As many of you know, I love supporting products/brands with a story who also help benefit the less fortunate. In the past, I've featured brands such as 31 Bits, Ricefield Collective and Sseko Designs. Today I'm sharing  S.O.U.L. Foundation, which based out of Bujagali Falls in Uganda.

The foundation was started in 2009 by Brooke Stern, who was visiting in the area with her father. S.O.U.L. serves Bujagali and surrounding villages, and just recently expanded into another district. Its main focuses are education, women's empowerment, food security and health. It really is a holistic "bottom-up" (for lack of a better term) organization, as all of its programs are based on needs within the community, and started with community discussion and involvement.

SOUL and the women they work with came together to create the Mulungi Collection.  "Mulungi" means "beautiful," in the local Lusoga dialect, and the program was started as a way for women in the village to earn an income. Many of the women are widowed or single mothers who were seeking ways to support their children's tuition.

The women gather together to make the bags, which also provides a forum for them to bond and confide in one another. The bags are made from locally-sourced materials, underscoring the importance of sustainability. The fashion line includes Mulungi beaded bags in a variety of sizes, beaded jewelry, headbands and African handmade baskets. Each piece is created with the intention of uniting sisterhood and feminine energy among women across the globe.

All Mulungi purchases directly support the dignified entrepreneurial efforts of Ugandan women, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty. How can you not get behind a company like this? It is so inspiring!

I was sent one of their beautiful clutches, which sell for $59 and come in a variety of colorways, to feature on the blog. The beads are hand-made from recycled magazines and posters and the bags are lined with traditional African fabric. Below are some photos of the clutch, check back later in the week for an outfit post featuring it!

Clutch: Mulungi Collection c/o S.O.U.L. Foundation

Let the holiday savings continue! Today is Cyber Monday and some stores are having new sales, others have just extended their Black Friday sales. Below are some of the new sales you may enjoy! If there is no code listed, you don't need one!

The NET-A-PORTER End of Season Sale is back on! Right now select items are up to 50% off! I'll be sharing my favorite picks from the sale soon!

6PM 15% off 6PMCYBMON113020141535

AG Adriano Goldschmied additional 20% off select styles AGCYBER20

Agent Provocateur 20% off all styles

Amazon MANY shopable deals!

ASOS 30% off ILOVEMONDAYS

BaubleBar 20% off CYBER20

Blank NYC 40% off sitewide & up to 70% sale BLANKCYBERAF

Bloomingales 25% off a selection of regular and sale price items

Emerson Fry 20% off all full-priced merchandise EFMONDAY14

DVF 40% off  select styles 15% off sitewide CYBER15

Free People additional 25% off all sale items

French Connection 40% off sitewide FC40BF

J Brand / 25% off select styles

J. Crew 30% off select full-price styles and additional 40% off sale + free shipping, no minimum MONDAY

Kate Spade Saturday 30% off sitewide OHWOW

Milly 25% off site wide + extra 10% off final sale CM2014

NIC + ZOE $50 off orders +$300 NZCYBER50

Nicole Miller 20% off + free shipping

Paige 30% off sitewide CYBER30

Piperlime 30% off sitewide + 40% off markdowns CYBERSALE

Revolve 20% off final sale cybermonday20

Scoop NYC 25% off sitewide + free shipping

The Dreslyn 20% off sitewide CYBERMONDAY

Tommy Hilfiger 50% off sitewide CMREWARD

Urban Outfitters take $15 off $75, $25 off $100 and $50 off $150

Zinke additional 10% off

I was doing so well this month, until this past Sunday when all hell broke loose. I went to the outlets with Lydia and spent far too much money and knocked out three of my seven items, ha ha. I was also gifted the Yama shoe from Naot, which was featured earlier this week. So four new items, not too bad. We'll see what happens this weekend though, Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales may be my downfall!



THE RULES

1. Just five seven standout pieces per season.
2. Quality over quantity.
3. Basics don’t count.
4. Accessories don’t count, unless you’re spending a lot more than usual.
5. Socks and underwear don’t count.
6. Shoes do count.

MY PROGRESS

Part of my Seven:

1. Altuzarra for Target Embroidered Pleated Georgette Dress ($54.99)
2. *NEW!* J.Crew Embellished Intarsia Llama Sweater ($44, J.Crew Factory)
3. *NEW!* J.Crew Intarsia Reindeer Sweater ($44, J.Crew Factory)
4. *NEW!* Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Pyo'  Swetaer ($66, Saks Off 5th)

Basics: 

1. Ella Moss Vest in gray via Marshalls ($79.99, paid with gift card)
2. Altuzarra for Target Python long sleeve shirt ($19.99)
3. August Silk Sweater via Marshalls (birthday gift)
4. Midnight by Carole Hochman pajamas (also available here) via Marshalls (birthday gift)
5. Banana Republic ($19.50 at the Factory Store) 
6. Elie Tahari for Design Nation jacket c/o Kohl's

Shoes:

1. Coach 'Nacie' pump via Marshalls ($69, paid with gift card)
2. Cole Haan 'Minetta' Sandal via Amazon ($74, paid with gift card)
3. Vince Camuto Ankle Boot via Marshalls (birthday gift) 
4. *NEW!* Naot 'Yama' Shoe (c/o)

Accessories:

1. Movado Bold Watch c/o Lucky & Movado
2. Kendra Scott Naomi Double Ring (c/o)
3. Marrin Costello Pearl Crescent Necklace [$66 after coupon, not available online yet] 
4. Lo & Sons "O.G. Bag" ($236 after coupon code)

Exempt items:  [gifted items from brands or family members that would normally fall under my standout pieces]

• Philosophy Top c/o Marshalls ($19.99)
• For Cynthia Sweater c/o Marshalls ($16.99)  
• Tory Burch Cardigan via TJ Maxx (birthday gift)

Happy Black Friday! For those of us not bold enough to brave brick and mortar stores today, many online stores have provided coupon codes so you can shop from the comfort of your own home! Below are some of the sales I think you all will enjoy!

First things first, my favorite sale of the season started on Wednesday: The NET-A-PORTER End of Season Sale! Right now select items are up to 50% off! [the sale is having issues but should be back soon!]

6PM 15% off 6PMEU112720141585

AG Adriano Goldschmied 30% off select styles

Amazon MANY shopable deals!

Anthropologie huge sale sitewide

ASOS 30% off TGIBF

Banana Republic 50% off 1 full-priced item BRFIFTY 40% off sitewide BRFORT

BaubleBar 15% off 2 items FRIDAY15 35% off 4+ items FRIDAY35

Blank NYC $50 off $100 BLANK50 $100 off $300 BLANK100 $200 off $500 BLANK200

Bloomingales 50% off on a selection sitewide

Bluefly up to 80% off

Cole Haan 30% off almost everything

Current Elliott 25% off sitewide THANKS

DVF 40% off select styles 15% off sitewide FRIDAY15

Equipment 25% off sitewide THANKS

Everlane Everlane has established The Black Friday Fund – donating all profits for the day to their factory partners in Hangzouh, China. All proceeds will go towards updating recreational facilities for the 300 people who live and work at the factory. By purchasing on Black Friday, customers will be able to see their individual contribution.

Free People up to 50% off select items.

French Connection 30% off sitewide 30FCBF

Frye spend $400+, get an eGift card for $100

Gap 50% off sitewide BLKFRIDAY

Harpers Bazaar take 20% off select items with an additional 20% off sale items

J Brand 30% sitewide

J. Crew 30% off select full-price styles and additional 40% off sale + free shipping, no minimum HOLIDAY

Joie 25% off sitewide THANKS

Karen Millen 20% off sitewide

Kate Spade Up to 75% off in Surprise Black Friday Sale

Kate Spade Saturday 30% off sitewide + free shipping DEALME

Lord and Taylor extra 20% off almost everything + 25% off fine jewelry Up to 50% off woman’s fall boots + extra 20% off THANKS

Luisaviaroma extra 20% off BFRS

Madewell 25% off your entire purchase GIFTON

Mara Hoffman 25% off sitewide + free shipping blackfriday14

Milly 25% off sitewide

NIC + ZOE additional 15% off of sale products NZBF15

Nicole Miller up to $250 off + free shipping $50 off purchases of $250 or more $150 off purchases of $500 or more $250 off purchases of $1000 or more

Nine West 20% off your purchase of $125+

NOMA Los Angeles All scarves under $25

Old Navy entire store 50% off
Old Navy is bringing back its second annual “Overnight Millionaire” giveaway, where the first 100 customers to line up will receive a game card, loaded with a change to win $1 million

Paige 20% off sitewide CYBER20

Piperlime 25% off sitewide + enter to win a trip for 2 to NYFW IHEARTNYC

Rebecca Taylor 30% off sale items and dresses

Revolve select items up to 80% off

River Island 30% off full-priced items

Saks Fifth Avenue up to 60% off select styles

Scoop NYC 25% off sitewide + free shipping

Shopbop 15% off $250, 20% off $500, 25% off $1000 GOBIG14

SSENSE up to 50% off

The Dreslyn 20% off sitewide BLACKFRIDAY

Theory 40% off sitewide

Threadsense 30% off sitewide BLACK30

Tibi Extra 20% off sale BLACKFRIDAY14

Tommy Hilfiger 40% off sitewide BFREWARD

Topshop 30% off select product, and 2 for 1 on mid-season sale items

True Religion 30% off sitewide + free shipping THANKFUL

Urban Outiffters additional 25% off all sale online, additional 50% off all sale in-stores.

Wren 50% off CYBERSALE

Zinke 40% almost everything

Below are some of my favorite manicures (that I have good photos of, ha ha)



*Julep sent over the tutorial but I was not compensated for this post.

Just wanted to take a few moments this morning to wish everyone in the US a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you get to spend it with your loved ones! I'll be at my Grandmother's today and then celebrating on Saturday at my Aunt's! AND tomorrow we go get our Christmas Tree: YAY!!!

Naot has been designing and manufacturing footwear that feature foot-beds made of natural cork and latex wrapped in a pampering layer of suede in Israel since 1942. Retail prices range from $115 - $299 per pair and are available at Nordstrom, Zappos, Amazon and specialty retailers worldwide.

They very kindly sent over their Yama flat in grey lizard, how cool is this shoe?! It features suede, contrasting leathers & a leather ruffle trim for a truly unique shoe. It's always hard for me to find comfortable, yet stylish, shoes that won't break the bank. These are great so far, I wore them while out shopping with Lydia and my feet made it out fine! They are a little clunkier than I thought they would be, but the comfort far outweighs that in my opinion.

This dress used to be a weekly staple in my wardrobe and then for some reason I stopped wearing it!  The last time it was seen (at least on the blog) was December 11th 2012, and the time before that was March 26th...insanity! It was one of my first few designer buys, another eBay find. Here's a lovely throwback to November 2010 when I bought it....wow my pictures were horrible!

Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs (eBay), Sweater: Phillip Lim x Target, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Natural Selection Messenger Bag' (Saks Fifth Avenue), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Emma' (Marshalls), Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Gilt), Shoes c/o Naot
 

Here is my second outfit from Howler Con weekend, see the first here.  In addition to meeting Haley I also got to spend some time with the other actors: Holland Roden, Melissa Ponzio, Tyler Hoechlin, Charlie Carver, Eaddie Mays, Ornie Adams, Linden Ashby and JR Bourne. It was a little awkard not knowing who any of them were, except Tyler and Linden (he was in Iron Man 3) but I guess it was better that way.

Charlie was so nice and we talked about how scary it is driving in New York City and how awesome his jacket was, ha ha. And then he bruised my chin when he hugged me goodbye, because I suck at hugs. ;)  I only took 4 pictures at the convention and 2 were professional.  I figured it would be weird to be hanging out with the actors snapping pictures so I refrained.

Sweater: T.Babaton c/o Aritzia,  Vest: Ella Moss 'Nico' (Marshalls), Jeans: Free People, Boots: Vince Camuto (Marshalls)



And my few pictures from the weekend. Me with Haley and Tyler, with Haley, and with Charlie.

Two weekends ago I had the privilege of being Haley Webb's handler at a Teen Wolf convention in New Jersey called Howler Con. To get all the questions out of the way, 1. No, I don't watch the show and 2. My friend was running the convention and wanted non-fans to watch over the celebrities to avoid crazy fan-girling situations. Basically my job was to make sure Haley was on time for all her panels, photo ops and other events during the weekend and to make sure no one harassed her.

She is one of the nicest people I've met, we had a lot of fun! Even when we got lost outside in the 30 degree weather (I didn't have my jacket on at that point.)  She has definitely found a new fan in me and I will be sure to keep up with her career! I also found out that she was super shy when she was younger, just like me, so there is hope for me to become more outgoing!

I didn't have time to take outfit pictures at the convention, so I just wore both outfits again last week. Why not? It's not like the same people were going to see me in them. Plus, they were cute, so who cares if I wear them 5 times in the same week.

So, here is what I wore on the first day!

Top: Philosophy (Marshalls), Jacket: Elie Tahari x Design Nation c/o Kohl's, Jeans: Current/Elliott (The Outnet), Boots: Vince Camuto (Marshalls), Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Natural Selection Messenger Bag' (Saks Fifth Avenue)

Back in July I filmed a television segment for the show Extreme Cheapskates. First of all, I never thought I would be doing that (read: I am super shy, so talking to a camera used to be out of the question.) Second, it was quite the experience seeing how "reality" shows are created.  Lydia was asked to be on the show so they could showcase the thriftiness that makes her so awesome. Then they asked if she had a friend that would consent to tagging along on a shopping trip with her to be "taught her ways."  She finds amazing pieces for great prices so she doesn't break the bank to make an outfit.

The episode aired almost exactly a month ago, and let me tell you, it has been rather interesting seeing the reaction. A few of my family members just happened to have the show on and saw me, so they called my Mom to tell her how excited they were.  And I told a select few family and friends since I wasn't sure how dumb I was going to look.

See all the pictures from our photoshoot over at Lydia's blog!

(yes, I'm wearing my own shoes and jewelry in most of the looks as well as my own jeans. AND I kept the kimono top/silk top we found at Good Will because it was a fun look!)

Look #1: Top: Silk Road via Goodwill Outlet, Floral Kimono: Sonnetts Design - Rhode Island via Goodwill Outlet, Jeans: Mother c/o Marshalls, Pumps: Manolo Blahnik via Roundabout, Clutch: via Goodwill Outlet

Look #2: Leopard Sweater: Jones New York via Goodwill Outlet, Black Pleated Skirt: Vintage via Goodwill Outlet, Black Pumps: Dolce & Gabbana via Uptown Consignment, Leather Portfolio Clutch: via Goodwill Outlet




And here's a small piece of our segment. Ha ha.

Look, @lyddiegal and I are famous! 😉

A video posted by Megan (@closet_fashion) on Oct 10, 2014 at 6:46pm PDT