Colorful Life

I owe this entire post (and probably the next few to come) to Jessica from Midwest Muse. She's in town visiting, and not only has she been my excellent photographer this weekend, but she's been the best sounding board for outfit advice. Jessica and I met through blogging four or five years ago (we started Flock Together with each other!), and she's been the person I've gotten to know the best through the Internet. We've been emailing back and forth for years, but we've never gotten the chance to meet in person, despite always talking about it. Finally, Jessica was able to score cheap tickets out here, and like a totally normal person, I invited her to stay with me and picked up a complete stranger from the airport on Friday. 

As expected, it hasn't felt like a weird thing at all. Jessica is exactly like how I expected her to be, which is what you always hope for Internet friends. It feels like we've known each other forever, and it was evident from the moment we met in person that if we lived closer, we'd hang out all of the time. We've spent the past couple of days doing everything I love - walking around Balboa Island, eating a lot of breakfast, trying a ton of coffee shops, and taking cute pictures. We also met up with Erica and Ashley in Burbank for breakfast and vintage shopping, which of course, was the best time. Those girls are seriously so wonderful and fun to hang out with.

I wasn't sure if I'd like these pieces together, but Jessica confirmed my belief that these colors would make for a killer outfit. It was the best opportunity to bust out this incredible colorful clutch from Teluna. I was so excited to find this brand because not only are all of the pieces seriously adorable, but Teluna donates proceeds from every piece to worthy organizations. This Colorful Life clutch is SO fun and supports Reef Check, which focuses on preserving oceans and reefs. I am a huge fan of cute items that also do some good, and this one is no exception. I may need to get all of the Teluna clutches soon.

Self Love Club

I am so excited to share that I officially an ambassador for Heartman Clothes! I found Heartman through Instagram a little while ago, and I was immediately in love with the brand when I learned that they donate proceeds from all of their items to worthy organizations. I included Heartman in my Guide to Makers Who Donate Money, and I've been following along with them ever since. I don't usually enter ambassador searches, but I really love the shirts Heartman makes, so I decided to give it a shot. Turns out, the love was mutual! I'm pumped to get to be part of the team and share more with you all.

I had such a hard time choosing my first shirt, but I ultimately had to go with the Self Love Club tee. I feel passionately about all of the causes that Heartman donates to, but it felt appropriate to go with something that represents confidence, body image, and feminism. 10% of the proceeds goes to I AM THAT GIRL, an organization that helps girls with self-doubt and provides a safe space and honest conversation. I'm definitely guilty of thinking of "adult" issues when it comes to feminism (like the wage gap, abortion, etc.) that it gets easy to forget that feminism has to start early. You can read more about I AM THAT GIRL here and donate directly here. 

You can also get 15% off at Heartman Clothes with the code ELANA15. Get yourself a cute tee that does some good!

Girls Support Girl Power

I wasn't joking when I said that I was a T-shirt person now. Well, not completely, but I'm a T-shirt person when brands I like put out cute ones that I can't resist, especially when they're for a good cause. I'm assuming that most of you reading this have seen this shirt and know the story behind it, but I'm going to tell it again just in case. Daisy Natives is the maker behind the adorable and super popular Girls Support Girls shirts, and she teamed up with the beautiful ladies of Hello Holiday to put out this limited edition black one. Only 300 of this run were created, and 100% of the proceeds go to Planned Parenthood. That's right, I said 100%. No one is making money off of these. These women are doing this JUST to donate money to a worthy cause, and if that's not inspiring, I don't know what is. Both Hello Holiday and Daisy Natives never fail to remind me that good people exist.

Whenever I buy something from a maker who donates part of the proceeds to a good cause, I always have a moment of doubt. I assume that anyone who sees thinks that I'm a hypocrite and wonders why I don't just donate the money if I actually care. I know that's just the voice of doubt in the back of my head, but I do understand why someone would ask that. Not that I do need to explain myself, but I really do buy these items for a reason. I could just donate to Planned Parenthood (which I actually do monthly as well), but by buying these items I get to support small businesses (often female entrepreneurs) while also supporting a cause that I care about. I only buy these items from makers who I trust are actually donating the money, and by doing so, I get to help keep them in business and inspire others to do the same. 

And of course, it doesn't hurt when the items are this cute. All of this isn't even mentioning my Luella "girl power" pin or Emily and Fin skirt (also from Hello Holiday). So many cute brands out there right now, you guys.

P.S. Don't forget to enter my five year blogging anniversary for your chance to win prizes from Apricity and Femme De Bloom! 

Vote Local

If you've been following along with me during my journey to becoming more politically active, you know that I was very apathetic about voting until last year. I used the flawed electoral college as my excuse, and I will forever be ashamed of it. Fortunately, I've since learned what a mistake it was to feel that way, and I'm proud to now be an advocate for social change. I've been using the past few months to finally become more politically aware and stay involved in the national conversation (though, let's be honest, I had to take another break from Twitter), but my priority now is to start to think and get involved on a local level.

This shirt from Culture Flock could not have come at a better time. I have been loving using blogging as a platform to connect with small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and makers using their talents to make a difference. Culture Flock is an independently owned female-run business out of Springfield, MO and the women behind the brand create the best selection of tees, tanks, sweatshirts, stickers, and more. In addition to being cute, they also donate proceed from a few of their items to organizations like the ACLU and The Conservation Fund. You can also find Culture Flock in my Guide to Makers Who Donate Money. I'm particularly partial to the I Believe in Science Shirt, the Gentle & Kind Shirt, and the Introvert Pin. I also have one more piece from them that I can't wait to show you.

The Culture Flock team is using this shirt to encourage using websites like Vote 411 to find out when the next election in your area is. There unfortunately is no information about my district at this time as there aren't any upcoming elections, however, if you find the same, you can also use the following resources:

US Vote Foundation

Upcoming elections in California

My Time to Vote 

Guide to Makers Who Donate Money

Didn't get a chance to enter the Feminist Resistance Giveaway? You can still get cute things while doing some good! I've put together this handy guide of makers who donate proceeds from purchases to a variety of organizations. Many of the shops who participated in the fundraiser are included, but there are countless more of my favorite artists and brands that are using their business for important causes. I hope this encourages you to shop with some of those listed below, and keep in mind that this just scratches the surfaces of artists using their businesses to make a difference. I'm exposed to many items that align with my interests (which is where there are so many feminist-themed items), but there is much more to be found. And in case you're wondering - these are in no particular order.

Key:

* = donates to more than one cause

** = offers other items that donates proceeds

1. Who: All Riot Donation: 50% to the ACLU My pick: This Means Love Anti-Islamophobia T-shirt** Follow for more: @allriotshirts

2.   Who: Bang Up Betty Donation: $1 to the ACLU* My pick: Nasty Woman Statue of Liberty Pin** Follow for more: @bangupbetty

3. Who: Color Theory Shop Donation: 20% to Girls Who Code* My pick: I Believe in Science Pin **Follow for more: @colortheoryshop

4. Who: Culture Flock Donation: $2 to the ACLU* My pick: Resist & Persist T-shirt** Follow for more: @cultureflock

5. Who: Daisy Natives Donation: $1 to a variety of organizations that benefit women* My pick: The Revolution Tee** Follow for more: @daisynatives

6. Who: Oh Plesiosaur Donation: 20% to The Trevor Project* My pick: Rainbow T-Rex Pin** Follow for more:  @ohplesiosaur

7. Who: Marigold + Mars Donation: $5 to Planned Parenthood My pick: Nasty Hoop Follow for more: @marigoldandmars

8. Who: Heartman Donation: 10% to Earth Justice* My pick: Keep Earth Sexy Tee** Follow for more: @heartmanclothes

9. Who: Made Au Gold Donation: $2 to Planned Parenthood* My pick: Nasty Woman Keychain ** Follow for more: @madeaugold

10. Who: Kimothy Joy Donation: $2 to Emily's List* My pick: Nevertheless, She Persisted Print** Follow for more: @kimothyjoy

11. Who: Sweet Stella Designs Donation: 50% to Planned Parenthood and Women Have Options Ohio My pick: Uterus Cookie Earrings Follow for more: @sweetstellaoh

12. Who: Jen Zeano Designs Donation: $1 to the ACLU* My pick: Latina Power Tee** Follow for more: @jenzeanodesigns 

13. Who: Google Ghost Donation: 15% to Planned Parenthood My pick: Nasty Woman ASL T-shirt Follow for more: @googleghostpress

14. Who: Otherwild Donation: 25% to the National Center for Transgender Equality* My pick: Gender is a Drag T-shirt** Follow for more: @otherwild

15. Who: Susan Alexandra Donation: Part of the proceeds to The Human Rights Campaign* My pick: Equal Bracelet** Follow for more:  @susan_alexandra

16. Who: Everlane Donation: $5 to Equality Now* My pick: The Human Cotton Box Tee** Follow for more: @everlane

17. Who: Pincause Donation: $1 to the IRC and $1 to White Helmets* My pick: Rise for Refugees Pin** Follow for more: @thepincause

18. Who: The Crybaby Club Donation: 50% to She Should Run* My pick: She Persisted Tee **Follow for more: @thecrybabyclubofficial 

19. Who: Hello Holiday Donation: 100% of proceeds to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland My pick: Never Again Pin Follow for more: @helloholiday

20. Who: My Sister Donation: Supports after-care programs and provides growth opportunities for survivors or sexual exploitation My pick: You Don't Own Me Tee** Follow for more: @mysisterorg

21. Who: Little Arrow Shop Donation: 20% to Planned Parenthood My pick: Nasty Woman Pin Follow for more: @littlearrowshop

22. Who: Luella Donation: $2 to Austin Pets Alive My pick: Puppy Love Pin Follow for more: @shop.luella

23. Who: Radical Buttons Donation: Part of proceeds to organizations that seek to empower marginalized groups and promote social justice My pick: Grow A Pair of Ovaries Pin** Follow for more: @radicalbuttons

24. Who: Josh Hara Donation: All proceed to Planned Parenthood My pick: One Love Travel Mug Follow for more: @yoyoha

25. Who: Five15 Donation: 5-10% to animal rescues, female advocacy groups, and human rights & social justice orgnaizations My pick: Full-Time Feminist Pin** Follow for more: @thefive15

26. Who: Tuesday Bassen  Donation: 10% to organizations including Inner-City Arts, Art Buddies, and others My pick: Girls Pennant Pin Follow for more: @tuesdaybassen

27. Who: Sara M. Lyons Donation: 15% to the Louder Coalition My pick: Sad Ghost Hat** Follow for more: @saramlyons

28. Who: Band of Weirdos Donation: 50% to Planned Parenthood My pick: Can't Touch Dis Patch Set** Follow for more: @bandofweirdos

29. Who: The Silver Spider Donation: $1 to Planned Parenthood My pick: Nasty Woman Necklace** Follow for more: @thesilverspiderprintshop

30. Who: Bloody Nora Pam Donation: 10% to the UK Sepsis Trust My pick: Eliminate Girl Hate Tee** Follow for more: @bloodynorapam 

Would you want to see more of this guide, possibly on a larger scale? Do you know of any other makers using their items for good causes? Leave a comment below or email me at room334blog@gmail.com! I'd love to hear!

The Feminist Resistance Giveaway and Fundraiser

I am so excited to pair up with Lisa of @lalafauxbois and Color Theory Shop on the Feminist Resistance Giveaway! This is the giveaway where everyone wins. Most of us can admit that things feel pretty shitty right now, so instead of just complaining about it on the Internet, Lisa and I decided to use our powers for good (in addition to complaining about it on the Internet).

We've teamed up with 20 (!) small businesses, artists, and makers to offer two lucky winners each a prize pack filled with feminist swag. Instead of using social media as entries this time, though, we're asking for donations. Every $1 donated to Planned Parenthood equals one entry. Donate $10 and get 10 entries. You get the point. All you have to do is upload a screenshot of your donation and enter the amount in the widget below. Please note that if you'd rather donate to a different worthy cause, perhaps because you've already donated to Planned Parenthood this week or you feel more strongly about another, we'll gladly accept those as entries. We're aiming this toward Planned Parenthood because Lisa, our sponsors, and I all feel that women's reproductive rights and accessible health care are important, but there are a million causes that need our help right now. You can find a handy list of suggestions here.

Once you've donated, here's what you'll be entered to win:

Prize Pack #1

No Catcallin' Pin from Honey and the Hive | @honeyandthehive // Nasty Woman T-shirt and agenda from Google Ghost | @googleghost  //  Print from Design Squeeze | @designsqueeze // Fight Like a Girl hat from Queen for Dinner | @queenfordinner // Amelia pin from Doozie Bella | @dooziebella // Not Your Babe and Unicorn Pinata pins from Luella | @shop.luella // Feminist with a To-Do List notepad, pencils, and feminist century pin from Hello Holiday | @helloholiday  // Two vinyl stickers and pussy pin from Holly Oddly | @hollyoddly // Girls Supoort Girls pin from Daisy Natives | @daisynatives  // Four pins from Radical Buttons | @radicalbuttons 

OR

Prize Pack #2

Boss Babes coloring book and pin from Creature Type | @creaturetype // Pin and Sticker from Ectogasm | @ectogasm_art // Pin from Cry Baby Club | @thecrybabyclubofficial // Feminist T-shirt from Jen Zeano Designs | @jenzeanodesigns // Art print and Nasty Woman pin from Made Au Gold | @madeaugold //  Smash the Patriarchy necklace from Bang Up Betty | @bangupbetty // Patch from Little Arrow Shop | @littlearrowshop // Boss Babes Unite and boobs pins from Band of Weirdos | @bandofweirdos // T-shirt from Culture Flock | @cultureflock  // Nasty Woman pin from Kate Gabrielle | @kategabrielle //  Girl Boss pin from Red Bandana Pins | @redbandanapins

All you have to do to be entered to win is donate at least $1. That's it. You can upload a screenshot or a picture of your donation confirmation. Want to print it out and take a picture of your cute self holding it? Sure, go for it. As long as we can verify your donation, you're entered. We highly recommend following the amazing women involved as well. This giveaway is open to US residents only and ends at 11:59 pm PST on 02/27. Good luck!

Three Easy Things No. 3

For this week's Three Easy Things - my ongoing political series of easy ways to stay active for newbies - I tapped my good friend Jessica from Midwest Muse. If you're a longtime reader, you know that Jessica is one of my nearest and dearest friends from the blogging world, and it's not often that I do a guest series without asking her to contribute. Jessica has been politically active for far longer than I have, and seeing her opinions have kept me motivated. She's shared three incredibly easy things that you can do to keep the momentum going this week if you want to "stay woke" as I hear the young kids are saying. Resisting comes in big forms and small forms, and these are some simple things you can do in your free time.


1. Think local: It's easy to think about politics on a larger scale because we're dealing with a large scale political problem. It, however, is incredibly easy to get involved at a city or state level. Here are a few ideas: call your senators, attend City Council Meetings, or connect with the local Democrat office. Find local activist groups or organize a group in your community -- 'cause I bet there are people just like you looking to get involved! Think about what is important to you in your city and do whatever it is you can to help.

2. Keep the conversation going: Whenever I read an article or see a Tweet that would open up a dialogue with a friend -- I send it to them. It's good to keep your friends in the know. My friends have started sharing relevant articles and pieces of information with me as well. We have now created a perpetual circle of sharing knowledge and continuing the conversation. It's important to never stop talking. When we stop being informed or sharing information, we stop caring.

3. Read up on American politics/history: History wasn't necessarily one of the most fun classes to take in high school, but having a solid understanding of American history and our government is vital. I'd like to think that I still know EVERYTHING, but I surely don't. I've been browsing this LOC page. There are plenty of resources out there, find a political/government related topic that interests you, and educated the hell out of yourself. (It'll also make what's happening seem even crazier.)

You can follow Jessica on her blog, her Twitter, or Instagram. If you'd like to contribute to the series, please shoot me an email at room334blog@gmail.com.

Three Easy Things No. 2

(Photo credit: Ulysses Curry)

For this week's installment of Three Easy Things, I asked my old blogger pal Marlen to help out. Marlen is a writer for Bustle and extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the issues currently facing our society, so I knew that she would put together a great list of easy ways to be active this week. Naturally, she didn't disappoint. Marlen has also created a Facebook for those looking to defend Planned Parenthood and all other human rights, which has been more than helpful for a newbie like me. If you have any interest in being added to the group, please feel free to comment or shoot me an email (room334blog@gmail.com) if we're not already Facebook friends.

Without further ado, here are Marlen's three easy things you can do this week:

1. Follow vocal people in minority groups: Issues that have long time been bubbling in our history are taking center stage now, and in order to be a good ally you need to have a good handle on what they're experiencing first hand. 

Reading news articles is a good way to start, but hearing from these members directly is even better. Hop onto Twitter and follow people of color, Muslims, Native Americans, trans women and men, members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and disabled people - anyone that you're fired up to stand with. Often times they give you free, valuable information through Twitter threads on what their communities are experiencing, and how you can help them. And most importantly, they give you a detailed account of how they're experiencing discrimination and how you yourself might actually be part of the problem. It's a valuable lesson. Here are some excellent people to follow to start you off:

Native American woman: @sydnerain

POC: @MsPackyetti, @Karnythia, and @polotek

Muslim woman: @hodakatebi 

Asian American man: @wilfredchan

2. Join groups that will hold you accountable: Whether that's joining a secret Facebook group that creates action steps for its members, or simply joining an email newsletter that will send you the most pressing action steps to your mailbox, join a community that's going to keep you active. If you're just joining the activist movement, it can feel overwhelming trying to find all the information you need - below are some great resources to sign up to to get you started:

Women's March 10 Actions, 100 Days challenge: Link

5 Calls: Link

Jennifer Hoffman's weekly checklist: Link

3. In terms of the Muslim ban: If you don't agree with the Muslim ban but feel helpless with how to help, begin by getting active in your own community. Start at a local level and you'll quickly learn that you have the power to make a difference and help stand for your neighbors. See if there's a refugee shelter you can volunteer at, join an Arab action network on Facebook so you can get notifications on what they need from their allies (ex: this is one of the Chicago networks,) and hop onto the events page on Facebook and see if there are any fundraisers or protests that would need your attendance. While it's important to call your representatives and urge them to push against the ban, it's just as crucial you start helping in your community, too. 

For more helpful links and motivation, you can follow Marlen on Twitter, @marlenkomar.

If you'd like to contribute to this series, please send me an email. I'd love to get more voices and opinions!

In Light of Recent Events: Women to Support, Learn From, Shop From, and Value

I can't pretend like I've had a large voice in this election or in elections passed. I've never educated myself enough on politics as much as I should, I've stayed quiet, and I used the fact that I don't live in a swing state to not vote in the last presidential election. It's not something I'm proud of. However, this year I voted. Not only did I vote, but I voted for a woman. I voted for the rights of women in general, for my LGBTQ friends, for my Hispanic friends, for my Muslim friends, for my African American friends. And, as we all know, the person who represents the worst for all of these groups of people was the one elected.

I've been trying to tell myself since Tuesday night, as my adrenaline of voting for the first time started to fade and the inevitable started to become clear, that it's not the end of the world. And it's not. But it is scary, and it is bleak. I spent all of yesterday, as so many of us did, feeling lost and not wanting to get out of bed. Today, though, I want to focus on the positive. There are countless groups that need our support right now more than ever, so forgive me for just using this post to focus on women, but it's what I know best. In light of yesterday's news, here are some badass ladies, organizations, and and stores that I want to support. The good news? This post barely scratches the surface. I wrote about the women I thought of off the top of my head, but there too many others who deserve your support as well.

Women in Senate: In much more optimistic news, women broke records in the Senate. We can at least find comfort in the fact that we elected the first biracial woman in the Senate, the first Latina senator, and the first Thailand-born senator.

Girls Inc: Girls Inc offers multiple programs for young girls, both in schools and at facilities. Their after school programs offer devoted time to literacy, science, money management, the arts, positive body image, and legos. If there is a Girls Inc near you, I highly encourage you to volunteer.

Emily Gordon: If you know me well, you know that Emily Gordon is one of my biggest role models. A former family therapist turned comedy writer, Emily is intelligent, level-headed, honest, and funny. I am a huge fan of plenty of her work (including her book, Super You), but I especially lover her blog. Her post from yesterday, "Now What Do We Do?" is the most helpful post I read all day.

(gif by Rachel Howe)

A Cup of Jo: The image at the top of this post, which I shared on Facebook and Instagram, was created by Leah Goren and part of a now heartbreaking story on A Cup of Jo, who commissioned art to celebrate Hillary. The art deserves to be shared, and it deserves to be celebrated.


Planned Parenthood: There are so many organizations that deserve our donations, but considering that late term abortions became a big part of the conversation recently, it's more important than ever to ensure that women have access to birth control and a safe place to go when they are in need. (edit: I wrote this before seeing how Obama is protecting PP. What a wonderful surprise.)

Writes Like a Girl: Nicole's blog and social media accounts are often filled with inspiring and emotionally honest words, and I always come away from her posts feeling inspired and motivated. She recently did a post of an amazing collection of women to support in Austin, and it's filled with love for her community.

Hello Holiday: If you want to buy from a store ran by women who support women, shop from Hello Holiday. Also shop from them if you enjoy cute things, small businesses, transparency in business, and feeling good about yourself.

Boss Babes: I've posted about Michelle's coloring book before, but now is the perfect time to buy it to support a seriously creative woman and do something therapeutic.

Pins from Kate Gabrielle, Luella, Modern Girl Blitz, Bang Up Betty, and more: I can't believe how many awesome feminist pins exist right, but these are just a few women who make it easy to literally wear feminism on your sleeve. Luella also has been donating 50% of sales to Planned Parenthood and including a free pin for customers who donate to any organization that supports immigrants, LGBTQ+, women, POC, or others.

Jenny Lewis: Though it slightly deters from her usual sounds, listen to Jenny Lewis' all female band, Nice As Fuck, for empowering tunes. I've been listening to old Rilo Kiley on repeat since the election, and I particularly recommend A Better Son/Daughter and I Never right now.

Instagram posts from women who have said it better than I have: Ashley and Kelly's posts on being a mother during this difficult time, Lauren's post on being harassed on the streets, Keiko's post on making a difference, Christine's post on dealing with the news as a Mexican American woman.