Swoop Sleuth

Lucky for us, we aren't the only ones interested in being more conscious shoppers. See below for some handmade, ethical, and sustainable goods I found from around the web while looking in my usual places:

  • ONE: I wouldn't say I have a black thumb. Instead, I would just say that plants seem unwilling to stay alive in under my care. Unfortunately, this reluctance even extends to those "un-killable" plants like succulents. These adorable brass cacti might be just the trick. Did you know that West Elm is committed to having 20% of their goods being handcrafted?  WOW. These pieces were made in India and would great in lots of places in my apartment or even on my desk (i.e. all crime scenes were plant deaths have occurred...) 
  • TWO: I'm definitely on a straw bag kick recently... In the off chance you don't want one covered in adorable decals, I found a more toned down one for you from KAYU on Shopbop. All KAYU bags are handmade in East Asia with an incredible eye for design. I love the yellow accents and detachable pom poms on this one. 
  • THREE: This Proud Mary dress (also found on Shopbop) was handwoven and sewn in Mexico. It's bright colors and flowy style are politely but firmly begging for a beach vacation. 
  • FOUR: Yes, this is a sweatshirt with a sequin giraffe on it.  You might be thinking why would you want a sweatshirt with a sequin giraffe on it? And the only thing I can say in response in good conscious is why wouldn't you?! Made by Umza Bozai and found at Anthropologie, this brand uses mixed artisanal craft, like hand embroidery and block printing, in contemporary designs. 
  • FIVE: One of my best friends and I endlessly complain that no matter the weather, it is ruining our skin. Summer seems to be no exception for me.  This Tata Harper mask from Nordstrom is a skin-fixer wonder. Made of all natural ingredients, this mask will instantly brighten dull skin. At present, I am on my third jar of it... so be careful! The results are addicting! 
  • SIX: In my world of earrings, I either want them so big they could cause an accident or so dainty and delicate that you might just miss them. Huggie Hoops are a favorite variety of dainty earrings and this Melissa Joy Manning pair has just the right amount of edge. Handmade using recylced materials, these will hug you ears all day long with love. Who doesn't want that?!