polished apparel, consistently socially conscious - Kenneth Cole Productions

Kenneth Cole has been melding socially conscious commentary and fashion for decades now. When I think of the companies that I seek to support, where capitalism and community work together in social agreement...I think of Kenneth Cole.

[Pictured here:  CROPPED BODICE COWLNECK DRESS by Kenneth Cole Black Label]

Today, Kenneth Cole Productions is an American fashion house that designs men's and women's clothing, shoes and accessories. But the thriving company started solely as a footwear line.

In 1982, Cole went to an Italian shoe factory with the intention of designing a high-end product that would be profitable and support his lifestyle. Yet quite immediately he realized, that if his purpose of action were to do the right thing, money would flow.

"I do believe if I could make it about something that's more sustainable than hem lengths, heel heights, then so becomes my relationship with my customer — more about what they stand in but what they stand for. Not just of what they wear, but of what they are aware."

Cole's brand is known for its provocative commentary on political issues through its advertising. The voice of the brand was particularly memorable in the eighties and nineties, when Cole used advertising to support causes such as gay rights and AIDS research.

Forever Smitten with this brand.

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.

a new year, a prescient gift - fashionABLE stackable ring

What a choice way to start the New Year...this delectABLE, stackABLE ring from fashionABLE...talk about starting the new year with intention!

Delicate, feminine, dazzling, delightful.

These stamp rings can be custom made. All rings are 14K Gold Fill, Sterling Silver or 14K Rose Gold Fill. And you can choose up to 5 characters per ring.

That being stated, I like the idea of wearing the ABLE ring to start the year. It's prescient...and sets the tone!

I adore fashionABLE and have written about them several times before here...and here.

Smitten one more time.

shimmering gold stocking stuffers - Purpose Jewelry

Exciting, eye-catching, ear candy: classic gold shimmering hoop earrings. Strung with metallic faceted beads...perfectly wearable day or night.

These yummy hoops are available in both Gold and Silver and have a 2 1/4" drop, with a 1 1/2" width.

I love these earrings, but I love the company behind them more.

Purpose jewelry, is handcrafted by survivors of modern-day slavery.

100% of the proceeds from Purpose benefit International Sanctuary, a non-profit that provides holistic care for young women rescued from sex trafficking.

When a girl escapes or is rescued from sex trafficking she is faced with an enormous level of trauma with very little support.

In 2007, International Sanctuary (iSanctuary) was created to address the needs of these young women through holistic care and empowerment. The women are offered mentorship, education, medical and dental care, scholarships, and micro-loans to prepare them for brighter futures.

In September 2014, International Sanctuary launched Purpose, a way to empower the survivors through employment and financial stability. The women are able to enjoy a healthy workplace, free to laugh and grow. A place that helps to transform these once victims, into skilled artisans, survivors...and thrivers. 

Super Smitten!

make a difference - Madi Apparel

Cool, comfy, confident...these pretty, applause worthy panties are made of a soft organic bamboo fabric and decorous, floral lace.

This is how Madi apparel works:

-       Madi creates a beautiful pair of panties here in the US, using a very practical and sustainable bamboo fabric.

-       You buy said panties for yourself, or several friends!

-       Madi then donates a pair to a woman in need.

-       As underwear is the most under-donated item...you've just helped a fellow sister feel more comfortable and supported.

"Underwear is a woman’s most personal garment -- we know what we’re attracted to and feel most comfortable in."

This company, created by the lovely Hayley Besheer in Kansas City, Missouri in 2014, is outstanding!

Undeniably Smitten!

grateful - The Giving Keys

I love the new oxidized finish on The Giving Keys classic necklaces. I wrote my first article about The Giving Keys when I was looking for an anniversary gift for my husband...something significant and loving.

I am grateful and thrilled that this organization exists. Go The Giving Keys!

My being Smitten continues...

a touch of cream and gold, ethical neck-lace - 31 Bits

Gracefully wrapped beads, delicately strung together to create dazzling neckwear. I couldn't love 31 Bits more!!

Perfectly named The Romantic...it is whimsical, hip and pretty. A simple strand of gold accent beads adorned by a row of marble shaped paper beads, here shown in Cream and Gold.

The Romantic is also available in: Cream, Black, Multi and Mint.

- Handmade in Uganda

- Beads are made from recycled paper

- Approximately 29" when laid flat

- Single strand

- Fastens with a button clasp

All their beads are made from recycled paper. "All accessories are handmade in Uganda with exceptional quality and sophisticated design."

More information on 31 Bits from notablySmitten.

Always and forever...Smitten. 

warm yourself...love someone else - Sackcloth and Ashes

This comfy, supple, beauteous alpaca wool throw is perfect for the season. It is elegant and ultra soft, well-made and edged with a fine fringe.

But the best thing about this sumptuous throw; for every blanket you purchase, you will also be providing a blanket to your local homeless shelter. It's just that simple and straightforward.

Founder of Sackcloth & Ashes, Bob Dalton, was inspired to help the homeless population when his hardworking single mother, found herself living on the streets in 2013.

Because of his mother’s story, he began to call homeless shelters in his area to ask what they needed...they all said blankets. Thus, he created Sackcloth & Ashes.

They sell high quality blankets worldwide, and since the founding, they have provided over 4500 blankets to homeless shelters.

Smitten!

bars of gold that give back - Half United

notablySmitten introduced Half United in August of this year...and now these Gold Bar Rae Earrings! Divine and delightful...they come in silver and rose gold as well.

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.

...continue to be Smitten!

for the boys! - State Dopp Kits

This is a distinguished, graceful, tidy dopp kit for the guys...The Jay, a truly perfect gift. As I am always on the look out for something special for my man, this wool and canvas combo bag from STATE is going to be next on the shopping list.

Brooklyn based STATE, is a partnership between husband and wife duo, Scot and Jacqueline Tatelman, created after watching untold amounts of kids carrying their possessions in trash bags to and from school.

STATE Bags is a company that promises to not only deliver a new backpack, but to also provide kids with tools to reach their fullest potential and better their communities...and to always have their backs.

This philanthropic duo is committed to addressing the needs of American children living with challenging circumstances.

For every STATE bag purchased, STATE hand-delivers a backpack, packed with essential tools for success, to a child in need.

STATE Bags is proud to be a Benefit Corporation. Benefit Corporations are companies that create public significance by having a positive impact on society.

Smitten.

upcycled neckwear - Article 22

This Talisman necklace is a magnificent, elegant piece of jewelry...with an extraordinary story.

I introduced Article 22 to notablySmitten last year...and I am thrilled to continue to write about this unprecedented company.

Made by artisans in Laos. These jewelry pieces are made from a combination of Vietnam War era bombs, plane parts, and other aluminum scrap. Each Peacebomb is hand poured and cast in wood and ash molds.

This gorgeous neckpiece comes complete with story card and hand-woven cotton pouch.

Your choice of chain: rose gold, yellow gold or sterling silver.

Forever 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.

the Giving Pledge - Chobani

I don't eat a lot of yogurt...but I will now.

How can one not be moved and thoroughly Smitten with Hamdi Ulukaya! The founder and CEO Of Chobani, vowed at the end of May, that he would join some of the world's richest individuals in pledging to give away at least 700 million dollars (half of his wealth,) to help refugees from all around the world, through a new foundation called Tent.

In the announcement, Ulukaya said that he would sign The Giving Pledge, a pledge that was started by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet to spur philanthropy in billionaires and millionaires.

Ulukaya said that he was dedicating his pledge to his mother, and that he was has committed “to helping the refugees and bringing an end to this humanitarian crisis.”

Bravo.

Smitten.

display your fight against hunger..."Darcy" charm necklace - Half United

Yes, the "Darcy" necklace from Half United is delicate, charming...and tis' delightful. Handmade in Los Angeles, the charm is stamped with LOVE...literally. But the most important bit to know about the "Darcy" is that it feeds hungry children.

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.

Hangs on an elegant 18" gold plated chain. And also available with the words "GIVE" and "FEED"...

Smitten!

the best soap ever - Noodle & Boo

I was a buyer for a tiny boutique in Minneapolis a couple of years ago ...and when a rep for Noodle and Boo came in one day, I was smitten instantly. All of their products smell deee-licious, and the packaging is delicate and pleasing.

Noodle and Boo's Believe Honey Bar will more than just bathe and moisten your skin: 100% of the profits from the Believe Honey Bar will go to the Circle of Love campaign.

Circle of Love, created by Noodle and Boo, raises awareness and funds for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS (PMTCT) programs in Africa. Ensuring that babies born to HIV-positive mothers will not contract the virus because moms will receive the necessary immunizations and care they need.

This yummy beauty bar is formulated with natural ingredients to soothe, moisturize and refresh the skin as it cleans. They have created a non-soap formulation that washes off thoroughly, leaving skin thoroughly soft. It also rebalances your skin’s natural pH to help keep your skin moist and not tight.

~ Shea butter, honey and a myriad of vitamins - splendid!

~ Clinically-tested and hypoallergenic - ideal!

~ 5.75 ounce bar - generous!

~ Arrives in signature box - lovely!

Addicted and Smitten!

brotherly love! - Ben Kelly Surfboards

Though I have lived in Southern California for many years...I have never been on a surfboard. But I have spent countless hours (waking up way too early,) to hang on the sand while boyfriends bobbed in the water, waiting for that perfect ride. The board was essential...and I learned a lot through the years...

I am so happy to write about Ben Kelly Surfboards, they are exquisite! Each board is beautifully handcrafted...and gorgeous. He has been operating out of Orange County, CA since 2007, and offers the surfer a unique experience when purchasing a board.

Whatever you require...whatever you can conjure...Ben Kelly can deliver.

Creating surfboards to your personal design and specifications. Working with you, they will take your ideas and make them a reality.

"You dream it, I'll shape it," says Ben. So start dreaming!

And Ben Kelly Surfboards has a much grander purpose. 50% of all profits made from each surfboard are donated to nonprofit organizations aimed at sustainable business development in Kenya.

Their mission is to use their passion for surfing to fuel the dreams of others!

Awesomely Smitten!

random acts of flowers

It's so simple, so loving...I'm crazy about Random Acts of Flowers!

RAF recycles and repurposes flowers and distributes them to individuals in healthcare facilities across the country...so cool!!

Random Acts of Flowers’ mission is driven by floral recipients, and strives to be a 100% recycling organization.

With more than 500 volunteers making up the core of the operations and mission fulfillment around the country, if you've got the time, they would love to include you in the volunteer team at a branch near you.

Please check out their story here.

Totally Smitten!

bead and leather wrap bangle - Global Good Partners

Pretty. Elegant. Shimmery. Dress your well-worn jean shorts and unblemished white t-shirt with this gorgeous triple wrap bangle. These brilliant beads stand brilliantly on their own, no need for stacking here.

Your purchase supports and empowers deaf artisans in Kenya.

~ Czech glass beads, locally sourced leather, brass (stamped charm)

~ 1/4" W, adjustable length 20", 21", 32"

~ Wraps 3 times

Both professionals in International Development, it was part of Catherine Lieber Shimony and Joan Shifrin's job to travel to impoverished areas around the world to see what could be improved. What they began to witness over and over again, were creative, energized women producing magnifient handmade goods...yet, they lacked any access to sustainable markets in which to sell their products.

Catherine and Joan had witnessed women in marginalized communities throughout Asia, Africa, and the US being able to advance the wellness of their families when their income was stabilized. In 2005, the friends founded Global Goods Partners to create a practical pathway for women to generate income opportunities and gain access into the consumer marketplace for handmade, fair trade merchandise.

Global Goods Partners (GGP) is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting social justice and empowers women to create sustainable change.

Yes...Smitten!

endless love. . .18k gold signet ring - Saught

I think these stunning, geometric rings are an exactly perfect gift for a truly dear friend. Crafted gracefully from brass, then plated and sealed with an 18k gold finish. I love the precious, yet bold quality these rings exude. They kick ass, if you will.

Designed by award winning artisans, the Saught collection is inspired by the signet rings worn by ancient kings to seal documents and enter into covenants. The word Peace stems from the word Saught, which means covenant for peace and reconciliation.

The collection is about the promises we keep, and what we want to remember. . . a name, a word, a prayer.

Saught, at the heart, creates employment opportunities in developing countries like Cambodia. The company works to break poverty, and to make sure the artisans live full, happy lives.

This includes worry-free work environments, insurance, housing allowances, fair pay, and skill training opportunities. One day they hope to support more budding artisans by offering scholarships to attend silversmith school.

By supporting income generation opportunities, Saught is working to break the cycle of poverty.

Choose from one of five available engraving fonts: cursive, classic, italic, capitals or block. And choose from one of our favorite words, or choose a custom option of your own. No more than ten characters.

Each piece of jewelry contains redeemed artillery shells recovered in Cambodia by our NGO partners. 

Endlessly Smitten!

jewels brimming with good will - Fortuned Cuture

I am so incredibly grateful for the inspiration and energy that the companies and organizations I write about enkindle in me.

Fortuned Culture, founded by Eritrean American entrepreneur, Azie Tesfai, is a recent revelation. An incomparable jewelry line with good will intentions of hope and change for the world. 

Each of her collections reflects the culture of its collaborating charity, while symbolizing what the charity hopes to achieve. Fortuned Culture is currently working with the Fregenet Foundation in Ethiopia, that provide early childhood education to children from lower income families. They also work with Corazon de Vida in Mexico, whose work supports orphanages in Baja.

This article features her Health Bracelet, priced at $30. This splendid, delicate adornment will feed a child in an Ethiopian school, 65 meals! She wants to remind consumers that they can make a difference with every dollar they spend, "Why not buy something beautiful and help feed a group of children."

Through the farsightedness of Fortuned Culture, the consumer has an observable way of connecting to a charity and the goals it seeks.

The team at FC, tell each culture’s story beautifully, giving the consumer an insight into the impact that their contribution will have.

I am Smitten with this collaboration of charity and art!

[All of Azie Tesfai's hard work caught the attention of TOMS, and Fortuned Culture is now a part of TOMS Marketplace - ever working to change the consumer’s perspective on spending.]