<3 Life <3 Style

Natalya says.

2009-07-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

My friend Natalya left a message for me on facebook. It was grammatically incorrect and it said:

"I wish u could see my outfit right now. I think that u would either really like it or really not. I brushed out my hair and have a huge fro, am wearing massive gold earings, I am also wearing a high waisted black mini skirt with these bright gold buttons, ballet flats, and an american apparell tank. I am going out to this alternative dance thing. I wish u were here to give me advise."

or rather, yada yada yada yada. ;)

I was trying to imagine what this outfit looked like and I thought it would be funny/amusing to draw a quick amateur sketch of her based on her own description. I tagged her on facebook. Hopefully she won't be too embarassed:

I bought them. Remorseful thoughts.

2009-06-30T21:05:00.001-07:00

I have just pushed a button.

aka I have just bought them online.

I feel incredibly guilty.

I just spent $128.

I saved $47 in comparison to OAK's ilse jacobsen boots.

But that is not that much of a savings really when you are like broke and working free at a nonprofit.

I had envisioned saving more than that, but ebay's weird coupon and cashback regulations screwed me over. [the coupon code didn't cover shipping, and the cashback wouldn't work for UK purchases]

I feel slightly disgusted and disturbed with myself.

But I felt bad not buying it.

Finally, I did it since action is more interesting than inaction.

I am a horrible person.

But I have the boots.

Well, it's more like I will have them in 4 weeks.

UK shipping aka delayed gratification.

This is the most I have ever spent on shoes, believe it or not. And I just spent much over $100 for rainboots. I am retarded and crazy. (no offense intended to the retarded and the crazy)

I have never ever even spent that much for my Stella McCartney's. I would never ever normally even CONSIDER purchasing shoes for more than $100.

I am not quite sure what has happened to my mentality regarding these boots.

And even though I'm already kicking myself for having bought them in the Nutty Caramel color, in the back of my mind I am thinking how nice it would be to have the Orange ones and Black ones as well. . .Ilse Jacobsen, I really don't like you right now. You suck for making such obsessive boots that make a girl make decisions that lack both sense and sanity. That's right.

Ilse Jacobsen's (rain) boots

2009-06-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

I have decided I am in love with Ilse Jacobsen's (rain) boots.

photo: oaknyc.com

It started off innocently enough.

I saw them on OAK's website. Curiously cute things. Militant and spunky.

The next day I did some more googling on them.

The following day I was obsessed. I passed up pair of nicely priced Hunter's that happened to pass my way (I have always lacked rainboots).

The following following day I was still obsessed.

Today I drew a picture of them.

They come in all the colors of an appropriately edited rainbow.

They look like- what? Doc Marten's without the clown-like bottom.

Who doesn't want that?

I can imagine many happy outfits around these boots.

I cannot get them out of my head.

Of course- they are far too elusive and expensive at present ($175 on OAK) and I will need to patiently wait for the best opportunity to buy them. The best option of which may be ordering from the UK. Bullocks.

www.ilsejacobsen.dk

Finality..[?]

2009-04-01T13:18:00.001-07:00

I will be blunt. Basically Love Life Love Style has turned into a sort of deserted town...

I feel like I owe an apology to readers who would come back and all they would saw for the past couple months was an outdated excuse (and lame): "Hey, I have tons of work!"

I kind of just let it drag on because I did not know if I could really just stop it. Just stop the blog. Obviously, I wasn't having time to do upkeep and all those sort of things one needs to do to keep a blog well, alive; including garnering traffic, blah blah blah, etc. But I guess I was kind of dreading to completely close off this part of... well, whatever this is a part of. I did not want to accept that maybe the blog was slowly chugging to a stop (due to me).

I don't like any sort of finality to anything-- and if there were enough hours in the day I would keep writing. However, I do apologize in case anyone ever winds back here again by chance: I should say I think I was perhaps sort of "méchante" (mean) in just letting the poor blog kind of fade away knowingly and not saying a thing. I had been having a tough couple of months and struggling with a lot of things and about myself and my identity and my capabilities- or lackthereof. Just really doubtful and discouraged about reality. I try to express things as they are, and for me it was also very difficult to just have this blog- where I'm supposed to maintain this sort of "professionalism" (however casual), and completely separate "my real life" so to say. To keep out things not as obviously related to the subject matter.

Sometimes I find myself wishing that I could document all of it. I find art and beauty in everything. In thoughts, in ideas, in feelings, in moments that don't seem important at all but there's some sort of nugget of truth in them.

To close, this isn't a note to send this blog to the grave. I believe Love Life Love Style had a very good mission and communicated important ideas. I basically tried to fill a large need that I thought I saw: a fashion blog with an ethical outlook towards animals. Maybe I wasn't able to do it as well as I wanted, but I put forth a good amount of effort and I think some good discussions were facilitated here and around the fashion blog community.

I still get a steady flow of passerby traffic- I think it is great that people may be using or gaining information from past articles I've written, etc., so in that way this blog has a steady stream -a current- of life running through it. I would best consider it as that the blog, as of now, is just in a deep deep sleep. A hibernation, if you will. Dormant.

Who knows? One day I might pick it back up- send a jolt into this place. Maybe one of these days I'll be struck with some intense spurt of energy or perhaps be hit with a fresh new perspective or approach to which I will have sufficient time to dedicate. Or maybe some days I'll just sproadically put up a post.

+ + + +

Finally, one might be curious as to what I'm doing now-- a tiny update as I am at it I suppose-- well, I do owe something, don't I?

I am currently polishing off my 3rd year in college- and this semester I have been abroad...in France. I've been studying in a lovely historic Alsacien town called Strasbourg. It's the first time I've ever even been in Europe and though there have been some trying/stressful times, it's really been one of the most positive experiences of my life. I can't even begin to describe it. Now, if only if only a couple french friends would just fall into my lap!

To be honest now that I think about it, it kind of seems criminal of me to be in France - known to girls worldwide as a place of chicness and sophistication - and not be blogging about it. But to be honest, Strasbourg isn't too remarkable style-wise. Sure, a 60 second walk would bring me past Louis Vuitton, Sonia Rykiel, Hermès... just to name a few- but the girls typically do this unassuming casual rocker thing, and the guys do the leather jacket and skinny pants thing.

Some highlights, fashion-wise:
I went vintage shopping in the Marais, visited the Sonia Rykiel Exhibition at Musée des Arts Décoratifs [amazing], stumbled upon historic fashion at "Sous l'Empire des Crinolines" at the museum of fashion- Galleria (only ever open for temporary exhibitions), and even was at the opening night party around fashion week at Thierry Mugler's Parisian boutique for the debut of their 2 week capsule collection there- champagne (best ever), hors d'oeuvres- it was fantastic- like I stumbled into some strange dream with all these really mind-numbingly important french in the fashion industry just happening to be there.

Hey okay, so it's really not much, but here are some random photos:

I know

2008-09-27T19:19:00.001-07:00

I know I suck for not updating. I have a lot of workkk :(

Olympics: "The Athletic Image"

2008-08-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time coming! These Olympic-inspired shenanigans:

I. "The Athletic Image"
Sports Covered: Swimming, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Track, Soccer, Softball

[all olympic photos are Getty Images unless otherwise mentioned]

So here is my confession: I have been being a total Olympics junkie. In the first couple few days of the Opening Ceremony, I was fixated on the TV like a madwoman. At first it was just at night, then it grew to day and night. If you know me, you know this is not normal. Just as the Olympics has a long and rich history, I have a long and rich history of being uninclined towards athletics...save for the monkey bars when I was a child. I have always been the girl who you'd pick last on your team in gym because I am just not as athletic and as a kid unfortunately I wasn't the most confident so I didn't reallly have the assertiveness and boldness that people need to do well in sports. I think that's the biggest factor but it also didn't help that my heart has some irregularity.

The Olympics are just infectious though. It's so strange because normally I do not watch sports games at all. It's just hard to get into (like, whoa, what's going on here) or understand or know which team to root for. Dad took us to a few baseball games as a kid, but it was just difficult to get into! It was just 'hit hit, strike strike'. But the Olympics is just for a certain period of time though so you're pretty well-covered already, and it's on a world stage. Plus you feel some connection to the players because you're of the same nationality and they're representing your own country which of course, you would like to completely dominate. =p

It's strange cause I don't consider myself even that patriotic at all.

So I've watched some of EVERYTHING. I even had a list of sports I liked and disliked watching: The ones that move a little slow for me are Badminton, Tennis, Cycling, Table Tennis, Water Polo, Equestrian (though I love horses), Diving, Rowing, and even Softball. I was addicted to Swimming, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Gymnastics, Track, plus a little bit of Basketball (USA vs. China).

I am so sad that the Olympics ended yesterday! But why did I watch the Olympics in the first place when it's so uncharacteristic of me? Well, the Opening Ceremony itself was a req and to die for...I watched all the countries walk by... and idk, it's just the feeling and that sense of unification and I think some of the games just really draw you in and the athletes are just phenomonal as well like 41-year-old swimmer Dara Torres. Can't believe she got the silver in her individual race, beating out girls half her age, but missing the gold by 1/100th of a second. And the swimming medley relays? On the edge of my seat! Don't even talk to me about Phelps (dubbed as "magical")-- the race between him and Cavic where he won by 1/100th of a second, and the down-to-the-wire relay race to the finish with the trash-talking Alain Bernard and US anchor Jason Lezak. Unforgettable!

Anyone notice how Phelps looks 10x hotter with the cap on?

How about the Women's Gymnastics All-Around? A total nail-biter to me. Some of the scoring had been a little biased towards China in Women's Gymnastics overall (both Nastia and Shawn were gyped there in different places I'd say-- Nastia's floor excercise was completely better the 2nd time around and yet she got graded lower, how she got the same score on the uneven bars as someone whose program wasn't as good as hers...) but loved every minute of Gymnastics... and Russia's Marina Semenova? So cute and so bright-looking! Thought Russia should've gotten a medal somewhere. Also, for the record, Shawn Johnson is the most adorable 16-year-old in the world. And Bela Karolyi himself was fascinating to watch.

Usain Bolt's breaking of three world records? And that Baton race at the end with Asafa Powell? WOW. Then USA Volleyball was so edge-of-the-seat it wasn't even funny and Ogonna Nnamani was top-form. Plus, May and Walsh in Beach Volleyball---!!! I was wide-eyed in the beginning with them against Beligum, and how they ended up totally sailing over the Chinese in the gold medal finals. Just great.

Of course there's the ones that tug at you too and you feel the athlete's own disappointment like Doc Patton and Tyson Gay dropping the damn relay baton and and US women also dropping the baton on their run. And when dear dear Lolo Jones was ahead without a doubt, but then caught the edge of one of the last hurdles, and tripped, completely lost her lead, and frustrating collapse on the track.

Have I gotten those of you unmoved by the Olympics, excited yet? Or those of you as addicted pumped up again by sheer memories? Well, typically uninterested me was completely consumed! If you haven't seen any, youtube any of these specific events mentioned...they're just exhilarating!

The Olympics in general are just really inspirational, but watching all the female Olympians and how they all differed in body type-- from Shawn Johnson who's a tad stockier with thicker thighs, to Misty May-Treanor, to Jennie Finch, to Dawn Harper --but all having in common a great physique, made a really positive impression. For example, I've always been really critical of my calves, which are as wide as anything, but but watching girls like gold-medalist Shawn Johnson with a rigorous training schedule having wider but muscular calves makes me feel better and not as critical. We all have parts of our body we'd like to change, but sometimes it's just our build, and all we can do it is to put it in the best form we can like these athletes.

dawn harper is a powerhouse.

I've always envied the quickness and strength and well, hand-eye coordination of those more athletically-inclined. There's a certain level of toughness and coolness there in say, like the "athletic image" like in the sporty Nike or Adidas ads and well, respect there too. This tough "athletic image" isn't really taken into consideration as much when it comes to fashion...unless you're Yohji Yamamato or Stella McCartney for Adidas. I mean, sometimes there are the "sporty magazine shoots" but they doll it up or layer and prissy it up so much. The athletic woman to me is a raw thing. It's raw and commanding. And that's what you should feel when you try to attempt that feeling and that image. And to stress that--- it is a feeling... a feeling of empowerment of striving, determination, and pushing yourself and pushing your body to the best that it can be.

Mia Hamm VS Kate Moss

And of course the all-telling: Who would win in an arm wrestle? Maybe Kate would pull out her 5-inch razor-sharp Fendi heels but quick-thinking and stronger Mia would win every single time. What it boils down to is that Kate is weaker. And I'm not just picking on Kate (I mean as long as you're healthy right?), or people who are skinny, but too-skinny models really. I think in comparison- these Olympic athletes just command so much respect! They put their bodies in the best form they can for the sport they are in. But all across the board: rowing, basketball, and even gymnastics-- all these women are fit as anything. Hey, you need a lot of strength to work that balance beam or launch yourself through those uneven bars. Nastia Liukin -the all-around champion this time around- holds herself like a model, is lithe like a model, but is probably in 20x better shape than any model on the catwalk. [she's even mentioned she's interested in modeling. I think she can do better than that, but if she were to pursue modeling, she'd definitely give the industry a challenge with her athletic physique]

Where the problem comes in is that it's about being leaner and thinner in the world of fashion. What do girls want to be? They want to get thinner. Everyone wants to cut out the fat from their diet and get a little bit skinnier. Even I was like that and I had my own personal little revelation that I'm partly sharing here. You don't hear so much, "I want to be in shape and fit. I want to be stronger." Put the US Women's Soccer Team with the catwalkers. Who's more fit? In a game of survival, the catwalkers might not do so well.

So why is it that we all want to emulate the frames of catwalkers and those in high fashion spreads than that of lean and powerfully dynamic Olympians? Their bodies are so much better and fitter and probably a lot healthier. As Kors said on PR: These women are like Wonder Woman! And if we take this to the extremes: Would you rather want to be a superheroine or a stick?

When it's put that way, it's no question. The infectious Olympic spirit and determination nudged unathletic me to tackle the gym more than I would, have an immense appreciation and better understanding for sports, and spontaneously go hiking out of the blue. Now having that sort of athletic frame really is more of a goal than just "being skinny"... Plus, I mean, to be "superficial" about it, your clothes will look so much better, when you have a better frame to put them on. I Just think it's better to feel strong than to feel...thin. Some women have that idea, but some women, and young girls, don't I think. Even a few of my friends don't (don't whack me).

I think that those long thin models on the catwalk can most CERTAINLY be stronger an carry the same tall lithe frame, but there's also the issue that the industry wants lithe as in thin and bony and not necessarily as in "lean and strong". Don't give me the "They were born this way!" stuff-- it's a total copout; they could easily all go to the gym and pick up some muscle mass. Hello! There are tons of long and lithe and in-shape beauties like Maria Sharapova. She is incredibly fit, and as far FAR from beefy as you can get. Even Gisele IMO seems really fit and has that strong and healthy look.

Not to mention they're much more inspirational IMO and a really positive representative of their respective countries.

Onto the Sets!

Disclaimer: These were all rather difficult to do...since I don't really own any shiny Lycra or Spandex or Leotards or tight short shorts so you can see why it took me so long to do this. In the feel of the outfits, I tried to keep them so that they feel somewhat strong and athletic and somewhat have an aura of confidence and pride.

SWIMMING

I'm wearing: j.crew shorts, le tigre tank, 2 belts,
AA blue tights over UO black tights, + random ribbon

GYMNASTICS

I'm wearing: A/X red top, straps from H&M skirt
this one was actually kind of difficult. I ended up taking a thick red ribbon and wrapping it around my shorts so that it looked longer and more like the outfit.

VOLLEYBALL

(they have kneepads over their socks so I whipped out my hansel basel socks)

also a lot of my shirts aren't that decorative which is why I fiddled around with ribbons and belts and placement for all of these etc.

Look- I'm not that athletic but I did try with the poses though!
I'm wearing: Stella McCartney for Adidas sneakers, Hansel Basel Socks,
sweatshorts, elastic H&M belt, skirt suspender straps, le garcon tee.

TRACK

SOFTBALL

SOCCER

sorry!

2008-08-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

*update* OK so I was kind of fibbing before by just blaming it on the olympics. although I do spend 24/7 on the olympics. [IM SITTING DOWN TO WATCH IT RIGHT NOW on nbc] but I kind of also lost my groove and kind of got stuck, to be truthful-- I wanted to kick off my posts by conveying a certain idea about the olympics and athleticism, but I wasn't sure quite how to do it. BUT NOW I HAVE MY GROOVE BACK. expect an olympics extravaganza w/i the next two days. Outfits inspired by your favorite olympic sports and more...(sounds corny but it IS NOT). xo ++remember girls! 11pm EST live May and Walsh beach volleyball!++

soo sorry for not updating. I hate to give excuses, but basically I finished my physics final exam more than a week ago, and then I have been totally TOTALLY consumed by the Olympic events. beach volleyball, volleyball, swimming, gymnastics, you name it- I've been watching them nonstop. So addicted. It's not an excuse, but I will try try try to do a post tommorrow.

The Ones that Got Away (+ a time-sensitive tip on amazing fringe boots ending < 20 hrs at the end!)

2008-08-05T18:13:00.001-07:00

9:30 pm *post update* the fringe boots listing (see end of post) ends in 30 minutes @10 PM EST !
_____

Regulars know how much I adore Vintage-shopping on Ebay.

#1: it's one of a kind. any similar ones may be at the bottom of a dumpster or stuffed in some old nanny's closet.

#2: if it can hold up that long, it must be pretty decent quality.

#3: it is ideally good for the environment. [rather than production production production -- carbon footprint, etc etc-- the idea is that you're buying things that have already been around for a decade or more so less energy is spent in making new things]

#4: if you buy vintage leather goods, it's a great great alternative to fueling the problematic and needlessly cruel leather industry (please welcome knowledge! see this here)

BUT...just as #1 can be a fantastic thing, it can also be a terrible thing! If you miss out on a one-of-a-kind item, it's OVER! Girls like to mourn over boys. I think boys are complicated and not worth mourning over and I would rather mourn over The Ones That Got Away...and by that I mean fabulous fabulous one-of-a-kind vintage items.

It's just, sometimes a piece really resonates with you, you know? Like you feel like it kind of represents you in a way. Kind of like part of your identity. Like if someone were to think of you, you'd want them to think of you in that outfit. A certain style of shoes or pants can really just vibe with you and represent your personality or your taste to an ace.

Wow, now I'm sounding like a hybrid of new-agey materialism. It's just that I have thought and discussed about this before with other people and I think it's really important when we think what is probably one of the core reasons of why people shop.

It's just like if you have a favorite book or band and you think it represents you really well- it kind of holds a special place and makes up your individualism and so ends up being part of what makes up or at least supports your identity. Like I love "The Little Prince" and I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou... Your taste is a big part of who you are. I'm sure many can attest to that.

But it's also not like "typecasting"--like if you deem yourself "punk" then you like all "punk" things or if your style is "boho" you don't like all "hippie" things. . . or at least I hope you throw some variety in there or you might just be one of those rare stereotypic stereotypes.

Example: I used to think Sixpence None the Richer was brilliant, but at the same time I thought Ani DiFranco is amazing, and I think Common (Common the hip-hop artist) puts out incredible material. One of the best movies I thought was Bowling for Columbine but at the same time I didn't like Million Dollar Baby or Crash (both Academy Award winners). One of my all-time favorites is Pygmalion, a true classic, I thought its remake My Fair Lady paled in comparison..but then again I really liked District B-13. [look it up-- very different. slightly violent dark french action movie]

In a way most of us are all kind of "eclectic" and that's what makes us feel so individualistic.

Anyway - to get back to where I started - there are some vintage pieces that you see and stick with you for a long time...especially if you failed in procuring them! Which is where this post comes in. I'm introducing you to my past vintage Heartbreakers.

Sometimes I can't afford to procure certain items that really do resonate with me but that's okay since I know there's many copies of them...but Vintage is totally a different story...especially when it's not impossible for me to afford it but I fail in getting it! Of course, part of being a creative and individual dresser is making do with what you have and wearing it in ways that do represent you, but that's a different story.

All these pieces I'm showing I think help define "my style", and would be integral parts in something called "Gloria's Wardrobe"...but alas none of them are actually mine! This list of past vintage heartbreaks will give a window into what I think the perfect examples of my taste and style are. Sometimes I can't really show what are totally "me" and what I would really really would put together if I had the ability to get certain pieces. These are those pieces! Those are the ones you keep thinking about again and again and think, "Why Didn't I get those?!" and keep doing frantic ebay searches every once in a while cause they haunt you so.

It's hard to know what you can't have, whether it be world peace

or the perfect boots you missed out on.

Vintage Heartbreakers- all courtesy of Ebay

Heartbreak #1: One of the Original Covets of Mine... Vintage FrontFlap I. Magnins

...a classic case of missing the end of auction time. And they ended up selling for $10! [groan] I actually posted this beautiful alternative a while back in The Beef W/ Leather Post. Simple yet unique.

Heartbreak #2: Next Came- The Perfect Vintage School Blazer...

...ended up being too $$$ for me...~$170...of course it was being sold by Nasty Gal Vintage which had a lot of fans so I did expect the bid to go that high... (sigh). I have yet to find one as perfect as this. Do you see the fit? It's fantastic.

Heartbreak #3: ...and Then I missed the auction on The Best Vintage Floral Minidress in the World...which ended up selling for $35.

...And THEN...it Popped Back on Ebay...but THIS time, it was all the way in AUSTRALIA...

...And Of Course I got Outbid because I did not think I could afford it due to it's rising bid price and extravagant shipping cost. [silent screaming] I mourn for this dress often. This is one of the Most Perfect Florals I've ever seen...

Heartbreak #3 1/2: The Best Vintage Tutu In the World...

...which in the end I didn't bid on since I need to save money and I convinced myself it was an impractical whimsy. [proof I am My Own Worst Enemy]

Heartbreak #4: The Most Yummy Banana Colored Boots...

Actually it was not really my fault that I couldn't have these.. I was so IN LOVE with these- but they were not my size! They were 2 sizes too large! But I still think they're gorgeous to look at...and wish I could have it in size 8.5...too bad the seller didn't list a brand name...but then again it probably wouldn't matter since it's VINTAGE, aka won't find it ever again. (Vintage is a curse and a blessing. If you get it, it's a blessing. If you don't-- it's a curse.)

Heartbreak #5: I think this is what is causing Global Warming...

...actually, I did bid on this...but OF COURSE, the reserve price was actually like $220...(I only know because I asked later on). Did I mention it's vintage Thierry Mugler? It's so bright and covetable-looking...

Now...My Latest and Greatest MAJOR Heartbreak:

The Most Marvelous One-of-a-Kind Vintage Rosy-Mauve-Taupe Boots with Tiny Gold Buttons...

...This happened just YESTERDAY. [Hence, fueling this intense post] I was fuming inside when I realized I missed the auction time. Like when I went to check the webpage and I found out I missed it, my face was expressionless. Like real, inner fury. No emotion.

What happened was I reluctantly agreed to go to grab a bite to grab a bite at McDonalds (of all things!) with someone in my lab after work but I did it anyway, and when I came back, I realized I missed the end of the auction by 15 MINUTES. McDonalds! Never Again! McDonalds!!

It also did not help that it was ending 3 hours earlier than I originally thought it would. [It's hard to do math & calculate time differences at 2 in the morning the night before when you have a physics exam the next day]

Something Entertaining: My college friends and I have a mass email thing going
on to each other this summer and after I missed out on these I sent them all my

daily email. In it I explained what happened and at the end I wrote this:

"can someone please tell me : "Everything will be fine" "You'll find another one" "There are more fish out in the sea"

To which I would respond: "No it's not! I won't find another one! That was THE ONEEEEEEE."

... for me, missing out on a one-of-a-kind object is kind of like not being able to have the boy of your affections!"

I ache over all of them, but this was the latest heartache. It's really really hard to find good vintage boots. Especially banana and perfect rosy-mauve-taupe colored ones. (wikipedia shows examples of rose-taupe & mauve-taupe color)

screenshot via Wikipedia:

The Goodie Part

You didn't think I would leave this on a sad note after I've shown you all of those past heartbreakers, would you? There's a light at the end of the tunnel...although unfortunately not for me.

I have found the latest and greatest potential heartbreaker. bad for me, maybe not for you! I know it will be a heartbreaker for me because it is not in my size. alas! I think this vintage catch is one of the cutest boots I've seen in a while. And I don't think I'd be long and leggy enough to pull it off in any case.

Anyway, maybe one of you size 5-6 girls feel like this boot needs to be a part of your life? Better hurry then...it ends in 20 hours! Link is Here. Seller is funkinjunkievintage.

(I did ask the seller who said it's an approximate 5-6 US Womans...the measurements make it look more like a 7-7.5...but *shrug*)

Specific Measurements-

Estimated Size: Length: 9"Width: 3"Heel: 2.5"Height: 8.5"Calf/Ankle Width: 8"

Have Your Cake and Wear it Too

2008-07-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

It's Set time again!

This is probably one of the most exhausting sets I've ever done. The lighting had to be right to catch the berry-ness of the shoes but not make me look strangely disproportional, that the shadows cast by the lights weren't too bad as to obscure the outfit, that the shoes were turned the right way to catch the heel and the print, that the bowler hat didn't look too squat (and it does in most), that the angle was redeemable, that the clothes had to be adjusted correctly or else I would've come off looking like a huge marshmallow in the photos, etc. Anyway, brief story behind this was that I received a used pair of Christian Lacroix I got from ebay {I always buy used leather, never new leather-- see link to the left}. Managed to snag them for a very good price.

...normally I really try to buy true vintage, but you know with all these street savvy girls egging for vintage now, it's now actually HARD to find real vintage shoes that I like that don't cost like upwards of $50...especially you know the ubiquitous vintage woven flats. Anyway I was lucky to stumble across these used floral Lacroix beauties... I mean I might end up sending them back on ebay since they're a little tight... but then again it's a a hassle so I'll see.

So I got them in the mail, and I was thinking of good ways to take advantage of it, which is basically what most of us try to do ... and I wondered how they'd go with my eyelet print leggings from Anna Sui, NY. Pairing them together, my mind kept flashing Strawberry Cheesecake, Strawberry Cheesecake. And after some more combinations, I came up with a Strawberry Cheesecake-like outfit. Hence the title of the post.

A tad of graham-cracker brown, fluffy white cream, textured cheesecake-like skirt, and a drizzling of strawberry-like colors on the bottom. The bowler hat was for fun. Kind of gave it a england look? Sometimes I wish I had a job that would allow me to wear these interesting concoctions... I mean you can't wear this out in central jersey unless you want to feel uncomfortable and frou-frou.

So I tried different stylings with this set, but most of the different stylings just revolved placing the graham-cracker skirt in different places and twisting it around as sort of a scarf. Can I call it a skarf? Like skirt+scarf?

This set has a lot of photos cause I kind of went crazy and perfectionist-like, but I want you guys to see it in a way that you can't get from a couple photos, so I was like, "what the heck, I'll just put them all up". No more mind-numbing editing.

main players in the set: Christian Lacroix floral wicker wedges, Anna Sui Eyelet Leggings, Urban Outfitters soft white cropped trapeze-like top, Light heathery white Isabel Marant top underneath with black embroidery, Express thin soft brown skirt, Childhood textured yellow skirt, Urban Outfitters Black Bowler-Equestrian-like Hat.

Feel Free to Click any to Enlarge for Details.

Let them Eat Cake

Action of the Week

ONE.org

Senator Tom Daschle
ONE Member and National Co-Chair ONE Vote ‘08:

"In Rwanda, I saw the tremendous impact of some of the very things you’ve worked to make possible. Deaths from malaria have been cut by 66%, in large part because of the increase in bed net and anti-malarial medicine distribution. The death rate from malaria, as well AIDS and TB is going to continue to fall, because of your work pressuring Congress to reauthorize PEPFAR, America’s global AIDS bill, for five more years.

Victories like PEPFAR are saving lives and giving people in places like Rwanda new hope, making the whole world a safer and more prosperous place. Now we have the chance to make ending extreme poverty and global disease a focus for the Democratic and Republican parties.

Click below to sign the petition and I’ll deliver your signature when I meet with Democratic Party leaders to ask them to make the struggle against global poverty a priority in 2008.

http://www.one.org/platforms/o.pl?id=443-1564728-pqT3x2x&t=3"

Neon Floral (2 posts back) Update: ebay find

2008-07-28T16:43:00.001-07:00

Hey y'all! So on my neon + florals outfit set [refresh your memory? 2 posts down], a lot of you seemed to really dig the neon floral shorts I owned. Although ebay didn't yield many fruitful neon floral shorts, it did yield - what I think is- this gorgeous vtg 80's neon floral swimsuit. It's only $12, so will someone who has a bigger chest than me please pick this up? It's adorable!

See item details and measurements here: Modern Nostalgic

you better hurry, item ends in 2 days...

((btw, comments are disabled for this post since I don't think there's much to say other than, "wow! cute!" However, if you feel the need to comment about it, leave it in the comments for post below this one, xoxo))

Animal-Friendly Alternatives Update: Te Casan S/S + Botkier- Target

2008-07-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

So I keep putting this off for some reason, but finally I'm staying up so I can make a quickie post about some updates on animal-friendly labels [aka not real cow skin etc].

Before, I had talked about Natalie Portman's very refined-looking vegan shoe line for Te Casan. However that was her F/W collection. Now that I'm sure probably 50% of you are religious Project Runway watchers, there might be some interest in seeing her Spring Summer collection... some styles are on sale, but keep in mind these are considerably pricey: $100 range. just like the cost of any other well-crafted shoe.

So if you're well, in the zone for a new pair of shoes (and who isn't), maybe this is a good time to try out Natalie's collection... To be honest, when most people gripe about non-leather shoes, half of them probably haven't tried them, and the other half probably have only tried cheaply made ones. And what else do you expect? If it's cheaply made of course it's not going to feel good. If some unknowing stranger slipped these Te Casan beauties, I bet they couldn't even tell it's *shh* not leather. To see what the big deal is about leather, see this past post. Go ahead, click it. don't be scared..

Te Casan actually recently updated their site, so now you get really good close-ups of the shoes. And I have to say that I am really really impressed. Not only do they look like real skins-- although it personally wouldn't matter to me whether it would-- but the workmanship really really looks divine.

The second item of note is considerably more affordable, yet by a famous famous handbag designer: Botkier for Target. I myself haven't been to Target since it came out a week or so ago, but they don't look bad from the photos.

Some of them aren't quite to my taste, but some of them actually look like a decent piece of work and actually...pretty attractive. I think most of the time, when people just think "target" design collab they think it's so so much worse that what the main line actually is. But I think Botkier's Target line is pretty true to the Botkier sort of image and design aesthetic, and with the quality of Rogan's Target line, I think these cheaper designer collabs have quality that really is improving [at least from Erin Fetherston's Target collection... worst quality ever].

Come on, face it...if I had just said Botkier, and not Target, you know you would covet half these bags. And if you found on sale for the Target prices, you wouldn't take a moment to pull out the bills. The psychological shopping mind is very intriguing sometimes...

For some reason, I'm really taken to the first raspberry colored one, and almost all the shiny shiny metallic ones. And somehow the metallic bags don't look cheap. Which is quite a feat in itself. Especially that round duffel-shaped one... it looks very very scrumptious...

Update: Actually I dropped by my Target this morning. The bags were as I expected-- they all looked pretty good, but especially the ones I mentioned beforehand (esp. the raspberry one). However, the "croc-print" bags, though they look good a foot away, if you touch them, they obviously don't feel like leather-- if that's what you're going for. Also, the duffel one is a pinker in real life than in the photo. And I loved the look of the small crackled gold wristlet. Quite tasteful!

all photos: property of Target

...this is when I wish my summer internship was paid.

Florals and Fluorescence

2008-07-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

Outfit photos as promised! The overall theme was florals and fluorescence. The primary goal was to fix stuff up around last post's neon gladiators, but then when I got my vintage floral legwarmers in the mail [ebay], I just had to try to use them; Legwarmers and Gladiator Sandals? Sure! What, it's 90 degrees outside? Nevermind that!

Anyway, there wasn't much logic to the way things shot off but I ended up trying to put together a variety of different looks, that could be worked with a certain of style or age group.

The main players in this set were the following pieces: Neon green gladiators [but of course!], childhood stretchy bright floral shorts [I've had these since I was like 10 and only recently understood their potential value], an old Free People floral cardigan, Mary Ping white wide tank, and Fruit of the Loom white tank.

I'd talk more (all of you know I'm liable to chatting away) but I just got a total of like 10 flea bites as I was putting this post together because I was sitting still and now I'm itchy and scratchy and I think I must have fleas or something or else how could they get at me so much within a small time period and rape my entire arms so? aghhhh.

I am actually very sad. I can't tolerate such itchiness. This is quite off topic, but anyone know an ointment that will actually not just relieve the itchiness but effectively make the spots heal? If not, I will not be able to walk out the door in anything other than a long-sleeved shirt for the next month. These are big obnoxious bites and it's HOT..

wow, I have no idea what just happened there. anyway, enjoy the set!

The First Go; Very Youthful!

Wear your Heart on your Sleeve, and your Cardigan on your Neck.

Fire & Ice & Garden Parties

A Bright Idea

Conservative Cool (w/ tank tucked in)

My Seasoned Lady Look
[those were actually my grandma's loose shorts, it's not a skirt]

Demure Floral

A Shot of Neon- please!

Nighttime Fluorescence

[I love the way the colors glow]

Action of the Week [HSUS]

=please take a minute to read! I ask for nothing else=

Help Support The Great Ape Protection Act

Approximately 1,200 chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, are languishing in laboratories across the United States—most for decades.

The Great Ape Protection Act (H.R. 5852) has been introduced to end invasive research on the 1200 chimpanzees remaining in laboratories, retire the approximately 600 federally-owned chimpanzees to permanent sanctuary, and make the recent decision by the National Center for Research Resources—part of NIH—to stop funding the breeding of federally-owned chimpanzees statutory.

TAKE ACTION

Please make a brief, polite phone call to urge your U.S. Representative to co-sponsor The Great Ape Protection Act. Call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 or click here to look up your Representative and the Capitol office phone number. It is especially important to contact your Representative if he or she sits on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

After you make your call, fill out this message [already pre-typed] with your information to your Congressperson:
https://community.hsus.org/campaign/FED_2008_apeprotectionact2

The Good, The Bad, and The Cheapy: Navigating the "cheapy" stores.

2008-07-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

A Snippet on Wet Seal and other "lesser" shops- charlotte russe, "rainbow", "5-7-9", mandees, alloy (although you might get some brand label shoes there; Vans, Sugar..), blah blah blah etc etc...well you know the cheap, "teen to early 20's" stores. Not really renowned for much-- fashion or fabric -- although they may try to be. Not high stops on the fashion list unless you're a tween or teen or anything in-between or maybe just a college kid who needs some "trendy" (not necessarily in a good way) affordable clothes ASAP.

Fashion-wise, these places don't have much of a serious rep. And who are we kidding? They're not really aiming for it. One difference between these and the heavyweights are that they have a target age range. And to be honest, the heavyweights have the latest trends in better designs, and sometimes better materials, a heavier pricetag (although more reasonable than designer), and are less tacky. They're for people who are true fashion connoisseurs, and although they might not be caught dead walking into stores like the aforementioned, the following shops are deemed acceptable:

if we want to talk serious fast fashion-wise (like fast food-wise), the spectrum is typically like this:

Topshop > H&M > Forever 21

then the less serious fast fashion-wise 13 to 22 spectrum:

Wet Seal > everything else.

Wet Seal is in a strange position...it's hard to see if it tries to compete with the heavyweights, or tries to blend in with the teen shops. On their website, it says their target customer age is 13 to 19 years old. So I guess that confirms they're not trying to get the serious ones likes us.

However, I was seriously confused by this last week, when I-- who also normally does not step into teen stores other than Delia's-- happened to step into a Wet seal cause my friend wanted to check it out, and I saw something I found very very savory. [and to be honest, Delia's has better quality...plus screen tee staples and cute socks, hello? Not to mention it's not really trend-based like cheapy teen stores.]

To be honest, I was apprehensive. I mean I know sometimes you can find a really nice print or if you dig around, a good item, in those cheapy teen stores but normally it's just...cheap. Looks cheap, feels cheap-- cheap. If I say I like cheap things, I'm only talking price-wise, but I still like things that will last me [that day I emerged from Bloomingdales with a Michael Stars long white top, Charlotte Ronson black, white, and lime leopard cardigan, and a Free People tank for $41 total; 50% off clearance, + 10% off with Bloomie's new cardholder, + 15% extra with cardholder].

Wet Seal is a small store-- dimension-wise. So it didn't take me long to go through the whole thing while waiting for my friend. I didn't expect to like anything, but right when I walked in, as I said, something caught my eye. Like, really caught my eye.

So you know how many different type of gladiators are out there now right? Gladiator-style sandals have been pretty popular for a while, like more than a year. I never really bought into the trend since they all look kind of the same and ho-hum and they don't really catch my attention though they're sleek and a nice staple. Since with my limited cash fund I tend to buy things that resonate with me aka pop out at me- which accounts for the unfortunate lack of staples like layering tees and such.

So There, right at the entrance of the store, were an army of neon lime green gladiators against a backdrop of gold and black ones. Come on! What did you expect me to do?! I hadn't heard of anyone doing a neon gladiator ever. The design itself was very redeemable too-- a zipper in the back and slim adjustable buckles. They certainly drew my gaze, but I didn't return to the front of the store till afterwards because they had been burning a hole in my brain. It was strange to me that they would put it right at the front of the store, since not that many people in their target group (not really serious fashion consumers) would probably purchase neon green gladiator sandals and at the most would pick up the gold gladiators [teens are just attracted to shiny things. I know since I've been there].

Of course, most of the store was filled with your typical tacky [tacky can be a noun]. Not to mention bad prints and obviously sickly-looking polyester [I don't mind polyester to be honest, but not if it has that sick-looking sheen]. But out of these I found 2 tops I really liked, although one was a small and it didn't fit me right [and I have a small bust] so I didn't end up getting that. [it's available online in all sizes, $10...I just liked the print!]

Then there was this XL tree top, and though it's a little loose, I really liked the print on it, and since it was elastic, it didn't fit that badly. And you guys know I'm not humongous or anything from my outfit photos, so sizing is very strange in these stores... anyway I got that [happened to be 100% cotton]. It was $10. [online it's $17.50] I mean...that's the danger of going into these stores, really. Because the things on sale are so dangerously priced you might walk out with things you don't need or too many things.

The truth is you should never discount these sort of shops [no pun intended]. Yes, 90% of the time they may be tacky and filled with nothing of consequence. But the other 10% of the time you can find some gems or at least a likeable design for 10 bucks. I mean you might not want to go out of your way to go into these stores, but if you find yourself in one, the way to weed through it all is simple:

7 Rules of Navigating "Cheapy" Stores

1. Don't buy anything you don't like, even if it's cheap. On a 1-10 scale of likeness, it HAS to be at least a 6. Or else you just won't wear it. When you go to typical non-cheapy stores, you got to at least have an 7 on that scale.

2. Go in with the following mindset: It's true we all have prejudices against cheapy, tacky stores and that they're not worth the time. But go in thinking about the end product and not about the store's stigma-- "If I saw this in a place I typically shop at, would I buy it?"

3. Having said that, keep in mind that, to be honest, it's really about the end product and not about the store. You're not shopping for the store, you're shopping for the product. People who get this rule down pat have the courage to go into Hot Topic and "specialty" stores.

4. Don't buy anything that OBVIOUSLY looks "cheap". As in cheap material [sickly sheen. coarse cotton], and bad construction. And that feels cheap [aka, it doesn't feel good on your skin...like denim that's too stiff. some types of polyester... because then you also won't enjoy wearing it]. Anything that looks like it's starting to do some pilling. And there is a DIFFERENCE between things that look fun and things that look cheap. I'm all for fun. And sometimes when the item is just supposed to look kind of silly and slightly tacky, that's Okay.

5. Watch the pocket. You should typically keep these stores last on your hit list if you can, because it's only for when you have extra time and maybe some extra bucks. They shouldn't be your first priority...it's just basic sense. Like that day I started off at one end of the mall-- Bloomingdales-- because that was my priority. If I started off at the other end of the mall, I probably would've ran out of my allotted money before I reached Bloomies.

6. This brings me to, if you're low on cash in these cheapy stores, only buy won't you will regret having not bought.

7. Double Check for any flaws. You might not find it at first, so you better check that sucker and find a piece without flaws if there are multiple copies of the same item. The first pair of gladiators I tried on didn't have the best workmanship and was missing one of those holes for the buckle.

I never thought that at the end of the day, I would be in crouching down on the ground in front of Wetseal, trying to find a good pair of neon green gladiators, and then retreating to the corner and sitting my buttocks down to try them on. And to my immense surprise, they were actually pretty comfortable [although I might eventually put in small adhesive dr. scholl pads or something]. I was debating and debating on whether I should get them -- could I really spare another $20?-- until my friend finally found me in the corner and said, "You know you'll regret not getting them". Why does that never work when I tell her the same thing? So that day I walked out with my $10 tree-print smocked top, $20 neon green gladiators, and 2 pairs of thin knit legwarmers for $1 [buy 1 get 1].

Shop time! Here are some pictoral examples, taken from the wetseal.com site on how to navigate through cheapy stores. Feel free to pass this on to your friends who shop primarily at cheapy stores so they know what people will obviously notice that looks "cheap" and what they won't. It's true we like affordable things and things with style, but don't let that cloud judgement and actual style sense. Even though we all have different styles, the one thing that no one likes to look, is tacky and cheap. Might be a harsh word for that buddy of yours, but you're just looking out for her.

Good and Bad Examples

Wacky. in a good way.

TACKY. in a bad bad way.

Fun, the right way
[I love those tie-dye tanks]

Not Fun. Wrong Way.

Nice items that Could become Staples.

SCREEN TEES ARE NOT EXEMPT from Rules

Surprisingly elegant. At least it looks that way!

Cheapy - in a reasonable way - Shoes

Lastly, my style of neon green gladiator shoes are NOT the style of the pink ones in the picture. Only the style above is sold online. For the ones I purchased I think you would need to go to the storefront. The label on the shoe is "bucco".

And just cause I prefer faux leather over real leather, doesn't mean I'm a cheapy girl! Like everyone else, I like good construction, design, and comfort...

btw, I had been so mesmerized by these neon gladiator shoes, that all of last week I was wearing them around my house. Up and down the stairs. Back and forth in my room. For hours. Honestly infatuated... and I have never enjoyed wearing shoes so much indoors and have only taken the occasional few steps in high heels in my room.

Hello my love.

Anyway, wait for the next post (a few days)...all outfit photos with my new neon investment!

Another hint: bright flowers.

____________

By the way, want to meet "Skinny Bitch" author Rory Freedman (I'm sure some of you have heard of this book) and help out animals...and just happen to be near Arlington, Virginia on July 19th-21st? Check out and learn more at http://www.takingactionforanimals.org

The Anti-Skort.

2008-07-05T11:04:00.001-07:00

In my last extensive outfit post I mentioned something concerning the warping of a United Bamboo button-up skirt.
This is the post concerning that! At first-- as with all my posts-- I had trouble finding that photo of my tangled-up (aka, marrying buttons with holes that weren't their mates) skirt which I had taken before since I knew it would be hard to recreate again. But since I couldn't find it during the end of the semester, I tried to redo it using a diagram I drew when I unbuttoned it.

Problem with that was that I didn't number the order in which the buttons were done up in (which I found out was important).

I spent like a few hours just sitting in my dorm looking at my skirt so confused like, "how did I do that before?! There's only 7 buttons!" But when you take into account the order, there's really something like 5040 ways to do it [7x6x5x4x3x2x1...at least I think that's how combination math goes] And that's not taking into account doubling up two buttonholes with one button, buttons that weren't buttoned etc, buttoning backwards or forwards, and the folding complications.

Anyway, basically it was really really complicated and late last night I was trying to recreate the magic again, even though I knew it would be futile as before. Finally, it occurs to me 2 hours later [well I was also talking to friends at the same time] to check in the trash bin on my desktop, and lo and behold I find my warped united bamboo photo! Such joy! And even with the photo and seeing how I did it, I couldn't even redo it and so I gave up and was like, "well, ____ [insert any verb] this".

The salvaged photo

I would even show you the little diagram I made but I threw it out at the end of the semester since it was kind of useless! Also, after the countless twisting and pullings of the buttons due to my constant efforts to recreate what was lost, the skirt was no longer the same and a lot of the buttons are loose now, even despite my best efforts to tighten them. sad :( It's my only united bamboo piece!

So I got to give some love to dreamecho for having tackled the button-up skirt a while back. I always wanted to try to mix up a button-up skirt (I mean it's just dying to be switched up!), but I was like, "eh it'd probably turn out silly and amateur... in a bad way" but when I purchased the skirt [one size too large, which is actually good for mixing it up] a while back at a Creatures of Comfort sale ($40) I said to myself, "If dreamecho did it, I can brave myself to do it!"...and the rest is history.

Believe it or not, that was just a side story! The real deal is, as the title explains, the anti-skort. I don't even know if that's the appropriate name for "a skirt that gives off the impression of shorts". But if I try to combine the word skirt+short in the other way, I get "shirt" which is pretty lame.

My "anti-skort" is real simple: just a little kind of solid one-pleat crease in the front that makes a skirt give off the impression of shorts. This came about since I was really sad that I was mutilating my precious united bamboo piece and I didn't want to stress out the buttons anymore and I was frustrated with trying to recreate the wrapping/warping I did, so I tried for something less complicated but still "warped" (aka, wearing it in a way the garment was not intentionally made to be worn in), creating: the anti-skort.

How to do the anti-skort? Simple! Take your button-up skirt, and instead of buttoning the holes over the top of the button, fold over -inward- the row of buttons, and button it up through the holes and in the end the front of the buttons should be facing the inside of the skirt. IRON the crease! [I didn't, but in retrospect it would have been better] (FYI DIY: I suppose you could do it with a normal stiff skirt--mine is like slightly stiff denim cotton material-- and just iron the single pleat really well or you could even permanently stitch it into place).

The whole philosophy behind this anti-skort is kind of strange, since the purpose of a "skort" is primarily to make girls feel more comfortable with wearing skirts and not accidently showing anything.
The anti-skort...is not the same; it's obviously not a short, it doesn't look like a short from the back (unless you did the same one-pleat in the back) and from the front they would only truly be convincing if you were wearing a long top to cover up the crotch area as you see on the right. And since it involves a button-up skirt they are normally mentally less comfortable because um, between the rows of buttons, there are spaces, and if you sit down in a certain way, people can see your skin and maybe unmentionables through the side.

To protect against any "unwanted peek-a-boo" with the button-up anti-skort-- and so it better maintains its shape-- you can secure each gap between the buttons on the skirts interior with a medium-large paperclip (clip the two fabric sides together..you'll understand if you try it) and that you could not do with a wearing a button-up skirt like normal (there would be no fabric to clip together). Just make sure that you don't try to stretch TOO much that paperclips will start flying everywhere and your coworkers will think you've been trying to steal office supplies in your skirt.

In conclusion, there really is no purpose to the anti-skort. It's just a tongue-in-cheek, whimsical play on a skirt.

Having said that, play on! :)

I call this the, "I feel like I need to have something white on my neck and all I have is this belt" outfit.
[loose large garcon tee $10 -sample sale. white belt, came with a jumpsuit. don't ask]

Simple
[white tank, vintage red oleg cassinis, U/O stretchy gold scale belt, white converse, mom's beachcomber necklace on my head]

Close-ups of the waist [FYI, a tight stretchy belt will help better keep the shape of your anti-skort. and will also give a mini paper-bag waist effect]

Under-dressed. Get it? Ha ha! ha. sorry.
[one size too big H&M trapeze dress, on sale $20]

I really like this sort of accordion shape that I stressed with the dress.
[the buttons weren't very happy with me at this point and I was tired of fussing with them]

This photo is dedicated to dreamecho for her unknowing help in helping me find the bravery to tackle my own button-up skirt. [& the pose is very dreamecho in itself, ain't it?]

Are you going to try out the anti-skort? Send me a photo and I'll put it up!

+ + +

2 Actions of the Week! Pick one or do them both! [it doesn't hurt to do both ;)]

One.org

A Simple Request to the G8 //all you have to do is sign a form!//

"2008 is a landmark year in the fight against poverty and disease. The world is halfway to 2015 when the Millennium Goals must be achieved, but Africa is perilously off track. 2008 is also the halfway point between 2005 and 2010 when many G8 promises to Africa must be met such as the commitment to provide an additional $25 billion in effective aid for Africa. The G8 are dangerously behind on these landmark commitments.

In 2008, G8 leaders have the opportunity -- and responsibility -- to put weight behind their words.

The Petition: http://www.one.org/2008g8
We call upon you to build on recent success in fighting extreme poverty by delivering your commitments on healthcare, agriculture and education and by helping citizens in developing countries in their efforts to improve governance and fight corruption." [ONE.org]

HSUS.org

Cruel and Unusual: Factory Farm Cows kicked while industry lags// all you have to do is sign a form! //

The factory farming campaign works to reduce the suffering of animals raised for meat, eggs, and milk.

"Government regulators need to do something about the systemic problem of downer cows.

The Humane Society of the United States very recently released its latest undercover video showing abuses of dairy cows -- this time at an auction in Portales, New Mexico. The video shows workers kicking, hitting, dragging by chains, and electrically shocking cows unable to stand or walk. It sickens me to watch these images, and I know it must have the same effect on you.

This is our third exposé since January, and the horrifying cruelty we've documented shows why it's time for the USDA, the states, and the meat and dairy industries to act -- and to delay and dilly dally no longer. Watch our video, then urge the USDA to immediately adopt a comprehensive policy barring the slaughter of injured and ill cattle who cannot walk, called "downers."

Our investigators visited five auctions and a slaughter plant during the course of these three investigations and found appalling mistreatment at every location -- providing irrefutable evidence that there are industry-wide problems that must be addressed. Besides fostering the terrible suffering of downers, the loophole has the potential to threaten the safety of our food supply: Downers have a higher risk of harboring foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and even mad cow disease, than cows able to walk on their own. How much longer can we afford to wait?

While the USDA has committed to a ban on the slaughter of downers for human consumption, it has yet to implement it. And our latest investigation shows why USDA should not wait another day. While it's at it, the agency must broaden the ban to include downers at livestock auctions and other links in the food supply chain, too. Animals -- and the American public -- deserve aggressive action to solve this problem. There is no more time for hedging or delay. Please tell the USDA to act today."~ Wayne Pacelle, CEO of The Humane Society [HSUS.org]

never be a bystander, be responsible, and always remember ignorance isn't bliss.

music to fashion and back again...

2008-06-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the brief AWOL. I kept trying to find the graphics I wanted for this post, but they were very difficult to find.

Anyway, as of late, I've been obsessing over a look, not unlike LAST TIME where I obsessed over lavender and caramel in a tough but sweet british countryside look for early fall.

As for my latest obsessive look, I blame it on this hawaiian guy, danyo cummings, from youtube. Like my unhealthy obsession with ebay, I also love looking for new songs by under-the-radar singer/songwriters on youtube. After the school semester ended, I was so obsessed with this song "Angel" by Lisa Lavie [it's a lot cooler than it sounds]. Sometimes it's just fun to search for things and figure out your taste and new things you like...as long as it doesn't get too obsessive [often a fine line for me].

Anyway, you know how fashion intersects with music in the funny way that it does? With music sometimes inspiring fashion, sometimes complementing it, sometimes, fueling it?

Well I listened to one of his songs...and it made me want to do 5 things:

1. Pick up a ukelele.
2. Move to Hawaii.
3. Adopt a easygoing, laidback frame of mind.
4. Put my black hair in a loose side-plaited bun.
5. Wear a breezy, slightly sheer, subtly patterned dusky but vibrant blue dress with an assymetrical hem that goes from knee to ankle. and spaghetti straps.

You'll see what I mean when you watch whatever makes you happy.

I mean, that's the song: "whatever makes you happy" :)

The above list is significant because all these things are nothing I would ever even consider doing. As for #1, although I always fancy learning instruments, I'm not so inclined! I still have a guitar in my room that I haven't picked up for years since I was worried about callouses and I didn't know how to tune it. As for #2, although Hawaii is depicted as you know, a tropical wonderland-- I hate heat, I actually like winter more than summer. I never considered Hawaii as a vacation place for me, and as too stereotypically mainstream as a vacation place to be of serious interest to me, personally [although we don't really take vacations much anyway]. I've always had the dream of being city chic and working well in fast-paced NYC.

So you see, this hawaii thing is SO different for me. Concerning #3, although I try to pretend to be easygoing sometimes, I am FAR from it. As for #4, I am not hair-inclined. I have long thick black hair, which hardly holds any curl. I don't even know how to french braid! But I just have this image of me in a sweet loose side-plaited hairdo. This is what took me so long in putting a post together since surprisingly, I couldn't find any runway photos where models had that style that was in my head although I was sure I saw it someplace [I think I clicked through 700 pictures of hye park and coco rocha and I gave up. Hey, you try clicking through 700 pictures of hye park and coco rocha!].

a better idea of the hairstyle...but should be looser

tracy reese sp 08 photos [tweaked from elle.com & focusonstyle.com]

And lastly, #5, ...that type of dress is NEVER something I would wear. I mean, I'd probably never pick it up off a rack. I mean, layering, and mashing together different colors and textures is more my thing than a medium-long breezy blue dress [not to mention the blue in my head is nothing I would ever wear]. I would also never pick up something with a neckline like that since I don't fell it suits me very much. Also, I typically don't like this type of breezy material either and long patterned dresses just aren't my thing. Another reason this posting took as long as it did was because I couldn't find "this dress" online at all... I also kept debating whether or not to try to put look together in real life, like an outfit post, but like I said, I'm hairstyle-challenged, and I don't own ANYTHING like that.

my sad 5-minute MS paint and photo editor rendition

So "What does this mean!" I wondered. I'm willing to trade NYC dreams for laidback down-home Hawaii? I don't know...maybe this is my new secret dream. It is very strange... all I know is, if one song can make me want to do so many strange things that are not what I'm inclined to, it must be a pretty special song. Plus, it's real catchy, in a non-pop way.

Any of you have a song that makes you want to change...well, your whole lifestyle and your personal style? Or just want to share your latest musical song obsession by an unheard of artist with me? strange times...

PS. not only do music and fashion have a long history together, but musicians and activism do too...on the animal rights side, you got (of course) Paul McCartney, Common, Tommy Lee, Tegan and Sara, Death Cab for Cutie...and now KT Tunstall! [actually one of my favorite artists]

"Two-time-Grammy-nominated songwriter KT Tunstall has just lent her voice to the campaign against KFC, firing off a letter to the managers of every KFC in Scotland encouraging them to pressure the company to stop its suppliers' worst abuses of chickens. You can read the full letter here." -blog.peta.com

Have a favorite artist who speaks up for animal rights? Take a page and be inspired! :)

______

action of the day [DO THIS]
-------

I think this tropical post would be incomplete if I didn't mention anything about my sea friends. You know, sea turtles, dolphins, and...sharks. Did you know that longliners are the worst culprits when it comes to shark finning?

Background info from http://www.hsus.com/:

"This fishing technique is very effective for catching sharks and indeed, many longline vessels are specifically fishing for sharks. However, some that catch sharks will cut off their fins and then throw the animals back in the water, leaving them to bleed to death. Shark fins can fetch a very high price due to the demand for Asian shark fin soup. Enforcing a requirement to bring in the whole bodies of these large animals would allow boats less space for the targeted species.

Recently, countries have started to adopt laws and international agreements against this cruel and wasteful practice; yet it is still legal in many places and laws against it are too lenient and poorly enforced.

Humane Society International is campaigning to strengthen domestic and international laws against and reduce demand for shark fins."

You can learn more about this here: http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/shark_tournaments/

You guys, as I always say, can make a difference. With persistence, the Humane Society had a significant victory in the campaign against the Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tourney in Martha's Vineyard. And the seaside town of Destin, Florida recently decided to discontinue the annual Destin Deep Water Shark Tournament.

Here's your action of the day, all you have to do is the sign your name to this! [see below] If you want to do more, visit:

http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/shark_tournaments

Stop the Star Island Shark Tournament

The gory public spectacle of the annual Star Island Shark Tournament in Montauk, NY, is more than just a cruel contest kill—it also contributes to the ongoing decline in shark populations.

The shark species targeted by the tournament are all suffering serious population losses. The thresher shark was just categorized by The World Conservation Union as "threatened with global extinction." North Atlantic populations of blue and mako sharks have declined by 50 to 70 percent over the last 20 years. (hsus)

SIGN HERE-- it'll take less than a minute! and I would be very happy : )

The 1st Vintage Ebay Deals Post out of many to come [think nina ricci, martin margiela, dries van noten... ]

2008-06-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

*updated* I added 3 new clothing items as of today, June 9th

As promised. This is the first "ebay post" out of many to come-- there's things that are really low (like 9.99) and and nothing over $75. It's a whole mess of vintage and vegan items [good deals on things like... nina ricci, martin margiela, dries van noten...] and some cute vintage swimsuits and dresses. To see why vintage- and ebay- is such a positive thing-- and environmentally thoughtful-- see this post here. [3rd section]

There's also two items I've got my eye on...and being the hoarding little girl that I am, I'm not posting those ...yet...I mean I'll add them later if the price gets way beyond my control. But I'm keeping an eye on them for now... ;)

Of course, ebay transactions can always be very troublesome...for instance, I won this gorgeous Tsumori Chisato bag, and my dad handled the correspondence-- I used his account after all-- and the london seller, "merrison2006", basically decided to be -- is there a nice word for jerk?-- and not only was rude and unprofessional in exchanging emails, but "lost" the bag, and refused to even find out where it was for us...leading us to believe he didn't ship out the bag in the first place...which is pretty plausible seeing as I won it for like $60 total... anyway I was SO heartbroken to not get the bag (which was also not leather...which was perfect for me)... in any case, always be careful when doing ebay transactions... you get good sellers and bad sellers.

In any case, my future ebay posts- will be shorter. I just thought the first one should be special! [plus a lot of bookmarked ones already ended when I decided to post] Without further ado, see the below for my vintage ebay picks and if you actually decide to purchase a piece, do tell! :)

Each photo lists the time it's ending, the size, and the current price.
[click each to go its url]

Sweet Stuff

The Best Summer Suits- wild and tame.

I've got my eye on...Instant Gratification

Vegan/Vegetarian
[the vintage margiela is such a good deal...]

and...this one tsumori chisato bag [all cotton]
which is...$580.

Vintage (1 new and rest used)-
good for the environment, all cute.

Also very exciting-- which deserves its own section-- are these vivenne westwood rocking horse shoes from the early 90's. Of course...these are selling on ebay for like...$350 or something. However, if you type in "rocking horse" and look in the shoes category--- checking the box for searching in description as well-- you will find many shoes especially in the "buy it now" section...which are say... kind of knock offs. or some styles are "inspired"... but still...for the fashion crazies... with shipping, those styles, below are about $50 I think.

The Real Deal

Knock Knock.

Who's There? A lot of shoes, it turns out!

the many faces of g. chang. warning; amount of graphics here might make your computer explode

2008-06-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for your comments and the blog birthday wishes last post!

I know I said I'd put the next post up when I had 10+ comments (my new timing method...but I might change it because 10 might be too quick I think) but I actually have a legitimate excuse.

So..what happened was that a lot of the outfit photos that I took during the semester...got deleted since I thought I had saved them, but I didn't. Basically. So when I made the last post on friday and recreated that embarassing moment...I also had to basically, recreate all of my outfits from a paper that I thankfully saved with my organized doodles. Keep in mind, it's WARM here. Really warm, which turned into really HOT since I was trying on long-sleeves, sweaters with cowl necks, etc. and it was disastrous. Plus, just now, every time I uploaded a photo, Blogger kept adding pages of spaces to my notes, so that a 10 page Word html sheet turned into a 75 page sheet. Ridiculous.

In reality, I was dying when I kept rearranging the cardigan in the last post (it's harder than you think to take redeemable outfit photos than you think; the lighting, out-of-focus, the color, the blurriness, the details, not showing up like you thought it would...). The heat also explains some of the silly photos.

Anyway, in the middle of taking some photos, my dear, lovable, reliable Canon- which I put under self-timer- FELL. onto the floor. hardwood floor. I tried to resuscitate it, but to no avail-- it wouldn't turn back on. Then cue the distress-- that my parents would murder me (they got it for me for Christmas 2 years ago after all). Long story short, today finally, I went out and bought a pack of tiny screwdrivers and dismantled the thing and took out like 20 screws [somehow 2 of them were left over when I put it back together, Lol] and spent the late afternoon fixing it. And I was pretty sure that it still wasn't going to work, but lo and behold, my Canon has 9 lives, and it did not let me down when I turned it on.

I. salvaged semester photos
II. recreated semester photos [some items left behind in Cali; hence, recreated]

I. salvaged semester photos :

snap snap snap snap

l i q u i d g o l d

So one of my favorite vintage silk shirts from a thrift store I mentioned

3 separate occasions:

1. vintage belt, same thrift store. vintage boots- ebay. [I think I'm going to sell them though since they're too narrow]. plain white shirt.

2. elizabeth hurley caftan [scoop nyc, sale $20], black tulle striped skirt- $20, old belt, vintage YSL pumps.

3. Two vintage silk shirts; one draped also from aforementioned thrift shop in aforementioned post. Free people shorts.

I had been planning to go out this night [below], but I didn't end up going out--- we just went to the ice cream store ..?

jovovich-hawk [target] dress. not that flashy in real life.
straps were so long that I just let them hang and wore it like a tube dress.

II. Recreated Unsalvagable Photos

feeling much relieved after the outfit for the last post,
when I took those 2 layers off . ah plain and simple.

Getting ready for the next outfit. Dying in the Heat.

Fiddling with the Camera [this is the only floral piece I bought for the summer because of a balenciaga fever]

Pow. How you like me now?

[Floral Skirt: Goodwill $5! Alice Temperly for Target top, Target sleeveless lavender cowl sweater [both on clearance, forget how much]. RL strappy shoes ($17?)]

This is actually a little wristlet pouch I made:

I just remember thinking that all those heavy leather wristlets kind of defeated the point of a wristlet which is supposed to be light, and so I made a nice organic-looking daisy-like one [light oatmeal muslin on the outside, the lightest peachy pink satin on the inside]

it holds just enough of the essentials- a lipbalm, keys, and little cash and a few cards [credit card, ID card..].
also, it's not really a wristlet, it's like...a palm-let,
because I dislike the weighted feelings on my wrist.
and no I don't wear watches.

they make me feel "chained to time".

prepping for next outfit

there is also some explanation behind this one..

I actually wore this during the semester with a red and white striped united bamboo button-up skirt [which is reserved for a whole other post] and my vintage YSL caramel bow pumps. totally different feeling.

this is probably the most avant-garde top I own, so I really wanted to play up the shape. this outfit has a more expensive, editorial feel.

[top, mary ping- creatures of comfort spring sale, recently acquired orange lace skirt- vintage versace (my first versace), red heels- vintage oleg cassini (the one with the wise words on my header)]

prepping the camera for the next outfit

[flourescent yellow workout top- uniqlo, sheer pink racerback-free people, mom's old butterfly skirt, girbaud skirt $5, belt- H&M $12.50]

I would have never walked out styled like this [see bottom]

but I thought it would be a good "what if".

I did this overlay of sheer socks thing,
I tried the sheer pink socks with my blue AA's this semester, and I really liked the effect
--but I kind of forgot which outfit I did it with--
so I just redid the whole thing. here, my various efforts.

try 1: I felt a little too superhero with these cause of the red shoes.

hm? what about these shoes?

oh yes, I like it better.

ready for action! reporting for duty!

[girbaud skirt- in mini-cape form, isabel marant top tucked in [creatures of comfort spring sale], vpl sample floor shorts $49, sheer vintage nordstrom socks. tommy hilfiger canvas espadrilles- macys sale]

New Look. I really wanted to try out my newest purchase-- a $10 H&M pinstriped suspender skirt:

Try 1: I wanted this to have a creepy, circus-boy, little drummer boy type vibe [a ra ta ta tat]. Maybe if I had a good makeup artist.

when I had first tried on the skirt in H&M, I had on a pleather gray motorcycle jacket, and my white converses. I felt pretty sweet and tough, like a modern day pink lady. Then I realized the jacket was $99.

red shoes were better here. [$40 short jacket, fornarina nyc sale]

I'll put up the next post after 15 comments xo
-update- hi! sorry sorry. I know it's reached 25 comments, but I'm doing some intense physics and I need to redo my CV and stuff...gimme an extra day :) xo

Belated Happy Birthday: Love Life Love Style turns Two !! an embarassing anecdote

2008-05-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

It just occured to me a few days ago that the day I started my first post on this blog had already passed-- which happens to be May 17th! It was very surprising-- showing that sometimes you just forget good things when you're preoccupied.

Last anniversary, one of the things I promised you guys was more designer interviews-- which I tried hard to do this time! See this year's interviews with Hannah from Hannah from Basel and Brian Lichtenberg..from well, Brian Lichtenberg.

Concerning interactive stuff, there's never been much of a response so it's that's never really been developed... just please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences if something pertains! : )

Ah, and I still need to categorize these past months' posts. . . sorry, really bad at that.

For this year, I am going to TRY TRY TRY to do some short posts too. I think I scare people away with the sheer length. I am also going to see if I can try new ways to get some traffic going through here. I've realized most of the more popular sites with a lot of readers, post outfit photos very often... so I might try to do that more. I'm also going to try to put up a new, maybe more eye-catching, banner on top. Also, I am currently such an ADDICT to ebay that I might do "ebay days" where I'll just post up the latest ebay finds (vintage etc). As for other ideas... Creative juices, get going!

Anyway, in the spirit of forgetfulness, I am going to share a hilarious (well, looking back on it), forgetful fashion moment I had this semester at school. Trust me. It's...hard to top. This is one post you probably won't want to breeze through.

So it starts off simple: I woke up one morning and spent a couple minutes deciding what to wear. After a couple more minutes, I finally settled on my outfit. And I felt pretty good. You ever have those outfits where you just feel invincible? Just like, real smooth? Well, I felt pretty smooth.

I had on AA electric blue leggings, the cutest childhood dress-shirt thing, an A/X short sleeved white button-down (A white collar does wonders to brighten up your face), a Banana Republic tame wrap-around cardigan, and cute, sweet, white ballet flats from UO [in recreating the outfit for below, I had to replace my white flats with something else because I left them in Cali]. Not to mention, it was very suitable and not too over-the-edge for my small SoCal liberal-arts school.

So yeah, I felt damn good! So damn good. So damn good that when I walked out my dorm, I forgot pants.

Or shorts, or anything to cover up my derriere. I violated (ACCIDENTALLY) the fine line between the confusing length of dress-shirt/dress-shirts and tights when I walked out that door. Yes, it's true I had tights on. And you couldn't really see my butt when I walked, but if I sat down, wow, you better watch out.

Anyway, it would've been fine if I walked back inside, right? But no, I did not realize that I had basically a dressy shirt and no pants, because, like I said, I felt so damn good. In fact, I felt so good, that I actually walked all the way to the computer lab that morning, since I needed to print something out before class. Of course, everyone always prints something out before class, so the computer lab was full, bustling with 50-some students. It's like Dunkin Donuts at 8 AM. I didn't talk to anyone, and I went straight to a computer, feeling kind of like a hotshot.

Anyway, in the back of my head, I knew my outfit was short, but it still didn't occur to me I was wearing no shorts. I figured that's why some people were looking at me. But because I knew it was short, I did "the swipe" when I sat down. You know-- when you flatten your skirt from the back to the front so you don't accidentally flash anyone.

But uh-- when I did the swipe-- near the middle of the swipe, I realized I was touching my blue AA-covered butt. It was just something that clicked in my head. I didn't even look down. It was just like, "wow, I think this is not fabric. I think this is my nylon-covered butt." Then, I verified by discreetly looking down and I was horrified to realize I forgot to put my shorts back on, when I put on my outfit this morning, and I was basically sitting in a shirt and tights. SEE-THROUGH tights. Like, you could see my underwear in those tights.

I wanted to die! I was afraid to stand back up, and then I realized that was probably why some people had been looking at me funny, while I thought I had looked pretty smooth. I took my cardigan and wrapped it around my waist as best I could, and I got the heck out of there.

I am actually pretty self-conscious, so I was astonished while I was racing back to my dorm, that not only did I walk out without pants/shorts, but that I did not realize until I sat down in front of 50 people. I think I was too busy thinking about the strangeness of my shiny blue tights to think that-- hey, my dress-shirt was strangely short and I forgot to wear SHORTS. I can only imagine how many poor people who actually saw my derriere. I am still mortified. but amused. although mortified.

Anyone else have a mortifying fashion moment? Or want to comfort me in that I am not the only one who has walked outside without pants on?

stay tuned: next post-- strictly an outfit post; I'm going to try something new [cause as you know, I'm never good at timing the output of my posts]... when I get 10+ comments, I'll put up the next post. ; )

____________________

Today's moment of action from SaveDarfur:

Not since World War II have all major presidential candidates come together on an international issue.

Until now. Today, Senators Clinton, McCain and Obama released a joint statement condemning the violence against the people of Darfur and promising to address the issue with "unstinting resolve."

Let's show our appreciation. Click here to watch a video with the three candidates and send a note applauding their unity on this matter of grave national concern.

To My Mom; and what you didn't know.

2008-05-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

[As you'll notice, I've done some -yeah- 'censoring' in this post, because ever since I got really creepy emails, I've been more wary and so anything that's too up-close... well I just want to protect my mom's privacy. I've censored with some pink hearts, which, I agree, do look silly!]

My mother's birthday was a few days ago. I have always wanted to do a post about my mother ever since I went through all her old photos. This topic actually does pertain to fashion, because she was in the fashion industry. She worked for about 5 different design companies, like Tommy Hilfiger (I think that was one of her worst experiences). She was a technical fashion designer. That meant she made the ideas actually wearable. Made a shirt actually fit right. To this day, she will inspect any garment I pick up and berate me if it has a horrible fit [which she used to do a lot, preventing me from buying much unless it was very well made].

She always got mad at me for getting so interested in fashion and spending so much time on it, and she said I caught the shopping bug from my grandmother. But after finding some old photos that I'll show you later, I realized she wasn't exactly telling the truth as she was a bit of the fashion plate when she was younger.

My mother worked in the fashion industry. She said she only did it because she wasn't really booksmart to do other things. And in Taiwan, they make you take a test which determines which industries you have to choose from. [that photo is a design she made when she was in grad school]

In the end, the fashion industry, or rather the people she worked with, treated her very poorly, and ever since she's kind of...hated it. She knows its bads, like the backstabbing. She's trained people below her, only to get badmouthed and discarded after having trained them. When she was pregnant and couldn't come in to work, they tried to fire her. She's been discriminated against (but that was more a problem back then). All her collegues that she graduated with, have also for a while, been no longer in the industry.

She's a really tough person on the exterior, but sometimes, you can never always be that hard, and you just can't take it anymore. She finally got so stressed out and "scarred" I guess, that she was done with the whole thing by the time I was in middle school. Now she's a piano teacher. And though fashion was her "second love", piano was her first. ; )

But what I learned was that unless you're the type of person willing to play this game at times, you're not going to survive. People used to ask this woman who my family used to know, this old asian lady who taught at FIT, how she was in the industry for so long. She said, "You want to know why? I'm TOUGH."

I never seriously considered trying to be a designer, although in high school you feel like you have the potential to do anything, and it was a dream. My mom doesn't like me to spend too much time on fashion, because she knows I'm not the type of person who could survive in such an industry. You put in a lot, but you might not get as much out. You can't stew over any wrongs and you have to be as tough as nails. And I started to realize as I wondered myself, would I really be happy my whole life doing something, though artistic, is honestly, mostly filled with superficial people who take this art mostly at face value? Sometimes I don't think I would.

I think the goal of life is to find meaning in it, and sometimes I would think, nowadays, there are like, what, thousands of people trying to make it as designers, but not as much going into fields that might make a larger difference, like important dilemmas like global poverty, world hunger, speaking up for those who don't have a voice on the global stage or even right at home. Where are young people like us really needed? We need innovation, fresh ideas to solve important problems.

I doubt that I would have even continued my blog this long if I didn't have such a strong feeling about animal rights and the skin industry's role in fashion. I wouldn't feel right just posting about superficial things like clothing and what celebrities are wearing everyday. I wouldn't find meaning in this blog unless I didn't feel like it had a cause. But it does! So I think I'm a little more safe here. :) What is great about fashion, other than that it's fun, sometimes is that it can be used to raise awareness of important issues.

[right photo, a design she made in grad school. I love it! The print reminds me of Tsumori Chisato.]

It's kind of sad that you need to fight really really hard for some things you want in life, and it's even more difficult when you're not really sure if you want something. I like fashion, a lot. But as a career choice... that's a little questionable. Though there are really good people in the industry, a lot of the time, it's social smooching, kissing up to your boss (though that happens everywhere if you have a boss!), favors, and who you know, that matters.

You might be lucky, or you might need to claw your way upwards and betray your peers sometimes to get where you want to be. I'm not that kind of person. It used to kind of bother me. But I'm nice. Suck it.

If it's what you think you're destined to do, if you have a view, of course, you should go for it! But if you're a young girl, you need to realize that it'll be really really tough, though possibly rewarding in the end. Just keep in mind that when you read all the glamour and glitz, those are the few who make it. You almost never hear about the tons of also talented people, who did not make it. Whether it be not recieving enough funding, etc.

I care a lot about justice and fairness which is often hard to get in the industry and I'm not talking about designers but about any job in the fashion industry, or related to the industry. So, I myself know it would be really hard for someone like me to accept. Hey, I get seriously annoyed when my brother uses a Mario Kart cheat. I'm just that kind of person.

The real reason I'm writing this post is because, just a couple months ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. As you can believe, it was very difficult to accept. Bad things have happened, but nothing too bad; nothing life-threatening.

My mother has undergone 3 surgeries, and the malevolent little buggers are still there. Plus, my mother had lent something like, well, a significant amount of money, her life savings really, to a man who she thought was our family friend, who needed some help in starting up a company. It's been quite a while, and he refuses to return most of it, prompting us to currently seek legal action. The medical bills keep coming, and these monetary problems are unfortunately, real. So there's another headache!

It just shows that sometimes, though fashion can be a huge deal in your life, there are much more important things, like family. Like trying to help find a cure for a life-threatening disease. In any case, this post is for my mother.

____________________________________

My Favorite Photos of
My Mother and Her Outfits

[captions underneath]

My mother actually gave me these pants after I saw this photo.
I can't wear them as well though! If I could, I'd tell you.

My mom and her friends at the beach.

Isn't that hair just wack?! The 80's, yeah. I love the photo though.

No, this is not my dad, but one of my mom's old friends in Taiwan.
I only showed his face because, although I actually don't think Brad
Pitt is that cute, I do think he looks as close to an Asian Brad Pitt as you can get.
Which is quite funny to me. :)

The bottom right has a very Anthropolgie feel to it.

Looks early stella mccartney, I think. What season? I forget.

One of her more outrageous items. I was surprised too.

Some of these photos were taken by my mother's
photographer friend since he needed a model.
Why don't I have one of those?

I don't know why, but I never thought my mother wore oxfords!

Silver pointed moccasins, jeans, and a red and dark grey coat.
I actually really like this ensemble.
Btw, that bump on her stomach is me.
And my dad no longer has that jacket.

My grandma, aunt, and my mom [the smallest]

I Love this one because it looks so current like it could be
ripped straight from any Street Fashion page.

Kind of a Michael Kors-y feel.

"Most basic research in breast cancer is done on animals. But what we learn from animals doesn't always translate into how cancer develops in humans" - Dr. Susan Love

On Charities that fund Cruelty-free Research:

You might point out that this an interesting "dilemma", seeing as I am against animal cruelty and testing, but a lot of cancer research is done on animals.

Though I'm sure testing on animals brings about something, studies show that in comparison, research done without animals actually accomplish more and don't drain as much funding. It's a paradigm because people think that injecting cancer into other animals is the key to understanding ourselves and that is where the answers lie. It seems like it's more effective, but it doesn't seem to be...

But as stated above, people like Dr. Susan Love, who I have actually heard speak, is one of the more groundbreaking people working on finding a cure for breast cancer and one of the world's experts, does not believe in animal testing. It's just simply not as effective.

In any case, there are more alternative to animal testing that don't involve animals at all, like in-vitro, etc.

You can learn more here on alternatives to animal testing:

www.livingcrueltyfree.com/alternatives-to-animal-testing

I'm not going to knock charities that do fund animal-testing since I think that would be counterproductive. But here is a list of non-animal testing charities which include like, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, Children’s Cancer Association, American Breast Cancer Foundation...:

www.livingcrueltyfree.com/2007/08/01/cruelty-free-charities

If all these well-known charities decide to not fund experiments done on animals, don't you think there's a reason? And I think if I were to donate my money to one, I might as well donate it to a kinder AND more effective non-animal testing charity.

"An increasing number of scientists and doctors are questioning and refuting the long-standing practice of experimenting on animals in the name of human medicine. Concerns range from the physical and mental welfare of animals to the gross physiological and chemical differences not only between species, but within species.

Beyond the visible differences between humans and other animals, myriad internal genetic, biological, and physiological factors separate us. Indeed, variations within species can confuse studies, but extrapolating data from one species to another is even more problematic.

The past several years have seen an increasing number of published studies indicating the myriad failures of using experiments on animals to predict human health. Additionally, the media is increasingly giving voice to doctors and professionals who are speaking out against the antiquated, wasteful, and inhumane practice." - humaneseal.org

If you would like to look at fact sheets, resources, and studies, please do so here at:
www.humaneseal.org/news/070124.html

As always, I welcome other opinions, but if you are unwilling to look at these studies, please do not try to open a dialogue with me.

This has been a problem in the past, and the dialogue then goes nowhere, and is enriching for noone. I seriously think I might even need to put up a disclaimer one of these days.

One of my most enriching courses I took this spring was my Contemporary Moral Issues philosophy class, which taught me philosophy is more than just abstract ideas, is relevant to current society (look at Peter Singer, Thomas Pogge), and that if people do not remain openminded and willing to accept facts, no progress can be achieved. This course was one of the hardest courses I've ever taken, next to Organic Chemistry, but I think the most rewarding, though sometimes confusing. I honestly think everyone should be required to take this class.

I learned the best learners make decisions not based on what their beliefs are, but make decisions based on facts and logical reasoning. Believe it or not (no pun intended), I try to do that. Not convinced? Well, after studying abortion and anti-abortion for half a semester in my class, I still do not know where I stand on abortion. I'm being honest to god when I tell you that. I used to think I was anti-abortion, but now I'm not sure after reading both sides, and I would not make a decision just to make a decision. One might think that because I'm just an animal rights activist, that I would automatically be pro-life. But it's a lot more detailed than that.

So I do welcome other opinions. I like intelligent debate, but be prepared to back your opinion up. Oh, and you can't just say your belief,and then run away and not respond. That really annoys me as well.

As you may have noticed, there is no mention of PETA anywhere in this post, so do not give me some anti-PETA, PETA speal. Believe it or not, there is more to animal rights views than simply PETA.

Also, I will take this moment to say I also don't understand people who say there are more important issues to worry about, like Darfur and global poverty. Hello? Have you seen my blog? I obviously do care about issues like that. I don't think that you need to pick one cause over another. My heart can go out to many causes.

Lastly, let me clarify a simple view that may be that by supporting non-animal testing I care more about animals that I care about my mom. I think animal-testing is not a good way because for perhaps the most important reason, non-animal testing is, overall, more effective based on facts, and therefore the better solution.

And if you even bring it to that level, then, no offense, but I will truly have nothing to say to you.

_______________

Not up for donating?

Well, Shop!

-------------

Shopping for a Cause

Looking for a gift for someone? Well, part of the proceeds go to breast cancer foundations.

[psst. and I'm in love with that watch.]

And which I posted on a long time ago--Ralph Lauren's Pink Pony Initiative[from $-$$$]

_________________________________________________

want to join in on the fun? have some old photos of your mom that shows where you can identify where your fashion sense came from? put up a photo on your blog, link back and comment down here, and I'll check it out and compile a post with all the photos and link you too. ciao. [deadline- 1 week]

Pathetic Excuse for a Panorama; summer return post

2008-05-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

So it's always quite difficult deciding how pick an appropriate starting topic after a long period of absence!

But I finally found the right one...but it's gonna take a couple more days. Plus...ag I'm starting physics courses this tuesday after memorial day so that'll take some more readjusting. Maybe I'll get it up before then even! I just wanted to be safe though since I did promise you a post within a week, and I'm so surprised some of you are still here with me!

I thought that it would be a good ending to my semester to first post up pictures of my whole dorm room since my dorm room this spring semester was pretty rad, except for the no a/c part of course...and I did a pretty awesome job decorating it. If I say so myself. Some of my pictures show part of my room, but I thought I'd just show all of it...maybe it can give those of you some ideas what to do with your dorms if you're heading off to college soon!...I even organized my drawers with little sectioned boxes and took a few more organization ideas from magazines like Domino and Blueprint [REALLY good fashion and decorating mags]. But I took all that out for cleaning.

I took these pictures on the last day of school, after I cleaned out everything else. So it actually might look kind of sterile with no fridge and everything---before it had been a
c o m p l e t e mess cause of finals week! :

[btw, that's a sheep mobile on the ceiling. most people think they're one-eyed ghosts, but not so much..]

my pathetic excuse for a panorama [please enlarge]

pictures w/o panorama

Everyone loves this chair...I got it at SteinMart on sale. It's like an old jewish lady discount store in California..

cute, right? don't ask if I believe this.

the corners of my desk:a. motivational index cardsb. taiwan McD toy trains

what I woke up to everyday. I always kept my 2007 hepburn calendar on decembercause I'm a december kind of girl. my room's filled with hepburn too, isn't it? I'm not crazy intense about her like some people but I do like her. ; )

SCHOOL'S OUT!

2008-05-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

SCHOOL'S OUT T T TT TTT TTTTT!!!!!!

I just finished my last exam 10 minutes ago. Expect a post within a week!! Sorry for not updating!! From here on out it'll be back to normal again.

Free INSTANT-Access Invites Code Rue la la / Gilt Groupe / Hautelook / ideeli / Editor's Closet / Reverse/ Estile / Seenon / RowNine etc

2008-04-17T23:15:00.000-07:00

Instant Access and codes to Invite Only Designer Sale Sites Recommended Invitations:
Gilt: http://www.gilt.com/invite/applecheeked
Ruelala: http://www.ruelala.com/invite/gchang588
Ideeli : go to http://www.ideeli.com/invite/applecheeked
Hautelook: http://www.hautelook.com/invite/58279
Beyond the Rack BeyondtheRack: http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/invite/B978813
*NEW* Estile (Australian designers): http://estile.com/applecheeked_gmail_com
*NEW* The Sample Sale: http://www.thesamplesale.com/cust/membersignup.asprea=applecheeked@gmail.com
For Swirl by DailyCandy: http://beta.swirl.com/invite/applecheeked
For EditorsCloset: http://www.editorscloset.com/cust/membersignup.asp?rea=applecheeked@gmail.com For ReverseReverse: http://www.rewind-rewind.com/w/Invite.jsp?sender=gloriachang@yahoo.com
For SeenOn (Project Runway / other TV collections): http://sale.seenon.com/account.php?f=invitecreate&token=1t3UoJeRoqSooZY%3D&pa=soinvite
For Row Nine / RowNine: http://www.rownine.com/invite/applecheeked@gmail.com
For Billion Dollar Babes /BillionDollarBabes: https://www.billiondollarbabes.com/register/u/b4c4d6c8cad69877a597a8
For PLNDR: http://www.plndr.com/plndr/MembersOnly/Login.aspx?r=1286222 ----

---IF you can, please refrain from posting your email in the comments section in reply to this post. In addition to wanting to protect your privacy, I don't want you guys to get junk mail from those programs that scan website for email addresses to send spam to. .. not fun. x o x o

Put your Legs in the air. your thorough list and guide to legwear.

2008-03-17T11:08:00.001-07:00

Allons, allons les enfants... (there's my french for you)

We have already established from the "legs part 1 post" the (or my) tights-leggings craze and why it's OK to have an obsession. I have pretty much scoured the whole world to find you guys every designed pair (subtle to bold), brands of leggings (high-end to low), and stockists possible (US to UK)- excl. the typical ones (AA, U/O etc). So, by the end of this post, you should you should be getting a degree in legwear. Of course, I purposely edited out some which were untasteful or unremarkable...so it's not just everything thrown together.

Sorry it took as long as it did to get this up...I've just really had to focus on my work, and it takes hours and hours for each post and it's quite labor-intensive and I don't get paid or anything out of it-- of course, except sharing my love with you guys! So sometimes it gets put on the back burner. I hope you enjoy this one though :)

outline for today's lesson (brands and online stockists):
no particular order

ktz c-neeon gaspard yurkievich DOSHABURI
hui-hui anntian TRAVESSIA
gallo WELCOMEHUNTERS
anntian OOGABOOGASTORE
bernhard willhelm SHOP FATAL
vivenne westwood SEFTON
henrik vibskov TRES BIEN
bernhard willhelm, peter pilotto SEVEN-NYC
gareth pugh, maison martin margiela, sonia rykiel, comme des garcons, BROWNSFASHION
shelly steffe, in god we trust, Seize sur Vingt REFINERY29
cheap monday TOBI
sonia rykiel, maria la rosa LA GARCONNE
gaspardyurkievich.com
welovecolor.com
celestestein.com

We Love Colors (...don't we?)

Let's start off easy, with We Love Colors. They're incredibly affordable [under $20]-- well, wait until you see other brands later on-- and uniquely cute! Not to mention, their designs come in a variety of styles, colors, materials-- footless, non-footless, knee-highs, thigh-highs, short socks... I'm especially in love with their splash color tie-dye effect design.

We Love Color in the Press [photos from welovecolor.com]

TIP: This photo demonstrates why you should layer your socks. besides that I do it, of course...that was a joke. [although I can't do that length-- my linebacker calves]

Celeste Stein has mine (heart, that is.)

Up-ing the amp some more is Celeste Stein. This woman, whoever she is, is kind of amazing. Her line offers 1000+ prints, all of which I thumbed through, and found my favorite styles, which I have posted below. Seriously, the possibilities are infinite. Some of these are so perfect, and why pass a chance up to make like a wooden doll with long-grained legs or wear your vice-- little chocolate confections-- on your sleeve? I mean, legs? Plus, you get an option of sheer, non-sheer...etc... These are also around the ~ $20.00 mark. Not bad, but it's kind of sad that if I wanted all these beloved prints I've checked off, I'd be dropping ~ $350 like it's hot. Sometimes too many possibilities leaves you a bit crestfallen. [note to celeste stein: please stop making me sad with all these choices! how can I pick between chocolate, blue-red plaid, and bubble explosion?!]

celestestein

explosion!

! Warning. We are now heading into High-end territory. !

Into Space we Go, Peter Pilotto

$127 (and that's on sale) @ seven-nyc

Slap on C-neeon

I like these for spring. They have crazier ones, but ehhh.

[in blue too!] 98 EUR @ doshaburi

Give Gareth Pugh, a Hug. [you know you want to]

These are sexy, atypical, but subtle and not too outlandish.

£55.00 @ Browns

Bernhard Willheim (is so fine!)

Are you looking at these? I mean, seriously, are you looking at these? I don't even know what those tie-back things should be called, but they're kind of awesome. They have their own genre.

$245 @ sevennewyork

100 EUR doshaburi

46 EUR @ doshaburi

Henri Vibskov (offers you the most expensive piggies in the world. and no, they're not for consumption.)

These are cute. And Henri Vibskov is in general, a genius. But I don't think these are worth $495.

$495 @ tresbien

Shelly Steffe makes legs look best!

Part tight, part legging, I think I covet these "leg skimmers" the most. Pretty unique, hard to recreate, they come in 3 different color combintations, and I love that creamy stripe running down the middle. These are knocked down to $90 from $180. Still out of my budget, but at least it's less than a pair of Citizens jeans, yes?

$90 @ Refinery29

I'm Fancyin Anntian.

Gradient tights. Is there more to say? I like the way they fade away... $98 @ the oogaboogastore.com [no I did not make that up]

Peekaboo, I see thee-- KTZ and Marjan Pejoski.

Self-explantory.

10 EUR (yes, 10) @ doshaburi

20 EUR @ doshaburi

Maria La Rosa, come a little closer

Gah! I'm going to drive myself crazy. These two just take the cake. The contrast leggings, and these...um, knee-sock things? I love how subtle, yet unique, they are. Sorry, I know, the drooling on the page is completely disgusting.

$80 and $98 @ La Garconne

Got an Itch for Gaspard Yurkievich.

One designer has been going above and beyond the call of duty for socks and tights. Typically, designers will put out a few, 1-5, legwear designs for any given season, if any, but Gaspard Yurkievich...well he's put out a lot. And I love him dearly for it!

Sweater Tights [black and gold ones-- !]

30 EUR @ doshaburi

From the F/W 07-08

range 17-35 EURO [half off already] @ gaspardyurkievich.com

CURRENT SEASON: Jury's still out on these slouchy socks...[they also have slouchy knee-highs for sale from 07-08 that I didn't post] I'm wary that they might make your legs look saggy and wrinkled. But I say, don't knock it till you try it. The colors look smart too.

.chain socks.

50-55 EUR @ gaspardyurkievich.com

Proving Tamer is not Lamer. in fact, it's kind of cute and whimsical.

Sonia Rykiel--

£16.00 short striped @ Browns & long $27.50 (sale) La Garconne

Seize sur Vingt-- unisex?

$28 @ refinery29

In God we Trust-- [love the metal horsebit charm]

$20 @ refinery29

Vivienne Westwood--

On sale: £13-17 @ Sefton

Form-- stirrup legging! I love.

$77. eva new york

Comme des Garcons--

I had no idea they made socks before. I think these are all men's socks. Well, men need their fashion too. Hm...maybe if you're a woman with big feet you can also wear it?

£20.00 brownsfashion.com

If I had a boyfriend. I'd make him wear these.

And now as we are winding to a close, we're Heading to the Gallo.s

Up close, these are actually incredibly shimmery. And all of these are on sale, kneesocks and kneehighs. They're half off, now around the $20 mark, except the footless tights ~$40. From welcomehunters LA. They're made in Milan and quite luxurious looking...

The Gallo's Boys Club [men's socks]

Psst. Betcha didn't know Cheap Monday made leg warmers. $23 @ tobi.com
[imagine these pulled over some nice tights or skinny skinny black pants]

And you can always look for more adorable, affordable choices at freepeople and anthropologie. I love these! The layering possibilities...

I hope you guys find something minutely interesting in this whole post...once again, sorry it took ...er...weeks to get up! It's a lot of information. ;)

Need some more inspiration? Check out these FLICKR groups, and see how girls everywhere wear their legs. (or if you just want to see some artsy photos)

The Fashion My Legs... Pool

http://www.flickr.com/groups/tightsremix/pool
The Opaque (and Patterned) Tights Pool

http://www.flickr.com/groups/opaque_tights/pool/
The Opaque Hosiery Pool

http://www.flickr.com/groups/opaquehosiery/pool/

____________________

action of the week [yes, I'm bringing them back]

____The Seal Hunt____

take a second to:

"Contact the Canadian Minister of International Trade, David Emerson, and urge him to end the seal hunt. The hunt is opposed by the overwhelming majority of people in Canada and around the world, and the Minister of International Trade, Mr. Emerson is in a unique position to stop it. But he must be convinced that the seal hunt damages Canada's economy and international reputation.Click here now to tell Mr. Emerson that the seal hunt is bad for the Canadian economy, bad for tourism, and bad for Canada -- and that it is time to end the commercial seal hunt for good." - Humane Society...

I was going to post a video clip, but then I remembered some of you get incredibly queasy, so I'm staving it off for now. But please at least take a few seconds to fill out the form! The message is already written out for you.

Unisexy w/ Brian Lichtenberg

2008-03-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

Lucky for you guys [jk], I'm just going to bite the bullet and put up the B.L post now seperately. Plus this way I won't be feeling guilty all the time before my o-chem test!

So although I had heard of the Brian Lichtenberg before, I first zoned in after I saw his gold-panelled leggings...you know, cause of my minor obessession. He designs for both the ladies and gents, and you might have heard of BL since he's famous for dressing M.I.A [Paper Planes was stuck in my head on a loop a month ago] and Peaches. And he's also been in Nylon Magazine, Paper Mag, and most recently, Oyster Mag.

But he's not all flash...

[looks from spring/summer collection...don't you just dig the dress? it's even cuter in spreads]

Anyway, he was gracious enough to give me an interview, which I took full advantage of, of course. And here is the fruit of my labor (does that sound strange?). Enjoy!

[brian lichtenberg, pictured below]

The much feared question...what inspires you? (in general or as of recent)

My spring/summer collection was inspired by slime, slimer from the ghostbusters, toxic waste, and how clothes could morph if effected, drip and warp. fall/winter is a bit of a surprise until I show during la fashion week this spring.

What draws you to work with those graffiti-like graphic prints, neons, and holographic materials?

Definitely my childhood, growing up in the 80s/90s, fantasy and adventure movies of that era, my obsession with sequins and anything shiny and or reflective.

In high school you were the kid who _______________.

Dyed his hair every color of the rainbow and then some. I was voted 'most original' and people thought I dressed weird. I've definitely mellowed out since then.

Have any advice to those who want to pursue any career in design?

If its in your heart, go for it.

I hate the idea of exclusivity...but Who is the girl/guy that buys B.L.?

I've noticed that alot of the people that wear brian lichtenberg are style icons, fashion forward kids and free thinkers/artists...lately its been alot of guys but when I started making clothing 8 years ago the majority of my clientele and the things I made were for women so the flux of sexes is interesting as I make more unisexy type items now.

How did you get your business going?

My friend had a shop in la where he allowed me to sell anything I made, I worked up confidence after positive feedback from friends and customers and good sales to shop it around locally and make a bit of a name for myself. I used to make everything myself and mostly one of a kind up until a few years ago, I still do alot of one-offs and customwear as well.

What are your Fav haunts in L.A?

Downtown la, I feel like its my second home. My friends gallery/boutique called New High (M)art that features the work and enviornment installation by a different designer every 6 weeks, and also I love the club Mustache Mondays downtown at Charlie O's, they play the best dance music and have performances every week.

One Random question: do you have any pets? (names? type?...)

No pets now but when I was growing up I had pet fish and a fire bellied water lizard that was so cute. Oh and also a cat named taco. //

drool.... if I could afford these [$170 per pair] with my college student budget, I must certainly would splurge...maybe some of you out there are more lucky :)

where BL is sold:
http://brianlichtenberg.com/?section=stockists

(gold panelled leggings sold KIN on sunset blvd and JOYRICH on melrose.)

Fur-free designers update: Ronson's fall show + Natalie Portman

2008-02-23T00:19:00.000-08:00

First, I'm pushing off the BL interview & legs part II for the next post because it's taking way longer than I thought (I'm serious...it's taking up more time than I thought; it's very comprehensive...I've been working on it for like 3 hours already...cause I'm trying to fit basically every single pair of tights/leggings that exist into this post...+ organization + html time + formatting crap time etc)
And of course, from the photo you can see the proof of my hectic busy-ness this week. my side of the room's a MESS. the wall is my roommate's though...[so you can't see the extent of my mess] my side is more "artsy" and her's is half naked men.

So I feel really really guilty! Unfortunately these posts don't put themselves together. sad face. Therefore, I'm going to just make a quickie post for you guys, like a bunch of animal-free brands, catch-up stuff w/ animal-friendly celebrities and designers. some stuff that I meant to put up but never did cause I normally do articles instead of "news". Think of it like 3 mini-posts. Of course, outfits are recent.

I. Natalie Portman's high-end shoe line: Té casan
II. Charlotte Ronson's Feb. fall 08 show [HSUS]
III. My Recent Outfits

I. Portman for Té casan

Natalie Portman: "As a vegan, it's been challenging finding designer shoes made of alternative materials. This collection offers a great selection without compromising quality or style."

Natalie Portman is gorgeous (duh). And if you didn't know, Natalie Portman is a vegan. She's been so for like...just about forever? She's been quite active in her opinions and is a true animal lover. Anyway, she's designed for this company to create her own line. As the site says:

"[She] noticed the absence of fashionable animal-friendly footwear and
collaborated with Té Casan for her debut collection. Portman worked closely
throughout to maintain quality standards and an exceptional design aesthetic.
Dazzling, playful, elegant and free of animal products, each shoe exudes the
starlet’s own personal style." [tecasan.com]

Natalie said once, “All of my shoes are from Target or Stella McCartney,” so I suppose it would make sense that she'd want to create some more diversity and options (target has its place though)!

As for the actual line itself...well...it's cute. It's not that detailed or mind-blowing, but... it's like...simple, sleek, hollywood glamour...but for the everyday. And each is hand-made and limited edition (100 of each style-- some are already sold out). Not to mention, ALL of Portman’s proceeds will be "donated to various non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental preservation [The Nature Conservacy] and animal rights".

her line is sold at http://www.tecasan.com/ and at Té Casan, 382 West Broadway, New York, NY, 212-584-8000.

II. HSUS and Charlotte Ronson partnership, fall 08 fashion show

Remember I mentioned Charlotte Ronson (sister is DJ Samantha Ronson) as a publicly fur-free designer? Earlier this month she showed her collection sponsored by The HSUS:

"Ronson credited attendance at an HSUS Cool vs. Cruel party earlier in the year for her decision to come out against fur, and the fur-free message was on full display at her show. The one faux fur garment shown made clear its provenance with a "no-fur" button on the lapel." [www.hsus.org/furfree]

Do you love it?

I love it. Plus it's a lot more sophisticated and fine than the past things she designed.

[photos: elle.com]

clap clap clap

[photos: hsus.org/furfree]

Why are all these designers going fur-free? see the reality.

III. My Recent Outfits

Although I am no model, I've been trying to vary up the poses so you guys don't get bored. (crosses fingers)

psst... these are the oxfords I finally invested in. which I waxed poetically about for ages.

now you can see the messiness.

I notice that when I put up outfit photos taken in the mirror, they're sometimes fuzzy and dark. this is because the flash blinds the whole thing. but this time I just decided to do it anyway. (1/2 with, 1/2 w/o)

my conservative look...w/ stella mccartneys of course.

hugs and kisses!

update on w-th.

2008-02-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

hey-- I'm completely swamped with work-- o-chem and bio exam, lab reports, papers... I'll do my best to get a post up on Wednesday-Thursday this upcoming week! Check back then : ) kisses! hope you all had a semi-good Valentine's day.

you guys should be expecting legwear Part II with a Q&A from Brian Lichtenberg.

PS. In case you guys have been wondering, I have been watching the new season of Project Runway...I was rooting for Chris March on Project Runway for the most recent challenge to make it to fashion week...but I ended up looking at the 5 designers' collections for Bryant Park...and was sooo disappointed! Now I hope it was Rami they're picking for the final 3. I also wasn't too big a fan of Jillian's during the show [whimper-y and neurotic], but her Bryant collection was so fine. loved it.

[photo: elle.com]

Hannah from Hansel from Basel: legs pt I

2008-01-29T15:42:00.000-08:00

[So, surprisingly...I have a lot of post topics prepared. But as I promised, this post is about the interview with LA designer Hannah, from Hansel from Basel!] (artsy sock photos: Zen Sekizawa)

Socks. When a person typically thinks of socks, the stylish they probably go for are those white ankle socks. Short, clean cut, barely-there. Practically invisible. More of an afterthought. However, it seems Hannah Byun, founder of Hansel from Basel, thinks socks are supposed to, and can be, much more than that [but of course traditional minimalism is always appreciated]. I completely agree. I happen to think socks and other hosiery are like scarves and any other accessory. You can express yourself and your sense of style through them.

In the last few years, the hosiery industry has certainly bloomed and established themselves as much more than simply "something you wear with your shoes". They are a mark of fashion in themselves. Now, so many varieties exist [I mean, yes, there was 80's legwear...but I'd rather not talk about that. I tend to have a bias against 80's fashion :( ]. There is so much more than one's argyle and tube socks, and brilliantly patterned and colored tights instead of neutral ones. Plus, you've got your lamé and holographic leggings. They are as integral a part as a top in an outfit. Sometimes I find myself purchasing things to go around my socks. Is that intense?

Can I just say, I love it? I have a whole shelf in my dorm dedicated to tights, socks, and leggings. I've pretty much acquired them all over the past year. I am a little obsessed. I love to walk into stores that happen to be ridiculously high-end, and come out with a pair of socks or tights. Is that weird? It's just... they are just as creative, sometimes mind-boggling, but tons more affordable than an actual garment piece. Sometimes there just happens to be a really good sale too...so you get your $50-70 Gaspard Yurkievich stockings for $25-35 when a typical Gaspard Yurkievich top is $300. Even spending that amount may seem absurd to some, but you can't simply think of them as "socks".

I am going to stop that hosiery spiel now. Here is where Hansel from Basel comes in. I came across them online a couple months ago and just fell in love with their line. love love. Especially all the kneepad (a few of which I own) socks and the tuxedo socks... not to mention the schiele print socks and dotted socks...which is basically everything. They were just so fun and whimsical and quite colorful. And there was hardly a single company that had such cute and innovative designs. A chance encounter allowed me to meet the actual creator behind Hannah from Basel, Hannah Byun, in LA. I even remember what she was wearing- her cute striped socks, a fairisle sweater, full-ish skirt, and comfy-looking boots, and her hair was tied-pinned up in the back. It took a lot of guts to ask her if I could ask her some questions at another time, but thank goodness I did! Hannah was very sweet and down-to-earth. It was so enjoyable and I had so much fun (while attempting to be serious at the same time). In the same spirit, for some questions I have kept some of the original IM format. Please enjoy.

Life Style: Where do you originally hail from?
hanselfrombasel: I grew up behind the orange curtain (aka orange county)

Life Style: When did you start getting interested in fashion? How would you describe your "style evolution" from when you were a kid?
hanselfrombasel: I have always loved fashion. As a child, I was obsessed. I read vogue as a pre teen... my style evolution has not changed. Despite my interests in fashion fashion, I tend to dress preppy with a twist and have my whole life. I remember wearing wool plaid shorts with henleys while other kids had scrunchies, baggie neon shirts, and tights… I also still wear some of my clothes from high school. My style has been consistent through and through.

Life Style: What did your parents have to say about your obsession as a teen? [I know my mother goes nuts]
hanselfrombasel: They didn’t think much of it. I’ve always been in my own boat with that stuff and if anything, they let me be as obsessed. It wasn’t like I couldn’t study… or spent my money on clothes, because I didn’t have any money.

Life Style: I understand that you graduated from UCLA, majoring in Studio Art and Art History. How did that lead to hosiery?
hanselfrombasel: My father had a business manufacturing hosiery lines for mass market brands. It was an opportune time in creating something interesting without the hassle of finding connections but using ones you already had.

Life Style: So what is a typical work day like for you?
hanselfrombasel: I wake up, read emails, write emails and I mean a lot of emails, research designs and inspiration, eat sometime in between, manage the manufacturing because it's hectic ...work work work. It's a lot of work and changes everyday. Like today, I have to get packaging approved, approve production samples, figure out taxes, designing the fall 08 mailer, manage fall 08 samples, figure out pricing.........

Life Style: So you oversee the production process?
hanselfrombasel: I do my production in China and Korea. Though, I plan to focus on Korea from now on.

Life Style: Are you having a Spring 08 line? (so excited!)
hanselfrombasel: Yup, and it's just about ready to ship ...just checking on some minor details and changes. It won’t be in stores for another month [February]

Life Style: Where does the name "Hansel from Basel" come from?
hanselfrombasel: Well, it's a combination of things: it's similar to "Hannah", I've always loved Switzerland and the idea of lederhosen, yodeling, chalets, etc., and I took a lot of German in college… it's kind of a little character that I've created as an alter ego, I guess

Life Style: The oft dreaded question: Where do you get your inspiration from?
hanselfrombasel: Oh a lot of places. Spring colors were inspired from the fall 07 comme des garcons collection…I love vintage knitwear… Japanese crafts…

Life Style: So you're a big vintage shopper?
hanselfrombasel: Interestingly, I cant stand vintage shopping…I do it all online. I’m so busy that anything requiring "search" frustrates me.
Life Style: I think its fun! But I agree about the frustration at times.

Life Style: Speaking of Comme des Garcons…Who are your favorite designers?
hanselfrombasel: Oh so many. balenciaga's nicholas ghesquire is so good. I am obsessed with the cargo bag and asymmetrical dresses he did early on for them.
hanselfrombasel: I love marni, tao by comme des garcons...isabel marant is a good everyday designer that I love
hanselfrombasel: Oh man, I am having a serious monday brain slur
hanselfrombasel: I love miuccia prada… I really like acne jeans too.

Life Style: So I am guessing that you spend most of your time in or around LA. What are your favorite places to frequent?
hanselfrombasel: Yes, I spend a lot of time in LA though I’ve been traveling to NY a whole lot. In LA, I love creatures of comfort. My whole wardrobe is from there, no joke.
hanselfrombasel: I don’t shop all that much in LA…I will go to creatures and be done done done. I hit Barneys once in a blue moon but mostly for face products. I love South Willard for their postalco products and I like APC but I just go to creatures for it…
hanselfrombasel: [On cafes and eateries] Yuca's burritos on hillhurst, izayoi in little tokyo, mozza, intelligentsia (my friends and I are addicted), cafe los feliz for amazing croissants that are as big as your face...I’m trying not to go out to eat as much…so unhealthy! I like haru ulala for cheap Japanese eats… Oh and I love yabu for noodles! Inaka on la brea for macro japanese food...sooooooooooo good, my favorite.
Life Style: My kind of girl! I eat too much for my own good too.
hanselfrombasel: I’m totally going off track. I think about food a whole lot.
hanselfrombasel: Oh and bagel broker....BAGELS! So good. Ok I will stop with food.
hanselfrombasel: I think about food as much as I stress about socks.
Life Style: Well, I’m sure you can get inspiration from different cuisines
hanselfrombasel: Sure thing

Life Style: How would you characterize your line in a few sentences?
hanselfrombasel: It's a spirited line with whimsical designs that come straight from the heart.
hanselfrombasel: ?
Life Style: that's good
hanselfrombasel: thanks.

Life Style: Lastly…Any advice to those who would want also to pursue any sort of design in the fashion industry?
hanselfrombasel: Perseverance. I think once you have your aesthetic and sensibilities in line, it's really important to secure a strong production base…60% of being a designer is managing and perfecting your production. I can't stress how important that is. And it helps to be organized. <>

Oh, and did I mention their socks feel so comfortable and have a slight sheen? They feel so comfortable and have a slight sheen!

Anyhow, Hansel from Basel is sold online at anthropologie.com, activeendeavors.com, creaturesofcomfort.us, chocosho.com, stevenalan.com, and bonandging.com (sales on most sites!). Store stockists can be found online here.

Bon&Ging

CreaturesofComfort

Shh...My favorites from her SPR 08 line: the spats long socks, white colorblock mondrian socks, and azure/blush mini striped stockings.

SPR. 08 sneak peek

nyc trip + outfit photos + the trollsen twins

2008-01-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

Hey girls (and guys if there are any). So I've been MIA for a few days cause I spent some quality time with my girls in nyc! [that's us in front of rockefeller] One of my first posts actually covered our first nyc trip together, the joy of finding the marc jacobs store, etc.

I think I walked about 200 blocks total in the span of 4 days, no joke. My feet were falling off. We zigzag-ed all over soho, tribeca, chelsea, greenwich, meatpacking district, at one point Soupi and I walked all the way down to the edge of chinatown from our hotel next to Penn Station on 32nd street. Other things: We walked through the Chelsea Flower Market, went to the milk bar, rode the subway up to Lincoln center to watch Persepolis, went to St. Patrick's Cathedral and did a prayer for my mum. Storewise: I freq'ed A.P.C, the Museum of Modern Art, Opening Ceremony, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Scoop NYC, Macy's, Saks, etc.

Anyhow, it's that time again!! You know, when I showcase my personal style. [no big no big ; ) ] It includes what I wore in NYC, photo journal style, and then at the end is what I promised about my photos from school (my aunt brought my camera back) and the outfits with the items I bought which I mentioned last entry. Have fun, and I hope you find something inspiring.

All outfits were paired with my trusty Cream Converse - except the one with pumps.

Day 1

outfit : Anthropologie cardigan (gift), AA sweetheart-cut shirt, Cheap Monday jeans, Un-matching pink and blue socks (I couldn't find the their mates, haha. looked cute though).

Day 2

this one actually has an 'amusing' story. so, as one can see, I finally caved in and purchased a pair of Norma Kamali Gold Leggings. I plead that they were on sale and shiny + I had a coupon code and I recieved a gift certificate with my purchase [via http://www.chickdowntown.com/ ...and they wrapped it up so nicely]. Plus I heard the AA ones scratch easy. See below + Soupi's stalkerish picture of me.

Um, yeah the thing is no one told me wearing lamé leggings in NYC was a bad idea, although in retrospect I should have known. I just figured city girls are some of the most daring and unique dressers so I figured if I don't wear them in NY, where else would I wear them? Plus they were warm! Of course, it looked like more girls were wearing long boots, dark tights, and dark earthy colors, not too stand-out, so I guess I was wrong.

Long story short, half of the people I passed were looking at me or my legs (I hadn't thought it would be that big a deal), including strange creepy guys. One guy puckered his face and said, "hey sweetie!" and someone poked his head out of a taxi and continued to stare at my friend and I for about 30 seconds... which is a really long time. Plus a woman smiled and shouted, "Goldfinger!!" which I wasn't quite sure how to respond to. Not to mention when night fell I got scared and I pulled down my skirt and pulled up my leggings, I wanted to tear them off, really, because of the creep pheromone they were giving off. And that's why at night when we went out to eat, I switched to safe opaque black leggings.

Day: Scotland Cream hat (gift), DKNY sleeveless sweater (gift), Kors skirt, Norma Kamali Gold Leggings.

Night: Navy and Plaid childhood cape, DKNY sleeveless sweater (gift), U/O tights, Kors skirt.

Day 3

Day: Sweetees cardigan (also http://www.chickdowntown.com/) I was so surprised when I saw they matched my Hansel and Basel socks [btw, interview with the founder of Hansel and Basel will be up very soon!], free people cable tights. Yes I wore socks over tights... Orchid AA skirt, Vintage (?) Vivienne Westwood bag [mentioned last entry].

Late Afternoon: Orchid AA skirt, H & M shirt ($5) I purchased in NY, Hansel & Basel scrunched down socks, Green payless pumps.

Late Night: McQ by Alexander McQueen bandana dress (mentioned last entry), CK short cable sweater, U/O tights.

Mishmash Things I did not wear but purchased in NYC

Nepal Hat: $8 somewhere on Howard St. [across from Opening Ceremony- 35 Howard St]

H&M zipper trapeze dress- $20 [purch. next to Macy's]

MBMJ bandana (I just stuck it in the dress)- $8

MBMJ socks- $10, Marc by Marc Jacobs store.

Elizbeth Hurley Caftan- $35 Scoop NYC in Meatpacking District, across from Stella McCartney's store (drool).

MoMA lips postcard- $2.50, Museum of Modern Arts. I also bought a pretty umbrella from there- $35.

My friend Soupi and I decided to have some fun picking some ridiculously expensive clothes and trying them on. I chose an oversized Anna Sui coat with roses (it said Petite though!). It was just for laughs- my skin tone doesn't go well with that sort of red-- Soupi said I looked like a giant tomato. Lol.

long awaited PHOTOS from School @ dorm

The Chloe skirt I told you about, paired with Matt & Nat Wright bag, Abaete flats, and Hello Kitty sweatshirt.

Different Takes on 1 childhood piece

Look 1: eclectic folk dressy: styled with gray cotton cami, H & M belt, Kate Spade Cape Cod cotton scarf [threaded it through button holes), U/O socks.

Look 2: Puffy Pretty and Chill: gray cami, H & M belt, puffy skirt from Anthropologie, U/O socks.

Look 3: Casual, Laidback, etc: gray cami, random red ribbon, Cheap Monday tight jeans.

outfit 1: headband from fair, stuck feathers on it, free people rough long shirt and cable tights, Old Navy herringbone shorts, Eleanor Grosch flats.

outfit 2: U/O scarf, Tara Jarmon for target dress jacket, blue cami, Cheap Monday jeans ($14 via Barney's warehouse sale), Eleanor Grosch flats.

outfit 1: free people sequin hoodie, CK knit tank dress and cotton skinny pants, Palladium boots.

outfit 2: CK knit tank dress and cotton skinny pants + Stella McCartney stilettos (via Ebay).

Organic (?) Shirt from some LA sample sale. Cardigan and tights-- U/O. Express skirt. Vintage YSL pumps via Ebay [the ones I mentioned last post].

Prep with a Twist
outfit 1: CK cable sweater, Cross craft fair pin, Abaete flats, Phillip Lim for UNIQLO skirt.
outfit 2: BCBG plaid blazer, Gap scarf, Green Gap Tank, CK white shirt, Giordano khakis, Kate Spade canvas skimmers.

While we're on the subject of style...or lack of...

during the school semester and my inability to post, something I was surprisingly impressed by, was Peta's approach towards new campaigns which come off not only effective and informative, but educational, interactive, media savvy, and have punchy humor with a bite. I'm not endorsed by them in any way, so rest assured these are my own true opinions.

Mary-Kate Olsen (photo via WWD)

For example, the big campaign that you might have heard about are about the Olsen twins' heavy use of and ignorant approach to fur. Peta created an intriguing Full House parody clip. Ashley and Mary-Kate are nicknamed the Trollsen twins and...the graphics pretty much say it all. Anyway, they set up a webpage, where people can watch the clip, dress them up in their typical disgusting (and you'll see it's disgusting) fur-wear. For a while, the Trollsen twins even had their own Myspace account created. Isn't that intense?

Anyway, you guys can check it here: http://www.peta2.com/trollsens

Dress up the Trollsen Twins at peta2.com!
It's really interactive and user-friendly...therefore, quite effective in reaching out to those who don't know a thing. So props, honestly. In any case, the Olsens don't have any style in my book when they can can support such an inhumane fur industry. It's surprising that they can keep ignoring it. Especially when they have such young girls looking (or had been looking) up to them.

They even made this snowglobe for winter. You can shake it up and everything. It contains Anna Wintour.

Anna wintour in mid-shake

With designers like Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada, Benjamin Cho, Erin Fetherston, Rebecca Taylor, Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller, Trovata, Vivienne Westwood, and Alexandre Herchcovitch shunning fur, why even bother?

(from http://www.infurmation.com/)

New Year, New Designer + liquid "leather"

2008-01-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

gloria here.
first, happy new year!!

second, i'm sorry [for not updating]!! This last semester has been of the hellish variety. And I wanted to kick back-relax for the beginning sprigs of the holiday break.

third, we have much to catch up on //// so warning: this post may be all over the place.

what have I done since you last saw me?
++ basically, study. that's all I did. study, break down, go to sleep, repeat. I swear, monthly magazines sent to my dorm were completely untouched.

what significant things have I purchased?
++ huge obsession with legwear so bought hella lots of tights and socks. (but not footless) I was so saddened when eva new york sold out of those marjan pejoski owl socks. I kept waiting for them to go on sale (hello? poor college kid cannot spend $40 on tights), and by the time eva new york had their big sale they were already gone. Also, a spankin new McQ bandana dress [so gorgeous; I only had to pay ~$70 because it was on sale and I had won a shopbop g/c], an amazing AMAZING new beaded Tocca gown, from a discount store for <$35, which I'll never get to wear unless I'm throwing a swank soiree at age 30 or run for Miss. Taiwan or Miss. America (neither of which is likely to happen), it's completely animal-friendly, not even silk. Also bought a pair of vintage caramel colored YSL heels via ebay <$30, and most recently a sparkly vintage Vivienne Westwood fannypack (yes, I said fannypack) that I wear as a purse <$30. I'd show you all my photos and outfits I put together around them but ditzy me left my cam in CA. Oh and at an LA BDB sale I recieved a $90 mustard, viscose Chloe skirt discounted from...like $1000 [no joke] courtesy of my aunt.

what have I been listening to?
++ not that you guys care, but lately I have retrograded to a wide spread of older music: duwop, swing, stuff like jay & the americans, frank sinatra, the temptations, beegees, tony bennett. and george harrison, beatles stuff. and sometimes it's just too exhausting to keep up with new 'hip' artists. was that awkward? I sounded like an old man. hey you know what's really awkward? Sitting in the car with your mom while the radio is playing a cover of the syncopated dance mix version of the popular 60's hit, "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini". Anyway...onto actual content >>>

With a new year comes a new designer (not new as in "new on the scene" but new as in "a new designer that I like"). It's more of a reference to her fall 2007 line that this post is about, but in an excuse for not posting beforehand I'm saying bitter january winds make it just as applicable. I am bumbling about Daryl Kerrigan's line, Daryl K. On the hunt for that pleather caramel-camel jacket which I never found but studiously scouted for every waking moment, I came across her magnificently made "liquid leather" jackets. aka they're not really leather, but they look like it, in fact, honestly, they look even better. It's a true savior in this Mike & Chris world. Are you a new reader? Wondering why does this even matter? Read this post.

So I contacted someone from Daryl K who said: "That leather-like material is a sheened synthetic fabric we deemed 'liquid leather'". It's also from Japan. I was not told if they have a certain policy on fur and leather but later on I found that they sell a suede bomber jacket on their site so I'm guessing they just like the look of this japanese fabric. I do too; the sheen is way nicer and no amount of chemicals you treat with actual cow-hide could possibly produce that sheen. no offense cows. *hug*

Anyhow, Daryl Kerrigan's faux-leather jackets and dresses look incredibly phenomonal. They are also, as expected, phenomonally pricey. The sales do knock off the prices considerably well though, especially on Shopbop. See for yourself:

Daryl K is sold online at: darylk.com/shop, activeendeavors.com, barneys.com, bluefly.com, EvaNewYork.com, LaGarconne.com, theMilkshop.com, shopbop.com, tg170.com, HampdenClothing.com. + they have a storefront on 21 Bond St [NYC].

Intriguing tidbits on Daryl Kerrigan: Dublin-born, she moved to NY and used to sort second-hand clothes for thrift-shop dealers. She opened shop in the East Village in 1991. She became famous for "the perfect pair of jeans" she designed: boot-cut hipster jeans. She also has a diffusion line called K-189. She won the CFDA Perry Ellis New Talent Award for womenswear in 1996. She started doing runway shows in 2000. But the Leiber group stopped distribution of her Fall 2001 collection and closed her stores. She fought and repurchased the rights to her name and label and has made clothes every since and has lived happily ever after. The End. [info- designerhistory.com]

Cruelty-Free leather looks from her Fall 2007 show [I think the most sophisticated of all her shows]

My favorite out of her of her spring 2008 show [unfortunately, a rather disappointing show], and two favorites from older collections.

Oh and I'm in love with her red vinyl leggings. [$290 darylk.com, ouch!]

See mon amis? You don't need to feel bad wearing "leather" when you're with Daryl K [some of her jackets do have silk linings though]. It doesn't have to be a painful fashion statement. I used to have this innate averseness to leather jackets but I think Daryl K cured me. [well I still have an aversion to real leather jackets. I even joined this facebook group called, "Unless you're Brad Pitt, don't wear a leather jacket"]

Some more pricey, not cheaply made, faux-cowskin designer outerwear

I promise to update again real soon! kisses and hope your break is just as nice as mine! : )

shopping is politics

2007-11-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

So Sorry for not updating, guys...college keeps me incredibly busy (and stressed)! No point in blubbering on though, so I'm going to cut to the chase--

Bono (you know, of U2 fame) came to our college a couple weeks ago to talk about Product Red, current situation in Africa, the politics of it, The Global Fund, etc. He was a great speaker IMO, communicated his points pretty well, wore his platform/high-top boots as always, and his trademark rose-tinted sunglasses too.

We also had Anderson Cooper a couple days ago...surprisingly, not as good a speaker, but "mad mad cute"...for an older guy, that is-- all the girls were constantly taking photos of him! There was a part when he said the last time he asked his mother for advice, Gloria Vanderbilt (the famous Vanderbilt baby-- look it up on wiki-- and designer...Vanderbilt Jeans), he was going to his first real interview and she told him something to the effect of, "Wear v e r t i c a l stripes, it's more flattering on the figure." or maybe it was "...it draws the eye downward." Cute, right?

Back to Bono though. He told us of his first-hand experience in Africa annd that the current situation is just...horrible. Children are dying because of things like diaharrea, unclean water, and really stupid reasons because they can't get simple medical assistance. People afflicted with AIDS are dying because they don't have enough money for the 2 pills a day they need to survive. Countries and politicans aren't coming through on their signed promises to Africa. As Bono stated, "This is not a cause. This is an emergency." There is a common thread called humanity that runs through all of us. We can't be unaffected.

So I wrote an article for the school paper which I spent about forever on so I thought I'd put it up here. The first part is more informative, while the second talks about Bono's line EDUN and (RED) items...where to buy, etc. It's a lot more objective and not as...well, heated or passioned as I typically get sometimes here. ; ) I also tweaked it a little bit to suit you guys better. Enjoy!

---

Armani and AIDS? The initial idea of linking fashion to aid can be hard to grasp. Even harder to grasp is the thought that materialism can be used as a mechanism to help change the world. But branded products and material sales are just what husband and wife duo, Bono and Ali Hewson, believe can initiate and produce much-needed change in and aid to Africa. But how exactly? Why the fashion industry? And is it really an effective means?

(RED) and EDUN are the names of the games. The first, founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver, DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) Chairman, serves to collaborate with different well-known brands to produce and sell (PRODUCT)RED branded items. The second, created by Bono, Ali Hewson, and Rogan Gregory, NY clothing designer, is an ethical, organic, and socially conscious fashion line (a bit on the pricey side too).

(RED) was created for the purpose of raising awareness and money for The Global Fund to fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa, as well as against malaria and tuberculosis. Via The Global Fund Website: Malaria kills more than 1 million people a year, with 90% of these deaths occurring in Africa, mostly in children under 5 years of age. This money provides medical services, education, and nutrition, but most importantly, it covers the two 40-cent pills a day HIV-infected persons need to stay alive. Without it, they die, and more than 5,800 people are dying per day…

EDUN's main goal is to use trade to build sustainable communities and long-term employment in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as India and Peru, by setting their business and production process there. They help those in developing countries to become their own manufacturers.

For (RED), the appeals of fashion and product placement lie in not only the purchasing attraction of America's strong, ready-to-shop consumer, but in its effectiveness in creating awareness. Partnering up with big brands allows for awareness to be spread via those companies' pockets, instead of (RED)'s, for marketing campaigns. This way, the relatively untouched private sector is incorporated and corporate money is set into The Global Fund.

As for EDUN, which is financed by the Hewsons, fashion— besides for the purpose of making beautiful, high-quality clothing— ends up serving as an effective way to make way for economic growth in Africa. This is because one of Africa's most valuable resources is their cotton, which they often end up selling to outside countries, instead of utilizing it themselves. Utilizing and attempting to strengthen all aspects of their apparel supply chain is key in laying a foundation for a future long-term apparel industry. Currently, in Lesotho, the apparel industry accounts for about 40% of the jobs. Designer Rogan also goes to each factory to meet the workers of local and ethically managed labour forces.

Neither (RED) nor EDUN are charities and their productivity and efficacy can be attributed to both their business-minded attitudes. (PRODUCT)RED makes their partners money, and so they stay partners, and as long as they stay partners, aid gets sent. And of course, EDUN, as a for-profit business, focuses on developing a strong economic business model in Africa. Over $45.5 million has been raised via (RED), and more than $30.8 million have been given to grant recipients in Rwanda, Swaziland, and Ghana.

To be a socially conscious consumer, it's all about choices! If you need a new phone and you happen to have a choice (let’s say you dropped it into the elevator shaft), see if you can purchase the RED MOTORAZR or RED MOTOSLVR. They come in black too— not every product is red. Giving your dad a Bluetooth headset? Then make it RED and an automatic $2.50 will be directly sent to The Global Fund. It might not seem like a lot, but according to their online Impact Calculator, that amount would be able to “ provide 21 single-dose (nevirapine) treatments for mother and baby, to prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to child. ” Of course, if you would want to just directly donate more to The Global Fund which would be even better: http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/donate.

But as is with Apple (PRODUCT)RED, one doesn’t purchase big tech items for the sake of donating— it would just happen that you would also be contributing money if you pick a raspberry-red-colored shuffle or nano ($10) instead. And speaking of Apple, if you’re looking for a gift for someone, or from, a RED iTunes card could be a thoughtful option. Need a card for a special occasion? Purchase a Hallmark (PRODUCT) RED card; 8% of the net sales are contributed.

Recently been looking into purchasing a pair of Converse? Customize your own in a variety of styles at www.makeminered.com (also at select GAP stores); 5-15% net sales contributed. And IMO, everyone needs at least one pair.

Now onto the fashion! So where to go? Drop into Gap next time you’re in the mall! Gap’s (PRODUCT)RED campaign donates half the profits to The Global Fund and has an college-friendly affordability for both guys and girls.

From $28 shirts to $128 sweaters to $188 coats, they cover the whole spectrum from basics to on-trend items. No, they’re not all red and graphic tees. Two of my favorites for girls are the cinnabar military sweater and the navy long military coat, both standout pieces in a wardrobe. The wellies are cute and I’m partial to the striped hoodie for guys. Not to mention, the kid’s clothes are adorable if you’re the type to buy clothes for your small siblings or relative’s children. In fact, the Gap (PRODUCT)RED is great for feel-good gifting. Worried that the prices still aren’t in your price range? Well, thankfully for us, Gap does sales all the time. For example, on their website; for women, their pointelle henley is slashed to $9.99 from $45.00 and the empire cami has dropped from $28.00 to $4.99. For men a plaid shirt is currently $24.99 when it was $68.00. Not bad.

Purchasing this limited edition tee will give 2 weeks of medicine to help people living with HIV in Africa.

(RED) managed also to snag Giorgio Armani, one of the most revered and iconic high fashion designers in the business, to launch an Emporio Armani (PRODUCT)RED line. He collaborated with Owusu-Ankomah, whose art lies on the collection’s clothing, accessories, and packing. He has designed (RED) jewelry, sunglasses, and watches, and (PRODUCT)RED WHITE men’s and woman’s fragrances, donating 40% of the gross profit margin from sales. The line does cost a pretty penny; from $75 graphic tanks to $295 motorcycle jackets, but that is just reflection of the craftsmanship you can expect from Armani. If you have an unhealthy, occasional habit to splurge or need to get your parents or significant other a gift for some occasion (or would like for them to give you one), why not channel your money in a good way? Emporio Armani PRODUCT(RED) items can be found at any of the Emporio Armani stores and online: http://www.emporioarmani.com/.

Putting all goodness aside here, the fashion line EDUN, is a treasure on its own. Their clothing sells itself. For all you girls, and maybe guys, who are guilty of spending (having your mom spend) loads on your Sevens and Citizens: EDUN’s denim fits like heaven. Their comfy, organic, and environmentally-friendly clothes are also so well designed by Rogan Gregory and company; they take a self-proclaimed edgy, modern approach to classic silhouettes. Their current fall collection is based around the mystique of the essence of nature at night. Naturally, the men’s collection provides pieces with a rock ‘n roll feel as the women’s collection blends merino wool and cashmere into lightweight knits and elegantly edgy dresses topped with velvet and lace. The jeans also have a special little treat; the poem, “The Eight Elegy” imprinted on the inside pockets.

Edun's aesthetic (via edunonline.com):

EDUN is both beauty and brains. Part rock & roll, part punk rock, EDUN
pulls intellectual inspiration from the 1920's Berlin Weimar culture combined
with the artistic romance stirred by the art nouveau movement in Paris of the
late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Art nouveau - known for the blending between disciplines as artists, poets and musicians came together in reaction to the coldness posed by the Industrial Revolution - produced remarkable art and literature. Beauty in craftsmanship and everyday objects was revered, such as the work of writer/poet Rilke and the art of Klimt and Mucha.
During the Weimar period, known for its decadent cabaret culture, German artists made significant cultural contributions in the fields of literature, art, music, dance, drama, the new architectural style at the Bauhaus, and the new medium of the motion picture, such as Fritz Lang's 1927 film Metropolis.

The line ranges from $25 to $400 (online storefront). If it’s within your affordability range, EDUN is a line worth checking out next time you’re in the department store.* Do not despair if it’s not— sales are abound. For the Girls: $35 tee (blaec.com, org. $50), $98 Bronte Camisole Dress (activeendeavours.com org. $195), $88 skinny jeans (activeendeavours.com, org. $175). As for the Guys— they’re quite lucky: a variety of $20 (org. $55) tees, a $55 Mock Neck Sweater (was $155), and $44 Wembley Shorts (org. $125) at tobi.com. Who doesn’t love a good deal?

EDUN has also teamed up with the ONE organization, the Make Poverty History movement, to sell the ONE tee ($40), showcasing a fingerprinted graphic of Africa, which celebrities from Liv Tyler to Josh Hartnett have donned in the recent campaigns. EDUN gives $10 from each shirt to the ALAFA fund, which provides medication to the Lesotho factory workers and their family members with AIDS. The shirts are primarily being sold at Nordstrom, Nordstrom.com, and edunonline.com.

EDUN also has a sub-brand, edun LIVE, whose mission is to make for a self-sufficient sub-Saharan Africa through sales of blank and organic t-shirts for approximately $7 a pop at http://www.edunonline.com/. If you’d like to design a graphic tee, for your club or for yourself, edun LIVE has partnered with Zazzle.com so it’s easy to DIY your own shirt online.

Believe it or not, shopping is politics. So next time you’re out and about, do it wisely. The world will thank you for it.

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*EDUN is sold at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Fred Segal, Saks, Barneys, sometimes Anthropologie, and other specialty stores. Online retailers of EDUN are: edunonline.com, saks.com, revolveclothing.com, activeendeavors.com, shopdetour.com, mrcharlesshop.com, satinboutique.com, beklina.com, shopequita.com, thegreenloop.com, mahsaboutique.com, matchesfashion.com, nordstrom.com, tobi.com, blaec.com.
---

sites of interest:

http://theglobalfund.org/
http://vanityfair.com/politics/africa
http://edunonline.com/
http://productred.com/
http://one.org/

____________

Speaking of ONE, right now there is a petition, On the Record, which is asking for the 2008 presidential candidates to go on the record and say what exactly their stance on fighting extreme poverty and global disease is.

please take a moment & sign here: http://www.one.org/ontherecord/index.html