Worthless. Invaluable. Overlooked. Sadly, the same characteristics associated with this copper coin are the labels that many women today put on themselves. One organization, though, is on a mission to restore the dignity and worth of women, and their impact starts with a penny.

The Soteria Initiative was founded by Khue Paige as a jewelry company that give pennies a new purpose (on necklaces) and provides employment to women in Phoenix. Their goal? To empower women to break the cycle of abuse and exploitation -- because in their words "freedom is worth every penny". We couldn't agree more!

Sela Designs: Art that Gives

Just a few months ago, I was introduced to Sela Designs, a beautiful, handmade jewelry business that uses 100% of profits to giveback to organizations that are rooted in life-giving work. Ashleigh, the owner, designer and maker behind Sela, uses her talents to create pieces that are giving back in a powerful way.

You can imagine the joy that filled my heart when I learned that Sela Designs financially supports a children's home in Ethiopia. This heartbeat I feel for Africa and the desire to find thoughtfully made products intersected in a beautiful way that can only be God.

Fair + Simple: A world-changing way to give

At Christmastime, it often feels a bit challenging to make our shopping list for others, while at the same time balancing our desire to purchase intentionally. The stress that comes with selecting a perfect gift, yet also knowing it's origin is tough. But there is a dream solution...and Molly Acord, owner and founder of Fair + Simple, is the genius behind it.

Through her love for all things fair trade, Molly developed a simple shopping option that allows customers to purchase gift cards that can be redeemed by their friends or family for any item on their beautifully curated site of ethically sourced products. We loved this concept so much, because it provides a thoughtful and easy gifting option, and creates a fun and meaningful shopping experience for the person receiving the card.

Ethical Fashion, Eco-Friendly, Style, HomeThe Judge FamilyDecember 4, 2017Fair + Simple, Ethical Fashion, Fair Trade, Gift Giving, Dressember, Pattern, Fashion, StyleComment

Cotton with a Conscience

A recent family trip took us to McIntosh Farms, where we met At McIntosh. At’s Family has owned McIntosh farms dating back to the Revolutionary War time frame. At is an eighth generation farmer and has lived here in South Carolina all his life. At now owns and operates 1000 acres of farmland and rotates his fields with peanut, corn and of course cotton. At’s crop rotation ensures that his cotton yields will be as high as possible and that he will end up with the highest quality of cotton -- a vital piece for his "farm to shirt" concept for his business Homegrown Cotton.

Fair Fashion: Noonday Collection

There isn't much sweeter than spotlighting both an organization and a person that you love and call a friend! Today I'm tickled to chat with my friend Kristine, an Ambassador for Noonday Collection! Kristine and I met more than a 15 years ago when Phil and I were living in Massachusetts. She truly has a heart for people, and her love for others and passion for Noonday will inspire you to get involved!

Birds Fly South...And Some Never Leave

Fall is on the way and it can’t come soon enough. Although we love the summer here in the South, it’s always nice when we get a break from the extreme heat. With the shift in the season comes a shift in our wardrobes as well. We tend to put away the whites and vibrant colors that we associate with Summer. We head to the closet and pull out the earth tones that are just as elegant yet a little more subdued — the colors that remind me of the leaves starting to turn. The browns, deep greens, orange, rust, red and amber. So many colors that nature offers us. The light sweater or cardigan might also make an appearance and the days of shorts are all but over.

Dressember: Your Questions Answered!

In the last couple of weeks we've received several questions about the Dressember Campaign, what it is and how to get involved! With registration for Dressember opening on October 1st (This Sunday!!) We wanted to make sure you had as much information as possible! If you have other burning questions, leave a comment and we'll answer it!

Style, Ethical FashionThe Judge FamilySeptember 29, 2017Dressember, Style, Human Trafficking, A21, IJM, Dresses, Bow Ties, Beauty, Fundraiser Comments

Botany Bow Ties

It’s our pleasure to introduce you to Irmantas, the owner of Botany Bow Ties based in Charleston, SC. He and his partner Chad graciously allowed us to ask several questions about the company as well as host a small photoshoot. His story is an amazing one that we’re so excited to share with you.

Irmantas was born in Lithuania where he lived until he was 11 years old. At that time his mother, who was seeking to make a better life for herself and her family, moved them to the United States. That was 16 years ago and now Irmantas calls Charleston home. And as a Charlestonian he is very proud of the fact that he lives in such a wonderful place. Although the idea for Botany Bow Ties wasn’t always in his mind, all it took was a matter of circumstance to see the idea come to fruition.

Style, Ethical FashionThe Judge FamilySeptember 6, 2017Bow tie, bowtie, Botany Bow Ties, Mens Fashion, Fashion, Charleston, Style, Shop Local, Made in America, LithuaniaComment

Trades of Hope: Changing Lives

Fashion that empowers and provides a better future is my heartbeat. Just over a year ago I really started researching how I could more intentionally purchase products and support businesses who are making an impact on our world. With the endless amount of online and department store options for accessory and home items, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, businesses like Trades of Hope are making it really easy to purchase in a way that changes lives.

Ethical Fashion, Beauty, StyleThe Judge FamilyAugust 29, 2017TOH, Trades of Hope, Jewelry, Accessories, Style, Purchase with PurposeComment

Everything We Need Is Here...

Our Master Bedroom was my least favorite place to be in our house. We painted it a crazy green color when we first moved in, and in-turn it seemed to overtake the natural light we get through all of our windows. Dark, crazy green and a merge of Phil and my bedroom belongings from our single living days...It was functional, but it certainly never felt like a retreat.

So 8 years later, we decided to finally tackle this room, and it is quickly becoming my favorite place to relax and retreat.

StyleThe Judge FamilyAugust 1, 2017Master bedroom, farmhouse, DIY, Makeover, Style, Bedroom, Interior Design, Bulldog Comments