Cinema Inspired Accessories

Pitch Perfect is this season's unexpected box office hit, and it's doing more than expanding the musical horizons of its audiences.

It's quickly popularizing a trend we can get behind. The modern, youthful styles in the movie were largely focused on a collection of eye-catching, flattering textile accessories. Based on layering lighter pieces, it creates a warmer fall look with spring and summer pieces, making your wardrobe last longer and go farther.

Handmade, fair trade goods from Shopping for a Change® are the perfect choice for the kind of fabric-based accessories that are elevating the average scarf to something more like jewelry. Knitwear is taking center stage with this trend, with highlighted layers made up of knit, crochet, and yarnworks that serve double duty as functional and fashionable pieces.

Scarves like the Any Which Way Scarf from Emilime are the perfect example. Versatile and eye-catching, it's the perfect fall accessory. With its 3 knitted buttons that can be fastened anywhere on the wrap, this alpaca wrap will become one of the most versatile pieces you own.

Handcrafted scarves, wraps, and sweaters from artisan shops at Shopping for a Change® do more than provide the top trends in fashion. Every purchase supports fair trade fashion, the artisans and their communities as well as nonprofit organizations right here in the United States.

Next time you go shopping, go Shopping for a Change!


Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.

A Lasting Impression at the San Francisco Ultimate Women's Expo

Shopping for a Change® was thrilled to take part in the recent San Francisco Ultimate Women's Expo, where we had the opportunity to share our story, explain our mission, and show off the stunning handcrafted, fair trade gifts we offer. Our handmade jewelry, handcrafted accessories, fair trade women's and men's apparel, and home decor were a bit hit. 

Our unique business model really resonated with people when it was explained to them while in our booth. We explained that the artisans are paid up front, and then when our customers made a purchase, how we split our net proceeds between helping those in need here in the United States as well as funding Community Improvement Projects abroad in our artisans' communities, in areas of clean water, health care and education.

Founder, Stacey Horowitz and Deidre Hall

Another exciting moment for us was when actress Deidre Hall, of Days of Our Lives fame, came to visit our booth to go shopping for a change.  We nearly burst with pride when she purchased two necklaces and admired a third, which personally belonged to our board member, Caroline Huo. Caroline being who she is, generously removed her necklace (which was in a color no longer available) and gifted it to Deidre, who graciously accepted it! 

We are more than pleased to see people taking notice, and we hope this is one step closer to making a real change for our artisans, our partnering U.S. based nonprofits and our overall mission.


Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.

Fair Trade Month

Fair Trade Month is here! Celebrate with handmade jewelry and accessories for Shopping for a Change®. Artisan gifts and crafts from our collectives and gifted artists are all fair trade products, and every dollar you spend helps to improve the lives of craftswomen all over the world.

Shopping for holidays gifts is the perfect way to  celebrate Fair Trade Month. Shipibo Embroidered Organic Cotton Aromatic Pillows made by Tallerqata in Peru, comes in a set of four. Home goods such as these make great hostess and housewarming gifts, birthday, holiday or presents for any occasion. Perfect for freshening up small areas, these beautifully handcrafted petite pillows bring together the  geometric  embroidery of the Amazonian Shipibo tribes and the relaxing scent of chamomile and flax seed. Their natural fragrance is so relaxing.

Jewelry with subtle sparkle goes a long way toward making even casual, comfortable clothing feel like something special. Aid Through Trade's gorgeous new 18-Strand Glass Bracelet comes in an assortment of beautiful colors including tinsel (shown right) and is a lightweight, effortless addition to your fall wardrobe. Handcrafted by female artisans in Nepal, this intricate bracelet is just one more way to ensure your purchases go farther.

Looking for more ways to support community efforts through fashion? Think Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, also celebrated during the month of October. 

Learn about how Shopping for a Change® business model works through our fun animated video. Read about our Community Improvement projects
 

Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.

Think Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness
Multi-strand Bracelet

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and at Shopping for a Change® we're excited to support the crucial efforts to help find a cure to this devastating disease.

Fair trade jewelry that helps contribute (literally) to finding a cure for Breast Cancer are these handmade bracelets crafted by artisans from The Leakey Collection.  Ten percent (10%) of all sales from these bracelets is donated to women's health issues in Kenya as well as to women across the globe through the Estee Lauder Breast Cancer Research Fund. The Multi-strand Zulugrass Bracelet in soft shades of pink, is a worthy addition to every woman's ensemble, as it helps to promote both breast cancer awareness community support.

Bracelets and accessories in shades of pink are finding their way into this year's winter wardrobe. Check out our Same  Sky Glass Beaded Bracelet in honeysuckle, or the slimmer profile of the Same Sky Glass Prosperity Bracelet in sorbet. Each fair trade bracelet makes a beautiful gift, and Same Sky supports a fair trade initiative in Rwanda and Zambia that helps support the women's communities there.

Tagua Bib Necklace in Berry

Necklaces are getting in on the pink palette as well, with great bold colors like the berry hue of this Tagua Bib Necklace made by the Andean Collection. Handmade and fair trade, this artisan  piece is crafted from natural indigenous materials and provides sustainable alternatives to land sales for native peoples.

Fair trade, handcrafted accessories, jewelry, and gifts from Shopping for a Change® are perfect in any shade!

Learn about how Shopping for a Change works through our fun animated video.  Read about our Community Improvement projects.


Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.

Warm Up Your Fall Palette

Fair trade accessories for fall fashion mean taking the perfect handmade purses, jewelry, and clothing and making them work for the cooler temperatures of the fall.

Bring warmer colors into your fall wardrobe with great pieces like this Petite African Leather Purse from Swahili Imports. Choose a handcrafted gem like this in rich amethyst, bright cherry, or earthy jade and support the handcrafted artistry that keeps disabled West African artistan, Michael Zigani sustaining his family.

Keep the richness of fall coming with a gorgeous new scarf fromThe Andean Collection. This handwoven Infinity Scarf brings a bright touch to basic neutrals along with a splash of this fall's hottest colors into your wardrobe. Purchasing handcrafted products from fair trade artisans  are making a meaningful impact in lives around the globe.

Wrap things up with a gorgeous rust colored Kenza Wrap from Pure Handknit, making it easy to dress up a casual outfit or keep comfortable in the chilly fall mornings. Also available in a a rustic rust shade, this versatile wrap transitions from day to night and casual to office with ease, making it the perfect handmade gift.

Outfit your fall accessories with a final touch of earthy color or in a soft, dusty rose with a Floral Embossed Leather Link Belt from Fredd & Basha. This beautiful handmade product is a great way to add a fashionable spark to easy jeans and tees. The deep brown is a perfect compliment for fall accessories, and the dusty rose belt adds a delicate touch to this functional belt.



Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.

Fashion's Night Out

New York City, always a fashion destination, became the epicenter of a major fashion event when Fashion's Night Out returned to the Big Apple on September 6th.

Now in its fourth year, the event gave eager shoppers the chance to mix and mingle with stars, celebrities, and fashion industry luminaries while taking advantage of after-hours shopping and, in many cases, special deals and prices.

Live music, free gifts, and an appearance by none other than the forever fabulous Miss Piggy were just a few of the highlights of this epic event. Other celebrities making an appearance for the big night included Glee stars Lea Michele, Heather Morris, and Darren Criss.

Products sold from the official FNO collection will benefit the New York City AIDS Fund in the New York Community Trust.

Clothing and accessories sold through community benefit events like Fashion's Night Out share in the spirit of  Shopping for a Change® by supporting consumer driven charity and aide. Handcrafted jewelry and fair trade gifts from Shopping for a Change® may go to support artisans in need, and and like Fashion's Night Out, it also benefits social efforts stateside, by supporting U.S. nonprofits in need.

Handmade designs like those at Shopping for a Change® take the humanitarian efforts of fashion in a different direction. Fair trade, handmade products are the focus for our site, with ethical concerns on a global scale.  Read about our Community Improvement Projects.


Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.

Fall into Fashion

It’s back-to-school, Labor Day weekend is upon us, and the cool, crisp air of fall is headed your way. With the change of seasons often comes a change of mood, and wardrobe.

Fall into fashion by sprucing up your wardrobe with purchases that do more: ones that look good, do good, and make you feel good! Fair trade gifts, apparel and accessories are a great place to start. At Shopping for a Change® your purchase will make a life-altering difference by turning fall shopping into a
charitable action: it will...

• impact in the lives of artisan's from developing countries, their communities, and
• will donate funds to your the nonprofit of your choice right here in the United States.

Original Button Wrap
Available in black, cream and moss

Handmade accessories: the Original Button Wrap, of handknit cotton from Thailand, by Pure Handknit will ward off a chill—available in 3 colors.

Little Journeys Art Deco Scarf 
Available in taupe and lime

Make a statement wearing our Peruvian cotton scarves in the hottest fashion colors from Little Journeys.

Emiline Any Which Way Scarf 
Available in taupe, bark and elephant

Back again due to high demand, is Emiline's Any Which Way Scarf in alpaca wraps you in warm, earthy tones.

Buy fair trade products like the ones at Shopping for a Change® and make every purchase count. In short, we're working to make the world a better place for everyone in small ways, aiming to touch lives by bringing together communities across the globe. This fall, join us in making a difference while finding fun, functional, fashion!





When you go shopping, go Shopping for a Change®!

Read about our Community Improvement Projects in the artisan communities abroad.


Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.