{Double Post} The Shop with a Conscience

I can't believe this is another thing I've never remember to blog about, because it's one of my Cameron Village favorites - Beleza: A Fair Trade Boutique.Described on their website as a place where:...you will find unique and extraordinary textiles and hats, jewelry and art that catch your eye and touch your heart.

Beyond offering beautiful things, Beleza exists to provide hard working people from countries around the world – and here in the US – essential support to provide daily necessities for their families.

While the store is fair trade, the major emphasis of Beleza is to treat people as they should be treated, and assist in global economic development.Beleza is owned and operated by two of the most wonderful people I know: P. Dail and his wife Sara.

I received the following email today from Sara about a new addition coming to their store that I am really excited about:Recently we met Audias from Honduras. Born without arms, he paints with his feet. We will have his work in the store very soon and encourage you to come see this work. Audias has no other means of support. We plan to host a special event for you to meet him.I'll be sure to update when I hear more details!

In the mean time, go check out Beleza and become an addict of their amazing selection of goods with a heart, too.

Something I've Always Wondered...

When you buy new dress pants, why are the back pockets always sewn shut?
(Express - High-Waist Wide-Leg Editor Pant - Herringbone - $98.00)Think about it, it costs more from a manufacturing standpoint to produce and sew in the actual pocket, so we can safely rule out that it's just for "looks". (If that was the case, they would sew a false pocket cover on and call it done.)

Maybe it's to prevent snags along the way or during shipping and retailing? Maybe it's something as simple as it's easier to just sew straight across for another step in the manufacturing process? I just don't know.

I am a proud College of Textiles grad, but this is something we never covered in my concentration.

Anyone ever heard the logic behind this?

From GoGoRaleigh.com: EcoFashion Show Needs Designers

My alma mater (NCSU COT '07) continues to make me SO proud! From GoGoRaleigh.com:EcoFashion Show Needs Designers
The Triangle Emerging Green Builders are doing a fashion show at the NCSU College of Textiles in the Spring, and they need your help! Click for more info:

Come show the Triangle what green fashion is all about! Designers wishing to participate in this innovative show must present two finished garments to the judging panel on August 23rd, between 10am and 2pm, at the Atrium in the NC State College of Textiles.

The clothing to be selected for the Eco-Fashion show must show a strong emphasis on ecologically friendly design. Eco-friendly design can be in the form of recycled or remanufactured garments, as well as using eco-friendly fabrics and production processes. If you have any questions about the requirements, we welcome you to contact us at greenfashionshow@gmail.com.

To be considered, each designer must:
· Create two garments that show a strong emphasis on green design
· Completely fill out an application form
· Bring your two garments and application to the Atrium in the NC State College of Textiles on August 23rd between 10 am and 2 pm. Appointments will be scheduled in 15 minute blocks, please email us at greenfashionshow@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.

Designers selected by our panel to participate will be asked to present a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 10 pieces at the Eco-Fashion Show. We are asking all designers to strongly consider donating two of their pieces to the Amani Baby Cottage, an orphanage in Uganda that is supported in part by MorLove, a non-profit student organization in the College of Textiles at NC State.

While we may be able to recruit volunteers to model and help with hair and make-up, we are asking all designers to be prepared to find their own models and take care of their own hair and make-up.

More information on the NCSU College of Textiles: www.tx.ncsu.edu

More information on MorLove: www4.ncsu.edu/~maframi/

More information on Triangle Emerging Green Builders: groups.yahoo.com/group/trianglechapteregb/

More information on American Vintage: www.avcc-inc.comWhat an awesome event being put together... can't wait to see some of the great results!