black power cross body bag - VIDA

VIDA was formed on the idea that we are interconnected, global citizens of the modern world.  Their current collection, from New Zealand designer Corina Hazlett, is inspired by her 2015 trip to Vietnam as an Art Therapist for human trafficking survivors.  We love the bright colors and bold prints of her designs almost as much as we love the meaning behind each piece of her collection.

Each item in the VIDA collection is produced on demand - this practice eliminates waste, excess inventory, and the ‘middle man’ costs associated with traditional fashion commerce.  VIDA hires designers from all over the world through a submission process - those chosen are given 10% of their sales and the means to manufacture their goods with direct-to-fabric digital printing.  In addition, the makers that produce VIDA’s products are provided literacy programs and basic math skills for themselves and their children, allowing for more opportunities in the future.

Entirely Smitten.

always know your way, deep blue compass bangle - Brave

The Brave Collection’s motto is clear and effective: Courage is Contagious. Each piece in their collection is made by hand in Cambodia, using traditional carving and weaving techniques. The Deep Blue Compass Bracelet is a gorgeous example of The Brave Collections’ simplicity: hand woven cotton and carved brass, the charm reads “Brave” in Khmer.

While still a student at NYU, founder Jessica Hendricks Yee traveled to Cambodia to teach English. While there, she was moved to create a business that would give back to the victims of human trafficking and genocide.  The artists who create the jewelry are all Cambodian women - mostly mothers - who work in dignified conditions and receive above-market wages, stipends for childcare, and health insurance. In addition, 10% of each sale is donated to local organizations to fight human trafficking and empower young girls.

sweet chic sandals - Nisolo

Nisolo’s wooden wedge sandal is a perfect balance between style and sustainability - made from solid wood and hand-cut leather, they are a long-lasting addition to any closet and have an equally long lasting impact on the artisans who created them. Founded in 2011 by Patrick Woodyard after seeing the immense talent for shoemaking in Peru and wanting to be a problem solver in the global market, Nisolo is now based in both Peru and Tennessee, and employs over 50 people.

Nisolo is a leader in ethical fashion production, providing workers with wages 27% higher than fair trade wages, consistent work with yearly salaries, and “holistic learning” that includes trade skills as well as healthcare, english classes, and childcare.  The word Nisolo means “not alone”, and the most visible effect that credo has on the local community is the next generation - 100% of employee’s children are enrolled in school full time, with six on track to be the first in their families to graduate college.

on time and conscious, what could be better? - Flex

Flex watches are a product of two great things: life-long friendship and a strong desire to contribute to a larger cause.  Founded by childhood friends, Travis Lubinsky and Trevor Jones, Flex donates 10% of every sale to a corresponding cause, meaning you can choose the cause (and color scheme) you are most passionate about.  

Each Flex watch supports a particular cause, such as breast cancer or clean water.  In turn, a donation is made to a partnering organization, like Keep A Breast or The Thirst Project.  We love the easy-to-read watch face and a bright pop of uniform color! These watches are water resistant, made of high-grade silicone, and have interchangeable wristbands so styles can be mix-and-matched easily.  If that’s not enough to love, they also offer a 2-year warranty and free shipping - making this a memorable gift for any do-gooder in your life.  

On time - so Smitten!

a plethora of cause conscious gifts - CAUSEBOX

In our busy modern culture of on-demand everything, we love love love the idea of a CAUSEBOX membership!  A hand-curated collection of jewelry, housewares, skincare products and accessories arrives 4 times a year direct to your front door, introducing you to brands that are doing great work to empower, employ and educate women from all over the globe.  

In addition to their gorgeous collection of products, each CAUSEBOX arrives filled with detailed information about each brand and item’s unique creation story. Having insight into each organization’s purpose, mission, beneficiaries and impact translates into total transparency about where each dollar is going - bringing a serious level of trust to CAUSEBOX and the products they include.

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!

mini keys of goodness, with maximum effect - The Giving Keys

I can never get enough of The Giving Keys. Their message, the keys, their faithful purpose and dedication, are completely on point. They were the gift that started notablySmitten - and I have followed their growth faithfully ever since that first purchased key. And now mini keys - perfect.

They are an extraordinary company doing good things for the homeless here in Los Angeles. If you've not heard of them, please read about them in the very first article I ever penned for nS.

And if you've not purchased a key for someone yet, please do - pass it on.

Ever Smitten!

LOVE comes in essential oils - Thistle Farms

Thistle Farms is a community of women survivors of addiction, prostitution, and trafficking in Nashville, Tennessee. "This product bears witness that love is the most powerful force for change in the world." Their mission statement here...worth the read.

These compelling essential oils have been used since ancient times for the purposes of healing. Derived from highly concentrated plant products, blended for physical, mental and emotional purposes. Luscious jojoba and coconut oils are used as carrier agents, keeping the skin hydrated.

Packaged in frosted glass tube with a roller ball that glides oils directly onto your pulse points.

4 bottles of 0.34 fl. oz. (10 ml) each that specifically addresses your: Calm, Energy, Immunity and Balance.

LOVE and Smitten.

ethical earrings celebrating Spring is here! - Mata Traders

These Daybreak earrings are artfully graceful and luxurious at the same time. Handcrafted and hand painted in India...these are your perfect ear ornaments! 

Mata Traders is a partnership between three female founders, a handful of fair trade organizations, and local Indian and Nepalese women working in artisan cooperatives. On a basic level, Mata Traders’ coops provide fair wages, healthcare, paid maternity leave, pensions, daycare, and workplace mobility to women who otherwise might not have the opportunity to work outside their home at all.  On a larger scale, however, the women working in artisan coops are simultaneously learning from social workers to become independent thinkers and activists: they gain confidence, break cycles of child labor and poverty, and provide stability for their families and communities.  

The word Mata means “Mother” in Hindi - it is a tribute to Shakti, the female creative power in all of us.  After learning of Mata Traders’ business model and seeing their gorgeous goods, we couldn’t agree with their mission more.

Smitten with Mata.

organic bangles for Haiti - xoxo, Simbi

Simbi bracelets have so many amazing things going for them - they are handmade, 100% organic, vegan, biodegradable, and glazed with a non-toxic finish.  The Acai bracelet is akin to a string of superfood Acai berries wrapped around your wrist, and we think that is just the yummiest.

Every step of the Simbi creative, manufacturing, and shipping processes is done in Haiti.  Instead of importing portions of the organization, Simbi creates jobs for locals as a concerted effort to elevate the global offerings of Haiti as well as the everyday lives of Haitian people.  Simbi’s mission statement is three-part: create jobs, purify water, save lives.  To that end, each Simbi bracelet creates 15 sustainable jobs for natives of Haiti and supports efforts to implement clean water systems. You can donate directly to Aqua Haiti here. With beautiful jewelry like the Acai bracelet, it’s easy to support this cause.

Inspired and Smitten.

for a good read - Thoughtfully Magazine

Thoughtfully Magazine suggests that readers “live thoughtfully right where you are, one step at a time, with what you have” - and we couldn’t agree more.  Living each moment with the right outlook is a major step to improving your day, your life, and your world!

This eco-conscious, independently produced magazine is as thoughtful as it sounds. Filled with topics such as sustainable beauty products, health and wellness, and delicious recipes, Thoughtfully encourages readers to shift their attention to the more important things in life.  While they only promote specific products that they believe in, they are also working to become ad-free, and will soon rely only on reader support.

Consider picking up a copy of this elegantly designed and genuine publication during your next trip to Wholefoods or Sprouts!

Naturally Smitten!

unlock that thanksgiving love - The Giving Keys

Still inspired by a New York hotel room key, the Classic Necklace from The Giving Keys, has been re-imagined into this sleek Black Matte Key. Powerful addition to any guy or gals wardrobe...current, hip...and helpful.

This is the third time I'm writing about The Giving Keys...the initial post with all the love and admiration this company deserves is here. 

You see, I cannot ever say enough about this kick-butt company, based here in Los Angeles. They are on the frontline, educating, employing and assisting the homeless out of homelessness...and doing a very good job of it!

Always inspired and Smitten with The Giving Keys.

sexy, sustainable and star studded - People Tree

Catch the eye with these yummy star-studded studs. Hand pounded, 100% silver-plated brass. Gorgeous!

People Tree is recognized for its production of ethical, sustainable fashion. For more than 25 years, this pioneer company has partnered with Fair Trade producers, garment workers, artisans and farmers in the developing world to create fashion forward, eco-friendly collections.

People Tree gives customers an alternative to "fast fashion". "Fast fashion is fueled by an insatiable demand for cheap clothing and accessories. Fast fashion has a devastating impact, from sweatshops and child labor to pollution and global warming. Slow Fashion means standing up against exploitation, family separation, slum cities and pollution – all the things that make fast fashion so successful."

Fair Trade is ethical, sustainable and fashionable....and the opposite of fast fashion.

People Tree products are made by artisans who work and uphold Fair Trade standards. People Tree was the world’s first clothing company to receive the World Fair Trade Organization Fair Trade product mark in 2013.

Fair Trade makes a powerful difference. People Tree is helping to alleviate poverty in the world's most marginalized communities.

Smitten!

a sparkly, sexy...significant bangle - Eden: Fusion Leather Snap bracelet

This wrist stunner is made from twenty four hand-beaded strands affixed to two soft, sturdy leather strands. The wristlet closes with three snap buttons that adorn the leather. Stand out in this luscious piece of jewelry from Raven and Lily.

This bangle is made by women who live on the Entoto Mountain in Ethiopia, where the artisans melt down bullet casings to create the beads for their designs, "transforming what was once used for harm into beauty."

This is my third post for Raven and Lily, a company I positively love. The initial post with all appropriate accolades here.

Forever Smitten with Raven and Lily.

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!

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!!

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.

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.

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!