Hello fellow Jane 🙂  Found your blog from beachcottage and am I ever glad.  Hope you check out my little part of blogland soon.

  • Reply Jenn @ Peas and Crayons at 4:33 am

    they scream modern yogo hippie to me.. in the best way possible! the lily of the valley top is adorable! (yoga worthy!) and your fireworks dress is my absolute fav! so so cute! and it looks aweseome on ya!

    is it cardigan weather yet? jeebus i love them so! i need to hunt down a few for this fall. i’ve worn last years to the point that they are about to have holes in them 😉

  • Reply Leigh at 3:40 pm

    Fun!  I love having “different clothes” to wear- so I don’t look like gap model.  Teaching at a middle-high school as a young teacher, it is kinda odd because your students have some of the same clothes. 

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