15 Women Owned Businesses : A Hand-Picked Holiday Shopping Guide
Over these last few weeks I've done quite a bit of thinking about aiming my holiday shopping & gift giving towards women owned businesses. Why? With hoards and hoards of holiday gift guides, I felt quite overwhelmed during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. To be quite honest, as a blogger and stylist, I felt like I was being pressured to make one. But for some reason, something kept holding me back. What would make my holiday gift guide any different than the 3 million already out there? To be honest, I didn't shop at. all. over that holiday weekend so why would I pressure others to?
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I did some rethinking on the topic of holiday shopping and reshuffled my ideas to something more positive. Here's my take on the subject of gift giving. I'm reaching an age where I feel that gifts that I want to give (and get) should have some meaning. I love making a purchase when there's a story, a connection, and maybe even a women behind the brand. That doesn't mean that I won't buy something at a corporate store, I always down for a good sale. But I like when a brand has a story, when I know who the makers are, and where my money is going. Those are the types of gifts I want to celebrate this holiday season.
So this year, I'm choosing to give my recommendations for where you should turn to for holiday gifts of a curated, unique kind. These types of gifts are from women owned businesses that I would shop at, with or without it being the holiday season. Because, even though I love a good pair of holiday jammies, what I want to give is a gift that has longevity. Without further ado and with great fanfare (because I'm a great fan) for each and every one of these small women owned businesses, here is my take on a holiday gift guide this year. And if any one of my family members are reading this...take note (wink, wink).
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Holiday Shopping Guide | Women Owned Businesses I Love
Bags & Accessories ||
Able - Able is a small business brand centered in Nashville. Their goods are ethically made and they employ over 95% of women. Able makes some wonderful leather goods, including their backpacks and belt bags. This weekend their sale is up to 50% off site wide with code FESTIVE25 or you can use code CONNIBF30 for 30% off anything on their site!
Abby Alley - One of my favorite leather goods companies has become Abby Alley. Abby also has a beautiful story of teaching in Africa, which led her to explore the country and want to do more. She began speaking with local makers and has since launched an accessory brand where all the goods are made sustainably, ethically, and in small batches in Africa. I love her beautiful leather bags and have a few that I use regularly. The bags are minimal, clean, and beautifully made. Use code ARTINTHEFIND for 20% off of anything and she is also running a small sale this weekend.
Clare V - This accessories line, exclusively made in L.A. is one of my absolute favorite women owned businesses accessories line. Founder, Clare is inspired by all things French and has such fabulous designs, textures, and colors in her bags. I have an tan leather fold over clutch from 3 years back that I use over and over. There is currently a black Friday sale going on with up to 40% off through Monday.
Denim, Sweaters, & Style Basics ||
Able - The Clara wide leg crop pant in white is one of my very favorites. Even as a mama, I love to wear a great pair of white pants and these are it! Use code CONNIBF30 for 30% off!
Cuyana - This women owned business duo has been touted by many for their beautifully simple weekender bags, silk tops, and sweaters. They create classic pieces that are timeless and well made.
Industry Standard - This American brand has great basic tees & classic denim, all made in an L.A. factory and sold online. Their prices are reasonable and their pieces are all considered to be what you'd pull together to make a great capsule wardrobe! Use code ARTINTHEFIND20 for 20% off of any pieces.
Joli Nu - I absolutely adore Amy’s line of clothing, Joli Nu. Her breezy, flowy pieces are reminiscent of warm weather travels. The skirts and tops have a casual, bohemian chic quality I love.
Sold Out NYC - I fell in love with Kiane’s brand after I saw a picture of a striped shirt with the words, ‘femme fieroce’ on it. Since then, Sold Out NYC has been my constant go-to for elevated athleisure wear. I have the Just Enough Puff Sweatshirt, a few tanks, and the culotte sweatpant in black.
Vocabulary Boutique - Cecelia has been in business for over 10 years and her shop is a local favorite. I recently purchased this black linen bubble dress and styled it a bunch of ways on IGTV. It’s so good! I also just love this Terra sweater in dusty rose too. It’s 100% cotton and super comfortable. Use code ARTINTHEFIND for 10% off any purchase!
Jewelry ||
Abby Alley - For simple, clean brass pieces, Abby has some wonderful necklaces, a fabulous cuff, and some simple stud earrings I love. Use code ARTINTHEFIND for 20% off.
Mimi & Lu - One of my daily pieces I wear is my With Love necklace from Mimi & Lu. I bought it a few years’ back at Vocabulary Boutique and it remains one of my favorite pieces in my jewelry collection. Michelle, founder of Mimi and Lu, is a local San Diego maker, and I always love her beautiful, simple pieces.
Natalie Borton Designs - Another San Diego based small women owned business, Natalie designs and hand-makes beautifully minimal, California-inspired jewelry. I have probably 10 of her necklaces and I always pack them in my travel bag when I leave on any trip. They go with practically every outfit I own.
Shoes ||
Able - I fell in love with the Lizbeth loafer last year and I’m eyeing a new design in the same style. Their white sneakers and boots are some cult favorites as well! Use code CONNIBF30 for 30% off through the weekend.
Birdies - Birdies is having a Black Friday sale on their Starling loafers this weekend. They are $95 and are usually $140. I have them in the cognac and I sized up to an 8 and they are very very comfortable!
Freda Salvador - I cannot say enough great things about this Sausalito-based women owned shoe brand. I have introduced countless clients to Cristina & Megan's shoes, have traipsed through Paris in their D'orsay oxfords, and have worn them down to the point of a much-needed shoe repair. They are currently hosting an online Black Friday Sale on some of their shoes, one of my current favorites, the Celine, is on sale too! Use code FREDA15 for 15% off full price shoes too.
Loeffler Randall - Family owned and founded by Jessie Loeffler Randall, this brand is one of my absolute favorites. I just recently purchased a ‘for good’ knit sweater which has quickly become a favorite in my wardrobe. I love the all of the flats and have a few pairs of the ballet flats in my collection. This weekend, donate $10 to the Campaign against Hunger and you’ll receive 20% off your order.
Interior Design, Home, Accessories, Art, SMALL GOODs ||
Caitlin Carney - Caitlin designed a few beautiful, unique abstract pieces of art for our master bedroom. To me, her paintings represent a free-flowing quality that remind me of ocean waves with a refined, quiet edge. Her quiet, strong energy definitely shows in her unique art. I would highly recommend her pieces for your home.
Hi Sweetheart - Located in the village of La Jolla, this was my go-to place for all things small gifts when I lived in the neighborhood. I love Molly’s gift options, children’s books, and cards for every occasion. If you’re in La Jolla, pop in her shop.
Pepper B - Canadian friend and pattern maker/designer, Danni, creates the most whimsical, small batch products. I personally love her accessories line and have a few of her travel cases.
Sophie & Lili - The artist behind the brand, Jennifer Vallez, creates the most amazing illustrations. A few years back she illustrated a picture of my sister and me and it remains one of my favorite art pieces. She also recently captured a fun styled look of mine. Her pieces are perfect for a family gift or sibling gift too.
Beauty & Skincare ||
Indie Lee - With eco-friendly ingredients, Indie Lee's skincare line is earth and body friendly. The packaging is chic and the website is educational. With a list of good and bad ingredients to look out for, you'll benefit from a visit and from using her products.
Beaute Nouveau - In my mid-thirties, good skincare is something that I care deeply about. Founder and friend, Lacey Haegen, has a mission to hand-craft simple skin care products derived from plants and flowers. With over 22 years in the biz, she knows what she's talking about. I love her products! Use code ARTINTHEFIND for 10% off your purchase.
Style/styling/style classes ||
Art in the Find Gift Cards - Another great gift is a gift certificate for virtual styling! Virtual styling is a wonderful gift for anyone who wants a little self-pampering from their home. A gift certificate is good for a style session, a mini closet edit, or outfit mixing and matching! Once purchased, you can print out a certificate and the details will be emailed to you.
Virtual Style Class Gift Card - I’ve been launching a series of virtual style classes on the site Thinkific and now you can order a gift class to gift to someone who might want to take a style class on their own. The classes cover everything from Finding Your Style, Editing Your Closet, Intentional Shopping, to Elevating Your Basics! Once the class is purchased, the gift card information will be emailed to you, and the gift recipient can choose whatever class they wish.
This amazing list of women owned businesses is ever growing and I am always on the lookout for wonderful, small, curated brands to bring to you. If you know of any brands that you think would be a great fit to add to this list, leave a comment and let me know! I'll be updating regularly, so keep checking back!