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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I know, scarves aren’t the first thing you think of in the summer months, but silk scarves are actually super breathable and light! They can also double as a hair tie for those really warm days to pull your strands out of your face.

I paired this burgundy number with a simple white tee (only $10 right now!) and jean mini-skirt for the ultimate lazy-girl style.

White t-shirts are a must-have, I always stock up on a few in the summer. They’re easy to throw on to go to the beach or park and not attract the unwanted heat that dark fabrics do. Normally, I snag these at Target or Gap, but in light of my more intentional style journey here, I opted for a few versions from Everlane. I’m wearing a medium here and it’s the perfect length/fit.

My jean skirt is an old purchase from Madewell, so not quite sustainable, but neither is clothing waste! I get a lot of wear out of it, too. Here and here are a couple similar versions. And lastly, my favorite Rothy’s black slip-on sneakers that quickly became a closet staple after I bought them before my month and a half long trip to Europe and East Africa. They were 100% necessary and yes, I know they’re a bit expensive, but totally worth it if you can splurge. If you’re ready to do it, use this code for $20 off your purchase!

What do you do to accessorize in the summer? Any tips or tricks? Drop them in the comments below!

XO,
Em

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Today I laced up my sneakers and I knew I wouldn’t be watching the time or trying to beat my mile time. I wouldn’t be listening to The Wombats like usual or dance-running to Beyonce. No, instead I turned on the most human version of autopilot and let my legs carry me as my brain worked through the remnants of grief and trauma that pop up in my world every so often. Life after loss is tough, you guys.

Let me back up. Today, I realized that it’s June. June is the month that I lost my best friend and nanny back in 2007. If you’re not familiar with this story, I wrote a piece for Literally, Darling several years back that sums it up pretty well. In fact, I’m publishing this a few days before the 14th anniversary of her passing.

14 years – wow. It feels simultaneously like it was just a moment ago and like it should be 20. Why isn’t it 20 years yet? Is that when it won’t hurt so much? It seems like that amount of time should do the trick.

Today was a grief run, marked with slower songs and less about form. It was conversations with myself and also drinking in all of my surroundings. It was smiles at panting dogs, the watermelon-rind scent of the harbor, and wondering if she would be proud of who I’ve become. I know, I know, most people will tell me yes. I’m not looking for validation as much as I’m genuinely curious. How would she feel about me now? What would she think of my friends? Of Shiv? How often would we see each other? Would she still be living in Michigan? Would we meet up to play gin rummy every time I go home? You know, typical thoughts we have when someone’s life went un-lived.

I sat at the corner of the lakefront path, just north of the skyline, for a long while. I watched the waves push and pull, seemingly chaotic but all part of a bigger plan. My mind wandered to Gigi’s pepper grinder comment – did you know that pepper came in so many different colors? There’s always more to something than we realize. There’s always a deeper story, meaning, purpose. Coincidentally, that one off-hand comment, which was hardly meant to be profound, settled the foundation of my philosophy for life. Never assume you know the whole story; everyone is dealing with something under the surface. It’s sometimes tough to remember – I fail frequently. But it’s a good rule of thumb. At the end of the day, we are all only human.

I’ve never thought that there’s nothing after life on earth. Perhaps that is due to being raised in the Catholic faith. But still, even when I try to picture the idea of “nothing”, my brain rejects it. What do you call a hopeless romantic for heaven? Is that what a person of faith means? I like to picture Gigi up there, hanging out with my grandmas, grandfather, aunts, and friends’ relatives. She’s probably cracking jokes and singing her little songs and dancing to early 2000s 50 Cent. I also often imagine her rolling her eyes at me, giving her a run for her money as an angel. Or whatever currency angels use.

On days like today, I picture her up there, silent and still, waiting. I ask if I’m doing the right thing and don’t get a firm response, obviously. But then a cool breeze picks up and my way home is seamless and I just have to believe that she’s telling me, “of course you’re doing the right thing, I’m pushing you in the right direction!”

I wasn’t a runner until college. Heck, I wouldn’t really classify myself as a runner today, because it’s not about the races or beating my best time (although I do get a little thrill when I come in under my usual 10 minute mile). And I don’t do it consistently enough to be a solid hobby. But it is a chance to get out of my head, move my body, and most importantly, process the grief that I’ve accepted will always live with me. On days like today, it’s about the opportunity to realize what I need in this phase of my life to cope.

So this year, instead of breezing past the anniversary of Gigi’s death like I normally do, I want to recognize and honor it. I want to sit with it – with her – and celebrate everything that she brought to our lives. Catch me by the lakefront on Friday, spending time with the woman who helped raise me.

XO,
Em

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To hold me accountable, I want to share my list with you all! And also hear your recommendations for my travel wish list! Who knows, maybe I’ll do this again between 30 and 60…!? OK, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s get to the list:

CURRENT COUNTRY COUNT: 25/30

Pre-2011: (titled this because I was too lazy to think about the actual years/first time I went there)

• US (birthplace!)
• Canada 
• Bahamas 
• Jamaica 
• St. Thomas
• St. Maarten 

2011: 

• France (Bordeaux, Toulouse)
• Ireland (Galway)

2012:

• France (Paris)
• Spain (San Sebastian)
• England (London)
• Germany (Mannheim, Karlsruhe)

2013:

• Turkey (Istanbul, Sariyer)

2014:

• Germany (Berlin, Heidelburg)
• France (Paris, Versailles, Nice)
• Monaco 
• Netherlands (Amsterdam)
• Morocco (Marrakesh, Atlas Mountains)
• Ireland (Dublin, Cliffs of Moher)
• Hungary (Budapest)
• Czech Republic (Prague)
• England (London)

2016: 

• Kenya (Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Kakuma)
• Turkey (Istanbul, Cappadocia)

2017: 

• Uganda (Kampala, Jinja)

2018:

• Mexico (San Jose del Cabo)
• Kenya (Diani)
• Tanzania (Zanzibar)
• South Africa (Johannesburg)

2019:

• Dominican Republic (Punta Cana)
• Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice)
• Vatican City (does this count?)
• Switzerland (Geneva)

2020:

2021: ???

Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Any recommendations? Drop them below!

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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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