A Holiday-ish Outfit

It all started with this green skirt (similar here and here) I picked up a few years ago from J. Crew. I love wearing this because it’s a pop of color, but it’s wool so still keeps me relatively warm in the cold. 

My top is a NEW addition from Reformation! The Bardot top in black is a closet staple. I can easily see this dressed down with jeans and a shacket, or dressed up differently with patterned pants or a silk midi skirt. So many possibilities and with a fun, timeless neckline! I also debated their Minnie v-neck top and ultimately decided it wasn’t as work-friendly, but still super cute and versatile. 

To top of this classy look, I added my new, gold letter necklace from ABLE! I hardly ever wear necklaces (mostly because I forget to put them on) but I loved how simple and fun this one was. I think it gives the outfit a personal touch without being over-the-top. It’s also a great necklace for everyday wear, so win-win.

Classic Cold Weather Accessories

And then, my cold weather accessories. You’ve heard me talk about my favorite black booties, which I’m sure will continue to make appearances here. They’re just perfect, OK?

This coat is my absolute favorite in the winter. You’ve definitely seen it before on other bloggers and friends/family… it’s the J. Crew Cocoon coat! Yes, I know it’s not 100% ethically-made, which does make me sad. I haven’t quite gotten into ethical outerwear yet, except for my Patagonia puffer, but will be foraying there soon. In the meantime, this coat is keeping me warm and dry. And it is so easy to wear with casual and dressy outfits alike! 

Lastly, a signature em la jolie piece: the beret! I honestly wasn’t sure about this at first because hats have never been my thing. But I like how it highlights my hairstyle instead of hiding it and it’s wool so it keeps me warmer than my previous knitted beanies (the holes do not bode well with Chicago winds).

Anyway, I wanted to share an ethical spin on a holiday outfit, which would work for family celebrations, work parties, or even into the winter for a date night. You do you! It’s tough to find holiday-specific clothing from ethical fashion brands because of the focus on sustainable, versatile pieces. But I think it’s easy to holiday-ish your existing wardrobe to make it work without buying a top that you’ll only wear once or twice a year! 

I hope you have a wonderful, joyous, and relaxing holiday season. I’ll be focusing on spending time with my and Shiv’s family, so my blog and social accounts might be a little quieter. Wishing you and your family a beautiful end of the year! 

XO, 
Em 

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Introducing… Em’s Ethical Gift Guide!

Without further ado, below I’ve rounded up a bunch of ethically or sustainably-sourced gifts for him, her, home, friends, colleagues, parents, siblings, neighbors, etc.

Instead of breaking items into different categories, I wanted to keep them all together to give you a central resource and also because I don’t know how you categorize the folks in your life!! Everyone shops differently. Now, let’s get to shopping…

Here are the links:

1.Haiti Design Co. Aluminum Cuff Bracelet | 2. MADE51 “Proud Camel” Ornament | 3. French Girl Organics Rose Sea Soak | 4. RefuSHE Clementine Scarf | 5. Girlfriend Collective Halter Sports Bra | 6. Marine Layer Men’s Henley

7. Porter Ceramic Travel Mug | 8. Friendsheep Wool Dryer Balls (Sloths!) | 9. MeUndies Men’s Terry Jogger | 10. Machete Green Hair Clip 11. Thistle Farms “Balance” Essential Oil Roller | 12. Kicheko Goods Acetate Earrings

13. Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles (water-resistant!) | 14. Matt + Nat Vegan Leather Card Case | 15. Mercado Global Woven Cosmetic Pouch | 16. Amsha Studio Woven Lidded Basket | 17. Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag | 18. PACT Holiday Socks

19. Stasher Sandwich Bags | 20. Equilibria Daily CBD Drops – Winter Citrus | 21. Abby Alley Brass Message Necklace | 22. Sézane Gaspard Jumper | 23. Printfresh Short Pajama Set | 24. Our Place Always Pan

25. Obakki Serena Fruit Bowl | 26. The Little Market “Pop Fizz Clink” Wine Tote | 27. Preemptive Love Sisterhood Soap Set | 28. The Little Market Cookbook Set (make your own!) | 29. Anchal Project Monstera Tea Towel | 30. Bright Endeavors Pomegranate & Champagne Candle

Voilà – there’s your guide to ethical gifts in 2021!

I have gifted quite a few of these myself, including the Stasher bags, Allbirds (check out my full list of sustainable shoes here), CBD drops, tea towel, and candles. The rest of the items, while I may not have owned or given them personally, come highly recommended or are on my wish list.

Every brand on here has implemented ethical, sustainable, and/or fair trade measures into their production process and some are even NGOs or social enterprises that give back to communities in need (Haiti Design Co, RefuSHE, Preemptive Love, Kicheko Goods – to name a few). I mean, is there anything better than getting a beautiful product and knowing it made a positive impact on someone else’s life?

In the interest of full transparency, a handful of these products have affiliate links, so if you click on it and buy the item, it will help support this blog without any additional cost to you. Win-win!

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention – the ethical gifts you won’t see here are items you can make or upcycle yourself and give to others (i.e. food, crafts, services, re-gifts, etc.). That would be a wonderful blog post, perhaps for next year when I have the time and bandwidth to think about it. I will share an “experiences” gift guide and a giving guide soon, though, which are in a similar vein. Keep an eye out…

Anyway, I hope this helps make your holiday shopping a bit more ethical, so you can feel a bit better about the massive consumption that happens this time of year and give back a bit along the way!

XO,
Em

shop the guide ↓

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As I hung up the clothes in my closet from their space under my bed (hi, city life!), I saw a trend growing. Oversized sweaters + medium-dark wash jeans + boots, over and over again. And I can’t say I was mad about it.

Anyway, I was back in Michigan this weekend and I realized I had brought this very same uniform with me (go figure) so why not share it will you all?

Oversized Sweater + Jeans

Easy, thoughtless, yet still classic and chic! It’s no wonder I’m obsessed with this combo. Especially since I got these straight-leg jeans that are both comfy and rigid enough to be considered true pants. The “cheeky” fit is a game-changer for getting rid of that pesky waist gap, but it has also burned me after eating too much too quickly. Yes, I will go there. PLUS they’re the perfect length for boots (hitting just slightly above the ankle) and the fringe detail is my way of being edgy. I’m not edgy at all.

This sweater is old (and definitely not ethically made), but I found a couple options from two of my favorite brands lately – this more classic mockneck version and this cashmere stroopwafel version. Do you guys like the stroopwafel trend? I’ll be honest, every time I see it, I just think of my trip to Amsterdam.

Ankle Boots

I’ve had these black heeled booties for a while now, in case you couldn’t tell from the clear wear in that second photo. But I absolutely love them – whether brand-new or worn, I think leather boots pull together an outfit like no other! I’ve had my eye on this ethically-made pair lately. It’s always good to have a replacement lined up, especially when you live in a city and do a lot of walking, even in the cold weather months. Seriously, I’ve re-soled shoes too many times to count. Poorly-made shoes are the reason I have trust issues.

I hope you enjoyed this bit of fall foliage and a glimpse at what I’ll be wearing the next time you see me in cold weather. À bientôt!

XO,
Em

IF YOU WANT TO LOOK LIKE ME ↓

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Classic Denim Jumpsuit

I styled the jumpsuit for a fall/spring feel, but could easily add a cozier scarf, hat, and booties for the winter. Maybe I’ll do a styling reel at some point? We’ll see! My favorite part is that it’s so simple to wear and incredibly comfortable. ABLE’s denim isn’t rigid, but it’s still substantial. It’s also great for tall folks. I purchased a medium and it’s roomy in the torso/long enough in the inseam. That is truly wild for someone who pretty much always has to buy a large for length.

Refugee-Made Scarf

My scarf might look a little familiar to those of you who have been following me for a while (hi, guys!). And you would be correct – it’s a RefuSHE original! I think this might be one of my first scarves from when I started at the organization in 2015. It’s an old rendition of the Angie Honey Pomegranate and I wear it all the time because it goes perfectly with denim! These scarves make a great gift if you’re looking for something meaningful. 100% of proceeds go back to the young women in their social enterprise program. Win, win!

Sustainable White Sneakers

And last but not least – my Thousand Fell lace-up sneakers! I’ve had ups and downs with these guys. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my recent debacle with blisters… It’s taken me a while to break them in. But thanks to a great recommendation from someone to blow dry them while wearing fuzzy socks, they’ve loosened up and I haven’t had problems since! Which makes me happy because the company is super cool and makes their shoes out of sustainable materials. They have an innovative circular recycling program (recycle your shoes and they give you $20 toward your next pair). They’re also relatively easy to keep clean – for white sneakers – and a classic style that fit true to size.

The best part? The denim jumpsuit is currently ON SALE on ABLE’s site! Check it out and snag one of the remaining few before they’re gone. You can feel better about your purchase supporting fair laborers and women’s empowerment!

XO,
Em

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The list below is full of shoes I’ve purchased or had recommended to me, all of which are either ethically made (this is the goal!!) and/or composed of sustainable materials. Obviously we want both, but baby steps, y’all.

Ethically + Sustainably-Made Shoe Round-Up

1. Rothy’s: for the comfiest recycled sneakers, flats, loafers, boots, and sandals – get $20 off your first purchase!
2. Nisolo: for leather & some suede boots, flats, loafers, sandals (seen here), heels, and sneakers
3. Birkenstock: for the classic, supportive leather sandals and slip-ons (plus these great waterproof sandals)
4. Brave Soles: for sandals made out of recycled tires
5. Everlane: for everything – sneakers, flats, boots, sandals, heels, rainboots, and even slippers!
6. Allbirds: for cozy wool and breezy eucalyptus sneakers + slip-ons
7. Ikwetta: for funky sandals, boots, and flats
8. ABLE: for everything – sneakers, flats, boots, sandals, and heels
9. Darzah: for intricate tatreez-embroidered booties, flats, and sandals
10. Proud Mary: for fun sandals and mules made with raffia
11. The Root Collective: for leather-based flats, mules, boots, and a handful of sneakers
12. Avarcas: for the famous Pons espadrille-type sandal
13. Veja: for sneakers and active footwear (they have a running shoe!)

I’ll keep updating this with new finds and recommendations, so you can bookmark this page and easily refer to it when you’re in the market for some new kicks. Also, if you have suggestions, drop them in the comments below!

XO,
Em

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Weekend Swing Dress

Earlier this summer, I started going back into the office more regularly as my team transitioned back to in-person work. Within a week, I had exhausted my rotation of acceptable office clothes. Anyone else realizing that their closet slowly turned into a collection of athleisure and lounge clothing during the pandemic?

I’ve always been a pants person, but I’ve found myself reaching more for dresses and jumpsuits because they’re a simple decision to make. I may have also recently read an article about limiting the amount of decisions we make for ourselves to optimize productivity. Sue me.

So this Weekend Swing Dress from Everlane was a welcome addition to my wardrobe! (Psst it’s also on major sale right now!) I’m wearing a Medium and it’s a tad short on me, but that is just #tallgirlproblems. I’ve embraced the fact that dresses and skirts will always look a little shorter on me and it’s past fingertip length, which I learned in high school is the rule of thumb – I guess?? Anyway, I don’t mind too much because of the bright color, fun mockneck detail, and the movement. Seriously, it’s a swingin’ swing dress!

I paired it with my well-worn leopard print Rothy’s flats (size up a half-size) and a brass necklace that I picked up at the Masaai Market in Nairobi. See similar here and here. If you’re a jewelry fanatic, you will LOVE shopping in Kenya. Should I do a round-up of favorite East African jewelry brands? I just might…

Anyway, I hope you find a piece of clothing that makes you smile like this one does for me!

XO,
Em

P.S. Use my code for $20 off your Rothy’s purchase

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Although the all-inclusive resort we stayed at was far from sustainable (pick your battles), you guys know I’m trying to build a more ethical closet and resort wear totally applies! I’ve been skeptical of Everlane previously because of their response to workers’ complaints, so I watched at a distance. This year, I’ve seen them take some steps toward change. It’s tough, especially with cancel culture running amok, but I have to believe that this brand is trying to be better.

The visibility that they’ve brought to sustainable supply chains can’t be ignored either. Before Everlane, there weren’t really any clothing companies that were 1) demanding suppliers’ fair treatment of producers, 2) building in more sustainable practices to production, 3) purchasing and distributing at such high quantities, AND 4) selling at accessible price points. Now, some may argue that perhaps you can’t be purchasing in those large quantities and maintain ethical/sustainable practices. Some may also say that other companies were doing that at higher prices because that’s what it should cost. And others would say that Everlane’s prices are still not accessible.

The harsh truth? There will probably always be something wrong with ethical and sustainable companies. It’s next to impossible to make it in a capitalist society without standing on the shoulders of someone else. But that’s a whole different story! Yikes, I’m getting off topic.

What I wanted to share with you is that I decided to try out Everlane for the first time. And I am actually so glad that I did, because it brought this sunny little beauty into my life:

Introducing… Everlane Swim!

Everlane’s Swim line is made entirely from recycled nylon (part of their No New Plastic initiative). And it fits like a dream. Seriously, I haven’t had a swim suit fit this well in maybe forever. The bikini bottoms give enough coverage and rise that you don’t have to be concerned about the dreaded swim suit wedgie OR a missed wax (yep, I’m going there). Hallelujah!

I tried both the triangle halter and the square neck. Ultimately, I = chose the square neck because it’s so comfortable, gives great support, and is a little different from what I usually go for in the bikini realm. I also wanted something that I could wear to bike around Chicago and play beach volleyball – this fit the bill! The best part of the top? It has a clasp back and adjustable straps that move like butter. I don’t know how to explain this or why I’m so obsessed with how the straps adjust, but it’s just such a pleasant experience.

There are more styles (triangle, tie-front, one-piece, high-rise bottoms). Although I have heard that the one-pieces are not tall lady-friendly – anyone else have a 5 ft long torso?? It’s tough out here. They have some fun colors, as well as neutral black and white options if you’re not trying to mess with color. I surprised myself with the yellow because I would normally NEVER go for yellow, but I thought, “let’s be adventurous, Em” and here we are!

This swim suit was a staple for my Mexico trip and will accompany me to many bodies of water in the future, I’m sure. I paired it with a dreamy cover-up that my mother bought for me at TJ Maxx in preparation for this trip – so sweet, right? And with my new favorite sandal…

Nisolo Huaraches

These strappy wonders are the best summer shoe around. They’re breathable but protect your feet, the sole is sturdy and supportive but also sleek, and you can tell the care that goes into handcrafting each shoe. I’m always a fan of Nisolo’s work (speaking of supply chains, I think they have one of the best in the ethical fashion business!) and knew I needed a pair of their signature huaraches to run around with in the warm weather. I sized up a half size and they’re roomy without falling off my feet. I probably could’ve gotten away with a 10 because I’ve heard they stretch with time. We’ll see how that turns out!

Anyway, it’s 2023 folks and if your swimsuits aren’t sustainable yet, they should be. There are so many options for recycled swimwear!! Check out this awesome round-up from The Good Trade if you want some great alternatives. And of course, the rest of the Everlane Swim line!

Do you have any favorite sustainably or ethically made swim suits or resort wear? I can feel this MDW travel trend continuing in the future – drop your recommendations below!

Finally, a special shout-out to my best friend (cue “Best Friend” by Saweetie ft. Doja Cat) Hannah for standing in the hot Mexican sun to take these photos on the last day of our vacation. I appreciate your support of my blog AND my procrastination habit. Love you!

XO,
Em

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Spring Floral Jumpsuit

Also, I’ve been tearing up a lot as I walk around this city. Before we go further, I should note that I tend to cry at a lot of things normal humans wouldn’t get emotional about. I’ve cried about seeing cute, fluffy dogs on Instagram, in excitement for the spice markets in Morocco, and every single time that I listen to “Unimaginable” from Hamilton. All the feels!

Anyway, so I’m walking around Chicago and I see all of these restaurants that are open indoors again and people milling about (decently masked) and I just thought – wow, how far we’ve come from just a year ago! I distinctly remember walking last spring when it was literally the only thing we could do outside/needed to do to stay sane. The streets felt empty, everything was shut down, and uncertainty hung in the air like those days when the fog hangs below the skyline and you feel like you’re in a cloud. I remember telling Shiv that I just wanted to hug our city and tell it that it was going to be OK.

And now, things are looking up for this place we call home! In no way am I taking credit, but I still feel like a proud mama. I’m happy to see Chicago on its feet, taking steps after that long pause. Spring is just different this year. I hope it always feels like this – new, hopeful, stuffed with possibility.

In case it doesn’t, here are some photos I’ve taken recently as I wander around to different corners of my neighborhood…

Lakeview + Lincoln Park Walks

Happy Spring, everyone! I hope all the physical and metaphorical flowers you planted bloom and thrive this season!

XO,
Em

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Anyway, we’re here and it’s real and I am so excited to share this post because it features an ethical fashion brand that I have been following for years:

Manos del Uruguay

I first interacted with them at an absolute dream event, TED Women 2016, in San Francisco. If you scroll back far enough on my Instagram, you’ll see a cute staged photo of me with the TED sign where I was straight cheesin’. What 23-year-old gets to go to TED for free?! A very privileged one, obviously! I mean, I was there to work as a vendor for their artisan marketplace, but still. The idea was to have a marketplace where people could shop all artisan-focused, ethically-made products. Part of the curated group of brands (by the Artisan Alliance, if you’re ever curious about resources for artisan brands) was Manos del Uruguay.

And oh my word was their booth plush! Their products are made in Uruguay by artisan women in rural areas, who are paid fair wages for their work. Their most well-known product is probably their wool yarn, which is all handmade and hand-dyed. They also make apparel and accessories, like scarves, hats, sweaters, and what I’m wearing here…

The Poncho

I have a merino wool poncho from their Traditional Huella line, most similar to this one, but have just seen their new spring collection on their website and wow – gradient-dyed wool shawls? I am in love.

It is truly a blanket and makes this weird spring in-between weather a lot more bearable, especially during pandemic times where a lot of gatherings are happening outside to limit the spread of COVID. The lovely ~lewk~ above was from a colleague’s bridal shower in the most adorable outdoor patio at Orso’s Italian Restaurant on Wells Street. I know Old Town isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but there is just something about Wells Street on a Saturday.

The wool fabric is surprisingly warm. Like, seriously. I’ve worn this in 40-50ºF weather a handful of times and have never felt too chilly. The fit is oversized, but the side slits make it breezy. I’m sure you could belt it and I’ve done a front tuck that turned out pretty well. The fringe on the bottom is such a cute touch and I love a good chunky turtleneck too. I’m wearing a size small here and am usually a medium but this fits perfectly so I’d recommend sizing down.

Best of all, it’s handmade, ethically, by women who are skilled in their trade. This poncho checks all of the boxes! When I set out to create more content that features ethical fashion and artisan and sustainable brands, Manos was at the top of my list. I know how deeply they care about investing in their artisans’ futures, while also preserving traditions that go back generations upon generations.

The Details

I love that it’s so versatile too! Last month, I wore this on an airplane and it was great for a long travel day, but was super easy to dress up with these heels and a light accessory. However, I should caution all of my fellow heel-wearers: Putting heels back on after the pandemic year was truly shocking. My ankles had a moment of panic trying to remember how to handle that whole situation. Luckily, we figured it out, whew!

I topped things off with one of my favorite (of very few) bracelets from Meyelo, another ethical brand that works with artisans in Kenya – a place that is near and dear to my heart. I found this group back when I first started getting into artisan, ethical fashion and, while brass jewelry is not scarce in Kenya, I was enchanted by their timeless, minimalist style and focus on the craft. The coil bracelet is a testament to that, case in point. PLUS, a portion of proceeds from their products go toward local community development.

Either of these would be a great gift for moms, with Mother’s Day coming up! Or for a treat-yourself-we-made-it-through-quarantining splurge. I’m personally eyeing this Dalma necklace for an easy, subtle statement piece…

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