Good and Bold.

Five years ago, I was in Washington D.C. for the Women's March. I was just one of millions of bold women around the globe gathered that day to make our collective voice heard. (Maybe you marched, too?) It's a memory that continues to fuel my perspective and my actions.

All these years later, it seems we need to be bolder than ever. Whether it's microbes, climate changes, social, gender, and economic injustice, or just the every day wear and tear of life, work and family. We are bold. We are made from the strength of women who came before us.

Which is why What's Good is launching a particularly brazen collection of leather bracelets made entirely with rescued/reclaimed/upcycled materials from a woman-owned business. These 'nasty' bracelets bring me back to that day in DC. The female collective. The unabashed calls to action. The courage on display. And the kinship shared. And they give me strength.

I'm taking a risk that'll we might offend some of our What's Good community, but I'm also taking the bet that they'll resonate with many of you, the way they do with me. 

Here's how they came to be in our shop:

At the peak of the 2020 chaos, a dear friend gifted one of these handmade bracelets to me for two reasons: She knew how committed I am to finding items made from "rescued" materials — and we were both fed up with Covid and politics. 

My funky bracelet from The House of Throckmorton Jones fast became my favorite accessory. Everywhere I go women AND men ask me where they can get one. You'll get asked about yours, too. That's what happens when a real fashion designer, one who's worked with the greats, designs a one-of-kind cuff for you. One part audacity, one part fashion — crafted with an eye for the highest quality using responsible materials. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Throckmorton Jone's founder and lead designer, Lisa Jones. As eco-minded female entrepreneurs we found lots to talk about. We agreed that as fresh as these words are, they transcend the shock and sass, imparting instead a little pluck when you need it.

Words are powerful, especially when YOU own them. I wear my F*** bracelet on days when I need the extra oomph—and on days when I already feel like a rock star. One glance and I'm reminded of my strength. Sometimes it's an exasperated "F***!" that simply reminds me of the emotional times we live in and that I need to be kinder to myself and others as we navigate. Other times my bracelet is a call to arms, let's get it done sort of "F***!"

But what about the other word? Ladies, you know the word I'm talking about. Why make a bracelet with a word that's often considered the penultimate vulgarity? Simple, if words are power, with a simple perspective switch, we can choose to own this word. Let's dig deeper. In other countries it's a gateway swear word used by men and women alike. In the USA its meaning is twofold: it describes the very part of us that defines our femininity (which should be celebrated); and at its worst, it's used to put women down. You see the disconnect? From now on, I will own this word, and lift it. No one, not anyone, can use this word around me in a pejorative way because it's mine now. 

It's true, these Say it! Bracelets might make even the sassiest of you blush. It's art that reflects our moment. Hopefully, even start a few conversations that move us forward. To me, that's worth bringing them to you.

If these bold bracelets aren't for you, we understand. No worries. 

But, if being a little brazen is in your DNA or you just need a little sass in your day, these won't disappoint.