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.

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.

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.

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

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.