NEVER TOO EARLY
Sure, it’s only October, but the holiday season will be here soon enough. Start your shopping early with “The Hope of Christmas” (pictured above, second from left). The CD from MCG Jazz features Ann Hampton Callaway (pictured above, first from left), Croton-on-Hudson’s multi-platinum and Tony Award-nominated recording artist and composer, singing the lyrics of two-time Emmy Award winner William Schermerhorn. From the title track to “One Star” to “I Believe,” the musical selections will kick off the season on just the right note. Proceeds from the recording will benefit the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild and its mission to preserve, present and promote jazz. Pre-order ($17.99) in advance of the Oct. 9 release.
For more, visit annhamptoncallaway.com or mcgjazz.org.
Photograph by Bill Westmoreland.
RIGHT FOOT FORWARD
In 2009, Oliberté started off as a small footwear company partnering with factories and supplies in Africa. By 2012, it had gained enough momentum to launch its own factory, securing its position as a responsible lifestyle brand that supports its workers’ rights. Oliberté makes every single pair of shoes at this factory in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, out of premium quality products with a lifetime warranty. In September 2013, Oliberté became the world’s first Fair Trade Certified-footwear manufacturing factory. Support the effort with its varied options, which include, beginning third from left, the men’s Anbesso in brown yellow pullu ($110) and Bokoroo in brown yellow pullup ($140). For women, choices include Volita in wine nubuck ($130) and Aduni in mocha suede ($110).
For more, visit oliberte.com.
Photographs courtesy of Oliberté.
BAGS LOOK – AND DO – GOOD
Angela Roi, which sells its synthetic leather/vegan bags online, has released the Fall/Winter 2015 hues of its popular Morning Cross-body Handbag ($95). The company is not only known for its modern classics but also its philanthropic approach. For each handbag purchased, it donates 5 percent of the sale to an associated cause, determined by the color of the bag. Mud-gray and dark green, now join the line of these compact saddlebags to bring the collection up to seven options. Pictured, far right, these new additions benefit the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston (mud-gray) and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (dark green). Choose your color, choose your cause.
For more, visit angelaroi.com.
Photograph courtesy of Angela Roi.
