Kind Sponsor: 9 Amazing Ethical UncommonGoods

In a world of fast factory fashion and cookie cutter design it's a relief that there's still a craving for the singular, the extraordinary and the outstanding. In short, goods that are in fact uncommon. I'm delighted to introduce you to this month's Kind Sponsor - UncommonGoods - a refreshingly unique online marketplace established in 1999 with its headquarters based in New York City.

When I first came across UncommonGoods I was immediately impressed by their passion for showcasing original designs and handcrafted gifts that were deliberately created in harmony with animals, people and planet. Here's a quick snapshot of how this commitment to kindness is being incorporated into everything thing they do:

• People: Their lowest-paid seasonal worker earns 50% above minimum wage and employees are offered health, wellness, and counseling services as well as onsite childcare
• Animals: None of their products contain leather or fur
• Planet: They highlight items that are made from recycled or upcycled materials and they give to charities that are protecting vital ecosystems such as forests

At the core of this business is the belief that creativity and the expression of individuality represent two great human treasures. 

Here are my 9 (an uncommon number) favourite handmade and recycled picks from their current selection:

1. Typewriter Key Necklace - What a great gift idea! Each necklace is handmade in the USA and Mexico from authentic typewriter keys from the 1920s to 1940s. This super fun upcycled piece is from UncommonGood's exclusive range of personalized jewellery, click here for more options.

2. Succulent Living Wall Planter Kit - Surely nature is the most beautiful artist of all? I'm loving this stunning reclaimed wood display by Heather Auchter, which can be placed both horizontally or vertically depending on your aesthetic needs.

3. Upcycled Solar Watch - Wear the watch of the future...today! Made in Japan from recycled PET fabric, this solar-powered watch can last up to 3 months between charges. What a great daily reminder that the time to be sustainable is always now :)

4. Kantha Patchwork Belt - Tired of boring belts? Then these beauties might be just what you're looking for! Handmade by fair trade artisans in India, each belt is made of five different recycled quilts sewn together using traditional Kantha stitching.

5. Baseball Bat Bottle Openers - Last year I visited the U.S. for the first time and this included taking in a Red Sox game in Boston. I had an absolute ball (see what I did there?). These funky bottle openers are handmade from genuine Major League game-day bats and each one comes with a story detailing its unique history!

6. Fern Frond Earrings - Inspired by the laurel wreaths strewn throughout Greek imagery, artist Katie Lime has captured the essence of both nature's beauty and humanity's skill with metal in her handmade earrings. You can find more stunning handmade gifts for women here.

7. Fantastic Anti-Plastic Beach Toys - Playtime at the seaside is simply more fun with eco-friendly toys like this bucket and shovel set made from a special biodegradable material. 

8. Spiro Stemless Wine Glass Set - Artist duo Carrie and Patrick Frost create gorgeous and distinctive pieces handcrafted using recycled materials. I think these glasses are so lovely and it's brilliant that each of your guests will have their own pattern to enjoy :)

9. Personalized Family Art - This is such an adorable idea! Talented mother and daughter team Mary and Shelly Klein create special family portraits using sustainable materials such as hemp, organic stretched flax and cotton. 
You can find even more surprising personalized gift options here!

Want to connect with UncommonGoods? You can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. 

Purposely Pretty Ethical Fashion in Shades of Purple

According to colour experts Pantone - Radiant Orchid is the Colour of the Year for 2014! I'm personally very partial to the purple spectrum and am loving this gorgeous hue. 

Here are some of my fashion and design picks that proudly carry an ethical purpose behind their purple aesthetics:

Audrey Dress by Mumu Organics - This gorgeous flattering dress is made with 100% organic cotton fabric, fairly traded and GOTS certified and is available online from The Beautiful Think

Glossy Plum Rain Boots by Roma Boots - If I'm wearing my gumboots (Aussie talk for rain boots) I feel like a million bucks as I splash in the puddles with lovely dry feet! For every pair of  these natural rubber boots purchased, a brand new pair is donated to a child in need PLUS 10% of all sales proceeds go to the Roma For All Foundation to help these children break out of their cycle of poverty and despair

Upcycled Body-Con Skirt by Goodone -This visually bold and sexy skirt has been cleverly crafted from old ethical fashion stock which was sourced fairly in its original form! That makes it both socially and environmentally friendly as well as cute :)

Purple Eco Watch by Sprout - Feel like a distinctive timepiece that doesn't weigh you down with guilt? This chic watch is made from sustainable materials such as cork, corn resin and organic cotton

Fabric Button Earrings from Perch and Pantry - Made by women living in Chiang Mai for a project called Sunshine House, these delicious earrings will have you feeling sweet inside and out! Proceeds go toward empowering disadvantaged women including medical care, counselling services and education

Bandeau Bikini by Auria - This purple candy coloured swimsuit is made from 73% recycled polyamide! British designer Diana Auria has collaborated with London based illustrator Margot Bowman to bring you chic prints with a difference

Design Your Own by KeepCup - I love that the quintessential environmentally friendly coffee cup can be custom made to suit your style! I choose a mix of Pantone's Royal Purple, Plum and Aqua Blue

Feather Print Maxi Dress by Folks Like Us - Fiercely pretty, this fairtrade cotton dress has been made under ethical conditions in Nepal

Purple Zandra Rhodes Skirt from People Tree - I like the quirky nature-inspired vibe of this 100% fairtrade and organic cotton print skirt. This fun piece was made by a socially responsible business based in India called Creative Art of Souls

Crush on Trees Tee from Tree Hugga - Share your love of trees with this cute organic cotton tee that's as green as it's message :)

Cutaway Halter Swimsuit by Emobi - Now I'm not 100% convinced that I would personally feel comfortable wearing these provocative bathers, but I am convinced that this purple design printed using eco-inks is gorgeous!

Floral Lace Contrast Tee by FAIR + true - Feel pretty and edgy all at the same time with this stunning limited edition top lovingly crafted from end of roll fabric under fairtrade conditions

Purple Doggy Swag from Carpets for Communities -Pampered pooches love a little purple comfort too! This lovely travel bed has been handmade from cotton t-shirt off-cuts, used hessian rice sacks and cotton thread. By purchasing one of these lovely carpets you're  also supporting the education of some of the poorest and most vulnerable children in Cambodia

Surinam Top by Kokomo - If you're after something out of the ordinary then this top with its distinctive pattern and purple hues could be for you! The design is actually taken from the Surinamese five dollar note. Suriname is located on the South American coast. The top is made from 95% recycled polyester using low-impact dyes and low-waste pattern cutting techniques

Bastille Bracelet in Purple Thistle by Mata Traders - This beautiful piece of jewellery has been handmade under fairtrade conditions by artisans in India. Another beautiful thing is that Mata provides on-site daycare, communal furnaces, and strict health standards for its employees. I really like the combination of purple and orange on the clean neutral background! 

Wrapped Cardigan by Seamly.co - Despite the fact that it's summer here in Australia right now, I'd be so tempted to put this cardy on! It just looks that comfy! This super versatile and flattering wrap about has been made from surplus fabric, meaning either fabric left over from mills and garment factories or materials thrown away by big companies because of slight imperfections

Urban Fingerless Gloves in Orchid by Indigenous - These handy (ha ha) gloves are adorable!!! I'm a massive fan of fingerless gloves that keep you comfy but still let you do all important 'gripping of things'. These lovelies are made from a blend of organic cotton and tencel and coloured using low impact dyes...all under fairtrade conditions of course!

Purple Quartz Crew Neck Top by Monolog - This super funky hand-screenprinted organic cotton top celebrates of splendor and multitude of form of the eye-catching purple quartz crystal (one of my personal favs!)

Did You Know that purple is the colour associated with the Crown Chakra - thought to connect one with the infinite consciousness? No wonder it always puts me in a philosophical mood! You can find more fun purple-y facts here.

When Eco Design Rains Cats and Dogs!

Truth be told - some of our favourite family and friends are covered in fur...am I right? I wanted to blow a little ecofashion kiss to the beautiful cats and dogs in our lives =^..^=

Real Men Love Cats Tee by RCTees - They do indeed! My Teddy Cat's Da-Da is a case in point! This fab organic cotton tee is also available in a men's version as well

Daisy the Bulldog 'Hot Dog' Lavender Heat Cushion by Showpony - Here in Australia it's coooold outside! When you've got the chills don't go for just ANY old winter warmer, give Daisy a hug instead! She's lovingly made from organic and fair trade cotton filled with wheat and lavender

Cat Print Tea Towel by Arthouse Meath -These quirky kitty are adorable! All Arthouse Meath prints are created by people with epilepsy and learning difficulties

Dog and Lead Shirt Dress by Ruby Rocks - How fun is this puppy print! This label prides itself on its quirky prints and knowing everyone involved in the creation of their clothes, ensuring they receive healthcare for themselves and their families

His and Her Cool Cat Pillowcases by Xenotees - I would LOVE this as an engagement present!!! The delightful print has been hand-screened from an original charcoal drawing

Watchful Greyhound Tee from Max and Molly Designs - A gorgeous and unique hand printed image of a pensive greyhound graces this 100% certified organic cotton top created using climate neutral processes

White Kitty Vegan Shoes from Alternative Outfitters - Slip these kitties on and prowl the town in style! Also available in fuchsia and black

Dog Thread Drawing Tee by KLT:Works -This kid's tee is eco-adorable! The super sweet puppy print has been screened onto a blend of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and naturally occurring rayon

Cat Design Tote Bag by Christine Chappell Designs - Absolutely darling! I love a bag that balances cute with the ability to fit my thingamabobs in :) Handmade using jute and cotton with a spiffy phone pocket which can be closed using a recycled button

Scottie Dog Plush by Pink Bunny Patterns - It's hard to believe that this cheeky chap was crafted from an old sweater! I 'uv you upcycling :D

Cat Print Burnout Tee by Aeon - This cat is ready to hit the clubs, printed in vivid gold using eco-friendly inks

Dog Paw Magnets by Happy Bug Designs - Do your magnetic surfaces require a cuteness boost? Made from recycled envelopes, these magnets will hold your lovely items while increasing their "awww" factor by at least 70%

The Toothless Cat Kid's Tee by Pini Piru - I'm a little obsessed with the quirky cast of characters dreamed up by this label! This fab tee is 100% organic and fairly traded cotton

I Heart Dogs Banner by Endure Designs - Don't keep your love of puppies a secret any longer! This terrific banner has been handcrafted from reclaimed coffee sacks

Peter Jensen Cat Dress from People Tree -The cat-tastic print was created by world famous designer Peter Jensen, exclusively for People Tree. The dress was crafted in India from 100% organic cotton under fair trade conditions

Dogs Never Dump Humans Tee by Hendrick Boards - The purchase of this limited edition tee results in a USD$10 donation to your local animal shelter!

Cat Brooch by Mullanium - Purrfect for someone looking to add a bit of whimsy to their ensemble! This hand-painted is made from recycled and reclaimed materials

Sausage Dog Draught Excluder by Bird Textiles - During the cooler months these faithful pooches will guard your doors against chilly breezes! Made from certified organic cotton and hand-printed with water-based dyes in a workshop powered completely by solar

Black Cat Pendant by Rakun Shop - Did you know that black cats are only half as likely to get adopted as cats of other colors? Show your support for black kitties by wearing this charming handmade pendant! If you're considering adopting a new kitty - think black =^..^=

'Adopt' Slouchy Pullover by The Loving Paw - This eco-heather material looks so sublimely comfy! The Loving Paw was created to help support animal shelters

Lavender Cat Bag by Girl Industries - This cheeky pair of hand-stitched lovelies are made from reclaimed fabrics and filled with delicious dried lavender, sure to give your nose a happy :)

The Dapper Greyhound Pullover by Nicola and the Newfoundland - This puppy oozes canine sophistication! Made from a mix of organic cotton and recycled polyester

Window Cat Bracelet by Hringa -This exquisite piece of recycled silver jewellery and Japanese Urushi lacquer is a delight! Pouncing from the creative mind of Icelandic designer Inga R Bachmann, 'Hringa' means 'making rings'