My Christmas Wish List
Gift guide goals
So the new blogger in me (the one that follows all of these experienced bloggers that have their crap together) wanted so badly to put together this awesome ethically produced gift guide for the holiday season! And then guess what… my day job calls - I am currently building a 1 Billion (yes, with a B) dollar sales budget for the first time that has to be well vetted for our board to review next week and my fiance and I are heading to my parents house early next Sunday morning after our friends’ Christmas party on Saturday night so we can make my extended family party for the first time in years. Meaning all of my christmas shopping needs to be completed by this friday. So, yeah life happens and not everything we want to accomplish gets done in the way that we want it to. And sometimes that is okay, becomes sometimes what we really need is a lazy snow day on the couch to relax, enjoy the company of loved ones and adorable puppers napping by the fire!
But it is still the holiday season so naturally many of us are doing more shopping than we would do any other time of year and there are so many companies out there doing really cool things and supporting awesome causes that I want to share with you guys! And while this may not be the gift guide I originally had in mind, it still highlights many of the companies that I would have focused on in a gift guide.
So here is my christmas wish list!
Yes, I am 29 years old and I still make a christmas list… but hear me out, I don’t want my friends and family that will buy me gifts whether I ask them to or not to purchase things for me that support things I don’t agree with. So I would rather feel like an 8 year old for an hour or so and compile a list of items that I really want and that supports the values and companies I want to support. So here is my list and maybe it will help you come up with some last minute ideas for family or friends or even an idea for yourself to forward on to someone you know is already shopping for you!
Amour vert
If you have read much at all on my blog so far you know that Amour Vert is one of my favorite ethically produced apparel companies. They focus on ethical working conditions for workers, sustainable fabrics and minimal impact to the environment.
I have been eyeing the Sahar Sweatshirt since I first saw it over a month ago. It just looks so cozy and was one of the very first items to make my wish list this year.
The Perryn Sweater has super cute pom pom detail and is made from Italian spun wool ethically sourced from New Zealand and Australia.
I have also been eyeing a pair of Veja Sneakers for awhile now, VEJA means “look” in Portuguese. These sneakers are made in brazil using organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber, and up-cycled materials in an innovative process and provides vulnerable individuals a second chance by working in their Paris distribution center.
Prana
Prana is a company that I think often times is thought of as strictly a yoga apparel company and while I do love their yoga clothes, they also offer a wide variety of everyday apparel that is versatile, stylish, and sustainable.
The Frosene Top is made from organic cotton and tencel and can easily paired with jeans and booties for a put together weekend or work look throughout the cold months!
And who doesn’t love a good pair of cozy PJ’s this time of year? Ever since seeing the Foundation Tank & Langley Jogger in a prana catalog a few weeks ago I can’t stop thinking about just how comfy they look! And how badly my poor Train t-shirt from a concert about 6 years ago and Aerie jogger pants with holes in the bottom could use an upgrade soon :)
More Clothes
Loyale Studio is a North Carolina based company started by Jenny Hwa who is the perfect example of the entrepreneur that I hope to support through this blog. In addition to loving their focus on quality workmanship and superior fabrics, I think their Style No. 01 is super classic and feminine and the perfect addition to every wardrobe!
Thom Kelly is actually a Charlotte, NC based company and I have been wanting their Sawyer plaid button down for months. Their button downs are made in North Carolina from organic cotton, tencel, biodegradable buttons, and recycled materials. They also partner with Rainforest Trust to help protect threatened habitats around the world and the endangered species that inhabit them. Oh and they are super cute - these classic button downs are perfect year around either layered in colder weather or worn alone in the warmer months.
Sezane is a Paris based brand that is known for their offering of timeless, feminine and stylish looks without compromising on production standards or sustainability efforts. The Tavia blouse is gorgeous with feminine details on the helm, sleeves and down the back. This top is something I know I will wear for work and play for years to come!
Other Fun Things:
Alice & Whittles is known for their use of natural fair trade rubber and ethical manufacturing practices resulting in boots that are the definition of functional simplicity. Their classic black ankle boot is super practical yet also timeless and stylish.
Able is a Nashville, TN based company that is passionate about ending generational poverty through providing economic opportunity for women. They are one of the very first companies to actually publish their wages! Their Iris hoop earrings are neutral and perfect for everyday wear and will feel even better wearing them knowing you are providing opportunities for women in Nashville with fair wages and economic empowerment.
And lastly because I am kind of obsessed with companies like the ones I am sharing here and curating a primarily ethically produced closet, I am also asking for Anuschka Rees’ book The Curated Closet that is full of tips and techniques for refining your personal style and shopping in a more thoughtful and intentional way
