Save These Artisan-Made Reefs for a Sunny Day

Nest is popping its smart little head up everywhere these days. I just mentioned them yesterday with Maiyet, and  now here they are all cozied up with Reef: 

Guatemalan Threads, $42

Nest partnered with Reef to create the woven part of the sandals with Mayan artisans in the Guatemalan highlands. Here are the ladies behind the magic:

And a 'lil documentary on the project:

This partnership is part of Reef's "We Heart" collection. So while I can't vouch for the bottom half of the sandals (should look into that, hmm), the top half is pretty darn good and lookin'.

Happy mid-week, all! Hope you're putting the finishing touches on those Halloween costumes (or finishing up the debate with yourself between braving the crowds and pumpkin chai and a scary movie in ... the latter may be winning for me.)

More Maiyet (Yay!), Side of Unreasonable Institute

1. HELLO AGAIN, MAIYET!

From Maiyet's lookbook ... So lovely.

Maiyet's target audience is someone looking for high fashion with a soul, and it has the socially conscious philosophy to back it: "Maiyet partners with companies and artisans in Colombia, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, and South Africa and marks a return to the artisanal roots of luxury while elevating an emerging generation of master craftsman."

One artisan at work in Kenya. Amazing. (Not sure what they're making. Hmmm.)

Their explanation of this picture: "Maiyet's very first prototype arrived from Nairobi in April. The hand poured brass & 18K gold vermeil ring inspired us all, and has since become a unanimous favorite."

They journey behind how the founders met and determined the concept is pretty incredible, and they tell it way better than I do. Basically, Paul worked in human rights and transitional justice for 20 years, received an award for socially conscious entrepreneurship, decided he wanted to start a business that promoted peace, and decided fashion was the best way. He then picked up Kristy, who had been president of Band of Outsiders and had had her fingers in a variety of big-name brands while exploring "tapping talent in unexpected places." Read their extended version here.

Oh, and they also partner with nonprofit Nest. So much to discover through Maiyet; I'm sure it's worth checking back often.

2. AND NICE TO MEET YOU, UNREASONABLE INSTITUTE

Speaking of awesome entrepreneurs and dreams, the Unreasonable Institute, held in Boulder (heyo, homies!) mid-summer, is a chance for the inspired to get to business. Between six weeks of think tanking and planning to networking with founders and leading figures in the field, it sounds pretty amazing. Not to mention all expenses are covered -- you've got to be that incredible. While I'm nowhere close (yet!), it's fun to check out and who knows, maybe you've got what it takes. Visit the website here.

Me + Fashion at Liberty, + Extra Nest(ing)!

Super stoked to be a contributing writer for Fashion at Liberty. I'm going to get the chance to do more interviews and style pieces versus company, marketing, and product profiles, which will be a nice balance. Yesterday, I posted about "Digs and Duds" that compare with a stunning Haleakala sunrise while doing good for the world.

To see what I selected, head to Fashion at Liberty!

One of my selections is a pillow from Nest, a nonprofit that empowers women and artisans throughout the world with interest-free microloans, mentoring from designers, and an outlet to sell their goods. I like this concept because it allows the artists to determine how to best re-invest in their families and communities, instead of an outside source determining what facet needs to be addressed most.

Along with goods from loan recipients, Nest has a "Artists Helping Artists" shop, which sells hand-crafted goods with all proceeds going to Nest. And the pillows are killer (though slightly expensive, so dream until you save enough!):

Modern Diamond Rectangle Pillow, $140, by katehenri

Mountains Pillow, $72, by Friendly Product

Wind Hand-Screened Pillow, $85, by Erin Flett

Most pillows are offered in different colors, and all artists have their own stories behind them (for example, all of katehenri's pieces are woven, handprinted, and/or sewn by artisans in India).

Visit Nest to learn more about making a microloan to an artisan or to check out the shop.

Heads up: I got the chance to check out Super Citizen yesterday for a post for Fashion at Liberty, and found some great products! Woooo.