this chic chevron clutch for Spring - Tribe Alive

Tribe Alive’s Chevron Clutch is as beautiful as it is useful - and not just for carrying your phone and lipstick on a night out.  Each of Tribe Alive’s products are designed and made by women in safe studio work environments for fair wages, which means your new clutch continues pays it forward long after your purchase.

With partnerships across Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India and Forth Worth, Texas, Tribe Alive teams up with female artisans to bring you a gorgeous collection that reflects each country's’ unique culture and handiwork - all to support upward mobility, reliable incomes, and stability for these female artisans’ and their families.  We love supporting any organization that provides a platform for women to help women!

So Smitten!

hydrate that skin for a sustainable world - LUSH Charity Pots

Keep your skin hydrated, creamy and smelling of rosewood oil with Lush's Charity Pot Body Lotion.

Lush's handmade products are a prized favorite of the staff here at notablySmitten. Our first article on their yummy, nutritious shampoo bars is here. This cruelty-free beauty company donates 100% of each purchase to environmental conservation, animal welfare and human rights organizations.

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 again!

the art of the scarf - Bloom & Give

Named as a homage to one of the oldest dyeing techniques, Ikat is delicate, elegant and made from beautifully fine wool.  At Bloom & Give, each item is made by local artisans, steeping the ancient Southeast Indian culture into each design.

With each item purchased, 50% of the price goes directly to fund girl’s education programs in India.  Bloom & Give notes that girls who have even a middle school education will “marry 4 years later, have two fewer children, and double her income” compared to girls who are kept out.  With the help of their partner organization, Educate Girls, Bloom & Give’s mission is simple but complex: keep girls in school.  

That’s one powerful scarf...Smitten!

hands and hearts...and suds - Hand in Hand soap

It is so wonderfully simple: you buy a bar of this luxurious soap, and provide soap and clean water to children in the developing world.

In 2011, Bill Glaab and Courtney Apple read a substantial article that stated 5 million children die each year from water related illnesses. After much research, they learned that 45% of these deaths could have been prevented with simple hand washing alone. They decided to create a utilitarian product... that could save lives as well. Thus, Hand in Hand was born!

You can buy directly from their site. Or, you can find Hand in Hand...at Target!

It is your purchases that keep these programs running & we thank you for your continued support!

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!

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.

"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.

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.

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! 

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

clever, pretty panties - Good and Fair

Looking for yummy, sexy, sporty, altogether covered panties? Well, look no further...the perfect knickers!

These are made of soft, 95% organic cotton and 5% Lycra...creating an ideal amount of softness and stretch. These are super-fitting, low rise with a supple elastic waistband.

Good and Fair Clothing produces its wares ethically, with a funding and supply chain dedicated to treating workers with dignity and respect.

Fair Trade Certified, Good and Fair also produces other basics such as tees, scarves and boxers for the guys!

How could we not be...Smitten!