The Bombchel Factory: Ethical African Fashion on Kickstarter

Recently, I read a New York Times article about The Bombchel Factory, a new fashion startup dedicated to creating sustainable jobs and an infrastructure for fashion merchandising in Liberia. It sounded like a cool idea, creating steady employment for Liberians who have endured the Ebola crisis and also bringing new focus to Africa's bright and bold printed fabrics.

I love, love, love ethnic textiles but I'm always afraid that I'll look like a) I'm wearing an indigenous costume from my native land,  b) I'm exploiting artisans abroad in a vague attempt to look bohemian, or c) I've given up all hope and have resorted to wearing smock-like muumuus like Mrs. Roper.

When I clicked over to check out The Bombchel Factory,  my fears were dashed. The collection is, indeed, loud and colorful but the shapes and styling are totally modern and workable for a variety of shapes and sizes. I usually hem and haw over supporting projects on Kickstarter but this was a no-brainer:


I signed up for the three skirts tier, which gives you the essential Super mini, as well as a midi and maxi length skirt. I'm thinking I'll go for the Glam midi flare (pockets!!!) and Resort Life maxi with its slits-up-to-there, although others may prefer the more demure Power Pencil wrap midi and Regal maxi.

I just got the notice that they unlocked the $50K stretch bonus to produce the Dirt Off Your Shoulder blouse, which looks as comfortable as a sweatshirt but much, much sexier. I totally upped my pledge.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/itsarchel/the-bombchel-factory-an-ethical-african-fashion-wo?ref=hero_thanks

This top is reputed to look good on everyone from size 0-18. I'm crossing my fingers! One of the coolest things about The Bombchel Factory's launch campaign is that supporters will be given the opportunity to choose their own fabrics and customize sizing. As a short, curvy girl this is pretty exciting. I just wish they were offering the tunic minidresses I see in several of their social posts… they look like an ideal Naomi uniform…

Support The Bombshell Factory on Kickstarter through March 11, 2016. 

Get It Together With Prep & Serve

The best ideas are always the ones leaving you wondering why you never thought of it first. Prep & Serve is one of those. Anyone who has worked in food service knows how much faster and easier it is to cook and plate food when everything is prepped and ready for you. Prep & Serve brings that concept to the home cook: it's basically a multi-container system that can be closed all at once. Sure, you might still have to be your own sous chef, but it is awfully convenient to be able to snap a lid on your ingredients and shove them into the fridge for whenever you're ready to use them.


I love this idea for finicky kids to participate in their meal-making. Who doesn't love feeling like they get to have their own custom ingredients? The Prep & Serve would also be great for potluck dishes that require some on-site assembly. I can even see this being useful for crafters who don't want to have to put everything away and get it all back out again. Smart.
Prep & Serve just launched a Kickstarter campaign today to raise funds to go into mass production. What do you think? Is this something you would use?

Naja Empowers Women With Luxury Lingerie

I am so in love with the Talavera collection from Naja. The sustainable lingerie brand is launching a funding campaign for their second collection on Kickstarter and it is a doozy. Luxurious lace and vibrant colors and prints… even on the insides of cups, where it only matters to you.

Not only is Naja's lingerie beautiful but it is produced by women– single moms or female heads of household– giving them a way to support their families in a stable and supportive environment. I supported the last campaign and was impressed with the quality and presentation of the bra and panty set I received. All of Naja's underpants have inspirational quotes on the inner lining, a special, "secret" touch.

If you're not a frilly underthings kind of girl, Naja also offers "cheeky knickers" that you'll want to check out, cottony unders with designs from the artsy to the flat-out funny.

My Girl's Dollhouse

Imagine a world where little girls have a place to house their favorite large dolls and doll clothing and accessories… GoodToy imagined that world and they are excited to introduce My Girl's Dollhouse - the world's first ever home custom made for your 18-inch dolls!

GoodToy has created My Girl’s Dollhouse, the world's first high-quality, pine wood frame, customizable huge dollhouse where 18" dolls can reside along with their prized furniture, clothing and accessory items.

No big surprise but Roo LOVES this idea. Her American Girl and Karito Kids dolls live on a bookshelf and the super cool accessories are scattered all over her room. It would be awesome to have them all in one place, where they are always set up and ready to play with.
My Girl's Dollhouse is not available for purchase just yet. GoodToy is funding the initial production run with a Kickstarter campaign, making it possible for you to preorder the perfect holiday gift for doll lovers! Learn more about the campaign by watching this video:

GeltFiend - Chanukah Sweaters

I am utterly charmed by GeltFiend and their mission to give Jews their own fancy holiday sweaters. The only way I could love them more is if they could possibly integrate kittens into the patterns. Just a thought.

Donate $60 or more to their Kickstarter campaign and get your own sweater by Hanukkah! Or try your luck entering What Jew Wanna Eat's GeltFiend giveaway to win one. I'm crossing my fingers and toes.

LetterMpress Virtual Letterpress for iPad

How super cool would this be to play with? Most of us don't have access to our own antique letterpress but LetterMpress would enable typography fans to keep the medium alive. Digital analog, baby! I love it. If you love it, put your money where your mouth is and put some money in the Kickstarter kitty.