Why to Shop Brands That Make a Difference
Why I'm Only Shopping Brands That Are Making a Difference
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With everything that's happened over the past few months months I have become increasingly aware of the power of spending. It began with small businesses during Covid-19, knowing that my purchase could directly help out a struggling business owner. It then evolved during the recent Black Lives Matter movement to supporting Black-owned businesses, and in turn, helping to uplift Black communities. It's trained me to have an emotional response to my spending and actively consider the people on the receiving end.
Before this pandemic I had been vaguely conscious of this notion of "voting with your dollar" and how micro spending can have a macro impact socially. I made certain purchases based on the values of the company, focusing mostly on sustainability, but many of my purchases still felt impulsive. They were a reaction to a trend, social post, or even flash sale. Now the act of conscious consumption feels like less of a drop in the bucket, choosing a socially mindful brand has more meaning, because the stakes are so high. Here are some of my favourite items to shop now from brands making a difference.
Christy Dawn The Dawn Dress
Why we love this brand: Christy Dawn is made using upcycled materials helping to keep unnecessary waste out of our landfills.
Shop: The Dawn Dress Petites In White and Blue Floral (£174)
This lightweight dress is is the perfect wear with anything dress.
Brother Vellies Tyla Sandal
Why we love this brand: Brother Vellies uses traditional African design practices, and techniques while creating and sustaining artisanal jobs.
Shop: Brother Vellies Tyla Sandal (£307)
Good things come to those who wait. These beauties are made to order and will ship within four to six weeks.
St. Roche Chanterelle Dress
Why we love this brand: St. Roche focuses on using compostable, natural materials which are biodegradable whenever possible. This dress is made from 100 percent GOTS certified organically grown cotton voile.
Shop: Chanterelle Dress — Jaipur Pink (£211)
Nothing says summer quite like the perfect cotton dress.
Westward Leaning Voyager 29 Polished Blonde Tortoise
Why we love this brand: 10 percent of net proceeds from this pair of sunglasses will be donated to WildAid, a non-profit dedicated to wildlife conservation.
Shop: Westward Leaning Voyager 29 Polished Blonde Tortoise (£147)
This round frame will add texture and style to the simplest summer look.
Ansea The Reversible High Waist Bikini
Why We Love This Brand: Ansea is a female lead sustainable surf collection that uses a plant based rubber for all of their wetsuits and regenerated nylon for all swimwear. Unlike traditional neoprene this surf brands materials are biodegradable, and do not produce any waste.
Shop: Ansea The Reversible High Waist Bikini (£99 top , £115 bottom)
Every suit is reversible so you get four bikini options out of one suit!
The Little Market Beach Tote
Why We Love This Brand: The Little Market is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to the economic self-sufficiency of women worldwide. Each piece is made following fair trade principles, providing sustainable income to artisans in underserved communities.
Shop: The Little Market Beach Tote (£102)
Hand-woven with raffia, this hold-all tote is perfect for the beach or the market.
Thea Valentina
Why We Love This Brand: Each embellishment is handmade in Morocco by a collective of female artisans and then constructed in New York in small batches. 10 percent of all proceeds are donated to Women1One which helps fund education for girls globally.
Thea Valentina Norah Top in Floral (£220)
This beautiful top can we worn back to a matching skirt or with you favourite high waisted trouser.
Shekudo Tinubu 3 Tie Slipper
Why We Love This Brand: Hand-made by a small group artisans in Lagos, Nigeria. They use all locally sourced materials as well as recycled insoles. The company focuses on social responsibility and supporting local craftsmanship.
Shop: Shekudo Tinubu 3 Tie Slipper (£148)
This eye catching hand-made shoe brand is filled with colourful combos that make it hard to pick just one.
Girlfriend Lemon Compressive High-Rise Legging and Ivory Topanga Bra
Why We Love This Brand: All inclusively sized products are made from recycled water bottles and fishing nets.
Shop: Lemon Compressive High-Rise Legging and Ivory Topanga Bra (Top £30, Bottom £54). Let's be honest, working our is better in a cute outfit.
Etica Devon Crop
Why We Love This Brand: In addition to being an ethically produced brand. They also participate in "One Tree Planted" planting one tree for every pair of denim sold.
Shop: Devon Crop (£124)
Look no further for the perfect weekend denim.
Sequence Collection Te Amo bracelet
Why We Love this Brand: Hand crafted in El Salvador these bracelets help to create more opportunities for employment, training programs and social impact in at risk communities.
Shop: Sequence Collection Te Amo bracelet ($28)
Add one of these beautiful hand woven bracelets to your summer wrist assortment.
Ansea Reversible High Waist Bikini
Why We Love This Brand: This women-led sustainable surf collection uses a plant-based rubber for all wetsuits and Econyl, a regenerated nylon for all swimwear which helps to protect harmful waste from getting into our oceans.
Shop: The Reversible High Waist Bikini (£100 for the top, £116 for the bottom)
This swimsuit is reversible so you can mix and match for four different combos.
Lemlem Lola High-Waist Bikini
Why We Love This Brand: .Each Lemlem piece begins in the hands of their amazing African artisans. This brand helps to create and secure jobs for women across Africa.
Shop: Lola High-Waist Bikini (£100 for the top, £100 for the bottom)
This ultraflattering cut looks great with a natural accessories like raffia sandals and a shell anklet.
