And some people think sustainable fashion isn't cool?!

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Let's start 2017 with some eco-friendly and cruelty-free fashion choices, shall we? I'm absolutely obsessed with this look. Head to toe! Especially my heels! After going vegan and leaving the Private Banking world behind for a life of consciousness and passion, I sold and donated all my designer shoes. The Christian Louboutins  (yes, I had those red soles!) hurt me the most. Not only because of the price I paid (I know, I had my mind somewhere else at that time!) but because the nude pumps I had made every outfit look beautiful. Until, I found these vegan heels! There's honestly NO EXCUSE, people. Dressing consciously should be an everyday thing. There are sustainable alternatives for every single product in your closet! Here are the details of this look.

Nude Heels by Cult of Coquette: vegan leather, fair-trade, handmade 5inch heels!!! 

Animal Print Clutch by Big Bubble Bags: made from recycled bubblewrap! Doesn't get more eco than this! Let's reuse the bubblewrap other companies throw away! Use CODE: WTS15 for 15% discount!

"Let's Stay Together" Tee by Thinking Mu: made with organic cotton and fair-trade! Use CODE: NTVH for discount!

Jeans by Gap: Yes!! Gap is taking new initiatives to reduce water use and pollution and is part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition where companies are evaluated on material types, products, facilities and processes based on a range of environmental and product design choices. They are also planning to add measures for labor and social standards. Read more about Gap Inc (Gap and its affiliate brands) here. 

Sunnies by Wuudz Sunglasses: This brand is everything! The sunglasses are made with bamboo, wood and plantbased acetate, and the box they come in is eco-friendly and has the following encrypted  at the front: "Avanza con los pies en la tierra y la mirada en el infinito" which translates to something like: "Grow with your feet on the ground and your sight on infinity". Handmade and fair-trade too!

Who said Boho can't be elegant?

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A comment I get all the time when I talk about yoga pants or bohemian pants is that they should only be used at home while doing yoga....or cleaning! (Seriously?!) For that reason, I decided to style a head-to-toe conscious look focused on those bohemian yogi vibes with a little spiciness added to it! Let me know your thoughts! xo

Boho pants: Fair-trade, ethically made, and block-printed with natural colors by artisans in Bali. These pants are not only EXTREMELY comfortable but they can also be used with heels. Here's your proof!

Bodysuit: Ethically made in the USA from organic cotton and Bamboo fibers!! Softest fabric EVER!! I love this brand more than you guys can imagine. The designs are a must for your everyday basics AND....they come in several colors!!!

Heels: vegan and comfy!! 

Necklace: Handmade in Argentina. Necklaces are sold at B-Livinn Organic and Natural Spa in Miami.

 

 

Eco, fair-trade, and game-changing Swimwear!

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Summer might be over in some places but that doesn't mean we stop thinking about sandy beaches, clear blue waters, or sustainable bikini brands! At least not all those ocean-loving mermaids out there. Including myself! For that reason, I decided to share two swimwear brands I've been obsessed with this entire year. They scream "Conscience" at its chicest!

LUME Swimwear:  Lume is a Colombian brand that takes paintings of upcoming artists and prints them on natural fabrics using digital printing practices that don't pollute the water. Lume also uses recycled materials, pays a fair wage, and supports charities that help children in Colombia. Each bikini comes in a bag made out of recycled plastic. 

Eco Peace Swim: This is another brand I adore! Every piece is ethically made in California using natural fibers, linings made from recycled materials and derived from post-consumer waste (plastic bottles, etc), biodegradable bra cups made from eco cell foam material, and non-toxic dyes that are Oeko-Tex certified. This brand had me at hello. Seriously! ps: some of their designs are reversible. <3 (Their website is undergoing updates but, in the meantime, here's their instagram account: @ecopeaceswim)

Beachy Sustainable Style!

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Nothing like ocean tangled hair to set the mood for an outfit! Beachy and comfortable from head to toe with a huge touch of sustainability. <3 These brands have me completely head-over-heels! What do you guys think?

Shirt dress by Guadalupe Design. Fair-trade and hand-made empowering artisans in India. 

Vegan sandals by Melissa Shoes. Recycled plastic shoes reusing 99% of water and waste and unsold stock from previous collections.

Bohemian Tote by GuadalupeDesign. Handmade, fair-trade, AND VEGAN! Yes!! The straps are made with vegan leather! And look at those neon colors combined with beads and patterned fabrics! This baby made me smile nonstop while in Bahamas. Seriously!

Photos captured by Christine Michelle Photography.

Dress made from recycled t-shirts? Hell, yeah!

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As you guys may already now, Swim Week is currently taking place in Miami. It happens every year with hundreds of brands hitting the runways and thousands of fashion lovers attending the shows. This year I'm incredibly proud to participate as a fashion blogger but most of all because over 5 eco-friendly, fair-trade, vegan and charity-oriented brands are introducing their 2017 lines to the world! From bikini lines, to yoga wear, to high-end dresses. You name it! Consciousness is hitting Miami full force! (About time!)

Even though I'll be writing about Swim Week, the events and the conscious brands on the blog next week, I've decided to post this look now due to all the requests I received and also because this outfit has become by far one of my favorite sustainable outfits EVER! Can you believe the dress is entirely made by hand from recycled t-shirts?! How mind-blowing is that?! 

Dress by SeaJasper: A sustainable fashion brand entirely made by hand using damaged t-shirts that would've otherwise found their end-of-life cycle on our landfills, dyeing them with natural colors made from boiled herbs, roots and spices like turmeric and saffron, and using different weaving and crochet techniques to create these beautiful and eco-friendly fashion statements!

Recycled plastic heels by Melissa: Who said heels had to be made with leather to look good? This pair is living proof that sustainable fashion ROCKS! They are made from recycled plastic and Melissa also reuses 99% of water, waste, and unsold stock from previous collections! (ON SALE!! Over 50% off)

Vegan Leather Clutch by Matt & Nat: I adore this brand! The bags are entirely made with different recycled materials such as recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber and cork. As if that were not enough, Matt & Nat also uses linings made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and is now adding recycled bicycle tires to the designs.

Photos by Christine Michelle Photography.

Conscious style in the Bahamas!

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Happy Friday, guys! It's been a while since I last posted on the blog. July has been a little hectic with this Bahamas trip to promote an eco-friendly hotel (will be on the blog this weekend), and Swim Week currently taking place in Miami. Can you believe there are 5 sustainable and fair-trade brands hitting the runways during Swim Week?! I'll be covering the events on my social media channels and will share every detail with you on the blog next week! Thus, make sure you're following me on snapchat (waterthruskin) and IG (@waterthruskin) to stay up to date with everything. In the meantime, let's talk about this look. Head-to-toe fashion with a purpose! Another example that change is in the little steps and those steps can look fabulous!  

Beyond Skin Floral Espadrilles: Perfect for summer! These vegan flats are handmade in Spain from recycled PU and plant-based top coats. Their linings are also 100% recycled with vegetable coating. My favorite espadrilles ever!

Grey dress by Alternative Apparel: Super comfortable and can be worn with anything! It's made from natural fibers using processes that have nature and humanity in mind. You can get yours at Nomad Tribe in Miami and online. Use code WTS15 for a 15%discount! 

Sunnies by Westward Leaning: made from natural materials benefiting different charities.

Panama Hat by Artesano: helps build homes for people in need in Ecuador.

Photos captured by Christine Michelle. 

Maxi Dresses Make Everything Brighter...Especially the Conscious Ones.

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As promised guys, here's the look I posted today on IG. This style to me is everything! It is incredibly easy to style, wear, and rock! Not to mention how comfortable it feels! Plus, these two brands are very much worth the shout out. 

Symbology Clothing Dress: Handmade, hand-stamped, fair-trade and empowers female artisans in India. This dress is not only beautiful and flawless but it's also by women who practice the art of block-printing. An art that has been passed down through artisan families for centuries. 

HempBlue Eco-friendly Jean Shirt: I've recently discovered this brand and LOVE IT! They stand for everything I try to promote through the blog: sustainability, social consciousness, ethical labor, fair competition, and good earth stewardship. Their entire line is made with hemp and cotton. 

Photos captured by Christine Michelle.

Beach options that give back!

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Summer is right around the corner, so I decided to share a few of the beach brands full of conscience I adore! I hope you like them!

Grey+State Dress: This fair-trade dress is extremely comfortable, has side pockets, and is made with natural materials that do not harm the environment. The fabric feels just like a soft towel you want to hug and never let go off! 

31Bits Necklace: Their new summer collection is absolutely to melt for! Bright colored jewelry made from recycled paper helping women and men in Uganda rise above poverty and establish a sustainable source of income. 

Shop Artesano Hat: Panama hats made from toquilla supporting Techo.org which helps build homes for people in need worldwide. 

EcoPeaceSwim Bikini: My favorite swimsuit brand EVER!!! Not only do they have dozens of bohemian designs but they are also eco-friendly and fair-trade. All made with natural materials and fabrics, recycled paper, and mother earth in mind. Always!

Photos captured by Christine Michelle Photography. 

A subscription box full of conscious fashion?!! YES!

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I couldn't be more excited to share this with you guys! In the past few months, I've received many messages and emails from you asking about the eco-friendly, fair-trade, vegan and organic fashion brands I use so I decided to team up with BeNomadBox to curate their June "Social Impact" fashion+accessories box subscription! Yes!! That means I'll be choosing and styling all the items you'll receive in your box once you sign up. There are different packages to choose from, starting with the basic box with 2-3 products to the most complete one with 5-6 products. I am honestly counting the seconds to this!! So ladies and gents, use code WTS15 for a 15% discount of your first box at www.benomadbox.com and get ready to receive a quarterly box curated completely by me!! I'm attaching photos with examples of the items you might receive. ie: vegan shoes, organic cotton tees, fair-trade jewelry, perfumes and soy candles that give back tremendously, and SOO much more!! Sign up now before it's too late!!

xoxo

ps: in case you're wondering about my outfit, I wore an organic fair-trade cotton tee by Thinking MU (use code WTS15 for 15% discount) , a recycled paper necklace empowering women in Uganda by 31 Bits, and recycled plastic shoes by Melissa shoes. 

 

 

Why labels are important? Cruelty-free Boho Look

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Have you ever wondered what goes behind fashion labels? Things like, "Who made my clothes?" or "Where does it come from?" or if animals and people suffered so you could "rock" that outfit? You see, we should all start reading fashion labels carefully and performing brand researches just like we do with grocery products when we go shopping. Some words to look for are: vegan (always best guys! Nowadays vegan leather looks and feels just like genuine leather but is more compassionate), fair-trade (this means that the hands that made the product were paid a fair wage and provided with humane and stable working conditions), eco-friendly (when a product is made from natural and recycled materials, the brand usually provides that info on the labels), organic (no harmful pesticides were used to grow or produce the fabric or material the product was made of). These questions and words to look for are part of today's Fashion Revolution movement. It's 2016, guys. There's honestly no excuse not to shop wisely and consciously. Every dollar spent can make a huge difference by showing the world and fashion companies what you stand for. Your purchase creates demand, the demand guides the supply, and the production of the supply determines the future of people, animals and our world. Make sure you're supporting the right companies. xx

Here's a fair-trade and vegan look for all my bohemian soulmates! 

Vegan leather glads by FreePeople

Fair-trade maxi skirt by Free People

Eco-friendly cropped top by Grey+State

Handmade Chakra necklace by IamLUM. Buy it here and support WTS charities. 

Around Town with a Conscience!

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Today, I'm all about this girly Sunday look but, of course, I had to add the jean jacket wrapped around my waist to sprinkle the style with some bohemian chillness. :p

All brands are vegan, eco-friendly and charity-loving!! See below for details. Happy blissful Sunday, babes!!

Melissa Vegan Flats: Yes!! Another beautifully designed pair of Melissa shoes! I don't think I'll ever get tired of talking about and promoting this brand. Every design is made from recycled plastic and, as I mentioned in a September post, Melissa also reuses 99% of water and waste and recycles overstock models from old collections and uses that same plastic for new designs. Plus, every pair of shoes smells like CANDYYY!!! :D

Harveys Eco-friendly Cross-body Sophia Bag: This bag!!! This was one of the first models I received from Harveys over 1.5 years ago and it's just so impeccably designed that I doubt it will ever go out of style. Its details are flawless and the color goes well with any outfit: jeans, skirt, dress, shorts. In case you guys haven't heard of Harveys yet, this is a brand created by husband and wife in California using recycled car seatbelts (exterior) and recycled plastic bottles (interior lining).  Use code: Waterthruskin for 10% discount!! <3 

Symbology Fair-trade Skirt: A line that combines fashion with giving back. Each one-of-a-kind piece is handmade in Asia and helps empower women across the globe. The goal of Symbology is to merge old traditions into the modern fashion world while employing marginalized artisans and connecting women worldwide. You can shop this skirt and more planet-loving products at Nomad Tribe in Miami. One of the stores I adore!!!

Photos captured by Christine Michelle Photography.

 

NYFW Style- Animals Are Not Fabric

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I'm sure you're all up to date with what's happening in NY right now. One of the world's biggest Fashion weeks! Lately, I've been seeing more and more eco, fair-trade and cruelty-free designers introducing their lines during NYFW which has me jumping in happiness and even considering being part of it next year. (I've always hesitated about it because of the designers' massive use of fur, leather and non fair-trade fabrics). But until then, I thought I should share with you guys what I would probably wear to the shows. :p Something that makes a statement while also being extremely kind to our planet. Vegan, eco and charity-oriented fashion. I hope you babes like it!

Let's start with the most eye-catching fashion piece of the entire outfit: The faux fur vest!!! Philanthropy's motto says it all: "Apparel with a Purpose. Fashion with a Mission". This brand is raising the bar for all fur companies out there. No only is this conscious team designing and creating the most fashionable faux fur coats and faux leather jackets but they also donate 10% of their net proceeds to pedriatic cancer research and animal welfare. No brainer here guys!! PS: If you live in Miami, you can find some of their jackets at one of my favorite stores with a HUGE heart "Nomad Tribe".

"Animals Are Not Fabric" Tee: LOVE this brand. Designed by Jessica Schlueter (TheTreeKisser) and with 10% of all sales being donated to the Love Infinitely Project Animal Fund- an organization Jessica serves as Director of. All her designs make a powerful statement and raise awareness with every step you take on the streets while rocking your look. 

Harveys Crossbody Bag: You've heard me talk about this brand about 100 times already. In my defense, they deserve that and much more! This brand represents the word "eco-friendly' at its finest. Every single one of its products is entirely made from car seat belts and with a recycled plastic bottle interior lining. Talk about Fashion & a Conscience! The bag that I'm wearing can be used as a crossbody bag, handbag or a backpack. Yes!! It's all that in one beautiful eco design!

Vegan leather heels: I don't know about you guys but it's been super hard for me to find stylish vegan heels. Specially high heels! The only brand I've discovered that designs faux leather and faux suede heels is Lulu's. Here's the tricky part though. I haven't been able to find any information on where they make their shoes or if they are fair-trade. So, the choice to get them or not is up to each of you. I have two pairs of Lulu's and will use them until I find a brand that is cruelty-free AND fair-trade. (Might even have to design a line myself!!!)

Gap Eco Jeans: Yes!! Gap is taking new initiatives to reduce water use and pollution and is part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition where companies are evaluated on material types, products, facilities and processes based on a range of environmental and product design choices. They are also planning to add measures for labor and social standards. Read more here.

 



That comfy planet-loving boho look!

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Happy Saturday, babes! So.. yesterday I had the most amazing fashion photoshoot with Christine Michelle Photography solely focused on what I like the most: Fashion with a Conscience! This look is not only incredibly comfortable and, in my opinion, very boho chic, but also extremely mindful of our beautiful planet and earthlings. As most of you know, I focus my style not only on looking great but also on making sure every single item I wear and promote is vegan, fair-trade, cruelty-free, eco-friendly and charity-oriented. If you want to find out more about why this shopping and lifestyle shift is so important, read about the negative effects of the leather and fur industry on our environment by clicking here.

Ok, so let's go straight to the blissful point... Kind fashion brands. ;)

-31Bits Necklace: Recycled paper necklace handmade in Uganda, Africa, with the goal of empowering women and men to rise above poverty through 31Bits Programs. After 5 years in the program, the beneficiaries are ready to graduate educated, healthy and empowered to manage a business with sustainable income. 

-Matt & Nat Bag: Vegan leather and recycled plastic interior lining. Not only do these bags look and feel like genuine leather but their colors and Matt & Nat's entire Women & Men's collections will leave you in awe. Do I need to say more? 

-Monkee Genes: A question I've been getting a lot recently is "What ethical denim brand to use?". Well, this is it guys. Monkee Genes' motto says it all "No Blood. No Sweat. No Tears" and its mission is focused on designing and manufacturing ethical and fair-trade jeans by paying workers decent wages and providing them with health benefits and safety standards, and also by raising awareness of child slavery and helping put an end to it. The pair I'm wearing is the Twill Cotton Skinny BUT, after watching a few DIY Youtube videos, I gave my jeans a ripped look. Nothing like adding your creative touch to your closet! 

-By Blanch Booties: I'm obsessed with these brown ankle boots. By Blanch is a European brand that makes gorgeous and comfortable shoes with high quality vegan materials such as polyurethane and vegetable oil coating. Every pair is made in Spain and is highly durable (believe me, I've been wearing mine nonstop) and looks and feels exactly like genuine leather. 

-Organic Tee: Organic cotton tee by Econscious. I'm wearing a Medium size so it fits a bit looser. 

Magazine Look with Kindness

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Clothing...This topic is so controversial, it's insane! If you guys have watched the documentary I suggested a while ago, "True Cost", you know exactly what I'm talking about. The clothing industry has gone from creating items we need and use on a daily basis to designing products we crave...we want...we MUST have. It's not about our need anymore but about the status, the look and keeping up to date with fashion trends. Our demand for these products has increased to such a dramatic extend that companies are going beyond their ways to reduce their costs, be more competitive and price-appealing while also increasing their profit. Here's the trick though. Even though those price reductions make us feel like we won the lottery whenever we find $5 tees or $18 jeans at our favorite stores, those cheap items are hurting the hands that stitched them. Tremendously! We've all heard about companies outsourcing and looking for cheap labor in places like Bangladesh but something we don't know, because companies will never put in on their labels, is what goes behind closed walls. The human and environmental impacts of fashion. People in Bangladesh get paid less than $2 per day and work in unbearable and inhumane conditions to make those cheap tees and jeans come to life. Not to mention that buildings have collapsed or burned to the ground killing hundreds of people who worked for fashion companies. Fortunately, new brands are coming to the market and have a little more than profit in mind. They are designing the most beautiful, eco-friendly, vegan and fair trade products I've ever seen or shopped as a fashion-lover. As time goes by, I'll write more and more about these brands and promote them every week on the blog just because...they are worth promoting. They are taking the firsts steps to help heal our world. The second step is on us. So what are you guys waiting for? :)

ps: I wore this outfit for a Magazine fashion article. Can't wait to share more details with you once it comes out!

-Kimono by BohoHunter. Made by artisans in Colombia. You can find it at one of my favorite stores in Miami. This store promotes handmade, fair trade and charity-oriented fashion garments. Shop it online too!

-Flower carved boots by Melissa. Recycled plastic. The Brazilian brand “Melissa” focuses on designing shoes that have the environment in mind by reducing water and waste pollution, using recycled plastic, and reusing unsold shoes from previous collections. 

-Boho necklace by Yvera. Handmade in Bolivia. 

-Jeans by Gap. In case you haven't heard, Gap is taking new initiatives to reduce water use and pollution and is part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition where companies are evaluated on material types, products, facilities and processes based on a range of environmental and product design choices. Retailers also plan to add measures for labor and social standards. Read more here.


A Panama Hat with a Heart.

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Mondays are all about looking forward and this panama hat brand has me doing just that! As you guys already know, I created WaterThruSkin to inspire all of you to live and shop more mindfully. More consciously. To look for brands that are doing much more than getting profitable with our purchases. Brands that care about our planet and want to make a difference. This panama hat brand, Artesano, is one of those. A brand that is not only eco-friendly and fair trade but one that also helps build thriving, poverty-free communities across 19 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean by partnering with TECHO; a youth led non-profit organization that seeks to overcome poverty in slums, through the joint work of families living in extreme poverty and youth volunteers. It promotes community development through social inclusion programs as housing, education and more. As if that were not enough, Artesano's hat designs are beyond beautiful, colorful and chic! Click here to get look and shop my favorite designs and the line I wore on my trip to review another eco-hotel in Nicaragua. 


A seatbelt bag & bike type of day!

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Today I felt like taking the cutest bike EVER, which my best friend gave me for Christmas, for a ride. Of course, the color of the bike inspired me to play with the colors in my closet! Don't tell anyone but my entire outfit is vegan, eco-friendly and planet-loving!!! Not bad, right? :P See below for more photos and product details.

Melissa Studded Sandals. My babes! I love these!! They are made of recycled plastic, are extremely comfortable and smell like candy!! 

Harveys Blue Crossbody Bag. Can you believe this bag is made of car seatbelts and has a recycled plastic bottle interior lining?? Eco-friendly at its finest!! Use code waterthruskin10 at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase. 

NoName Pink Hat. So proud to present to you my friend's hat line. Toquilla hats (Panama hats) with synthetic feathers (vegan feathers!!). No animals were harmed and the colors are to die for! 

Free People White Dress. 100% cotton, light, white, and beautiful! I wore it during my trip to the Bahamas and keep wearing it here in Miami. So easy to match with anything!

Nirvana Bead Colorful Necklace. This necklace is sadly sold out at Urban Outfitters but I would also match my outfit with this model which I have at home as well.

Illesteva Sunglasses. Black and perfect!

©Pipe Yanguas Photography-008.jpg


New Year. New conscious look.

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I've talked about these brands over and over again. That's how much I'm obsessed with them! Besides being totally chic and sexy, they are having a huge impact on the world. So, here's my request to you guys... Let's start 2015 with the right foot, shall we? Leaving a footprint that does not harm our planet in any way but one that fights to heal it. 2015 is the year for changes. For daring to be different. For daring to stand out. For having the courage to speak up, or dress up, and show everyone what we believe in. 2015 is the year to inspire. And it's so easy to do so. Check them out! xoxo

Unlock Hope "Be The Good in The World" Tee. Unlock Hope provides young refugee girls in Africa with quality healthcare, good food to eat and a safe place to live.

Harveys eco-friendly bag. Made in California, Harveys focuses on reducing energy consumption and waste by producing these beautiful bags made from alternative materials. This one right here is made from car seatbelts. Use code: WATERTHRUSKIN10 to get 10% off your entire purchase.

TOMS sunglasses. For every pair of sunglasses you buy, the provide sight-related procedures to people in need. 

The Giving Keys necklace. The Giving Keys employs people suffering homelessness. 

Half United Bullet Necklace. For every product you purchase, Half United provides a week's worth of meals to a child in need. 

And my all-time fave. American Apparel faux leather leggings. Because there is just no need for cruelty or leather nowadays!