Dressing Up and Giving Back (ft Lace & Scone)

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​When it comes to shopping for a formal occasion like a friend’s wedding, a gala (if you’re about that life), or even just a birthday dinner, it’s a little hard to find ethical options. This is why I’m so excited to share Lace & Scone with you- a truly unique brand that makes being ethical and giving back fun and luxurious. 

Since moving to New York, my life has been go, go, go. But, because of a shipping mishap, my life has also consisted of me living out of two (admittedly huge) suitcases! I’ve never missed my clothes so much in my life.

Perfect timing for my first New York Fashion Week, am I right! Instead of caving and grabbing something from the fast fashion stores that line my commute to work- Zara, Macy’s, Forever 21, etc- NYC based Lace & Scone came to the rescue for my favorite NYFW event, the Chiara Boni La Petite Robe show- which also happened to be on Valentine’s Day. I got endless compliments on this gorgeous red dress, which I made a little more me and NYC winter friendly with a turtleneck and tights. 

I’m obsessed with the back detail of this dress, and the perfect structure. Did I already mention it’s the perfect candy red?!
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I adored wearing this gorgeous piece, especially because of the incredible brand- and brain- behind it. Lace & Scone’s founder, Danielle, has always had business in her veins. When she was little, she went to work with her dad and shadowed her friends’ entrepreneur parents, asking a million questions and absorbing the drive and passion behind their days. When she grew up, she found a career that would pay her the world, so she entered the banking industry.  An unexpected bonus and the best part of this move? Meeting her (now) husband! 

​Afternoon tea with a modern twist comes to life in Lace & Scone’s beautiful products- with a little NYC edge, of course. 

But just traveling wasn’t fulfilling Danielle. She wanted to give back, and to do good in a tangible way.

She was driven to start Lace & Scone through what she couldn’t do in the banking industry. Banking (and most other industries) only hire highly educated professionals. Even corporate giving is limited to pre-designated global charities and beneficiaries. Danielle wanted to be able to give back in a community-focused way. She wanted to enable second chances that would change lives, through employment and an open hiring policy.

So, Lace & Scone was born. The whimsical nature of the brand also comes from Danielle’s travels- she lived in London for a few years and loved “being a little British.” She wanted to create a deconstructed afternoon tea experience in her brand- bringing the dressing up, gifting, girl time, and even a little bit of the indulgence to the company. She wanted us in the US to enjoy these aspects of the tradition while being able to give back. 

Afternoon tea with a modern twist comes to life in Lace & Scone’s beautiful products- with a little NYC edge, of course. When you browse the website, you see beautiful dresses, tea, and more that you can gift to others or treat yourself to- while giving back!
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Since Danielle was inspired to make an impact locally, she gives back with her company to the homeless here in New York. 

She also sources locally. When she first imagined her business, she pictured bringing products from everywhere and anywhere. Being a traveler, this seemed only natural. But when she made it to NYC to bring her dream to life, she found that there were tons of small factories right here in the city making beautiful things. She now loves to support local designers and suppliers. Making relationships with these creators is one of her favorite parts of the business. Her Made-in-the-US model is not only personal, but sustainable. Her designers and suppliers are committed to high quality and service standards. For example, Lace & Scone’s tea is ethically sourced and beautifully packaged in quality tins. Their jewelry designer is a lifelong New Yorker who brings the passion of the city into her creative and gorgeous products.  
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Her business model is also all about giving. Lace & Scone is online-only, purposely keeping costs low so they can give more. They’ve also got big giving goals. They want to make an impact through employment and second chances. They work to give hope to the homeless. Their goal is to hire 100 people who are marginalized and unemployed and to give away 5,000 homeless care kits per year.

​“Someone in New York City notices you, cares about you, loves you, and is doing what they can to help you.”
​- Danielle Voisin, Founder of Lace & Scone

Photo by Kate Alison

Speaking of these kits- one of the coolest things Lace & Scone does is give care kits to local homeless shelters and populations. These “NY Hearts U” care kits are Lace & Scone’s way of saying “Someone in New York City notices you, cares about you, loves you, and is doing what they can to help you.” Lace & Scone gives away one of these kits, which are filled with essentials (socks, soap, etc) with every purchase from their store to help the homeless to have a little dignity and comfort in their transition time. The most rewarding moment Danielle has had in this journey so far was when she brought the first batch of these care kits to a local shelter. The residents asked, “Are these for us?!” The staff was also surprised- “No one makes donations look that nice!” This is how she knew they were on the right track. 

"You just wake up every day and try to make something out of nothing."
​- Danielle Voisin, Founder of Lace & Scone

​Danielle inspires me, not only by her amazing business but by the fact that she is a badass female entrepreneur. When I asked her what the most difficult thing about this path is, she said- “A small business owner has to do everything when they first get started- I find my biggest challenge is balancing my priorities and time. I have to decide when to spend time learning new things, focusing on sales, thinking up new ideas, delegating, etc. There are no rules, no guidebooks, no one telling you what you should be doing. You just wake up every day and try to make something out of nothing.”

Check out more products on Lace & Scone’s website. They ship everywhere! PS, if you’re passionate about their mission, feel free to reach out. They love to connect with people who share their passion!