Freshly Picked Moccasins.

I've been a big fan of Freshly Picked moccasins (and an ardent admirer of founder Susan Petersen's humble beginnings and keen business sense) for a little while now. So it was quite the happy mail day when my daughter's pair of Freshly Picked moccasins arrived in our mailbox! Her pair of Raspberry colored little-people moccs arrived in a drawstring bag with the gorgeous Freshly Picked logo and pin on it. I'm big into details like that.

First of all, I was honestly (and very pleasantly) surprised that the moccasins are available in toddler sizes up to size 10. My daughter measured right at a size 8, so I opted for the 9's because when I was growing up my mom wouldn't buy a pair of shoes unless there was a thumb's width of space in the toes. When we slipped the moccasins on they were very roomy on her foot. I CANNOT stress enough how impressed I was that they, nonetheless, stayed on her feet without any slippage! That hidden elastic around the ankle sure does it's job.

The moccasins are beautifully made (in the USA!), and the leather is soft and supple. The colors are really, truly, gorgeous. I've been limiting wear to the house and backyard because I'm a bit of a priss, and can't bear the thought of scuffing the gorgeous leather too much just yet. After a week of wear, the leather is beginning to mold to her feet. They're so comfy that once she's wearing them she often forgets that the moccasins are even on her feet. Unless she catches a glimpse of them. She's a big fan of the color she chose. And the fringe. Definitely the fringe.

Disclaimer: a big thank-you to Freshly Picked for sending me a pair of moccasins to review at no charge. I was not monetarily compensated in any way for my opinions as stated in this blog post: all opinions are my own.

Ethical Fashion at The Root Collective.

It can be so difficult to find affordable, well-made goods that aren't made in China or other countries where things are produced in less than ideal conditions. For those who are looking for a more socially conscious shopping experience, The Root Collective is a brand new shopping site that is a must-see! 

The mission of The Root Collective is to "connect shoppers with makers, communities with each other, and remind society of humanity." All of the products they carry are ethically sourced,and The Root Collective maintains strong and intentional ties to the communities in which the artisans live. Even better? The Root Collective implements a 10% give-back that gives the buyer the choice of where that money goes. 

Not only is that super cool, but the handmade artisan goods are gorgeous to boot! Stylish, and on trend, The Root Collective features ballet flats, bags, scarves, and a lovely collection of jewelry made from beads, gourds, wood, and recycled soda bottles. (This necklace and this bracelet are my personal faves. And did I mention the flats?) 

When you check out The Root Collective be sure to read about the artisans that made the goods. And feel confident that your purchase is providing fair trade work for a human being in a developing country. 

PS. their ballet flats pair nicely with our shoe clips as seen here! 

SHOP THE ROOT COLLECTIVE NOW

 

 

Daffodils in the Garden and New Bows in the Shop.

The daffodils are blooming! Their happy little faces lined up along the garden wall look so lovely. I still don't have the garden entirely cleaned up from Winter, so there are still weeds and bits of trash floating around.

It's a bit odd to be experiencing all of this warm weather before the lilac trees bloom. The other day I actually got confused and became concerned that the lilacs had died since they hadn't bloomed before the 70 degree weather hit. Then I remembered that it's only March. They're covered in budding greenery now though, so as is well.

This year Spring meant that I needed a new pair of slip-ons. I decided to go with those beauties above from Aerosoles. Providentially, one of our local department stores had them on a great sale. I totally lucked out!
 

And if an awesome sale on the shoes one wants just when one wants them isn't sweet enough, look at that face! Of our three children Little Miss P looks the most like her mama.

Don't forget to stop by the shop and take a look at the new line of bow fascinator clips! For now they're available in Peony, Silver/Gold, Marigold, Sea, Raspberry, and White.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

I am currently having a love affair with handmade shoes, and what goes better with handmade shoes than a comfy handmade shirt? I'm pretty sure I'd be feeling super cozy + happy!

 

 Left:  handmade natural brown flats by SMARTFISH   

Right: Oscillate Shirt - Bamboo Cream by THIMBLEandACORN