Archives for December 2017

THE GENEROSITY OF JAKE STEIN AND ISABEL ROTH

Dec 29, 2017

This year was overflowing with love from our couples to their favorite charities. We couldn’t be more thankful and overjoyed by all the giving we’ve seen in 2017. And it’s all because of YOU!

We wanted to thank you for your big hearts and wanted to give a special shoutout to one of our most generous couples this past year, Jake Stein and Isabel Roth. Their beautiful wedding in Puglia, Italy designed and produced by Lisa Vorce has graced the pages of Vogue and we couldn’t wait to share it with you.

Here’s to a happy and healthy new year and we can’t wait to continue to make a difference with you in 2018!

Photos via Sergio Sandona.

LAST-MINUTE GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

Dec 21, 2017

We get it. Every year is the same old song. We buy a few gifts early and think to ourselves, “I got you, Christmas.” And then before we know it there are a few stragglers left on our list to buy for and there are officially 4 days left till it’s “go time.”

As a conscious consumer you try your best to stick with your new found ethical habits but part of you wants to make it easy and just run to the nearest store and grab whatever you find.

Before you do that, here are some last-minute gifts.

Conscious companies, do-good brands, fair-trade and ethical shops play like the big box brands and they too are trying to make it convenient for the consumer by having online gift cards. You purchase the gift cards online and then it gets emailed to you immediately. So, before you revert to your old ways in just going to the usual places, check out the websites of the conscious shops you’ve discovered.

Now we all know anything handmade is always thoughtful and sentimental because of the time and thought behind it but because it’s last minute, time may not be on your side. However, you can put together a thoughtful voucher in no time. Using your home computer or your art skills you can print or make a cute voucher. Now let’s not get grade school and print out vouchers for free hugs or anything like that but some real things you will treat them in the future.

For example, the friend that has little ones and needs a night off: Print out a pic of her kids from her social media page and write on it “Voucher for a night off from these boogers,” and then babysit her kids for her.

Or that hostess you just remembered you need to get something for you can print out this poem and show up with flowers and this in your hand.

You are the hostess with the mostess

Never ending drinks and delicious food

Guests laughing and enjoying -oh what a joyful mood

Pretty lights and warmth in the air

Every detail you put with so much care

A wonderful party you know how to throw

My appreciation for you continues to grow

You are the hostess with the mostess.

And we totally promise that we won’t tell you didn’t write it.

Still looking for a little something extra? We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite ways to give back during the most wonderful time of the year.

SHOP (RED) WITH AMAZON – YES, there’s still time!

OPERATION GRATITUDE: – writing a letter costs nothing at all, but means a whole lot.

GIVE BACK BOX – give a box to someone in need

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK – the perfect roundup from Lauren Conrad

So, what do you say to last minute gifts? “I got you, Christmas.”

This post was written by Claire Pettibone of Simply B! Her business is dedicated to making your life simply better while being fun and stylish along the way. Stay tuned for future postings from Claire that are made for conscious couples just like you!

HONEYMOON ATTIRE FOR THE ETHICAL NEWLYWED

Dec 13, 2017

We are SO excited to be collaborating with Claire Pettibone of Simply B! Her business is dedicated to making your life simply better while being fun and stylish along the way. Stay tuned for future postings from Claire that are made for conscious couples just like you!

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There’s so much celebrating and fun when you tie the knot: at your bridal shower, at your rehearsal dinner, of course at the wedding reception itself and finally now it’s time to celebrate one-on-one with your love.

Depending on where you and your honey will escape to, whether it’s honeymooning in tropical weather, city sightseeing, or more of the outdoor adventuring scene there are a few honeymoon attire “must-haves” we’ve rounded up.

Must-Have #1: Lingerie

Well because, ahem, do we really need to say more?!

We like the vivien lace collection from Svala. Their lingerie is made in Los Angeles, California with fabrics such as organic cotton and reclaimed factory surplus lace.

They have their bra and undies set in different varieties from black lace to floral but our pick would have to be the white and light blue combo- it’s bringing that “something blue” from the wedding into the honeymoon.

Another steamy option is Azura Bay’s bridal collection. Their white strappy lace set is on point for any newlywed and their other options are just as sensuous with their flirtatious play of black lace, silky floral and champagne touches.

Azura Bay is Canadian based, and woman founded that curates brands that are committed to ethical production, artisan & handmade production, fair trade and eco-friendly fabrics.

Must-Have #2: Date night outfits

It’s basically date night every night you when are on your honeymoon but you are sure to splurge on a fine dining experience one of the nights.

Sure, you can pack your go-to little black dress or change it up with a LBJ – a little black jumpsuit. The Rosario jumpsuit from FashionABLE might be our new staple as well. Pair it with statement earrings and a bold clutch and date night here you come. For those color loving gals it comes in red too.

FashionABLE Seeks to alleviate poverty by employing impoverished women by giving them jobs.

But if you want to continue on with bringing the white from the wedding over to the honeymoon attire, then these holiday white pants from Bead and Reel paired with a flirty white top fits the bill.

Inspired by Katharine Hepburn, we agree that these pants are glamorous yet casual.

Bead and Reel is a brand that gives back and is committed to fair trade, artisan made, and vegan principles.

Both outfits have a less is more vibe to it and their versatile wherever you end up dining.

Must-Have #3: Swimsuit

Whether you are going to Newport Beach in the spring or New York in the fall it seems like packing a swimsuit is a necessity for the obvious dip in the ocean or even those just-in-case moments when the hotel jacuzzi is calling.

Continuing with the theme of bringing the color white over we found two bridal-esq swimsuits that fit that theme.

We are digging the cutouts and back to this Vitamin A sexy white one-piece.

Vitamin A is designed and produced locally in California, founded by a Californian native gal Amahlia Stevens. They say they want to make sustainability sexy. Their signature EcoLux fabric- a technically and environmentally superior luxe fabric is made from recycled nylon.

If you want more coverage, than this Jessica Rey white tankini is still flirty paired with any full coverage bottoms, a-la Marilyn Monroe.

At Jessica Rey, they too are sweatshop free, being made ethically in Los Angeles. They offer more modest swimsuit lines. Their swimsuit fabrics are knit using yarn that is made from 100% regenerated fishnets making them have an eco-friendly aspect to their brand.

Must-Have #4: Fun Bag to Put it All In

This Escape bag from Makers+Goods brings it all together.

Makers + Goods curates gifts that give back. Founder Julie Skon practices what she preaches- not only does she select cause based products but Makers + Goods also donates 10% of their proceeds to special causes.

“Escape” sums up a great way to look at your honeymoon. Escape from all that planning, partying, hustle and bustle.

Just you and your honey escaping from it all together. What’s better than that?