Proof – Wood Frames

There are a lot of new companies coming out with wood frame eyewear but Proof is doing a great job keeping that  wood “good”. They give 10% of their profits to an eye clinic India called Aravind. In keeping with their theme of sustainable wood products Proof also supports reforestation in Haiti with a variety of organizations down there such as Trees For The Future. Out of all the wood framed eyewear I’ve seen this year Proof has the cleanest giving model and are making some really unique designs. These frames promote a world view but also asks us to look into those opportunities close to us by giving locally, sponsoring youth soccer and always looking for more opportunities…

The Good Flock – iWooly

There’s something honestly refreshing about a company that just knows how to create inviting warmth in their product. Delivering the type of accessories that create a unique touch of quality craftsmanship and a familiar natural presence that feels organic, but not in the cargo shorts and Teva sandals kinda way, or the strictly vegan 100% organics at all costs way either. No, The Good Flock would rather give you the nitty – gritty dialed down into a approach that lets the product and the process speak for itself. Its good, its made consciously, its made with a personal touch (literally by hand), and its made from a company that has shining personality. My first introduction…

Fjallraven Kanken

In the past year or so I’ve noticed a kitschy little backpack strapped to the backs of countless cool urban adventurers in New York. The odd name , catchy colors, and clean design made it more apparent this was a brand of those that knew what’s up. Simply put, Fjallraven does outerwear design better. Keeping up with the Swedish gold standard of design, everything is clean and balanced with enough pop to give the products personality. Even with my ignorance to the Scandinavian powerhouse, The Fjallraven logo is certainly iconic at first glance. You couldn’t forget that Red Fox if you tried to. With further education I learned Fjallraven carries the same careful construction responsibility ethos throughout the entire…

Krochet Kids – Peru

Through their facility in Northern Uganda Krochet Kids International has changed the lives of over 100 women and their families through training and employment. The inspiring team has now set their sites on Peru. With over crowding in the capital city many women are desperate need of stable income. Knitting has long been a cultural practice in Peru which just makes this project make sense. Oh, and each hat is signed by the maker for that personal touch. www.krochetkids.org  

Redefine Charity Bracelets

Rubber fundraiser bracelets are great but a little impractical as an everyday accessory if you are trying to pull an outfit together. Here are a few of my favorite charity bracelets that benefit amazing organizations and look amazing. The best thing about having a beautiful accessory is that not only can it set off a fit but when people ask about it you get the chance to tell a story to be proud of. That feels good.   1. Charity: Water This is a beautiful piece. Charity: Water and Kwiat who are both based out of NYC, partnered to create The Diamond Water Droplet Bracelet. This piece though beautiful still carries a bit of a stir…

Ark Collective

Ark Collective is a California based company is a simple company with a simple mission. Make really nice backpacks really well and donate a backpack to underserved students in the United States. No doubt inspired by TOMS and other one-4-one giving companies, Ark has found an item so many take for granted. A lack of proper school supplies is just one more hurdle for kids to cross.  With all the other things in their way getting a backpack to use for school can truly make an impact on a kids life. The bag and straps are made from a durable canvas and comes in three major color ways and have a sleeve to fit 15…

Buy A Watch, Plant A Tree

In just two years WeWOOD has come a long way. The first piece was born in Italy but this LA based company crafts eco-friendly and nostalgic time pieces mostly from found wood. The inner workings are Miyota movements. The bands are adjustable by adding and removing links just like traditional metal pieces. The group at WeWOOD has also partnered with American Forests to promise that a tree will be planted for each piece sold.

The Slingshot Cow Tote

Invisible Children have been leading the charge in interweaving art and design with social awareness and have inspired others to take real action with their films and finely crafted products. Totes come back every year in different forms and Invisible Children has created clean piece with an ode to its makers. The cow print references the investment hopes of the Ugandan creators as cattle have proven to be a profitable investment in effort to rebuild after years of conflict.

Frames Frames Frames

Two of the hottest items I’ve seen this holiday season are the new frames from Toms and Warby Parker. Toms is the shoe company we all know a love. They are the inspiration for countless other one-4-one giving companies and they always seem to come out with fresh styles. It’s no surprise that they new eyewear line is doing great. The color ways look fresh but still carry that signature Toms branding. They make a great alternative to the standard Wayfarer if you’re looking for something different. No to be out done, Warby Parker has created some really clean frames for both sunwear and optical lens. They also have a one-4-one giving program and fund a series…

What is one AK-47 worth?

What happens when a weapon is more valuable as an ornament than a lethal device? This is the question that Fonderie47 has answered. By transforming weapons into beautiful original pieces of jewelry they are able to get hundreds of weapons out of conflict areas in Africa. It’s amazing to see how craftsmanship and design can completely change the value of an object. I’m really excited to see more pieces from these guys. “Every act of creation is first an act of destruction” -Pablo Picasso