pouches for life - FEED

I will never stop talking about FEED and their functional, philanthropic product line. Their new Oversized Canvas Pouch provides 25 meals for a hungry child. Made out of 14 oz. cotton canvas—you can organize make-up and toiletries, and virtually anything else you can think of!

FEED was founded by Lauren Bush Lauren in 2007. Each FEED product you buy has a number featured on it that represents the amount of school meals provided with your purchase. As of today, FEED has provided over 100 million school meals and counting. notablySmitten loves supporting Lauren and FEED, please see our original post here.

We are ever Smitten.

Michael Kors Runway Watch

Do you know what time it is? It’s time to end world hunger. A big shout out to Michael Kors for designing his Watch Hunger Stop Runway watch. Available in a gold-tone stainless steel color, the watch is water resistant and each purchase provides 100 meals to hungry children through the United Nations World Food Programme. The watch is part of the 100 Series Watch Collection. 

Michael Kors founded his company in 1981. Since then, he has been fighting world hunger and has worked with God’s Love We Deliver to deliver meals to those suffering from HIV and cancer. Let’s begin 2019 by fighting world hunger!

So Smitten!

the perfect accessory - Society B

Just like shoes, a girl can never have too many totes. Society B offers the Mamuye Tote. Handcrafted in Ethiopia, it’s made from real leather and is available in three colors. 10% of the final sale will be donated to a nonprofit of your choosing.

Society B was founded by Kelli Byers and Lindsay Byers-Hirth in 2015. They strictly wanted to only offer products that will benefit society in the long run. They partner with multiple nonprofits that include Water.Org, Action Against Hunger, and Kids in Need Foundation, and Preemptive Love Coalition in an effort to change the world and make a difference.

a gift with a purpose - Alex and Ani

The Living Water Charm Bangle from Alex and Ani makes the perfect gift. Made with a deep cobalt Swarovski crystal, 20% from each purchase is donated to Living Water International, helping to provide communities with clean water. 

Alex and Ani was founded by Carolyn Rafaelian. Her designs are meant to connect and empower—whether for yourself or for others. Since launching her brand, she partners with multiple charities. Donating a portion of her profits, wanting to continually give back to her community and empower the world with her designs. 

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!

warm up your man - UNICEF

Founded in 1946 by the United Nations to provide food, clothing, and healthcare to children, UNICEF is one of the most well-known charitable organizations for children in existence today.  Their mission of education, safety, nourishment, and healthcare for children globally has been tirelessly reached by creating countless education and health initiatives.  To keep children’s rights and safety on the global agenda, they “strike a balance through research and practical solutions” by providing staggering statistics and life-changing results in some of the most vulnerable populations.  In addition to their ongoing yearly efforts, UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965, and established the World Summit for Children in 1990.

With a tireless history of helping the most at-risk children on a direct level, UNICEF has stepped into the digital age by establishing their UNICEF Marketplace.  Created in 1999 as a modern way to help save children's lives, UNICEF partnered with NOVICA to reach artisans in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.  They have created a proprietary infrastructure to support the artisans as well as the children of UNICEF, bringing items like this Blue Chakana sweater, sent directly from the Peruvian artisan, to a global marketplace for the very first time.

Yes, 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!

on time and conscious, what could be better? - Flex

Flex watches are a product of two great things: life-long friendship and a strong desire to contribute to a larger cause.  Founded by childhood friends, Travis Lubinsky and Trevor Jones, Flex donates 10% of every sale to a corresponding cause, meaning you can choose the cause (and color scheme) you are most passionate about.  

Each Flex watch supports a particular cause, such as breast cancer or clean water.  In turn, a donation is made to a partnering organization, like Keep A Breast or The Thirst Project.  We love the easy-to-read watch face and a bright pop of uniform color! These watches are water resistant, made of high-grade silicone, and have interchangeable wristbands so styles can be mix-and-matched easily.  If that’s not enough to love, they also offer a 2-year warranty and free shipping - making this a memorable gift for any do-gooder in your life.  

On time - so Smitten!

organic bangles for Haiti - xoxo, Simbi

Simbi bracelets have so many amazing things going for them - they are handmade, 100% organic, vegan, biodegradable, and glazed with a non-toxic finish.  The Acai bracelet is akin to a string of superfood Acai berries wrapped around your wrist, and we think that is just the yummiest.

Every step of the Simbi creative, manufacturing, and shipping processes is done in Haiti.  Instead of importing portions of the organization, Simbi creates jobs for locals as a concerted effort to elevate the global offerings of Haiti as well as the everyday lives of Haitian people.  Simbi’s mission statement is three-part: create jobs, purify water, save lives.  To that end, each Simbi bracelet creates 15 sustainable jobs for natives of Haiti and supports efforts to implement clean water systems. You can donate directly to Aqua Haiti here. With beautiful jewelry like the Acai bracelet, it’s easy to support this cause.

Inspired and Smitten.

bright sunshine-y bold bangle - Tuli

Spring is almost here and the color pop of Tuli’s Avery bracelet will cheer up even the gloomiest of winter mornings! This bracelet features 5 strings of paper beads, first delicately hand rolled and then varnished and painted, creating one gorgeous accent piece.

Handmade by women in Uganda, Tuli fair trade jewelry is primarily created from recycled paper beads. Each purchase goes directly to Uganda to fight poverty and empower the women involved with steady income and fair, livable wages.  A regular income brings a long-term and lasting solution to poverty.  

For some perspective, Tuli notes that one Avery bracelet will provide enough income to send a child to school for two weeks.  For more info on Tuli’s impact and mission, check this out...

We think that’s one meaningful bracelet!

a sparkly, sexy...significant bangle - Eden: Fusion Leather Snap bracelet

This wrist stunner is made from twenty four hand-beaded strands affixed to two soft, sturdy leather strands. The wristlet closes with three snap buttons that adorn the leather. Stand out in this luscious piece of jewelry from Raven and Lily.

This bangle is made by women who live on the Entoto Mountain in Ethiopia, where the artisans melt down bullet casings to create the beads for their designs, "transforming what was once used for harm into beauty."

This is my third post for Raven and Lily, a company I positively love. The initial post with all appropriate accolades here.

Forever Smitten with Raven and Lily.

amethyst beads and more good deeds - 100 Good Deeds

The ABC's of this bracelet: it's not only a stunner, but has an equally powerful mission. 

100 Good Deeds and Gemfields have partnered to create this smashing, limited edition, amethyst bangle. All gems are responsibly sourced from Zambia, Africa. 

"Gemfields is the world’s leading supplier of responsibly sourced colored gemstones, taking pride in bringing ethically mined gemstones to the market in a transparent manner. In partnership with its dealers and jewelry manufacturers, Gemfields ensures a consistent supply of colored gemstones to its consumers and offers full disclosure directly to you, our discerning clients."

Please see notablySmitten's original post on 1GD and Mary Fisher here.

Smitten again.

whimsical wrist adornment - The Shine Project

This yummy draping of jewels is aptly named the Autumn Stack. So feminine, beautiful....strong statement pieces.

I just recently wrote about The Shine Project - Wear Change. Ignite Hope.

Please read what I wrote about this very cool company back in May here.

Smitten and bitten!

shackle and rope men's arm band...Amsterdam love - Pig and Hen

This uncomplicated, elegant, confident piece of jewelry for men has a power all its own. The craftsmanship is bold and distinguished...adventuresome. Pig and Hen have created a line of jewelry for men..."meant to survive a lifetime, stronger than steel and will age like your wrinkled face."

I landed in Amsterdam a couple of days ago for a reunion with my husband who was working on a film just outside the city. We had been apart for too many weeks...I love buying him gifts...I wanted to find something special to commemorate our reconnection.

While strolling Rozengracht that first afternoon, I landed at the door of Les Deux Freres - a posh, distinctive men's store that beckoned me in with its heavy lush aroma. I went straight to the accessories counter, and there were these black shackle and rope arm bands. I really liked the titanium toggle and the monikers, this one is called "Legendary Larry".

I am totally notablySmitten with Pig and Hen's message and story:

In the early 1600’s the Dutch were the leading nation sailing out to unknown parts of the world, with the biggest naval fleet the world had ever seen. With some serious sea legs, they discovered new lands, different ways of life but also ran into some big obstacles along the way.

To protect themselves against bad luck the men had a tattoo of a pig and a hen on their feet. It was believed it gave the sailors the ability to survive when they had to abandon ship.

The sailors felt they would be able to find land, just like the Pig and Hen who were kept in wooden crates and thus floated, and would let the tide bring them home.

Pig&Hen will save your life, even in a tight situation.

Their bracelets are handmade in Amsterdam, using authentic ship rope...they carry on the Dutch legacy.

Yes, Smitten.

honeybee bangle...conquering hunger - Half United

With a golden shimmer of utility, and an uncomplicated, effortless, delicate design...the Honeybee bangle from Half United is a must gift, coupled with a grace-filled benefit. 

With $200 in their pockets and a desire to make a difference, sibling duo Carmin and Christian Black established Half United in 2009. They are fighting hunger one radiant, handsome piece of jewelry at a time - and that's brilliant.

The cost of seven meals is built into each product, so you can wear your fight against hunger proudly! Half United provides meals fro hungry children in Fiji, Haiti, Cambodia and the USA.

notablySmitten first wrote about HU in August 2015...I am so happy to support this growing organization.

Yes, Smitten!!

march bangles - Bird and Stone Awali bracelet

If looking for a classic, beaded bracelet that pops with color, look no further!  This beautiful Turquoise and Gold Awali Bracelet is the perfect addition to any outfit!

Bird and Stone was founded by Elana Reinholtz in 2012 after a volunteer trip to Kenya to work with widowed women.  By teaming up with the Sisi Fund, a women’s collaborative that provides microloans in Africa, Bird and Stone launched an affordable jewelry line that encourages consumers to be “micro-philanthropists” with every purchase.

15% of net profits from each bracelet funds the microloans and financial education necessary for widowed women in Kitale, Kenya, to rebuild and improve their lives.  The microloans are small - usually just a few hundred dollars - and are offered to women who do not have enough income to qualify for a traditional bank loan.  These loans also carry a lower interest rate than a bank could offer, and once the loan is paid off the interest goes directly back to the women so they may further invest in their financial education.  

Bird and Stone strives to inspire, educate, and most importantly help shape the dreams of deserving women who are aspiring to be independent, financially stable, and educated.  We love that each bracelet sold supports this cause!

notably Smitten!

recycled rubber bangles - Made With Love Project

These vivid, recycled, wrapped, rubber bangles are so well constructed and hip, they make me happy!

Made With Love bracelets are made by a Women's Cooperative in Djenne', Mali, West Africa.

In 2007 designer Mary Jane Marcasiano formed MADE WITH LOVE. MWL is a global call to action, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for NGOs aiding women and children. Through the production and sale of products that provide a fair income for women in Brazil and Africa, Made With Love is addressing the need for aid.

Made With Love works in tandem with the Cygnet Foundation, which through the proceeds realized from art-related programs, seeks to help those in need: women and children, the homeless, the hungry as well as abandoned and endangered animals. 

The women are paid a fair price for their work, so the money the bracelets provide create a means of support, and are sold to raise funds for L'Empire des Enfants.

L'Empire des Enfants is a center for homeless children from the streets of Dakar, Senegal. L'Empire grants shelter, meals, education and training programs. They also work with local organizations to return homeless children to their families.

Smitten.

exquisite...delicious, sole sister bangles - Sseko Designs

These are the most delicately crafted, perfect brass bangles! Thinking about a uniquely flawless bridesmaids gift? Well, these are it...Sole Sister Bangles!

The names imprinted into the metal are those of women that live a million miles away. The idea here is, that by wearing another woman's name on your arm, you are reminded that you are not alone, and that her life and story may not be all that different from your own.

These bangles represent the global community of tenacious, powerful, talented, loving women that we gals are all a part of.

After a trip to Uganda (shortly after completing University in 2008,) Liz Forkin Bohannon, became witness to the enormous gap in gender and education there. Concerned, she began to create relationships and connections with women living in severe poverty.

Without a question, she stayed in Uganda, and slowly began to build what is now an organization, Sseko Designs, that supports women with fair wages and a workplace founded on dignity, grace and dedication.

Sseko also supports women in Uganda with the work experience and money needed to go to University. 

Wholeheartedly beautiful.

Entirely Smitten.

kick a** socks - Conscious Step

These socks walk the walk they talk! Conscious Step helps “give an ordinary purchase an extraordinary purpose.”

Can socks change the world…why yes, they can! Conscious Step is surely going  to make a difference “one pair of socks at a time” – 50 percent of all profits go toward 3 partnering charities. Currently Conscious Step offers three exclusive sock designs, each reflective of the cause it supports:

One pair funds Action Against Hunger that provides three therapeutic food packages for malnourished children living in refugee camps in Kenya, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The second pair funds Trees for the Future, which plants 30 trees in rural Ghana and provides an education in agroforestry to women and children, giving them the ability to replenish degraded soils and generate sustainable sources of food and fuel.

The third pair funds Engineers Without Borders that sends Australian engineers to Nepal to build clean water sources in schools so that young girls can have the same education opportunities as boys.

The wonderful entrepreneurs behind Conscious Step are Dr. Hassan Ahmad and Adam Long from Sydney, and Prashant Mehta from New York City. All three, firm believers in “the more profitable you are, the greater your impact”…and “knowing that my sock drawer planted a forest in Ghana”, is more motivating than donating $5 to a charity and having no idea how it will be used or what difference it will make,” says Dr. Ahmad.

These socks are made from 200-needle count, organic, fair trade cotton and are sweat resistant. Each style is embroidered with it’s own unique distinguishable symbol…and did I say they kick a**!

Smitten with these socks.