I always wear red, white and blue on the 4th of July. This year is no different, but this year feels different. And now more than ever, I believe celebrating being an American means recognizing the privilege that I have living here and the responsibility I have to be a leader as a global citizen, and so it's fitting to wear clothing from Mata Traders - a company that sells fair trade clothing from artisans in India and Nepal.

Mata Traders helps end global poverty through original fashion designs that are created and done in fair trade with India and Nepal. Women in these communities are supported through the purchases of these clothes. Mata also seeks to shed more light on ethical fashion, and to showcase that this can be done without sacrificing design integrity.

Born with privilege, freedom and a voice, awareness about fair trade and ethical fashion is something that matters to me and I will help support with my blog. I'll be the first to admit that I don't often wonder where my clothes come from, who made them and who determined the value, but I need to because my purchases have a global impact. Mata Traders takes the worry out of the purchase because you know where they are from and who made them.

But aside for all of the good they do, you just fall in love with everything the second you see it, like this gingham dress and a-line skirt. The fit is right on the money. I'm wearing a size small and I'm a 4/6, 34" bust line. They know women's bodies and they design for all types. They even have a curvy section for full-figured women.

I'm 5'7" and the length is perfect. I'm not usually a dress or skirt wearing gal, but I was drawn to the simplicity of the line and the patterns. They are not only perfect for wearing for the 4th, but for every day life. Be sure to check out Mata Traders for ethically, well-made clothes.

This post was sponsored by Mata Traders; All thoughts are my own. Photos by Rennai Hoefer.