Lauren Conrad’s post-Laguna Beach aesthetic has always appealed to me. I go goo-goo for ultra-feminine touches and whimsical patterns. But while I find her Kohl’s line super cute, I get the impression that it would fall under the category of fast fashion (sigh!), and I’ve been trying with meh-success to limit my fast-fashion purchases while not going over-budget. (Our Quincy has a great piece about this dilemma.)
But it’s Friday, and I don’t intend to spread my shopping angst to you. Rather, I wanted to share Lauren Conrad’s other style endeavor, The Little Market–an independent, non-profit online store committed to fair-trade practices. The Little Market is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise.
I was really excited to see a fairly mainstream celeb get behind the fair trade movement and help create a viable platform for creatives to share their beautiful work. In fact, Lauren Conrad and her Little Market co-founder Hannah Skvarla even collaborate with female artisans from around the world to help them create products using traditional techniques that would appeal to a larger market.
The sales of each product help the artisans earn a meaningful income. In many cases, this income allows women to work from home and care for their families; it may even help them send their children to school. Many of the artisans participate in co-ops that provide healthcare and education. On each product’s detail page, you’ll find information about the location and organization where the product was made–and who benefits from your purchase. (You can also shop by country.)
Bright Endeavors Relax & Refresh Soaking Salt (Benefits young mothers in Chicago.)
If all of this weren’t wonderful enough, you can really get lost in the lovely products! From bath goodies to candles to home accents to iPad covers, The Little Market’s selection is extensive. By providing a wedding registry service, gift cards, and specially-curated gift boxes, The Little Market functions more like a beloved cult store—like Anthropologie, but guilt-free. At the same time, however, the items are reasonably priced, making it a great stop for nice gifts that won’t break the bank.
Just look at this adorable apron designed for a small child! (Benefits survivors of human trafficking in Kolkata.)
Have you checked out The Little Market yet?
Related: The Vegan Side Hustle By Jessica Chastain & Her Mom Is Perfection
Emma Watson Shows Us All How Sustainable Couture Is Done, Slays *Everything*
6 Hacks For Building An Ethical Wardrobe Without Breaking The Bank
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Photo: The Little Market
