Week in Review #21: Celebrating woman-owned businesses
A cool new product I recently designed, favorite brands to shop this holiday & more
This week, I’m in San Francisco for the second annual MARCHÉ Collective event (more on that below), and I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic. Last year’s event was incredibly special to me — it’s where I officially re-launched Natalie Borton Designs. I can hardly believe that was just a year ago! So much has happened since, yet it also feels like it was just yesterday.
What makes this week even more exciting is finally being able to share a project that’s been months in the making: the NBD x FRĒDA SALVADOR Loafer Charms! We just opened the waitlist yesterday, but if you’re in the Bay Area, you’ll get the very first chance to shop them tomorrow at MARCHÉ.
This year has been full of incredible milestones, and I’m feeling so grateful. With the expansion of our team (Niki in finance, Adam in project management, Sydney in graphic design!), the introduction of new product categories, amazing collaborations, and the opportunity to have a physical presence in both Encinitas and Carmel-by-the-Sea, I’m definitely having a “pinch me” moment.
Designing responsibly made, beautiful products for you to wear and enjoy in your everyday life is such a joy. Your ongoing support — whether you’re a customer or simply following along and cheering us on — truly means the world. Thank you for being part of this journey.
And as always, if there are any products or designs you wish we made, let me know in the comments!!
Thought of the Week
Loafer Mood
Collaborating with FRĒDA SALVADOR has truly been a dream. These charms are sleek and simple yet instantly elevate the beautiful ELBA Loafers to something extraordinary. Each charm is meticulously handcrafted from 100% brass by our talented, woman-led artisan partner in Kenya, whose workshop I had the privilege of visiting in person earlier this year. We went through several design iterations to create a piece that’s truly perfect, and I can’t wait to see how customers style them this season and beyond.
Celebrating Woman-Owned Business
By now I’m sure you know that I love to prioritize woman-owned businesses when I’m shopping — but why does that matter?
Supporting woman-owned businesses is so important because it creates opportunities for women to thrive in spaces where they have historically been underrepresented. It’s not just about purchasing a product; it’s about recognizing and valuing the hard work, creativity, and resilience of women who are building something meaningful.
When we choose to support woman-owned businesses, we’re helping women gain financial independence, grow their ideas, and reinvest in their communities. It’s a way to champion equality, innovation, and connection — things the world could always use more of. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to see, one where women have the resources and support they need to succeed.
Need some ideas for where to shop this season? Here you can find a round-up of my favorite woman-owned brands.1
TOMORROW (!!!) — The Natalie Belt in Croc, Baseball Caps, Malibu Sunglasses & More
We can’t wait to see you IN PERSON tomorrow for MARCHÉ — you’ll be getting first dibs on the brand new Natalie Belt in Black Croc Embossed Leather as well as our brand new Baseball Cap. Here’s a peek at what we’ll have with us at our booth (number 42!), and you can read more about it here, or just grab your tickets here right now.
Currently Reading
READING NOW: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah | I just started it last night! So many of you said it was a great book — I’ll report back!
Hope you have a great weekend — until next time!
xx
Natalie
P.S. You might also like…
Legit Mom Style is paywall-free and available to everyone. You can support this newsletter (and my work) by liking this post, leaving a comment and sharing it with anyone who you think would enjoy it. Thanks for being here!
This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase products that I recommend at no additional cost to you.
I would love it if you made an elevated everyday ring (or two!)—similar in utility to the everyday huggie & everyday hoops, which I wear religiously. The rings you've done are gorgeous, but I'm looking for something with a lower profile. Something in between delicate stacking rings and the chunkier rings you've done with Thatch. I love the chunkier rings but sometimes they get in the way, and they are too big for my most casual outfits.
Great newsletter full of so many exciting things and great messages. Thank you!
The loafer charms look so special, what a fun way to add a charming detail. Have a wonderful weekend!