Buying Ethically Conscious - A Shopping Guide

Do you use credit card points?  I just recently got the Southwest Airlines card and have made many of my purchases using it just to get points.  It's so great knowing each purchase I make actually goes toward something and makes a difference!  Similarly, as we make purchases and take part in today's marketplace, we have the opportunity to get "points" when we shop ethically...I like to call them "ethically conscious points"...but basically, it's just knowing that you bought from companies who promote fair trade, ethical labor, and environment stewardship...and doing your part to better the world in which we live.  Obtaining these hypothetical points are, in my mind, ways we each can make a difference in another's life.  Who doesn't want more of that?! While there are MANY ethically conscious companies out there, I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorites.  (Several of these can be found locally at Tiaras here in town...next time you're in the boutique, make sure to tell the shop girls I sent you!)
1.  Sseko Designs:

I got my first pair of Sseko sandals from Tiaras Boutique and absolutely LOVE them.  The cherry on top is how wonderful their mission is...giving employment opportunities and scholarships to women pursuing their dreams in Uganda.  Sseko strives to empower these women and gives consumers (us) a hand in their admirable mission, as well!  Check out their lines of sandals, booties, flats, etc!

2.  The Giving Keys:

The Giving Keys (also can be found at Tiaras), is a company founded upon employing those transitioning out of homelessness.  The idea is to give your key (with whatever message that key embraces...examples are believe, faith, family, courage, hope, love, truth, etc.) onto someone who needs it more than you.  What a beautiful cycle of paying it forward! 

3.  Purse & Clutch:

Purse & Clutch is an Ethical Handbag boutique that partners with artisans around the world.  These artisans are treated with respect and are paid a fair and living wage for their region.  I personally know the owner, Jen, and she whole-heartedly believes in her company and the quality behind each piece.  I just love that each handbag has a story behind it...and one you get to find out about with each purchase!

4.  Noonday Collection:

Noonday Collection empowers artisans in developing countries to grow sustainable businesses and earn a reliable income for themselves.  You may have heard of Noonday trunk shows or maybe have been to one...their jewelry is so uniquely on-trend...I'm obsessed.  Check out their Fall 2015 collection here.

5.  Sevenly:

A while back, one of my friends turned me on to Sevenly.  They specialize in tees, tanks, sweatshirts, etc. which not only depict a meaningful message, but support various charities.  The causes are varied and plentiful...you'll be sure to find one you can get behind!


6.  The Root Collective:

The Root Collective is a shoe boutique that fights poverty and gang violence through partnering with artisans for a fair wage, as well as giving back a portion of each sale to programs that support these causes.  Their shoes are not only unique, but stylish as well.  How about this striped flat...so cute!!!

7.  Bridgewater Candles:

Can I just tell you how heavenly these candles smell???  I have a car freshener of Bridgewater's and it makes me happy each and every time I get in and turn on the car!  Bridgewater Candles donate to rice bowls for orphans to eat overseas.  I don't know about you, but helping children not go hungry is one of the best causes there is!  (Locally, these can also be picked up at Tiaras.)  


8.  Toms:  

Of course most of us have been familiar with Toms for a while...but I only recently discovered just how far-reaching their efforts can be.  Not only do they actively uphold the "one-for-one" shoe program, but they also give aid with medical eye treatment and prescription glasses (via Toms Eyewear), support water systems in seven countries (via Toms Roasting Company), provide training for skilled birth attendants along with materials needed for a safe birth (via Toms bags), and help prevent bullying here in the U.S. (via Toms backpacks).  I love my Toms wedges!


Which ethically conscious brands are YOUR favorite???

Summer Style For Moms On-The-Go // Palazzo Pants

Hello!!!!  Happy hump-day friends!   I've got for you the second look in our summer style series for moms on-the-go today and it's none other than palazzo pants!  We've seen these wide leg pants around now for a while, but if you haven't yet tried them out, be sure to do so!  Not only are they flowy and so very comfortable, but are easy to pull off for anyone and everyone...I promise you that!

Here I'm wearing some REALLY wide palazzos from Tiaras (aren't they fab?), but if these feel a little too much for you, there are plenty of other options to try with variations in width, pattern, and fabric.  See below for ways to wear this versatile summer style...

Style Tips:

>>> Dress palazzos up or down...either way, they'll carry you through a busy day!

>>> Palazzos are kind of funky by nature, so don't be afraid to mix all sorts of patterns, graphic tees, and accessories like these oversized leather earrings from Lavish Leathers!

>>> When buying a pair of palazzos, choose a pattern/color that you can wear with at least 3 different tops.  That'll guarantee you'll get good use of them!

>>> If the flowyness of the pants feels too casual for the office, pair with a denim jacket or vest for a more structured look.

How to Wear:

>>> Proportionally balance the wide-leg with a fitted top to give shape...then you can always add on another light layer, such as a kimono (as shown).

>>> Wear palazzos with either a thick wedge (not pumps) to dress up and add height, or flats for a more casual look.

>>> Depending on the style of the palazzos (preferably light and airy ones), try them out as a chic cover-up at the pool!

>>> A solid white or black tee is always a go-to look with palazzos...add a statement necklace and outfit complete!

>>> Throw on a belt!  Every body type needs some shape when styling...add a belt over a flowy top with palazzos OR belt the pants themselves (as shown).

Outfit Details:
Palazzos // c/o Tiaras // jumpsuit option Striped Top // H&M (similar HERE) Leopard Kimono // Target (similar HERE) Wedges // Kork-ease via Nordstrom Tote // Madewell via Nordstrom belt // c/o Francesca's Panama hat // Urban Outfitters (similar HERE) Earrings // c/o Lavish Leathers Necklace // Stella & Dot





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Summer Style For Moms On-The-Go // Kimonos

As we head into warmer months and are getting in that summer state of mind, I've teamed up with Tiaras Boutique to bring you a series of Summer Style Staples for mommas on-the-go featuring five summer looks to add to your wardrobe!  I'll show you how to style each must-have piece, along with providing other styling inspiration and options.  Make sure to stop in Tiaras (or visit their website), where you can shop the same exact pieces for yourself...and boom, your style will be ready to go for summer!!!!

Our first Summer Style Staple is none other than the popular kimono!  I've blogged about my love for this fashionable addition to any wardrobe several times...and do you know what???  They have major staying power, which means you'll get tons of wear from one...or two or three.  A kimono not only gives a chic vibe to an ordinary look (without it, my outfit above would have been a boring tee and jeans), but also is the perfect light summer layer!  I can't stress enough to PLEASE add a kimono to your closet today!  You'll find yourself wearing it more than you ever thought you would...I promise!

How to Wear:

>>> Pair with a graphic tee and jeans/shorts (as shown) for a simple, yet put-together look.

>>> Wear as a swim coverup.

>>> Wear with skirt or dress (as worn here)...easy yet adds a dimension of style.  (Bonus: this look is super comfy and chic for expecting mommas!)

>>> Wear with leggings, a loose fitting shirt, and wedges for a laid-back vibe.

>>> Pair with a jumpsuit or romper for added coverage.

Style Tips:

>>> Because kimonos are usually long, pair it with a long pendant necklace to streamline and elongate the look.  Also, bring out your big earrings and chunky bracelets to complete the outfit.

>>> Don't be afraid to mix patterns.  Most kimonos are patterned, allowing endless possibilities for other patterns to mix, such as stripes, polka-dots, etc.

>>> For a sleek, dressier look, go monochromatic (try out all white or black) with your top and bottom underneath...letting the kimono be the star of the show.

Outfit details:
Kimono // c/o Tiaras (exact) Graphic Tee // Junk Gypsy Jeans // Level 99  Sandals // Target (exact) Tote // Madewell Transport Tote via Nordstrom Earrings // c/o Lavish Leathers Aqua Leather Necklace // ModCloth



*** Stay posted for what's next up in the Summer Style Series...here's a hint:  easy, breezy, comfortable bottoms!



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