LOVE these knickers - Naja

Naja Knickers are eco-conscious, adorably designed, and socially conscious every step of the way: our favorite kind of notable trifecta!  Every single design is more adorable, sexy and stylish than the next!

Naja is the entrepreneurial brainchild of Catalina Girald, an attorney-turned-traveler-turned-activist, and Gina Rodriguez, an award-winning-actress-and-latino-community-supporter.  Naja was created in an effort to shift the way lingerie is made and marketed so that it is empowering, not objectifying, for the “smart, courageous and sexy women of today”.  With factories that employ primarily single mothers and female heads of households, Naja pays above market wages, allows for flexible scheduling, and provides school clothes, supplies and lunches to the children of their employees.  In addition to their factories, Naja employs women in the slums of Columbia to sew garment bags in their homes through their Underwear for Hope program - 2% of all purchases go towards funding this program.  

In addition to all the socially-conscious efforts, Naja prints all their awesome knicker graphics digitally to minimize their environmental footprint.

Smitten with Girl Power!

the perfect dress - Symbology Kimono Wrap dress

Looking for a versatile, flattering, fun-but-still-elegant dress to kick off wedding season?  Look no further than the beautiful kimono wrap dress from Symbology clothing!

Symbology was founded by Marissa Heyl after a trip to India in 2006.  Her mission - in short - is to make fair trade sexy!  Symbology strives to make fair trade the norm in the fashion industry, and fuses beautiful tradition fabrics and patterns from India and the West Bank with modern, fashion-forward designs.  By partnering directly with artisans, these talented women are empowered to exercise their skills in weaving, block printing or embroidery.  These artisans are able to continue their trades and traditions while earning wages that allow their families to thrive.

Each collection centers around a motif or theme, and I love the playfulness of each unique print!  The fall/winter collection, entitled “Birds of a Feather”, features super flattering cuts in patterns that are printed by women in India using ancient hand-block printing methods. 

Fashionably 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!

It's a giving thing...rosemary lavender soap - Kahina Beauty

Sometimes soap smells so good you want to take a bite!  While I don’t recommend eating soap, I do endorse the Rosemary Lavender Argan Soap from Kahina Giving Beauty! 

Katharine L’Heureux, the founder and CEO of Kahina Giving Beauty, discovered the amazing properties of Argan Oil after a 2007 trip to Morocco.  She launched Kahina Giving Beauty in 2008 with the goal of supporting the indigenous women and culture of Morocco, protecting the environment, and giving back.  

The impressive and difficult process that the Berber women of Morocco go through to extract the oil from the Argan nut is often undercut by pressure for low-cost oil - often this is achieved by paying unfair labor wages and harvesting oil from low quality nuts.  Kahina Giving Beauty works with cooperatives that pay living wages and source nuts from healthy trees.  

Kahina Giving Beauty gives 1% of its annual revenue to organizations that directly benefit the women and families of South Morocco.  To achieve this, they work with local GNO’s with missions that support the women and families of this region, namely Education For All and High Atlas Foundation.  

In addition to all the goodness Kahina Giving Beauty does by ethically sourcing their oil, this soap comes wrapped in a beautiful, colorful printed paper - perfect to gift to yourself or others!  

Super Smitten!

love blooming...josefina pouch - Mercado Global

This gorgeous pouch pops with color and texture! I love the hand-embroidered traditional pattern against the modern black leather found on the Josefina Pouch! 

Sparked by an idea when working with artisans in rural Latin America, founder Ruth DeGolia began Mercado Global while still a student at Yale.  In 2004, Mercado Global recieved a start-up grant from Echoing Green, and has exponentially grown over the last 11 years into a globally recognized company with a powerful mission: empower indigenous women to overcome poverty and become agents of change in their communities.

Mercado’s mission is two-fold.  First, it provided business education to talented female artisans so that they can grow their skills into a business.  Secondly, it connects these indigenous women to global markets to sell their products on a large scale, which in turn empowers them to support their families and provide more opportunities for their children. Over time, this model pulls entire communities out of the poverty cycle.

Mercado Global has partnered with over 400 women across Guatamala!  This hard work translates into beautiful products supporting a beautiful cause.

Totally Smitten!

the perfect spring bridesmaids gift - Cleopatra Earrings

Mela Artisans’ gold and turquoise Cleopatra Earrings are fit for a queen!   I love that they are completely handmade, as well as their slightly retro shape, bold color palette, and traditional elegance!

After a life-long appreciation for the handcrafted goods and jewelry from India, father-daughter duo Navroze S. Mehta and Sonali Mehta Rao recognized a growing problem for indigenous artisans - the ability to market their products and sustain their livelihood.  After reading one too many articles about artisans trading their time-honored skills for unskilled laborer jobs in large cities, Mela Artisans was created as a platform to connect these craftsman to the global market, as well as preserve the traditional methods necessary to create these handicrafts. 

In addition to this mission, Mela gives 1% of sales back to the artisans’ communities.  This fund provides basic needs for these artisans to succeed as independent entrepreneurs, such as medical care for their families or solar energy for improved workshop lighting.

Mela translates to ‘Festival’ in Hindi, and I couldn’t agree more - their products come together as a true festival of beautiful handmade goods!

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!

luscious lashes - Josie Maran Mascara

I've written about Josie Maran Cosmetics in the past...her entire line is outstanding!

The way that she has infused this exquisite oil into her cosmetics is superior to any company I know of.

Here, I introduce her highly nourishing and natural, argan oil treatment mascara. Lengthens, adds volume, lifts, and curls lashes for 24 hours.

The unique formula: 100% argan oil mixed with black iron mineral pigments, infused with the lash strengthening properties of bamboo.

The argan creates a lash-softening effect, hence it being called a treatment. Creamy, and delivered by a five-ball brush that reaches every lash.

Josie Maran Cosmetics favors fair trade practices, sustainably harvested ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.

Beautifully 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 art of being a woman - Darling magazine

I spent a significant amount of my life working as a model. You may not recognize the name...but I worked. And I've got stories...;)

The expectations put on us, and that we begin to put on our young girl selves, starts the moment we realize...we are girls.

I was reading Seventeen magazine at thirteen wondering how I would ever look like those young women. Of course, at that age, I knew nothing of "touching up" photos...or today, photo shop.

The dark cycle of it all sets in early. We women are marketed to...to be different than who we are, as we are. If we were only skinnier, taller, had blonder (browner, redder, more "ombre,") hair, well, life would be just grand. 

The right foundation is what is most important! I mean, right? We begin swimming in a sea of images that make us feel, not right. We are not right the way we are...we need more glosses, blushes, long-lasting mascaras, perfumes, the "right" potions, "perfect" lotions and more Prada, Gucci, Guess to be okay.

It's exhausting...to the spirit.

Here, I present a new find. Sarah Dubbeldam started Darling as a blog in 2009. It became a quarterly printed magazine, with its first edition in 2012. Based out of California, Darling gets it right!

These are just some of the reasons I not just like, but LOVE Darling magazine:

·      They challenge cultural “ideals” of beauty and question their exaggerated importance.

·      They see beauty in every type of woman.

·      They believe in being “fit,” and see “thin” in context of the healthiest version of self.

·      They promote respect for women’s bodies in fashion and photography.

·      They never use Photoshop to alter women’s faces or bodies.

·      They feature clothing and products within a price range that an average income can afford.

·      They don't offer shallow advice to real-life issues. Instead, promote coping behaviors for helpful and lasting change.

Thank you Darling, for turning this medium on its ear, creating accountability...and helping champion future generations of girls into a world that is filled with much less "noise" and insecurity.

Totally 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!

right-sized, go-to make-up bag - All Across Africa

This is just a simply perfect gift for any pal in your life that deserves a little pick-me-up. It's bright, colorful, chic, and functional. Would make a divine gift for bridesmaids as well...filled with all their favorite beauty effects!

 ·      Approximately 5” X 4”

·      African cotton print fabric with plastic liner

·      Made in Burundi

These right-sized, go-to bags are made with pride by youth from the north of Burundi, trained to create income for their families and future. 

All Across Africa is a Benefit Corporation. A new, revolutionary class of corporation, working to create a positive impact on society and the environment without losing sight of their bottom line.

It's a healthy, sustainable business model, which does not rely solely on fundraising and donations.

Their work reaches deep into rural villages in the under-served areas of rural Africa, providing artisans with a "market bundle" that includes education, finance, materials, training and market access.

While financial aid has many benefits, All Across Africa believes providing jobs and promoting self-sufficiency, creates a true partnership between the artisans and the market.

"It allows us to offer training to create the highest quality product so that each season there is a market for their outstanding workmanship."

Smitten again!!

beauty basically - LUSH

So the brightly colored, delectable smelling party that is LUSH (created by Mark Constantine and Liz Weir) has been going strong since 1995. At that time I was addicted and dedicated to another product line and could not be swayed. But as my concern for our environment, our animals and our planet has exponentially increased over the last several years...LUSH has landed smack dab on my radar!

I feel particularly concerned about the amount of materials companies continue to use to package their merchandise. Plastic wrappers around tubes of product, that are then boxed, then sealed again with a much harder plastic...ridiculous! It's a problem, one that LUSH has been addressing for years with their innovative solid beauty products. Sold like produce at an open market, with ingredients and aromas to heighten the luxury.

Today I shine a light on their artful shampoo bars. Long lasting, concentrated, packed with active ingredients and essential oils (with 14 different flavors to choose)...and will do the job of 2-3 bottles of liquid shampoo!

No packaging whatsoever, it sits in a soap dish on the side of the tub. Perfect.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.  The bars last for up to 80 washes for lavish locks every time.

LUSH products are 100% vegan.

LUSH are against animal testing and are supporters of animal rights and welfare.

LUSH are charitable and support environmental conservation and human rights.

LUSH works tirelessly to leave a small carbon footprint behind.

Smitten!!

infinity hoops - Same Sky

These Silver Infinity Hoops are deeee-lish. A perfect gift.

Handcrafted in Rwanda.  Each pair is finely crocheted with metallic plated seed beads on 24-karat hoops. Hoops measure 1.5” in diameter.

Same Sky is working as a trade initiative to create employment opportunities for women in Rwanda struggling to lift their lives out of poverty.

In 1994, nearly one million people were murdered in just 100 days during the genocide in Rwanda. A quarter of a million women were raped, and 70% contracted HIV/AIDS. These women were used as weapons of war, left as widows, single mothers and orphaned girls. Same Sky was born with a mission to help them. 

Transformation happens with the dignity of work and the freedom of being self-sufficient. Same Sky employs the artisans of Rwanda, giving them fair wages and further training and education necessary for them to live empowered lives.

“Talent is everywhere, opportunity isn’t”— Same Sky aims to change that.

A purchase of Infinity Hoop Earrings bonds you eternally with a woman a world away.

Infinity Hoops come in Silver and Gold.

Same Sky Smitten!

fragrant integrity - The 7 Virtues

So I am a little late to this party...but currently completely mad for Canadian Company, The 7 Virtues. Make Perfume Not War is their mission...creating perfumes using raw materials sourced from communities in Afghanistan and other war-torn areas, including Haiti, Rwanda and the Middle East, that are working to rebuild themselves.

Creator and CEO Barb Stegemann wanted to offer farmers in Afghanistan a financially viable alternative to growing illegal poppy crops, that create hazards both in their communities and our own.

So, The 7 Virtues sources all essential oils from their supplier/farmers in Afghanistan, who then are able to provide seasonal employment for their tribes and communities, to create Afghanistan Orange Blossom and Noble Rose of Afghanistan.

As the company has grown, they have found suppliers in Haiti (where the Vetiver oil is considered the best in the world) to create Vetiver of Haiti.

Patchouli of Rwanda combines soothing green hibiscus, red grapefruit, cedar flower and freesia notes to compliment the earthy patchouli harvested by adult orphans and widows of the genocide.

The Middle East Peace fragrance, which blends the sweetie grapefruit essential oil from the Sharon Region of Israel with lime & basil essential oils from the Fars Province of Iran, was inspired by the wildly successful "We Love You Iran/Israel" campaign.

All fragrances are vegan, phthalate and paraben free.

Brilliantly Smitten.

upcycled baubles - 31 Bits

This vibrant, beautiful, multihued adornment is made out of paper. Yes...paper! Each and every bead is created using hand rolled paper. All jewelry at 31 Bits is hand crafted by women artisans living in Uganda.

31 Bits began five years ago, when 5 college friends, Kallie Dovel, Alli Swanson, Anna Toy, Brooke Hodges, and Jessie Simonson, with graduation just a year away, found their lives changing drastically.

Kallie, had just returned from a trip to Uganda where she met and spent time with women that had grown up in war and had nothing. They were single moms with no education and no job prospects. What struck Kallie the most, the women were her age. The contrast of the lives the women were leading was stark.

Kallie witnessed, that though the women had not had the opportunity of an education, they made up for that with amazing artistry and ingenuity - making unique, beauteous jewelry out of old posters.   

Miss Dovel brought a box of the jewelry back with her, when the rest of the friends fell in love with it, they all knew a business was emerging.

A few of the girls went back the following summer and spent time with the women making jewelry and sharing life stories. Kallie stayed through the following year, setting up the organization.

Fantastic!

31 Bits has also implemented a five-year holistic development program in Uganda, where each woman receives health education, finance training, counseling, and business training. They currently have 120 women in the program whose lives have been transformed.

100% Smitten.

Through your purchase, you are helping to empower women rise above poverty with dignity and grace.

100 beads at a time - 100 Good Deeds

In the world of charming, fashionably conscious jewelry, the 100 Good Deeds bracelet is at the top my list. Engaging colors, beautiful, hip...and glamorous! 

In 2000, artist and activist Mary Fisher, was asked by the White House AIDS office to act as a Special Representative of the UN and travel to Africa. While there, Mary worked with those affected by poverty, violence and the stigma attached to HIV. 

Mary started the Abataka foundation to partner with these women by designing jewelry that they could make and thereby earn a positive, sustainable living. 

In 2012, Mary released her memoir Messenger, and also met filmmaker Thomas Morgan. He shared with Mary a game that he and his family created, where they would complete 100 good deeds anonymously. 

Mary was Smitten and responded by designing the 100 Good Deeds bracelet. Each bracelet is hand-braided with one hundred glass beads and a single rubber ring. After wrapping it around your wrist, each time you do a good deed, you move the rubber ring one bead closer to the 1GD charm.

"The motivation behind the 100 Good Deeds collection is to inspire simple acts of kindness around the world." ~ Mary Fisher 

The bracelet serves as a reminder to pay it forward, and has found ambassadors in celebrities like Susan Sarandon, Katie Holmes and Naomi Watts.

Smitten!