mocha infused liqueur - FAIR

The combination of coffee and alcohol - heaven to me! And I cannot remember the last time I had such a delectable glass of heaven then yesterday when I tried FAIR. Cafe' Liqueur. Smooth, deep, intense...a very provocative cocktail.

FAIR. is an independent spirits brand. The folks behind the company are dedicated to high quality products, source ethically and sustainably.

"Think Human Drink Fair"

The delicious bang from this perfect combination comes from slow roasting the finest organically grown, Fair Trade Certified Arabica coffee beans, then infusing the freshly ground beans directly into the liqueur base. Creating a bountifully flavored coffee based spirit.

Their coffee beans are organically grown and Fair Trade certified and  come from a co-op of more than 1,900 independent farmers in the Huatusco region of Veracruz, Mexico.

The sugar used in FAIR. Café Liqueur is also organic and Fair Trade Certified, and comes from various co-ops in countries such as Malawi and Paraguay.

FAIR. was founded in 2009 by Alexandre Koiransky. "Alexandre follows his own intuition, his love for people, his heart."

The FAIR. ideology is to treat all people, at every stage of the process, fairly.

Heavenly Smitten.

bighearted jammies - Sudara Punjammies

These gorgeous capris are a scrumptious addition to our wardrobes...morning, noon and night loungewear! I love them!! I love who makes them...and I love the company behind them. I am actually honored to write about these beautiful garments - made from traditional sari fabric that so perfectly represents the colors and textures of the culture.

Sudara is the company behind Punjammies, and they are working tirelessly to end the chain of sexual slavery in India, where some of the highest estimates of slavery and sex-trafficking anywhere in the world are reported. Each pair of jams is made by women in India who have escaped human trafficking. When you purchase from Sudara, "you invest in the freedom and dignity of these women and girls who are working to forge a new life for themselves and their children."

I first became aware of this extraordinary company back in September 2014, please read more here.

Sudara designs other goods for sale and provides a donation opportunity here as well.

Always entirely Smitten!

a winsome, conscious carry-all - Future Glory Mini Bucket Bag

The Walking Rock Mini Bucket Bag from Future Glory is the quintessential, new age traveler shoulder bag.  It is beautifully handcrafted from Pendleton wool, dapper and jazzy in design, and comes from a socially conscious company focused on celebrating skills and creating new opportunities for women.

As an all-female founded and operated company, Future Glory’s commitment to supporting and celebrating women is all encompassing.  Their primary focus is the local impact of their products - handcrafted in San Francisco, each design is created from by-products of the food industry, are locally sourced, and support local charitable organizations.  

In addition to their commitment to local commerce, they are adamantly in support of rebuilding the lives of women who have been forced into human trafficking and victims of domestic violence.  To this end, they financially support four local women’s organizations in the Bay Area with proceeds from sales.  Future Glory also hosts an Apprenticeship program in their Bay Area workshop, giving women in difficult situations the skills, opportunities, and financial independence necessary to improve their lives on their own terms.

Empowered and Smitten.

soft and soothed skin naturally - Honest Beauty

With my husband working in the movie industry, I travel a lot! This fall we have been fortuitous to spend it in the very friendly, bohemian, rustic little town of Manitou Springs, at the base of Pikes Peak. It's positively stunning here...and with an elevation of 6,035 feet, very drying to the skin. After a week here, my face was thirsty, and needed some attention. I sincerely scored when I (finally) stumbled upon Honest Beauty's Magic Balm...it is pure greatness in a 5g/17oz. compact.

Honest Beauty is made without: parabens, gluten, silicones, petrolatum, synthetic fragrances, or dyes - they have created an incredible product line. I've been using the balm morning and night, and my skin feels like I've been hanging in Hawaii!

Jessica Alba is the beauty behind The Honest Company and Honest Beauty, and both are devoted to healthy products and the education of our girls. Both ideas notablySmitten supports wholeheartedly!

"Your purchase helps fund access to safe products and advances in research and education that support healthy, happy lives for all."

...am totally Smitten with Honest Beauty!

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!

beautiful block print scarf...Hello fall! - Greenola Style

This luxurious block print scarf certainly welcomes fall with a big "hello!" Not only will neckwear keep you warm, but can pull a look together in one fell swoop...and always adds a bit of mystery. This 100% cotton scarf has such a subtle design, thin geometric lines of lavender and miniature diamonds of deep rose. Gorgeous.

This beautiful garment was made in India.

Greenola Style provides advancement opportunities to artisans in marginalized parts of the world - particularly in Bolivia and Kenya.

Respecting the cultural heritage and promoting the craftsmanship in each country, Greenola pays fair wages - Fair Trade Federation.

Greenola donates a percentage of their profits to Solidarity Bridge, an organization that trains and equips medical communities in Bolivia and Paraguay empowering them to provide high-complexity surgery and other healthcare for those living in poverty.

This partnership also helps Bolivian artisans access quality healthcare.

To donate directly to Solidarity Bridge.

Greenola Style is not affiliated with Solidarity Bridge, however they donate to help support their mission.

Smitten with Greenola Style and Solidarity Bridge!

brother's birthday abroad - Sackcloth & Ashes

'Twas my brother's birthday yesterday...hoozah!! Now, what do I get the guy who has everything? I say a couple of brand new, spankingly beautiful, cozy blankets from Sackcloth & Ashes for his cabin in Wisconsin - where you can never have too many outdoor covers!

And here's the thing about purchasing this good-looking, hearty spread...you will also be providing a blanket to your local homeless shelter with every purchase. Nothing better than that!

I've written about this superb company before - November, 2015...I love them.

The blanket is a wool blend, of medium/heavy weight, and can be used for indoor/outdoor home decor.

Made in Oregon.

Size: 6' x 5'/Weight: 3 lbs

Smitten...again.

London calling! - Alice and Whittles Black Ankle Rain Boots

Alice and Whittles reinforces what we already know to be true: socially conscious products are beautiful, well-made, and have a huge positive impact that ripples through workers’ communities.  Their Black Ankle Rain Boots are gorgeous, long-lasting, and stylish for both men and women.

Alice and Whittles was born from Sofi and Nicholas Horekens, a couple who met while working at the UN.  They believed that starting a new company could be a long-lasting source of progress, and began by seeking a swiss company to design a fashion-forward, minimalist rubber boot.  They are made by hand in Sri Lanka, and contain rubber only from FSC Certified rubber tree forests.  Alice and Whittles not only provides fair wage jobs for workers and farmers, they also partner with the Fair Rubber Association to understand and provide what rubber workers need most in their community - a center with reliable internet, subsidized meals, discounted products for the home, options for insurance, and access to loans.

Smitten and ready for rainy days..!

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!!

reclaimed wood...Happy 4th y'all! - Holstee

How about displaying pics, art, inspirational memes or quotes in this absolutely delicious alternative to a classic frame.  Reclaimed wood, simple, elegant...stylish.

Holstee met the team from Urban Ashes, a company that creates with reclaimed wood, and also works and trains formerly incarcerated individuals.

The frames are handcrafted using wood taken from deconstructed homes and buildings in the Detroit Metro Area...excellent!! (The frames themselves are put together in Ann Arbor, MI.)

"We are proud that through our work with Urban Ashes, we are able to give both the wood of these frames, and the craftsman and women who assemble them, a second chance." ~ Holstee

Holstee also creates outstandingly dynamic letterpress stationary, cards and paper goods made from 50% elephant poo and 50% recycled paper! Handmade, acid free and 100% natural.

Reclaimed wood...elephant poo?

Totally Smitten!

"We Will Be Free" racerback t - Sudara

The message is clear on this clean, crisp-white, racerback t from Sudara, "We Will Be Free"! Alliance and unification are the words between the words that sweep across this flawless, fresh tank. 

I wrote about Shannon Keith's company Sudara (once the International Princess Project) for notablySmitten.com back in September of 2014 for the first time. Sudara is an organization helping young women in India escape and recover from the sex slavery industry that is rampant there.

I am crazy about Punjammies, wonderfully comfortable loungewear that can be worn indoors and out, made from Sari material and created by the women being trained and helped out of the industry. I am bananas about the vision of this organization and all that they have done for the young women of India since 2005.

If you're looking for a great summer gift for you or a girlfriend, consider this!

Smitten with Sudara.

a perfect carry-all - Apolis Los Angeles Tote

The Los Angeles Bag from Apolis is the perfect accessory to a Sunday farmer’s market adventure in Los Angeles.  This stylish, causal, reusable tote is a true tribute to Apolis’ lifestyle brand, as well as a nod to their LA Arts District studio location. 

When brother duo Raan and Shea Parton named their company Apolis, meaning “global citizen”, they sent a clear message about their commitment to global advocacy.  Founded in 2004 with the idea that business can create social change, they now have grown into a group of entrepreneurs with the same vision.  Their “Advocacy through Industry” business model ensures that they source and manufacture locally, while still keeping a global perspective on impact and change.  Apolis is also proud to be certified as a B Corporation, which is awarded to organizations that hold high standards of social and economic performance, transparency, and accountability. 

Smitten on a global scale!

notable sun wear - Solve sunglasses

Solve is a for-profit sunglasses company that contributes to solving one of the biggest threats for developing societies - a lack of clean water.  For each pair of sunglasses that are purchased, Solve will provide clean water for an entire life. 

Solve was founded by Jeb Geesey and Justin Kroboth, two fire-fighters from Charleston SC, and works exclusively with Water Missions International to provide clean water for life.  Solve is able to put $10 of each sunglasses sale - the estimated cost per person of Water Missions’ custom water, sanitation and hygiene efforts - and promises that the clean water supply will continue for life.  

Like our friends behind the Wello Water Wheel, Solve knows that water gathering in developing countries is a time consuming, often dangerous, back-breaking practice (usually left to women and children) that very directly perpetuates the poverty cycle.  With the help of Solve and Water Missions International, a clean water supply becomes a reliable and easily accessible part of every community.

So Smitten.

breaking a cycle through craftsmanship - Lamon Luther

Lamon Luther is a furniture company who, in their own words, “turn brokenness into beauty”. Brian Preston founded Lamon Luther in 2007 after meeting a group of homeless men living in a tent village in the woods of suburban Georgia.  After learning that many of the men were skilled construction workers and laborers who lost jobs after the economic crisis, Preston realized that meaningful employment was the key to transitioning out of addiction and homelessness. He started first by picking up men each day to take odd jobs, and slowly grew into a furniture company.  Providing hope, pride, and a source of income has made all the difference in the lives of Lamon Luther’s craftsmen.

Brian Preston

Today, partnering with huge companies like West Elm has allowed Lamon Luther to grow into a steady and reliable employment source for skilled laborers who strive to break their cycle of poverty.  Using over 240,000 lbs of reclaimed materials and hiring only homeless or transitioning craftsmen, Lamon Luther has built thousands of beautiful tables, cabinets, bookshelves and benches in Douglasville, GA.  

Strong, hopeful and Smitten.

release your Love - Unlock Hope, Africa key necklace

Unlock Hope’s Africa Key Necklace is a beautiful gift  with a very serious mission as it’s namesake.  A relatively new organization with an ambitious focus, Unlock Hope works hard to fully fund the Think Humanity Hostel in Uganda solely through their sales!

Too often, girls in small villages do not advance past primary school, often leading to early marriages and large families that are difficult to care for without any education or skills.  In 2012, the Think Humanity Hostel began in Uganda as a place for 30 orphaned girls to break the cycle of poverty with an education, basic life skills, and entrepreneurial training in a yearly “Girls' Leadership Summit”.  Think Humanity believes that “patience pains, but later pays”, and the success of the girls living in their hostel is proof of that being true. Unlock Hope has an exclusive partnership with Think Humanity, and because of their sales were able to 100% fund the hostel’s budget last year!  

Unlock Hope’s Africa Key necklace is a great reminder of how much has already been achieved, as well as how much more is still needed globally.

Hopeful and Smitten.

a little black dress - Elegantees

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.

good girl gifts - Anekdot

Beautiful designs and an innovative approach to creation make Anekdot a notablySmitten favorite!

Pictured here is the Cherry Blossom Set. Sheer, pink and perfect.

Anekdot is an innovative and unique company that approaches fashion and creativity in a totally revolutionary way.  Rather than designing undergarments and seeking textiles to fulfill those visions, they focus first on the fabrics and allow those vintage and reclaimed textiles to dictate the designs and collections.  

The result of this process is a beautiful collection of bras, knickers and loungewear that leaves a significantly smaller ecological footprint by minimizing waste and shifting the fashion industry’s level of responsibility. 

Anekdot turns left-behinds and leftovers into beautiful, wearable collections!  

Forward-thinking...We're Smitten.

the perfect gift = Wello WaterWheel

Cynthia Koenig has spent the last two years creating an extremely innovative solution to a very real problem in Rajathsan: the gathering and storing of clean water.  Simply put, water collecting eats up a large portion of the day for many women and is very taxing on the body.  The Wello WaterWheel is a deceptively simple tool that allows up to 45liters of water at a time to be gathered and safely stored by simply pushing the wheel like a cart. 

Wello claims that 1 in 7 people globally lives more than a kilometer from the nearest water source, and most women carry 20 liters on average (weighing around 45lbs) at a time.  It is also estimated that 75% of the girls between the ages of 15-17 in Rajathsan drop out of school to help with the household.  Water gathering is a slow, tiring process and almost exclusively a woman’s job.  

With the WaterWheel, women are able to dramatically improve their daily life with an estimated 35 hours a week saved by no longer gathering water in a traditional method!  They have time to work a job and produce income, have more water each day to keep their home clean, are able to properly hydrate their families, and can create better irrigation for their crops.  All of these factors are key elements to breaking the poverty cycle.

Interested in donating.

We’re so excited to see Wello reach their full potential as they begin distributing WaterWheels this year.  

Inspired and Smitten.

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!