Image copyright Zady.
This year it seems like the holidays crept up on me. I can’t believe it’s already after Thanksgiving and the Black Friday sales are in full swing. I feel like Halloween was only yesterday. On the plus side, we pick out our tree this weekend! On the down side, the onslaught of retail information is being shoved down your throat 24/7.
Lately I’ve put a lot of thought into my buying habits, and where my money actually goes. I constantly find myself being pulled to products that not only make me feel good, but do good by the companies and people who work for them. There’s a fine line between being modern and stylish and being sustainable, organic, earth-friendly, or socially conscious and these companies are in my thoughts because they straddle that line so well.
I hope this “Feel Good Shopping Guide” finds you well in the midst of all of the other shopping chatter and sales and that you are able to find peace in the thought of quality over quantity. Less is always more.
Acne Studios
Women & Men’s Clothing
Coat and dress images above via Acne Studios.
During our trip to Denmark, I discovered Acne Studios while shopping and bought my first pair of black jeans (they’re still going strong!) and a plain white tee (seen here). Since then I’ve continued to collect timeless pieces for my wardrobe (like this shirt dress!) and have come to learn about their strict code of conduct for their manufacturing process.
Aēsop
Skin, Body, & Hair Care
Aēsop Norway store image via Aēsop.
Founded in Australia, Aēsop’s mission has always been to provide quality products with research & development, good design, and the planet in mind. Their products are plant-based and sourced from reputable suppliers around the globe. New products are introduced as customer feedback is provided. They even have a cool A-Z San Francisco City Guide.
American Apparel
Men, Women, Kids, & Baby Clothing & Accessories
Chambray button down image via American Apparel.
I remember so long ago when I first heard of American Apparel, and fell in love with their soft fabrics. I love the tri-blend tees for my kids, and love that they are made right here in California. American Apparel is committed to investing in the future of the earth, and sustainable practices and that is something to feel good about.
Ariel Gordon Jewelry
Fine Jewelry
Image via Ariel Gordon
I discovered Ariel Gordan Jewelry this year and immediately fell in love with these dual birthstone rings (and a lot of other goodies as well). Made in Los Angeles, AGJ is made “to be subtle and chic, lived in and layered”. Ariel’s vision is “to create jewelry that can transition well and be a wardrobe staple” and she does absolutely just that.
Coyuchi
Women & Men’s Clothing, Home Accessories
Farmhouse stripe collection and chunky weave throw via Coyuchi.
Although I’ve only dreamed of making purchases from Coyuchi, they’ve been on my radar for awhile now. Their mission is to be the source for sustainable home furnishings that respect our natural surroundings and enhance the lives of every one of their customers. Everything they do is inspired and respectful of nature, from sourcing to manufacturing, to final product. Plus, aren’t these knit stockings adorable?
Cuyana
Women’s Clothing
Wool coat and wool belted vest images via Cuyana
A few years ago I bought my first silk tunic from Cuyana. It was a huge splurge for me at the time but it has become one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe. Since then I’ve collected a few other pieces and they are all favorites in my closet. Cuyana’s mission of fewer, better really speaks to my heart and their commitment to quality craftsmanship is on point.
Elizabeth Suzann
Women’s Clothing
Artist dress and clyde pant images via Elizabeth Suzann
While reading Bleubird Blog last year, I came across the Nashville-based designer Elizabeth Suzann and immediately fell in love. Her pieces are born from natural fabrics in her studio in Nashville and her passion for quality over excess is apparent from the first peek at her line. If I manage to snag any of her pieces as a holiday gift for myself I will be on cloud nine.
Emerson Fry
Women’s Clothing
Ryan army coat and tie-up dress images copyright Emerson Fry.
It was the year 2013 when I first discovered Emerson Fry. I bought a pair of tan loafers that still live in my closet today. The quality of craftsmanship, and the aim of Emerson Fry to have minimal impact on their surroundings is something to love. Two more pairs of shoes and a couple of other pieces later, I still swoon in 2015.
Everlane
Women & Men’s Clothing
E1 dress and fingerless glove images via Everlane.
Based in San Francisco, Everlane is all about radical transparency. For each of the items they sell, you are able to trace them back to their conception. Each of their items is so well-thought out that they will stand the test of time in your closet. I’ve been basically living in their modern point loafers, and love the affordable luxury feel good vibes I get when I shop there.
Frēda Salvador
Women’s Shoes
Winter 2015 looks via Frēda Salvador.
Handmade in small family-run factory in Spain, Frēda Salvador’s shoes are both dreamy and well-made, an absolute must for any well-curated closet. I stopped by the flagship store in San Francisco recently to drool over a few pairs and fell in love with a simple moto-inspired boot.
Galisfly
Women’s Jewelry
Images via Galisfly Shop.
In 2013 I stumbled across this Etsy shop based in Tel Aviv, Israel and purchased this set of these tiny silver stacking rings. Beautifully made from plated sterling silver, they are delicate and fitted. Locally sourced and hand crafted, designer Gal Vardi aims to produce jewelry with a killer attitude for the modern woman.
Goat Milk NYC
Baby & Kids Clothing
Striped union suit & mustard tank images via Goat Milk.
Born in Barcelona, based in Brooklyn, New York, Goat Milk NYC offers a pared down selection of beautifully crafted, classic baby and kids basics. Made of 100% organic prewashed cotton and produced with a resolute commitment to fair trade and the environment.
Heidi Merrick
Women’s Clothing, Home Accessories
Gauze tunic and black maxi images via Heidi Merrick.
If anything describes Heidi Merrick better than modern California minimalism, I would be shocked. Heidi’s entire collection is produced responsibly and locally, all within walking distance of the label’s downtown studio. She believes deeply in production transparency and brand responsibility. The quality of her clothing is top-knotch, as I wear my striped drake tee weekly and it’s still in great shape. I’ve been eyeing these beautiful pajamas as a potential holiday buy.
James Perse
Women & Men’s Clothing, Home Furniture & Accessories
Fleece overcoat image via James Perse.
On Fillmore street in San Francisco I wandered into a James Perse store. It was beautiful on the outside and everything I ever wanted in a store on the inside. The pieces feel dreamy, and the design is simple and timeless. In the feel good aspect, James Perse strives to maintain high standards of corporate integrity and ethical behavior in every aspect of business.
LemLem
Women, Men, & Kid’s Clothing, Home Accessories
Images via LemLem.
Founded by Liya Kebede, Lem Lem is a clothing & home accessories brand that is hand made from natural cotton in Ethiopia. LemLem prides itself on it’s ability to empower local artisans to continue their craft while creating something that is modern and wearable.
Mini Rodini
Baby & Kids Clothing, Home Accessories
Images via Mini Rodini.
I first noticed Mini Rodini in 2011 and fell in love with their clean and fun designs for children. Several years later and I’m still in love with their designs, but I also love their practice of using Certified Organic materials and maintaining a quality manufacturing process.
Moods of Norway
Women & Men’s Clothing
Nina Loen Knit & Steffen Dale Bomber Jacket images via Moods of Norway.
Happy clothes for happy people is the motto of Moods of Norway, fully embodying their ethical and socially conscious practices. Designers Simen Staalnacke and Peder Børresenand love blending their Norwegian heritage with international lifestyle in a contrast-filled and fun universe.
Nuraxi
Women’s Clothing, Baby, Home Accessories
Diamond blanket scarf image via Nuraxi.
I discovered Nuraxi awhile back via twitter and immediately fell in love with their clean aesthetic and love for quality goods. They partner with skilled artisans around the world to produce items from materials with meaning. My favorite poncho is from Nuraxi, and I’ve been lusting after this blanket for awhile now.
One Love Organics
Skin, Body, & Hair Care
Skin savior image via One Love Organics.
One Love Organics’ award-winning skin care products are produced in micro-batches at the company’s ECOCERT® licensed manufacturing facility in St. Simons Island, Georgia. I can’t wait to try them out.
Oeuf NYC
Baby & Kids Clothing, Toys, Furniture
Perch and Mini Library images via Oeuf.
If you’re familiar with my kids, Aiden or Søren’s rooms, you’ll recognize Oeuf. Their clothing is made by artisans paid a living wage, and their furniture is crafted from FSC certified wood so it’s good for our environment as well. Their mission is simple, to be good. This means being good designers, good people, and good to the planet.
Pure Collection
Women’s Clothing & Cashmere
Cashmere jumper & blanket images via Pure Collection.
Pure Collection’s motto is,“The world’s finest cashmere, sensibly priced and expertly crafted into beautiful, modern styles to make you feel special and look terrific”. I don’t know that I could have said it better myself, their cozy cashmere just draws you in.
Sonnet James
Women’s Clothing & Accessories
Black dress and striped dress images via Sonnet James
I found out about these beautiful dresses via Naomi at Love Taza and fell in love with their simple design and ‘at play’ aesthetic. The quality of the fabric is thick and beautiful, and the cut of the dresses is equally so. They are manufactured in San Francisco, California and the founder, Whitney, believes heavily in fair trade and working locally.
Tegu
Toys
Tegu tints set image via Tegu.
Tegu makes simple magnetic blocks for kids (or anyone with an imagination, really) that aim to inspire open-ended play while maintaining a fun vibe. Tegu blocks are manufactured using sustainable hardwoods in Honduras, and every purchase helps afford kids in Honduras an education, as well as fight deforestation. These are my kids favorite toys, and it’s nice to know they are a feel good item.
Toto Knits Shop
Baby & Kids Clothing, Home Accessories
Zebra sweater image via Toto Knits.
Toto Knits was first introduced to me by Amanda of Coos and Ahhs. I’ve come to know the founder, Erin, as a friend and my boys absolutely adore their pieces. She lives in Africa and her pieces are sustainably knit one at a time by single mothers in Kenya who are paid per piece, so they can work as little or as much as they’d like and put family first.
Zady
Women & Men’s Clothing, Home Accessories
Gray sweater and wool coat images via Zady.
I found Zady via an event I attended at Polyvore headquarters and immediately fell in love with their mission statement. “This isn’t a trend. This is the new standard.” It speaks so much to the idea of minimalism being here for good, and not just another fad. I truly believe people are waking up to making better and longer-lasting choices when it comes to their retail habits.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this guide, and if you stuck around to the bitter end, congrats! I’ve also put together a “Feel Good Shop” where you can shop items from all of these retailers, go shop now!
Do you have any other stores or thoughts to add? I’d love to hear your input as I’m always on the lookut for brands that fall into this category.
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