Did you enjoy the sneak peak of fall this past weekend? I don’t know about you but I took advantage of it by bundling up in cozy sweaters and tweed blazers. Now that the summer weather is back, 79-degrees is still summer to me, I am getting the last bit of wear out of my warm weather closet. I got this dress from Target three years ago when Who What Wear debuted its collaboration with Target. The forgiving fit and flare silhouette flatters my figure but the Bardot bodice gives it a timeless feel. I have worn this dress so many times that I am surprised it still looks brand new. I usually shop my closet but I always give you similar options, like this dress from Dorothy Perkins. It’s currently on sale for $14. I might wear a lot of repeats but as I’ve always said, I try to zhuzh it up with new accessories. This summer, I’ve been obsessed with two brands that are new to me and would love to tell you about.
Common Sights Sunglasses
It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for sunglasses. I never leave home without a pair because not only are they stylish, they protect my peepers from harmful UV rays. I recently connected with a new eyewear brand out of Atlanta, Georgia called Common Sights. Common Sights designs premium sunglasses in classic silhouettes that are unisex, comfortable and best of all, affordable. They sent me their Brixton style, made especially for people with a low nose bridge, high cheekbones, or are worried about slipping.
I normally don’t like aviators because of my high cheekbones but these sunnies, which I’m wearing in this post, fit my face perfectly. At just $75, they are an everyday pair I’ve been wearing all summer. Common Sights sunglasses are also functional. They have scratch-resistant lenses, flexible spring hinges to allow the arms of the sunglasses to adjust to all head shapes and facial structures and are very comfortable to wear. Aside from the Brixton, Common Sights also has the Kennedy, Ryder, Cruiser, Jackson, Dean styles various colorways and all $75.
Pura Vida Bracelets and Accessories
My friend Luis recently invited me to the fall preview for an accessories brand called Pura Vida Bracelets in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I had never heard of the brand but was curious after hearing their origin story. I love cause conscious brands and Pura Vida Bracelets was right up my alley. During their graduation trip to Costa Rica in 2010, Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman, two Southern California friends, encountered two local bracelet artisans, Jorge and Joaquin, peddling their friendship bracelets on the street. To Griffin and Paul, these colorful bracelets captured the spirit of their trip.
The SoCal guys took the time to learn more about these artisans, who turned out to be living in poverty on the island. They were so moved by their story that they purchased 400 bracelets to take back to California. Griffin and Paul partnered with a local boutique in San Diego to see if the bracelets would sell. Within a few days, all 400 colorful bracelets were sold out. They decided to partner with Jorge and Joaquin to create Pura Vida, meaning “Pure Life,” to design a collection of bracelets that will become beloved by millions. The foursome then created a coalition of local artisans in Costa Rica, who handmake each bracelet. Since the brand’s inception, the artisan community has expanded from Costa Rica to El Salvador, India, and more. Now 350+ artisans can depend on steady income in positive working environments, thanks to the support of Pura Vida Bracelets customers.
The brand believes in giving back, which is why they launched their Charity Collection, and has donated over $1,534,879.20 to charities in over 174 countries. Pura Vida Bracelets also has a collection of clutches (I’m carrying the Palm Clutch), beach towels, and dainty rings all under $50. Most bracelets retail for about $12 and a pack of bracelets for $45, meaning you can share them with your friends.
