Everyone wants to look good & feel good. What if we can look great and feel great about the companies we are purchasing from? Everyone’s heard the word Fashionista, it’s all over the news and social media.
Consionista is a word that came up one day while chatting with my good friend and amazing Stylist, Maureen Borsodi. A Consionista is a person who has that trendy style and loves fashion but also wants to purchase from companies that are giving back; companies directly trying to help the environment, and other people – those trying to make a difference in our world.
We were discussing a company called Life Out Of The Box, or LOOTB. Maureen was wearing one of their new shirts for Spring and it was super adorable. LOOTB is a company dedicated to helping others. In 2013 California natives Quinn and Jonathan left the comfort of their homes, families and jobs to travel. They found themselves in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua with the opportunity to make a difference and create a better life for the local children who brought them so much joy. LOOTB started by working with local artisans to create hand crafted bracelets made by Nicaraguan families to represent the culture, colors and craftsmanship. Every bracelet comes with the name, photo, story, goals, and aspirations of the child whose number is represented. In return Life Out of the Box (and you!) donate school supplies to the corresponding child. So, not only is your stylish bracelet an interesting representative of a beautiful culture, it gives back and allows the wearer to have some tangible heartstrings to the “look good, feel good” mentality. The movement has even found itself in Hollywood on the stylish arms of fashion icons such as Alessandra Ambrosio and Vanessa Hudgens.
You can purchase your fitness clothing almost anywhere, but check out this company called LVR. LVR was founded in 2010 by Eric Clarke, an entrepreneur with a passion for animal rescue. Eric had the vision of creating high quality, affordable, earth-friendly products that would benefit the community – both locally and globally. He partnered with his wife, Anastasia, also an animal lover with experience in the fashion industry and LVR became a reality. Together they create fitness & lifestyle apparel that people truly love because it offers more than just style and function – it also reflects their values. LVR’s collections represent their supporters who appreciate each item’s functionality, beauty, and comfort, but also the earth-friendly way each piece is made and dedicated to giving back to the world. LVR gives back by partnering with a wildlife rescue center in Guatemala called ARCAS and by donating a portion of revenues quarterly to help aid in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wild animals. LVR’s contemporary yet classic collection includes flattering and functional yoga pants, tops, dresses, and scarves fit for both active and casual lifestyles.
Here’s a few more suggestions for ways each of us can be our own Consionista?:
- Try to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
- Buy local, we have such great shopping selections here in New York!
- Shop at farmers markets and local vendors.
- Say NO to anything plastic: straws, bags, food packaged in plastic, etc.
- Donate your time to a local charity in your neighborhood.
- Open a door for a stranger and let them go first, why not? It’s good karma!
Hear are some great local farmers markets and second hand stores:
As you can see, we have the choice to decide what and from where we purchase our fashion along with how we live and what we do!
Till next time, we can each make a difference in our own way by “living in grace”.
– Michelle Gierst
Fitness Editor
Downtown NYC Magazine
