Do you all know Novica, the fair-trade artisan marketplace that finds artists and craftspeople from all over the world and hooks them up with a means of commerce in association with National Geographic?

Talavera-style bowl from Novica

You should; they're great.

It's sort of like Etsy, except the stuff isn't terrible, overpriced or made out of felt and tampons.

I try to be as conscientious as a I can about where I do most of my shopping. It's just the decent thing to do, plus it lets me be ridiculously smug and might even burn off a few minutes of purgatory if the Catholics actually end up being right.

*sideeyes the 100 pack of  totally game-changing Okamoto Crown condoms*

Ahem.

I live in these 10 months out of the year

Last summer I was fortunate enough to befriend a family of indigenous Zapotec artisans from Oaxaca. 

Every day on my walk from the fruteria, past the guy who sold live canaries and dried shrimp snacks, to the panaderia, we'd stop and chat and I'd make faces at their baby while mama and auntie weren't looking.

They were always there, working on a narrow loom or knotting intricate bracelets. Sometimes they'd do embroidery. We talked about my omnipresent basket which I'd woven myself several years earlier (Let me stop you right there. The underwater joke you want to make? Heard it.) and how frustrating it is that such time-consuming work can be valued so little.

What I love about Novica is they work with the artisans. They give them a voice and a presence, and still manage to keep their prices extremely --bordering on scandalously-- competitive.

When I look at my little black soapstone calavera (Day of the Dead skull) I like it better because I know the guy who carved it. I've kissed his baby and shared a packet of truly revolting dried shrimp snax with his wife.

Novica gives a bit of that same feel. Right now they're offering $7 off your first purchase.
No shrimp snax required.

also in a bright blue

I take back every uncharitable thing I've ever said about Monif C.

True, most of their offerings are for women to whom "You look like a Kardashian" would be a compliment, yet every year I seem to make the same post about how I hate their clothes but love their plus size swimwear.

also available in black

Historically I've loved them because they have a distinct point of view and they've always included models of color instead of the same three white girls that everyone else shoots.

 (If I wake up with a dead horse head in my bed, blame Ashley Graham.)

Now they've gone and done the one thing I've been begging for since I was 17: A plus size swimsuit with sleeves. 

Actually THREE plus size swimsuits with sleeves, if you count the little cold shoulder action.

Also in olive and a sort of deep tangerine

It's been a while since I've actually ordered a Monif C suit, but in my experience, their swimwear run small by at least a size and aren't terribly long in the waist, but not so short that a person with even a slightly long torso wouldn't be able to wear them.

Hips and Curves Semi-Annual Sale

Okay, now I really have no excuse not to buy those adorable Edwardian cotton and lace bloomers and chemise after mooning over them for three years. We all know I like wearing full slips and pretending I'm Liz Taylor, but this time I'm going to wear bloomers and pretend I'm that poor girl from Like Water for Chocolate, except for without fire and the not getting laid part.

They're also doing a 6 for $26 sale on panties, which I'd totally hit up if I hadn't just unearthed an entire suitcase of unmentionables I bought three years ago, put somewhere safe and summarily forgot all about them. Plus sizes up to 6x.
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30% Retro Swimsuits at swimsuitsforall (straight and plus)

I don't generally wear swimsuits, but I have this retro plus size bathing suit from a few seasons ago and I love it for beach-adjacent lounging and glamorizing.

I style it pretty much exactly like the model does, although you can tie it as a straight halter or even a bandeau if your breasts aren't the type that go rogue if not constantly monitored. I've never had tanline issues, although I bathe in sunscreen if I even get near an open window.

I love the wide headscarf look and pair the black suit with a golden brown Hermès ("Profile" from 1974 if you're playing along at home) and my omnipresent Ray-Ban Clubmasters.

Of course, I'm only really using Profile until my beloved friends and family get their collective acts together for my upcoming birthday *cough cough* and bestow this long-desired Balade Ocean upon a grateful Rhiannon. /subtle

Hermes Balade-Oceane Silk Scarf- Rare Authentic Hermes Balade-Oceane silk scarf in excellent condition. Original silk screen design by Julia Abadie c1999 features a beautiful black silk border surrounding a multi-colored center with scenes of the Balade-Ocean. Signed by Hermes and artist. 100% silk hand rolled hem made in France. No stains smells or fabric pulls. Perfect for collectors and ocean lovers. Would make a great addition to any wardrobe this summer season.Measurements: 35x35 = 90cmPlease contact Portero Customer Care Department for a return authorization and ship back item within 3 days of receipt. Items must be properly packaged in comparable box and in unused condition

Not Your Daughter's Jeans up to 70% Off

Horribly-named cult favorite on sale at Zulily until Wednesday morning, but I don't expect them to last that long.

I'm digging these bright green ones, but it's also an excellent opportunity to get the hard-to-find Perfect White Jeans. Plus Sizes.

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Maxi Dresses (Sundresses, Really)

Are we calling anything below the knee "maxi" now? Still, there are some cute sundresses for twenty bucks. Some serious stinkers too --very early Destiny's Child, and not in a good way-- but I live in easy to wear sundresses during the summer and these are a great deal. I prefer the rayon ones but there are some chiffon ones don't hurt my feelings, as far as chiffon goes.

Plus Sizes. Sale ends Wednesday Morning.