I feel as though it's important to highlight companies who are really making an effort for change. Whether it is environmental sustainability, humanitarian, health, or animal welfare issues - it's game on. Artisan & Fox is an ethical artisan based marketplace where you can find unique pieces made humanely all over the world. By purchasing from artisan-based companies rather than big corporations, you're cutting out the fast fashion crap that's no bueno. Fast fashion has serious impacts on our planet, on the manufacturers (dyers, sewers, cutters, laborers, etc.), and you - the people wearing the clothes! Don't believe it's that bad? Watch the documentaries True Cost or Riverblue or read more about the effects of fast fashion in the Beyond the Label "How to Shop for Shi(f)t" sustainable fashion guidebook my team and I published this fall.

When I received my choker necklace from Artisan & Fox, everything it was packaged in could be considered zero waste and plastic-free. How do they do this you ask? They have foldable cardboard boxes that fit your item and use folds rather than plastic tape to adhere together, the shipping label was paper with a sticky back (no tape!), the inserts were paper/cardstock, and they used a canvas reusable sachet for the necklace. It made me so happy to open the package knowing that it was prepared so consciously with respect to the environment. I was given a card telling me who made my choker. It was made in Kenya by artisan Ojiko - so cool!

The transparency with companies like this amaze me and keeps me wanting more. I want to support and hear the stories of the men and women who craft pieces, who love what they do, and who are treated ethically and fairly. I wish to not hear about the atrocities that fill the lives of fast fashion workers, because I hope there comes a day where consumers will value quality pieces made humanely rather than a $5 tee made my an abused child worker in Asia and there won't be those stories to tell. But until then, all we can do as consumers is to speak with our wallet (and voice if you're like me!!) and educate ourselves on what goes into making a piece of jewelry, a garment, shoes, etc. and how they effect you, the workers, and the planet. Thank you Artisan & Fox for being a true example of an ethical humanitarian company - and for my necklace of course! :)

It is so inspiring to me to work with brands and companies that share my values and passion for a healthier planet and world. Bead & Reel prides itself on an ethical and sustainable approach to fashion. You can shop by your values including fair trade, female founded, artisan made, gender neutral, made in the USA, gives back (percentage of profits go to charity), made to order (combats textile waste!), nonprofit, organic, vegan (anything without animal products), plant-based (slightly different from vegan - products that are plant derived without the use of animal products), recycled (made from recycled fibers), upcycled (made from same fibers, just repurposed), vegan company, and zero waste. Most consumers are unaware of how the products they buy impact the environment, their own health (harsh and sometimes toxic chemicals!), and other people (ever heard of sweatshops?). Both my goal as a sustainable style blogger and the goal of Bead & Reel is to change the way people shop and have them be more thoughtful of their purchases and lifestyle.

I styled three pieces from the boutique to showcase how fashionable and trendy ethical fashion can be! My friend, Autumn aka @grlwithbangs, was my lovely photographer and tour guide of San Juan Capistrano as we sought out some cool photo spots! My first look was the Rujuta Sheth Harem Jumpsuit. The jumpsuit is vegan, artisan made, and is a female founded brand. Rujuta Sheth is a New York based charitable brand that works with independent nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering women and developing artisan businesses in India and supports fair trade. In my second look, I'm wearing the 5-in-1 Long Infinity Dress by Orgotton. Even though this dress says 5-in-1, it can honestly be worn 20-something ways! I styled just a few of these but there is definitely room for creativity with this one! Loved this piece and its' timeless, classic style! The dress is vegan, organic, made to order, made in the USA, and is a female founded company. Orgotton is a Philadelphia based brand focusing on ethical practices, organic materials, and local production. It had been sprinkling just a little bit of rain during my first two looks, so it was fairly wet out and my hair was getting pretty flat by my third (haha), can you tell? Thank goodness this look came with a hat! I styled the Navita Sleeveless Tunic by Sevya. The tunic is vegan, comes from a female founded brand, and supports fair trade. Sevya is an eco-friendly handmade collection that benefits local artisans and funds need-based development programs throughout India.

The journey to a more sustainable lifestyle does not happen overnight, but by being more thoughtful in your purchases (especially clothing!) you'll be on your way! To learn more about the ethical boutique and ethical fashion in general I encourage you to check out Bead & Reel online! That's all for now babes, until next time! XO