Stop Traffick Fashion's jewelry really makes a statement

It might be hard to believe that beautiful necklaces and cool tote bags can make an important impact on the serious issue of human trafficking.

Yet, that's exactly what Stop Traffick Fashion (STF) is doing with the sale of each stylish item on its site.

Stop Traffick Fashion is an online boutique of clothing and accessories made by survivors of human trafficking. For more information on human trafficking and how STF helps survivors, check out this previous Dressed to Give profile.

The vendors that STF features span the globe, each working on a local level to employ and train survivors to produce jewelry and other accessories, ensuring safe working conditions and an alternative way for survivors to support themselves and their families. A great example of one of these vendors is Wonderfully Made, which has a for-profit side that manages the design, production and distribution of jewelry that appeals and keeps up with trends in Western markets. The non-profit side maintains partnerships with organizations that rescue and rehabilitate victims of human trafficking in Thailand.

The best way to support the important work STF and its vendors are doing is to shop the boutique and select from the many fabulous collections showcased there. Each purchase enables companies like Wonderfully Made to employ more survivors, giving them hope for a better life.

But, if you're looking for even more ways to help, STF offers numerous options to get involved with its call to be an "Everyday Abolitionist." The STF blog suggests many ways, big and small, in which you can take a stand against trafficking including:

• Use the Free2Work site or iPhone app when you shop to help identify companies that use forced or child labor.
• Commit to buying fair trade items. Start small with coffee or chocolate and go from there.
• Talk about it! When a friend compliments you on your gorgeous necklace from STF, share with her how your purchase helped a victim of human trafficking.
• Educate yourself and learn more about the issue of human trafficking and slavery by checking out the resources and films on the STF blog.
• Volunteer! STF is recruiting volunteers to help staff events, be social media ambassadors to raise awareness, or put their special skills like graphic design or accounting to use. Visit STF's Facebook page to find out more details.

For all your Valentines this year, give them something that's not only beautiful but also makes a difference from Stop Traffick Fashion's boutique.

Check out our other posts on gifts that give back: Dressed to Give: "America's Sweetheart" combats cancer with carats and Dressed to Give: Red dresses and the runway help women focus on the heart truth.