Sustainable Siren

MY HAWAII TRAVEL GUIDE ♥

2017-01-14T14:28:00.001-08:00

Last semester I had the amazing opportunity to visit Hawaii for the first time all thanks to the wonderful people from the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau! ♥ It was a week long trip where I got to visit the islands of Kauai and Oahu. During my time there, I got to partake in tons of ecotourism-focused activities and had the chance to meet many local and sustainable fashion designers—so yes, it was right up my alley!

At the end of the trip, I left with incredible memories from the things we did and the places I saw, but what stuck with me the most was how deeply people appreciated and respected nature as something we are interconnected to, rather than something we are at odds with. It was with an especially heavy heart that I left to fly back to San Francisco.

But on a brighter note, here is my full guide on everything we did in Hawaii, separated by island—where we stayed, where to eat, what to do, and where to shop sustainably! :) Hope you enjoy and that this may be of use to anyone planning to visit!

*Click here to jump to the OAHU section ♥

KAUAI

STAY—Koloa Landing Resort

What I loved about Koloa Landing Resort was the villa-style living which made it feel a lot like a home away from home, but with far more of a luxury factor! ;) Nate (my photographer) and I stayed in a 2 bedroom villa complete with a big living room, gourmet kitchen, and a beautiful ocean view. On top of that, they have the most amazing pools + a spa + they are walking distance to a bunch of great restaurants and boutiques at the Shops at Kukui'ula Village, which is where the following restaurant below is located!

EAT—Eating House 1849

Shot by Nate Bernardo

Eating House 1849 is one of world famous chef, Roy Yamaguchi's restaurants, and is located in Koloa at the Shops at Kukui'ula Village. Gourmet dining made from fresh and locally-sourced ingredients from Hawaii—I think these pictures really speak for themselves! I'm still thinking about those cinnamon & sugar-dusted malasadas! Plus they were very accommodating to anyone who had vegetarian or vegan requests :)

DO—Limahuli Garden & Preserve

Shot by Nate Bernardo

Limahuli Garden & Preserve is a non-profit botanical garden and nature preserve on the north shore of Kauai, located specifically in Hanalei. The garden houses tons of native plants and birds, some even on the verge of extinction and that can only be found here. Limahuli serves as a modern model of the Ahupua'a system of resource management which was developed by the early Hawaiian settlers as a way to fairly allocate the island's limited resources to each community which still maintaining the integrity of the island's natural resources. The views here are absolutely SPECTACULAR.

DO—Kipu Ranch Adventures

(ATV + Waterfall Picnic Tour)

Shot by Nate Bernardo
(That's me and Nate in the bottom left!)

Located in Lihue, Kipu Ranch Adventures is ATV tours with the friendliest tour guides, rope swings, waterfalls, and picnics in tropical nature! So basically the no-fail recipe for an unforgettable time + the best photo ops! Kipu Ranch is 3000 acres of land that used to be owned by Hawaiian royalty but was sold under the condition that it would never be developed, so you get to go off-roading through pure, untouched nature. Did I mention that they've filmed movies like Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones here? This is a MUST DO!

DO—Pili Au Food & Farm Tour

Shot by Nate Bernardo

If you love cooking and/or are passionate about farm-to-table cuisine, you'll love the Pili Au Local Food & Farm Tour at Waipa Foundation, which is located in Hanalei. Here, we got to tour Waipa's gardens and learned all about Hawaiian culture and locally grown foods! We also got to watch a cooking demo which was followed by a tasting of an assortment of dishes grown from local ingredients. The Waipa Foundation also does some amazing work such as educating others (especially children through school field trips!) on what it means to be connected with the land and her resources, and overall instilling an appreciation for sustainable practices!

SHOP—Kaikini Bikinis

Shot by Nate Bernardo

If you are looking to buy a new swimsuit, you have to go to Kaikini Bikinis :) They are a locally-based, sustainable swimwear brand and all their pieces are handcut and handmade right in their Kauai studio! Kaikini is committed to the preservation of products made in the USA so all the fabrics and threads they use are also purchased from US manufacturers. On top of that, many of their styles are also reversible!—who can argue with multiple looks for the price of one? Plus, the Brazilian-fit of their swimsuits is ultra flattering! ♥ For your convenience, here is a list of all their retail locations!

SHOP—Machine Machine

If you love pieces with a more whimsical and playful aesthetic, you have to visit Machine Machine—an ethical and handmade brand based in Kauai, where all the pieces are sewn by designer, Shannon Hiramoto! Shannon is very committed to the handmade movement and she has a definite talent for it—for example, the clutch below was made with vintage embroidered linens she collected over the years and then reworked into one-of-a-kind bags! Machine Machine recently moved to a new storefront in Lawai and became part of Workshop Kauai, an artist studio and storefront by Machine Machine and Naisish Handmade where you can see the handmade products being created and also learn printmaking in the studio!

Shot by Nate Bernardo

OAHU

STAY—Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Shot by Nate Bernardo

Let me start by saying that I would literally go back to Hawaii just to stay at the Four Seasons Oahu again. I've never stayed at a Four Seasons before and I have to say that the hype and prestige is all fully deserved. It is pure luxury here! ♥

Everything feels like paradise—from the design of the resort to the breathtaking views, the amazing restaurants and the warm hospitality (I'm a rather emotional person, so things like hospitality really stick with me!) Nate and I stayed in an oceanfront suite that had such a peaceful balcony area and a giant marble bathroom. The pool area is beautiful (my first time in an infinity pool too!) but what's even better is that you're right next to the beach and there are fish at the shore that you can swim with! On top of that, they have a heavenly spa and tons of delicious restaurants which I needed to give their own sections to below—

DO—Naupaka Spa at Four Seasons Oahu

Shot by Nate Bernardo

Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre is Four Season Oahu's incredible spa. They have all the works here—four levels with 17 treatment rooms, as well as hot & cold plunge pools, a sauna, steam room, outdoor lap pool, and an ultra-peaceful lounge room. The spa treatments here inspired by ancient Hawaiian healing traditions—I had the Hā Ritual and the Alohi Hydrafacial done :) The Hā Ritual is a full body halotherapy treatment done in the salt chamber which exfoliation, reflexology, massage, and guided meditation. The Alohi Hydrafacial was a rejuvenating treatment with LED light therapy that targeted an assortment of things like lines, acne, congested pores, and uneven skin tone. In summary, I left the spa glowing inside and out :) There was not a hint of stress left anywhere in my body. The staff here were all so sweet too!

EAT—Fish House at Four Seasons Oahu

Shot by Nate Bernardo

Fish House is a line-to-table seafood restaurant located in the Four Seasons Oahu right by the beach! The focus here is on fresh island fish and sustainable, locally-grown ingredients so the restaurant works with island fishermen and local farmers. My taste buds were on cloud nine!—everything tasted phenomenal (and was presented so artfully too!) and it made me especially happy knowing the ingredients all came from the island. Special shoutout to Chef Ray for making my soul so deeply fulfilled from this food! Did I mention there's deck seating right by the ocean?

STAY—Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

Photo Credits: Left half from Surfjack Hotel, right half by Nate Bernardo

A new boutique hotel inspired by 60's beach culture, the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Honolulu, is perfect for anyone who loves retro and art-infused spaces. It's charming, creative, and easily wins the award for having the most Instagram-worthy pool! ;) It's all about the poolside vibe here—you can lounge all day in relaxation, eat at their restuarant Mahina & Suns, or grab a coffee or new outfit at Olive & Oliver, their coffee bar/boutique store in one! Plus, the rooms here are inspired by surf bungalows! Good vibes all around.

EAT—Mahina & Suns at The Surfjack Hotel

Food photos shot by Nate Bernardo

Located by the poolside in the Surfjack Hotel, Mahina & Suns is acclaimed Honolulu chef, Ed Kenney's fourth restaurant! Focusing on the field-to-fork movement, Mahina & Suns is committed to local, organic produce, as well as sustainable seafood. I love the vibe of the space here—it's the perfect balance between casual and elevated, with a touch of homey comfort. The food?—nothing short of sensational. It was like I was discovering taste buds I didn't even know I had! I'm still drooling thinking about that fruity dessert/piece of culinary art! ♥

DO—Annual Aloha Festivals Parade

Photos by Nate Bernardo

If you're in Oahu in September, depending on the timing, you may be able to watch the Annual Aloha Festival Parade! Originating in 1946, I had the pleasure of watching the 70th parade :) The Aloha Festivals is a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture participated in by all of the islands. Additionally, every year there are thousands of volunteers who come together to make this happen. For example, we got to go behind the scenes and see volunteers making those beautiful leis for the horses! I really loved watching the parade and it was such a memorable way to learn more about Hawaii's music, dance, history, and traditions.

SHOP—Manaola Hawaii

Photos by Nate Bernardo

A strongly-beloved local favorite, native Hawaiian designer, Manaola Yap, is known for his contemporary designs which are beautifully rooted in nature and Hawaiian spirituality, and which he then translates into prints that are imbued with deep meaning. Manaola also employs a traditional Hawaiian bamboo stamping method in the development of his prints called 'ohe kapāla! First, he hand carves his print designs onto bamboo laths, and then he stamps them and has them digitized into modern silhouettes. As a design student, I love the homage to indigenous artistry combined with modern technology! If you're interested in shopping his pieces, you can find Manaola's culture conscious clothing at his store in the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu.

Hope your next Hawaii trip is amazing!

xo, Jennifer

KAIKINI

2016-12-31T13:57:00.001-08:00

Our last outfit shoot in Hawaii took place at the infinity pool at the Four Seasons Oahu. Nature was definitely on our side because we were blessed with an incredible, watercolor sunset that combined with the surface of the infinity pool, made for some unbelievable shots!

Keep reading for full sustainability details for this look + to see all the shots from this heavenly photoshoot!

Handmade Flower Crown from The Four Seasons

Black Triangle Bikini Top c/o Kaikini

Reversible Tropical Bikini Bottoms c/o Kaikini

Photos by Nate Bernardo

The Bikini:
This lovely, locally-made bikini is by Kaikini! Kaikini bikinis are all handcut and handmade in Kauai, Hawaii in the brand's studio + the fabrics and threads they use are also purchased from US manufacturers :) Kaikini also uses reusable, biodegradable, and/or recyclable materials for their packaging!

Their swimsuits are cut with a Brazilian fit and I think they are ultra-flattering and help bring out curves even for figures with straighter hips like mine. Not to mention, many of their styles are also reversible, making it super practical to only bring one swimsuit with you on vacation.

Kaikini was started by designer, Taryn Mari', who loved to buy bikinis but was upset by how quickly the ones she was buying would fall apart after only a few wears. Her husband suggested she start making her own, and despite having never sewn before, she took a leap of faith and after months of trial and error and spending her life savings on machines and materials, she taught herself how to make bikinis! Now Kaikini is Hawaii's largest swimwear manufacturer and they sell bikinis all over the world! ♥

Hope you enjoy the photos + Happy 2017!

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

MANAOLA

2016-12-23T15:41:00.001-08:00

We ended our Hawaii trip with a bang, staying at none other than the Four Seasons Oahu! Even better was getting to relax in this resort paradise in an outfit by native Hawaiian fashion designer, Manaola Yap, who was also a wonderful spirit in person :)

Keep reading to discover the beautiful backstory behind Manaola's culturally conscious designs and the unique meaning behind his prints!

Crop Top & Wrap (Worn as skirt) c/o Manaola Hawaii

Handmade Arm Cuffs from Etsy

Vegan Cork Sandals c/o Bhava

Photos by Nate Bernardo

The Top & Skirt:

This set I am wearing is a crop top and wrap by native Hawaiian designer, Manaola Yap. Manaola's designs are inspired by nature and Hawaiian spirituality, which he then translates into prints that are imbued with deep meaning. For example, this print I am wearing is called the "uwila" or lighting bolt, which is believed to be the physical representation of the life force and raw power of nature. Manaola created the uwila print as a symbol that would bring protection for the wearer.

Manaola also employs a traditional Hawaiian, bamboo stamping method which is known as ʻohe kāpala. First, he hand carves his print designs onto bamboo laths, and then he stamps them and has them digitized into modern silhouettes. As a design student, I especially love the combination of older artisinal techniques with modern technology!

I love Manaola's designs—they are distinctly Hawaii and rooted in Hawaiian culture, but they have such a unique contemporary look to them! Manaola has a store at the Ala Moana center and he's often there interacting with his customers—another reason why he's so popular amongst locals!

The Accessories:

As for the accessories, I'm wearing a handmade lei that the Four Seasons made for me upon my arrival, my go-to arm cuffs, and my artisanal cork sandals by Bhava!

May you all have happy holidays!

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

TROPICAL DREAM

2016-12-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

During our time on Oahu, one of the most memorable things I got to see was the 70th annual Aloha Festivals Parade (more on that in my full trip round-up post!) This was the outfit I wore to the parade—light, tropical, and featuring some amazing, made in Hawaii fashion too!

Read on for full outfit and sustainability details ♥

Organic Cotton Dress c/o Synergy Clothing

Handmade Arm Cuffs from Etsy

Handmade Embroidered Clutch c/o Machine Machine

Vegan Cork Sandals c/o Bhava

The Dress:
Lots of things I love about this dress from Synergy Clothing—organic cotton (GOTS certified too,) hand-stitched details, and an adjustable drawstring waist for the perfect fit. I have a thing for mini dresses so I decided to cut mine short + I've always loved raw hems in garments—in this case, it gives this dress a delicate touch.

This dress is also dyed with low-impact dyes and as per usual with all Synergy pieces, was ethically made in Nepal.

The Clutch:
This playful clutch is by Machine Machine, an ethical and handmade brand based in Kauai, Hawaii. The designer, Shannon Hiramoto, is the one who sews all the pieces! Her pieces have such a dreamy and cheerful aesthetic to them and the way her store is designed and decorated is absolutely reflective of that. It's such a happy space and definitely a must-go for anyone visiting Kauai.

This clutch has been handmade with vintage embroidered linens that Shannon has collected over the years and then ended up reworking into these one-of-a-kind bags! The clutch comes with a vegan crossbody strap so you can wear it as a bag too. I especially love the pom pom trim and the pop of color in the tassel. This bag has a very "comforting" vibe to it as well—it's reminiscent of a favorite quilt!

The Sandals:
The only heels I brought to Hawaii were my Bhava ones :) Here I am wearing my vegan, cork Alden booties again! They really do match with everything! Bhava shoes are made with vegan and recycled materials and are ethically handmade in Spain by artisans.

Hope you have a lovely Monday!

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

HANAUMA BAY (+ VIDEO!)

2016-11-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

I always thought the beaches in California were nice, but Hawaii is on a whole different level—the water is so much warmer and is crystal clear, you can actually encounter fish near the shore, and there is an overall much higher respect for nature that is held there. This look was shot at Hanauma Bay which is on the island of Oahu, and in order to gain access into the beach, they require all first-time visitors to take part in an orientation so they can learn about marine life, conservation, preservation, and general beach safety. I cannot praise what they are doing enough! :)

Keep reading for full outfit and sustainability details + we even shot a short video clip to accompany this look!

Handmade Crystal Choker c/o Millianna

Secondhand Lace Dress from Crossroads

Vegan Cork Gladiator Sandals c/o Bhava

Photos by Nate Bernardo

The Necklace:

This necklace makes me feel like royalty! It is by Millianna—a jewelry brand that is designed and produced in the US, and all their pieces are handmade by skilled artisans. Their pieces are also made to order which of course cuts down on any waste from producing excess stock.

The piece I am wearing is called the Nola Choker, and it has been intricately handwoven with crystal beads. It has adjustable ties in the back and they were so sweet to accommodate my request for the ties to be of simple ribbon rather than the deerskin lace ties. I am wearing the choker in Gold, but it also comes in Silver and Black! This is a piece I truly treasure in my jewelry box and it makes me happy to share with people the story of how it was artisan made too! :)

The Dress:

This white lace dress was a secondhand find from one of my many trips to Crossroads. Shopping with friends is a favorite activity of mine but ever since I made the switch to sustainable fashion, my options for in-store shopping got a lot lower. So Crossroads is one of my go to places when I want to thrift from a more curated selection! This amazingly romantic and delicate lace dress was only $12!

The Shoes:

These are the Bhava vegan sandals I was also wearing in my last post, and I was really glad we got such a lovely shot of the details on them in this shoot because the handpainted element to these is just stunning. These gladiator sandals are made from cork, artisan-made in Spain, and the perfect 2" heel height for all day wear :) We shot a short clip below too so you guys can get a better look—hope you enjoy!

Hope you all are enjoying the holiday season!

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

IN PARADISE

2016-11-17T16:05:00.001-08:00

Outfit post two from Hawaii! This was one of my more casual outfits that was perfect for exploring around town. I've generally always been a statement piece kind of girl but school has instilled in me a newfound appreciation for classic, staple items. When you're at school till 4 AM some days, anything to make mornings easier makes a world of difference!

Keep reading for more photos + sustainability details for each piece!

Secondhand Flowy Blouse from Vinted

Vintage Levi Shorts from Vinted

Washable Paper Tote c/o Urbana Sacs

Vegan Cork Gladiator Sandals c/o Bhava

Photos by Nate Bernardo

The Top & Shorts:

Both these pieces were secondhand purchases from Vinted! I got the top for $9 and the shorts for $10. I'm especially happy with the Levi's find because its a bit challenging to find my size in vintage Levi's at thrift stores and the ones I find at the mall seem to always be $60+!

The Tote:

I got so many compliments around Hawaii for this tote which is by Urbana Sacs! Urbana Sacs makes handmade, washable paper totes, backpacks, and storage sacs. Yes, you read that correctly, the bags are indeed washable, and on top of that they are ultra durable. I personally love to bring my larger art supplies to school by reusing simple brown paper bags, but they do break after a few uses—so this is an awesome invention in my opinion!

Each bag is individually handmade in LA and you can customize them by choosing what color you want the body and the straps to be. Another sustainability point is that their material is harvest through cultivation rather than deforestation :)

This tote is especially great for farmers market or trips to the grocery store in style!

The Gladiator Sandals:

I'm super loyal to Bhava's vegan shoes—they are everything I can ask for in my ideal shoes: sustainable, ethically made, edgy, and a practical heel height! Their new gladiator sandals are right up my alley—I just love strappy shoes! The exterior is made from hand painted cork, and the interior has an eco-suede lining as well as a cork insole. And like all Bhava pieces, these were handmade by artisans in Alicante, Spain.

Thanks for visiting! :)

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

LIMAHULI

2016-11-12T13:48:00.001-08:00

So many things to love about Hawaii but one of my favorites is that it's perfectly acceptable to go out and about in outfits like these! Sure I can do this in California but I guess I feel more comfortable wearing stuff like this in Hawaii because you see a lot of people around town wearing beach attire or swimsuits/wetsuits :)

This look was shot at Limahuli Garden & Preserve which is in Hanalei, on the island of Kauai (more will come on that later in my full Hawaii trip round up post!) It brought a special kind of happiness to me to partake in ecotourism in eco-friendly clothing. Keep reading for outfit details! ♥

Secondhand Sunglasses from Crossroads

Hand Dyed Bandeau c/o Indigo Apparel

Hand Dyed Shorts c/o Indigo Apparel

Silver Arm Cuffs c/o Soko

Vintage Mini Backpack from Vinted

Bluebird Sneakers c/o Inkkas

Photos by Nate Bernardo

The Bandeau & Shorts:

My tie-dye two piece set is by Indigo Apparel! They are an eco-friendly brand based in NY that is committed to only using sustainable fabrics like bamboo and organic cotton, using 100% non-toxic dyes, and hand dyeing and hand printing. Plus all their pieces are made in the USA.

I love the hues of pinks, blues, and purples, and how they blend with each other! Especially knowing that this was hand-dyed, it makes the pieces all the more special to me.

This set was a definite lifesaver in the Hawaii humidity!

The Accessories:

A quick rundown on the accessories—the sunglasses were a secondhand find from Crossroads Trading, the arm cuffs are from Soko and were handmade by artisans, my mini backpack was a vintage score from Vinted, and my sneakers from Inkkas were ethically made with authentic Peruvian textiles (plus they plant a tree for every purchase!)

Have a happy weekend :)

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

SIREN SONG

2016-11-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

To all my blog readers, I wanted to say first that yes, I am still alive and well, and also I wanted to apologize for being gone for 2 months! :( I have had quite a bit on my plate during September and October—starting at the California College of Arts as a junior transfer (just pulled an all-nighter this Sunday *cringe*), starting a marketing internship with SF-based sustainable fashion brand Amour Vert (keep watch for future Instagram and FB posts because I wrote a lot of them ;), and playing catch up with school work after having the privilege to attend an amazing 1 week press trip to Hawaii where I got to partake in all sorts of ecotourism-related activities! (Yes lots of photos and posts are coming from this too!)

This is a look I've been meaning to share to the blog that Nate and I shot previously, and even though it's now Fall here in CA, it's technically Summer in other places in the world so there's always people in swimsuit weather year round if you look at it that way! ;) Now onto the outfit details for this look...

Handmade Seashell Hairpiece c/o Alice Halliday

Handmade Siren Harness c/o Imbue by JRusso

Tan Bikini Top from American Apparel

Teal Bikini Bottoms from American Apparel

Photos by Nate Bernardo

The Hairpiece:

I always love all of Alice Halliday's creations and her signature fairytale touch! This hairpiece was made from seashells and sea pottery that she collected herself from beaches in West Cork Ireland. All of her pieces are lovingly handmade in Ireland and she's always happy to do custom orders!

The Body Chain:

This enchanting body chain was also handmade! It was made by designer Jena Russo who runs the line Imbue by JRusso. She is committed to creating custom vegan jewelry and all her pieces are handmade in the USA.

This particular piece I am wearing is called the "Sirenia Harness." A perfect coincidence, right? The harness is made with Swarovski stones and you can choose to customize the harness in your ideal metal tone and crystal color! This piece is part of Jena's "Siren Collection" which was beautifully inspired by the allure of the siren, but also created as a call to stop the destruction of our oceans. She donates 5% of all proceeds from this particular collection to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society too!

The Bikini:

Both my bikini top and bottom were made in the USA from American Apparel. You know, I don't really go crazy on Black Friday anymore except for American Apparel's online sales! I know it can be a bit expensive when it's regular-price for those of us on a budget, but during their big sales, their prices are just as comparable to popular fast fashion brands, so it's a great time to stock up on some more ethically made pieces for your wardrobe :)

A sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of you who stick around and check out my blog even when I fall into a hiatus due to schoolwork—I hope you guys will enjoy the Hawaii content which is next in queue for my blog!

Love, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

(RECAP) SUSTAINABILITY CAMPAIGN 1: ECO TIPS FOR THE BEACH + OCEAN

2016-09-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

For those of you who keep up with me on Instagram, you'll likely already be familiar with my first Sustainability Campaign: Eco Tips for the Beach + Ocean. Fashion has always been my primary focus as a blogger, but ever since I rebranded to focus on sustainable fashion, I have been wanting to also create more lifestyle-focused sustainability content on the little things we can do each day to be more environmentally-friendly. Each of these Instagram campaigns will address a particular sustainability topic/issue and for the first one, I wanted to focus on how we can keep our oceans clean and healthy! So without further ado, here is a full recap of Campaign 1!

My Eco Friendly Beach Essentials

(Original post here)

1. Reversible and recycled swimsuit made from plastic bottles and made in the USA by Faherty

2. Recycled plastic sunnies by Blue Planet Eyewear
(Use code Sustainable20 for 20% off your Blue Planet Eyewear purchase!)

3. Recycled and reversible beach towel by Nomadix

4. Reusable glass water bottle by BKR from Eco Diva Beauty

5. Reusable on-the-go utensils by To-Go Ware

6. Natural and reef-friendly, tinted sunscreen in a biodegradable tube by Avasol

7. Natural and organic lip balms in biodegradable tubes by Fable Naturals

"No water, no life. No blue, no green." —Sylvia Earle

(Original post here)

We can't ignore the fact that all ecosystems are connected. We need to treat the oceans with just as much respect as we would want the land we live on to be treated with.

Sustainable Swimwear by Faherty

Photo shot by Nate Bernardo

(Original post here)

Faherty killing it in the sustainable swimwear game—this bikini (top, bottom) isn't just made from recycled plastic bottles and ethically made in the USA, but it's also reversible! ♥

The Ocean Cleanup

Photo credit to The Ocean Cleanup

(Original post here)

Boyan Slat, the 22-year-old founder of The Ocean Cleanup is an amazing example of what is possible when young people put their minds towards tackling environmental problems. For those of you who may not be familiar with The Ocean Cleanup, it is an organization committed to developing and implementing advanced technology to clean up the massive amounts of plastic polluting our oceans. Boyan's system is driven by natural ocean currents that will allow the plastic to concentrate itself, rather than manually retrieving the plastic.

He was only 16 when he became inspired to tackle this problem and it was at 18 that he founded The Ocean Cleanup! So don't ever think that just because you are one person or because you're still young that you can't make a profound difference!

My #2MinuteBeachClean

(Original post here)

This is my #2MinuteBeachClean! Next time you're at the beach, I encourage you all to spend just 2 minutes picking up litter. You'd be surprised and upset by how much you can find, but it really does make a difference!

Marine animals, especially birds, often mistake little pieces of plastic for food. This can lead to starvation or malnutrition when trash builds up in animals' stomachs because they feel full already or because they get in the way of nutrients from food being absorbed. Not to mention how easily marine debris can lead to internal injuries.

To stay updated with 2 minute beach cleans around the world, you can also follow @2MinuteBeachClean on Instagram.

Hope you'll take 2 minutes out of your next beach trip to help keep our environment clean and safe for animals!

Saying No to Single-Use Plastics

Photo by Troy Mayne of Oceanic Imagery

(Original post here)

See how easily turtles can confuse plastic bags as jellyfish? We not only need to keep our beaches and oceans clean, but we also need to start saying NO to single-use plastic! The convenience of single-use plastics for a few minutes is NOT worth the harm that can result to innocent marine animals when our trash finds its way to the ocean!

Next time you go to the store, bring a reusable bag with you or simply put what you brought in your backpack, pocket, or purse. Stop buying plastic water bottles and start bringing your own bottles to refill! I also recommend investing a few dollars in a reusable on-the-go utensil set from To-Go Ware! I always find a lot of plastic utensils at the beach :(

Biodegradable Packaging & Eco Beauty Products

(Original post here)

Now that we're on the topic of why single-use plastics suck, I'd like to share some wonderful alternatives we can add to our beauty routine! I'm sure most of us don't reuse our empty lip balm tubes or sunscreen containers, so that's why I think this sunscreen from Avasol and these lip balms from Fable Naturals, which both come in biodegradable tubes, are so awesome! When you're done with them, you can simply compost them.

Avasol's sunscreen is not only natural, but it's also water resistant and reef-friendly! They come in different tinted shades too so you don't have to worry about overly white residue.

Fable Naturals' lip balms are made with natural, organic, and fair trade ingredients. They are extremely hydrating too and smell amazing! My favorite is the Orange + Vanilla one!

Edible Six Pack Rings by Saltwater Brewery

Photo credit to Saltwater Brewery

(Original post here)

Six pack rings are one of the most dangerous types of marine debris. Marine animals can mistake them for food, get entangled in them and suffocate or starve if it gets caught around its mouth, or grow up with deformities if they get entangled in one from a young age, resulting in their bodies having to grow around these rings :(

But Saltwater Brewery set out to change that and created these edible six pack rings! They are not only 100% biodegradable but also completely edible (made from barely and wheat ribbons from the brewing process.) Now this is the direction we need to be headed in!

A small change the makes a huge impact!

A 100% Recycled Outfit: Sunglasses, Swimwear, & Towel

Photo shot by Nate Bernardo

(Original post here)

Chillin on my 100% recycled beach towel from Nomadix! This towel is also great for yoga, the pool, and travel in general! It's super lightweight but very absorbent and packs down small.

Also wearing recycled plastic sunnies from Blue Planet Eyewear—even better is that with every pair sold, they donate a pair of glasses to someone in need!
(+ Don't forget to use code Sustainable20 for 20% off your Blue Planet Eyewear purchase!)

And lastly, my recycled and reversible swimsuit is from Faherty.

The Seafood Watch App by Monterey Bay Aquarium

(Original post here)

Download the app here—

App Store

Google Play

For those of you who like to eat seafood, you should download the Seafood Watch app by the Monterey Bay Aquarium to your phone to make more sustainable seafood choices! My belief is that if you're going to eat fish, the least you can do is to avoid eating seafood that is overfished or caught or farmed in a way that is extremely damaging to the environment and other marine animals, because there definitely are choices that are more ocean friendly!

This app allows you to search for seafood or sushi by its market name and also find restaurants near you that serve ocean-friendly seafood. Above are links to the App Store or Google Play if you'd like to download it!

Photo edited with PicsArt

Seashore

Shot by Nate Bernardo

(Original post here)

A quiet moment appreciating the beauty of the sea ♥ Recycled bikini from Faherty.

Mermaid Vibes + Seashell Hair Comb Giveaway

(Enter the giveaway here)

Giveaway Time! I am giving away one of these stunning, handmade seashell hair combs by Alice Halliday. All of Alice's pieces are ethically handmade in Ireland.

Full giveaway details are on the original Instagram post here!

*Giveaway will run through 9/14/16.*

Mermaid scale effect added with PicsArt.

Marine Conservation Organizations

(Original post here)

As Campaign 1 comes to a close, I want to spotlight 2 wonderful nonprofit organizations fighting for the cause of marine conservation that are worthy of our support!

Save Our Shores is a local Santa Cruz, CA based organization that has done a lot in the past 30 years to protect the Monterey Bay! Some of the amazing things they do include educating youth about our watersheds, organizing Coastal Cleanup days, preventing local cruise ship pollution, and tackling plastic pollution.

Ocean Conservancy is a Washington DC based, environmental advocacy group committed to trash-free seas, sustainable fisheries, fighting ocean acidification, restoring the Gulf of Mexico, and protecting the Arctic. They help to formulate ocean policy at both the state and federal government level, based on peer reviewed science.

From making small changes to our everyday routine to be more eco friendly or donating to larger conservation organizations, it's super easy to help, and I hope all of you will take at least one step (or more!) to do your part.

Campaign Closing Statement

(Original post here)

And that's a wrap for Sustainability Campaign 1: Eco Tips for the Beach and Ocean! I hope this has inspired you all on how easy it is to help support healthy oceans simply through making more conscious day-to-day choices! More sustainability campaigns will be coming—if you have any topic suggestions, feel free to send them my way.

A big thank you to all the sustainable brands who helped make the personal style and beauty content possible, as well as Nate Bernardo for being my fashion photographer, and Troy Mayne from Oceanic Imagery for letting me use one of his turtle photos!

With that, I leave you with a quote by Jane Goodall,

"What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."

Let's make choices that help, not harm ♥

LOST DESERT

2016-08-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

The majority of my closet happens to be bodycon clothing, but I'm starting to collect more flowy swing dresses after realizing how amazing they are for the summertime. It's basically like wearing nothing—you really can't wear anything more breathable! Today's look features a lot of wonderful brands committed to ethical production and also giving back!

Read on for full outfit details and to learn more about each brand! :)

Laser Cut Birch "Nalani" Necklace c/o Pimelia

Laser Cut Birch "Leda" Necklace c/o Pimelia

Tan Swing Dress c/o Stormie Dreams

Handmade Wayuu Mochila Bag c/o Wanderkarma

Thrifted Crystal Cuff from Crossroads

Vegan Cork Sandals c/o Bhava

+Use code sustainablesiren for 10% off at Wanderkarma!

Photos by Karla Jones

The Jewelry:

The necklaces I am wearing are both from a sustainably jewelry brand called Pimelia! Pimelia is designed and made in Australia from high grade and sustainably-sourced Birch, and then laser cut using 100% green power. Might I add that I really applaud when brands extend their initiative to be sustainable into choosing clean energy for their production processes!

The pieces are then hand painted and finished with vintage and reclaimed materials. The shorter necklace I am wearing is the "Nalani" style and the longer one is the "Leda" style!

The Dress:
This flowy dress is by Stormie Dreams, an LA based clothing company that makes all their pieces in the USA. They believe in making luxe clothing that isn't just high quality, but also sustainably sourced and ethically made. In addition to that, for every single purchase made, Stormie Dreams donates clothing to underprivileged orphans in Africa through their partnership with the nonprofit organization, the Penny Jar Project.

I am wearing the lovely Sienna Dress here. It's such a great summer dress because of how loose and flowy it is, but the shirring in the front and back help to keep it from looking too much like a sack. Did I mention that this dress even has pockets? :D

The Bag:

This colorful bag is a handwoven Wayuu mochila bag from Wanderkama! Wanderkarma carries artisan jewelry and bags from around the world, focusing on fair trade rather than mass production. Every product they sell also gives back to a meaningful cause—for example, for each of their Wayuu mochila bags sold, $5 is donated to support water and nutrition systems for the Wayuu women and children who inhabit the desert of La Guajira Peninsula, which borders Colombia and Venezuela.

Due to climate change, they have been affected by severe drought that has hurt their food and clean water supply, and caused malnutrition to their children and animals. With each bag sold, you not only help to provide clean water, but you also help to support the Wayuu tradition and art of weaving. I love that every bag is completely unique—they all tell a different story in the variations of colors, patterns, and shapes!

The Shoes:
These vegan sandals by Bhava are made of beautifully hand-painted cork. All of Bhava's pieces are ethically handmade in Spain by talented artisans and utilize both natural and recycled materials. You guys are probably tired of seeing these shoes on me all the time, but the good news is I have a new pair of Bhava sandals to style into upcoming outfits which I'm excited to share as well!

Until next time! Thanks for stopping by! <3

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

ONYX

2016-07-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

Today's look is another activewear meets streetstyle outfit! I've been really obsessed with the look of arm warmers and arm sleeves lately—they show off your arms in a flirty, yet powerful way. Did I mention that I made them myself too? :)

Keep reading for all the photos from this shoot and for full outfit and sustainability details!

Dainty Star Necklace c/o Katie Dean Jewelry

Secondhand Crop Top from Crossroads

Handmade Arm Warmers

Organic Cotton Printed Leggings c/o Pact Apparel

Recycled White Sneakers from EcoAlf

Photos by Carson Hay

The Necklace

This star necklace is from Katie Dean Jewelry. All her pieces are handmade in Los Angeles!

The Crop Top

This striped crop top/sports bra was a secondhand find for $13 from Crossroads—I guess you can say it's quite the score since it was also Lululemon which I know so many people are pretty crazy for!

The Arm Warmers

So over the years I've collected quite the stockpile of over-the-knee socks but having grown out of the style of some of them, I didn't really know what to do with them for the longest time. And generally most places only take new socks as donations and I didn't want to throw these all away.

A lightbulb went off in my head when I realized I could easily turn these into armwarmers! All you do is cut the tip of the toe part off and then on that same end, cut a small slit running down the length of the arm warmer just big enough for your thumb to fit through. The finished end of the sock I like to wear on the upper portion of my arm. In less than a minute, you now have some brand new arm warmers :)

The Leggings
These printed organic cotton leggings are by Pact Apparel. They are also sweatshop-free, and GOTS as well as Fair Trade USA certified. Here I've worn them with the waistband rolled down as I wanted more of a low-waist look but these naturally run mid-rise.

Aside from their website, you can find Pact at your local Whole Foods and also I was super happy to see that Target now also carries Pact! :D A great, accessible option for anyone wanting to start their sustainable fashion journey.

The Sneakers

My sustainable Converse alternative are these recycled Ecoalf sneakers! They are made in Spain using recycled nylon for the body, used tires for the soles, and recycled plastic bottles for the laces. Ecoalf is also having a sale on these sneakers right now making them even cheaper than Converse!

Have a happy day! :)
xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

DAISY DEL SOL

2016-07-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

Western-inspired fashion is something I haven't experimented much in, but after this outfit post, I realized that I've been totally missing out! Location-wise, these types of outfits were made to be shot in the cactus garden. A definite match made in heaven.

Read on for full outfit details and why each piece in this look is sustainable! ♥

Handmade Faux Suede Wrap Choker c/o Daisy Del Sol
Secondhand Graphic Tank from Vinted

Vintage Button Down Maxi Skirt c/o Daisy Del Sol

Vegan Cork Sandals c/o Bhava

Photos by Karla Jones

The Choker:

This wrap choker, as well as the skirt, are from Daisy Del Sol, an online fashion brand that sells both vintage, contemporary, and handmade apparel and accessories. They are based in New York, and their aesthetic is very much western and boho-inspired.

This choker is made of faux suede cord and is also beautifully handmade! It is such a simple but striking statement piece that can instantly transform a graphic tee. With all of Daisy Del Sol's chokers, you can also customize what charm you want too :)

The Top:
This top was purchased secondhand for $6 from Vinted—I just instantly fell in love with the dreamy, sunset hues. And being very much a West Coast girl (tried New York, the East Coast is just not for me haha), I can't resist anything with palm trees.

The Skirt:
This floral maxi skirt is from Daisy Del Sol's vintage collection! They have a very well-curated vintage selection and I also appreciate that everything is professionally cleaned.

I've never tried a button down maxi skirt before but after discovering I could easily turn it into a high-slit skirt as well, I want more! Extra sustainability points to this piece for being convertible!

The Heels:
My favorite heels which you guys have seen in so many outfits by now! These are vegan sandals made from hand-painted cork from Bhava. All Bhava's shoes are ethically made in Spain by skilled artisans with natural and recycled materials.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great week :)
xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

FIRE

2016-07-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

With festival season upon us, I've been styling together some more elaborate bohemian looks! The long days of summer have been blessing us with a particularly fiery golden hour too, making for photoshoot scenes that are positively glowing!

Read on for full outfit and sustainability details and to see all the photos from this festival-inspired shoot! :)

Handmade Flower Crown c/o Alice Halliday

Handmade "Atlantis" Necklace c/o Michal Golan

Secondhand Lace Bralette from Vinted

Vintage Turquoise Chain Belt

Hand Dyed Bamboo Pants c/o Indigo Apparel

Photos by my sister, Michelle

The Flower Crown:
This dried flower crown is a handmade piece by eco-couture designer, Alice Halliday! She hand-makes all her pieces in Ireland. For those of you who love romantic pieces, you will love her aesthetic! You can also see the previous outfit I put together with this flower crown here.

The Necklace:
This handmade necklace is by Michal Golan, the designer behind a NY-based and family run small business that focuses on handcrafted jewelry inspired by Middle-Eastern style, Byzantine era art, and Victorian sensibilities! All their jewelry is ethically-made and made in the USA too!

The necklace I'm wearing here is the Atlantis necklace. It kind of reminds me of a magical artifact from a fairytale, and especially has a water-fairy look to it which I can't get enough of!

The Bralette & Belt:
This bralette was a secondhand purchase from Vinted for only $3. I definitely have a bralette-buying problem but I have no plans to stop anytime soon :P The turquoise chain belt was a vintage find from eBay for $8.

The Pants:
These gorgeous pants are from Indigo Apparel, an eco-friendly clothing brand based in NY! Their motto is that "eco isn't boring" and their pieces certainly reflect that. They have an eco-friendly model that focuses on the 6 key points of low impact dyes, organic, bamboo, vegan, handmade, and made in the USA.

These tie-dye pants are hand-dyed and are made of organic bamboo and organic cotton! They are super soft, but aside from that, have such a laid-back yet statement making boho vibe to them. Can't wait to show these off the entire summer!

Thank you for visiting! Have a happy weekend :)
xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

GLOBEIN ARTISAN BOX REVIEW

2016-06-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

I am a person who loves surprises, so naturally, I love the whole idea of monthly subscription boxes. Which follows that finding out about GlobeIn and their monthly artisan subscription boxes touched on both my love of surprises and for ethically-made, artisan goods!

For this post, I'll be reviewing the Artisan Box in the "Bathe" theme ♥ Read on to see the full unboxing and the stories behind each beautiful artisan-made item!

Monthly Subscription Box c/o GlobeIn

Also featuring the Soap Nuts Sampler c/o GlobeIn

+ Use code SIREN for $10 off your 1st month's box

w/ a purchase of 3- and 6- month subscriptions!

GlobeIn is a social business whose goal is to empower talented, remote artisans and to give them global reach! Every product they choose to include either in their monthly subscription box or in their online shop is chosen as being delightful and useful, while also having a positive social impact behind them.

Their Artisan Boxes are all curated around a monthly theme, with this one being the "Bathe" box! All these "boxes" always come in a beautiful handwoven basket, as well as a mini booklet with the stories behind each product, as well as the stories of the artisans and the farmers.

Here's what was in my Bathe box, as well as some Soap Nuts from their separate online shop:

Handwoven Basket

From San Luis Amatlán, Mexico

These are handwoven with palm leaves by artisan basket weavers in Mexico and then hand-painted in an assortment of beautiful colors. They are so perfect for storing little things or also as a decorative plant holder!

Pestemal Bath Towel

From Denizli, Turkey

This pretty, deep blue bath towel is made from hand-loomed cotton in Turkey. They are made by artisans part of Atlas, an organization of weaving families in Buldan whose members earn a living by sharing this ancient craft with customers around the world. These absorb water faster than regular towels and are also very lightweight, making them great to take in your beach bag!

Hand Towel

From Izmir, Turkey

A great companion to the bath towel, these cotton hand towels are super soft and plush. They are by Turkish artisan, Oktak Esgin's small business, Bambu Tekstil, which he started because he wanted to bring more employment to his hometown. He now employs 45 members of his community!

Lemongrass Citrus African Black Soap

From Togo

This amazing smelling soap which contains handcrafted shea butter and West African palm kernel oil is by Alaffia, a natural skincare brand that was founded with the goal of alleviating conditions of extreme poverty in rural Togo. They fund maternal care and also send bicycles to students to help them to get to school more easily! The profits made from their products are what fund these programs :)

Shea and Red Palm Body Lotion

From Togo

Also from Alaffia is this body lotion, which likewise smells incredible. The red palm oil in this is completely unrefined so it retains all its natural vitamins and antioxidants!

Silk Face Scrub

From Bursa, Turkey

Made by Turkish artisan, Emre Ustun, who uses a traditional hand loom to weave raw silk into skincare products! This mitt is antibacterial, helps to eliminate lifeless cells, and also boosts collagen production. A great addition to your after-shower routine!

Soap Nuts

Available separately from the GlobeIn Online Shop

Eco-friendly fashion choices shouldn't stop at just aesthetics, they should also extend to the way we care for and clean our clothes. These soap nuts are completely natural and are a chemical-free way to do your laundry! They are naturally sudsing and work the same way as commercial detergents but without the chemicals. Plus, they are USDA Certified Organic!

To use them, you simply put 4-6 of them in the mini wash bag and then put that bag in the washer with your clothes as normal. Each one can be reused 4-7 times even :)

I hope you guys enjoyed this unboxing of the Bathe box and the soap nuts! If you plan on subscribing to the GlobeIn Artisan Boxes yourself, remember to take advantage of my code SIREN for $10 off your 1st month's box with a 3- or 6- month subscription ♥

Have a lovely day and take care!
xo, Jennifer

*Items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

ALECTRONA

2016-06-26T09:03:00.001-07:00

For a while, I had been avoiding wearing a lot of black because I quite simply got tired of it from school (I normally dress in all black because you never have to worry about anything not matching.) But slowly I've been integrating this color back into my wardrobe, which was made quite easy by the addition of this edgy maxi dress which also happens to be made of organic cotton!

This look is named after Alectrona, the Greek goddess of the Sun. Keep reading for full outfit and sustainability details ♥

Organic Cotton Maxi Dress c/o Indigenous Designs

Vintage Sun Belt from Poshmark

Vegan Cork Sandals c/o Bhava

Photos by Kayla Schroter

The Dress:

This maxi dress is from Indigenous Designs, an organic and fair trade fashion brand that focuses on making choices that benefit both people and the planet. This dress is made of organic cotton jersey, was dyed with low-impact dyes, and was also ethically made by fair trade artisans!

I love the neckline of this dress—you can tie the straps in a traditional halter tie, or try a criss cross tie like I did here! I can't get enough of the witchy vibe from this dress—reminds me of my days when I used to be very into grunge fashion. It's crazy how many styles I've gone through over the years :P

Another thing that's awesome about Indigenous Designs? They carry men's clothes too!

The Belt:

My sun belt is a vintage find from Poshmark. People are constantly asking me where it's from and sadly since it's vintage I don't have a way of helping them find the same one, but if anything, I hope it convinces more people of the beautiful (and one-of-a-kind) treasures you can find when shopping secondhand/vintage!

The Sandals:

I can always count on my Bhava sandals for a neutral but edgy accent to my outfits! These sandals are made from hand-painted cork and are the most comfortable heels I've owned. Bhava is a vegan shoe and accessories brand that utilizes recycled and natural materials, and all their pieces are ethically handmade in Spain. I love the way they look from the front and the side!

Hope you all are enjoying your Sunday, and thank you for stopping by!
xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

RENEW

2016-06-21T11:15:00.001-07:00

If I'm not dressing in a boho style, you'll find me dressing in activewear outfits with a street style twist. I was never big on activewear or sneakers until I moved to New York for school and now I'm hooked! With all that walking around I was constantly doing, necessity and comfort warranted those pieces, but now I've become quite fond of styling cute activewear inspired outfits in general!

This outfit is particularly special because it's entirely recycled. Read on for full outfit details and brands!

Secondhand Crop Top from Poshmark

Recycled Printed Leggings c/o Inspire Active Wear

Recycled White Sneakers from Ecoalf

Photos by my sister, Michelle

The Top:

This crossover crop top was a secondhand find from Poshmark. Throughout the years, a white crop top has been one of my staple pieces. First it was a white bustier, then a white lace bralette, and now I'm currently loving this bandage top!

The Leggings:

These leggings by Inspire Active Wear are made from REPREVE polyester which is made from recycled plastic bottles! :o On top of that, they are designed, printed, and sewn in the USA. The brand is called Inspire because every pair of leggings has an inspirational quote printed inside the waistband, with these ones reading "Believe in Miracles." A really cute feature to brighten your day if you ask me!

These leggings not only feature stunning, eye-catching prints but in terms of function, they are very soft and breathable too. Perfect for working out but also super easy to make them work for day to day outfits with a sporty twist :) This is an outfit I'd also love to wear to an amusement park!

The Sneakers:

When I first got hooked on sneakers, my go-to pair were the high-top white Converse. Since making the switch to sustainable fashion, I have been looking for a more eco-friendly alternative and I found a match with Ecoalf sneakers!

These are sneakers made in Spain from recycled nylon for the body, the soles are made from used tires, and the laces are made from recycled plastic bottles. Recycled fashion is my favorite because I love shocking people when they find out the materials that were so ingeniously renewed to make something new!

Have a lovely Tuesday everyone!
xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

STORIES (+ MY SSEKO SOLE SISTER)

2016-06-10T11:42:00.004-07:00

Today's outfit post is focused on the idea of stories—specifically the stories behind our clothes and the people who make them! Just as we often use fashion as a tool to communicate to others and tell a story about who we are, the thread of communication shouldn't stop there. When we know the stories of how our clothes were made and the stories of the people who made them, we not only become active and conscious consumers, but also become more connected to others :)

Read on for full outfit details + to meet my Sseko Sole Sister and hear her story too! ♥

Indigo Shibori Dyed Scarf c/o Narrative Made

Secondhand Halter Top from Vinted

Secondhand Printed Skirt from Vinted

Convertible Ribbon Sandals c/o Sseko

+ Sseko Coupon Code: Use code SustainableSiren for 15% off your order!

Photos by Kayla Schroter

The Scarf:

This hand-stitched and hand-dyed cotton scarf is from Narrative Made, a socially conscious and people-centered fashion brand. Narrative Made is designed by Sharon de Lyster and is based in Hong Kong. They focus on incorporating highly skilled heritage crafts and natural dyes into their pieces, all while providing social empowerment through a fair production line.

They care a lot about the story behind our clothes as well as the people who make them; for example, this tag on this scarf also came with the hand stitched signature (which translated from Bengali reads Asma) of the talented artisan who made it! You may remember that I previously featured this scarf on my IG during Fashion Revolution Week too as it definitely answers the question "Who made my clothes?"

I also love the section on their site here where you can learn more about the heritage crafts incorporated into the collection, as well as the artisans who specialized in each technique.

The Top & Skirt:

Both the halter top and the skirt were secondhand purchases found on Vinted! The top was $4 and the skirt was $6, both in like new condition! When I'm searching for really specific types of pieces but still want to shop sustainably, I always head straight to Vinted or Poshmark to shop secondhand for the item that I have in mind.

The Sandals:
These are my convertible ribbon sandals from Sseko, this time worn with the black ribbon straps—with these sandals, you can tie them in different styles and also swap out the straps for different colors and prints! Sseko is an ethical fashion brand that uses fashion and design to help bright and brave women in East Africa continue on to university. Thus far, they have enabled 71 women in Uganda to go to college and pursue their dreams!

I feel very honored to share that I have been one of the 11 women asked by Sseko to be part of their 2016 team of Sseko Sole Sisters! 11 because they currently have 11 women in their 2016 Class in Uganda who are working their way to university right now. My Sseko Sole Sister is Sharon Jr and I'd love to share her story with you guys! ♥

Sharon's future plans are studying medicine or nursing in school because she wants to give back to her country one day, and especially wants to help those who are sick. Sharon comes from a family of three, led by a single mother who is a hairdresser. Her mom is also super excited to see that going to university will be within Sharon's reach!

Sharon also loves traditional dance, chemistry, and learning new things. She used to struggle with over-thinking things that people said to her but is learning to move past them. She says "Now, I don't think about things that don't help me out," and I think that is incredibly wise, and is also advice that I will follow from her too!

When asked what her encouragement would be to women pursuing their dreams, she said "Get people who can uplift you and give you encouragement. People who are already doing the thing you are pursuing. Do not listen to people who are discouraging you." With that being said—Sharon, I'm honored to be the Sole Sister of someone so wise and radiating of positivity. I support you 100% and I know that there are so many of us who will be here cheering you on too! xo

To read more of Sharon's story, feel free to visit this page here!

Thank you all for visiting my blog and I hope you have a lovely day!
xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

ROSE

2016-06-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Handmade and hand-printed, this two piece set is a lovely example of the beauty of slow fashion. A romantic outfit with a sense of adventure, it seemed only fitting to shoot this in a dreamy forest pathway.

Read on for full outfit details and why each piece in this outfit is a sustainable choice!

Rose Printed Two-Piece Set c/o Whiskey Dog Wares

Moon & Druzy Necklace c/o Lilacs in the Sun

Cross Cuff & Arrow Cuff c/o Soko

Secondhand Mini Backpack from Vinted

Organic Cotton Socks from Pact

Secondhand Lace Up Boots from Poshmark

Photos by Unbearably Stylish

The Top & Skirt:
This set is by Whiskey Dog Wares, a handmade clothing brand based in North Carolina where each piece is made to order by the designer, Emily, herself! She is so sweet and you can see the love and craftsmanship she puts into every piece. On top of the fact that she sews everything herself, she also draws, cuts, and prints her fabrics by hand. One of the best things about made to order clothing is being able to request that the pieces be made to your measurements, which is why this set fits me like a glove :)

The fabric is a super soft Italian bamboo cotton that feels amazing on the skin. These are garments that feel very true to my style, and it makes me really happy to know that they were consciously made and made with love.

The Jewelry:
My go-to silver set of jewelry—a necklace that was handmade in California from Lilacs in the Sun, and a handcrafted and artisan-made set of cuffs from Soko, an ethical jewelry brand!

The Backpack:
One of the coolest things I've thrifted, and on top of that, was found online! This backpack was a $10 secondhand purchase I scored from Vinted. It's well worn but I think that gives it character and it makes me wonder about the story behind this piece before it ended up with me!

The Socks & Shoes:
My socks are from Pact Apparel, and they are made from organic cotton and are sweatshop-free, being GOTS certified as well as Fair Trade USA certified. You can get Pact socks at your local Whole Foods too! These boots were also a secondhand find that I got from Poshmark.

I hope you all are enjoying the weekend, and thank you for stopping by!

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

SEA FOAM

2016-05-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

One of the things that has been lacking in my closet for years is quality loungewear that is also really cute! My loungewear used to be comprised of clothing that's no longer my style that I just wear around the house, but after reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo (this book has seriously transformed my organization habits!), I realized that loungewear can have quite the effect on one's mood. She says "This time at home is still a precious part of living. Its value should not change just because nobody sees us ... Precisely because no one is there to see you, it makes far more sense to reinforce a positive self-image by wearing clothes you love."

I definitely feel better, more put-together, and happier when I'm wearing cute loungwear, and in turn that does make me more productive at home. This outfit of course also easily works for going out (especially when traveling) so it's a win-win though! Read on for full outfit and sustainability details!

Handmade Wave Necklace c/o Lilacs in the Sun

Organic Cotton Mandala Tank c/o Synergy Clothing

Organic Cotton Mint Leggings c/o Synergy Clothing

Photos by Nate Bernardo

The Necklace:

This dainty wave pendant is the second custom piece that Michelle from Lilacs in the Sun made for me! The beach is a very therapeautic place for many of us, and keeping our beaches clean and preserving marine biodiversity are both things I care deeply about, which is why I wanted a pendant to remind me of the ocean! All Lilacs in the Sun jewelry is handmade by the designer, Michelle, in California.

The Tank and Leggings:

Both the tank and leggings are from Santa Cruz based company, Synergy Clothing. They make organic cotton and fair trade clothing that is not only ethically made but is dyed with low-impact dyes!

I can't get enough of their leggings especially (See how I styled a burgundy pair in a past outfit)! I also quite like that the fit is a mid-rise and that there's ruching at the bottoms. As a person who much prefers leggings over more structured pants like jeans, these are perfect for everyday use for me, both at home and out. They also make pretty rad graphic tops in general too! :)

Happy Tuesday!

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

SOLAR

2016-05-24T15:46:00.002-07:00

Sustainable fashion is something I obviously support, but what you might not know about me is that I'm also very interested in wearable technology! So when I discovered this solar powered backpack, you can bet I was beyond excited, not just as a renewable energy supporter, but also as someone whose phone is always dying!

Read on for full outfit details and all the details about this incredible backpack.

Solar Powered Backpack c/o BirkSun

Tan Bikini from American Apparel

Moon & Druzy Necklace c/o Lilacs In The Sun

Cross Cuff & Arrow Cuff c/o Soko

DIY Rope Belt

Photos by Nate Bernardo

The Solar Powered Backpack:

BirkSun is the SF-based company that makes these amazing solar powered backpacks. The appeal of solar to me is not just its eco-friendly advantages, but as someone whose phone is constantly dying when I'm out of the house because I forget to charge it (and my friends and family all tease me about it), this invention is perfect for me. It's very handy for people who go outdoors a lot too where there's no nearby outlets!

The charging port is inside the outer zip pocket, so you can plug your cord in and still use the phone as you go. The backpack itself is so well-made and it is waterproofed inside and out (I can vouch that it works because I had a cheap water bottle in the main compartment completely leak, but the water did not soak out) As a side note, life tip—never trust free water bottles!

I'm looking forward to using this backpack next year for school and showing it off ;) All in all, I really applaud BirkSun for making solar energy technology more accessible to people in their day-to-day lives and think this is a great way to get people excited about and in support of going solar!

The Bikini:
American Apparel is one of my go-to places for buying swimwear! Everything is made in the USA, and sweatshop-free. I buy my swimsuits from there when they are on sale and the prices are actually pretty comparable to what one would spend shopping at a fast fashion store. So if for the same price you can get ethically made swimwear, why wouldn't you? :) And to add a more boho touch, I tied my rope belt around my waist which is actually a repurposed curtain tassel!

The Necklace:
This lovely necklace is from Lilacs In The Sun. All their jewelry is handmade in California by the designer Michelle, who recently did another custom piece for my sister's prom (whose name is also Michelle!) I have been very into silver and blue for jewelry so this piece has been getting a lot of wear!

The Cuffs:

I always wear these cuffs with this necklace because they just go together so well! They are both from Soko, an ethical jewelry brand whose goal is to directly connect customers to artisans around the world who make beautiful handcrafted jewelry, using natural and upcycled materials. Here I am wearing the hammered cross cuff and hammered arrow cuff by artisan, Mulinge!

Thanks for visiting! :)

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

INDIGO COVE

2016-05-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

Back to the beach again with Nate—this time in San Francisco! It was so windy which always makes it harder to shoot because every other shot is me moving my hair out of my face haha, but we managed to get some amazing shots where the wind worked in our favor!

Keep reading for full outfit and sustainability details, and to learn more about BluBond, an ethical and sustainable luxury boutique where each product gives back to a different charitable cause.

Burgundy Bodysuit c/o BluBond

Gold Leaf Cuff c/o BluBond

Ombre Green Scarf c/o Sseko

Photos by Nate Bernardo

The Bodysuit:
This bodysuit is by the brand Noise Lab and is from BluBond, a virtual luxury boutique that sells only product made through ethical and sustainable practices. Their mantra is "Purchase With A Purpose" and every product has a set amount that gets donated to a particular charity, with this bodysuit donating $38 to Cause 4 Paws!

Cause 4 Paws is a wonderful LA based charity that focuses on creating awareness and restoration for homeless animals and their owners. Many who find themselves homeless are forced to remain this way due to lack of shelters willing to house them with their beloved pets. This cause is very close to my heart as I understand the unbreakable bond between dog and owner and I could never part with my dogs willingly either!

This Noise Lab bodysuit is made in Medellín, Colombia and also commendable is that Juanita, the designer, provides jobs in her manufacturing and work rooms to women in need to help them provide for their families.

The Cuff:
This cuff bracelet by RAS, also from BluBond, donates $12 to Delete Blood Cancer DKMS. Delete Blood Cancer DKMS is the world's largest bone marrow donor center. First started in the US, today DKMS has branches in Germany, the UK, Poland, and Spain. They have registered nearly 6 million donors and provided nearly 60,000 patients with a second chance at life!

This RAS cuff is made in Spain; it is plated by old-school machines and made with artistic handiworks. When Spain was especially hit hard by the economic downturn, RAS was a brand that didn't close their manufacturing to outsource to China to produce their products more cheaply. Instead they generated jobs for the women in the suburbs of Madrid do that they would be able to continue feeding their children and have a steady income to provide for their families.

Read more about the other incredible charities that BluBond helps raise funds for here too!

The Scarf:
Lastly, this cotton scarf is from Sseko, an ethical fashion brand that employs women in Uganda from all walks of life who are ending the cycle of poverty and also provides scholarship to college-bound women. It's a hand-crafted and hand-dyed piece that is so versatile! I've previously worn it as a shawl in this outfit post and here it is again as a coverup skirt for the beach or pool. Also useful as an impromptu beach towel :D

Hope everyone's week is going well!
Also today is my sister Michelle's birthday— happy 18th birthday dude!

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

ANDRONIKE

2016-05-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

This is the first of many beach shoots that will be coming to the blog this spring and summer! My wonderful photographer friend, Nate, whom I have known for 8 years now, and I have been collaborating a lot as of late, and we had a lot of fun traveling to Pescadero, CA for this outfit shoot!

We shot at Pigeon Point beach, which has some pretty cool tidepools as well, and lots of ladybugs (yay for tons of good luck!) Read on for full outfit details and sustainability points for each piece!

Handmade Tracery Ring c/o Andronike

Organic Cotton Maxi Dress c/o Synergy Clothing

Photos by Nate Bernardo

The Ring:

This ring, which reminds me so much of Game of Thrones, is from Andronike! Andronike is designed and handmade in New York, and they use 100% recycled and re-refined precious metals for all their jewelry! Additionally, all their packaging is also recycled.

I am wearing the romantic and striking Tracery Ring, which is made from .925 sterling silver. It reminds me of a princess crown for your finger! The Tracey Ring is one of the more statement-making pieces but they also have tons of simple and timeless designs.

I know people will spend much more when they decide to buy a high-quality piece of jewelry they intend to wear quite frequently, so I think we should also make sure that our investment is eco-friendly and was ethically-made. Andronike gets my vote for that :)

The Dress:

This graphite maxi dress is an organic cotton design from Synergy Organic Clothing. Synergy is a sustainable and organic, fair trade clothing line that is ethically made in Nepal. They are based in Santa Cruz, CA and run by husband and wife team, Henry and Kate. You may have seen their clothing in your local Whole Foods too!

Organic cotton really is a lot softer, making this already comfy and loose maxi dress, even more luxurious on the skin. And of course, it's better for you and the environment because it was grown without toxic chemicals and pesticides.

- x -

Also each time I go to the beach now, I've been doing a 2-minute beach clean which is exactly what it sounds like. Take just 2 minutes to pick up any litter you find on the beach. You'd be surprised (and also angered) by the amount of trash you can pick up in 2 minutes. I think this is a great and easy way to say thank you to our Mother Earth and to help keep the beach beautiful and safe for all species!

Thanks for visiting Sustainable Siren! :)

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

YOUWE

2016-05-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

One style I love but don't dress in too often is more of a skater or surfer style. And since I've been acquiring some awesome new tees and sneakers, I thought why not? This is my version of a skater or surfer look with a touch of goddess flair!

Read on for full sustainability details and to learn more about YOUWE, a wonderful company where you as the consumer get to choose a cause where a portion of their profits is donated to!

Handmade Gold Headpiece c/o Lily White
Mountain Graphic Tee c/o YOUWE
Handmade Arm Cuffs from Etsy
Thrifted Crystal Cuff from Crossroads
Secondhand Denim Shorts from Vinted
Bluebird Sneakers c/o Inkkas

Photos by my sister, Michelle

The Headpiece:
This Lily White headpiece was handmade in Belgium! Handmade pieces are a great slow fashion choice—they are generally much higher quality and result in much less excess waste due to items being made in smaller quantities or being made to order.

The Graphic Tee:
This awesome tee is from YOUWE, a company that allows the consumer to choose a cause where a portion (10%) of the profits is donated to! They carry many ethically-made and/or sustainably-made products and I think it's wonderful that YOUWE allows the consumer to continue spreading a positive impact by giving back to a charity of their choice.

You can choose from charities that support wildlife conservation, education, environmental conservation, health organizations, human services, and international help—such as the World Wildlife Foundation, National Park Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, Make A Wish, and Charity Water, to name a few!

This graphic tee is made from organic jersey, and in addition to being sweatshop-free, was made and printed in the USA. I love simple geometric motifs (I even had this temporary tattoo on hand that matched quite well!) and the fact that this one has major adventure vibes is even better!

The Arm Cuffs:
The simple gold arm cuffs I am wearing were custom-made to my size from Etsy and handmade in Colorado. And the blue crystal cuff was thrifted from Crossroads Trading—by far my favorite place to go shop in person to score some amazing secondhand pieces!

The Shorts:
These are one of my best secondhand purchases which I got from Vinted—they are Wildfox denim shorts that I scored for only $25 but they retail for well over $100!

The Sneakers:
These ethically-made sneakers from Inkkas feature authentic Peruvian textiles that are handmade and artisan-made! Additionally, Inkkas also has their One Shoe One Tree project where a tree is planted for every purchase. Beautiful shoes that also help beautify our earth.

Happy Wednesday, and thank you for stopping by! :)

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

CALL OF THE VIALED (+ GIVEAWAY!)

2016-04-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

Ever since I made the commitment to sustainability within my wardrobe, I've been meaning to do the same for my beauty routine as well! I'm slowly starting to transition out my beauty products to be more green, and these potion-like perfumes from Call of the Vialed are my new daily scents now!

Read on to learn more about Call of the Vialed and also details on our Instagram giveaway!

Parfum Pur Set c/o Call of the Vialed

A little bit about Call of the Vialed—they are locally based in the Bay Area in Berkeley, CA! They make aromatherapeutic perfumes in which all the ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced, are vegan, and also free of animal testing, pesticide residues, fillers, alcohol, phthalates, and parabens.

Call of the Vialed is founded by Lauren Blevins, who used to work in product development for multiple beauty brands, which really informed her decision to cut the chemicals when she started her own perfume brand! All the perfumes are hand-blended with love by her. I also really appreciate that her perfume bottles are refillable (yay!) and she ships her perfume in biodegradable packaging!

Here I have Momentum, Hush, Flower, and Dream.

My favorite scent? Dream. This scent has notes of frankincense, clary sage, wild verbena, yarrow, German chamomile, ylang-ylang, and juniper berry. Lauren describes its aspects as arcane, celestial, copal, old world, sweet, fresh, cool, and fizzy, which I think are quite fitting for the scent! She also includes an aromapsychology profile for each scent (which I think is an awesome touch with totally lends itself to the potion aesthetic of these vials!) with Dream supporting grounding, curiosity, creativity support, imagination, reflection, tranquility, and visualization.

Flower is also a close second-favorite of mine! You can read more on each of the scent profiles as linked above :)

Aside from the fact that I was already quite happy knowing the ingredients were fairly and sustainably cultivated, I love the handy rollerball applicator (which comes with the 10 mL size), the uniqueness of the scents (which are also meant to be unisex), and I'm obsessed with the branding/aesthetic of her brand (my design student side coming out here haha!)

So now if you're interested in trying some of these scents out for yourself you can visit her Etsy shop here and also enter our Instagram giveaway here where one lucky winner will win a full-size fragrance of their choice!

Details are on the Instagram post! This giveaway is open to US residents and will end on May 8th, 2016. The winner will be chosen randomly and contacted on May 9th! :)

Thanks for reading and hope you guys have an awesome weekend! ♡

xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes

FAIRY

2016-04-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I've worn a flower crown! I used to be so obsessed with them that I wore them all the time until I finally got tired of them (see my outfits from 2012-2013 and you'll see what I'm talking about haha!).

Now 2 years later, my love for them has been rekindled again by this dreamy handmade, dried flower crown! Read on for full outfit details and sustainability points for each piece in this fairy-inspired look!

Handmade Dried Flower Crown c/o Alice Halliday

Handmade Lava Stone & Tassel Necklaces c/o Zacasha

Secondhand Tie Dye Dress from Vinted

Handmade Arm Cuffs from Etsy

Photos by my sister, Michelle

The Flower Crown:
I am wearing a handmade, dried flower crown by bohemian eco-couture designer, Alice Halliday! All of her pieces are ethically handmade in Ireland, and I love the ethereal and fairytale aesthetic of her brand so much!

Not only is her brand produced sustainably and ethically, but so is her packaging! My crown came in a recycled box covered in the prettiest, floral vintage wallpaper which she found from a charity shop. These are the little details that I definitely appreciate in sustainable brands :)

The Necklaces:
These tassel necklaces are from Zacasha, and are ethically handmade in Bali by artisans who traditionally work from their home and care for their families. The necklaces are made using natural resources from the island (this one is made of glass crystals and lava stones!). But seriously, lava stones, how cool is that? These necklaces are a great layering piece and instantly add boho flair to your outfit!

The Dress:
I found this secondhand tie dye dress on Vinted for $8, but sadly it was a size too big. I loved it so much I decided to get it anyways and then altered it to my size at the waist and then turned the high low hemline into a straight hem. Another favorite recycled fashion score!

The Arm Cuffs:
These are handmade brass arm cuffs which I purchased on Etsy from a designer who makes all her pieces in Colorado! Thinking of getting a set in silver or copper soon!

Thanks for visiting :) Hope you guys have a great rest of the day!
xo, Jennifer

*All items marked "c/o" were received courtesy of the brand for review & promotional purposes