Noonday Collection // Blog Train!

Welcome to the Noonday Collection Blog Train. If you're new to the blog train, it's 30 days of giveaways and blog posts featuring storytelling and styling advice. Please be sure to drop by Carmen's blog post from yesterday and be sure to check out McCall's post tonight!

I have been anxiously awaiting this blog post for about a month now. It's the first post of the new FALL LINE with Noonday Collection and it is also the 3rd day of the Noonday Ambassador Blog Train! 

Before Noonday, my jewelry box consisted of jewelry from your typical stores such as Target, Charming Charlies and others alike. I loved a good deal. But, what I didn't realize was that "good deal" came at a human price. I was able to buy that necklace for $15 because of the sweatshops that were making cheap clothes and accessories with a price of someone's life and rights. Noonday opened my eyes to the unseen. I didn't realize how when you're aware of your purchases, it can either change for good or bad. I highly encourage you to read Kelsey Timmerman's book "Where Am I Wearing: A Global Tour to the Countries, Factories, and People That Make Our Clothes"  as it goes into this subject a little more in depth. 

I now wear jewelry that is made from seeds in Ecuador, recycled paper in Uganda and ethically harvested water buffalo horn in Vietnam. Hello, what?! I seriously love it so much. Now, I invest in one necklace that may be a little more than I'm used to so that someone's life can be changed from it, instead of saving a few dollars and ignoring the injustice. And you know what, it feels better than a clearance sale ever did. 

And now, let me introduce you to my newest favorite from the Fall line, the Monaco Necklace. This gorgeous statement necklace is made out of ethically harvested cow horn from India. Noonday's artisans do not harm the cow in order to make our jewelry. 

Both the Monaco Necklace and Featherweight Cuff I am wearing are either made out of the ethically harvested cow or water buffalo horn. They are for sure, some top new favorites of mine. I never thought I'd have jewelry made from India or Vietnam in my jewelry box or let alone, made from cow & buffalo horn, but I absolutely love it. It makes me feel apart of something so much bigger than myself. 

Noonday began working with a group of Vietnamese artisans in 2013, after seeing some of their beautiful designs at an artisan craft show. The village we work with, Thuy Ung, has been carving bullhorn into unique pieces for over 400 years. Once created only for royal families, these pieces are now crafted for Noonday customers. Our partner group provides business training for the artisans and ensures fair pricing for their goods. This ancient craft continues to provide the people of the village with a reliable income and the chance to share their pieces with the world. 

So, who's up for a giveaway?!?! Who wants to add this gorgeous Monaco Necklace to their jewelry box today? You can be apart of what Noonday is doing and wear this gorgeous piece proudly. Enter below to win and I will announce the winner tomorrow! 

(Due to each horn being different and handmade, each cuff comes slightly unique. A wonderful Noonday touch.) 

This Look: 

Necklace: Monaco Necklace (Noonday Collection)
Earrings: Arched Arrow Earrings (Noonday Collection)

Bracelet: Featherweight Cuff (Noonday Collection)
Shirt : You-So-Fancy Tee (Free People)

Purse: Rustic Leather Tote (Noonday Collection) 

Pants: The Diva Skinny Jean (Old Navy)

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Roelle Sandal  (Belk)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Noonday Collection / Trunk Shows, not just for elephant's anymore.

If you would have told me last year that I would be working for a direct sales company, I would have told you that you were crazy. In the past, I avoided the typical direct sales company like the plague. I have had many friends do a wonderful job with direct sales, but it was the pressure to buy that gave me anxiety.

However, what I love about Noonday Collection is their Trunk Shows which are are a super low-key, fun girl's night out with beautiful, handmade jewelry made from women all over the world. When you partner with a local ambassador not only do you advocate for our artisans and continue creating a sustainable job for them, you also get to have a fun night out with your friends, play dress up, and earn FREE jewelry along the way.

Noonday Trunk Shows are a beautiful example of women empowering women. Our artisans create gorgeous, unique jewelry for us ambassadors and we create a market place for them in the States through our shows. Without one another, neither of us wouldn't have a job. It's so powerful and I can't wait till the day I get the opportunity to meet some of our artisans face to face and thank them for giving me such a wonderful job. I mean, I get to meet tons of new women, wear beautiful jewelry,  and call it my job?!?! It's a dream come true. 

I hope you consider partnering with me and hosting a trunk show this fall. I can also connect you with a local ambassador in your area to host outside of the St. Louis area! Here's a sneak peek into my first trunk show with my biggest cheerleaders in my hometown, Va. Beach, Va! It was such a treat to share my first show with my world changing hostess, my mom & sister! 

Photos by my amazing, world traveling sister, Candace Rose Rardon.

See the beautiful Noonday Collection here on my website. 

The new fall line launches THIS Thursday. 

Get excited!

Noonday / Huntington Beach #2

I am thrilled to have my gorgeous sister in law, Natalie, featured on today's blog! From the beginning, I have had a wonderful support from my family & in-laws alongside my friends who have been my cheerleaders in starting my Noonday adventure. Without them, I would not have had the confidence I do to begin this new journey so proudly. Not only have they supported me through purchasing they have been supportive through hosting a Noonday Collection Trunk show as well! The support from both sides of my families in Virginia & California has been huge and I am forever grateful. This blog post is dedicated to them! :)

While on a family vacation a few weeks ago to Huntington Beach, we went out to the infamous "Ruby's Diner" for dinner. It's so cool dressing up and seeing your family wear their Noonday pieces and ROCK them! Below, Natalie is rocking the "On the Mark" necklace made in India that has since been retired however, their are many other gorgeous necklace's available on my website! I love that Noonday is so unique and every piece is handmade. Even the chain. Each piece is made with so much love and dedication to their craft. It brings tears to my eyes that our artisans lives are being changed by simply "purchasing with purpose" and choosing to spend our money on accessories somewhere that is intentional with helping others. 

As the summer season comes to a close and we make room for new pieces for the Fall line (releasing August 7th) I am preparing to have a sample sale of some beautiful pieces from the Spring/ Summer 2014 season. There will be some pieces that will be retiring soon, just like the "On the Mark" necklace Natalie is wearing so beautifully. I have this sample sale twice a year, with selling my samples 40% off. If you would like an additional 15% off, sign up to host a trunk show for the Fall season! I will be selling my samples online August 1st so comment below if you would like to be included! 

I hope you have a great end to your summer & begin thinking how you have purchasing power and that you can use that power for good! Happy Shopping!

Noonday Style // Preparing for the Fall Launch #1!

So, if you haven't heard yet... the new fall line for Noonday Collection opens to the public AUGUST 7th! My fellow ambassadors and I are about to BURST with excitement in sharing this news. Our home office & artisans have worked so hard in preparing the new, stunning pieces

that will make up our fall line.

Every new line means saying goodbye to some amazing Spring/ Summer pieces. This specific blog is dedicated to my all time favorite, the Zoe Necklace. It's the only piece that I can't bear to sell in my sample sale (stay tuned for more details). The Zoe Necklace is {made with love} in Uganda out of recycled paper beads and has become a Noonday classic.

It goes with absolutely EVERYTHING. Stripes, solids, dresses, tank tops, you name it.
I get so many compliments on how beautiful it is.

What I love most about the Zoe Necklace is how it's not just one strand of recycled paper beads but a beautifully designed piece of jewelry that also makes a difference. Noonday Collection sends women who have studied fashion and the latest trends over to our artisans to help them make beautiful pieces that women will want to buy! It's a wonderful example of women empowering women and by us teaching the artisans the trends, more people like us "purchase with purpose"! This paper bead necklace is THE cutest thing I have in my jewelry box!

Necklace: The Zoe Necklace - Noonday Collection 

Earrings: Taj Earrings - Noonday Collection

Tank - Old Navy

Jean Shorts - American Eagle

Get excited for the FALL LINE LAUNCH! 

Noonday Style // Huntington Beach #1

After a relaxing, exciting vacation to the West Coast, I'm back! My husband and I had the best time in Huntington, California visiting his family. This was my first time to Huntington and
I know it won't be the last! 

One morning, me & my sister in laws went out for a beach cruiser bike ride!
It was so fun soaking up the beach and having some sister time. 

And, of course, I had them capture a photo of me in my Noonday. Below, I am wearing one of my favorite necklaces from our summer line. The Victoria Falls Necklace! This necklace was {made with love} in Uganda. It is made from up-cycled paper beads from our African artisans group called "Africa Smiles." Our Uganda artisan group was our very first group to create pieces for Noonday so naturally, we have a special bond with them. I have posted a video below to give you an inside look at our group in Uganda and to meet Jalia and Daniel, our first two artisans for Noonday!

And, lucky for you, the Victoria Falls necklace is on SALE today. After watching the video, I think you'll see just how much your purchasing are changing lives & why I love "purchasing with purpose".

Noonday Style // Anniversary Dinner Outfit

     Yesterday Aaron, my husband, and I celebrated one year of marriage! I just can't believe it! What a wonderful year it has been! It's also been a year of a lot of change with moving to a completely new city, St Louis, along with starting a new job, & being MARRIED! The best part of all the newness is going through it all with Aaron. He constantly keeps me laughing and when I'm stressed, keeps me looking towards Christ. That's definitely the best part about marriage - having a partner. Being a team and going through life together. 

Another completely new thing this year is my adventure with Noonday Collection! 

If you haven't heard of Noonday Collection before, it uses fashion and design to create economic opportunities for the vulnerable. We have artisans in over 10 countries who's lives are being changed because of our purchases. By creating a marketplace for their goods, they create dignified jobs at living wages, allowing artisans to earn more in
order to support their families. They also offer no interest loans and make advance payments on orders. This way they are able to shoulder the costs of materials and build a lasting relationship based on trust. Additionally, the company offers scholarship programs, emergency assistance, and donates a portion of sales to place orphans in forever families.

The necklace below, Scattered Seeds, is one of my favorite pieces. It is made in Ecuador out of tagua seeds .


"Our tagua pieces start out as a large pod. It may not look like much, but our Ecuadorian artisans are skilled at transforming these unsightly pods into works of art." (See photo below)

I'm so thankful I get the opportunity to be an ambassador and share these stories of our artisans all over the world, and to have married a man who supports my passion and love for the Lord. It changes the whole game to have his support and who is happy to help me get prepared for a show. Read more about my Noonday story here.

This Look:

Necklace: Scattered Steps (Noonday Collection)
Earrings: Cubed Studs (Noonday Collection)
Dress: Target
Glasses: Warby Parker

Shoes: Jutti flats (TOMS)

THE TAGUA SEED:

The artisans separate the seed from the pod and cut the seed with a saw to the perfect shape and size. The cut pieces are placed in a tumbler where they are buffed and smoothed to perfection. 

 The tagua is cleaned and dyed rich colors in large tubs and then left to dry.

Lastly, The artisans drill small holes in each piece, string the beads, and burn off all loose ends to create each special necklace and bracelet. Purchase the Scattered Steps Necklace, Handmade with Love in Ecuador.

Engaged // Aaron & Taylor

It's not every day your best friends get engaged, and it's definitely not every day they ask YOU to capture their love and take their engagement photos. It is always such an honor when the opportunity arises! Aaron and Taylor have been my husband and I's great friends since college. Aaron was my husband's RA and became his good friend through it. Aaron was even in our wedding party as one of our groomsmen! They have such a special place in our hearts and so obviously, when they called to share the good news....we were SO EXCITED! Those are some awesome moments when your best friends call you to tell you they are engaged.

Aaron & Taylor have such a special relationship. They have been dating for over 3 years and are waiting to say "I love you" until they say "I Do." They are so committed to keeping Christ at the center of their relationship and I think that is such a testament to their commitment to each other! They have waited so long for this day to come and I can't wait to witness their special day.

Capturing their love while taking their engagement photos was a BLAST! They are so in love and make each other laugh so much (which you will see in the photos) that is was so much fun to watch!

God has big things in store for this couple and I am so thankful to call them friends. Thanks Aaron & Taylor for allowing me to capture your love and I hope you enjoy what you see! :)

Much love,

Brooke 

xoxo

Rock star hair Taylor!!! 

Favorite is on the right!!! AHH!





I seriously love how much they make each other laugh!!! :D

Taylor, your GORGEOUS!!!!