I was never fond of tunics to be honest. When you're busty with a small waist, you end up hiding your shape with loose fitting tops. The only times I do wear them is when I am traversing the Amazonian and Sub-Saharan Jungles where loose-fitting clothing is imperative: light and airy, and adaptable to varying climates.
Whilst in Ireland, we took a trip to the Aran Islands. A place reminiscent of the Iron Islands in Game of Thrones (I mean they sound the same, and the rocky terrain doesn't fall far from the topography of the 'fictional' location), when traveling through the Aran Islands, it is good to layer layer layer. One moment the sun is beating down on you, and the next a cold Atlantic front could send you back into hiding.



As a result, I found myself dependent on my People Tree tunic with hand-embroidered designs, a pair of organic cotton leggings from SeaSalt Cornwall and my shoes of the season--Palmaira Sandals.

For exactly half of my life, Summer meant Summer and everything else was foreign. Heat, humidity and sunshine were a constant, and then I migrated: first to the US and then to the UK (Edinburgh, Scotland, then London). Now that I live in London, Summer means sunshine between the precipitation, to which I have become accustomed. However, when I visit my parents in the US or travel to the Caribbean, my childhood Summer tends to be met with the undeniable reality that I have now become de-acclimated.
When my friend, Hardeep, came to visit me in the US in May we both ended up having to readjust from the coolness of London to the sweltering heat of Maryland & DC. We sought refuge in museums, galleries, and anywhere that could offer us yummy libations. On this day, H, as we call her, was dressed in ethical goodness, in this People Tree dress. Coupled with one of the Nigerian woven fans made from recycled plastic, her look was not only felicitous, but appropriate for one of the many wonderful spots we chose to wet our whistles.  






As we ended up in Rosa Mexicana, one of the better Mexican chain restaurants, I couldn't help but take photos of H in her floral tea dress. I hope you are as inspired by the images as I was and am. Next time you head out in your favourite latin inspired tea dress why not pair it with some of your favourite bangles. Be bold with Gold and celebrate the vibrancy of a Mexican inspired outfit. Add pops of colour like turquoise or fuchsia if you so dare and have fun with it, as we clearly did.

Seasonal Gelato from Scoopy Doo

During my travels, I tend to make a conscious effort to find local treasures of that place. It usually isn't difficult, and although it tends to be a bit of a mission in some places, it still becomes quite an adventure locating local artisans who are flourishing under the pressure of cheap Made in China chachkis and generic high street souvenirs. This time I took a road trip to South Carolina with my sister and her husband, who had moved to its capital, Columbia, where my sister works in the Department of Sociology, whilst her husband finishes up his PhD in the Philosophy of Physics.
Known for being the first city in America, South Carolina's capital offered not only the quintessential tourist attractions, but a plethora of fairtrade and locally-made shopping that had my purse strings at its breaking point. I was only there for two days, but managed to fit so much in.

 One Sunday a month, I like to gather a few friends over to have discussions about various aspects of society in a forum I call Stacy's Tea Salon. On the 24th April, we had decided to direct our attention to how social media plays a role in how young girls and boys are viewing female empowerment and the female body. The discussion was fruitful and interesting, but although the theme did not specifically address Fashion Revolution Week, I wanted to bring some attention to its significance, and the event that occurred on that day three years ago. 

It is always rewarding to speak about why I believe a fashion revolution is necessary, why women need economic empowerment, and how fashion and fairtrade could uplift the lives of the world's most poor and vulnerable--most of whom are women and children. Of course, the conversation diverted towards how social media is being used to bring greater awareness to this kind of empowerment, which led me to highlight the #whomademyclothes campaign. It was evident that my friends were starting to process what they were wearing that day: "Whew, I'm wearing People Tree, thank God!", "I don't know who I'm wearing, that's bad." The comments alone tell me that my friends are very much aware of some of the issues within fashion, and hopefully this campaign and all who have participated in Fashion Revolution Week will further carry on the message behind it beyond the instagram selfies.

Photo by Carey Nershi

The Bridesmaids & Syreetz in pink (not a bridesmaid, hehe)

 



 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

You will need to have the following qualities and skills‐

• Attention to detail
• Good organisational skills
• Be a good team player
• Good time keeper
• Experience with measuring garments and an understanding of garment construction is a bonus
• Hand sewing skills

RESPONSIBILITIES
Your Responsibilities will be as follows;

• Measuring garments
• Noting measurements
• Checking that the quality of the garments comply with the company’s high standards
• Reporting any issues that may arise with your QC Manager
• We will need you to help with QC from mid‐January until mid‐February 2013.
• QC will take place at the People Tree head office in East London.

PERKS
You will be given £30.00 in People tree gift vouchers for each day that you work.
Travel expenses under £12 will be given back to you.
Please wear sensible clothing as you will be on your feet all day.
If you would like to be considered for this position please send an email of the days you could work with your contact details and your CV to: QC@peopletree.co.uk FAO Harriet Haines‐Young. Please state clearly in the email title that you are applying for a QC Volunteer position.

**Apologies for the change in job description from Web & Marketing Executive to Quality Control Volunteer as the previous job has already been filled.