Fair Trade Product of the Month

This past spring we introduced a new eco-friendly collection of handbags and accessories from Cambodia. Each of these products is fashioned from recycled mosquito netting, making each piece a uniquely green fashion item.

The product that has been the best seller, hands down, is this Shoulder Bag. Little did we realize when we introduced it how popular or how useful it would be for Apple's hot new item - the iPad.



Our new shoulder bag comes in six new trendy colors. It not only has a large inside storage pouch, but also a zippered pocket as well as two open, but divided pockets located on the inside front section of the bag. This provides a way to keep extra items organized and easier to find. In addition to these divided pockets, it has two roomy inside pockets that can carry your iPhone, iPod and pocket size earphones. The perfect solution for the techno-savy guy or gal and our fair trade product of the month.

Sue Duncan Children's Center Charity Event

This past month we were able to be a part of the Sue Duncan Children's Center Charity Event - their Fall Fete.. We donated two of our recycled picture frames to their cause. We also donate to the Chicago yacht club foundation.

About the Sue Duncan Children's Center:

Started in 1961 when after-school programs were only beginning, Sue Duncan opened her first children's center to provide free education and recreation for inner-city children. She desired to offer a haven for children where they would be supported, enriched, cherished and nurtured: a place where they could learn.

Now, in 2010, the Sue Duncan Children's Center (SDCC) is as vibrant as ever. SDCC continues to be a safe haven for children, where staff and volunteer tutors work closely to strengthen core academic skills, while also developing self-esteem, respect for others and a renewed sense of hope. SDCC has provided top-level academic tutoring and social adjustment to literally thousands of children over the past 49 years.

Source: Sue Duncan Children's Center

Thank You Sue from Sue Duncan Children's Center on Vimeo.

Top Five Accessories for Your iPad

With Apple selling nearly 2 million iPads each month to meet their production demand there are accessories that are becoming just as popular as the iPad.

Consider these top five accessories for your iPad:

1. Keyboard Dock - Cost: $69

2. ipad Screen Protector - The Nu Shield which is simply a protective film that sets over your iPad screen will help prevent it from scratching. Very easy to use and will be custom cut for your iPad so be sure to measure it correctly!

3. iPad Shoulder Bag - This ultra hip carrying case fits over your shoulder and protects the iPad while commuting to class or work. Adjustable shoulder straps, inside three pockets including a zippered pocket, outside two pockets make it ideal for a handbag and iPad carrying case. Function meets style and protection in the unisex iPad shoulder bag. Cost: $45

4. Pogo Sketch - This nifty little gadget turns your iPad into a notebook enabling you to write on your iPad as you would a regular piece of paper. Cost: $14.95

5. Book Arc - This product is a stand to allow your iPad to become virtually hands free enabling easy viewing. Cost: $39.95

Everything from cool iPad shoulder bags to slick screen protectors, these top five accessories have your iPad is covered.

Top Five Accessories for Fair Trade Month

We love these top five accessories from our online boutique five ACCESSORIES.com for Fair Trade Month. Proceeds from each sale go to charity. All items are made with fair trade standards.



1. five ACCESSORIES Wood Bangles- These ultra chic bracelets are made by Fair Trade standards and a percentage from all sales goes back to charity. Made from solid wood. These bangles are on sale for $10 regular $15




2. five ACCESSORIES Shoulder Bag- This ultra hip carrying case fits over your shoulder and protects the iPad while commuting to class or work. Adjustable shoulder straps, inside three pockets including a zippered pocket, outside two pockets make it ideal for a handbag and iPad carrying case. Function meets style and protection in the unisex iPad shoulder bag. Comes in 6 colors. $45



3. five ACCESSORIES Messenger Bag- Commuter bag, laptop bag, work bag, overnight bag, gym bag, bicycle bag, beach bag, diaper bag, knitting bag, you name it Eco bag. Distinctive outer shell is re purposed mosquito netting. Lining is repurposed industrial waterproof tarp, for a bag that is durable and waterproof. Black piping with mesh straps, to be worn cross body or over one shoulder, the bag closes in front with a big, sturdy buckle. Adjustable strap drop, with bag dimensions of 15.5 x 15.5 x 4.5. Interior pockets keeps everything organized. $75.00




4. five ACCESSORIES Fair Trade Wallet with Key Chain- Made from recycled mosquito netting through Smateria, a fair trade company in Cambodia. Handmade and hand stitched using recycled material. This key chain is designed to hold your iPhone, credit card and one tube of lipstick. Outside pocket designed to hold credit cards. Can also be an iPhone carrying case. Zipper closure. Comes in six colors. $15




5. five ACCESSORIES Wood and Pearl Bracelet- Oval-shaped wood sections are united with small beads in between and finished with a circular shaped pearl overlay. Elastic provides stretch. From our Bali Collection. $10

For more information please visit https://www.fiveaccessories.com/

Happy Fair Trade Month to all my Fair Trade friends!

October is Fair Trade Month

It is hard to believe another year has passed and it is Fair Trade Month again! As wonderful as Fair Trade Month is, it just seems like yesterday that I was writing a blog post about it.

Fair Trade is

...a system of exchange that honors producers, communities, consumers, and the environment. It is a model for the global economy rooted in people-to-people connections, justice, and sustainability.

When you make Fair Trade purchases you are supporting a fair price for products, investing in people and communities here in the USA and abroad. You are also supporting environmental sustainability, economic empowerment of small scale producers, direct trade and fair trade practices such as fair labor conditions.

(source: GreenAmerica.org)
Won't you support Fair Trade Month by purchasing from businesses who are Fair Trade Certified? Just look for these logos below shop: