Noonday Collection & WH Clothier Collaboration

I am SO excited to share a company that is so dear to my heart, Wholehearted Clothier! After becoming a Noonday Collection Ambassador last May, it's completely opened my eyes to how we have purchasing power and can actually play a part in changing the world through our purchasing!

I found Wholehearted Clothier on Instagram and loved what they were about. Sunny, the founder, was tired of the corporate world and knew she was born for something bigger. WH Clothier was born out of her passion! You can read all about her here on her blog.

Sunny mentions on her blog that her "dream for this company is to celebrate fashion and individual style while supporting our neighbors both locally and around the world. How do we do that? Well, here at WHC, 10% of EVERY PURCHASE is set aside for a family, person, charity, or organization that is in need. To date, our world changers have raised almost $1500 which has gone to help a teen mom purchase a car and to CASA of Collin County."

This goes hand in hand with what Noonday is all about. The moment I found out about WH Clothier, I knew I had to be apart of the work they are doing.

This black pleated skirt is my current favorite in my closet and comes from Whole Hearted Clothier! It is for sure the most comfortable skirt I have ever owned; it's like a fancy sweatshirt!

It was such a fun skirt to style and I love how it gave me a french vibe with the stripes. It would also look so cute dressed down with a graphic tee and converses! The sky's the limit!

Just how Noonday Collection's name was named from Isaiah 58:10 "When you satisty the needs of the oppressed, your light will become like the Noonday" Wholehearted Clothier was also named after a Bible verse:

"Driven by Jeremiah 29:11-13, WH Clothier intends to seek God wholeheartedly in this venture and encourage others to do the same."

Another thing that immediately drew me to WH Clothier was how Sunny pairs Noonday with her pieces on her Instagram! I love how it's such a beautiful example of women empowering women and how when we support each other, everyone wins. 

If you know me and follow me, you know Noonday continues because of women joining hands with their local ambassador, and creating a marketplace for our artisan partners by opening their homes and inviting their friends over. If you're in Texas, WH Clothier has trunk shows as well! I mean, world changing accessories AND clothing? At the same place? Yes please! 

If your in Dallas, TX (or surrounding areas) learn all about having a WH Clothier
trunks show here!

I should probably not leave out my current necklace crush too. The Quito Necklace made in Ecuador is my surprise favorite from the Noonday Collection Spring line that launched last month! "This gorgeous necklace combines natural tagua seed and coconut shell with a graphic Ecuadorian fabric. When Noonday discovered this printed fabric on a trip to Ecuador, they knew it would be a perfect addition to this special piece."

p.s. because of the fabric, it is SO comfortable! The red tagua seed is the perfect pop of color this summer.

I am just so excited to introduce you to Wholehearted Clothier and all they are about. And, as a huge thank you for shopping ethically and continuing to learn more about fair trade, Sunny at Wholehearted Clothier has given you a 10% off coupon to shop! 

At checkout, use code BROOKEJVG10 to take 10% off your order until March 31, 2015. I can't wait to see what you purchase. Make sure to tag me (@brookejvg) and @whclothier on instagram to show off your newest, world changing outfit! 

p.s.s. TOMS Jutti flats are my favorite. They give one pair of shoes to someone in need for every pair purchased. And, the Black Jutti flats are currently on SALE! Bonus! 

Now, I'd love to continue shopping ethically and find out about new fair trade brands. Write below with your favorite brands! 

xoxo, 

Brooke

Outfit Details:

Quito Necklace
Cubed Studs, Silver
Head of the Class Pleated Midi Skirt
TOMS - Black Jutti Flats 
Glasses: Wilkie, Warby ParkerShirt - Old Navy (last season)

Noonday Collection // 2 0 1 5

Well, after about three months of writer's block, I'm excited to be writing again! I took some time off focusing on the holidays and time with family but I'm back and ready to take 2015 by the horns! My holidays were filled with friends and family -- like the pictures below (ice skating in Forest Park). For the second year in a row our best friends visited us during Christmas and it was the best time. I'm so grateful for friends who encourage, pray and love you through hard times. 

I love January and this special time of year. It is a great time for reflecting to set goals and dream how you want to spend the next year of your life. There is something about it that just feels so new and fresh. And, to start my year off focused on God and my goals, I took part in a social media fast with my church. I had no idea how wonderful it would be. If you know me, you know I LOVE photography and Instagram. Border line obsessed. Along with half with world. 

I was expecting to really, realllllly miss instagram and facebook. Like dread being away. Have extreme fomo (fear of missing out) and totally fail. At best, I thought I'd only make it halfway through the week before getting "back on." BUT, I'm proud to say... I stood strong and have learned so much about myself and our culture during the week I was "off the grid."

I learned how I fill every spare moment checking my latest feed on Instagram and how obsessed I was with how many "likes" and comments I was getting on my latest pictures. And, most importantly, I realized just how much anxiety social media was causing me. It's hard for me to admit that I am/was struggling with anxiety but it's the truth. But, this week... I feel like a weight had been lifted off of me. Filling my minutes and hours looking at other people's lives whether good or bad, has slowly began giving me anxiety -- daily anxiety to be exact.

Discussing this with my mom earlier this week, we chatted about how social media and it's far-reaching network gives us a way to see into the lives of so many people and how that just isn't normal. We are not meant to be that hyper-connected. It is just too much to take in on a daily basis. No one's heart or soul can take in that much information about every little detail of everyone's life. 

So...all that to say, I'm excited to share my thoughts on how I'm going to take this week and apply it to my life moving forward in 2 0 1 5. 

Social Media Boundaries:

1. Get all my instagram notifications turned off so I'm not 

constantly reminded of what is happening on instagram. 

2. Keep my instagram app hidden on my phone -- meaning, it will 

help me avoid constantly opening the app when I have a free moment. 

3. Delete the facebook app completely off my phone. 

Because honestly, that will cut down 90% of the time I am on facebook. It will make me open my laptop(which isn't everyday) 

in order to get on facebook.

4. Leave my phone in another room when I get home from work every night so I can focus on my husband who I haven't seen all day & actually get things done and not be distracted by phone.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this social media hyper connected and consumed world and what/if any, actions you take to be in control of it and not let it control you.  And, don't get me wrong, I think that instagram specifically is wonderful and it has given me new friendships I wouldn't have otherwise, but it's all about boundaries and finding a balance. 

I'm so grateful to have friends like Courtney and many others who encourage me along the way. I pray that if you don't already, you find your "tribe" who can keep you accountable and love you during this journey we have here on earth. 

Here's to 2 0 1 5! I am so hopeful for what God has in store this year. If you haven't already, I encourage you to take a social media fast too. It's such a great time to focus and set some goals for yourself. I don't think you'd regret it. And, if you do, let me know how it goes! You got this -- it's not impossible to go a week without it. Trust me. If I can do it.... you can too. 

Complete our looks:

Brooke's Look (left) 

Red Cozy Zip Scarf - handmade by Noonday Collection

Crescent Moon Earrings - handmade by Noonday Collection - current obsession

Delta River Bangles - handmade by Noonday Collection

Milly Lace Boot Socks - Grace and Lace

Lines and Stripes Catch All Purse - handmade by Noonday Collection 

Courtney's Look (right)

Bright Stripes Arm & Leg Warmers - handmade by Noonday Collection

Gem Trio Studs - handmade by Noonday Collection

Hand knit scarf - by Janell Rardon

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Both dresses from Twice. Second hand clothes - game changer. 

Happy New Year, y'all! Let's make it a good year.

xoxo

Noonday Collection // Emmy's Recap

Since becoming a Noonday Ambassador, I've fallen more in love with fashion than ever before. My eyes have been opened to how we can use fashion for good. Media had portrayed fashion as something only attainable to movie stars or celebrities but Noonday has opened my eyes to the world and how I too, can be fashionable. The jewelry from Noonday can spruce up any t-shirt or dress that you already own in your closet. And, it can change our artisans life. I've learned so much about fashion since being an Ambassador and the biggest hurdle I've overcome in my fashion life is that anyone can enjoy it. It's not just for the rich and famous, we too can enjoy fashion! Step out of your comfort zone and have fun with fashion...see the trends the celebrities and movie stars are wearing and make them yours. 

This week, I'm showing you some actresses from the red carpet at the Emmy's and pairing a Noonday accessory with them that I, personally, would wear with their dress. Now that I've been made aware of my purchasing power, I lean more towards a world changing accessory than diamonds. Which, if you know me, that's a big deal. I love diamonds. ;) 

I love Kate McKinnon from her beginnings with SNL and I know she would rock our

 Black Diamond Earrings with her gorgeous black dress. It's such a classy and sophisticated look without being overstated.

Natalie Dormer is looking stunning in her red carpet dress. Such a flattering shape for her and again, love how sophistication is a theme for the Emmy's this year! Our Lionheart Earrings made in Ethiopia would also pair very nicely with her pop of orange she has going on. I also LOVE how her nails match her dress....coming from one nail lover to the other. (ps. so excited to see Natalie in the new Mockingjay movie of the Hunger Game series!)

Uzo Abuda wears the classic red perfectly. She looks beautiful and classy. I know our Fire Peruvian Bangle would be a wonderful addition to her already fabulous outfit. 

Lizzy Caplan will always be Janis from Mean Girls to me. She continues the sophisticated and simple theme with her elegant black dress. I love the surprise white fabric in the back as well to add variety to the classic black dress. I believe the Film Noir Clutch would add a great texture and pop of color to her outfit. 

Julianne Hough represents the one of many who wore white to the Emmy's. So many of the actresses took the "white clothing came out on Memorial Day and went away on Labor Day" rule seriously. Kristin Wigg and Sophia Vergara are two other favorites that rocked the white. Julianna went for the minimalistic theme for her accessories and I would continue that look with our Nouveau earrings that our gorgeous yet understated. 

Sarah Hyland of Modern Family looked gorgeous in the white look but added a pop of color with her coral skirt. I love how she dressed her age. Even though I can't get behind the crop top trend right now, I think Sarah pulls it off beautifully with the classier type crop top and doesn't dress outside her age group. For accessories, our Phoenix Earrings would pair very nicely with her beautiful look! 

Lastly, Julianna Margulies looked absolutely stunning in her red carpet attire. She looks flawless and I loved the twist on a black dress with the champaign under tone on her skirt. The only thing missing is our La Noche bracelet to finish her look off with some textured bling! :)

Comment below on who your favorites were from the Emmy's, best or worst dressed, I wanna hear!

And, for anyone who places an order for any of the items I talked about today from now until next Monday, September 8th, on my website, you will be entered to win a $50 gift certificate! 

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.