Cardigan: H&M // Jeans: Zara // Shoes: Sole Society // Purse: Rebecca Minkoff
Tassel Necklace: c/o Fashion & Compassion // Bracelet: c/o Fashion & Compassion // Necklace: Modest Gold
Ampersand Ring: & Apparel (use code downtown20 to get 20% off your order)
On Downtown Demure, I try to feature fashion companies that are valuable to my precious readers or to the world at large – be it a stylish shop producing clothing that’s actually affordable, a company that creates modest custom clothing, or a non-profit that gives much-needed spiritual and financial resources to exploited groups of people. Today I’m so happy to share a brand that falls into the latter category.
Fashion & Compassion (F&C) is non-profit boutique that partners with female jewelry artisans all over the world to help them sell and promote their beautiful creations globally. Most of the artisans they partner with are political refugees, victims of sex trafficking, or overcoming extreme poverty. F&C aims to transform communities through dignity — the dignity that comes with economic opportunity and spiritual support — and spreading beauty through the jewelry these artisans create. F&C wants all the women they partner with to know that they are loved. They also want consumers to know more about the issues and injustices affecting these women.
After combing through their website and social media pages, I was 90% set on working with this incredible organization. Before committing, I wanted to dig a little deeper to see if their spiritual support involved unscriptural teaching. No matter how beautiful their mission may seem, it would be fruitless if it involved teaching unbiblical teachings as absolute truths (as can so easily happen at faith-based organizations).
The employee I directly corresponded with is a fellow sister in Christ and one of the sweetest people I’ve never met. She gracefully and honestly answered my (many) questions about her organization. I now feel very comfortable promoting them.
Now onto the product itself. I originally ordered a different necklace and bracelet, but I wasn’t impressed with the quality of either item, so I asked to exchange for the necklace and bracelet set featured above. Let me know tell you, I LOVE both pieces. Love. They’re beautifully crafted from recycled Ethiopian beads, jasper and pavé crystal, and the pavé crystals glisten wonderfully in the light.
My necklace and bracelet were made by two women who are apart of the Freedom Project. I know that because F&C includes the names of artisans who created your jewelry so you can pray for them. I think that’s so neat!
At $30-$70 bucks a pop, this jewelry isn’t cheap, but it shouldn’t be. The higher prices points allow for the artisans to make a fair wage and product high-quality jewelry that should last for years.
Need more reasons to love Fashion & Compassion? Here are their core values, which speak volumes:
- Love, because “If we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.” 1 John 4:12
- Dignity, for all human life, born and unborn, because “God created human beings in His own image.” Genesis 1:27
- Hope, because “hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is the tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12
- Service, because Jesus “came not to be served but to serve others.” Mark 10:45
- Community, because “a spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
- Integrity, because “God examines our hearts and rejoices when He finds integrity there, knowing that we have served Him with pure motives.” 1 Chronicles 29:17
- Generosity, because “God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
- Action, because “it isn’t enough to just have faith, Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is not faith at all – it is dead and useless.” James 2:17
- Beauty “to bestow a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3
Please check out Fashion & Compassion let me know what you think in the comments below!
Linking up with: More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express // Style to Inspire // Manic Mondays //Mix It Mondays // Pink Sole // Still Being Molly // Turning Heads Tuesday // Style Elixir // Garay Treasures // Pleated Poppy //Because Shanna Said So //Stylish Housewife // The Wednesday Pants // Style Me Wednesday // Happiness at Mid Life // The Red Closet Diary // Mix Match Fashion // Thursday Fashion Files // High Latitude Style //Friday Favorites // Birdie Shoots // Pumps and Pushups // Because Shanna Said So // Favorite Fashion Friday
The Comments
Elizabeth
What a neat company! That outfit looks great on you, by the way!
Elizabeth
> ElizabethThank you, dear!
leticia justus
awesome article and you look so chic in this outfit. the gold bar necklace is great and glowy on your skin.
would LOVE to have you share this at http://kingmakerblog.com/?p=2807
Thank you Liz for your inspiration and good causes to support ,
Leticia from KingMakerBlog.com
Elizabeth
> leticia justusYou’re always so sweet and encouraging, Leticia! Thank you! You bet I’ll join your link up. 🙂
nancy
thanks for sharing! good to know! and you look amazing
xo,
nancy
Elizabeth
> nancyThank you so much! You should really check em’ out!
Alecz
What a wonderful company! And a beautiful bracelet! I love the bright red cardigan paired with the striped shirt, too!
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Elizabeth
> AleczThank you, dear!
Style Bits & Bobs of M.E.
This is such a cool company! I like their core values. 🙂 And I really like your outfit. It’s simple, chic and modest. Perfect for school and the fall.
Elizabeth
> Style Bits & Bobs of M.E.Oh hey there, Twitter buddy! Thank you so much for the love and encouragement!
chel
I love everything…beautiful jewelry for a great cause…I wanted to know what kind of lipstick you are wearing and your skin and manicure…absolutely flawless xx
Elizabeth
> chelThank you so much, Chel! You’re making me blush over here. The jewelry is as lovely as it looks, and I particularly recommend the set I have. My lipstick shade is au natural — I’m not wearing any! I haven’t been able to find a shade that works for me. :/
crazora
Cute look! It looks great on you!
CRAZORA
Rachel
These are gorgeous and I am proud of you for standing up and digging deeper into their beliefs and faith as that is more important than just serving. Thanks for sharing this company and their products. They look lovely.
Thank you for linking up to “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me” link up
Rachel xo
Garay Treasures
Elizabeth
> RachelThank you, dear!
Lanae Bond
I love companies that are not just about profit but doing something really good for their community or maybe even the world! Thank you for telling your readers about such a great company!
Elizabeth
> Lanae BondMe too, Lanae! Thank you for reading and offering words of encouragement!
Happiness at Mid Life
Great look Liz – love the subtle pattern mixing!
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you Thursday.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Elizabeth
> Happiness at Mid LifeHaha, thanks dear! Baby steps for me…
Anna Parker
What an amazing brand! I love to hear about businesses that make quality and fair wages a priority. As always, the way you styled your outfit with the jewelry is incredible! Also, thank you for looking deeper into the company. It is always nice to know that they are actually reaching people in a Christ like way and helping them accordingly!
Elizabeth
> Anna ParkerThank you for understanding and supporting Fashion & Compassion, Anna! They truly have a wonderful, Christ-centered mission!
Leslie
I LOVE THIS! Definitely resonates with me. Thanks for making a difference in the lives of others with your purchases! Women have the power to help so many other women in need. To the tune of MILLIONS if we make conscious choices to use our purchases for good.
Love it….keep it up – Leslie
http://www.littlegemsusa.com/charity-blog
Elizabeth
> LeslieThank you, Leslie! I couldn’t agree more. I’m ashamed to admit I’m just now realizing the power that lies in making more conscious purchasing decisions, and I’m trying to catch up to advocates such as yourself. Baby steps!
Renewing Serum
You’re not only beautiful but you do have a good heart. Continue to be a blessing and an inspiration to everyone. Your parents must be so proud of you. All your efforts will be paid off not by the people around you but, by the One who created you. Keep the faith burning!
Elizabeth
> Renewing SerumYour sweet comment made me tear up a little! Thank you!
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