a perfect carry-all - Apolis Los Angeles Tote

The Los Angeles Bag from Apolis is the perfect accessory to a Sunday farmer’s market adventure in Los Angeles.  This stylish, causal, reusable tote is a true tribute to Apolis’ lifestyle brand, as well as a nod to their LA Arts District studio location. 

When brother duo Raan and Shea Parton named their company Apolis, meaning “global citizen”, they sent a clear message about their commitment to global advocacy.  Founded in 2004 with the idea that business can create social change, they now have grown into a group of entrepreneurs with the same vision.  Their “Advocacy through Industry” business model ensures that they source and manufacture locally, while still keeping a global perspective on impact and change.  Apolis is also proud to be certified as a B Corporation, which is awarded to organizations that hold high standards of social and economic performance, transparency, and accountability. 

Smitten on a global scale!

recycled rubber bangles - Made With Love Project

These vivid, recycled, wrapped, rubber bangles are so well constructed and hip, they make me happy!

Made With Love bracelets are made by a Women's Cooperative in Djenne', Mali, West Africa.

In 2007 designer Mary Jane Marcasiano formed MADE WITH LOVE. MWL is a global call to action, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for NGOs aiding women and children. Through the production and sale of products that provide a fair income for women in Brazil and Africa, Made With Love is addressing the need for aid.

Made With Love works in tandem with the Cygnet Foundation, which through the proceeds realized from art-related programs, seeks to help those in need: women and children, the homeless, the hungry as well as abandoned and endangered animals. 

The women are paid a fair price for their work, so the money the bracelets provide create a means of support, and are sold to raise funds for L'Empire des Enfants.

L'Empire des Enfants is a center for homeless children from the streets of Dakar, Senegal. L'Empire grants shelter, meals, education and training programs. They also work with local organizations to return homeless children to their families.

Smitten.

a new year, a prescient gift - fashionABLE stackable ring

What a choice way to start the New Year...this delectABLE, stackABLE ring from fashionABLE...talk about starting the new year with intention!

Delicate, feminine, dazzling, delightful.

These stamp rings can be custom made. All rings are 14K Gold Fill, Sterling Silver or 14K Rose Gold Fill. And you can choose up to 5 characters per ring.

That being stated, I like the idea of wearing the ABLE ring to start the year. It's prescient...and sets the tone!

I adore fashionABLE and have written about them several times before here...and here.

Smitten one more time.

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!

100% vegan weekender bag for the boys - Matt & Nat

My husband travels A LOT!! He's in the film industry and finds traveling with a backpack (as carry-on,) works best for him. Well, this is going to be under the tree this year, and I'm confident he'll be rockin' this re-cycled, polished, super hip Artigan bag from Matt & Nat in 2016.

100% vegan, up-cycled materials, superior craftsmanship, ideally designed...for both men and women.

notablySmitten first introduced Matt & Nat in May of this year, and we are still crazy about them.

Utterly Smitten.

grateful - The Giving Keys

I love the new oxidized finish on The Giving Keys classic necklaces. I wrote my first article about The Giving Keys when I was looking for an anniversary gift for my husband...something significant and loving.

I am grateful and thrilled that this organization exists. Go The Giving Keys!

My being Smitten continues...

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!

exquisite lighting - Prosperity Candles

What an exquisite, perfect way to add light and texture to a space, party, table...these are beautiful. Unique, mysterious, impressive gifts...perfect for the holidays! These gems come from the markets or souks in Morocco. Souk Brass Box Candles, each a little different in size, color and design.

Prosperity Candles are created by women who have recently resettled from refugee camps and are working to make a living wage and create healthy, happy lives for themselves and their families here in the United States.

Limited quantities available for Fall 2015, all candles are made to order...and made with essential oils.

No two are exactly alike and come in 3 sizes:

Small - 4 oz. burns 15-20 hours

Medium - 5 oz. burns 20-25 hours

Large - 6 oz. burns 25-30 hours

Each comes gift boxed, including a portrait, the signature and story of the woman who made your candle.

Continue to love this company...Smitten.

upcycled neckwear - Article 22

This Talisman necklace is a magnificent, elegant piece of jewelry...with an extraordinary story.

I introduced Article 22 to notablySmitten last year...and I am thrilled to continue to write about this unprecedented company.

Made by artisans in Laos. These jewelry pieces are made from a combination of Vietnam War era bombs, plane parts, and other aluminum scrap. Each Peacebomb is hand poured and cast in wood and ash molds.

This gorgeous neckpiece comes complete with story card and hand-woven cotton pouch.

Your choice of chain: rose gold, yellow gold or sterling silver.

Forever 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.

peace, love, forgiveness - Yoko Ono for Illy

I have loved Yoko Ono from the moment I understood who she was. Her unabashed willingness to be vulnerable and share her personal journey through her art and design is praiseworthy. I admire her transparency and ability to champion on behalf of her own spirit and its evolution.

The process of healing is a daunting one. I cannot imagine what she endured the days, months and years following John Lennon's death. But through her inspirational work, she shows us the possibility of celebrating the process of healing and starting over.

These espresso cups designed by Yoko Ono for Illy, were inspired by the Japanese Kintsugi method of repairing broken pottery using powdered metals mixed with water and lacquer. The fine gold lines mimic a cracked effect on the cup, and each saucer features a sentence marking a shattering event in modern history. Thus, interrelating broken objects to physical wounds and emotional loss.

The set of seven ($250) are available at the MoMA design shop. They include the My Lai Massacre (March 16, 1968), the bombing of Dresden during World War II (Feb. 13, 1945) and John Lennon’s death in New York (Dec. 8, 1980).

The set includes one plain white cup, with a saucer bearing the words “This cup will never be broken as it will be under your protection"...beautiful.

This collection is timed to debut with the occasion of the artist's exhibit Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960–1971 at MoMA that began on May 17th and continues through September 7th.

*Though I do not see any indication that any of the proceeds of these cups are going to any specific organization, I know fully that Ms. Ono's continued dedication to World Peace is inspiration enough for her artwork to be included in this catalogue.

Yes, Smitten.

right-sized, go-to make-up bag - All Across Africa

This is just a simply perfect gift for any pal in your life that deserves a little pick-me-up. It's bright, colorful, chic, and functional. Would make a divine gift for bridesmaids as well...filled with all their favorite beauty effects!

 ·      Approximately 5” X 4”

·      African cotton print fabric with plastic liner

·      Made in Burundi

These right-sized, go-to bags are made with pride by youth from the north of Burundi, trained to create income for their families and future. 

All Across Africa is a Benefit Corporation. A new, revolutionary class of corporation, working to create a positive impact on society and the environment without losing sight of their bottom line.

It's a healthy, sustainable business model, which does not rely solely on fundraising and donations.

Their work reaches deep into rural villages in the under-served areas of rural Africa, providing artisans with a "market bundle" that includes education, finance, materials, training and market access.

While financial aid has many benefits, All Across Africa believes providing jobs and promoting self-sufficiency, creates a true partnership between the artisans and the market.

"It allows us to offer training to create the highest quality product so that each season there is a market for their outstanding workmanship."

Smitten again!!

bead and leather wrap bangle - Global Good Partners

Pretty. Elegant. Shimmery. Dress your well-worn jean shorts and unblemished white t-shirt with this gorgeous triple wrap bangle. These brilliant beads stand brilliantly on their own, no need for stacking here.

Your purchase supports and empowers deaf artisans in Kenya.

~ Czech glass beads, locally sourced leather, brass (stamped charm)

~ 1/4" W, adjustable length 20", 21", 32"

~ Wraps 3 times

Both professionals in International Development, it was part of Catherine Lieber Shimony and Joan Shifrin's job to travel to impoverished areas around the world to see what could be improved. What they began to witness over and over again, were creative, energized women producing magnifient handmade goods...yet, they lacked any access to sustainable markets in which to sell their products.

Catherine and Joan had witnessed women in marginalized communities throughout Asia, Africa, and the US being able to advance the wellness of their families when their income was stabilized. In 2005, the friends founded Global Goods Partners to create a practical pathway for women to generate income opportunities and gain access into the consumer marketplace for handmade, fair trade merchandise.

Global Goods Partners (GGP) is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting social justice and empowers women to create sustainable change.

Yes...Smitten!

304 pages of goodness - Global Girlfriends

In 2003 Stacey Edgar didn't have a business plan. . .or a passport. That didn't stop her from creating a socially conscious business that has helped poor women in five continents feed their families and send their children to school.

Stacey Edgar refused to be paralyzed by the size of world poverty. With a $2,000 tax return and a profound desire to help provide economic security for women in need, Global Girlfriends was created. GG is a passionate testament to Stacey following her convictions, a template for us all to follow. Take simple actions to eliminate extreme poverty.

Global Girlfriends has grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise that specializes in handmade, fairly traded, eco-conscious apparel and accessories made by women from all over the world. 

An excellent read, a dream...and a guide.

Smitten.

endless love. . .18k gold signet ring - Saught

I think these stunning, geometric rings are an exactly perfect gift for a truly dear friend. Crafted gracefully from brass, then plated and sealed with an 18k gold finish. I love the precious, yet bold quality these rings exude. They kick ass, if you will.

Designed by award winning artisans, the Saught collection is inspired by the signet rings worn by ancient kings to seal documents and enter into covenants. The word Peace stems from the word Saught, which means covenant for peace and reconciliation.

The collection is about the promises we keep, and what we want to remember. . . a name, a word, a prayer.

Saught, at the heart, creates employment opportunities in developing countries like Cambodia. The company works to break poverty, and to make sure the artisans live full, happy lives.

This includes worry-free work environments, insurance, housing allowances, fair pay, and skill training opportunities. One day they hope to support more budding artisans by offering scholarships to attend silversmith school.

By supporting income generation opportunities, Saught is working to break the cycle of poverty.

Choose from one of five available engraving fonts: cursive, classic, italic, capitals or block. And choose from one of our favorite words, or choose a custom option of your own. No more than ten characters.

Each piece of jewelry contains redeemed artillery shells recovered in Cambodia by our NGO partners. 

Endlessly Smitten!

jewels brimming with good will - Fortuned Cuture

I am so incredibly grateful for the inspiration and energy that the companies and organizations I write about enkindle in me.

Fortuned Culture, founded by Eritrean American entrepreneur, Azie Tesfai, is a recent revelation. An incomparable jewelry line with good will intentions of hope and change for the world. 

Each of her collections reflects the culture of its collaborating charity, while symbolizing what the charity hopes to achieve. Fortuned Culture is currently working with the Fregenet Foundation in Ethiopia, that provide early childhood education to children from lower income families. They also work with Corazon de Vida in Mexico, whose work supports orphanages in Baja.

This article features her Health Bracelet, priced at $30. This splendid, delicate adornment will feed a child in an Ethiopian school, 65 meals! She wants to remind consumers that they can make a difference with every dollar they spend, "Why not buy something beautiful and help feed a group of children."

Through the farsightedness of Fortuned Culture, the consumer has an observable way of connecting to a charity and the goals it seeks.

The team at FC, tell each culture’s story beautifully, giving the consumer an insight into the impact that their contribution will have.

I am Smitten with this collaboration of charity and art!

[All of Azie Tesfai's hard work caught the attention of TOMS, and Fortuned Culture is now a part of TOMS Marketplace - ever working to change the consumer’s perspective on spending.]

paper triangle drop earrings - Global Goods Partners

These entirely chic, lightweight, geometric lovelies are made from stacked, glued, cut and sanded recycled magazine pages! Totally modern, totally original, swank, sustainable, everyday accessories.

These beautiful earrings are:

~ Made from 100% recycled magazines

~ 3/4"W x 3/4"L, hangs 3"

~ Choose from Aqua, Black, Pink, Orange and Green

Both professionals in International Development, it was part of Catherine Lieber Shimony and Joan Shifrin's job to travel to impoverished areas around the world to see what could be improved. What they began to witness over and over again, were creative, energized women producing magnifient handmade goods...yet, they lacked any access to sustainable markets in which to sell their products.

Catherine and Joan had witnessed women in marginalized communities throughout Asia, Africa, and the US being able to advance the wellness of their families when their income was stabilized. In 2005, the friends founded Global Goods Partners to create a practical pathway for women to generate income opportunities and gain access into the consumer marketplace for handmade, fair trade merchandise.

Global Goods Partners (GGP) is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting social justice and empowers women to create sustainable change.

Once again, Smitten!

infinity hoops - Same Sky

These Silver Infinity Hoops are deeee-lish. A perfect gift.

Handcrafted in Rwanda.  Each pair is finely crocheted with metallic plated seed beads on 24-karat hoops. Hoops measure 1.5” in diameter.

Same Sky is working as a trade initiative to create employment opportunities for women in Rwanda struggling to lift their lives out of poverty.

In 1994, nearly one million people were murdered in just 100 days during the genocide in Rwanda. A quarter of a million women were raped, and 70% contracted HIV/AIDS. These women were used as weapons of war, left as widows, single mothers and orphaned girls. Same Sky was born with a mission to help them. 

Transformation happens with the dignity of work and the freedom of being self-sufficient. Same Sky employs the artisans of Rwanda, giving them fair wages and further training and education necessary for them to live empowered lives.

“Talent is everywhere, opportunity isn’t”— Same Sky aims to change that.

A purchase of Infinity Hoop Earrings bonds you eternally with a woman a world away.

Infinity Hoops come in Silver and Gold.

Same Sky Smitten!

in philly?...Rosa's Fresh Pizza!

A simple, friendly, loving gesture = how we might save ourselves, and the planet.

Mason Wartman, spent three years on Wall Street...then he left to open Rosa's Fresh Pizza in Philadelphia.

Rosa's serves hot, cheesy, yummy slices of pie to their regulars...those with homes, and those without.

Not like any other pizza shop, colorful Post-its cover the walls and each note represents a free slice of pizza, paid for by other customers.

Homeless can come into Rosa's and exchange one of the Post-its for a free slice.

So far, Rosa’s has given away 9,000 slices.

Wartman says he didn’t come up with helping the homeless, rather he just wanted to provide a place to grab a $1 slice, like you could in New York. It was his customers who came up with paying it forward...one dollar and slice at a time.

Rosa’s serves about 40 homeless customers every day and each patron is recognized like any other paying customer.

Wartman says he named his restaurant after his mother, Rose..."I think she's proud.”

Daily, directly, openly, gently helping one another...this is the world in which we all want to live in.

This business model truly knocks my socks off! Well, well done Mason!

Absolutely Smitten.

home spun fair trade - Oimei

This is a truly gorgeous pillow! Made of homespun cloth, decorated with traditional Akha embroidery, created by hill tribe artisans in the North of Thailand...which would be a lovely gift for friend, or self!

After traveling to Bangkok in 2010 to study, Aimi Duong found her trip growing from four months to sixteen. She traveled through Thailand, and most of Southeast Asia, where she witnessed poverty firsthand. She met some amazing, hardworking, tenacious women...struggling to live dignified lives. Deeply inspired, Aimi decided to start her own social enterprise.

Oimei was founded in 2012 with the mission to sell fair trade pillows and home decor. Supporting rural artisans by providing them access to new markets gives them the opportunity to be self-sustainable and empowers these women to rise above poverty.

Oi Mei is Aimi's name in Chinese and means “love beauty.” The name was given to Aimi by her eldest sister who passed away in 2009.

Oi Mei was created as a lasting celebration of my sister’s life and serves as a constant reminder to embrace all the beauty around us.

Smitten with Aimi and Oimei.