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STYLE GUIDE: Sustainable and ethical giving

This holiday season, shop with purpose

With the holidays rapidly approaching, shopping occupies front of mind – but self-indulgence takes a backseat to finding the perfect gift to please our loved ones. During the season, I find it helps narrow the search to be mindful of the tastes of those we shop for, and also the degree of care and sustainability the brands we buy from strive for.

Jewelry in support of single moms 

Over the years I’ve accumulated a few dramatic statement pieces from Blue Ruby Jewellery – they always seem to have a plethora of interesting creations by talented, and often local artisans on display. This season, a dynamic new collection, in collaboration with the Cause We Care Foundation, can add deeper meaning to your seasonal shopping. All of the proceeds from these handcrafted bracelets go towards programs and initiatives to help single-mother led families and their children in need across Metro Vancouver.

Gold-filled beads, crystals, cubic zirconia and hematite mark a departure from the brand’s traditional semi-precious stone styles. These beautiful bracelets ($40 to $95, and available at Blue Ruby’s Park Royal location) are a meaningful gift idea that create positive change in the lives of those in our community.
Cause We Care recently launched the Single Mothers Support Fund, to benefit single mothers enrolled in education or back-to-work job training programs, leading them to a life of financial independence.

Animal friendly fashion 

The British Columbia Achievement Foundation recently announced the recipients of the 2019 Carter Wosk Award for Applied Art and Design. Among them is fashion designer Morgan Mallett, whose fusion of industrial and organic esthetic, Design + Conquer is best described as a breakaway design faction. Specializing in bespoke accessory and garment design for an array of contexts, Mallett explores new design territory through the use and creation of innovative materials and techniques.

An advocate for animal welfare and a participant in mountain trail maintenance on Vancouver’s North Shore, Design + Conquer supports the BCSPCA and Vancouver’s North Shore Mountain Bike Association. Design + Conquer does not use animal products in its designs.
Headquartered in Vancouver, Design + Conquer’s accessories and garment designs have been featured in museums around the world. Pricing is on request. Select pieces are available at Simons stores online, and at the Polygon Gallery gift shop.

Cruelty free beauty 

Kiss & Makeup (at 1545 Marine Dr. in Ambleside) are all about stocking natural, organic, cruelty-free, vegan skincare and beauty products. They are mindful to support the best local brands that have been formulated without toxic chemicals. They carry skincare and cosmetic lines such as Susanne Kaufmann, Indie Lee, Agent Nateur, RMS Cosmetics & ILIA Beauty, as well as clothing, hair care, jewelry and gifts.

Amanda Stutt is editor of Glacier Media’s Vancouver Living Magazine.