Story Time

I love stories. Ever since I was a little girl, I’d want my mom to read to me or just make up stories so I could imagine the story playing out in my mind. The story lover in me only grew as I got older, which is one of the reasons I started this blog!

Yesterday, I introduced you to the charitable online boutique, To the Market. Today, I want to tell you the stories behind each of the items I’m wearing!

First off - this adorable skirt
This was the first thing I fell in love with on the To the Market website. Each skirt is handmade by a single mother working at home. It’s made of cotton with just a tad stretch (if you’re ordering, I recommend sizing up!) Proceeds from this skirt go to WPP, an NGO providing health care to children in Central America and the Caribbean.

The notebook
I carry notebooks everywhere. I simply CAN NOT deal with the notes app in my phone, I need to physically write something down or I’ll most definitely forget it. This adorable one is designed by a girl named Besjana Kryeziu, who is currently studying painting at the University of Prishtina. For every 25 journals sold, a young woman in Kosovo is supported for an entire semester in college. AN ENTIRE SEMESTER! These notebooks are made in the USA with 150 pages ready to absorb your stories.

Necklace:
I’m a huge proponent of chunky necklaces with sweaters this season. This piece is made with seed beads on a natural locally sourced horn circle which hangs from a soft, adjustable leather chord. The necklace is named after the artisan’s daughter, Seadley, and was handmade in Haiti.

Bracelet:
I’ve continuously talked about how comfort is key for my style and jewelry should be no exception. This woven bracelet is made from a parachute chord and features the US Coast Guard insignia. Through purchasing a bracelet, we’re empowering the women who make these in Afghanistan to earn a fair wage in a clean and safe environment, attend classes, use the laundry/shower/tearoom facilities, and make friends outside of their immediate family (a rarity in rural Afghanistan.)

Thanks for tuning in for the latest “Story time with Julien” today ;) Head on over tomorrow for another super fun look with more To the Market pieces. And story time. ;)

Wearing skirt, bracelets, necklace and notebook via To the Market, Callahan oversized boyfriend sweater, and Veja marble sneakers via Anthom

To the Market

I received an email a couple months ago from a reader. He talked about how he really enjoyed the aesthetic of the blog and how he can’t wait to find a girlfriend so he can show her all the style inspiration. And then he said, “You SO need to meet my friend, Jane.”

I get referrals all the time - do photograph someone, to work on a campaign, but not very often do a get a friend referral! And when he started to tell me about his friend Jane, I knew I had to meet her too.

Jane started this amazing company called To the Market, a website that sells curated survivor-made goods. Women who make these items have been trafficked, abused, diseased or abandoned…but thanks to Jane, this is no longer the case.

To the Market provides a platform for these women to share their stories and their handcrafted items with the world. From the most darling ornaments (this yeti one is in my cart because OF COURSE IT IS) to the most luxurious cashmere scarves (which you’ll see on the blog later this week!), giving back has never been more fun. ;)

Be sure to tune back in tomorrow for another look with things I found on To the Market! And save the date for this weekend as I'll be taking over the To The Market instagram page! (@letsgottm) and curating a list of my favorite pieces from their shop! Until then!!

Wearing bag, necklace (yellow version is so cute!), and shoes via To the Market, Achro jacket, CoH jeans via South Moon Under c/o, and Tees by Tina tank.