As Earth Month comes to a close it’s easy to slip back into old habits of buying fast fashion. Luckily, the first week of May is Small Business Week. And when you shop small the chances are high that you’re also shopping sustainably.

In today’s post I’m sharing my small business fashion favorites in collaboration with Unyé and Lacson Ravello. Because small and local business often source their materials and labor from a short distance away, it contributes to lower carbon emissions. Plus smaller brands tend to manufacture on demand or in small batches which minimizes the amount of textiles going to landfill.

When it comes to fashion, “small” used to be synonymous with “boring”. However, let me assure you that nothing could be further from the truth.

Take Oakland based Lacson Ravello. Kristina Lacson-McConnico never fails to wow me with her statement tops. As you well know her Marinière Tee is my perennial favorite key piece. This season the Emile Top in White leopard jacquard combines the perfect snowy neutral with a trendy animal print that is understated and elegant.

The Emile Top which is sustainably made from deadstock fabric, is the perfect backdrop for the dainty yet edgy jewelry of NYC-based Unyé.

Unyé ethically handcrafts stylish Italian leather handbags and hypoallergenic jewelry from local sustainable materials. I love their minimalist esthetic and attention to detail. Unyé bends jewelry design on its ear, literally! The Pyramid Moon hoop  earrings loops into the ear completely with a stud look with a delicate hoop peeking behind the lobe. Perfect for those of us with short hair! I’m especially loving the Dagger Convertible Earring Studs which can be worn at least 3 different ways. I’m wearing these in the photos in Gold; also available in Rose Gold, Silver, Gunmetal, and Coffee.

Use my personalized link to shop items in this post. Use code shopsmall20 for 20% off the entire site from 5/5-5/13(midnight pacific time)

Now let me dive right into the Glenn Clutch which the brand generously gifted to me along with the jewelry. This versatile clutch includes a wristlet strap that allows ease of holding. The trap tucks inside for a sleek evening look. The built in wallet pockets instantly convert the clutch into a wallet that you can toss into your everyday tote. I’m loving the Chalk Crackled Glaze, which also comes in Denim & Mauve Nubuck, Black, and Crackled Metallic Silver.

For a close-up of the Glenn Clutch and Unyé Jewelry line go to my Instagram TV Unboxing Video (here)

 

 

Word to the wise: Small and local usually does not mean cheap, however it is always better to buy fewer for more than lots for cheap. What makes Unyé and Lacson Ravello my small business fashion favorites are that their designs are both timeless and built to last.