Fashion for Good Friday: The Root Collective

I am really excited to be introducing a new series on the blog: “Fashion for Good Friday.” This is going to be a series (not necessarily weekly, but could end up being weekly… right now it will just be periodically) where I share with you guys a company, a brand, a business, etc. that is doing things right. I want to do all that I can to help support and highlight brands that are bringing about change in this world and making a difference. I want to tell you about the awesome companies that are providing dignified jobs at fair wages for people right here in the United States, in addition to internationally.

With that being said, it felt fitting to start by sharing about a brand that is no stranger to this blog: The Root Collective. If you’ve been reading for any amount of time, then you probably are familiar with The Root Collective.

I have shared the Root Collective story before, I’ve shared their look books, and I’ve worn their shoes COUNTLESS times. Let’s be honest, the majority of my shoes now are Root Collective shoes – haha!

This is Otto:

Otto is the man who makes the shoes. I could tell you all about him, but I think this video does it best:

And this is Bethany, with Otto… Bethany is the brains behind The Root Collective. She’s the founder and owner and has become TRULY a dear friend of mine (it also helps that she lives a few miles from me! haha!)

Every shoe purchased provides an opportunity and a dignified job at a fair wage to someone overcoming incredible odds in Guatemala. All the shoes are handwoven, the shoes are handmade, and love and heart and sweat go into every single pair.

So, sure… you’re not going to find a pair of Root Collective shoes at 90% off on Black Friday at a big box retailer because the artisans matter and every dollar spent on those shoes is a dollar that impacts a story and impacts a life.

Not to mention, they’re pretty much the cutest shoes EVER. <3

Don’t believe me? Here are some of the ways I’ve worn them…