Wednesday, March 28, 2012

"Dignity No Charity" and a Marketplace India Giveaway





When Marketplace India contacted me about collaborating with them, my initial instinct was to balk.  In general, I've never felt good about what I've observed of blogger/brand collaborations.  But, rather than quickly decline, I decided to look into what Marketplace India is all about.  And in the current climate of frustration with fast fashion and what that means for women worldwide (see what Terri tweeted), Marketplace India provides a stylish alternative that stays globally responsible.

Marketplace India is a fair trade not-for-profit organization that helps women artisans in India organize themselves and their businesses to create self-sustaining and dignified means of income to build independent and hopeful lives for themselves and their communities.  You can read more about it here.

I was given a choice of 4 items and while the other three choices were more colorful and would photograph better; I opted to go with a top that I knew I'd wear again and again.  I was THRILLED when it arrived!  The cotton is so incredibly thin and light that I can wear this tunic all summer long!  I ordered a large to make sure I had plenty of drapiness.  For the first wearing, I decided against  over styling and just let the tunic be my guide.  If we listen, our clothes will basically tell us how to wear them....I'm a clothes whisperer now, don't you know!

I piled on the "organic" feeling accessories, wooden, stone and leather necklaces and wooden bracelets.  Add on the leather platform sandals and this felt like the perfect way to do casual!  I think next, I'll pair the tunic with pencil skirt and cinch it at the waist with an oversized belt.  I keep coming up with so many ways to wear this bit of loveliness!!

So let's share the love!  Marketplace India has been extremely generous, offering one of my readers a $100 gift certificate to use in their store.  Pam is also running this giveaway, so be sure to enter both!  For my contest, simply go to Marketplace India and come back and leave a comment on what you'd buy with your $100!  For extra entries, follow them on Twitter and Facebook.  I'll draw a winner on Friday, April 6.   I would also ask you to please promote this giveaway, Pam's and any other MI collaborations on your social networks.  Let's get the word out that there ARE viable alternatives to fast fashion and it's exploited workers.  Alternatives that, as stated on the Marketplace India label, are all about "Dignity Not Charity"!

UPDATE:   My fabulous friend, Anne of The Frump Factor, is also participating in this collaboration so please check out what she chose and increase your odds of winning a generous gift certificate!

Photobucket

29 comments:

  1. The tunic is lovely. I happen to love their jackets. So many colors!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I almost got the white tunic! It looks great...and you will get so much wear out of it. Anne at Frump Factor is also running a give away...looks like they tapped a handful of us! Everyone should make sure to make the rounds to enter...they have some great pieces on their website!! You look ready for a spring day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh I love that tunic so much and I love Indian style clothing...I shall have to head over to their site and enjoy myself.:) I don't suppose the give away extends to us in Norway? (Or Canada??:) Well you look lovely my friend!:)

    ReplyDelete
  4. You look so fresh and lovely, Serene! I have been to their site but I missed this piece - I think it would be my choice too, for the Florida summer : >

    ReplyDelete
  5. LOVE LOVE LOVE the tunic and the way you styled it!! It will be a versatile piece this summer!
    I love everything on the site but especially the turquoise and green Agra tunic!! My favorite colors and I just love the style!! and all of the scarves are to die for!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I would love some of the beautiful scarves
    kathyj2100@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sikkim Jacket is beautiful but the Akola top is such a beautiful textile and the Chindi range - YUM - such a feast of gorgeous clothing - thank you for the link
    bluddyellefire@yahoo.co.uk (if open to overseas peeps!)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Interesting picture with the rays coming from the table behind you. Is that a fancy candle holder on top of it? Cool composition.
    I can't chose between the skirts, they are all lovely. I wish there were scarves to match.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'd start with that gorgeous tangerine scarf...after that, I'm thinking maybe one of the tunics or the blue Amrita jacket. So many pretty things to choose from! Love the tunic on you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Following MarketPlace India on FB. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. great post and you're such a beaut, dear :)
    really nice blog you have here!

    xoxo

    http://www.flirting-with-fashion.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ah-HA! There it is! This looks so great on you. Thanks for sharing the love!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Serene!
    This look is just soooo fresh and relaxed chic! I love the tunic in white!!!!
    I also love the photos! Well done!
    I love their skirts, but I may like this tunic better!!

    Jeannie

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lovely items on this website. I would definitely purchase the black Jyoti dress. It's a classic "lbd" but versatile.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I hope everything goes well with your collaboration and this top is surely fantastic.It seems so relaxed and well made.

    ReplyDelete
  16. New trending link is up and running..........BRIGHTS. I have a feeling you could whip up an
    outfit in about $10.00!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. The white looks fabulous on you! I love the pic where you have caught the wind. I believe with you that this is worth supporting. And thanks for the mention.

    ReplyDelete
  18. what a gorgeous tunic...i like the organic feel and the sheerness. The fabric is fabulous. A simply chic outfit...i like this relaxed look, it's perfect for the weekend. Thank you for the giveaway!

    mongs
    mythriftycloset.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wow!! It looks very organic and comfy...

    What I'd buy with a $100 at Marketplace India.

    Majuli Tunic - Dark Amethyst
    Scarf - Tangerine

    And they'd go great together too!! Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  20. This tunic looks lovely on you! Such a worthy cause and one that I can believe in.

    ReplyDelete
  21. mY GIVE-A-WAY STARTS TOMORROW, PASS IT ON ;)
    PLEASE ENTER ME TOO!
    i'D PICK THE COAT I CHOSE ON MY MONDAY POST , PLUS A BAG OR SCARF AS WELL!
    hUGS
    rEVA

    ReplyDelete
  22. Enter my $100 gift card give-a-way!
    xXx
    Reva

    ReplyDelete
  23. The tunic you are wearing in the photo is stunning. That would be my first choice although I'd really like a pair of the field pants in black as well. Maybe I need both.

    Darla

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi, just wanted to mention, I liked this blog post. It was practical.
    Keep on posting!

    Visit my blog; Michael Kors Bags

    ReplyDelete
  25. I think this is one of the so much significant information for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. But should statement
    on some common issues, The web site taste is wonderful,
    the articles is really excellent : D. Good task, cheers

    My web-site - Louis Vuitton Outlet

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! ~Serene