If I could buy everything organic and fairtrade I would, because I think it's important to have a social conscience.

I love a bargain (for all you UKers- Primark?! What a treasure trove!) but I cringe when I imagine those poor people who make the clothes. It's not uncommon for people to die or lose limbs in the machines they use, and they get paid a pittance for long hours in terrible conditions.

So, one small step in the right direction is ethical traded clothing:

http://www.fairtradefederation.com/
http://www.ptree.co.uk/catalogue.html
http://www.ethicalwares.com/fairtrade.htm
http://www.tlmtrading.com/
http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/

I like black, I like dresses, and this would be lovely with just a slip petticoat underneath.




<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td>Alpaca Dress


</td> <td align="right" valign="top" width="28">
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> As a dress, hooded vest or scarf, this versatile loose knit alpaca piece is stunning whichever way you wear it. In a luxurious blend of handspun natural brown, grey and black alpaca. With top and bottom fringe. 100% alpaca handknitted in Peru. One size. £120 now £64.03

Mini sash skirt



Each sash is a unique handwoven design with glass beading along the hem and side and features rich coloured yarns dyed naturally with plants found in the jungles of Bangladesh.
£35

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td> Embroidered Skirt

</td> <td align="right" valign="top"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Handwoven cotton skirt in black with grey and red floral hand embroidery detail. Centre seam and tiny flower embroidery along bottom hem. With tuck and tie closure in front. 100% cotton. Made in Bangladesh. £40

A common misconception with organic and fairtrade clothing is that it's all hippy dippy floaty stuff, and it's just not true! I'm loving that sash skirt, but unfortunately it's all sold out.

The price can be an issue, because it can seem expensive, but then the person who made it is getting a fair wage and working in decent conditions. It's no more what you'd pay in Marks and Spencers!

This jumper is so gorgeous and looks very snuggly.



<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td>Classic Cableknit Cardie


</td> <td align="right" valign="top" width="28"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Snuggle up in this winter wardrobe classic. Cableknit with knots, four buttons and wide collar. 100% natural colour wool. Handknitted in Nepal. £58 now £38.69

Mittens! I might get some of these.

All the stuff I've just posted is from The People Tree and to order their catalogue is free and well worth doing to have a flick through and read some of the articles they have as well as look at the clothes.
This is the order form for anyone interested:

http://www.ptree.co.uk/contact.php

These are very cute, I like stripes.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td>Stripe Vest Top


</td> <td align="right" valign="top" width="28"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Underwear or outerwear in superfine organic cotton. Longer length ideal for 'layered' winter look (and then to wear it into summer!). £23 now £11.50

More stripes! Rollnecks are really cosy.


<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td>Soft Rollneck


</td> <td align="right" valign="top" width="28"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Superfine organic cotton top with long sleeves and tuck detail at neck and wrist. Longer sleeve and body length make it perfect for layering. £36 now £18

This drape skirt looks cool and is also hipster, which I love. I have a phobia of skirts and trousers that come up to my belly button.


<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td>Drape Skirt

</td> <td align="right" valign="top" width="28"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Gently flared skirt in fine soft organic cotton with side gathered drape detail. Smooth elasticated waistband is comfy worn low on the hips too. £40 now £25

Ooh! Me likey! And only £17.50!



<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td>Sash Dress


</td> <td align="right" valign="top" width="28"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> With deep ruffle V-neckline and sash tie at side. In black. 100% organic cotton. £35 now £17.50

Their jewellery is lovely, and you won't see many people- if any- wearing the same thing!

http://www.ptree.co.uk/jewel_01.html

Oh yes, very nice....especially the jewellery, funky without looking cheap. However, I can't believe you used the word Primark. That place is full of viscious old ladies and their elbows.

I used to work there!

I like the stripe shirts but you ought to know better than to wear a horizontal stripe shirt/sweater.

I should really, but stripes do make for interesting detail. I don't actually own striped anything so for now, I am safe

http://www.nomadsclothing.com/

Some pretty cool stuff and the prices are fair.

you do realize that by NOT buying sweatshop good, you are denying children in third-world countries the pennies they need a day to survive... forcing them instead to sell their bodies.