Well, it's that time of year again; when tensions run high, everyone in your office has completely checked out mentally, airports start to look like a Kanye concert at Coachella (with way more clothing) and we all start to stress over the perfect gift to get our Mother-In-Laws.
Have no fear, I've done some of the leg-work for you! I've put together a guide of awesome brands that check at least one box in my ethical brand criteria:
- made in North America
- handmade
- uses sustainable or recycled materials or natural ingredients
- ethically made using fair business practices
Obviously there are thousands of amazing brands to choose from, so these are just my faves. If you have suggestions or your own list of favourites - hit me up! I love to learn about amazing brands and epic products!
Happy Shopping!
JEWELRY:
Covet + Keep: Dainty pieces made for bad-ass women, every piece has a sassy saying written in braille and is designed in Victoria, B.C.
Le Lou Ula: Stunning, minimalistic jewelry handmade in Kelowna, B.C.
Wasted Effort: Bright, rad, pop-culture inspired jewelry, handmade in Vancouver, B.C.
Bevy of Objects: Beautiful, OOAK high-end jewels handmade in Philly (she's also great at custom and reworked pieces!)
Photo: Le Lou Ula
HOME GOODS:
Margie Bella Textiles: Beautiful, hand-painted cushions and accessories, designed and hand-made in Victoria, B.C.
Julie McCracken Fibre Artist: Not your grandmas macrame! Hand-knotted works of art & accessories made in Victoria, B.C.
Photo: Margie Bella Textiles
CLOTHING FOR MEN:
Anian Clothing: Natural materials like recycled wool and a super durable product make Anian one of our favourites for good quality menswear. Designed in Victoria and made in Vancouver, B.C.
National Standards: Solid basics, sleek workwear and natural fabrics designed in Vancouver and produced responsibly. Doesn't get much better than that.
Photo: National Standards
Photo: National Standards
UNISEX GEAR:
L/L Supply: Super comfortable gear made entirely of organic and up-cycled materials. Designed in Victoria, made in Vancouver. A bag of trash cleaned from local beaches with every purchase. 3 thumbs up for these guys!
NOVEL Supply Co.: 100% organic, 100% chemical dye free, 100% rad. Designed and made in Vancouver.
D.I.T.R.Originals: Wicked cool graphic tees with a big heart - donations from ever tee go towards a local charity that the designer works personally with. Feel good about how you look AND where your dollar went!
Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere: Super cozy and comfy mittens, toques, scarves, and blankets all made in Vancouver from 100% recycled woolies.
Photo: D.I.T.R.Originals
CLOTHING FOR WOMEN:
(Ag)+(Au) Clothing: well, duh.
Wisefolk: Newly launched Wisefolk creates cool duds & uuber comfy basics for before and after baby. Designed in Victoria, made ethically in Bali.
Daub & Design Activewear: OOAK hand-dyed & printed activewear designed and manufactured in Vancouver. Get your sweat on!
Jessica Redditt Designs: Stunningly soft, romantic, OOAK pieces designed and made in Vancouver using outrageously soft silks and other natural fabrics.
Photo: (Ag)+(Au) Clothing
APOTHECARY:
Kodo Colleciton: 100% organic and natural ingredients, Kodo body butters, perfumes, face masks and serums make your morning routine feel like a spa day. Handmade in Victoria, B.C.
WILD Skincare: Hand-harvested, all natural ingredients sustainably sourced from Haida Gwaii and Northern B.C. make this unisex skincare totally unique. Bring the Great Bear Rainforest into your bathroom with coastal inspired face wash, moisturizers and body wash. Manufactured in Vancouver, B.C.
Elate Cosmetics: Cruelty free, vegan, gluten free, all natural, made in Canada - what's not to love about this makeup? Oh, that it's EPIC and makes you look AH-MAZ-ING, even if you're useless with makeup like yours truly.
Photo: WILD Skincare
KIDS:
Tree Fort Toys: Open-ended, all natural, hand-made toys and gifts for littles. Handmade in Victoria, B.C.
Modern Baby: Apparel and accesssories (bibs, soother clips, scratch mitts, oh-so-cute headwear) for ages 0-24 months. Designed and made in Victoria, B.C.
Chelsea & Marbles: An amazing assortment of hand-made and hand-designed goods made by an amazing mom in upstate New York. Swaddles, milestone cards, teethers, and too-cute-to-resist crochet toys.
Photo: Tree Fort Toys
HAPPY SHOPPING!