Did you know? Every 10 minutes, a woman or child is trafficked into the United States for forced labor.
I had the opportunity to review some unique apparel from The Emancipation Network (T.E.N.) – an organization that promotes awareness of modern day human trafficking. I tried on two items of clothing, a blue tunic that was hand made by a woman named Svica and a blue skirt that was hand made by a woman named Leak. Both women are survivors of sexual slavery who were rescued and taught a skill that will provide a livelihood that will sustain them.
The silk/cotton tunic has long sleeves and falls at the hip. It fits very loosely, and I was quite comfortable outside in 57 degree weather without a jacket on. I really like the embroidery detail around the neckline and on the sleeves. I can personally attest that the tunic was hand-made, as I could see some of the markings used to make it. (No problem! Just needs to be laundered before wearing in public!)
I’m not really a skirt lover, but I wanted to complement the tunic with another hand-made piece. The A-line skirt is 70% silk and 30% cotton. Machine washable, but air dry. I really liked the length of the skirt, as it covers me properly when I sit. The 4-inch waistband is quite flattering, as it takes care of minor stomach pudge. It is a wrap skirt, and I had a slight issue with the wind when I was standing outside for pictures, but it had a strong three-button closure, so at least I didn’t have to worry about it falling off!
The tunic is currently available for $15, the skirt for $20. In addition to what I tried on, they have t-shirts, tank tops, scarves, handbags, wallets, jewelry, stationery, and items for kids! Support awareness of human trafficking and help survivors of the sexual slavery trade by shopping at the Made by Survivors store by T.E.N. Consider shopping there for Mother’s Day, weddings, and graduations this spring. You’ll feel good about yourself, and your gift recipient will, too!
Christina Gleason is a professional writer and blogger. Check out her mommy blog Cutest Kid Ever or hire her writing services at Phenomenal Content.
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It’s really hard to see in the pictures, even in the fabric swatch I’ve included here, but there are more than just lighter blue stripes on this long-sleeve shirt. When I first looked at it, it looked like there were little pieces of colored lint all over it. When I looked closer, it’s just hundreds of tiny little pieces of thread adding color accents to the design. I like it; it works! This is one of my new favorite shirts. 
I wasn’t sure if I should really buy a shirt with horizontal stripes on it, because I usually end up regetting that particular decision, but the stripes are skinny enough that they don’t make me look enormous. It’s very fitted, so it shows off my most flattering curves. It reaches down below my pant line, so no belly or back show when I reach up or bend down. It’s made of a nice lightweight fabric, so it worked well on the beautiful 65 degree day we had on the day this was photographed.
This long sleeve shirt has printed neck taping and skinny stripes.