a boutique of handmade goodness - The Women's Center

MADE by DWC is a social enterprise created by the Downtown Women’s Center of Los Angeles to educate and empower women who have struggled with poverty and homelessness. It is both an online and brick-and-mortar boutique, and their products are beautifully handmade - cards, candles, jewelry, soap, journals, and tote bags are their most popular items.  Through volunteer-lead workshops and partnerships with local artisans, the women at MADE are taught skills step-by-step, creating the confidence and skills necessary to re-enter the workforce and express themselves creatively.  

100% of the sales at MADE by DWC go directly to the Downtown Women’s Center, which houses 112 women daily and feeds hundreds more weekly.  Located on skid row, they are the only center in downtown LA exclusively for homeless women.

bright sunshine-y bold bangle - Tuli

Spring is almost here and the color pop of Tuli’s Avery bracelet will cheer up even the gloomiest of winter mornings! This bracelet features 5 strings of paper beads, first delicately hand rolled and then varnished and painted, creating one gorgeous accent piece.

Handmade by women in Uganda, Tuli fair trade jewelry is primarily created from recycled paper beads. Each purchase goes directly to Uganda to fight poverty and empower the women involved with steady income and fair, livable wages.  A regular income brings a long-term and lasting solution to poverty.  

For some perspective, Tuli notes that one Avery bracelet will provide enough income to send a child to school for two weeks.  For more info on Tuli’s impact and mission, check this out...

We think that’s one meaningful bracelet!

happy new year silver sneaks! - Veja

Veja’s Esplar 3 Locks Silver Sneakers have so much forward-thinking put into their creation, it’s almost not enough to describe them as shoes.  Made with Amazonian rubber, certified organic cotton, and leather from Brazilian livestock, Veja’s shoes are serious about make a positive change.  Plus, silver sneakers are amazing!

With each Esplar sale, organic and family-based farming in the Northeast region of Brazil is supported.  Unlike most manufacturers that use synthetic rubber, Veja sources rubber from the Amazon forest, improving the income of tappers and slowing down the detrimental deforestation of that area.  In addition, Veja’s cotton has been certified by the ADEC since 2007, making them a founder of the organic cotton movement.

Smitten with each step!

the new year is here, wear elephant pants - The Elephant Pants

a gorgeous, classic, colorful handmade serape - The Little Market

signature huile de parfum - mandarine spice notablySmitten/limited edition

When I say this little bottle of perfume is heavenly, I speak the truth.  Delectable citrus notes start off at the top, rich and creamy Madagascar Vanilla fills out the middle...ginger, vetiver and sage finish the scent. It's got a fetching, come-hither quality...nectarous and sexy. 

This bewitching fragrance is notablySmitten's first signature scent - ten percent of each bottle will go toward purchasing Wello Waterwheels for regions of the country that are faced with dire challenges accessing water. 

notablySmitten loves Wello and wants you to know more about this important company here.

Totally notably Smitten!

handmade love for your tree - Thistle Farms

I am beyond Smitten with the way these heart-shaped ornaments are constructed...and by whom. These four delicious ornaments are created out of goodwill and creative inspiration. Adorn your tree this year, and support four worthy, exceptional enterprises. Brought to you by Becca Stevens, founder and President of the wonderful organization that is 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."

This is the second global holiday collection being presented by Thistle Farms. 'Love from Around the World II' includes four handmade ornaments by women survivors from Nashville, Cambodia, Peru and the Middle East. Each ornament reflects...LOVE.

•  The recycled weave ornament represents Freedom’s Promise who work with at-risk and vulnerable women in Cambodia.

•  The knitted ornament represents the Monkey Project and provides a living wage to men in Huancayo, Peru - enabling change for their entire community.

•  The wood ornament represents Hope Collective is a community dedicated that brings sustainable development to refugees in the Middle East.

•  The copper ornament represents Studios - a division of Thistle Farm's social enterprise, which creates handcrafted paper, sewing and screen printing comprising this unique product line.

Smitten and filled with holiday cheer!!

the perfect christmas stockings - Bombas

These socks here, have stolen my heart! Their style, their construction, their fit. Boom...serious socks!

"Game-changing socks that have to be felt to be believed."

Bombas was started when Randy Goldberg and David Heath learned that socks were the number one most requested clothing item in homeless shelters.

They decided that they would rethink the sock - and create an uber sock. One that could outdo the conventional socks we are all used to. Better fit, more comfort...incredible durability. I dig these socks!

So, it is simple: for every pair of socks they sell, they donate a pair to someone in need. The more socks they sell, the more they can donate.

Bombas is derived from the Latin word for bumblebee. Bees work together to make their hive a better place. They're small, but their combined efforts have a big impact on the world.

Smitten with the socks!

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!

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!

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.

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.

tribe and transformation - the bloomerie

This t-shirt says it all - TRIBE.

I couldn't relate more to the genesis of this company...a sweet tale of the birth of true friendship. Makes me think of my friend Shannon - who I could not live without!

Nicole Matthews and Niki Corbin met on a playground, where their girls bonded over a young Justin Bieber. They found it easy to talk to one another and became fast friends. Over time, there were more play dates, tears, chocolate, always coffee...and a deep connection was made. "She believed in me, and I believed in her. And together our dreams became possible." 

Soon they made the bloomerie, their dream together - a reality.

the bloomerie is about collaboration. "It's about women moving beyond their insecurities and knowing that they can." 

Every month the bloomerie releases a new t-shirt design inspired by the stories of female entrepreneurs that are doing good and paying it forward. They give $5 of each sale to that month's company and cause.

Building a business on friendship...I absolutely love it!

Nichole says "Value the friends who love on you and believe in you. They're your tribe." I agree indeed!

I believe in finding one's tribe - I'm Smitten.

husband's birthday, husband's beauteous beard - Herbivore Beard Tonic

For a truly deliciously healthy looking beard, you will want to use Herbivore Botanicals Beard Tonic. Scented with this harmonious combination of Cedar and Bergamot.  

Herbivore has handcrafted their products with a five-star plant based carrier along with essential oils that include moisturizing Jojoba and nourishing Argan oil.

The entire Herbivore Botanicals line is made with 100% natural additives — no parabens, preservatives, artificial colours, artificial scents or animal ingredients.

Handmade in Seattle, these small batch face care products are loved by smokin' bearded dudes the world over!

A little goes a long way: use sparingly but rub vigorously into the beard. You want to get to the skin underneath, as it is an excellent moisturizer.

Yummy...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!