eco brand: kindom, recyled fashion never looked so good

there's an expression i like to use + i use it often: "until kingdom come" - i use it when i know there will be a long wait for something - like my favorite vegan chocolate bar to be restocked or when i'm rushing to meet a friend, but the dryer at the laverie is in super slow mo and won't release my favorite trousers from its jaws. i was happy to discover the eco brand kindom this summer because this is exactly the kind of ethical label that i love to wear. 

i'd been searching for a fresh summer dress for my capsule wardrobe, something easy, something singular with a little urban edge: i had to laugh when i found this sustainable frock as it occurred to me that "kindom" has finally come, and the wait is over {yes, you know i love a clever play on words}.  

here is a transparent slow fashion label that produces apparel with respect to the environment + its workers and seeks to create employment opportunities for indigenous people to preserve ancient traditions of handicraft as well. how does one fashion brand make this happen? by producing a perfectly willowy column dress for the minimalists of the world; a demure, celestial dress adorned with planets and stars for moon-gazers like me; and boho graphic tees for girls with sustainability + style on the mind. 

let's start with the ingredients: sometimes we want a simple garment to do all the work for us, especially on a hot summer day or a sultry night. light, breathable fibers do a happy eco girl make. kindom uses organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and tencel to craft their designs. they also use discarded stock inventory that would otherwise end up in a landfill. 

the designs are made with active girls in mind, with comfort clearly a priority. i've strolled the streets of chicago in this fun, cosmic dress; i've investigated new york city's vegan scene in it; and i've explored paris farmers markets while wearing this easy, breezy number and it's quite chameleonic - fitting into any milieu with its modern cut + an unexpected print. 

this frock is the kind of design that people stop + ask me about. it's with feverish excitement that i share fashion notes: this dress was made by happy hands from recycled textiles!

those of you that know me here at eco voyage or follow me on instagram know that i like my looks to be fuss-free, but i do love a plucky piece with personality, and a design with a little something special is always welcome in my closet. as i hop from daytime outings to evening soirees, i always look for pieces that can keep up + wear well. 

i'll be easing out of summer and into cool-weather months by wearing this dress over a black turtleneck and pairing it with my faux leather moto jacket + vegan booties, because this is one piece that will see many wears on this green gal's slow fashion journey.

check out kindom and their newest line of brilliant bags hand dyed by artisans and hand-embroidered by the t'boli tribal people. this is the future of fashion, boys + girls.

this post was written in collaboration with kindom. all views are honest + my own. 

{eco brand} hands producing hope: shaking up the foundation

lucretia mott, 19th century women's rights activist + abolitionist, once said, "any great change must expect opposition, because it shakes the very foundation of privilege."

today we meet rebecca gardner, an enterprising woman with unabating enthusiasm, rattling the foundation + having a tranformative impact on women across the globe.

you've heard the expression, "female empowerment", but what does strength + empowerment really look like under the bright lights of quotidian life?

empowerment, like beauty, comes from confidence within: the confidence of having a skill or talent you can share with the world, the confidence that comes from knowing you are safe + free from harm, the confidence that stems from being able to provide food, shelter + education for one's family. when a woman is the master of her own fate, she is empowered.

empowerment also comes from freedom of choice.

this is the story of how hands producing hope is redefining opportunities afforded to women of rural costa rica + rwanda. how does an original + bold thinker help others to rise up against oppression + connect them to opportunities? this is what empowerment really looks like:

for those born into poverty in remote communities around the world, how does one pursue their dreams, seek out an education, build + support a family, or choose a livelihood that will satisfy a desire to contribute creatively to the world?

rebecca gardner knows how. she's the founder + force behind

hands producing hope, an ethical fashion, accessory + lifestyle brand built on values of love, stewardship, community + equality. and of course hope.

seven years ago rebecca took a trip, like so many of us do, a trip that would eventually reshape her thinking + change the course of her life. in 2010 she set out to costa rica, and there witnessed the discrimination faced by the native guaymi people. a visit to the coppey abajo reservation revealed that women, who despite systemic subjugation, had dreams for a bright future.

but dreams, just like the planes that take us to the new destinations that stretch our thinking + broaden our horizons, require fuel; and in this case, rebecca's idea, to gather local artisans together + sell their wares, required a market.

rebecca shares, "we knew that our artisans required more than just a steady income. they needed to be empowered, to fully know that they are valued and their dreams matter. we've since created a sustainable program that, not only provides dignified work, but prioritizes education and physical, mental and emotional wellness. our educational initiatives financially support artisans who wish to attend school, whether for the first time or to return and obtain their diploma. workshops are hosted several times a year to teach valuable life skills that they can benefit from long after they leave our program. we've formed relationships with the surrounding communities that have come alongside our mission in hopes of reconciliation." 

over the years, through sheer determination, creative thinking + lots of hard work {and the help of family + friends}, rebecca's vision came together. more + more artisans have joined the hph family of makers + creators. 

in 2016, hands producing hope partnered with rwandan women on nkobo island, adding their woven home goods to the repertoire of handmade jewelry by the costa rican artists. rebecca + her team continue to work to provide opportunities that will lead to a secure + consistent income  for each artisan. their greatest hope? to stir the hearts of those who wish to make a difference via the simple action of purchasing, to create "a movement of thoughtful spenders."

check out some of my fave items like this ethically-produced graphic tee made for the thrill seeker in you {be on the lookout because i've been wearing this comfy little top all around this great big world with my warm-weather skirts}; the best layering, chain bracelet ever {each made with a handpicked lagrima de san pedro by the artisans of costa rica}; + a showstopping woven tote {with an uber cute african lining: it's all about the lining, my friends} made by the assiduous artisans in rwanda. this tote will have heads turning all summer long at the farmers' markets + picnics in the park.

interested in learning more about the work of hph? this is what ethical fashion looks like.

 oh, and did i mention there's a wee giveaway happening too? all you have to do is follow along on instagram; if you're already following, you're entered to win! winner will be announced at the end of july. if you're not following along, it's never too late to join!

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

{images c/o hands producing hope}

{eco fashion guides} from head to toe: sublime socks, star shampoos + more

i love lists: i've said it before, and i'll say it again. so, i've rounded up my favorite lists of eco faves for friends, family members + readers alike who have been asking for recommendations on everything from underoos + socks to deodorants + shampoos. 14 green guides, all cruelty-free, vegan + perfect for healthy living:

"can you tell me about any eco brands that make good socks?" a friend recently inquired while holding up a sad sock with holes in the toes. the thing is, i can go into esoteric raptures about all things eco + ethical, but i tried to keep it short, "i have a list on my blog!" i told her. prompted by my gal pal's request for recommendations for everything from socks + shoes to underoos, i decided to gather up all the lists of goodies that i've compiled here on finny + dill. let's get started:

cruelty-free, vegan bath + beauty products

1/ lip balm: keep 'em moist; hydrated lips for everyone

2/ deodorant: don't sweat it, green hearts; think fresh, citrusy thoughts 

3/ shampoo: here i effuse about organic shampoos; shine on, mon amis

4/ dry shampoo: the mother of all inventions; an ardent fan i am

5/ facial oil: restore your skin's natural glow; clear + pH balanced skin for you + you +

you!

6/ body moisturizer: wellness rituals should always involve body butter

7/ perfume: fetching fragrances for him + her; when pheromones just won't do

ethical + organic clothing

8/ sweaters: mmm, warm + cozy options for cool-weather months

9/ 12 artisan brands: satisfy your appetite for rare, handmade goods + your yen for unique finds

10/ 12 ethical brands: move over fast fashion, these classic treasures are here to stay

fair trade + animal-friendly footwear

11/ socks: put your best foot forward with fair trade + organic options; i like 'em dotty

12/ boots: change is afoot with these innovative, animal-friendly creations; wear the pineapple you want to be in the world

eco outdoor gear

13/ camping gear: these makers, they've got what you need for good, clean fun

14/ insect repellent: the thrill of the chase; when you're not being chased by those little critters, it is a thrill indeed

undies

bonus: i promised underoos, so i'm including this rad list from noveaux magazine on some sweet + sensual lingerie + underwear brands.

check out these beauties here + more sexy, sustainable lingerie here

swimwear

double bonus: eco cult brings us this fantastic list of sustainable swimsuits + bikinis for fun in the sun. wherever you are, i hope there's plenty of sun. it's that time: vitamin d for you + me

until next time, stay green dear hearts! ♥