Dec 3

Dec 3 10 Products Made By Survivors of Human Trafficking That Support Their New Life

It's Dressember day three, and fittingly, it's also International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.

Slavery is far from abolished. In fact, there are 30 million people worldwide trapped in some kind of slavery. That is more than any other time period in history. 55% of modern day slaves are women and children and 45% are men and boys. 26% of them are children under 18 years old.

These stats seem hopeless, but luckily, there are many organizations working night and day to abolish slavery, both overseas and in your back yard.

It can feel like there's nothing you can do, but supporting the brands who employ survivors and aid in rescuing those still enslaved is a small, but highly effective way to join in the fight. Each one of the products included on this list were made by a survivor of trafficking or someone who is at risk for being trafficked. Each product provides sustainable income, a safe workplace, and care as the men and women transition back into the "real world".

Voting with your dollars is one of the easiest ways to take a stand and shopping with brands like To the Market and the others in this list makes a difference on so many levels.

Nov 30

Nov 30 Why Dressember?

Olivia Youngs

Slow Fashion, Slow Living

Because my voice, my actions, my limitations, have power.

Because I want my daughters to grow up knowing that they can take a stand too, even if they feel powerless.

Because awareness is the most powerful way to create real change.

Because sex trafficking happens in my town.

Nov 28

Nov 28 Introducing Kennebecker || A Bag That Multi-Tasks As Much As You Do

Olivia Youngs

Motherhood, Slow Fashion

Don't worry, this isn't just another "purse review". Sometimes, I feel like blogging is really just promoting one handbag after another. I've reviewed two others in the history of my blog (which, really, isn't that insane), and each one is ingeniously designed by brands that I've researched, interviewed, and ultimately, respect and recommend.

I'm not a "purse person" (say that ten times fast...) by nature, but life with two toddlers and with a job that requires me to be prepared to work from almost anywhere, means that a sturdy, sizeable, versatile tote is a must.

Nov 27

Nov 27 Ethical Holiday Guide || Affordable Gifts For Her

Olivia Youngs

Slow Fashion, lists

She may not be hard to shop for, but she may not speak her needs as quickly as everyone else. She may seem to "have it all". Or, she may carry herself so gracefully with what she has that you have no idea where to start when shopping for her. Whether she is your mom, your girlfriend, your sister, your aunt, or your best friend (or, if you're gathering some great ideas for your own Christmas list), she deserves a gift that is as beautiful as she is, but won't compromise on ethics.

All of these pieces are practical, can fit a wide range of ages/personalities/styles, and of course are made as ethically and sustainably as possible. Each of these brands have been hand selected (by me) for this guide with affordability and practicality in mind, things I've either personally used or think would fit well into a wide variety of lifestyles.

Whoever she is, she is sure to appreciate one of these consciously beautiful gifts.

Nov 15

Nov 15 Tradlands || Made For Her, Made To Last

Olivia Youngs

Slow Fashion

I remember being a little girl, watching my mom put on her makeup, throw on even the most casual of outfits, and thinking "someday, I want to be as beautiful as she is".

Children are blessed with the ability to see raw beauty, unfiltered by bias or expectation, and to strive for what they see. Now, a mother myself, I'm keenly aware of the way my self-image affects my two daughters. Mara, my youngest, loves putting on "pretties", wearing my shoes, and rubbing my blush all over her face. Evie, soon to be four, is more self-aware, individualistic, and tomboy-ish, but she notices (oh, how she notices) every look I give myself in the mirror, and every piece of clothing I decide to wear, often complimenting me with a "mommy, you look BEAUTIFUL today."

As a self-proclaimed non-sentimentalist, I rarely think about the longevity of my closet. Sure, I think about fabric quality, and whether or not my pieces will deteriorate after a few wears (as most fast-fashion pieces do,) but words like "heirloom" and "life-time" don't usually enter my line of thought. As strange as it sounds, until I read that it was part of this brand's mission, I wouldn't have even considered the fact that portions of my closet can (and should) be worn for the rest of my life, and then, maybe, passed down to my daughters one day.

Nov 10

Nov 10 Ethical Holiday || An Affordable Gift Guide For Him

Olivia Youngs

Slow Fashion, Lifestyle, Slow Living, lists

He may be low maintenance, but for some reason, Christmas shopping for my husband is always the hardest part of the holiday. I know him and what he needs, and yet, I find myself stumped each year because guys are just so darn hard to shop for.

Adding ethics to the mix makes things even more difficult. It's one thing to run to Target and pick up a new set of steak knives or a new flannel, but when you're hoping to find conscious gifts for everyone on your list, things can get pricey really quickly. This gift guide focuses solely on items that are both practical and affordable- without sacrificing ethics. Everything is under $100 (except one splurge gift) and each piece is hand picked by me including brands I've personally worked with or researched. There may even be a discount code or two thrown in just for fun ;)

Happy shopping!