Kowtow: Organic, Fairtrade, NZ Designed and Gorgeous, how could it get any better?

Kowtow was one of the first brands I found during my initial hunt for Organic/Fair Trade fashion items.
The brand is designed in Wellington, New Zealand, with a very clear desire to improve the ethics involved in the production of fashion and decrease the negative impact our desire for clothing has on the planet.
I have spent a lot of time drooling over the images on their Website. Their designs are modern and fashionable, something organic clothing generally seems to lack in. It frustrated me that Organic and Fairtrade clothing usually meant a Pot-Smoking-Hippy styled Kaftan and Yoga pants. A style I am not personally interested in.
So when I set eyes upon the beautiful garments on the Kowtow website, I knew I had to have some of it.

When my partner and I finally had a day off together, we stopped by the Dalston store in Grey Lynn. They didn't have a lot of stock, the woman told me, as it had all sold really well. However they did have this Tee Dress, an item I had been thinking about purchasing off the website but was hesitant without trying on first.
It was just as I'd hoped it would be. It was a great length, great style. The cotton was so soft and in a beautiful Navy.
I prefer it belted, as I like the added shape. But if I were wanting it to be more casual, I would probably wear it unbelted.

So this morning, in order to show off my new fair and organic fashion piece, I pushed all the furniture in my living room to one side, busted out the camera and pranced around in my clothes like a self-proclaimed Princess of Vanity in my own little self-made photo shoot, praying that the neighbours couldn't see me through the lounge window.
Although I am sure I can find many ways to wear this Building Block piece, for winter I plan on simply wearing it belted with my organic cotton rib tights from the Ambra range (Available at Farmers) and my black pumps, and in summer with a tan belt and tan cork wedge heels.

The one thing I need to keep in mind, however, is that just because it is fairtrade and organic, doesn't mean it's okay to buy more than I need just because I want it. I need to remind myself to only buy things when I need them.
Did I need this Tee Dress? No. But I wanted it.
This little Executive Hippy still has a lot of self work to do in the shopping department.

Building Block Tee Dress, $125NZD available at www.kowtowclothing.com, on sale now 25% off, ends 10/7/2011, now $90.