Black Friday Shopping Tips

The holiday season has arrived, y’all! If there’s anything we collectively learned this year, it’s the value of hard work, and the desire to deeply connect with our loved ones. This holiday season will be like no other, from how folks gather and celebrate, to whether folks can afford to give gifts to their near and dear.  If you are planning to shop as Black Friday approaches, we urge you to give a more meaningful gift this season by shopping more consciously.

The conscious shopper thinks before she buys: Who made it? What was it made with? Where was it made? When was it made? How was it made? Today we’re breaking down some of the buzzwords of conscious consumerism and featuring some of our favorite brands! (This is not a sponsored post, just heartfelt recommendations!)

ETHICAL

Look for brands that look out for more than the bottom line. Cost savings and low prices often come at the expense of workers and the environment. Fair wages, safe working conditions, legal working hours, no child labor guarantees and reduced envrionmental impact are some of the hallmarks of ethical brands. You can also look for brands that have specific designations, such as Certified B Corporation or the Social Accountability International’s SA8000 standard. Ethical brands have been on the rise, with positive impact in different areas. For example, child labor rates dropped by over one third between 2000 and 2017; 24% more fashion companies have committed to paying their workers a living wage, and 61% are investing in using sustainable fabrics (Done Good). Our purchases have power to create and sustain positive change.

Speaking of creating and sustaining, make it a handmade holiday gift season and check out sustainable gift ideas from Made Trade, one of our go-to ethical brands. This woman-owned company values fair wages, sustainability, quality, craftsmanship and transparency. And there are so many gorgeous items to choose from! (Last Christmas, Kim’s husband bought her these slippers, handmade by women in Patagonia, Chile). 

ARTISANAL

Virtually anything can be mass-produced. Avoid big box options by sourcing authentic, handmade goods from artisans both locally and abroad. Your purchase empowers artisans, sustains craftsmanship and in many cases, preserves tradition. Artisan goods also double as a piece of art, with character and quality that cannot be replicated in a factory.

For fashion and decor (two of our big loves at KLD), we heart Connected Goods and Mirth Caftans. Connected Goods has partnered with artisans around the globe for over a decade, making everything from linens (perfect for a holiday tablescape!) to ceramics. Mirth Caftans artisans create one-of-a-kind pieces with handloomed woven and handblock printed fabrics. We love this picture of friend Kate Zimmerman’s space, decked out in Connected Goods.

VINTAGE

Fast fashion and decor are appealing - they are on trend, inexpensive, and convenient. But this can translate as poorly made with substandard materials within major polluting industries.  Buying vintage gives new life to an item already in the supply chain. The icing on the proverbial cake: many vintage items were designed to last, made in a time when “well made” was the norm. 

Instagram has made it easier than ever to watch for vintage gems. Some of our favorite accounts to watch: @feathersboutiquevintage, @ameliatarbet, @charmschoolvintage, @lostandfoundvintage. If you are local to Austin, Kim’s two favorite vintage shops for home decor are Revival Vintage and Room Service. And the best part!?! These two stores are right across the street from each other.

Revival Vintage in Austin, Texas

WOMEN-OWNED

Today is Nov. 25th and we are celebrating “Women Led Wednesday!” Women-owned businesses make up a significant percentage of all businesses in the U.S., but only a fraction of overall business revenues. When you buy women-owned, you not only invest in women’s empowerment and gender equality in business, but also in the growth of community and economy. In fact, studies show that women will reinvest up to 90 percent of their income in their families and communities, compared to 40 percent for men (Women Owned). Use a website or app that identifies women-owned businesses, or look for the Women Owned logo when shopping. 

At KLD, we love to support other women in business. A few of Kim’s favorite women-owned ethical brands are Collective Humanity, Loot Finer Goods  and Sanctuary Project.  

Collective Humanity is a nonprofit organization employing over 60 women in Cambodia. Kate Davis, the founder is a local Austin businesswomen who is passionately working to help break cycles of poverty in Cambodia by creating demand for their artisan goods. Their handwoven throws are the perfect piece to cuddle up with this winter.  

Loot Finer Goods was founded by two mothers/businesswomen in Austin. Loot specializes in furniture, decor and feel-good care packages. Many people may not travel this year for the holidays, so consider the Wellness at Home Package to send a loved one. 

Sanctuary Project is a nonprofit social enterprise that offers job training and employment to women who have survived trafficking, violence, and addiction. Pick out a beautiful piece of jewelry and empower women with your purchase.

Stay tuned! We’ll be sharing more of our favorite ethical brands in our Holiday Gift Guide!

(Article written by Ellen Aoki and Kim Lewis)