With the stock markets making us nauseous with their roller coaster rides, OWS taking over cities, and the Greeks playing out their own tragedy, shopping indeed has taken on Marie Antoinette overtones.

However, post 2008, a new movement, perhaps as a backlash to conspicuous consumption, seemed to be emerging, conscious consumerism: balancing the desire to acquire with a motive to give back. While some goods have only a veneer of altruism, some interesting brands have emerged that proudly reflect their social consciousness, whether it’s the environment, encouraging local artisans, or helping war victims, without becoming marketing gimmicks.

What separates these brands from others in the pack is that they don’t sacrifice craftsmanship, chicness, and quality.  And, we feel, their social consciousness is authentic.  Of course, feel free to disagree.

Suno - Kenyan fabrics interpreted in contemporary designs.

The North Circular - British knitwear from rescued Wensleydale sheep, and knitted by grandmothers…no kidding.

Muzungu Sisters – A retail online portal created by Tatiana Santo Domingo and Dana Alikhani to showcase exclusive artisan produced clothing from around the globe.

Loyale Clothing – Sustainable swimwear designed by Jenny Hwa in NYC, it’s organic cotton that’s built to work like its petroleum based brethern in the waters.

Pure Threads – collection created by Alberta Ferretti in collaboration with the actress Emma Watson.

Coco Rocha for Senhoa - Super chic  jewelry designed by supermodel Coco Rocha and made by survivors of exploitation in Cambodia.

Many people have argued that talent, intelligence, or academic pedigree is sufficient to get noticed by the powers-that-be. The way they look, so long as they are neat and groomed, doesn’t really matter unless they’re in the public eye. We beg to differ.

Subtle cues in the corporate world can dictate whether you stay in corporate Siberia or snag the corner office. Thus, working in this environment, as a matter of logic, puts you in the public eye, with your audience being management, clients, and even colleagues. Clothing, then, isn’t merely a vehicle to reflect taste or, ahem, lack thereof: it’s the first line of attack in establishing your personal brand. This has never been more apparent than in client-driven industries, such as banking, law, consulting, sales, and public relations. Since it’s weird to introduce yourself with your curriculum vitae, your appearance becomes a calling card, a visual cue reflecting your personality, role and confidence. That’s not to say we advocate clones – not a good personal branding move either.

Since we’ve been around the corporate block ourselves, we decided to share some interesting sartorial queries:

I play in a garage band and trade equities during the day but I’d rather go naked than channel Gordon Gekko: err…how about slim cut shirts in subtle patterns?

I’m the youngest in my department but now oversee employees who’ve been there since the Great Flood – how do I convey that I’m not Selena Gomez?! Edgy jackets with modern cuts reflect your sensibility but not your age and make it clear you’re the boss.

Caveat: We will, however, NOT support wrap dresses that hug every curve…not a good shout out for yourself. Boxy suits that look like you have a carrying permit..only if you need that weapon.

GQ’s What to Wear to Work

September is here and every major fashion outlet, blog, magazine, and talking head has heralded the latest trends and inspirations. We will leave prognostications and clever, poetic descriptions of Fall 2011 fashions to talented editors. But, at Spark, it is our duty to sift through the myriad options and help you get ready for work and for your life. And, without further ado…the Spark Fall 2011 Shopping Guide! Try not to crash our servers please.