SSIR Addiction, Microfinancing Style + Freaker USA

Freaker awesome in the form of the Lumbersmack, $8. Will explain later.

But first (and not at all relevant to the lumberjack magic above): I love Stanford Social Innovation Review. Like, a lot. Most recently, I read this article: "Microfinance Misses Its Mark." It was written in 2007, long before I even started using Kiva to help fund seamstresses and farmers in developing countries. However, I think it's still relevant, as many of the products I promote here are a mix of microfinancing, small projects with artisans, and larger concepts. Is there only one way? I don't think so. But it starts a good discussion.

The argument is that while microfinancers have the best of intentions, "Creating opportunities for steady employment at reasonable wages is the best way to take people out of poverty." Most people would rather have a steady job than have to struggle to run their own business. And state governments need to step up and give their population personal freedoms to allow/encourage market growth.

OK, so that's a slightly jumbled synopsis. But you can read the whole thing for yourself here and see what you think (and explore more recent SSIR articles while you're there, though most validly require a subscription).

As for the knit flannel magic above, it's crafted by some magic elves out in North Carolina who just want you to have a freakin' good time and keep "bottles cool and hands comfortable." The freaker supposedly fits every bottle possible, and I also love their water bottle:

Freaker water bottle, $15

They even have a freaker penguin holder (along with a wide variety of other patterns/images):

Waddledoo, $8

I really just want to hit up the club and in the middle of it all bust out my lumberjack freaker, and then the next day, use it to keep my water bottle cool on the beach. A girl can dream, OK?? Now, I heard about Freaker from a friend of a friend who said the company is trustworthy, but I'll do a double check and if not, I'll eat my socks. Or just let you all know. Whatever.

Now go get your SSIR and Freaker on.

Head to Ascension for Jeans and a Story or Two

I'm about to fall asleep. There's a large bag of candy corn in bed with me. And I'm trying to decide if I should buy these jeans from Ascension, an online British ethical and ecological shop ... I mean, I AM in desperate need of mainland-friendly clothing (I'm moving back one day!), they're on sale, and they're all kinds of good:

The Kundalini Womens Jean, on sale from £60 to £18, and only in my size. PLUS the cotton is grown organically, the rivets and buttons are certified something fancy, they're made with natural indigo dye, and 5 percent of profits go to education in reforestation. Ohhh, socially conscious online shopping, you are a temptress.

Not to mention I then also found this coat:

The Barbella Coat, also offered in brown, on sale from £125 to £55. And it's made by Komodo, which "is a member of Made-By, the first fashion initiative that focuses on environmental & working conditions throughout the production chain." Oh yeah, the coat is made in Nepal. And it has pockets.

While I can't necessarily vouch for the rest of online shop Ascension's offerings, they do have some of the most transparent and inspiring stories behind the pieces they have to offer. Major props. Check them out for yourselves here.

Now I'm going to get back to snuggling with my candy corn, cavities be damned. G'nite, all!

One-Stop Shop: Beklina

While it has been my M.O. to share specific brands and items that I'm diggin' at the moment, these finds have, several times, led me back to online shop Beklina. A shop dedicated to organic clothing and sustainable fashion, it boasts everything from Feral Childe to Bodkin to the Pendleton/Portland collection.

TIME OUT. I just found this Lizzy Fortunato iPad case while perusing the designers it offers:

Gaaaahmazing. Want. Need: $345. ANYWAY...

Yes. So. Beklina. This store offers everything from dresses to footwear to jewelry to wooden animal home decor (this falls under the "Paper and Nest" category). The selection is, well, selective so you won't be overwhelmed by options -- just don't expect to find exactly what you're looking for. It's a quirky collection, so can be hit or miss depending on your style (and budget). However, everyone should be able to find at least one thing that tickles his/her fancy. Here are a few more things that worked for me:

Mociun Bustier Top, $350, made by hand in Brooklyn, NY. (Give this one a minute. It will grow on you.)

Kathryn Bentley Enamel Cuffs, $160, "handmade with integrity in the United States."

Rachel Comey Gloves, $350, made in Peru.

Juniper Ridge Sachets, $12, made in Northern California. (Background: Everything is handmade using locally wild harvested native plants, and 10 percent of profits go to groups that defend western wilderness.)

Peruse Beklina for yourself here.

It's All in the Lighting, and Viva Terra's Got My Back

I've recently adopted the theory that lighting can make or break a space. (No, my room doesn't reflect this - I'm a commitment-phobe! Lighting = staying! Though I do have a great Goodwill-found bedside lamp, now that I think about it ...) ANYWAY, I found some incredible copper hanging lamps at Viva Terra, and am back to imagining what my nest will look like one day. See for yourself:

Copper Moroccan Hanging Lamps, from $179 - $485

Right?? And don't you stress, if you're not a copper fan, they've got them in silver as well:

Silver Moroccan Hanging Lamps

Just a lil stylin' idea:

Aaand, pretty:

Mmm yes. These lamps are made by artisans in India. Here's how they're made, as described by Viva Terra: "Using methods as ancient as the design, artisans pour hot wax into each shaped lamp; once it hardens, they use hand tools to puncture the recycled aluminum with hundreds of small holes to form the intricate patterns. Remelting the wax, they empty the mold and leave behind a soft patina finish. "

Viva Terra is a company committed to a great list of things, including "ecology and elegance" and being "earth and people friendly." Read the rest here.

Thanks to Harper Poe of Proud Mary for the Viva Terra home decor rec ... Check out her wonderful blog, named Lloso, when you get the chance!)

Pendleton, The Portland Collection Love, via Lloso

Apparently the theme of my last couple of posts should be, "A girl can dream." And while yes, she's usually dreaming about changing the world, every once in while, owning beautiful, good-made things sneaks in. Like the Pendleton, The Portland collection goodies I stumbled upon via Lloso and couldn't help but share:

Pendleton Harding Luggage Bag, $400

Pendleton Short, $160

See Lloso's post here.

Happy Aloha Friday!

Gems for the Good and Loaded: Pippa Small

Let's pretend like we've all got money trees for a second. Close your eyes. Picture thick, twisted, honest trunks reaching to laden branches, greenbacks floating to the ground, landing in a dappled shadow. Muahahaha. OK, now open your eyes and look at these glimmering goodies:

Spectral Hematite Tibetan Ring, $7,900

Geode and Gold Pendant Necklace, $8,975

Labradorite Single Stone Bracelet, $1,800

Labradorite Fish Earrings, $5,600

Turquoise Double Greek Ring, $4,165

Pippa Small Jewellery is a luxury jewelry line, and the founder (Pippa Small, you guessed it) kicked it off with the mission to use ethical trade to benefit, raise awareness of, and make sure respect is maintained for, traditional communities and artisans. (Complicated enough sentence your you? It's late! I'm copping out!)

See all her lustrous, gemmed creations here.

Oh yeah, and just keep envisioning that money tree. Who knows, maybe one day it will pay off.

Happy Aloha Thursday, all!

Sequins and Fancy, via ASOS

I'm staking my claim that sequins are the next big thing, at least for those brazen enough to literally dazzle a room. I was cruising around ASOS the other day dreaming about the chance to go to a fancy party (which, sadly enough, hasn't come up nearly enough, though who can complain about beachside BBQs?) and found this gem:

YES PLEASE. If you're wondering, this is ASOS REVIVE Sequin Wrap Front Mini Dress. You can read ASOS's Social Corporate Responsibility policy here.

There are also great 80s-style sequin finds at several thrift stores around town, so if you're interested, go digging. And of course, holla at your girl if you know of anything I may like!