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 // It's a jungle out there...

It's HERE!!! The new Spring Line is finally HERE! I have been drooling over these new pieces since last month and just itching to share something so dear and special to my heart!

In November, I was approached by Noonday's home office to be in the Spring 15' Look Book"! You can imagine my excitement and shock at this out of the blue opportunity. I was totally blind sided and completely humbled at the same time. They shared that they loved the pictures from Aaron & I's wedding and wanted to feature a newlywed. I'm so honored that they choose me! It is a pretty special feeling when someone values something you hold so close to your heart. 

This season, Noonday had the brilliant idea to feature an ambassador next to an artisan to show that even though we are different we are also the same. Each artisan story pairs with an ambassador who has a similar story. I must admit, when I realized they paired me with Fanny from Rwanda, another newlywed, tears flooded my eyes. I just kept repeating "no way, NO WAY" in my head. No way, I get to live this life? Man, what an honor. I am so excited to carry Fanny's story with me to trunk shows this season and for all my St. Louis customer's to see our city, nice and big, at the top of my page.

I found this hidden gem in St. Louis called "The Jewel Box". It is a green house that doubles as a wedding venue. Would you believe me when I told you it is two minutes from my apartment? I am one lucky gal. When I walked in I knew it would be the perfect location for this blog post. The theme of the Spring 2015 look book is Jungle and I found my very own jungle here in St. Louis. Let's escape the snow storm and dream of the tropics together! 

This seaon I'm so excited to also announce we are partnering with THREE new countries! One of my newest favorite artisan group is in Mexico! Artisan entrepreneur Mario and his talented seamstress team are located in Jalisco, Mexico. They use traditional Otomi embroidery, featuring animal and nature motifs in vibrant colors. Each bag is hand embroidered and sent to Guadalajara to be finished with luscious leather and I might not just let this bag out of my sight this summer... ;). 

I am just so excited the day is finally here for you to see the new line for yourself and I hope you love all the new pieces that have been HANDMADE just for us. Together, we are creating a flourishing world where children are cherished, women are empowered, people have jobs, and we are connected. 

The new Tushabe necklace, handmade in Uganda, is a for sure favorite. Purple has and will always have my heart and it's the perfect color for spring. Bonus tip, the Ivory drop earrings from India pair nicely adding a little "shine" to your outfit. 

Thank you all for your support and I'm so excited to announce this gorgeous new line with you. If you'd like to see it all in person, contact me today at brookevg.noonday@gmail.com to book your trunk show today! Join hands with us and continue the impact Noonday is having on men & women all over the world by creating a pathway out of poverty through shopping online. I mean, it was just Valentine's right? Treat yo' self! ;) Happy Launch, everyone! 

Tushabe Necklace (Uganda) 

Ivory Drop Earrings (India)

Bazaar Bangles (India)

Birds of Paradise Purse (Mexico) 

Noonday Collection // Why I wear red lipstick...

Since coming back from the Noonday ambassador conference about 4 weeks ago, I realized that I am a completely different person since starting Noonday. I am bold. I am confident. I'm fearfully and wonderfully made. I came back with a fire inside me to make sure every women in my life feels empowered to live to their full potential and to fully believe in themselves.

Noonday has grown the sense of confidence that I always knew was inside of me. In high school & college, I found my passion for others through missions by going on mission trips to Philadephia, Africa and France. And, I majored in Graphic Design where I grew my passion for photography and design. When I found Noonday, I realized how perfect it combined all my passions including fashion.   

Jessica spoke on how when we give ourselves permission to shine we give others to Shine with us. Noonday has given me that confidence to wear that bold statement necklace, that red lipstick or that bright skirt. I am learning that when we start fully believing that God has made us perfect in his image & we are surrounded by those who love us, we SHINE. I love seeing how Noonday also creates that confidence in my friends and family. It's a beautiful thing watching others shine. 

The one quote from the Ambassador Conference that keeps getting repeated in my head is from our founder, Jessica Honegger's, speech she gave on women. 

"Let's hustle, but not for our worth. 

Let's run, but at our own pace. 

Let's create spaces of love and belonging 

for ourselves and others and 

elevate the worth of a woman. 

In 2015, let's shine!"

The Roar necklace was named by Jessica because she believes in us and wants us all to ROAR. And yes, it was inspired after Katie Perry's song. Let's all SHINE this year, ladies. 

The Roar Necklace

Octagon Hoop Earrings

Etched Bars Bracelet - Gold (on sale)

Etched Bars Bracelet - Silver (on sale) 

Floral Tattoo

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

----------

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

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

xoxo

Noonday Collection // For Sofiya

Fall is in full swing in St. Louis, MO & I am loving it! Fall outfits are so cozy & I am loving the scarf's from this season of Noonday Collection's fall & winter line. There is something so special about the stories these item's represent. It's so much more than a scarf and accessories. Noonday has opened my eyes to how my purchases have power. The story behind this scarf, the Himalyan Scarf, is one that is really empowering. It is made from a new artisan group in India that for the first time have dignity and respect in their community. "people who have suffered from leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease. At the Little Flower village in Bihar, India, 225 people whose lives have been affected by leprosy live and work." - Read more here.

"The silk these artisans use to create our multi-colored Himalayan Scarf is harvested in a special way. Unlike most silk production, the process at Little Flower involves allowing the moths to emerge from their cocoons naturally. This gives the silk a raw, less processed feel than typical silk because the moths create little abrasions in the silk fibers as they emerge. We love that at every step, these artisans take care to consider their impact on the environment and on other living things. It’s just one more detail that makes this handmade scarf a unique work of art."

Our artisans are so talented and I love how we incorporate their talent into our products. I love how they use their skill that has been passed down from generation from generation & how they share it with us here in the states.

Another beautiful piece from our India artisans that is one of our best sellers this season is the Sofiya Wrap bracelet.  Our lead product manufacturer, Claire, is visiting our artisans right now and can you believe that mound of bracelets?! They love what they do. They have dignity for their work. Having a marketplace in the States creates so much opportunity for their product to be displayed well & for their story to be told. The bracelet is named after one of our India artisans named Sofiya.

"Sofiya towers above many of her countrywomen and exudes strength, courage, and positivity, both physically and emotionally. Yet despite her big smile, she has had to overcome many obstacles on her road to independence. In India, women are to be dependent upon others but she wanted to rise above the expectations. She wanted to be the exception & I'm so proud of her for working towards that goal. "When Sofiya was 18 years old, she learned about a partnering Noonday Collection equitable trade group based in New Delhi.When Sofiya heard about their jewelry-making program, she knew she wanted to become an artisan." She set out a goal and never stopped working towards it. Sofyia participated in programs where she learned about her rights as an Indian citizen and as a woman & began her partnership with Noonday. Read more of Sofiya's encouraging story here.

So, when you wear your Himalayan Scarf & Sofiya Wrap, your wearing a story of strength & courage. Think of Sofiya & all our India artisans and be encouraged how we are fighting for eachother & buying a scarf & bracelet is worth so much more than just an accessory. Thanks for believing in Noonday & what it is doing for others around the world!

Noonday Collection // What is your "Why"?

God gave me the strength to be brave – even if that means processing it five years later. During the summer of 2011, I worked at a summer camp called Winshape Camps. I had a camper during one of 

my weeks, let's call him Johnnie, who effected me without even knowing it in the moment. I felt hopeless but offered the only thing I could in the moment – a Bible and God’s love. 

Five weeks later I was told I had a birth defect and there was fluid backed up in my spinal cord. I never had time to process the full effect Johnnie had on me. I never processed camp, or brain surgery because I went straight to complete my junior year at Liberty University. I met my now husband the first week of my junior year so I continued building new relationships, finishing school, and being brave for myself and my family through brain surgery. I’ve been brave praying that Johnnie knows his heavenly Father is fighting for him even though it might seem like no one is fighting for him here on earth. 

I didn’t realize I had all these emotions still inside of me until this past weekend. I went home to visit family in Virginia and had two Noonday Collection trunk shows. One was for my wedding florist, Karen, who I hadn't known before my wedding. It was so special to see how our friendship has grown. The second was with a family friend who I went to church with since the 5th with her trunk show. She wanted to bring women together for good and continue building the new relationships she was forming. I shared the story of Noonday and how it creates economic opportunity for the vulnerable. I also shared how it was created when Jessica, the founder of Noonday, needed to raise money for the adoption of her son, Jack, and to bring him home from Rwanda. 

(Noonday's fearless leader, Jessica Honegger)

Two women had some questions and were asking how I got involved with Noonday. I shared that I found Noonday at a trivia night here in St. Louis and was immediately drawn to the beautiful jewelry and the mission behind it helping men and women all over the world through our purchases. And then, I was asked the question that awoke everything inside of me. “But Brooke, what is your “why”? Why do YOU do Noonday?” quivering no matter how hard you try. All the emotions of being brave for Johnnie, for brain surgery, for being determined to finish college on time no matter what all flooded out. I knew why I was so drawn to the adoption fundraising that is apart of Noonday’s story: Johnnie. The 4th grade boy who I had in my group at Winshape Camps when I was a counselor 5 years ago. Johnnie shared with me that he lived in a boys’ home where he experienced way more horrible things than any child should. His story makes you just want to adopt him and every other child without a home. Every child deserves a home. Every child deserves to be loved and to be loved well. I loved how she chose to be intentional I just started bawling. The ugly cry where your lip can’t stop quivering no matter how hard you try. 

But, that’s not the case with so many children. So, I say all that to say, my “why” of doing Noonday is for Johnnie. My husband and I,feel led to adopt  and we love that Noonday’s mission is to bring forever families together. So, when you partner with Noonday and me to host a trunk show, you are fighting for our artisans’ families who need a constant income to keep their family together and you are fighting to bring a child home for an ambassador’s family. You are a huge part of bringing forever families together. 

I’m so grateful for Jessica and her bravery. I’m so grateful she listened to God’s call on her life to continue selling the beautiful jewelry that brought her son, Jack, home. Her “yes” created Noonday and all the amazing things that accompany it. I love being a part of the group of ambassadors who either have, are in the process of, or are praying about adoption. It’s a group I’m blessed to be apart of this sisterhood with them. Everyday we encourage each other to keep going and to continue on this path because of the artisans. I’m so grateful for opportunities and moments like this that 

change you forever. These are moments when you know God is alive and moving. It’s so easy to doubt God but this weekend I was gently reminded, that he is for you, is fighting for you, and you just have to trust him.

(Some of my Ambassador Sisters & Jessica Honegger, founder of Noonday (middle)