I heard over the summer anthropologie was going to start carrying fair trade jewelry line the bluma project. I totally fell in love with the bluma project’s really colorful and urban design over the summer so I decided to pop in and see if anthropologie was still carrying any goodies from this ethical brand.
AND THEY WERE!!! I scored this gorgeous neon beaded necklace :D.
(blazer-h&m; tee and shorts- thrifted via goodwill; shoes thrifted via buffalo exchange)
I LOVE IT! I think my new bluma project necklace will be great singularly but it’s delicate enough to wear with other necklaces and bright enough that it will add a little something extra to any outfit.
Also! I adore that it is one super long necklace it gives OPTIONS! I can wear it super long, doubled up (as pictured), or arm party style :). And friends! It was on sale! $10!
Now a little bit about the bluma project. The bluma project work with women’s cooperatives in Africa (primarily in Rwanda and Ghana); throughout the year the bluma project team travels to Africa to directly mentor women in advanced jewelry design. Each item is made by a woman who is earning a sustainable wage to support her family.
The bluma project does not have an online store YET but you can find their gorgeous pieces at anthropologie, ABC Carpet & Home, and shopbop.
I really love that some mainstream retailers are taking an interest in quality fair trade lines. I really hope we’ll be seeing a lot more ethical fashion in more popular retail outlets.
NOTE: I didn’t see the bluma project necklace I bought at anthropologie online, if you’re interested in seeing what anthropologie has to offer from the bluma project I would recommend just popping into the store since anthro’s online collection did not encompass even half of what they had in store.
So friends, have you heard of any other mainstream retailers getting into ethical fashion!?! Ain’t it so exciting!?
I love jewelry like this made from brightly colored beads. It looks like they make some using wooden beads. I love this! Not to mention it’s super cool that a place like anthro is offering free trade products! I feel like we’ve been friends forever too! I still remember getting your first message on ifb 🙂
Aquí recently posted..video tutorial: twisted up-do
It is very encouraging to see global free trade products are given the chance to go mainstream. We live in a global culture and the technology have brought the distance closer than ever. When buying and sharing products is as easy as a click of a button or as to write a few minutes of review (like what you did), it is great to embrace it. Especially when those small simple actions can help other less fortunate community on that other side of the world.
I was born and raised in Indonesia, so I know first hand what the situation is like in the third world country. There are so much potential that can be highly beneficial for talented artisans. It is a matter of finding the healthiest route, the right kind of workshop and training, access to trade and exposure to the right people.
I have been crafting some ideas to work with the Indonesian community and be more involved myself. I am hoping I could at least be an enabler and can open some more opportunities. Fingers crossed 🙂
Starlet recently posted..Tomato / Tomahto Chic
I’M SO HAPPY TO HEAR THAT! You can do it!!! Every small thing you give could be extraordinary you really never know how it will effect other people’s lives.
THANK YOU for the support. I’m excited to see it unfold!
Starlet recently posted..Tomato Red from the Runway to the Closet
Heeeee, the jacket! Love it. I love your emphasis on fair trade, love. You are always widening my horizons, and I am grateful to you for it. I am thinking about you so much, with the job, life and all. Am missing you so! Love you to bits sweetheart. How blessed I am to count you as one of my besties. <3
Anika recently posted..Sacramento, Bella & Anika
Your new necklace is beautiful and it’s great that it can be worn so many different ways! =) Also, even better that it supports a wonderful cause like the Bluma Project!
Nnenna recently posted..FBFF: Jumping on the Bandwagon
Dearest Jamillah! You are such a beautiful soul, inside out. Not only do you radiate external beauty, but your internal goodness is reflected through your beautiful smile. Your actions of supporting ethical fashion is commendable! In modern society there is a paucity of ethics in all fields. We need more aware people like you. I simply adore you!