Late Summer Fashion with Songa Designs International

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It’s late summer, and you’re feeling like changing things up a bit! Songa Designs’ handbags help you make that bold statement! They’re socially conscious, roomy, eco-friendly and anything but boring! Handcrafted by skilled artisan women in Rwanda, Songa’s handbags are individually unique and make a fashion statement with a meaningful purpose. We love that Songa Designs combines eco-friendly materials, international reach, and on-trend statement pieces to show how your personal style can have a profound impact across the globe.

Songa Designs Orenda Handbag

Songa Designs provides employment for more than 175 women artisans, giving underprivileged women the opportunity to earn their own money to buy land, healthcare or send their children to school for the first time. Songa’s statement bags like the geometric Orenda Handbag above or the minimalist Nia Tote below are made using all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber, sisal plant, pewter, re-purposed cow horn and upcycled fabric saved from landfills. With boho-chic designs and trendy shapes, Songa Designs’ accessories are a gorgeous accessory to any outfit!

Songa Designs Nia Tote product shot

About Songa Designs International
Songa Designs International empowers a new generation women around the world with Urban Tribal accessories. It is typical for many women in developing countries to depend solely on their husbands for financial needs, but Songa Designs is changing this dynamic. By working for Songa, under-resourced women are encouraged to pursue economic independence, simply by using skills acquired through everyday life. Songa Designs provides jobs for over 175 women who in turn negotiate their own salaries and earn fair wages, which enables them to buy land, health insurance or send their children to school for the first time. Trained by generations of local cultural tradition, the skilled artisans of Songa Designs in Rwanda in East Africa craft stylish, high-quality accessories inspired by nature. Each handmade item is tightly woven with all-natural materials such as banana leaf fiber, sisal plant, pewter, re-purposed cow horn and upcycled fabric that otherwise would end up in landfills.

Defined as “the path forward” in Swahili, Songa Designs is synonymous with the journey toward economic empowerment for women in developing countries.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this article.*

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Mama & Little

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Mama & Little Logo

At Tiny Green Mom, we love finding new + innovative companies that really ‘get’ what modern mommas need and desire! For “Mom,” who has a teething 7 month old, this means finding baby safe jewelry that her little one can drool and chew on without worry, and that looks fashionable, too! With geometric shapes and beautiful color combinations that come together like a gorgeous piece of art you can actually wear, the stunning Mama & Little collection will have you dreaming up outfits you can rock with baby in tow!

Mama & Little 2

“Mom” adores the delicate Teresa Silicone Teething Necklace in “Mermaid” above – isn’t it pretty?! Featuring a breakaway safety clasp and made from 100% silicone beads, this gorgeous necklace can be easily cleaned with soap and water after your sweet baby plays it with and chomps on it. It will keep little fingers occupied without compromising your style, and we love that it is non-toxic, as well as BPA, PVC, phthalate, latex, lead, and cadmium free!

Mama & Little 3

When you order a teething bracelet or necklace from Mama & Little, your jewelry arrives packaged beautifully in a cotton drawstring bag. Whether as a gift for yourself (it’s ok – treat yourself! You deserve it, moms!) or for someone who is expecting, Mama & Little will be a treasured gift!

To learn more about Mama & Little and the entire collection of teething jewelry, visit the Mama & Little website.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this article.*

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Sunshine Totes for Summer Style

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SUN_01 SUNSHINE TOTE aqua (2)Momma’s got a brand new bag! Yes, “Mom” has a serious crush on the new summery canvas and cork totes from Pelcor®! Lightweight, versatile and available in bright, beautiful summer colors to make any outfit pop, we think you will be crushing too! Fresh and unique, the Pelcor® Sunshine Capsule Collection combines summery canvas with genuine water-resistant cork skin for breezy, effortless style. With an added removable zippered pouch inside the tote, this new bag has become “Mom’s” stylish purse and diaper bag for the summer – from travel to playdates it is holding up to day to day life as a busy mom! We also love the distinct use of sustainable cork on the totes – adding a very unique element to the bag.

Pelcor’s Sunshine Capsule Collection is available in four cheerful colors, including Hot Pink, Lemon, Aqua and Raw. “Mom’s” favorite is the Aqua – so fun!

This gorgeous collection is available for purchase online at PelcorUSA.com, Pelcor uses the highest-quality luxury cork in making its range of handbags and accessories for work, travel and leisure.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

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Summer Eco-Style – 3Strands Global

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3Strands ImageWhat’s hot this summer in eco-style? 3 Strands Global! The woven, fashionable bracelets not only complete your summery, boho beach chic look, but they convey a deeper message – one of freedom, love and empowerment!

3Strands Global is an eco-friendly fashion brand created in 2012 working to fight human trafficking around the world. With the sale of every 3Strands handmade bracelet and gift box, money is raised to help empower, teach and employ young women who have been rescued from the evils of human trafficking.  Profits from 3Strands helps to support organizations like Agape International Mission (AIM), based in Cambodia, that help to rescue and restore these young victims.
 
3Strands bracelets are handmade by rescued young women in Cambodia. The bracelets are made from wax-cotton cord that is dyed with eco-friendly chemicals and materials for treatment, processing, coloring and finishing.

3Strands Symbol

The woven bracelets each feature a signature 3Strands metal closure with the words “freedom, love and empowerment” appearing on the closure made to purposefully remind the wearer of the trafficking survivor who made it. The incorporation of a single red string, barely visible inside the center of each bracelet, illustrates the souls of these women and how they are practically invisible to those who have bought and sold them in the past.

Every bracelet displays one fragile, red seed from the pods of Sandalwood trees, native to Cambodia. The discovery of seeds from the native Sandalwood tree were literally underfoot.  From this litter of dry, colorless pods, the women select a fragile red seed to include in each bracelet they make.  The natural beauty of this glossy, recycled, scarlet seed represents the beauty in each of the women who have been freed and empowered with a hope for the future.

“Mom” is loving the bracelets she received from 3Strands Global. Reminscent of the friendship bracelets worn when she was young, these handmade bracelets make you feel proud to wear one, knowing the story behind them. What a wonderful fashion statement to make!

To learn more about 3Strands Global, please visit 3StrandsGlobal.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

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Kneekers by Ah Goo Baby

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Kneekers with BabyYes – these are like little cushions for baby’s knees as they cruise around crawling on all fours! “Mom” loves these adorable tiny knee pads designed for baby’s knees as your little one learn to crawl and walk. Ah Goo Baby’s Kneekers are the perfect anytime accessory for babies on the go – their soft, cushioned padding and protective outer shell cradles your baby’s precious knees to shield them from carpet burns, rough surfaces, and abrupt falls. With “Mom’s” baby now on the move, army-crawl style, these cute little knee pads have definitely come in handy – providing her baby with a sense of comfort and security.

Kneekers are made from BPA and Phthalate-Free soft materials, and available in a variety of colors and patterns for your stylish tot. At Tiny Green Mom, we are loving the Hoppy Frog and Monster designs! Plus, Kneekers are machine washable and available in two sizes for extra comfort: Lean Leg or Chunkalicious! 

You can learn more about Kneekers or order online at ahgoobaby.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

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BabyLegs® Organic

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Those adorable little legwarmers that are seen adorning tiny legs and arms this Fall are available in soft, organic cotton, as well! BabyLegs® Organic offers vibrant stripes and pretty prints to mix and match with all of your child’s outfits, and one size fits most, so the legwarmers can be worn as your child matures. PLus, for added fun, the legwarmers can also be worn as armwarmers, too! What “Mom” loves about these cute styles is that they can help to transition your baby or toddler’s clothing from Summer to Fall with style. Plus, they make diaper changes a breeze!

In addition to keeping wee ones warm, the organic legwarmers are perfect for protecting tiny knees and elbows as babies learn to crawl and walk. Our favorites include the Duchess and Dorothy styles with tiny ruffles – could they be any cuter?!

To learn more about BabyLegs® Organic, to locate a retailer near you, or to order online, visit BabyLegs.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

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Introducing the Oramaki™

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One gorgeously green wrap – so many unique uses! Made of super-soft Micro Modal, which is created from the pulp of ethically farmed Beech trees that can be re-grown over and over again so less trees are needed in the production of the wrap, the Japanese-inspired Oramaki™ can be a slim-fitting skirt, an easy top, a double layer underneath a shirt, or a warm hug to pamper and soothe during pregnancy!

This is why “Mom” is loving the Oramaki™ at the moment – she is expecting, and this lovely wrap has made quite the difference when worn on her ever-expanding belly, especially at night, as it holds her belly lovingly while sleeping! Why choose the Oramaki™ during pregnancy?

  • Oramaki’s soft, hugging action pampers and calms during every stage of pregnancy.
  • When your pants stop fitting, the Oramaki is the perfect way to cover that opened button and save the cost of an early pregnancy wardrobe.
  • And when your baby bulge is in full bloom your Oramaki will help support your back and the weight of your belly on your inner organs and bladder.
  • Once baby arrives, your Oramaki converts to the perfect breast feeding cover-up.

Available in single layered in white only, or double layered styles in nude, black or pink, the Oramaki™ comes in sizes small, medium, and large. It makes an excellent gift for any expecting mom!

To learn more about the benefits of using the Oramaki™, visit Oramaki.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

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Eco-Friendly Jewelry for Summer

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Eco-Friendly Jewelry for Summer

The weather is warm, the waves are high, and it’s time to show off that gorgeous golden tan that you got at the beach last weekend. You’ve already got some stylish, organic cotton threads, and your sandals are a pretty convincing faux leather, but when it comes time to accessorize with a few key pieces of jewelry, you may be at a loss as to how to go about greening up your act. Fortunately, there are all kinds of ways to get the jewelry you’ll need to spice up your summer look without doing any harm to the environment. Here are a few tips to help you along the way.

For starters, you need to know what it is you’re trying to avoid. Most costume jewelry is made from plastics or low-grade metals while higher-end stuff is procured through mining. Here’s the problem with these items. The plastics, as you may know, require both pollution and waste to create, in most cases. And then there is mining. Both precious metals and gemstones must be dug from the Earth and the process is often catastrophic. Holes are blasted, ruining the landscape and displacing native plants and animal. Then there is the actual mining, which causes further devastation through the use of toxic chemicals. And finally, there is the pollution and waste that is left behind for generations to come, seeping into the ground and the water supply.

So, you’ll clearly want to avoid anything made through these methods. Unfortunately, that’s a big chunk of what you’re going to find commercially. However, there are operations that are looking to change the way mining is done in order to lessen the impact to the environment. They not only use methods of mining that pollute less (or not at all); they also clean up their mess when they’re done. Further, most of these companies support fair trade (meaning their workers are paid to industry standards, rather than forced into labor or exploited with low wages). And some big names (Zales, QVC, and others) have committed to using these sources for jewelry. In addition, many companies that sell diamonds now use only stones that are certified conflict-free (no blood diamonds).

But there’s more. Many jewelers now use only recycled gems and metals to create new pieces, reducing the need for further mining of our finite resources. And there are plenty of companies making costume jewelry from eco-friendly materials like recycled wood, vinyl records (you’d be surprised by some of the cool cuffs and earrings they make), aluminum from cans, old game tiles, vintage silverware (spoons, forks), glass bottles, vintage buttons, and a whole host of other items you’d never think of using to create beautiful and unique jewelry for everyday use. You can find all sorts of interesting items on sites like Etsy, Uncommon Goods, Wired Resistance, and Go Green Items (among others).

Every day it’s becoming easier to find the eco-friendly jewelry that will help you to look and feel great. As more and more people continue to seek out and purchase these items, rather than those that add pollution and waste to the deal, the availability and variety of these accessories will continue to rise (while prices drop). So do your part to keep this movement alive and enjoy the many gorgeous creations that keep our Earth beautiful along the way.

About the Author

Sarah Danielson is a writer for Adiamor Engagement Ring where you can find a large selection of loose diamonds, wedding bands, and other fine diamond jewelry.

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JousJous!

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“Mom” was simply delighted to learn about JousJous, an eco-fabulous company who uses recycled materials to craft gorgeous jewelry pieces and accessories! Playful and fun, all of their jewelry is not only sustainable, but it is chic and fashionable for the modern, eco-conscious woman. In addition, “Mom” loves how durable the My Jelly Coins bracelet (pictured above) is – it is perfect for beachgoers or moms with busy toddlers! Handmade in Argentina, it is available in 5 bright colors to complement any sundress you may be rockin’ poolside this summer!

JousJous also offers a wonderful way to find the perfect accessory for any outfit through their handy “Shop by Occasion” tab, making it a breeze to locate that “must-have” item! Choose from “Night on the Town,” “Dressed to Kill,” “Lunch with the Girls,” or “Weekend at the Beach” to find stylish, eco-friendly jewelry for your next occasion.

Not only are their pieces beautiful and unique, they are affordable, as well! Whether you are boho or glam, the price is right on all of their gorgeous accessories. A couple of beauties that “Mom” is lovin’ at the moment include the Boho Necklace and the Rosario Bracelet.

For more information on the entire JousJous collection, or to learn more about how the company gives back to breast cancer research, visit www.jousjous.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this review.*

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Adding Eco-Friendly Accessories to Your Style

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Adding Eco-Friendly Accessories to Your Style

Let’s face it. Fashion is important and most of us love to shop. However, it’s equally important to help the earth. The good news is that you can help your environment, even in your stiletto heels. The fashion industry continues to change its practices as consumers make sure that their styles are eco-friendly. As a consumer, you have the option to impact the planet by what you choose to purchase. Also shopping for hot deals and bargains will not only save you time and energy, but it will help you to be more frugal.

You may already have your green dress, pants, or even a top, but all you are missing are the accessories. The good news is that eco-friendly fashion trends are here to stay, and along with trends there are amazing green sites to explore. Here are some fantastic accessories and eco-friendly fashion sites that will make the fashionista in you happy that you can save the world while living in style at the same time.

1. The designer Beth Springer presents a mini messenger bag that has delightful pockets on the outside of the Italian leather bag. The adjustable shoulder strap is made from vegetable dyed Italian latigo leather. This cross body bag is perfect for trips – keep your wallet and other valuable fashion items safe.

2. Gorgeous and earthy, this silver leaf pendant is made with an ethically sourced sapphire. The sterling silver leaf shaped pendant is elegant and also hangs from a delicate sterling silver cable chain. Snatching up this necklace to add to your green outfit will automatically make your day happier.

3. Need some flip flops to wear with your new capris and tee during the summer time? Women’s Flippee Microperf flip flops are vegan shoes! No animal products or byproducts were used at all. In addition, the foot form inserts are made of post consumer recycled paper and water based glue is used to hold the shoe together. To add to the eco-friendly nature of these adorable flip flops, the sole of shoes are biodegradable. These shoes are definitely sole-filled with love for the earth and your feet!

4. Understanding a mom, there’s no doubt that you also want fashionable accessories for your tots. The Toddler Doodle shoes are made with washable suede and the soft linings of the shoe are made of certified organic cotton. Also, the soles are made of natural and recycled non marking rubber. Plus, is your little one learning to tie his or her shoes? The elastic laces are made from recycled PET and natural latex with a user friendly pull toggle to boot, literally.

5. Another “soleful” eco-friendly fashion accessory, Yellow Heeled Vegan Shoe Boots knows how to take our breath away with their yellow pumps and stylish buckle. Wear these heals with some black leggings, pants, or even a pair of skinny jeans to make a statement!

6. A soft and elegant make-up bag is what every girl desires to own. This Fair Trade Print Make-Up Purse has a waterproof liner, two separate zipped compartments, and an integral mirror. Carry this purse in your larger handbag or keep it at home to gaze at when refreshing your makeup.

7. By now we all know that Etsy has multiple sellers who offer eco-friendly products to purchase. Begin your green search by visiting giantdwarf’s shop, where you will find adorable and colorful Fleurette Cloches. Crafted from a collection of pristine recycled sweaters and vibrantly colored fancy felt, you will feel like an eco-diva in no time flat.

As you can see there are numerous fashion filled and eco-friendly sites that offer fashion accessories. By taking the time to fill your wardrobe with eco-friendly accessories, you’ll feel better about your purchases knowing that you have made a difference. Sustainable accessories support fashion, but they also support the earth.

About the Author

An ocean dreamer at heart and in real life, Sierra Greenman thrives on visiting and living near the beach and could never imagine herself anywhere else. She recently ventured out into the freelance world and now is a Freelance Writer and Social Media Specialist and absolutely loves it. Writing about fashion and style are one of her many passions. You can also find Sierra at her blog Ocean Dreams and follow her on Twitter @oceandreams4u. She also is a featured fashion blogger for JoeShopping.com.

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