LA Based & Woman Made

March 8, 2017 Audrey Stanton

Happy International Women's Day! Whether you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to strike, or just rocked your red, I hope it was a day full of female empowerment. In honor of this day I thought I'd bring together a list of 5 awesome businesses who are either founded, run by, or in total support of women. The icing on the cake? They are all based in LA! Check out some local love below.

1. YSTR is a sustainable clothing company produced and based in Los Angeles. The brand creates cut-to-order garments within capsule collections. Their process means less wasted fabric and better fitting clothing. They recently launched "YSTR Club" which gives you access to some pretty sweet benefits with a monthly membership. The Club's goal is to bring together rad women with passions for sustainability.

2. The Amplify Collective strives to bring women together. It stresses that life is busy and we all feel like we need to be doing more or better, but we can lean on and learn from each other. Through dinners, workshops and even a podcast The Amplify Collective empowers women in Los Angeles.

Founders Bri Seeley and Thaís Sky - theamplifycollective.com

3. LA Beyond the Label is an organization which aims to learn from and educate others about sustainably, as well as ethically, made clothing. They host workshops, participate in talks and produce their own fair trade "BtL T-shirt". The founder and most of the staff are women trying to support other women around the world.

Founder Taryn Hipwell and part of her team - labeyondthelabel.com

4. Elborne is an online shopping site for everything ethical and sustainable. They sell and promote all you need for a stylish and fair trade lifestyle. For women, by women.

Elborne founder Ashley - elborneliving.com

5. Galerie .LA is also an online shop which features and sells fair trade brands. They pride themselves on sourcing local products which are made ethically, sustainably, cruelty free and more. Many of their "makers" are women as well as staff.

Don't forget that issues in fashion are women's issues, as 80% of garment workers are women! Learn more about this and how you can support them at fashionrevolution.org.

5 Tips for a Sustainable Home

March 1, 2017 Audrey Stanton

As March begins I am excited to announce that I have almost officially completed moving. I have decided to set up shop in LA and am so excited to be in this new neighborhood! It's been a grueling process but has given me the opportunity to test sustainable practices in a new space. Here are some of my tips:

Rework what you've got. I've only had to buy one new piece of furniture in my move because I've found new, slightly different purposes for many of my items. Side tables have become a TV stand, the media console has become a bookshelf etc.
Find a sustainable home store. The Good Trade, yet again, has a fantastic list of recommendations. Included in that list is Bambeco, which I recently purchased a great rug from!
Buy secondhand. Find your local flea market, antique shop or a garage sale to get a good deal on something that needs a new home. And if you'd rather not have make a trip to one of those then Chairish has you covered. The online retailer lets you buy and sell preloved items from the comfort of your own home.

4. Buy things that will last. For example; the Floyd bed. A simple set of quality items that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Their tag line is 'furniture for city living' and I would have to agree.

5. Minimalism. Minimalism is a word that has been tossed around a lot recently and is either loved or hated. People seem to have a distaste for it because there is a very specific style associated with it but that doesn't always have to be the case. Minimalism, for these purposes, can mean simplifying your home in the way that is best for you. Keeping things simpler makes your life less chaotic, stressful and overwhelming. I personally feel like there's more room to breathe and concentrate in an simpler, organized space.

A Responsible V-Day

February 8, 2017 Audrey Stanton

Valentine's Day- every hopeless romantic's favorite holiday, and every commitment-phobe's least favorite. The day can be built up and make those without a significant other feel miserable but try to #treatyoself this year and focus on the love you do have! Here are some ways to get in the spirit while still respecting the planet and your fellow humans:

The Good Trade is at it again with a Valentine's Day guide to everything cute and conscious.
Urban Oreganics has 'limited edition' heart-shaped bath melts up on their site. I got some for myself and cannot wait to use them!
Sustain promotes safe sex. Have yourself some with their fair trade condoms and other sustainable products!

At the end of the day, don't forget what this fake holiday is really about: LOVE. Don't compartmentalize your love this year and stay responsible.