Worthwhile Wear

I am so excited to share a little about Worthwhile Wear today on the blog.  I started doing some volunteer work for them this summer and I'm so passionate about the mission and goals of this organization.  Here's a little blurb from the website about Worthwhile Wear:

" Worthwhile Wear exists to rescue and restore girls from forced prostitution, and more importantly help prevent girls from ever entering it. We target highly trafficked areas both internationally and domestically, and offer women the opportunity to overcome two primary factors which are at the root of sex trafficking; poverty and lack of education.

This solution is offered through vocational training centers which teach women how to make wears, such as jewelry, handbags, and clothing, which are sold to provide them employment. Additionally, the women are offered free education, a safe place to stay, and restorative programs geared toward encouraging personal growth and reestablishing self-worth."

All the products in the Worthwhile Wear shop are made by the formerly enslaved. Most of the products are made in India. I wanted to share some of my favorites with you, but I'd recommend clicking here and checking out the shop for yourself as well.

This Worthwhile Wear bag is not only really cute but also super sturdy.  The handles are made out of old sari's that are washed and then braided together. It comes in four different colors as well!

I'm obsessed with this green African jade copper multi-strand necklace.  It's absolutely gorgeous and is the perfect addition to any outfit!

I just had to share these special bangles with you all as well.  They are made of pieces of broken glass bangles that the girls save. They are so colorful and beautiful!

There are other ways that YOU can get involved and help put an end to slavery. Worthwhile Wear produces shirts for businesses interested in showing they're socially aware.  Each Worthwhile Wear shirt is sewn by the hands of those once enslaved.  The shirts are custom made and printed with your company's logo, name or whatever else you would like displayed.  If you are interested in purchasing t-shirts through Worthwhile Wear, you can send an email over to brittany.hendler@worthwhilewear.org

Please:

 "Like" Worthwhile Wear on Facebook here

Follow Worthwhile Wear on Twitter here

Shop to Stop Slavery here

Learn more about Worthwhile Wear here

India On My Mind

On Tuesday, I went to the local Plato's Closet (they buy and sell name brand gently used clothing) and came across this Free People dress and knew that I couldn't say no. 

You see, just four summers ago I had the amazing opportunity to go to India through Life Change Ministries International and I left part of my heart there, with these beautiful children:

It still brings tears to my eyes to think of the unimaginable hardships (to learn more about the injustices they face, click here) these kids face on a daily basis, yet they were some of the most joyful people I have ever met in my life.  I fell in love with the people and culture of India (including the brightly colored, beautiful clothing!).   Check out one of the dresses I brought back from India:

(Not too different from the Free People dress I found at Plato's!)

If you're looking to add some different parts of the world to your own wardrobe, you can check out your local thrift stores but I would also strongly recommend checking out Ten Thousand Villages.  Their clothing and jewelry is all Fair Trade and helps create a market for disadvantaged merchants throughout the world.

I might not be able to return to India as soon as I'd like to, but I can bring a part of India into my everyday life, even when I'm out thrifting :)