My Passion

Throughout the years, I have always been interested in clothing, note this blog that's been around since I was in the 7th grade. Over my senior year and coming into college I started learning about the negatives of the fashion industry through documentaries, Ted talks, college courses and articles.

I had always wanted to go to college and do an apparel marketing major. Originally I wanted to be a buyer for a company and inadvertently add to the problem of unethically made clothing adding to a consumerist America. However, God had different plans for my life. He opened my mind and heart to those suffering at the cost of my new Forever 21 dress in the developing countries and thus my career goals changed.

I am still planning on apparel marketing with a nonprofit leadership minor. However, my dream is to live in a developing country helping give women a job to send their kids to school making fair trade clothing.

As many of you know, I decided to go a year without buying clothing. To some extent I failed, more on that in January. However, in this year I have learned so much about apparel companies I can't wait to (slowly over time) support!

A common question I receive is "Ok Bella I understand there is a huge problem but where am I supposed to buy my clothes"? Well, I finally made a master list of the fair trade companies I really love. Obviously, there are tons more out there but I selected the ones I would personally shop from. I tried to make mini reviews to give you the gist of the companies.

If you want to learn more about the truth about the fashion industry I would highly recommend watching the documentary called "The True Cost" on Netflix. I also read a book called, Overdressed that was fantastic. You can read about the Rana Plaza disaster online as well. Once you start researching it, you won't go back! Honestly, go to any of these website I suggest and look at their "About" page and you will learn so much.

I don't believe that the cost of the clothing I wear is worth the life of someone else simply because they are less fortunate that I am. Every time you purchase something you are voting, voting for human rights. Let's use our powerful vote and let companies know that we are not standing for destroying the earth, and exploiting humans for a shirt.

I hope you enjoy this list! I understand these companies are more expensive than what you might normally purchase. But, that's the point. It takes more money to pay people properly and use organic materials. Before you buy another item of clothing watch the documentary called "Minimalism" and it will convince you quality over quantity is always best anyway.

Also not mentioned is thrift shopping. The best option is to use what we have in our closets, to be content and to repair what we have. But, second best is buying what has already been made. Let's use up what we have on this earth without making more. But obviously I understand the thrill of investing in something brand new.



I would just ask that you would ask questions. Where was this made? what are the materials? Does it make sense this garment could have been made for so little money? What impact is this making?

Keep scrolling to find the master list!

Enjoy!