Category : fashion
I get totally depressed when I go shopping and I’ve come to realize lately that I don’t think that’s the desired effect. (Shopping is supposed to make me feel good, right?) Every time I find something I totally adore and just HAVE to have, I check the label and it’s either made from some animal product, something toxic or in a sweatshop in China. So, I’ve continually fallen on my fallback wardrobe of tees, jeans and canvas sneakers.
But one can only tolerate so many years of dressing like a boy and I just can’t do the hippie/hemp/tie-dye thing, so lately I’ve taken more time to get to know fashion, what I really like about it and where I can find the looks I like that are made in a way I can support. Here’s a list of four of my most recent favorite finds:
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Being a girl, the fact that I thoroughly enjoy wearing makeup should not come as a shock.
Yes, on the surface it’s a frivolous thing to do, and I’m sure there’s many deep-seated reasons for wearing makeup and feeling the need to “put on my face”.
But I do have a conscience, and I try my utmost to use makeup that’s as ethical and cruelty-free as possible. And believe me, its not actually that easy.
Over the years I’ve accumulated a fair amount of knowledge about the clever and sometimes downright deceitful ways that companies will promote their products. Cosmetics in particular seem to have their own special language. Here’s an example – featuring the word ‘naturally’ doesn’t always mean the product is natural. Dermatologically tested doesn’t necessary mean not tested on animals or suitable for sensitive skin. ‘Improved’, ‘can’, and ‘help’ are all loaded words. Essentially they mean that there are no guarantees that their revitalizing, neuro-cosmetic, bio-stimulated products will actually work.
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The first few times I came across bamboo sheets, the thought of panda snacks rubbing against my skin didn’t seem especially velvety. I was interested, though, and took the bait. Upon first touch I was shocked… bamboo fibers are surprisingly soft.
In fact, the bamboo sheets I felt in Oak Cliff’s Bishop Street Market were silkier than standard cotton sheets. Since my first encounter with bamboo fabric a few months ago, it seems to be popping up everywhere.
Tees from New Balance. Tops from Gap. Even linens from Target.
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Over the past twenty years, the wearing of fur has provoked some hot debate, with PETA often leading the assault against fur farmers and fur wearers alike. SO it’s no surprise to learn that PETA recently launched an attack on none other than Ms. Elizabeth Hurley, British actress and the new face of American fur house Blackglama.
The photographs of Hurley, many of which feature the actress clad in nothing but her own skin and a fur coat, have sparked much controversy and induced continued debate about the wearing of fur. PETA’s anti-fur stance is well known. During the 1990s, campaigns such as PETA’s ‘I’d rather go naked than wear fur’ brought the ethical issues with fur production well and truly into the public consciousness. Subsequently, the wearing and production of fur and other controversial animal products such as sealskin fell out of favor. But recently there seems to have been a turning of the tables. Fur farmers, fashionistas and fur fans alike have begun to hit back with a new angle, claiming that fur is environmentally friendly and sustainable, and as such should be seen as an acceptable clothing choice.
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As Christmas Day approaches, some of you guys out there looking for the perfect gift for your woman. Most guys like to see their partner in some form of lingerie, but certain women just won’t take the time to shop for it.
So what’s the rule about shopping for lingerie, panties, and sexy evening wear for as a Christmas gift?
Answer? It all depends on the woman AND the relationship. Sadly, there is no simple one size fits all answer. You have to know your partner better than the stereotypical male. If you can answer the following questions, you may just find the narrow path to success.
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I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed the last few weeks. My new job is extremely busy and I’ve found that when I get home around 6:00pm each day, I am so exhausted that I don’t even feel like opening up my Macbook. Something is definitely wrong if that’s the case! On the other hand, every morning, when I get ready for work, I’ve noticed that I just don’t feel as “moxie” (http://www.jeffmccord.org) as I usually do. Don’t get me wrong, I am not conceited nor am I narcissistic, but overall I just don’t feel I look as good I should.
I’ve written about the need for a vacation (http://www.culturefeast.com/its-time-for-a-vacation/) and how that can do wonders to refresh your soul, your work ethic as well as your personal relationships with others. But the honeymoon of my vacation has now passed into the vaults of past memories, and life is hitting me left and right with constant things needed to get done.
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I don’t care who you are, what you’re built like, or how old you are, tiger stripes and glitter just don’t look good on a woman. And if that print is on a midriff baring top, and the person is wearing low-rise jeans and has a muffin top working, it’s even more heinous.
The ensemble I described was what I saw a mom wearing when I registered my kids for school the other day. Her fifth grade daughter, a ten or eleven year-old, stood next to her wearing a surprisingly modest outfit, but with platform high heels.
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