Southern Work Style

Started in 2013, Lauren James aims to combine modern style with classic southern sensibility. If you love bows, scalloped hems, or ruffles, then Lauren James is here for you! Her collections range from casual shirts perfect for your next Netflix binge to open back dresses with a bow closure for your next girls night out.

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Bundle Up in a Sweater Dress

 

  1. This Karen Kane dress is made in the USA. It features a turtleneck, long sleeves, and has a swinging feel. This dress also comes in black.
  2. Prana’s 100% Cotton dress has a cable knit bodice, and gathers at the wrists. It comes in four colors. The grey shown, as well as blue, red and white.
  3. Prana’s Whitley dress is made of 60% cotton, and 49% acrylic. It’s unique design is both on the front and the back of the dress. This design also comes in red and blue.
  4. Fair Indigo ‘s dress is made of 100% baby alpaca. It is made fairly in Peru, and comes in four colors including the blue shown, heather white, dark grey, and crimson.

Holiday Shopping List

If you live in the West, then chances are someone is asking what you would like for this holiday season. Below is my personal list. Items I would like around the house, or little indulgences to brighten up a dull day. As always, all fairly made!

    1. Pendleton makes a ton of different wool blankets. This one has a personal connection for me as I recently visited Glacier National Parks and LOVED IT!

2. Missing home? Want to find out what another state or country smells like? These candles are for you!3. I am having a love affair with aromatic oils and will definitely be shopping for myself on black Friday.4. I may be 30-something, but my mom still gets me pajamas every year for Christmas. These are lined, and guaranteed to keep you warm all winter!5. This year for the holidays I plan on going to Montana to visit family. To say my current carry-on’s are worn is putting it nicely. This recycled backpack from Patagonia will work perfectly.6. An ethical fashion book. Need I say more?

7. Have you ever seen hand blown glass in action? It’s magic! I can’t wait to add this beauty to my collection.

8. It’s cold out, which means you will need to drink something warm. Why not drink that tea/coffee/cocoa from this hand painted mug?

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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Fair Trade in Your Favorite Stores

When first looking for clothes that are fair trade, it can seem like there are almost no options. Most retail stores do not have a section just for Fair Trade. But don’t be disheartened! Thanks to the internet, it is much easier to find ethically made goods in your local retail store than you first imagined.

Almost all retail stores, have an online search function. You can use this to search for items that are listed as fair trade. For some stores, such as Nordstrom, it will be that easy. For others, you will have to do multiple searches.

I also search for items made in countries I know to have laws and policies that protect the worker. For example, on Nordstrom’s website “Made in USA” brings up over 10,000 options that includes makeup, candles, clothes, shoes, etc. Made in Canada brings up 153 items, appropriately most of them are fluffy coats. Made in UK has 862 options.

Other stores, such as Modcloth, have a dedicated section for clothes Made in the USA. In these instances, I just save this section on my computer so I do not need to search for it every time I want to shop there.

Finally, I also look at the sustainable sections that Asos and H&M produce. While these may not meet the demands of purist fair trade shoppers, I believe that we can “vote” with our money. And when we shop Asos’ Made in Kenya, or H&M’s conscious line we show these major fashion brands what is important to us and what we are willing to spend our money on, and most importantly where they should expand. While this topic deserves it’s own discussion, these stores are an option any shopper should at least consider.

I hope this helps all my fashionistas out there, and hope it makes your search for fair trade a little bit easier!

Top 4 Favorite Made in America Brands

Want to wear fashion made in the USA? Want to wear it to work? These brands have you covered.

  1. Amour Vert – Are you a fan of silk dresses? Me to! And luckily Amour Vert has us covered. After you’re done browsing their delicious dresses, don’t forget to look at their shoes, bags, jewelry, and home goods. They literally have it all!

 

2. Karen Kane – Unlike some of the other brands on this list, Karen Kane can often be found in your local department store. They always have beautiful blouses, and shift dresses that are perfect for the office.

 

3. Michael Stars – Michael Stars can also be found in stores such as Nordstrom. His website has a specific section for the items made in America, so you don’t have to search. If you’re looking for a clean silhouette, this is your shop. I will definitely be adding a couple of his sweaters to my wardrobe.

 

4. Pendleton – Known for their wool products, you will always find well made suits in an array of color. My favorites are their all-season pencil skirts. Not only does it come in 8 different colors, but it’s wrinkle resistant! And if your office is as cold as mine, their wool blankets will be guaranteed to keep you warm.

 

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Michael Stars: Classic American style for the Office.

Michael Stars is a California based brand known for their laid back style.  Originally, they were focused on creating the perfect T-shirt. As the brand has grown, so has their style. There are now a number of items that are suitable for both the office and the weekend. With a mix of everyday basics as well as some modern trends, these Made in America tops are guaranteed to remain in heavy rotation for years.

  1. This sleeveless, cowl -neck top is available in three different colors (white, black and grey). It is 58% cotton, and made in the USA. While it may be getting cooler outside, it has a classic silhouette that will stay in style for a long time. Don’t hesitate to grab this piece
  2. This long sleeve top features a neck tie, and comes in 2 colors (burgundy and oxide or grey). Made of a jersey material, and in the USA, it will keep you warm as the days get colder. The curved hemline is perfect for tucking into trousers or skirts.
  3. The next sweater has a mock neck and elbow length sleeves. This pullover comes only in black. It is made of 97% rayon, and 3% spandex. This versatile top will look great with jeans and trousers!
  4. The previous tops have had very classic silhouettes. This top is a bit more modern with bell sleeves and a unique print. It is made in the USA of 100% rayon. Apparently, there are also matching trousers for a pajama-style look.
  5. This long sleeve turtleneck is available in blue, grey, and olive. It is made of 97% rayon, and 3% spandex. It is a ribbed, fitted top that is described as very soft.

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Cheerful Trousers.

Black, grey and khaki. It’s easy to get into a fashion rut wearing only these workplace staples. Traditional offices can be a bit…stodgy. One way I bring a little whimsy to the office is with cheerful, but professional trousers.

These Karen Kane trousers, in the color Iris and mini dot, are a delight. Made in the USA, the thick material is comprised of cotton, viscose, and spandex. Perfect for the colder seasons. They feature a skinny leg that ends at the ankle, which look good with heels or flats. They also come in black and midnight (dark navy). Both colors are currently available in S-XL.

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Your new classic suit.

 The classic black suit. While in many offices it is no longer the norm to wear a suit everyday, it is still a staple piece in many business woman’s closet. This wool suit is made by Pendleton in their US mill.  Pendleton has been manufacturing textiles for over 100 years, and are known for their wool products. The jacket is fully lined, and has darts in the front and the back which ensure a fitted look.

The pants are 98 % wool, 2 % lycra, and unlined. While Pendleton makes slacks from this material in a number of styles, these “Cigarette Pants” bring a more youthful look to a classic outfit.

This post contains affiliate links and Work Hard Shop Fair may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Thank you so much for your support!