As a personal stylist for women and evangelist for all things that excite me, making the periodic lists of My Favorite Things is one of my great joys. This one, in particular, is focused on brands and retailers that are not only exciting for their visual design but also because of the values that each brand and/or retailer supports. Ideally, all of our purchases are aligned with our values. For some, those are a willingness to spend more in order to support up and coming designers or those who pay people a living wage. Others prefer sustainable brands that limit materials to biodegradable items, those that take up fewer resources or choices that reuse existing items. And for others, brands that align with her values may mean finding the best deal which leaves more of the budget for other items. My role is not to impart my values on anyone else.

Above all, I teach each of my personal styling clients to shop using clear filters: body type, personal style key words, color palette, lifestyle and when possible, values. So, keep those in mind when you dive into this list of my very favorite brands and retailers right now. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Shop Your Values with My 10 Favorite Brands, Retailers and Causes Right Now

Support the Writers and Actors striking with this tee. It’s the perfect gift for the aspiring actor in your family (especially teenagers).

ONE: Support the Writer and Actors on Strike Right Now with Merch + More

It’s easy to forget about the entertainment industry strikes right now. After all, it’s summer and we’re spending more time outside than in the darker months. But, writers, actors and the entire entertainment industry is feeling it. If like me, you consume lots of media and would like that to continue knowing that the folks who produce that content are paid fairly for the work they produce, the time is now.

Fortunately, there are lots of ways to support these efforts at whatever level works for you. Donate to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, The Writer’s Guild Foundation and/or the Entertainment Community Fund, a human services organization chaired by Annette Bening that is, “here to meet the needs of our entertainment community with a unique understanding of the challenges involved in a life in the arts.” If donating isn’t your thing but super cool merch is, buy a shirt with proceeds going to support the cause. And after you do all of that, pat yourself on the back while listening to Strike Force 5. It’s a podcast that will give you hope for the future with the five late night hosts working together to entertain us while raising money for their striking staffs. I like this reminder that even competitors can be friends.

TWO: Caddis Glasses

I started wearing readers during COVID. Hilariously, folks who only know me virtually think I wear glasses all of the time. And really, that would be fine thanks to a growing collection of super hip frames. I have two pairs of the same style (one in gold and the other in chrome) from Caddis. You’ll love this brand as much as I do when you see the tagline. “Get Older. Own it. See stuff. We’re a mission disguised as readers. We’re here to call out the whole fountain of youth illusion, industries that profit from the fear of getting older and the concept of ‘aging gracefully.’

THREE: Santos by Monica Handbags

We picked up a cactus leather trench for my client, Bridget, last year and I’ve been a fan ever since. (The fabric is stiff, so be aware.) Since then, I’ve discovered Santos by Monica’s show stopping sustainable cactus leather handbags. The 60’s mod inspired style flies in the face of the stereotypes of sustainable fashion and I am loving it. Plus, when you buy the handbags and/or apparel (including made to order options), you are supporting a Latina (or Latinx) designer. I’m into it.

FOUR: Sir the Label

My obsession with Sir the Label goes back to pre-COVID days. My super hip twenty-something niece who is deeply committed to sustainability and making the world better in all ways (especially through fashion and consumption) introduced me to the brand. You will not see anything else like it. Finding just two pieces to spotlight was brutal. And if you are looking for an unexpected wedding dress, Sir is just the place to explore. You’ll love the female founders and the deep dive into the brand’s values and aesthetic. Minimalist design and memorable pieces. Yes, please.

FIVE: Yayi Perez

A slow fashion brand out of Puerto Rico with a Latina female founder, Yayi Perez offers lovely items that make you feel like you are on vacation. Whether you are shopping for home, tomorrow’s outfit or gifting for a fella, there’s a definite vibe that inevitably engulfs you. I feel more relaxed just thinking about it.

SIX: 4CCCCEES

Korean-born Sang-Min Park was head designer at United Nude, worked at Alexander McQueen and graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a master’s degree in Footwear Design. So, in short, she’s a total bad ass. She is also the visionary behind 4CCCCEES. I’m not going to lie, I don’t love the complexity of the name. But that’s the only drawback here (besides the majority of options not easily accessible in the US.) Not to worry, you can find her fashion forward shoes here and there (as in Anthro, Free People and Garmentory for starters). Get ready for lots and lots of conversations about your footwear.

SEVEN: Left On Friday

My friend and client Kate introduced me to Left on Friday several months ago and I’ve been dying to share ever since. Swimwear designed by two female Lululemon powerhouses, the brand is designed to make super comfortable swimwear that’s functional for all your water adventures without sacrificing style. In need of “big boob tops” or options for tall women or women with a long torso? This brand is listening.

EIGHT: Saaksha & Kinni

Founded by two sisters-in-law, Saaksha & Kinni is based in India with a significant number of pieces available in the US at AZA, a great resource for Indian Designer Collections. The brand’s pieces celebrate a woman’s body with lots of ruching in ideal places. The prints are bold and memorable. This is the dress you wear to a party when you are ready to be noticed and items are a stellar value thanks to the exchange rate.

Slow Fashion brings us gorgeous white knee high boots made to last.

NINE: LoQ

As a personal stylist for women, I am fortunate to hear feedback from clients and the Poplin Community. One comment I often hear is the desire to simplify and to support brands that make pieces that will last. LoQ is one of those brands. If you are ready for a truly beautiful pair of shoes or boots that you can use and admire for years to come, it’s time to check out the site. One client recently picked up these white boots after I included them on her wishlist. Like me, she’s now a fan.

Ethically made edgy minimalist clutch comes in multiple colors and is sure to draw attention.

TEN: Marcella

If you’ve been with me for a while, you undoubtedly know about my obsession with Marcella NYC. Recently named America’s fastest growing fashion brand by Inc. Magazine, Marcella’s ethically made, edgy, minimalist and high quality pieces quickly become go-to items. The power couple founders behind the brand have created a mission-driven brand without compromising esthetics. The focus: “the four pillars of democratizing design, social impact, ethical production, and sustainability - together what we call ‘Design That Matters.”

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10 Brands, Retailers and Causes: Shop Your Values & Maximize the Impact Now