After recently attending quite a number of parties, (with more in the upcoming week), I've really come to appreciate how the right accessories can change the same outfit. It's incredible how a tangerine belt and matching bangle looks so different than a simple stack of gold bangles, when paired with a printed cocktail dress. All of this thinking about accessories inspired me to write a post for all of you bling-loving ladies out there. As I've mentioned before, it's important to always consider the true cost of an item before purchasing it. Many cheap chain store and mall items are from factories that use child labor, encourage physical and sexual abuse as well as force workers to work in dangerous conditions. I admit, I have fallen under the spell of such cheap finds from time to time. I think it's fair to say we've all had our weak moments, but that doesn't mean we can't change! I'd like to share a few of my favorite companies and the reasons why I feel it's important to support them (at the same time , you're getting amazing accessories!) You can have your cake and eat it too.... or in this case, you can have your fabulous accessories and a clear conscience!
The first option I'll share is
31 Bits. They offer stunning collections handmade by women in Uganda. Here is a paragraph from their site explaining what they are all about:
We are currently working with 63 women in Gulu, Uganda. We purchase jewelry from each woman on a monthly basis, providing them with an immediate, consistent, and fair income. Each piece of jewelry is handmade using 100% recycled paper and other local materials. By selling these products in the international market, we are able to generate a profit that is used to continue purchasing jewelry for our beneficiaries, as well provide them with numerous development programs, equipping them to develop a career and attain social equity on a local level. We are committed to working with each woman until she has graduated from our program and attained a sustainable means of income within her own community. Click
HERE to read more about all of the programs 31 Bits has established in Uganda... They are really quite remarkable, and their jewelry is stunning!
The next site is the
Starfish Project. This company is more inspiring and amazing than I can possibly describe. They start from the ground up by building relationships and offering basic necessities and support to women trapped in sexual exploitation. They provide assistance and shelter to the women, and since 2007 has been providing them with a way to make an alternate income; jewelry making. Here is a brief description from their website, and please visit
HERE to read more of this incredible story!
Starfish Project staff and volunteers regularly go out to the streets to find and develop relationships with women still trapped in exploitation. Nearly all of the women have histories of degradation and abuse before they became trapped in exploitation, so the Starfish Project seeks to affirm each woman as worthwhile and being of value. In 2007 the project opened a jewelry business to provide an alternate source of income for the women in the shelter. By participating in various aspects of jewelry making and distribution, each woman earns a salary that keeps them off the street and in a healthy and life-giving working environment. The profits from the sales of jewelry support the women of Starfish Project and help create for the women a stable environment and financial independence.
And lastly I'm including NightLight. A similar company to Starfish Project, NightLight assists in the rescuing and rehabilitation of women and young children trapped in sexual slavery. The jewelry is gorgeousm and when you wear it and you ask yourself "at what cost?", the answer is something like this... "(By purchasing this necklace, I helped to) build relationships and provide hope, intervention, rescue and assistance to women and children exploited in the sex industry by offering alternative employment, vocational opportunities, life-skills training and physical, emotional and spiritual development to women seeking freedom. NightLight builds support networks internationally to intervene and assist women, men and children whose lives are negatively impacted by the sex industry." Makes you feel good, right?! Read more about NightLight HERE.
