This post is in collaboration with Aid Through Trade.
2019 is coming to a close. Usually, this would be the time where I’d reflect upon my year, share some of my favorite outfits and talk about my goals for next year.
I’m not going to do any of that this year.
Not because those things aren’t worthwhile, but because 2019 was a year I have a lot of mixed emotions about, and it is one of those years that, if I think about it for too long, I start to feel…sad. Maybe one day I’ll be able to talk about it all more. But, until then, I’ve been thinking about how I once read that one of the best things you can do when you feel sad is to focus less on yourself and more on other people.
It’s fitting then, that my final collaboration of the year is with a brand whose vision is to uplift others – Aid Through Trade.
About Aid Through Trade
While teaching in the late ’80s as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal, Aid Through Trade founder Damian Jones became inspired by the artisans of the Kathmandu Valley and intrigued by the use of glass beads in the Nepalese culture. Upon his return to the United States, Damian began to conceptualize the idea of working with these artisans to bring Fair Trade jewelry to the world while offering them sustainable, fair and dignified employment.
After traveling back to Nepal numerous times, Damian realized his vision in 1993, founding Aid Through Trade and introducing to the world for the first time to The Original Roll-On® Bracelet.
Aid Through Trade maintains an office and studio space in the Kathmandu Valley with 15 full-time artisans and management staff. From that office they also coordinate training, production and quality control with more than 200 artisans working in three village sites throughout Nepal.
Aid Through Trade is also a Founding Member of the Fair Trade Federation.
Why I Love Aid Through Trade
I first came across Aid Through Trade on Instagram – their sparkly Roll-On® bracelets caught my eye on the wrists of Natalie over at Sustainably Chic!
I typically gravitate toward minimalist jewelry, but there was something about the gorgeous glass beads and unique patterns that I loved. Not long after seeing their bracelets on the ‘gram, I happened to connect with Aid Through Trade (also) on Instagram when they invited me to say hello at a pop-up they were doing locally. I had so much fun meeting them (Hi, Ashley & Melissa!) and trying on dozens and dozens of sparkling bracelets. I ended up getting eight bracelets right there!
My Aid Through Trade Collection.
Because my wardrobe is simple and neutral, these bracelets always stand out and serve as a great conversation starter. There are endless designs, and Aid Through Trade introduces new colors and patterns twice a year.
They’re also incredibly comfortable. To wear, you simply roll them on (…makes sense) over your hand – don’t stretch them! They will fit over your knuckles – just keep rolling…and rolling…and rolling! They’re pliable, but not stretchy. That makes them ideal for wearing to the office, because they are soft and aren’t constantly clanging against the desk. They also have a lifetime guarantee to not snap and break. I even wear them to yoga!
With the holidays here, I think these bracelets serve as the perfect holiday accessory.
I’ve been taking a lot of selfies lately.
Bracelets, Aid Through Trade, Don’t Make Me Blush, Wine Not, Luxe Globe Cream, Pour Decisions; Vegan Leather Camisole, Universal Standard; Pants, Brass Clothing; Clutch, Cuyana; Shoes, old; Earrings, Mejuri.
I wanted to show you all one way I am wearing these bracelets this holiday season, and how perfect they are for adding a sparkling touch to a minimal, all-black look. Matt and I are planning to attend a jazz show with some friends on New Year’s Eve, and I think this outfit will be fun and festive.
The designs also have such fun names – I definitely picked some of my bracelets on the name alone (Pour Decisions had me laughing so much!)
I think some people interpret minimal style as meaning you can only wear a few simple gold pieces, but I think minimal style is just as much about intentionally choosing items as it is about the aesthetic. Aid Through Trade has a lot of neutral designs, sure, but their designs also bring me joy and feel special to wear, because they support a great team and fantastic artisans who have really led the way in the Fair Trade movement. And those are bracelets that are worth stacking on.
Oh, hi Luna.
I’m happy to be gifting Aid Through Trade bracelets to quite a few ladies in my life this year, because they have so many bracelet combinations, as well as other jewelry.
But that being said…Aid Through Trade and I are gifting some to one of you, too! You can hop on over to my Instagram to enter to win a stack of four bracelets.
Do you enjoy shopping with Fair Trade brands? Who are some of your favorites?
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