5 brands that give back

adidas parley recycled shoes

pictured: adidas Parley running shoes /

We only have one planet, so we need to care for it, and protect it, as much as possible. That is why it is so important to think about what we purchase, and how it could affect the planet long term, as well as the community.

In the twenty-first century, we have the benefit of advanced technology. This technology offers us so many ways to recycle materials, and make materials, which are sustainable and will be kind to the environment instead of damaging it for future generations.

I love finding companies which are creating products using these advances in technology, as well as donating a portion of profits from specific products to do good in the world. Whether we help those in need, or reduce our waste on our planet, we are helping humanity through giving back and protecting the environment.

There are so many causes and issues for us as humans to care about. It can sometimes be overwhelming as to which ones we choose to support! Sometimes we can donate our time and money to causes, other times it is fine for us to be passive and purchase products we already need which support causes we may not normally donate to, or we don’t have the time to support another way.

These five brands are killing it! They are either using technology to create sustainable fashion, or using their resources to help those in need. I love supporting brands that give back, and hope you enjoy doing so too!

  1. Chico’s: As you know, I am a huge Chico’s fan! They have beautiful prints and patterns designed in-house by artists, as well as practical garments that are easy to wash and wear on a daily basis. The company is dedicated to the community, and one of their big impacts is the work they do for Habitat for Humanity. Chico’s gives both time and money to this important cause, and you can help them! They have a collection online which helps raise money for Habitat for Humanity. They also help collect donations for the charity. You can find the perfect cardigan or top for summer, while supporting an important cause. Love that! You can learn all about it at Chicos.com.
  2. adidas: adidas is my favorite athletic brand, and I love the fact that they are innovating ways to help the environment and make fashion more sustainable. Their “For the Oceans” campaign currently produces shoes made from recycled polyester; and the shoes are 100% recyclable. The company is working hard towards shifting to recycled polyester on their line by 2024. Stay tuned! I will be going more in-depth on this topic later this month. To learn more now, please visit adidas.com.
  3. H&M: This fast fashion retailer is working hard to protect the environment and become more sustainable. They collect old clothing in-store so that it can be recycled instead of thrown away. H&M also has an eco-conscious collection which promotes the use of recycled materials. Love! To see the collection, check out HM.com.
  4. TOMS: I think by now, TOMS is a household names. This innovative company has built their business on giving back to the community. Every TOMS purchase benefits one of six causes the company is dedicated to. These causes include homelessness, equality, safe water, mental health, ending gun violence, and giving shoes to those in need. To learn more, head over to TOMS.com.
  5. Makers Market: This innovative company offers handmade products for the whole family, and for the home. They also offer upcycled goods and sustainable products! To learn more, please visit makersmarket.us.

There you have it! This is my current list of brands that give back. Which brands that give back are your favorites? Please share in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Casual spring denim day

silicon valley style gucic belt silicon valley street style

wearing: ivory and gold door knocker earrings / barrettesummer lipstick / strip twist tee / summer nail polish / gold bar ring / blue handbag / snake belt / classic blue jeans (under $100!) / floral print espadrilles /

Spring weather is always so volatile. One minute it is warm, clear, and beautiful; the next minute it’s fifty degrees and pouring rain! So, when the weather cannot make up its mind, I love wearing classic jeans and a fun tee.

This cute little tee is comfortable and casual, yet is has a little unexpected twist which makes it look more put together than your average everyday tee. I love throwing it over jeans and wearing comfortable espadrille’s for a casual, spring look I can wear it for running errands as well as meeting friends for lunch at Santana Row.

On this particular day I had a ton of errands to run, and I was still exhausted from the busy weekend. I wanted to be comfortable, but I couldn’t walk around in sweats. This twist tee paired with jeans was perfect. It was a comfortable outfit, and when paired with espadrilles that feel like slippers, it was ideal for my busy day.

Shop my casual spring outfit online:

What is your favorite way to look put together on days when you are tired yet need to look like you put some effort in?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

casual street styleit bags summer 2019


West Valley College 2019 Annual Fashion Show | Alchemy

west valley college fashion show

This wall was designed by the architecture students at West Valley College. It was inspired by the color palettes, and fabrications, from the runway collections designed by the fashion students.

west valley college fashion show west valley college fashion show west valley college fashion show west valley college fashion show west valley college fashion show west valley college fashion show west valley college fashion show

It’s always exciting when I learn about local fashion. It’s even more exciting when I learn about fashion happening within walking distance of my house. Our local community college, West Valley College, has an fabulous art school which offers students certificate and associate degree programs in many areas of art. The West Valley College Cilker School of Art and Design is an extremely creative learning environment which helps transform students, and prepare them for careers in visual arts, performing arts, and design.

The fashion design and apparel technology program is an amazing program which prepares students for modern careers in fashion design, and apparel production. West Valley College is a recognized leader in technology training for the apparel and manufacturing industry. This is an exciting and affordable way to learn the ins and outs of the ever-changing fashion industry. Love that!

I was invited to attend West Valley College’s annual fashion show named “Alchemy,” by Content Magazine. Content Magazine is a chic, local magazine which highlights Silicon Valley’s creative culture, local arts and events, and our innovation. It’s a great way to learn about everything you need to know about Silicon Valley’s art industry. I was honored to be a guest of Content Magazine, and also to be introduced to West Valley College’s fashion program!

The designers from West Valley College’s Cilker School of Art and Design are extremely talented. I could easily see many of the designs on the runway make their way to department stores such as Nordstrom, and then end up being well loved on the street. There was a variety of daily street wear, athleisure, vintage inspiration, multi-cultural inspiration, and red carpet ready couture. The design and quality of workmanship rivaled what we see on the New York runways, and in many cases, surpassed it! All of these designers should be proud of their work; these collections could easily grace the runways of New York and become highly coveted in an instant.

West Valley College’s student designers are Britney Bliven, Lina Egutkina, Peter Esparza, Rita Hernandez, Natasha Khanna, Maria Lee, Wing Hung Lo, Nicole Markelz, Lorrie McPheeters, Dipti Nichani, Lakshimi Uma Rachakonda, Grecia Rivera, Jonathon San Juan, and Hiroko Widlow. The special guest designer, show producer, and creative director of the evening was Joseph Domingo who is a local, San Francisco designer who has shown at LA Fashion Week, and is an alum of West Valley College.

To learn more about the West Valley College Cilker School of Art and Design, please visit WestValley.edu.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

west valley college fashion show west valley college fashion show