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!
These golden, dangly, fun earrings are made from magazine paper! Rolled into delicate cylinders and strung onto these perfectly sized hoops. Light and pretty, a compliment to any outfit day or night.
I've written about Global Goods Partners in the past...because I positively love what they do!
Smitten again and again.
The Summer Lovin Necklace Stack from The Shine Project is the perfect accompaniment to a sundress or beachy outfit. We love it when doing good, looking good and feeling good are all wrapped into one great accessory!
The Shine Project’s jewelry line was born from blogger Ashley LeMieux’s desire to provide scholarships for her under-prepared and potentially college-bound mentees. What started as a group of students making friendship bracelets in Ashley’s condo - initially called Threads by The Shine Project - has grown into a full fledged for-profit company with a beautiful line of accessories. Thier mission is to provide scholarships, life experience, employment and mentoring to teens who otherwise would not have the resources to seek higher education. Since 2011, The Shine Project has provided over 40 Scholarships, and currently employs 11 inner city students at their Phoenix, Arizona workspace. In addition to the support from product purchases, 100% of direct donations go to providing books and supplies to their scholarship recipients.
Shine on! Smitten.
The Dressember dress from Elegantees is a beautiful, easy dress to ring in the New Year with...and an easy wear for the spring! I love the casual neckline and asymmetrical hem!
Elegantees is a relative newcomer to the fashion industry and supports a great system of change. Founded by Katie Martinez in 2010, their mission is to provide hope, fair wages and independence to survivors of sex trafficking in Nepal. Elegantees partnered with the Nepali Rescue Project, an organization that helps to pull 20,000 women and children each year from sex trafficking, and quickly realized that creating a income system had a far greater effect on life quality than charitable gifts. After providing counseling and helping women find a safe home, Elegantees teaches women to create classic garments at their own sewing center in Kathmandu.
As a company that has only reached their 5-year mark, Elegantees has evolved a great deal since its inception and clearly is on the right track to making a huge difference in the lives of women in Nepal.
Grateful and Smitten.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
These snappy shorts are perfectly printed, pastel and are necessary for this cloudless, sunny summer weather! Fashioned from traditional African cotton (known as kitenge or chitenge,) these "bloomers" are just what your wardrobe wants.
If you are looking for natty, jazzy, modern textiles and design...check out Mayamiko.
Ethically made in Malawi, Mayamiko is an exciting collection of clothing, accessories and home wares - intermixing traditional African techniques with contemporary designs.
Established by Paolo Masperi in 2013, the collections are produced at the Mayamiko Lab just outside Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. The Lab was designed to provide skills training, education, nutrition, and promote fairer trade practices. Currently the project provides training in sewing and tailoring to local, disadvantaged women affected by the HIV pandemic.
Working diligently to help lift this part of the world out of poverty.
Paying living wages and adhering to their Ethical Promise, Mayamiko helps to keep graduates and local staff employed. They also fully fund the workshop activities and reinvest in the growth of their workshops.
P.S. They also have a very cool line called Rebirth. A fully up-cycled capsule collection, giving a whole new life to pre-loved reclaimed fabrics.
Love...Smitten.
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!!
How excited could one possibly get over undies? The answer is quite! I am quite crazed about these deliciously sexy, well-designed and logical undergarments! Thinx is not only covering booties...but kicking booty as well!
As women, girls, gals...we have all had the experience of leaking through a tampon or pad and ruining a pair of fantabulous undies. This is a bummer...but not nearly as bad as not having access to tampons or pads in the first place.
This is mad but true: 100 million girls in the developing world fall behind in school because of their periods. In some countries, girls are made to feel shame about their periods, and very often are not able to afford disposable pads or tampons. Over time, many are forced to drop out. (In Uganda, girls miss around 11% of their academic year because of their periods, according to a report on menstrual management.)
The gals behind Thinx (self-absorbing underwear) are sisters Radha and Miki Agrawal and Antonia Dunbar, who saw a need and filled it...handily!
The women patented their THINX QuadTECH technology, and created these ingenious undies that come in three different styles: Thong, Cheeky, and Hiphugger, with prices ranging from $24 to $34.
Here's how it comes together for all of us:
~ You buy a pair of Thinx panties (or build a cycle set)...for your needs and comfort during the month.
~ Thinx then send funds to their partner organization, AFRIpads (which is on the ground in Uganda with 130 employees and four factories.)
~ AFRIpads trains women to sew and sell washable, reusable cloth pads, turning local women into entrepreneurs!
~ A girl is then able to purchase an affordable and sustainable pack of pads, keeping them in school every day of the month.
These undies are brilliant and I am Smitten.
This is about a movement, and it is called the Red Thread Movement. It is a call to action with the sale of red thread bracelets. This is what one little vibrantly colored, handsomely crafted little bracelet can do!
The Red Thread Movement battles human trafficking and has partnered with a Nepalese anti-trafficking organization that has set up border units between Nepal and India (which is open and allows for citizens from both countries to travel freely with no visa or passport.) As there is an estimated 12,000 victims of sex trafficking between these countries every year, the success rate of these border units is extremely high, each rescuing up to 15 girls a month.
Many girls are not able to return to their villages after rescue, as social rejection and shame are common. Safe houses are established to provide shelter, counseling and vocational training for girls who cannot return to their villages. It is at these safe houses that the girls make the Red Thread Movement bracelets.
The bracelets make a difference in 3 important ways:
1. They provide a Fair Trade income for rescued girls who do the craftsmanship and hand weave the bracelets themselves.
2. Additional proceeds fund anti-trafficking border units and safe houses through the work of Red Thread’s partner, Kingdom Investments Nepal (K.I. Nepal.)
3. Wearing the bracelet generates awareness and declares sex trafficking as human rights crime.
These bracelets are an outstanding way to fundraise and spread the word!
I am Smitten.
Are you looking for a holiday card that is both planet conscious and charitable? Well, I was too! I am a huge fan of all things letterpress, and I love communique the old fashioned way... the US postal service. Thus, while looking for an enchanting, simple, well designed card to mail out for the upcoming holidays, I was more than pleased to stumble upon Holstee.com.
Their choice of printing paper: 50% elephant poo and 50% recycled paper. Yes! The paper is handmade, acid free and 100% natural.
Delightful designs, letterpress printed in silver, blue and gold inks on white cotton paper. Each set comes with six 5"x7" cards and six envelopes. The cards are blank, giving you the opportunity to pen your own singular, spectacular greeting.
Holstee offers an array of cards, posters and other colorful, uncommon gift items.
A portion of all proceeds go towards funding Kiva microloans.
Smitten with Holstee.
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!
It was late in the month November 2013. I had waited until the last minute (surprise!) to get my husband a 4th year anniversary gift. This was actually not so much about my procrastination issues, more the lack of inspiration for a unique, meaningful gift.
I don’t go for all the traditional elemental gifts: paper, brass, china...all that. I just wanted to get him something that had significance and expressed love.
As it was the eleventh hour, I had very little time before dinner reservations at 8:30. I landed at a tried and true, happening boutique off of Melrose that I frequent for gifts. I scanned the men’s section with keen eyes and landed on a case filled with colorful, sporty, rubber watches. They didn’t necessarily scream “significant”...but they were hip, manly and fun.
Out of the corner of my eye to my left, I spied some dangly well-worn chains swinging. At the bottom of each chain was an intriguing tattered key with an imprinted word on the front: HOPE, FAITH, FEARLESS, COURAGE, LOVE. I was instantly attracted. The placard on the wooden display read:
"When you get this key, you must give it away at some point to a person you feel needs the message on there. Then write us the story of why you gave it away."
The chains with keys were delicious looking, I loved the instructions, but the last sentence on the mission statement knocked me out:
We employ those who are looking to transition out of homelessness.
The Giving Keys was founded by Caitlin Crosby (an actress and singer/songwriter,) when she began wearing a NY hotel room key around her neck as decor. She had the idea of engraving old keys with inspirational words. She felt we were all like these keys...unique, scarred, flawed, and at risk of being discarded.
The idea was for the keys to be repurposed over and over. The message on the key is yours until it has served you, then you pay it forward to inspire someone else.
The charitable dimension came to be after Caitlin met Rob and Cera sitting under an umbrella on Hollywood Boulevard with a sign that read: Ugly, Broke & Hungry. Over dinner, Caitlin discovered that Cera made jewelry. Both Rob and Cera joined the team and started making Giving Keys the next day.
Later, the business partnered with the United Way and PATH (a reputable transitional home in Los Angeles,) to help to find workers to employ and help build The Giving Keys team.
Since the beginning, The Giving Keys has employed 19 people experiencing homelessness, helping to provide opportunities for the team members to move into permanent housing.
The 'Pay It Forward' blog is really terrific!
So I found the one that was imprinted with LOVE. There were a few ancillary gifts that evening...the chain with the aged key was the one that made the impression I was hoping for.
I’m Smitten with The Giving Keys.
They are carried in over 500 stores in the US and internationally. Anthropologie, Fred Segal, Henri Bendel and Kitson to name a few local to Los Angeles.