Happy Memorial Day! I believe the spirit of this holiday is one that goes far beyond barbeque and the Indy 500. It’s about the men and women who have served this fine country, and the reasons why it’s worth fighting for. I don’t think you can fully appreciate how blessed we are in the United States until you’ve lived somewhere else for an extended amount of time. I love our time in Mexico, but it also makes me appreciate the US of A. And it should never be taken for granted that there are literally millions of humans around the world who would fight tooth and nail for their shot at the American dream. Our military men and women keep that dream alive every day, and for that I will be eternally grateful.
If you’ve been following Haute in Texas for some time now, you might remember that Orlando and I volunteered at the Open Arms Shop in Austin a few years back. Check that story out right now if you have the time. If you don’t, just know they’re a sustainable business that uses reclaimed materials to make skirts, dresses, scarves, dog toys, and now….wait for it…bags. In a partnership with Wearable Hope and BlueAvocado, refugee women in Austin are now creating one of a kind totes and messenger bags. Get ready for your shopping addiction to rear its ugly head:
Here’s the cool part. This isn’t just a cheap purse made in some factory in China. The body of the bag is made from a upcycled banner from BuildASign.com, so they used to be for businesses, events, you name it. Every bag is completely unique because they’re working with a different banner every time. The straps are actually seat belts. And the interior lining is made from recycled t-shirts. Did I mention these bags are being made by refugee women in Austin who are taught life skills, paid a living wage, and work hours that allow them to support their families while still being home for dinner?
If you still need another reason to support these women, Wearable Hope picks a different nonprofit every week and $10 from the purchase of every bag will go to support that nonprofit. This week’s nonprofit is Boxed USA, whose mission is to send care packages to military who are serving their country far from their friends and families. There’s your Memorial Day celebration right there, folks. Far more impact than a parade, if you ask me.
Wearable Hope and the Open Arms shop originally sent me this bag as a courtesy to review, and return at my convenience. But once I opened the package, it was love at first sight. I love the black and white graphic design, and it’s just the right size for a trip to the gym, or to do some shopping. This day I was headed to the Pearl farmer’s market, and I loved showing off the tote amongst all the hipsters. I’m going to pay for my bag in full today to support Boxed USA and the ladies of the Open Arms Shop, but also because I simply can’t imagine sending it back now.
{All photos by Brandy Rae Photography}
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Hat: Borrowed from the husband, similar here.
Shirt: Zara, similar here.
Shorts: Gap, similar here.
Shoes: Shoe Republic on Zulily, but how cute would this pair
Bag: Wearable Hope by The Open Arms Shop, buy yours here!
So here’s my big, fat, Memorial Day request, y’all. If you support the troops, if you support American-made products, if you support the general well-being of refugee women, buy a Wearable Hope bag today. I won’t make a dime if you do, like I said I purchased my own bag after seeing the quality and sheer cuteness for myself. I promise you’ll feel the same way about your bag. And you’ll have that warm, fuzzy feeling knowing you did a good thing today. It might be the best Memorial Day ever.
XO,
A
P.S. The outfit details links are affiliate links, and I may be compensated if you click. However, I will not be compensated if you purchase an Open Arms banner bag. Promise.
