Tips for a Fashionista

I talk a lot about our power as consumers on my blog – how we can vote with our dollars for products and services that do right by the planet and our health – but what about good taste and fashion? Just because we are conscientious folk doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy gorgeous clothes and jewelry. But choosing unique, hand-made items by local artists and artisans instead of purchasing factory made brand names, we can maintain our ethics while looking great.

JEWELRY

There are often local jewelry designers making one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t see anywhere else. Want to make a statement? Here are a few of my favorite local San Miguel jewelry designers: Coral Humenry, HART, Crystal Victoria and Mimi Contereras.

CLOTHING DESIGNERS

Unique fabrics and designs can really stand out in a crowd. For delightful, unusual fabrics, San Miguel Designs by Patrice Wynne takes the cake. For cuts and designs, we love Apashanka Arana Tejedora. When it comes to shoes, there is no one like Cock of the Walk, Carrie Cameron Art’s boot designs. All show stopping designers. As far as shops go, I love Bendita – a fantastic collection of local Mexican designers creating everything from jewelry to shoes and everything inbetween.

UPCYCLING

Upcycling has become an art form. It isn’t just re-purposing something old or broken to use it again – it’s using the imagination, often altering, changing or combining elements to create something new, something rare and different that re-uses materials already in existence – a benefit for our planet.

MARKETS

Flea markets and art bazaars are great places to stock up on unique artisans designs, vintage pieces or beautiful second-hand goods. Not everything you find will be a winner, but with patience and dedication you can score some incredible items. My favorite spots include the bi-weekly tianguis, San Juan de Dios market, the weekend art bazaar, La Pulga, and the monthly artisans’ fair held at Instituto Allende.

HAVE THOUGHTS TO SHARE ON TRAVEL AND FASHION? FAVORITE DESIGNERS OR ARTISTS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE? PLEASE WRITE IN ON THE COMMENTS BELOW!