Let it Be Known

A year ago, when I began working at Sadie's, I told myself I would start something new. I told myself I would begin to change my shopping habits, educating myself more about fashion sustainability and fair trade brands, and start shopping with a purpose. Now it's a year later, and I am still no expert, but I have definitely found my niche.

I have learned about how empowering making clothes can be for women who wouldn't have had a job otherwise. The more people know about these brands and the products the women make, the more the word about their mission to improve the lives and environment (socially and ecologically) of that around them will improve. Producing and selling sustainable clothing is not just a career path, it is a lifestyle one takes on to leave the world a better place than how they left it.

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I have been very fortunate to work in an environment where the store's business model reflects the values I have mentioned above. Sadie's has molded my style into something that is more socially conscious than before. However, it has also allowed me to become more confident and outgoing as well as allowing me to see the importance of the concept of Empowered Women Empower Women.

In October, I brought this concept into fruition and hosted a panel at school for the fashion club of three businesswomen from the South Orange/Maplewood area about what it means to be a female entrepreneur and what the concept of empowered women empower women means to them. It made me realize that although I have many famous female role models, it is most important to support and lift up the women who you know and who you see on the daily.

Most recently, I saw the concept come into full effect when I marched in the Women's March on NYC by the Women's March Alliance. Clad in my Strong is the New Pretty t-shirt, Woman on a Mission bag, and Iris Apfel pin, I was ready to go. What a beautiful sight is was to see women of all ages (ages 3-80) come together to celebrate women's achievements and to fight for the rights of women everywhere.

Names of women who inspire me every single day

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The quote of empowered women empower women continues in my top three favorite clothing brands of 2018: Aerie, Purpose, and Known Supply.

Aerie, American Eagle's lifestyle and lingerie brand, did a complete re-brand in 2018, where all of their models are all different body types and ethnicity, and there is no re-touching from the photoshoots of the models. The idea is for women to be confident in who they are and to encourage girl power and body positivity, as their Instagram bio mentions. Aerie stores also provide a very welcoming environment blending the perfect combo of pr and marketing with how the store is set up. There are quotes from women in history all over the fitting room walls, a photo-op mural in the front, and books by feminist authors to read in comfy chairs while waiting to try on clothes. Not to mention, their clothes are so cozy and comfortable and come in many different colors, that it makes it very irresistible not buy every style of sweatpants and sweaters they have.

https://www.ae.com/aerie/aerie/s-cms/4840006

Instagram: @aerie

Purpose is a jewelry brand that we sell at Sadie's where their mission is "to provide freedom to girls and young women escaping human trafficking." They do this providing victims of human trafficking a way to start their lives again, a purpose. Based out of Irvine, California, Purpose Jewelry gives women the opportunity to make jewelry, as well as provide them with educational and counseling services. The jewelry they make is beautiful with everything from my simple stud earrings to statement necklaces.

https://www.purposejewelry.org/

Insagram: @purposejewelry

The last brand, Known Supply, was the inspiration behind the title of this post. Known Supply is a company who partners globally with brands and factories who support fair trade clothing and whose workers are treated fairly and with respect. On each tag, it says, "Stop guessing where your clothes came from and let us show you. We want to introduce you to the person who made this garment." Then, there is a photo and name of the person who made the garment on the tag. As part of the #whomademyclothes movement, Known Supply is a leading brand in providing transparency to its customers and its workers.

Below are photos of a dress from Known Supply, which has come to my favorite dress ever, not only for its print and style but for its purpose. My goal for 2019 is to grow and continue to live my life with purpose.

-xoxo, Rizzy Rose

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