noonday styling & giveaway

Here I am! It's my turn to share about Noonday's NEW Fall Collection.

There are so many things I could talk about regarding Noonday and the impact they are having around the globe.

Like the trip they took in partnership with International Justice Mission to help tell the stories of our artisan in Rwanda - how they are sponsoring 6 rescue missions to help change even more lives than they already do -

How they've added on new artisan groups this season - one who works with deaf people in Kenya - one who works with people who've had leprosy in India - another who help provide skills training and job placement opportunities for women emerging from prostitution in Ethiopia.

They continue working with over 10 countries and over 28 different artisan groups to help empower their communities to rise out of poverty.

If you've followed along the blog train - you've gotten a chance to read more on how Noonday impacts the world. 

I decided that because I enjoy styling so much - I would share with you the side of Noonday that highlights how beautiful the jewelry our artisans make is, how flawlessly you can wear them together, and a couple way different ways to wear them!

As ambassadors, we had the opportunity last week to participate in a style challenge in Instagram - if you're on Instagram, look through the hashtag #noondaystyle to see more fabulous looks! We were given prompts every day to inspire our styling and here is what I chose for each day (you can click on the links below pictures to find out more about the pieces and where they are made):

"bright & bold"

     

scarf, bag, bracelet, earrings

I absolutely love this scarf - has every color in the rainbow in perfectly coordinating hues - really able to wear this with almost any outfit and add the perfect pop of color for fall! 

This bag is perfect for those of us who don't usually carry a large purse for every day - or for when you're out on the town and don't want to wear out your shoulder - and look at the inside!

The minty colors in the Julep earrings and Everest Wrap bracelet are just the right compliment to the bold colors in the scarf and bag.

"inspired by your style icon (I picked Zooey Deschanel)"

       

necklace, bracelet, earrings

I was channeling my inner Zooey Deschanel - I don't really think in terms of icons but she's got fun/vintage taste and even though she doesn't usually sport many accessories this is what I think she SHOULD wear.

I seriously love the size and color of the Phoenix earrings. They are a natural shell that ranges from pink to light red and adds a great pop of color without overwhelming the outfit.

The simple elegance of the Helena necklace really ties the neckline together with the blouse and that bracelet, well - there's a reason its called the Everyday Artillery!

"that's a wrap"

from left to right: etched bars, sofyia wrap, everest wrap, silver lining smoky quartz, clustered charm necklace, bethe rope necklace; scarf

Here in Tucson, our fall doesn't really start until the end of October - but you better believe I'll be bundled up in the Amhara scarf once that times comes! Its a lovely light weight, but wide, graphic and so versatile in black and white!

My arm party is donning some necklaces at the far right end! The Clustered Charm (see more on it below) was such a fun addition to the party and I will show you below how I made the Bethe Rope into a bracelet:

I'll be making a video on this someday - but hopefully this helps show you how to tie it!

I love it when I can wear something more than one way!

"unexpected favorite"

bracelets: etched bars, rosario cuff; necklaces: luganda, terracotta rope; earrings: greco

All these pieces weren't ones I thought I'd wear a ton. (especially the PURPLE, I'm NOT a purple person.) But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I like them all! I've said it before and I'll say it again, why did I wait so long to get the Etched Bars bracelet? Multiple ways to wear, wonderful brassy color (my fav) - and the Rosario Cuff -  craftsmanship is impeccable! 

Who knew you could make beads out of Terracotta? They are the perfect earth tone to compliment this outfit with a chambray shirt along with the pops of purple and the wonderful gray to black hues in the Luganda.

"taking a risk"

earrings, necklace

The Paradiso - this necklace was absolutely a challenge for me - I just didn't know if it would be something I'd want to wear - but look at how perfectly it goes with my thrifted blouse?

The Octagon Hoops are my FAVORITE earring this season - great size to get noticed - but in brass, you can wear them with nearly everything! 

"oh so fancy"

necklace, earrings, bracelets: sofyia wrap, ivory tiles

One thing I love about Noonday is that so many of the pieces are easily dressed up or down.

I've worn the Erin necklace with a simple button up and it really pulls the outfit together. 

The Calypso earrings have to be a close second favorite earring of mine this season -

I'm definitely an earrings girl thru & thru and so very excited by the many beauties we have for fall!

Sofyia wrap is just great as a headpiece too!

Time to start planning a Gatsby party with my Noonday!

_________________________________

And now on to our giveaway!

Before I'd even gotten my pieces from this season - I picked a piece for the giveaway that I knew had some fun fall colors - I LOVE FALL - and Clustered Charm definitely has them:

To ENTER THE GIVEAWAY, comment below with your favorite piece from the new collection and why you love it AND/OR share my Noonday website (www.sarahling.noondaycollection.com) on your Facebook with your friends and something you love about Noonday! 

Each time you comment or share you will be entered to win!

I'll be picking the winner next Friday at random! Stay tuned!

Head over to yesterday's post from Paige or this afternoon's post by Kate to keep following the blog train and the lovely giveaways and storytelling!

coming up...

If you didn't already know, Noonday has launched their Fall 2014 Collection!

I'll be talking about the new line next week, my favorites, my challenges, as well as show ways I've styled some of the pieces - so stay tuned! 

Also - do you like this necklace? 

Well, if you do, stay tuned for my next blog post, because I'll be giving one away!

Also, follow the Noonday blog train for even more stories, styling and giveaways! 

Here's a fellow ambassador from yesterday!

i am a photographer, too

So.
By now you all know I'm pretty notorious for writing things and not posting them.
Or just not writing anything and posting nothing.
So, it's been a while.

Hi.

I've been up to things.
A lot of photography, to be exact.
Mostly working with my lovely friend who takes pictures for people's weddings -
and does an amaaaaaaazing job at it.
I'm kinda her side kick.
Most of the time I get to just be and take pictures.
I really enjoy it.

We went to the Pacific Northwest for one such wedding.
It was magical there.
Both of us had never been.
Here are most of my IG's from said trip:
(no, I didn't take any with my nice camera, because that's for working and I'm lazy)

washington/oregon boarder sunset

somewhere in the woods

astoria, or (where the wedding was)

yes, that's the goonies' house

lots of plants there ;)

the observatory in portland, or; yummy food place

you know, the obligatory portland sign shot

covoa coffee

produce row cafe; DELICIOUS food

i liked the irony of this (stop and smell the roses)

yeah, this is the portland airport parking lot O.o

Yeah. It's pretty there...
Mmmmmm...

noonday

Dictionary's definition of an ambassador : an authorized representative or messenger

In the past months, God has really started to stir in my heart the desire to be more involved in something outside me, outside tucson, outside the country I live in.

But much of it had to do with last fall when my wonderful friend, who lives across the country from me, sent me a catalog filled with handmade, beautifully designed jewelry and accessories made by people around the world who are rising out of poverty because of it.

And while that was happening, I was currently reading Seven by Jen Hatmaker and grieving over the lack of selflessness in my life and need to be a part of something bigger with God.

That's not to say that I haven't known people and been inspired by their desire to serve those in other countries because of God's calling in their lives long before now. I remember reading Generous Justice by Timothy Keller years ago and knowing conviction but not knowing where to direct it and being so overwhelmed by it all that I didn't do much with that conviction.

Now, this is where that burden and my interested collided.

Noonday Collection got my attention.
Because I love fashion and design.
I'm an artist that loves wearable art.
But the reason I would even be remotely interested in promoting something created by other people (since I am artist promoting my own art) is because Noonday does SO MUCH MORE than make jewelry and accessories.

Noonday provides economic opportunity for people (a lot of them women) in vulnerable places in the world to make a living wage by making beautiful jewelry and accessories. They are being paid 2-4 times what they can make in their local markets which is enabling them to send their children to school, give them access to better living conditions, pay for health care expenses, earn a steady income, and give them pride, joy and self-worth that can result from having steady employment and using their God-given talents.

The staff at Noonday is also committed to training those who need it in business practices and in helping them overcome the challenges they face in their communities. They do this with the artisan groups directly or through a wholesaler, all the while, working with ethical and fair trade standards.

By their ability to pay living wages to their artisans, they are helping to prevent the making of new orphans by providing a sustainable income for individuals living in impoverished situations all over the world to get food, shelter, medical care, and education for their families. They supports several orphan care organizations as well as the option through trunk shows to donate a portion of the proceeds to bring orphans "home" through adoption fundraisers.

I can't brag enough about the impact and heart of Noonday. As I learn more, I become more and more excited that I've decided to become an Ambassador for them.

Becoming an Ambassador means that I get to share what they are doing with the women in my life and also meet and educate more women in the process. I'm doing that by creating a market place for the beautiful creations that these amazing artisans make through trunk shows hosted in women's homes and through my website.

Since I have the knowledge and know-how of jewelry making, I know that handmade items are tedious, slow-going and time consuming. No matter if it's hammering metal, shaping raw materials, weaving, sewing, beading or whatever it may be- it is not a simple process and, often times, hard to make a living doing it.

So much time and energy goes in to the creating of clothing, accessories, jewelry, etc - and because Noonday knows the worth of their work, they are providing a sustainable, living wage to these artisans - where most companies will pay no where near that (which is where that $5 shirt or pair of earrings from H & M, Target, etc comes from).

But because I've learned more about the working conditions those $5 shirts (or even higher priced pieces) are made under (where they often put in a lot of the same effort without much income to show for it themselves) - I've come to realize, I'd would much rather have a fewer amount amazing, slightly more costly accessories made by people who've been empowered to rise out of poverty, than to have 5 things that I bought at a great price costing a much greater price to those who made them. (side note: Noonday does appeal to many different price points, varying on anything from the materials used to the time put in to making them)

Now, I completely understand that for virtually all of us, it is impossible to win all battles against spending our money in places we know have fair trade or ethical working conditions for their employees.

But we can start SOMEWHERE.
If this doesn't sound like anything you'd think to be involved in, that's okay.
I can totally understand and respect that.
But start somewhere else.
For me, Noonday is just one place I chose to start.
It's inspired me to look more into where I'm purchasing from and how I can better educate myself and others in that process.
It's inspired me to continue learning more about the lives of the world's poorest and oppressed, specifically women (if you haven't seen the documentary Half the Sky, I highly recommend it) and stirred my heart to pray for them and how I can be more involved in God's heart for the nations.
I know I am by no means an expert in these areas, but I definitely plan to continue learning more and to share that knowledge.
Not only do I want to represent Noonday in what they are doing to help alleviate poverty, I want to be a messenger of truth and hope in our world.

This doesn't mean that I will stop being my own artist or quit my day job.
I'll still be an artist, still make jewelry, do photography, schedule surgeries, etc, etc.
This isn't changing the things I'm already committed to and invested in -
Just adding to it: Noonday Ambassador

So, if you have any questions about what that means or if you're interested in hosting a trunk show to learn more about what Noonday does and share with you circles of influence, please talk to me (leave me a comment, give me a call/send me a text, fb message, whatever!) and also check out some of the designs of the artisans here!

And stay tuned to find out when my launch party will be, where you can see and try on some of these beautiful pieces in person and hear more stories of how Noonday is impacting the world!

sense of humor

Okay.
My stories are always complicated.
Always.
And this is one of those stories where I have to wonder about God's sense of humor.
Like if He was kinda just hanging out watching us run around like crazy people, just waiting to see when we'd look up.

Some of you may know that Andrew and I have wanted to move back into downtown Tucson for the better part of a year (maybe about two months after we signed another year lease on our current house, ha).
We lived there when we were first married (Barrio Viejo, to be exact) so we know what its like and really enjoyed it. (just thought I'd clear that one up in case you were thinking we were crazy for wanting to live there; we are crazy, but maybe not the ways you were thinking.)

Andrew especially loves to be in the center of where the action is and most of our weekends (and sometimes week days) we end up down there anyhow.
We didn't really want to rush into it and wanted to take our time to find a really nice place that would allow us to do the things we are both passionate about.

We have a year lease on our current place that we signed in March, 3 years ago.
So near the beginning of January we decided to give our landlords some notice and asked about going month to month (just in case we needed more time to find a place).
We were really hoping to move into this place our friend's landlord was fixing up (someone had lived in it for a while so it needs some work; we still hadn't even seen the place but I was hopeful) but didn't know exactly when it would be done so we were thinking we'd have that option to wait if we needed.

Wrong.

Through a complicated combination of texts, voicemails, and some pretty poor communication on the part of our landlords, they took away the option of going month to month - so that meant we would have to find a place by March, period.
We found this out about the middle of January.
I basically still had all my eggs in the basket of this dreamy, cute place that was being fixed up by our friend's landlord and really thought that would work out.

Wrong.

We were finally able to go see it. It was amazing.
Fabulous bones, very hisotrical and so much potential...

But it wouldn't be done until April...
Or after.

Wow.
You woulda thought God had told me there was no more Christmas.
I was crushed.
All my dreaming of living in this place, all my planning to move into downtown -
Not looking at all like I had envisioned.

Now we were about a month away from being homeless.
This was also days before I was planning to attend the IF:Gathering, which meant most of my weekend would be taken up there.
(*if* (haha) you don't know what I'm talking about I'll cover that later)
I seriously considered not going just so that I could look at more places to live.
I really didn't want to give up most of my weekend.
But I knew God had something to tell me.
So I listened and decided to still go.

God really got my attention that weekend.
There were many things I need to hear, but one of them was just to obey and trust God had a plan.
And His ways are NOT my ways.
I knew I needed to had a different perspective on this process.
And God definitely gave me one.
I let go of my wants and allowed God to give me peace.

For a couple days we earnestly looked for other options.
We had looked before but nothing was grabbing our attention.
It continued to be so.
Kinda like we were living the premise of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears.
Too small, too this, that, too... whatever.

It came down to this plan:
Rent a small studio in downtown, going month to month, put most of our stuff in storage, and then keep looking for places and keep praying that God had a plan.
So, I've been packing with that in mind.
All the while, Andrew has been overwhelmingly busy with design work, I've been leading music for church the last couple of Sundays, and we both got sick this weekend.
Can't help but laugh at how crazy this month has been for us.
And even in the midst of it all, God has truly given me a supernatural ability to appreciate this time.
This sweet, crazy, busy time that we have got to trust He's got us in.

Curve ball.

We both stayed home sick today - weird but it happened.
Coughing and headachy as I am, I've been trying to pack little by little.
Right when we stat down to eat, Andrew gets a text from our landlords -

The tenants they lined up have backed out and they are offering to let us go month to month.

(insert crazed, confused, dumfounded look here)

Say, what???

Needless to say we kinda jumped on the chance to reduce our stress level by a couple notches and gladly called them back to say we would take them up on that offer.

So.
It has been an interesting lesson God has been teaching us here.
This was what I had planned all along on my own - having enough time to look and find a place we really can see ourselves in for a while and pray through what that could look like.

But this time around -
This time, I am certain God is in control of this story.