bright ocean - Thinx

notablySmitten loves supporting Thinx, whom we have written about here. Now they have added new colors to their collection, including their Ocean shade which comes in a total of five styles. It’s everything you want in an underwear! It’s moisture-wicking, breathable, and will never feel soggy. Your days of worrying about leaks is officially over. Have your period in style.

Thinx was made to pay it forward through advocacy, education and access. With your support, they’re able to help young girls gain education on their changing bodies as well as provide them with period products to help them finish school. They empower all bodies and the young women who embrace them!

eye see you - Aavrani

Your eyes are the windows to your soul. The Eye Rejuvenating Elixir from Aavrani allows you to take care of your eyes for a great cause. The elixir is 100% bunny approved and is formulated with a combination of avocado oil, rose water, and almond oil. Containing zero sulfates, your purchase will support a young girl’s education in India. 

Aavrani was founded by Rooshy Roy and Nina Davuluri. Together they launched a company based on Indian tradition, using years of Indian beauty rituals as their inspiration. They partner with the Shanti Bhavan School in India where they empower young girls through education.

How Smitten!!

social good - Global Goods Partners

notablySmitten loves Global Goods Partners. And we love this Shikamo Earring pair. Gold and black beads woven delicately and dramatically. Beautiful.

Global Goods Partners is a nonprofit social enterprise. They focus on providing employment opportunities for women in order to improve their quality of life. Since launching Global Goods Partners in 2005, they have partnered with 60 artisans in 20 countries. Their handmade goods are fair trade and in exchange they receive fair wages and stable jobs so they can thrive in their communities.

the golden compass - The Brave Collection

Never get lost again with The Brave Collection’s Compass Chain Necklace. The beautiful piece is handmade in Cambodia with gold vermeil. The artisans are mothers and people with disabilities that work in exchange for fair wages and access to healthcare.

Jessica Hendricks Yee founded The Brave Collection after witnessing a small Cambodian country struggle to rebuild after genocide. By launching her company, she gave many local artisans a chance to create beautiful pieces of jewelry in exchange for fair wages. In addition to that, the company donates 10% of their profits to fight human trafficking in Cambodia. 

We are so Smitten!

thank god for weekends - Beis

Being dramatically picky about your travel bags is nothing to be sorry for. You have to make sure to find a bag that will fit everything you need while staying organized. That’s where Beis steps in with their Weekender Bag. It features a water – resistant lining, padded laptop sleeves, a trolley passthrough, and a bottom compartment to put shoes in so everything stays clean and organized. 

 Beis was founded by Shay Mitchell in 2018. After years of endless traveling, she understood the need to offer travel accessories that were functional but still looked good. Fit for both men and women, Beis makes is incredibly easy to pack everything you need. Each purchase supports Girl Up to empower young girls around the world. 

How Smitten!

get moving - Thinx

You no longer have to feel worried, anxious, or limited when it’s that time of the month. Thinx Underwear now let’s you feel sassy, capable, and worry - free. Thinx brings you period underwear so you can completely ditch your tampons and pads – which ultimately end up in landfills and contribute to pollution. Made out of moisture – wicking cotton, it’s leak – resistant and traps odor. The best part is it doesn’t feel wet or soggy. It’s just like regular underwear but better!

Thinx was founded in 2014 to break the period taboo. Their line of underwear offers a variety of styles from hi - waisted, hip huggers, and even thongs. They’re incredibly absorbent and easy to wash. Thinx has partnered with PERIOD and launched their United for Access Campaign in order to fight for free access to period products to students across the U.S.

make a statement - Cambio & Co.

A pair of statement earrings can really change the way you look and feel. It adds that extra spark to any outfit. The Renata Capiz Earrings from Cambio & Co. are both beautiful and elegant. Made out of sustainable Capiz Shell, each piece is individually cut and coated with resin so they’ll last you a long time. 

Cambio’s mission is to offer ethical pieces made in the Philippines. With your support, the company is able to employ local artisans and provide them with fair wages. In doing so, they’re able to help their artisans become economically successful while celebrating Filipino culture at the same time. 

the jane dress - Elegantees

The Jane Dress from Elegantees is the perfect farewell to gloomy, winter colors. Available in a vibrant rose dawn color, it features ruffled short sleeves and a detachable belt to be wrapped to your liking. It’s made of 95% organic cotton and sizes are available from extra small to extra large.

Katie Martinez, founder of Elegantees, decided to donate her profits to organizations dedicated to fighting sex slavery. Each piece is made by a woman recovering from sex trafficking in Nepal. Each purchase provides employment opportunities for these women to build better lives for themelves. 

happy feet - Bombas

Socks are the heroes we need but don’t deserve. Bombas socks can be purchased individually or in a pack of 6. It’s made from a combination of cotton, polyester, rubber and spandex- allowing the socks to be perfect for casual wear or for workouts. The socks feature a special blister tab to avoid annoying chafing and blisters. 

Bombas was founded by David Heath. After launching his brand, he learned that socks are one of the most highly requested items in homeless shelters. Ever since then, for every pair of Bombas socks sold, they donate a pair to a homeless shelter.

We’re Smitten all over again!

beautifully compassionate - Rosena Sammi

For someone who’s constantly wearing black, a pop of color makes the biggest impact. The Nirvanam Bangles from Rosena Sammi are a true beauty. Made from sari fabrics, the bangles make a big statement and support a cause. Nirvanam is the Sankrit word for bliss, and each piece is handmade by a woman rescued from sex trafficking.

 After relaunching the brand in 2017, Rosena Sammi made the commitment to make the world a better place for the sake of her two daughters. She partners with Apne Aap, a charity dedicated to rescuing young girls from the redlight districts located in India.

We’re Smitten!

be fearless - Cora

Period shame is really cramping our style (pun intended). Cora’s Fearless Necklace stands for period equality among women all over the world. With each purchase, Cora donates a year’s supply of pads to a girl in Kenya. Because let’s face the cold, hard fact: Girls run the world. Period.

After years of travel Molly and Morgen, founders of Cora, witnessed girls in Kenya leave school because they couldn’t afford to buy pads. Thanks to every purchase, Cora is able to provide those girls with pads so that they can continue their education while on their periods.

made with love - Be The Good

Be The Good’s bracelet, also called Be The Good, is nostalgic for so many reasons. It’s handcrafted with an adjustable strap, which is perfect for my petite wrist. Each bracelet features an adorable brass heart and only comes in red. For each bracelet that’s purchased, the company donates an accessory to Dress For Success. 

Be The Good’s founder Barbara Gram believes in empowering women all over the world. She partners with Dress For Success, a nonprofit that’s dedicated to helping women attain financial independence by providing them with professional attire. 

Olori

Olori is a company that finally agrees with my royal status (I’m extra, I know). They offer crossbody bags made from durable leather, featuring adjustable straps and a flap made from a special Nigerian textile. Olori is the Yoruba word for Queen, which is why they state that each piece is made for a queen- how fitting! The bags are available in nine different colors and textures.

Founded by Tomide Awe, she believes every girl is a queen. Education is expensive in Africa. Unfortunately, many girls cannot afford school which is why each bag that’s sold provides tuition fees for a girl living in Africa.

Smitten!

large beaded hoops, never a bad idea - Global Goods Partners

These hoops are noteworthy, uncomplicated, not quotidian in any way! Made in Tanzania, they are simply stunning - versatile, from sneaks to pumps...the perfect hoop!

• 2"D 14k gold hoop
• Glass beads
• 24k gold plated glass beads

Global Goods Partners is a not-for-profit enterprise, creating sustainable jobs for women to help the development of their communities, as well as the prosperity of families.

GGP partners with women-led, community-based organizations, and invests all proceeds from product sales back in to training and funding, enabling their partners to prosper and thrive well into the future.  

Since 2005, GG has partnered with over 60 artisan groups in more than 20 countries throughout Asia, Africa and the Americas. "Each artisan that creates products for GGP earns reliable, fair living wages and gains experience that can add benefit to all aspects of her life."

adorn those ears - Purpose

These gorgeous lithe ornaments for the ear, deserve our applause. These sit 2 ½” long off the ear. Come plated in 14k Gold or Rhodium (tarnish resistant.) They also come in a lovely box in case you're gifting these beauties.

Purpose jewelry is brilliantly handcrafted by young women escaping human trafficking. Your purchase helps provide them with the hope and opportunities they deserve while transitioning back into a free and safe future.

100% of proceeds go to International Sanctuary: a safe, loving, holistic community, with an incredible an sustainable model. Addressing income, education, healthcare, and community, the women are able to find their true identities and worth once again. 

Smitten!

shoes that evolve...brilliant! - The Shoe That Grow

The Shoe That Grows is an incredible solution to a complex problem - children outgrow shoes quickly, often leaving them barefoot, kept home from school, and exposed to potential disease.  Approx 1.7 billion people worldwide are affected by soil borne illness annually.  After a volunteer trip to Kenya in 2007, founder Kenton Lee became focused on creating an ultra-durable shoe that expands 5X, resulting in footwear that will only need to be replaced a few times during childhood.  We love his innovative solution, as well as his simple but effective approach to distributing his shoes worldwide!

The Shoe That Grows is a project of Because International, a nonprofit founded in 2009 and committed to ‘practical compassion’.  In 2016, they were able to distribute 40,000 shoes in 80 countries due largely to their partnerships with volunteer organizations willing to distribute shoes to children.  In addition to distribution volunteers, the Shoe That Grows also accepts direct donations, noting that $15 will provide a child with a pair of shoes that lasts 5 years.

So genius! SO Smitten.

always know your way, deep blue compass bangle - Brave

The Brave Collection’s motto is clear and effective: Courage is Contagious. Each piece in their collection is made by hand in Cambodia, using traditional carving and weaving techniques. The Deep Blue Compass Bracelet is a gorgeous example of The Brave Collections’ simplicity: hand woven cotton and carved brass, the charm reads “Brave” in Khmer.

While still a student at NYU, founder Jessica Hendricks Yee traveled to Cambodia to teach English. While there, she was moved to create a business that would give back to the victims of human trafficking and genocide.  The artists who create the jewelry are all Cambodian women - mostly mothers - who work in dignified conditions and receive above-market wages, stipends for childcare, and health insurance. In addition, 10% of each sale is donated to local organizations to fight human trafficking and empower young girls.

classic and cool, heather white cotton tee - Half United

Presenting the dolman cut, heather white tee designed by Aly Silverio for HALF UNITED - making fighting hunger with fashion; easy, affordable, and smile inducing.

For every product purchased, Half United will give 7 meals to a child in need! Currently focused on the United States, Fiji, Cambodia and Haiti.

Food is really just the beginning for Half United. Currently primarily focused on hunger-alleviation, they also have strategically partnered with organizations that work hard to empower, educate, and inspire the children, families, and communities they feed.

Comes in black with white lettering as well - 50% polyester, 25% Cotton, 25% Rayon.

Smitten!

LOVE comes in essential oils - Thistle Farms

Thistle Farms is a community of women survivors of addiction, prostitution, and trafficking in Nashville, Tennessee. "This product bears witness that love is the most powerful force for change in the world." Their mission statement here...worth the read.

These compelling essential oils have been used since ancient times for the purposes of healing. Derived from highly concentrated plant products, blended for physical, mental and emotional purposes. Luscious jojoba and coconut oils are used as carrier agents, keeping the skin hydrated.

Packaged in frosted glass tube with a roller ball that glides oils directly onto your pulse points.

4 bottles of 0.34 fl. oz. (10 ml) each that specifically addresses your: Calm, Energy, Immunity and Balance.

LOVE and Smitten.

ethical earrings celebrating Spring is here! - Mata Traders

These Daybreak earrings are artfully graceful and luxurious at the same time. Handcrafted and hand painted in India...these are your perfect ear ornaments! 

Mata Traders is a partnership between three female founders, a handful of fair trade organizations, and local Indian and Nepalese women working in artisan cooperatives. On a basic level, Mata Traders’ coops provide fair wages, healthcare, paid maternity leave, pensions, daycare, and workplace mobility to women who otherwise might not have the opportunity to work outside their home at all.  On a larger scale, however, the women working in artisan coops are simultaneously learning from social workers to become independent thinkers and activists: they gain confidence, break cycles of child labor and poverty, and provide stability for their families and communities.  

The word Mata means “Mother” in Hindi - it is a tribute to Shakti, the female creative power in all of us.  After learning of Mata Traders’ business model and seeing their gorgeous goods, we couldn’t agree with their mission more.

Smitten with Mata.