The Swoop

Sometimes, reading blogs can bring about more than the ability to waste mindless minutes (okay, hours) and the accumulation of feelings of total comparative inadequacy… because sometimes blogs enable me to discover ethically produced, philanthropic brands like SlumLove.

Do you ever have times when you feel like you are being asked to be good at way too many things? It feels like the common plight of so many people I know, those lovable but moderately OCD individuals trying their best to be perfect at everything and then feeling guilty about our collective inability to succeed (yes, my hand is raised). It was in a place like this that I encountered SlumLove-- a company that knows what they do well (sweaters) and does it with such zeroe’d in focus that I found the clarity of purpose deeply refreshing. The operations of SlumLove are the sort of straightforward wonder that makes my heart flutter: employee members of a traditionally underemployed community to make a beautiful product and then re-invest profits in support of that same community.

SlumLove' s particular community of focus is Kiberia-- one of the largest slums in the world, located in Nairobi, Kenya (quick aside for a second-- I’m incredibly fortunate to be a proud supporter of SHOFCO during my work hours and even more privileged to have spent a day in their facilities in Kiberia. They are doing truly outstanding work-- If you are looking for a new book to read and want to feel inspired, I suggest picking up the founders' incredible story, Find Me Unafraid... now back to our regularly scheduled programming) SlumLove's founder, Ava Darnell was spurred by a passion fostered on trips to Africa with her family (girl! same!) and had the idea to partner with women in Kiberia who were skilled at making school sweaters for their children to sell those products to needy consumers like me. Since its founding in 2013, the collection has grown to offer a variety of beautifully knitted goods using ethically and naturally sourced materials all while providing the knitter's fair wages and a safe work environment. Plus, profits are reinvested in a non profit that provides scholarships to children in the community who are unable to afford the school fees.

It is a perfect find for all of us right now when sweaters are on the BRAIN. See below for some fantastic choices, at prices that won't break the bank to terribly Plus, they also just launched their first leather collection, which includes a beautiful leather weekender made by a local artisan in Naroibi.

ONE: To be totally honest, I am currently wearing a sleeveless sweater tunic. But it’s tan with truly impressive versatility... so obviously, it's time to add a black one. I would love to snatch this one up and style it over my faux leather leggings. Or even workout leggings on the days of winter when you just can’t do it anymore but still have to look like you are trying but are really just wearing leggings to work. (Key to success is wearing knee high boots, so that the logo of said workout leggings is covered up)
TWO: I am very committed to my carry-on suitcase, although it isn't an ethical purchase... But it plus my TSA pre-check are the secrets to my long distance relationship. BUT sometimes my carry-on + backpack doesn’t quite cut it for the more robustly packed weekend… So I need this, right?? I can just imagine stuffing it with treasures and heading out the door. (Oh, did you think this was going to be about packing LESS? That's cute.) Plus, Slumlove gives a full breakdown on the production of the bag that makes it particularly hard to resist.
THREE: I’m all about winter white. Others might think it makes me look like an ashen ghost, I reckon it makes me look like a baller snow queen. This dress fits right in with the theme-- layer it over a turtleneck (striped! plain!) for now but hang on to it for spring with flats and a denim jacket.
FOUR: Under every sweater, a perfect white t-shirt acts as the patient lady in waiting, quietly available for the moment when the transition from frigid outside to cozy overheated inside is too much to handle. Layers, the key to winter survival.
FIVE: The cozy sweater comes in grey, clay, black, and ecru. It would to be tough to only add ONE to my closet...
SIX: I love a grandpa sweater. This crisp color and fun buttons pretty perfect together. Just hand me some bourbon and a book and I'm all set.