Olivela Review: Is This Charitable Luxury Retailer Legit?
Overview of Olivela‘s Mission and Business Model
Olivela was founded in 2017 by Stacey Boyd with the mission to empower young women and girls globally by helping them access education and opportunities.
After witnessing the lack of access to education for girls in developing countries firsthand, Stacey returned determined to make a difference. She pitched the Olivela concept to 12 luxury designers, who all agreed to partner and donate part of their proceeds to charitable organizations supporting girls‘ education and women‘s rights.
Here‘s how Olivela‘s business model works:
- Partners with over 430 top luxury fashion, accessories, beauty and lifestyle brands
- Customers shop from the Olivela website as they would any online retailer
- 20% of the proceeds from every purchase go towards Olivela‘s charitable partners
- Customers can select from charities focused on issues like girls‘ education, ending child marriage, and women‘s health
Since launching in 2017, Olivela has already donated over $3 million to charitable causes thanks to the support of its brand partners and customers.
Inside Olivela‘s Product Selection and Ordering Process
With over 400 luxury brands on board, Olivela offers an extensive designer product selection including:
- Women‘s clothing: dresses, tops, bottoms, swimwear, outerwear from designers like Ganni, Staud, Reformation
- Shoes: heels, flats, sneakers, sandals from Jimmy Choo, Aquazzura, Alepel
- Bags: handbags, backpacks, wallets from Valentino, Clare V., Strathberry
- Accessories: hats, scarves, sunglasses, jewelry
- Beauty: skincare, makeup, hair care, fragrances from La Mer, Olaplex, Supergoop
No matter your style or budget, you‘re likely to find coveted designer items for any occasion on Olivela.
The ordering process is straightforward:
- Browse products and add items to your cart
- At checkout, select a charity you wish to donate 20% of proceeds to
- Enter shipping and billing information
- Select shipping method
- Make payment securely via Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, PayPal
Olivela also offers financing through Affirm if you prefer to split up payments over time.
Olivela Shipping, Returns and Customer Service
Shipping
Olivela offers free standard shipping within the continental US. For expedited delivery, 2-day and overnight shipping options are available for an additional fee.
Since items may ship separately directly from brands, you‘ll receive individual tracking numbers for each package. Olivela will send shipping confirmations with tracking as soon as items leave their facilities.
Returns
If you are unsatisfied with any purchase, Olivela offers free returns within 30 days of receiving your order. Items must be unused with tags still attached.
To start a return, visit their online Returns Center. Once received and inspected, refunds are typically issued within 14 days.
Customer Service
Olivela‘s NYC-based customer experience team is available to help via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (855) 454-2978
- Monday – Friday 9am – 4:30pm EST
Many reviewers praise Olivela‘s stellar customer service for prompt, friendly assistance resolving any issues.
Olivela Product Reviews: Top Designer Items
To showcase what Olivela has to offer, here are reviews of some bestselling products across categories:
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
This luxurious scent for women combines warm, musky undertones like saffron and cedarwood with a floral heart of jasmine for an utterly addictive fragrance.
The artful, diamond-shaped bottle encases this rich nectar, allowing a sensuous and long-lasting aroma with just a spritz.
- $325 for 2.4oz
- Provides school supplies for 80 children
Aquazzura Tulum Tassel Sandal
Handcrafted in Italy, these boho-chic suede sandals feature playful tassels and lace-up detailing.
The block heel provides comfort for all-day wear, cushioned leather insoles pamper your feet, and neutral hues complement any outfit.
- $555
- Provides 21 critical supplies for 4 families
111Skin Rose Gold Radiance Booster
This hydrating toner combines Damascena rose essence, antioxidant-rich gold, and brightening niacinamide to revive tired skin.
Use it as the perfect prep step before serums and creams for a glowing, dewy complexion and visible reduction in dullness.
- $135 for 0.7oz
- Provides warmth and care for 2 babies
Clare V. Petit Slouchy Tote
Made from ultra-soft Italian suede in a slouchy silhouette, this tote transitions seamlessly from weekday errands to weekend getaways.
Spacious enough for all your essentials yet chic enough for fashionable pairing, it‘s an everyday luxury handbag made to be loved for years.
- $495
- Provides school supplies for 15 children
With 10+ top-selling products reviewed, it’s clear Olivela offers coveted designer items that give back in meaningful ways with each purchase.
How Does Olivela Compare to Similar Luxury Retailers?
Unlike traditional retailers focused solely on profits, Olivela sets itself apart with its charitable mission. But how does it stack up to other luxury brands with social initiatives?
I compared Olivela to two similar retailers:
Olivela vs. Allbirds
Allbirds is a sustainable footwear brand using revolutionary natural materials with a net-zero carbon mission.
While they share an eco-conscious ethos, key differences emerge:
- Product range: Allbirds only sells own brand of shoes and apparel while Olivela offers many luxury brands
- Price point: Allbirds affordable everyday sneakers vs. Olivela‘s higher-end designer items
- Charitable approach: Olivela donates cash to organizations while Allbirds focuses on sustainability
In the end, Olivela is better for affordable luxury while Allbirds wins for comfort and lower prices.
Olivela vs. Fashion Project
Fashion Project allows you to buy/sell secondhand clothing while giving proceeds to eco-causes.
The two retailers align on:
- Charitable initiatives supporting social/environmental issues
- Curated selections appealing to conscious consumers
However, Olivela stands apart with:
- Focus specifically on women/girl empowerment issues
- Only sells new, not pre-owned, designer merchandise
So while Fashion Project wins on sustainability, Olivela takes the lead promoting gender equality.
Is Olivela Too Good to Be True? Addressing Common Concerns
Whenever something seems "too good to be true," it often pays to dig deeper with a critical eye.
Does Olivela live up to its glowing reputation once you scratch beneath the surface?
Here are 3 common concerns consumers have expressed about luxury retail and my thoughts after evaluating Olivela‘s specific policies and practices:
The ‘donation‘ claims are just a marketing ploy
Olivela dispels doubts about donation claims in several ways:
- Detailed explanation of charitable model on website
- Transparent tracking showing donations made and impact
- Ranked #16 in Fast Company‘s Top 50 Most Innovative Retail Companies for Donations
The numbers also speak for themselves – over $3 million donated clearly demonstrates long-term commitment, not a mere PR stunt.
There‘s no real savings compared to traditional retailers
It‘s true Olivela doesn‘t necessarily offer the "best" prices compared to sales at Saks or flash sites.
However, the additional social value you get makes paying full retail worth it for the socially-conscious shopper. It comes down to aligning purchases with values – and putting your wallet to work for good.
Luxury retail relies on unethical production practices
The fashion industry as a whole definitely has improvements to make regarding sustainability and labor practices.
However, we‘re seeing positive momentum from conscious brands following ethical manufacturing guidelines and principles. Olivela actively partners only with brands sharing its values around social impact and reform.
While skepticism about the luxury retail is justified, Olivela demonstrates an ethical approach makes success in business and social good mutually achievable.
The Verdict: Is Olivela Worth Supporting?
Based on extensive analysis into Olivela‘s background, business practices, and reputation, I believe it stands as a pioneer in ethical luxury retail.
By leveraging designer brands to power meaningful impact for women, children and marginalized communities globally, Olivela innovatively fuses for-profit business and nonprofit good.
The company lives up to its mission by:
- Following through on donations, not just making claims
- Prioritizing radical transparency around giving and operations
- Promoting sustainable production standards alongside partners
For shoppers who can afford the occasional luxury treat, Olivela makes it easy to look good while doing good.
The merch might be high-end but the positive change supported with every order makes it accessible in an entirely different way.
If you‘re seeking a more socially-conscious way to satisfy your inner fashionista, I wholeheartedly recommend Olivela.
