happy shopping in these jeans! - Outland Denim

Outland Denim’s Harriet in Pacific jeans are a stylish choice for any lady who not only cares how she dresses, but the impact her purchases make on the world.  Outland Denim provides training and living wages to women who have been rescued and restored from human trafficking, and are also leading the way in environmental and social sustainability.

Each pair is created in Outland’s Cambodian training and production facility - their story here. Striving to erase the deep social and physiological effects of human trafficking, every step of their business model empowers women with transferable life skills.  From the denim itself to the zippers, buttons, rivets and thread, all are supporting the same mission: to make a positive difference in the fashion industry.

Seriously Smitten by any company that combines denim and good deeds!

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!

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!

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!

joy and the summer lovin' necklace - The Shine Project

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.

educate girls, change the world - Girl Rising

Firstly, I am a proud ambassador of Girl Rising! This position has put me in the company of a rich tapestry of women from countries all over the world, working in unison on this global campaign for girls’ education.

Holly Gordon is Co-founder and CEO of Girl Rising, and Lauren Manning is our fearless, passionate and hands-on Campaign Manager.

Girl Rising is a movement today, but began as an outstanding documentary.

Released in 2013 to international kudos and recognition, the documentary film, directed by Academy Award nominee Richard E. Robbins, tells the story of nine girls from around the world, facing and overcoming hardships in pursuit of their dreams of an education.

The young women deal with issues such as arranged marriages, child slavery, gender violence and discrimination. Each girl’s story is written by a renowned writer from her native country and narrated by a celebrated actress.

Around the world, millions of girls face obstacles to education that boys do not. The community of Girl Rising, know that educating girls is the smartest investment of our time!

When girls are educated, communities prosper and economies grow.

And yet there is an estimated 62 million girls missing from classrooms worldwide, and tremendous opportunities are lost.

Through film and other tools, such as educational and advocacy videos, Girl Rising is working to raise awareness about the importance of educating girls and changing the way the world values girls.

Educating girls can break cycles of poverty in just one generation.

The Girl Rising Fund distributes contributions to their girl-focused programs, providing scholarships and uniforms, building libraries, classrooms, supporting safe-spaces, providing health training, and more.

More funding means more girls in school, more economic growth, and a brighter future for us all.

You too can join the Girl Rising community as well, and become a champion for girls’ education here.

Smitten with everything about Girl Rising!

philanthropic pencil packs - KITE

Since Halloween is around the corner, I can’t help but think of the year my mother began to hand out pencils instead of candy to the little monsters ringing our big brass doorbell. I remember being slightly embarrassed initially, but came around to understanding her choice...and thinking it was very cool.

I’m not suggesting my above anecdote this Halloween, however...I do love the idea of KITE pencil packs for stocking stuffers and secret Santa exchanges in December. It would also be a great gift from teacher to student...providing a perfect opportunity to teach about giving back and philanthropy.

KITE (Kids Inspiring Tomorrow's Education) is a school supply company that gives back based on a "one-for-one" model. For every pencil pack purchased, KITE provides one to a child in need. Hard to believe, 13 million kids in the US don’t have access to basic school supplies, with millions more children around the world facing the same issue.  

KITE is starting with pencils but hopes to develop a full line of school supplies, and help make the image of an education a reality for children around the world.  They give both domestically and internationally and partner with organizations and schools on the ground to distribute supplies.  

Totally Smitten.

upcycling elephant poo for holiday cards! - Holstee

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.

something beautiful on the horizon - Punjammies

I may be a little late to the party here, as I am just discovering Punjammies, but I am no less excited or bowled over by the idea that is the International Princess Project.  Firstly, Punjammies are cozy, colorful loungewear trousers, fashioned from the same gorgeous fabric that the traditional Sari is made from, they are 100% cotton -- incredibly soft and comfortable.

The International Princess Project was founded by Shannon Keith in 2005 when Shannon and her husband visited India for the first time. They loved the country but were struck by the very serious problem that existed for the young girls and women of India, that of sex trafficking and modern day slavery. After visiting one of India’s countless red light districts, she was changed.

Pressed by the immensity of the problem, Shannon returned home, culled some goodhearted friends and founded International Princess Project to advocate for these women and help them rebuild their lives. Soon, the team realized that without an occupation, these women and girls stood a slim chance of survival outside the brothels and prostitution. 

With this knowledge, Shannon focussed on what she knew, sales and merchandising -- and Punjammies were born. The brilliant fabric of the traditional Indian Sari was the key inspiration. The team worked with talented seamstresses to create a simple pattern that women could use to learn how to sew. With each stitch, the women gained courage, confidence and determination. Their newfound trade was their passageway to freedom.

What started as a six-woman sewing center is now three centers that employ over 150 women. All receive fair wages and recovery care. Punjammies are loose fitting for comfort, all-cotton and can be worn indoors as loungewear or for a festive evening out, with a pair of strappy sandals and your favorite clutch. The elastic waistband sits comfortably on your hips, and can be customized with the drawstring. 

With every purchase, know that you are directly helping the women of India pave a pathway to the dignity and freedom they justly deserve. 

Crazy Smitten for Punjammies.