Liz Alig: The Fashion Forward, Fair Trade Brand

A few years ago, a surprise care package arrived at my front door that would not only introduce me to a knew ethically made fashion brand, but would change the way I looked at repurposed materials. My mom had thoughtfully curated a clothing item that she knew I would love and that matched my newfound journey of changing my purchasing habits. Excitedly ripping through the tissue paper around the garments, I found a pale blue, 1950's inspired dress with pleats and a the loveliest strappy back and button waist. The hour-glass silhouette was balanced by the lightest, softest material -- and to my sweet surprise was handmade by women entrepreneurs in Ghana, Africa using fabric from recycled flour sacks. It's truly my most loved, most worn and likely most complimented dress.

The Root Collective: Who made your shoes?

If you've been following our blog journey over the last year, then you've likely heard me mention The Root Collective on many occasions. When people ask me about why I'm passionate about Ethical Fashion, TRC brand plays such a large role in shaping my heart and decision making about purchases.

A few years ago, I had stumbled across a boutique in one of our neighboring towns that sold apparel, shoes and jewelry that were from companies committed to making a positive impact in our world. I loved the concept and the fact that every piece had a story. Fast-forward several months and I heard about a "sip and shop" at the storefront with TRC Founder and CEO, Bethany Tran. I heard about this company only briefly, but I knew they were making adorable shoes that were changing lives, and I had to learn more.

Trove: A Brand that Delights in Dignity

I was recently introduced to the beautiful brand Trove, and have fallen in love with their business model and the variety they offer their customers. Founder and CEO, Jaclyn Dowdle, started Trove with the mission to provide sustainable clothing that was also stylish and affordable. The unique aspect of Trove is that they have a pre-order model that helps to cutdown on costs and make the price-point for customers more affordable! In other words, the customer chooses the style and fabric from Trove's website, and once purchased THEN the piece is produced and shipped! I love how that concept alone helps to cutdown on product waste as well!

Redeeming Stories with Pennies

Worthless. Invaluable. Overlooked. Sadly, the same characteristics associated with this copper coin are the labels that many women today put on themselves. One organization, though, is on a mission to restore the dignity and worth of women, and their impact starts with a penny.

The Soteria Initiative was founded by Khue Paige as a jewelry company that give pennies a new purpose (on necklaces) and provides employment to women in Phoenix. Their goal? To empower women to break the cycle of abuse and exploitation -- because in their words "freedom is worth every penny". We couldn't agree more!

Moesel Clothing: Sustainable Threads

There is something to be said about ideas that are created around kitchen tables. Perhaps it's the inviting and communal qualities of a kitchen that sparks the most thoughtful and life-giving conversations. Whatever the magic, Jacquie Moesel, founder and designer for Moesel Clothing, was having one of those talks around the table with a close friend when the opportunity to employ her passion for social change was brought to life. More than just a children's clothing business, Moesel employs artisans in Lima, Peru to craft quality pieces that tie in both traditional hand-sewing and the beautiful colors of the country.

Rainy Day, No Problem

Lauren and Nate Morgan, a husband and wife team, recently created the Lauren Morgan Co., a business focused on designing an American-Made rain coat of the highest quality and design. They live on Martha's Vineyard, a beautiful island off the coast of Massachusetts.

Sela Designs: Art that Gives

Just a few months ago, I was introduced to Sela Designs, a beautiful, handmade jewelry business that uses 100% of profits to giveback to organizations that are rooted in life-giving work. Ashleigh, the owner, designer and maker behind Sela, uses her talents to create pieces that are giving back in a powerful way.

You can imagine the joy that filled my heart when I learned that Sela Designs financially supports a children's home in Ethiopia. This heartbeat I feel for Africa and the desire to find thoughtfully made products intersected in a beautiful way that can only be God.

Cotton with a Conscience

A recent family trip took us to McIntosh Farms, where we met At McIntosh. At’s Family has owned McIntosh farms dating back to the Revolutionary War time frame. At is an eighth generation farmer and has lived here in South Carolina all his life. At now owns and operates 1000 acres of farmland and rotates his fields with peanut, corn and of course cotton. At’s crop rotation ensures that his cotton yields will be as high as possible and that he will end up with the highest quality of cotton -- a vital piece for his "farm to shirt" concept for his business Homegrown Cotton.

Fair Fashion: Noonday Collection

There isn't much sweeter than spotlighting both an organization and a person that you love and call a friend! Today I'm tickled to chat with my friend Kristine, an Ambassador for Noonday Collection! Kristine and I met more than a 15 years ago when Phil and I were living in Massachusetts. She truly has a heart for people, and her love for others and passion for Noonday will inspire you to get involved!

Sewn to Restore: Elegantees

Just over a year ago I started to hear more about ethical clothing and the negative impact that the fast fashion industry is having on our world. I had no idea how poor the conditions, wages and treatment of most factory workers really was until I dug deeper. How could this still be going on, and how as a society are we allowing it (even enabling it) to happen? Not only are conditions awful, but many people, (including children) are being forced into situations where they are sexually exploited and enslaved. Even today, slavery is still in existence and and a thriving criminal industry...sadly many of the products that you and I currently buy can be traced back to slavery. So how do we begin to tackle such a large and devastating problem? How do actively fight for the voiceless?

Businesses like Elegantees are taking a firm stand and using ethical fashion to actually restore hope to victims of sexual crimes, create sustainable jobs and empower others.