Lifestyle or Deathstyle?

Lifestyle brand.

Pretty trendy word combo, huh?

Ask any vlogger, blogger, or Instagram influencer what the phrase "lifestyle brand" means to them, and they'll all give you different answers.

Ask Google, and the answer is pretty simple.

"A lifestyle brand is a brand that attempts to embody the values, aspirations, interests, attitudes, or opinions of a group or a culture for marketing purposes."

Okay, that sounds harmless enough, right?

We all know that brands, whether spoken or upspoken, have some kind of mission or value system behind the products they're marketing.

As consumers, sometimes we forget to return to the source of who or what is behind these brands.

Sometimes, I forget to slow down and double check the tags. I see pink. Sparkles? Castles? Oh, yes! I want!

But wait...

What is my purchase supporting? Every dollar I spend is voting for something. It's sowing into the values and interests of whatever company I'm buying from.

So what do some of my favorite clothing brands actually believe and support?

Am I voting for LIFE within my favorite lifestyle brands? Or am I supporting a death-style?

choices.

Planned Parenthood.

What does that have to do with what's happening in our closets?

Read on.

As a Christian, Planned Parenthood is an organization that doesn't align with my values and beliefs. I am pro-life, and I want everything I do to bring LIFE.

The Bible says in Deuteronomy 30:15:

"See, I have set before you life and good, death and evil."

Verse 19 goes on to say:

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live."

Whew. That verse has always been very convicting for me. It's a bold reminder that everything I do has the power to release life or death on this earth.

Even the tiniest of my seemingly insignificant choices hold power and influence.

Every thought, word, action, and deed, is either furthering the Kingdom of God, or the Kingdom of Darkness. There's no middle ground.

I love the words in Joshua 24:15

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!"

I pray that declaration is true in my life, and yours as well, if your heart longs to crown Jesus as King over every area in your life.

Did you know that some of your favorite clothing brands donate to Planned Parenthood?

Maybe that's a shock to you. Maybe it isn't. Either way, I think it's something we should discuss.

We've talked about the importance of what we wear and what we buy, here on Crown of Beauty, before.

We've introduced the question, "Who Made My Clothes?" and I've been working to make that question a habit in my own life.

(If you haven't read that post, Who Made My Clothes, it's a must! Such an eye-opening wake up call to help us become aware of what's being marketed to us on a daily basis, so we can check our labels and make wise decisions.)

Nobody wants to support death and abuse unwillingly, so it's important to be educated, that way we each have the power to choose what we will do with the information revealed.

Today, we're going to take things a little deeper, and add another layer to this conversation.

Instead of simply asking, "Who made my clothes?" we're going to add, "Where are these funds going? What are my purchases supporting?"

the list.

Here, we have a list of brands that support Planned Parenthood, and donate toward the organization.

Phillip Lim
Ann Taylor
Adam Selman
Alice + Olivia
Apostrophe
Area
Avon
Banana Republic
Brandon Maxwell
Brock Collection
Brother Vellies
Calvin Klein
Catbird
COACH
CoverGirl
Chloe
Gosselin
Converse
Chromat
Cushnie et Ochs
DVF
Edie
Parker
Gabriela Hearst
GAP
GucciGypsy
SportHause
AlkireJason
WuJennifer
FisherJonathan
SimkhaiKate
SpadeKule
Lauren Conrad
LEVI
Mara
Hoffman
Marchesa
Maria Cornejo
Michelle Smith
Narciso Rodriguez
Nike
NorthFace
Old Navy
Patagonia
Pink
Prabal Gurung
Proenza Schouler
Public School
Rachel Comey
Rosetta Getty
Rosie Assoulin
Ryan Roche
Simon Miller
Tanya Taylor
TOME
Tory Burch
Tracy Reese
Trina Turk
Ulla Johnson
Victoria's Secret
WhitZac
Posen

Wow! That's quite the list, isn't it?

So what about brands that support and give to pro-life organizations?

Where's that list?

Someone? Anyone?

so what's a girl to do?

At first glance, the list above can feel a little disheartening. But I don't want you to be discouraged by the current climate of the fashion industry.

Just because we're addressing these issues, doesn't mean there aren't solutions in the works! (We'll be talking about the solution in a bit, so stay tuned!)

Just like any problem in the world, the first step to recovery, is admitting we have a problem, right?

So what's a girl to do? What steps can she take to begin making a difference?

1. Educate Yourself

If you feel a stirring in your heart as you read this, I would encourage you to dive in deeper and do further research! The fashion industry is in desperate need of reformation, and we as consumers, have the power to change it!

2. Spread Awareness

Now that you're becoming more aware of the issues at hand, a great way to make a difference is by spreading awareness! A fabulous way to do so is by sharing this article on social media! (Use our Social Share buttons at the end of this post for ease!)
Tag your friends and let them know they need to be aware of what's going on!

3. Support Brands that Support LIFE

In the same way that our dollars can unknowingly fund evil, our dollars can also fund LIFE! I'm so excited to introduce you to a LIFE giving brand that donates toward toward pro-life organizations!

introducing col1972.

Meet COL 1972, a pro-life fashion brand, launched by a fiery Mom and her world-changing daughters!

Carla Daddesi couldn't believe how many fashion brands support Planned Parenthood, so she and her daughters set out to do something about it!

After successfully launching their fashion line, they've been gaining momentum and support by like-minded Esther's who believe in speaking up for the voiceless.

We are honored and humbled to promote this true lifestyle brand, and introduce you to some of their fabulous Fall Fashion looks!

seriously so cute.

This Off the Shoulder Burgundy Sweater gives such cozy, Fall vibes. No wardrobe is complete without classic, chunky sweaters. Couple it with a pair of blue jeans or leggings, and your favorite autumn boots, and you're all set for that Fall Photoshoot!

COL 1972 has a variety of adorable dresses, it was really hard for me to choose just one to feature on this page! Make sure you check them all out on their website.

This Black and White Striped Babydoll Dress ended up being my favorite for Fall.

Olive is one of my favorite autumn colors, so this Long Sleeve Knit caught my attention right away.

Not exactly a Fall-vibe (there are only a few left from their Spring collection!) but this Spoiler Alert T absolutely made me smile! :) I want one!

No outfit is complete without the bling, and oh my goodness, COL1972 has some stunning jewelry on their site! Make sure you browse around and let me know in the comments below what your favorite piece is!

How cute is this makeup bag? I love the classic COL logo stamped all across. It's such a fabulous way to represent our love for this amazing brand, and how we're taking a stand to partner with LIFE.