This post was sponsored in part by Hozen. We only partner with brands we truly love!

I'm usually not one for trends, but the belt bag has caught my eye this year!! It's like the new and improved fanny pack, and I love it!

Shop the Look

Belt Bag in Ecru, HOZEN $240 

Even though this feels like buttery leather, it is made from entirely vegan materials! HOZEN's Belt Bag is ethically made in a fair-wage factory in Los Angeles with an Italian biopolyoil "leather" body, recycled plastic / organic cotton lining, recycled plastic thread, recycled plastic zippers, natural rubber rope, recycled cotton label, and a vegan adhesive. I put two outfits in this post to see its versatility as a belt and a crossbody. It's big enough for your phone, wallet, lip gloss - all those daily essentials! Plus, 10% of the profits are donated to Mercy for Animals, an international nonprofit animal protection organization. While I'm partial to this beautiful color, the Belt Bag can be found in yellow, red, blue, pink & black, too! Who else is digging this trend? I love it because I feel hands-free, and it's a nice change from having to wear something on the shoulder. I even put Elliott's snacks in there when we are out and about.

Leo Zodiac Charm & Birthstone Necklaces, Stilnest from $59

Black Onyx Eros Pendant, Puck Wanderlust $122

NYTT Jones Scoop Keyhole Bodysuit, Alternative Apparel $44 (sold out, but available in black)

Serena Sandal in Nutmeg, Nisolo $108

The Clarissa High Rise, ABLE $148

By the way, we had a wonderful time on our southern road trip! We went to Gulfport, New Orleans, Chattanooga, Nashville, Knoxville and Asheville. About 30 hours in the car with a 15-month-old was better than I thought it would be. Elliott was a trooper! One of my favorite towns we visited was Nashville, and we had a great breakfast at Thistle Farms. This restaurant (along with a gift shop where they sell their natural body products) is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to supporting women who have survived trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. The teacups hanging on the ceiling all represent a woman and her story. You can check out their online shop - here -

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This post is sponsored by The Tote Project. We only partner with we brands we truly love.

the tote project

You may remember seeing The Tote Project in my 25 Ethical Brands that Give Back post on the blog. It’s a pretty popular list, and I can’t think of a brand more deserving to be on the cover!

reasons to love the tote project

Giving Back: This is why Fay Grant & Michelle Chavez founded the project! Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, and there are currently over 20 million victims worldwide (a number too hard to fathom). The Tote Project donates 10% of gross profits to Two Wings to support survivors of human trafficking in the US. Plus, they partner with factories that support women survivors.

Ethically-Made: Every tote is handmade by Oasis Bags in a sustainable factory in India from fair-trade certified cotton. These factories are dedicated to empowering women in the city of Kolkata. The pouches are made by Freeset, a fair trade freedom business offering employment to women escaping West Bengal’s sex trade.

Inspiring Illustrations: It’s always tricky to pick a favorite from their collections. They have so many beautiful prints, and they seem to get sweeter with each collection. Each comes complete with an inspirational tagline, such as ‘free to love’.

what i’m using

Free to Grow Veggies Tote: This is my new grocery bag, and it makes for a great on-the-go shopping list ;) I love the size of their new totes. You can fit a few days' worth of groceries in here. The weather hasn't been great for our last few farmer's markets, but I'll take this sweet thing with me next time!

Free to Dream Palm Trees Pouch: It's hard to pass any image up with palm trees. Elliott and I have been going to the beach for at least 30 minutes daily to get outdoors and dig our toes into the sand. This pouch keeps all our little beach essentials sand-free for us :D

where to purchase

You can find the entire collection from The Tote Project - here - and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram to stay up-to-date with all new products & prints!

This post is sponsored by Encircled. We only partner with brands we truly love!

Encircled’s Virtual Romper

I’m sure you have seen Encircled sprinkled throughout my blog over the years. I love how they create designs to fit into your wardrobe seamlessly. Each piece has a point to be worn in multiple ways, which helps keep our closets small yet versatile. Today, I’ll show you their newest set, the Virtual Romper.

Made from TENCEL™ Lyocell, this three-piece set is comfortable, breathable, and oh-so chic. It can be dressed down or up and paired easily with the rest of your wardrobe.

The virtual romper is comprised of the following…

The Remix Two-Way Top: This tank blouse has two different necklines and a body-skimming fit that flatters. I like to pair it tucked into flared shorts and out with crop pants for a dressier look.

The Remix Flared Short: I’ve been wearing these shorts over the past two weeks. They look great with plain tees and, of course, with the Two-Way Top!

The Remix Crop Pant: I love how these pants flare out with the wide hemline. Like the shorts, they have pockets and a wide elastic-backed waistband for extra comfort.

P.S.. both the crop pants and flared shorts come in Navy, too!

see how you can style it for the week with other items in your closet:

The Virtual Romper + 5 Wardrobe Basics = 18 Outfits

Where to Purchase

You can find the Virtual Romper online - here - and use code VIRTUALROMPER to save $60 on the entire set.

Working on building your capsule wardrobe? Make sure to follow Encircled on Instagram for product updates and new releases!

This post is sponsored by Threads 4 Thought. We only partner with brands we truly love!

Threads 4 Thought

As much as I love dressing up, my usual daily uniform is leggings and a tee. We start our mornings out at the Y, and then I chase around a toddler the rest of the day. Threads 4 Thought fits right into my non-stop schedule!

Reasons to Love Threads 4 Thought

ReActive Line with Recycled Materials: I prefer my performance wear to have some type of polyester in it. Yikes, I know—it’s plastic! But I don’t find all plastic bad. This polyester is made from recycled polyester, and if washed correctly to avoid the release of too many microplastics, this fabric is great for active lifestyles. I love the way it hugs my body while feeling super supported! 

Ethical Manufacturing: Threads 4 Thought only works with factories holding the highest certifications in the industry. These factories ensure the best working conditions possible and take sustainability into account every step of the way.

Social Impact: This is a beautiful part of Threads 4 Thought. They have partnered with the International Rescue Committee, a global humanitarian aid, relief, and development nongovernmental organization helping refugees rebuild their lives. So, not only are these clothes treading lightly on our planet, but they are also helping strengthen communities all over the world.

What I’m Wearing

Moto Skinny Legging in Raw Denim: I love these leggings' fit. The pleats under the knee are so flattering and give them that extra oomph. These leggings are part of the ReActive collection and are made with recycled polyester.

Jax Crop Bra in Raw Denim: I feel very confident in this top, I must say! It’s supportive and very comfortable. It’s the sister to the leggings, so make sure to pair them up :D

Audley Tank in Sage: Gosh, this tank is super soft!! It’s incredibly lightweight and made from a blend of organic cotton, recycled poly, and rayon. I like throwing this on over my ReActive set after a workout and going about my day.

Where to Purchase

Find the entire ReActive line - here - and don’t forget to pick a few things up for the men in your life.

Make sure to stay up-to-date with everything Threads 4 Thought on Instagram!

This post is sponsored by Central Grazing Co. We only partner with brands we truly love!

Central Grazing Company

Did you know we only have about 60 years left of topsoil? If you aren’t familiar with it, topsoil is the layer of soil containing the greatest concentration of nutrients, organic matter, and microorganisms. Regenerative agriculture is one of the only ways to effectively restore the health of our depleted soil.

Central Grazing Company is surrounded by land with depleted soils. It is working on restoring its health through holistic management of its flocks. In this system, animals mimic the wild, and through their grazing and stomping, carbon is reintroduced into the soil, restoring health.

To learn more about regenerative agriculture, visit Kiss the Ground and my blogger friend, Holly Rose, who has several articles on soil health and regeneration.

Reasons to Love Central Grazing Company

Fashion that Regenerates: Handbags that help balance the carbon cycle? Yes, please! You hear very little about your clothing and accessories benefitting the planet. This is the future of fashion.

Traceable Supply Chain: It is rare to know exactly where the leather in our shoes, handbags, etc., comes from. Central Grazing Company has a closed-loop fiber production process and uses its livestock byproduct to create luxury handbags. Plus, it uses veggie tanning and natural dyeing to keep toxic chemicals away.

The Quality: This is one of those lifetime handbags. I'm sure, if I take good care of it, I can pass it down to the next generation. You can tell a lot of thought, time, and care went into making it.

What I’m Using

The Meg: This bag is gorgeous. I've never owned anything so soft and durable. Lambskin is finer-grained and lighter-weight than cow's, but it is just as strong and has a silky, buttery feel. The design is timeless, and you can find it in three different colors—all practical and beautiful shades. You can even choose from full leather or leather and suede. I have the Olive in full leather, and the color is unique to my closet, but it goes with anything!

Where to Purchase

You can find the beautiful Meg online - here - and don’t forget to follow Central Grazing Company on Instagram to learn more about soil regeneration!

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