White Lace Dress: Delia's.
Cream Cardigan: Thrifted.
Black Cape: Clothing Swap, was Jessica's (no tag).
Black Lace Up Boots: H&M.
Mulembe Scarf: c/o 1000 Shillings.
Being a blogger is about being a part of something bigger than yourself. About not just trying to find yourself through your blog, but through enriching the lives of others through your words, images, support, and efforts. Often times I feel so frivolous running a fashion blog, but it's opportunities like this one that fuel me to know that I have a purpose and the ability to spread awareness about issues that mean a lot to me. Body confidence, mental health awareness, striving for your dreams, and women empowerment.
I had never heard of 1000 shillings before a few weeks ago and it's a company everyone deserves to hear about. The name comes from how much money in Uganda that a person lives on a day; forty cents, aka 1000 shillings. The company is an online store that sells jewelery, scarves, handbags, and more that women in Uganda make, each who are striving to live independent lives and chase their dreams. Every item is handmade from a woman who has her own special story, her own dream she hopes to accomplish.
My scarf I'm wearing in these photos is handmade by an inspiring woman named Sarah who was the first of 12 brothers and sisters. She grew up in Uganda and at the age of 18 she married a man outside of her home village and had two children with him. When the children were 2 and 5, both died of Malaria and not long after that Sarah became very sick, finding out she had HIV AIDS. Her husband had promised her that he'd been tested, but he lied to her and had been carrying the disease for 10 years. Having two more children after the death of her first two, Sarah found herself and them kicked out of the house by her husband who refused to take care of her. She has been working as a seamstress ever since, supporting her children and herself.
To think that this scarf was made by this inspirational woman who is thousands of miles away from me is incredible. I think about everything she's been through and my life pales drastically in comparison to hers, and I feel ashamed for all the things I take for granted in life. But at the same time I am so inspired by this woman who has done more than I ever hope to do. Sarah's story is incredible, as well as, all of the other ladies who make pieces for the 1000 Shillings shop.
I'm thankful to support this cause and help these women and want to spread the word as much as I can because it's really such a unique store. The scarves are made from African wax fabric and have the prettiest, subtle sheen to them. They're also perfect because they're infinity--conveniently wrapping around the neck without hassle. 1000 Shillings was so kind enough to let me host a giveaway for you all for the Sanyu Scarf. Enter using the rafflecotper below these images!
Thank you so much for reading everyone and helping support this cause!
With much love, Lauren.
