Favorite Finds: Fashion Accessories That Not Only Make a Statement, But Make an Impact

PHOTO CREDIT: Banda Bags

In our series, Favorite Finds, we love to highlight those niche brands that are making a positive impact and creating beautiful products and services we think you need to know about.

This month, we are highlighting our favorite fashion accessories. From shoes and bags to jewelry, these brands are all creating unique pieces that not only are perfect for you, but make fantastic gifts, as well.

Whether you consider yourself a fashionista or are down to rock a t-shirt and jeans everyday, accessories give your style personality and can tell a lot about you. A cute shoe, a unique piece of jewelry or an artistic bag, can transform a basic outfit into something special, allowing for versatility, creativity and individuality that embodies the bohemian spirit.

Our Favorite Finds are sure to embrace every facet of your style. And you can feel good about your purchase, because not only will you be supporting a small business, but your will be contributing to a brand that gives back in some way, whether to a charity, a community of people or the planet.

Banda Bags: Where Fashion Minded Meets Mindful

Our top choice goes to Banda Bags. Can you say OBESSED! Seriously.

Banda Bags founder, Brianna, embraces the true boho spirit. From falling in love with artisans in Sumatra and starting a company that not only makes gorgeous bags, but empowers women living in Indonesia and wanting to spread love, art and creativity throughout the world. In their own words:

In the heart of fashion's interplay with women's empowerment and community unity, you're at the right place if you wish to honor culture with a unique piece. Our tale started in 2015 in Sumatra, where we breathed life into a fading art: traditional embroidery. We intertwined it with modern designs, giving birth to an ethically fashionable collection, the Banda Bags.

Banda Bags employs women in Sumatra, and is a fair trade company. The brand plants one tree for each order and they are committed to sourcing more sustainable and vegan materials in their production process. That would be enough to make us want to purchase, however, did we mention …THEY ARE GORGEOUS!

The hand-crafted bags are done in vibrant colors with fine detailed embroidery. The bags come in everything from weekender bags, totes and backpacks to smaller crossbody bags. They are also always developing new styles, colors and patterns. And once you are a Banda Babe, you will get notifications about Facebook lives for samples sales and more! I myself have more than a dozen bags (I admit I am a Banda Babe Addict!) and have never failed to get a compliment on them every time I am out. They have become a staple of my style for sure and they will do the same for you. But I must warn you…they are like potato chips…you can’t have just one!

Falsetto the Label: Hit Your High Note

Falsetto The Label is a clothing and accessory brand that inspires women and girls to be the best version of themselves; whether it be bold, resilient, extraordinary, brave or more than pretty. Falsetto breaks barriers to produce a sound beyond imagination.

Founder, Katrina Lloyd stated the brand as a way to honor her late sister, Sherrie Campbell, who was a victim of Domestic Violence. The bond that they both shared was music, as as Katrina explains, one of the most beautiful vocal registers in music is when music artists sing in falsetto. Hence, the name.

The brands features inspiring t-shirts and other clothing, in addition to great bags. The Waverly Woven Sling Bag is our favorite and perfect for travel, a hike or running errands. Not only is it beautifully crafted, but your purchase of this bag or any item, helps support domestic violence charities. And bringing awareness and support of this important cause is one we can definitely stand behind.

Famolare - Chose a Sole for Your Soul

In the 1970’s, Famolare shoes reflected a new attitude of footwear - that a shoe should be comfortable aid to natural movement, not merely a fashion accessory. Famolare’s vision went beyond the notion of fashion for fashion sake. Decades later, not much has changes…and we love that!

Whether your mom was rocking out in Famalore sandals or you just love the nostalgia of the era and crave a vintage vibe, Famolare is the shoe you reach for, no matter your age. In the words of CEO, Victoria Staten, “Famolare Women believe real beauty is not defined by age, body shape, or the color of her skin. It’s about being unapologetically ourselves, comfortable in our perfect imperfections. It’s our love of self that manifests into compassion for others. It’s about confidence, our willingness to put ourselves out there, to face challenges, and to take risks. When we fall, we pick ourselves up, dust off our well-lived Famolares, and move on. That spirit within us keeps our community of strong women committed to making waves.”

Ok we are sold! But wait…there’s more! Throw in a patented wave sole that is made of recycled rubber and cradles your foot like a baby in her mother’s arms, their sustainability efforts and the fact that they plant tress with every order and you have got a winning combination that makes us want to grab our credit card ASAP.

Our favorite…the Upslide Sandal…with classic 70s vibes, we are all about rocking this wedge sandal with any outfit. With classic designs that give your style those vintage vibes and the comfort that will make you want to were them everyday, Famolare ranks high on our list.

Kara Mac - Footwear Meets Innovation

Kara Mac footwear is the world’s first, instantly convertible shoe line, from heel to toe, making your days a little easier and your suitcase a bit lighter.

In 2011, Kara Mac left her corporate job of 25 years with a dream to create fashionable and comfortable footwear for women on the go. The result is a revolutionary shoe system that customizes boots, pumps, slippers and sandals and creates a lighter footprint and a positive environmental impact by decreasing the amount of shoes that end up in landfills. What makes these shoes so unique is that the heels are permanently attached to the shoe, but they have swappable heel coverings and straps that can be customized for any outfit. It’s actually genius!

One of Kara’s favorite quotes is from Kathryn Hepburn, "If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” And we couldn’t agree more. These shoes are definitely fun and let you play with different styles and looks. They have everything from boots to sandals for whatever style you are going for.

Our favorite is the Stunning Sandal. With dozens of strap and heel combinations, there are enough accessories for every outfit in your wardrobe. We love the versatility and their mission to make footwear greener and the industry more sustainable using more eco-friendly materials, while retaining all the style and comfort. In addition, they will donate one pair to Dress for Success, with every shoe you purchase. Not to mention you may not need that extra suitcase for your shoes next time! We see you!

Statement Peace - Gravitate. Vibe. Repeat.

Statement Peace offers a sustainable line of high vibrational wooden jewelry with purpose. The brand features thoughtfully created wooden jewelry, accessories, apparel and more, creating their ‘pieces of peace’ from a place of love.

Founder Jessica Lee, considers each piece of jewelry to be a work of art that offers the kind of uniqueness the world has been seeking. The mission: to evoke vibes and to immerse you into a higher frequency by sharing her passion for creation.

From encouraging you to slay your day and be a badass bae, to cheering you on to manifest your dreams, Statement Peace definitely gives you that sisterly vibe that they have got your back. They also have other accessories, apparel and diffusers to set the mood for whatever you day looks like.

Whatever piece you are drawn to, you can be sure it is calling to you from a place of love, creativity and peace. As Jessica says, “we believe when you operate from a place of peace and love, it is felt by all. We also believe that energy is transferable. With every piece of peace created we transfer our passion, high vibrations and good juju with the intention that you feel our vibes.” We couldn’t agree more, Jess!

Valley Rose - Jewelry Shouldn’t Cost the Earth

With humble beginnings, Valley Rose started with no more than a few beading tools and a creative drive. Today, these fine jewelry pieces are crafted by top jewelers in Brooklyn and carried in stores across the country. Founded in 2017 by Brittany Groshong, Valley Rose was created to be a jewelry brand that filled a sartorial void that was missing in the industry while also aligning with our values for making beautiful art that leaves this world a better place. In addition to designing with ethically certified materials that fight mercury pollution and deforestation, a portion of their profits are donated to tree planting.

They are taking a stance against harmful, mega-corporation mining, tackling greenwashing and providing a beautiful alternative to unsustainable mass produced jewelry. Whether you are looking for an ethically sourced diamond engagement ring, a birthstone pedant, zodiac jewelry or some unique gemstone earrings, you will find luxurious stones and meticulous craftmanship blended together to give you a unique piece everyone will compliment you on. And you can feel good knowing that the materials are ethically sourced.

If you have a brand you think we should know about, please reach out!