7 Reasons Why You Should Donate to Dressember + a Simple Outfit & Grace + Lace Link Up

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was amazing! I spent mine resting, and on Saturday, I volunteered at the Operation Christmas Child Processing Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. I had a super great time! I highly recommend it!

Today, I've got a super cute outfit, and  reasons why you should donate to Dressember for y'all! Also, a new link up is live at the bottom of the post! 😊

DRESS: Old Navy {similar, similar}

VEST: Clothes Mentor {similar, similar}

BOOTIES: JC Penney {exact, similar}

NECKLACE: Charming Charlie {similar, similar}

So, you may be thinking, "Why should I donate to Dressember?". You should donate to Dressember....

1| …because an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year, 80% of which are women and half are children.

2| …because the average teen enters the sex trade in the US in 12-14 years old.

3| …because 83% of victims in confirmed trafficking incidents were identified as US citizens.

4| …because many victims of trafficking are runaway girls who were sexually abused as children. Haven’t they already been through enough?!

5| …because there are more slaves alive today than at any other point in history.

6| …because every 30 seconds someone is trafficked, and less than 2% of those who are trapped in slavery are ever rescued. 

7| …because last year, instances of human trafficking were reported in all 50 U.S. states and Washington D.C.

Those seven reasons {there are so many more, though} are why you should donate to Dressember. The money that you give goes to perform rescue operations to free those enslaved. They are also put into counseling programs and programs that get them back on their feet and into a job. You don't have to give much; it all adds up. If we all do a small part, and work together, we can change the world.

If God leads you to donate, you can do so here.

Shop this post below:

See where I link up here.

-Link back to Spreading His Grace, Bows & Clothes, or both

-Subscribe to both blogs and follow each of us on at least one social media.

Mackenzie: Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Sarah: Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin'

-This link up has no theme, so we encourage you to link any of your recent posts. Also note that we have to right to delete your link if it is inappropriate. However, we are super excited to read about your passions, and are so glad that you've decided to join us!

An InLinkz Link-up

Gift Guide to Purchase with Purpose

Happy Wednesday! Today, I am sharing with y'all a gift guide full of gifts that are ethical and fair trade. I chose to feature only gifts that are ethical because I am learning {mainly from Molly's Business with Purpose podcast} just how awfully treated and underpaid many workers are. Also, some of these companies employ women that are coming out of slavery which goes along with Dressember. 

Each item is made with care, most of them handmade, and they are pretty affordable as well. They are perfect for any lady!

one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen.

Which of these are your favorite? Personally, I like the fuchsia flats! 

See where I link up here.

Dressember Outfit 2 | Chambray + Blanket Scarf & Grace + Lace Link Up

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was super great! Mine was pretty restful and relaxed. How was yours? Today, I have a super cute fall outfit and a new link up for y'all! Even if you aren't a blogger, feel free to click around and find some inspiration!

Outfit details:

DRESS: Charming Charlie {similar, similar}

SCARF: Amazon {similar, similar}

BOOTIES; JC Penney {exact, similar}

FITBIT MONOGRAM: Treasured Sparrow Designs {exact}

One thing that I love about my blog and blogging community is the fact that I feel comfortable being honest and vulnerable with you guys. And If I am being honest, Dressember this time around has been pretty difficult. We are literally 5 days in, and I have already had some trouble with my outfits. Last year, it was fairly warm in December, even for South Carolina, so it wasn't too difficult to style a dress. It was was in the mid to high 70's on Christmas Day. But, this year, it has been a bit colder, and I don't think I was prepared.

All that being said, I am willing to spend a few more minutes getting dressed in the morning and feeling a bit cold if it means that women and children will be freed from their bondage. To me, that is a small sacrifice.

Amazingly, Dressember has already raised close to $300,000 as of Saturday afternoon. This is enough to fund around 40 rescue missions! Thank you so much to all who have donated! If you haven't already, I encourage you to prayerfully consider giving to free those who are in slavery.

How would you wear a dress during Winter?

See where I link up here.

Now let's get to the link up!

1. Sarah from Trendy & Tidy shared a great post of two super cute outfit ideas for Thanksgiving. My favorite one would have to be the first one, although I love the color of her second sweater.

2. Natasha from Moody Girl In Style linked up an extensive gift guide for the beauty guru in your life. I love the eyelashes bag that she featured!

-Link back to Spreading His Grace, Bows & Clothes, or both

-Subscribe to both blogs and follow each of us on at least one social media.

Mackenzie: Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Sarah: Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin'

-This link up has no theme, so we encourage you to link any of your recent posts. Also note that we have to right to delete your link if it is inappropriate. However, we are super excited to read about your passions, and are so glad that you've decided to join us!

An InLinkz Link-up

Dressember Outfit 1 | Pink + Periwinkle & Thursday Moda Link Up

Happy Thursday! I usually post on Wednesday's but since today is the first day of Dressember, I decided to post today instead. Also, Ada invited me to co-host her Thursday Moda Link Up since we are working together for Dressember.

Outfit details:

DRESS: Elegantees {exact} Use the code "BowsandClothes" to get 10% off!

SWEATER: Target {similar, similar}

FLATS: Target {similar, similar}

NECKLACE: Charming Charlie {similar, similar}

I decided to post this particular outfit with this dress because I purchased it from Elegantees. Elegantees is a company that sells fair trade clothing made by women who would previously be jobless. This year, Elegantees partnered with the Dressember Foundation to create 3 Dressember dresses. This dress is not one of them, but they have a wrap dress, a maxi dress, and a swing dress that each come in two colors. They are all so beautiful and I love the fact that they are handmade!

Also, you can use the code {BowsandClothes} for 10% your order from Elegantees!

Shop this look below:

See where I link up here.

Now let's get to the link up!

"Ada has been blogging at Elegance and Mommyhood for four years. Her blog is about affordable everyday style for casual mom days, polished work looks, the weekend and in between. Vivian, her adorable little toddler and a girl after my own heart, is currently digging the color pink. She loves to compliment her mommy’s beautiful style."

An InLinkz Link-up

Dressember, My Blogiversary, & Grace + Lace Link Up

Happy Monday! I hope that your holiday and weekend was amazing! Mine was full of food, family time, shopping, and rest. Since Dressember is three days away, I decided that I would talk about Dressember and what it is about.

Last year, for the first time, I did something totally different with my December. I decided to join the hundreds of women all over the world who wear dresses for the whole month of December to advocate for the millions of women and children who are sold all over the world for their bodies.

The whole point of wearing dresses is to get people talking. They will notice that all you're wearing during one of the coldest months of the year is dresses, and it will spark a conversation. Then you will be able to educate them on human trafficking and maybe they will feel moved to donate.

600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year, 80% of which are female and half are children. Human trafficking is the third largest international crime industry. It generates a profit of $32 billion every year.

Participating in Dressember last year was so great! Not only was it rewarding, but I was able to raise money for a cause that I care about while participating in a challenge that stretched my style to new limits.

I was able to raise a good amount last year, but I wanted to raise more! Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood has agreed to work alongside me {thanks, Ada!}. Today, I am asking you, yes you, to join us. Join us in advocating for those who have no voice. I know that if we, as a team, work together I know that we can raise SO MUCH! We can change so many lives for the good!

The team that I have put together right now is called Truly Free and consists of myself and Ada. We would be glad for you to join as well!

How can you help? You can do three things:

1. You can take the challenge! All you must do is wear dresses for the whole month of December. And talk about it. Also, pants are okay if they are required by your job, you're working out, or you're cleaning or sleeping. Wear a dress when you get to choose what to wear. Wearing pants under dresses is acceptable as well, and super cute! Those that live in very cold climates have the greatest impact, so if you do live in a place with a frigid winter climate, don't count yourself out. It's super easy to layer!

2. Spread the word! Talk to everyone you know and educate them. Also, when speaking to them, share this page so that they will have a place to donate to.

3. You can donate! All I ask is that you prayerfully consider how much to donate and if you feel led to give, go here. And thank you!

If you would like to join or have any questions please feel free to email me here: mybowsandclothes{at}gmail{dot}com.

Also, it is my two year blogiversary today!! Thank you so much for sticking by me through all of it! You guys are the best!

See where I link up here.

Let's get to the link up!

Since there was no link up last week due to the holiday, there are no features this week. Consider everyone to be featured!

-Link back to Spreading His Grace, Bows & Clothes, or both

-Subscribe to both blogs and follow each of us on at least one social media.

Mackenzie: Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Sarah: Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin'

-This link up has no theme, so we encourage you to link any of your recent posts. Also note that we have to right to delete your link if it is inappropriate. However, we are super excited to read about your passions, and are so glad that you've decided to join us!

An InLinkz Link-up

10 Simple Outfits Perfect for Thanksgiving

Happy Tuesday, guys! I am so sorry about the lack of posting lately, I have just been super busy. I am gearing up to begin posting on a regular basis again and start Dressember. More about that on Monday!

Anyway... Today, I am sharing 10 great outfits that are awesome for Thanksgiving.

You can support women from Nepal by purchasing a top like this or the many other cute pieces that Elegantees has to offer. Also, you can use the code {BowsandClothes} for 10% your order!

The trick to looking your best while still being comfortable after so much food is to wear stretchy knits or layers that cover up your food baby. I also think that tunics work great as well. Wearing colors that are festive and match the season is one of my favorite things to do. I have not decided what I am going to wear for Thanksgiving this year yet, but I know it will include something super stretchy! 😉

What are you looking forward to the most for Thanksgiving?

See where I link up here.

No Link Up

Hey, y'all! Happy Monday! Due to a full weekend out of town and Thanksgiving coming up on Thursday, Mackenzie and I will not be hosting a link up today. Sorry guys! I am hoping to have a post up tomorrow about Thanksgiving fashion, but we will just have to see how the day goes. 😀

Thanks to all who linked up last week! You guys are so great! Also, thank you to all of my readers for the wonderful support that y'all give!

Have a lovely day!