Let's talk about the ethical fashion collection we created.  I'm sharing the behind the scenes scoop on the Let it Shine Collection from Elegantees!

I've gotten a TON of emails in the last few weeks asking about the ethical fashion based Let it Shine Collection that Molly and I created with Elegantees.  We had a TOTAL blast going through the design process, it was seriously one of the best experiences I've had since starting this blog.  I wanted to share a little bit of the process with y'all and to answer some of your questions!

Behind the Scenes: Our Ethical Fashion Line with Elegantees

How did this whole line come about?

Molly and I have known each other for years (online).  We've done a ton of projects together, including a blogger link party that we called Let it Shine.  Recently we've both delved into the world of ethical fashion and companies that support causes we believe in.  We often text each other when we discover amazing products or brands that serve the greater good.  We had both loved Elegantees, and owned a number of pieces from their former collections.  But honestly, I don't think either of us saw this coming.

Wayyyyyyy back in the fall, I had just gotten home from a long day at school when Molly messaged me.  She told me to sit down, and that she had some news.  I'm not gonna lie, I expected something TOTALLY different.  When she told me that Elegantees wanted US to design an ethical fashion collection of mommy and me pieces, I was blown away.

Did you ACTUALLY design the clothes? 

I'm not going to lie, I had NO IDEA what went into co-designing a clothing line.  Thank goodness for Katie (the founder of Elegantees) and her expertise!  We started with Pinterest inspiration boards, Molly and I pinned pieces and looks we loved (and ironically we ended up pinning a TON of the same stuff). 

After a LOT of conference calls, Katie sketched a handful of pieces based on our inspiration and feedback.  Then, the tweaking began.  We adjusted necklines, hemlines, sleeve lengths, print placement.  Next? Color selection.  This might have been my favorite part.  We spent weeks creating color palettes and dreaming of warm summer weather (in the middle of winter).  The results? Some of my favorite vibrant pieces of clothing (with a few neutrals thrown in for good measure).

And then? The magic happened.  Our designs were sent to the Elegantees sewing center in Nepal.   This amazing place employees women who have been rescued from human trafficking.  And to see pictures of them sewing OUR designs?  I can't describe how amazing it was.

Fast forward a few months, Katie and her family travelled from New York.  Lydia and I flew across the country to Raleigh, NC.  The samples of our designs travelled from Nepal.  And we got to meet, hug, and cheer together as we shot the look book for the Let it Shine Collection TOGETHER.

What's the deal with the names of the pieces?

One of the really special things about the Let it Shine Collection? Molly and I each got to name some of the pieces after inspiring women in our lives.

/ the Beth: named after my amazing mother in law / the Donna: named after my mom / the Maria: named after my grandmother /

use code CARLY to get 10% off/ the Lauren: named after my sister / the Cassie: named after my dear friend and Lydia's godmother / the Lydia /

Wait, so you and Molly had never MET in person?

Ha, nope.  Not gonna lie, I got a little nervous when our car pulled up to Molly's house.  We were staying with her for a WEEK.  But, she's even more awesome in person.  And Lydia and Molly's daughter Lilly? Instant besties.

What's next? Will there be ANOTHER Let it Shine Collection?

That's the goal.  Molly and I loved this experience, and can't WAIT to work together to bring y'all more amazing products and collections that support important causes.

The Let it Shine Collection is available now, use code CARLY to get 10% off and free shipping and returns

For more info on the Let it Shine Collection check out:

/ our collection is HERE! / 5 ways to style the Brigid tee /

ethical clothing