Stylish Apparel that Inspires: Chewylou Designs {Review & Giveaway}

While there are a variety of beneficial aspects of working from home (e.g. making my own hours, snuggling with my kids instead of actually working, etc) another plus is choosing my own wardrobe.

Although getting made up in chic business attire does have a way of making me feel more professional, I prefer to reach into my wardrobe for the comfortable, stylish articles of clothing that look great no matter if I'm home on the computer, at the park with my kids or meeting friends for lunch.

My favorites in particular are the ones that not only demonstrate fashion and high quality, but are also unique, innovative, and have that extra stand-out-from-the-crowd aspect to them. After all, who wants to look just like everyone else? The only thing that can make them even better? When a line of clothing doesn't only look good, but promotes doing good as well.

The latest company that I have been introduced to that does just that? None other than the unique and admirable Chewylou Designs.

The Chewylou Designs clothing line was created to exemplify the good qualities that we could all work to develop or enhance in ourselves.

With a mission to inspire through positive thought and promote physical and spiritual strength, their tees feature an inspirational word on the front which is an acronym for what is written on the back.

But Chewylou does more than simply design great shirts. The company was formed after the founder, Alyssa Dinowitz, had spent countless hours with her mom during chemotherapy sessions due to being diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of sitting back, Alyssa decided she needed to help others battling this horrible disease.

Therefore, along with all of the positive messages that the shirts represent, a percentage of all of the proceeds go to a wide variety of charities including Komen for the Cure, American Heart Association, Lupus Foundation of America and Faces of Hope Fund.

Even better, in keeping with their commitment to actively support non-profit organizations, Chewylou's t-shirts are screen printed at Michael's Garden, an innovative program where adults with special needs learn vocational skills by trained professionals.

Chewylou also uses ACME Screen Prints, Arizona's "Greenest" screen printer, so that they are not only supporting great causes, but helping the environment as well!

After hearing all of that, I couldn't wait to see one of Chewylou Designs' inspiring shirts in person. After an extremely difficult decision of picking a favorite (they're all so focused on goodness, positive thought and physical and spiritual strength that it's hard to narrow them down!) I couldn't wait to see the Grateful design in person.

When it arrived, I was first struck by the colorful packaging and sweet message right on the paper. I love companies that take the extra step to make their products ready for gift giving and Chewylou does just that!

As I pulled the lightweight, long sleeve gray V-neck shirt out from the pink paper, I couldn't help but sigh at the simple beauty of it.

Made of 100% sheer jersey pre-shrunk combed cotton, this shirt is extremely soft and comfortable and all of the seams and edges are well-sewn and strong.

Chewylou had suggested ordering a larger size than usual, as their shirts run small, and I was happy that I took their advice. In fact, due to availability, I ended up with a shirt marked 2-3 sizes larger than I would normally wear and it really isn't all that loose — so definitely order up!

With the straightforward "grateful" on the front and the hand-embellished Swarovski crystal butterfly on the back, I've gotten multiple comments and compliments from people when I've worn this shirt out. Whether they are grateful for family, friends, home, health or something more, this is one message that resonates with just about anyone.

Retailing for $36, the Grateful Women's Long Sleeve Tee not only looks and feels great, but a portion of the proceeds go to the Lupus Foundation of America, so you can feel even better about wearing it... or any of Chewylou Designs' shirts!

In the hustle and bustle of the holidays and shopping for just the right gift, the true meaning of the season is often forgotten. What could be a better present than a fashionable piece of apparel (there are options for men, women and dogs!) from a company that reflects the Christmas Spirit year-round through its philanthropy?

Thanks to the generosity of Chewylou, one person will get to see just why this clothing is something that you'll surely want to wear, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of shirt from Chewylou Designs!

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big thank you to Chewylou Designs for providing a Grateful shirt for me to review as well as the shirt of choice for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.