CultureFeast » Fashion

It’s Possible to BE Green Without Looking Green

Sarah Toler — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:12:01 +0000

By Sarah Toler

March 26, 2009

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:

Deborah Lindquist is a celebrity favorite and has been referred to as a “trailblazer in green fashion.” I love sustainable fabrics just as much as the next greenie, but what gets me really excited about eco fashion is reused objects, and Deborah Lindquist has this art down to a science. She recycles a variety of posh vintage materials like kimonos, saris and silk scarves and throws in a dash of organic hemp and cotton here and there. Her look is a little Urban Outfitters meets Delia’s meets Anthropologie, which makes it totally wearable. She also designs a green wedding line (a totally underserved market) that would get me excited if weddings did it for me.

ecoSkin is a California-based label with a name that doesn’t do it justice. The name ecoSkin brings to mind Whole Foods hemp dresses, but that’s definitely not the case. Wrap dresses and tops, cocktail dresses and hooded wraps are all very “Stevie Nicks,” but in updated, streamlined fabrics. ecoSkin’s designs are made from environmentally sustainable luxury fabrics that are all woven and sewn in America. Sandy Skinner, the founder of ecoSkin, aims to make sustainable living mainstream, and with these chic designs, mainstream is definitely possible, though with prices in the triple digits, maybe not entirely affordable.

Chlorine might just be my favorite eco brand right now, because although I totally hate to admit it, I secretly LOVE handbags. I’ve tried to suppress my love for handbags in the past because I don’t buy leather (vegetarian principle number two) unless I buy it vintage. This little principle makes it hard to really go as die-hard for handbags as I would like to, but Chlorine’s totally adorable refurbished vintage handbags bring my bag fetish to the surface big time. Too bad I would NEVER be able to afford one of these clutches or totes (prices run from about $400 to $800), but if you can afford it, hats off to your good taste and thanks for not buying that ghastly Gucci bag all your girlfriends have.

Sophie Young and her g=9.8 label totally stole my heart when I discovered her through some silly Valentine’s Day ad. The French designer created a line of lingerie that’s American Apparel meets Mary Greene (which just so happen to be my two favorite undergarment lines) made from Lenpur, a fabric made from pine tree clippings that is completely biodegradable. I haven’t had a chance to feel the fabric (once again, out of my budget), but reviews say it’s as soft as silk, much like bamboo.

For more sustainable eco fashion, including designers, labels and a great blog, check out Eco Fashion World.

Similar Posts:

Beware of Mineral Makeup Marketing Myths

Daniel Dessinger — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:45:08 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

February 6, 2009

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.

So when I discovered mineral makeup a few years ago, I thought I’d finally managed to find a cosmetic product that checked off all my ‘green’ and ‘ethical’ boxes. It seemed simple and honest – mineral, natural, and no need for animal testing. OK, great! Many companies and small-scale businesses selling mineral makeup have made many claims along the lines of it being a natural, cruelty-free product that’s good for your skin. OK, great. A quick look at the simple and straightforward ingredients list of products from many a domestic-scale business seems to back up all the claims. No parabens, no cheap fillers, and no ‘use by’ dates to worry about. In fact, I got so interested in mineral makeup that I thought about setting up my own little home business. And that’s when I started to notice many of the marketing myths that surround this apparently natural wonder product.

Before I make my main point please don’t get me wrong here – this isn’t a post that’s setting out to criticize mineral makeup in its entirety. Compared to ‘standard’ makeup, it’s actually very good, and it tends to be the smaller companies and individuals that make their own mineral makeup from scratch that provide the ‘best’ quality products. Mineral makeup is inorganic, which means it doesn’t need any preservatives to stop it from going off. And no preservatives means no parabens, a range of ingredients used in many creams, lotions and potions but also linked to tumors and cancers. It also often contains either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (or sometimes both); zinc oxide can help to calm inflamed skin whereas titanium dioxide has a natural SPF. Again, great.

I think my main point of contention with mineral makeup marketing lies mostly with the big multinational businesses. It just seemed that as soon as they got in on the act, the labeling on mineral makeup became, to my mind at least, misleading. For instance, there are some mineral makeup brands out there that claim to be 100% pure and natural. Mineral makeup is not what I’d describe as pure or natural. It contains naturally derived minerals that go through a fairly rigorous refining process before they’re safe and ready to use.

Many of these minerals are refined in large, (and probably) polluting factories that – I imagine – use copious amounts of water to undertake the wet-grinding process necessary to produce the mineral powder. It’s probably the same for the pigments used in mineral makeup too. ‘Natural’ is a word that carries a lot of weight. It evokes thoughts of products that are environmentally sustainable, gentle and unrefined, straight from the earth and in harmony with nature. And the companies know this and despite the reality of the situation, it really irks me that they continue to market the products as such.

I also take issue with the fact that the bigger companies, such as L’Oreal and MaxFactor, have rammed their ‘pure’ ‘natural’ mineral makeup products with cheap fillers like Talc and Bismuth Oxychloride. OK, they’re minerals too, but it’s widely known in the mineral makeup industry that these lower grade fillers possess are also probably the most likely to cause skin irritation. Yes, I understand that big companies want to turn big profit, but it’s almost as if they’re jumping on the ethical/eco/natural skincare bandwagon and formulating products with the bare minimum of a quality ingredients. I feel like they’re hoodwinking those not in the know with clever marketing tricks and evocative commercials. And they’re getting away with it.

written by Lucy Debenham

Similar Posts:

None Found

Is Bamboo the New Cotton?

Daniel Dessinger — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:06:22 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

January 26, 2009

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.

But people aren’t breaking up with cotton and switching to bamboo based on texture alone. Bamboo fabric has all the qualities of cotton that Americans have grown to love, but the cultivation and harvesting processes of bamboo are much easier on our planet (in most cases, harvesting is the general equivalent of mowing your lawn). Like many crops, cotton needs oceans of pesticides to be productive and profitable. Most bamboo is organically grown and naturally irrigated. In the right climate, bamboo can literally grow like a weed — up to three feet per day — and the plants can reach 100 feet tall.

There are over 1,000 different kinds of bamboo and some are stronger than steel. In certain parts of the world where bamboo grows on every corner, it’s used as a substitute for steel when building homes, boats and even bridges. So it’s strange then, that fabric made from bamboo can be as soft as cashmere. And unlike cashmere, no goats are harmed in the process.

Bamboo fabrics are more porous than cotton and because of this, they don’t require as much dye in order to become your sheets, towels or tees. The fabric also has a natural moisture wicking property that keeps moisture out. This not only means a more comfy night’s sleep and a quicker dry-off, but it also makes the material antibacterial and odor resistant… qualities cotton simply can’t compete with.

Like all green products, there are still questions to consider before you go refitting your entire home linen collection or wardrobe with bamboo:

Bamboo is greener than cotton, but still less green than soy.
Not all bamboo is green! Question if the bamboo you buy was grown sustainably. (A concern is that bamboo farming might lead to deforestation in China.)
Not all bamboo is organic! It’s usually a perennial crop that can grow naturally without fertilizers, pesticides or irrigation, but unless it’s from a certified farm, it’s not organic.
Like cotton, bamboo fabric will shrink the first time you wash it, just not as much.
Bamboo fabric is sturdy, but is still best washed on the delicate cycle. Fabric softeners and chlorine bleach are no-nos.
The fabric is best air-dried or put in the dryer on the “fluff” cycle. No need to iron since the fabric is wrinkle-free.

[poll id="26"]

Similar Posts:

Fur Fashion Dilemmas: Sustainable Product or Animal Cruelty?

Daniel Dessinger — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:38:07 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

December 29, 2008

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.

However, Hurley isn’t the only celebrity to have recently provoked outrage for wearing animal products. ‘Greenie’ Gwyneth Paltrow – wife of Fair Trade fanatic Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, and herself an eco-friendly champion – was also recently photographed sporting a prominent fur stole as part of an advertising campaign for an Italian fashion house that also uses snakeskin, fox fur and ostrich products. Paltrow has since apologised to PETA and its supporters for her ‘indiscretion’, claiming that she “didn’t notice” the fur stole being draped over her shoulders by the stylist on the shoot. But interestingly, Hurley – who owns an organic farm in the UK – has declined to comment on her decision to model for Blackglama.

Many that are pro-fur are happy to back the argument that fur is a sustainable, eco-friendly material; particularly in contrast to the petrochemical-based faux furs and fur alternatives currently available. They also claim that fur farms in the West operate under stringent welfare laws, and that banning the farming of fur will mean that suppliers will look elsewhere, where farming standards are not as well regulated. In addition, there is also the argument that wearing vintage fur is a means of recycling. Whilst in some respects wearing vintage fur could be seen as ethical for the planet, can one really still wear fur, new or vintage, with a clear conscience? On the other hand, what about those countries, such as Iceland and Greenland, who have a significant population whose livelihood depends on the fur industry?

The fact is that many people are still struggling with the notion of ‘ethical fur’ production. Does such a thing really exist? The horrific videos released by PETA and other animal welfare groups may not represent every single fur farm currently in operation. But the fact that these devastatingly sad pieces of footage exist is testament to the fact that even with regulation, animals continue suffer in the name of vanity, some would say unnecessarily. Because after all, the vast majority of people can get away without wearing fur, and perhaps more importantly have no real need to wear it. Likewise, essentially faux fur is just a fashion fix. We could easily do without it.

For some people the question is a purely ethical one – welfare vs. vanity. However the debate often extends to the difference between wearing leather – for the most part, a bi-product of the meat industry – and wearing fur. Can people who consume meat really have a leg to stand on when protesting about the use of fur in fashion?

Another pro-fur argument centres around population and environmental control. For instance, the fur of possums in New Zealand can be a bi-product of a ‘vermin’ control programme, due to the vast number of non-indigenous possums that are currently wreaking havoc on native flora and fauna, and agricultural land.. If these animals are going to be ‘destroyed’ anyway, does the fact that they’ve lived a free life, and the fact that their pelts will then be used, make wearing their fur any more acceptable? Is ‘wild’ fur any more ethical or environmentally friendly than farmed fur? And if demand for fur increased, would the methods used to trap or kill greater numbers of wild animals for their fur become more or less efficient (read: quick and painless death)?

Similarly, if the demand for fur increases, then by default so too does the number of animals killed for their fur. Typically, a mink fur coat will be made from around 50 mink pelts. So we can assume greater acceptance of fur farming by mainstream society will lead to a greater demand. But surely if the food industry is anything to go by, when demand and ‘output’ increases, ultimately it is not the welfare of the animal that suffers? Think: battery hens, white meat veal calves and gestation-crate imprisoned pigs, just as a few examples. All victims of our supposedly highly-regulated ‘efficient’ meat industry. And in environmental terms, more fur farms would surely equate to greater volumes of animal feed, animal waste and sewerage? Sustainable fur may be, but ethical and environmentally-friendly? I’m not so sure I’ll ever be won over by that argument.

written by Lucy Debenham

Similar Posts:

None Found

To Give or Not to Give Lingerie for Christmas

Daniel Dessinger — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:42:31 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

December 12, 2008

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.

Do you know that you know that you know her size? This is no joke. If you don’t know her size, your gift will likely score you ginormous negative points. An outfit too small will make her feel fat. She can’t fit into it, and she now either has to tell you or find a way to exchange it without your knowing. Including a gift receipt MIGHT save you. If the outfit is too big, you obviously think she’s fat. In your mind, she’s “this big.” Bad move. Good luck recovering from that one.

What colors look good with her skin tone? This is more important than you think. Some lighter hues look washed out in white. Some yellow hues clash with blues and some pinks.

What are her favorite colors? If you can pick out something you know she will enjoy looking at, chances are you’ll do just fine.

Do you buy what YOU think looks good or what SHE will think looks good? Here’s your REAL dilemma. Only a few of you can answer this one. Some women are turned on by seeing themselves and realizing they look sexy. Others are most turned on by knowing their mate thinks they look sexy. Call it trust and/or intimacy issues. It doesn’t matter. Select what you know will appeal most to that side of her that assesses value and worth.

Is the material comfortable to the touch? This is important for both of you. An uncomfortable outfit won’t be endured for long periods of time. Part of feeling attractive is not feeling scratchy, cramped, or hindered. Keep in mind that you don’t want to be scratched either, and certain outfits won’t make the cut.

If you pass the test, go forth and conquer (i mean purchase)! Keep in mind that a woman armed with only one or two special articles of clothing will either wear them too often or only on special occasions. So consider purchasing several outfits or making a new purchase a monthly routine.

[poll id="23"]

Similar Posts:

Feeling Down? Get a Haircut

Daniel Dessinger — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:22:14 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

September 2, 2008

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.

Today I had a haircut appointment at lunch. Naturally, I was feeling stressed because I had three candidates coming in today all around the lunch hour so I needed 30 minutes to be able to make my appointment. Would I be able to make it? Would my hiring manager get upset if I was a bit late? Do I have time? Dang it, I really need a haircut!

After all was said and done, fifteen minutes later, I left my salon with a freshly coifed buzz cut. I instantly felt better. I recall walking outside, towards my car, and feeling a fresh breeze of hot Dallas air breeze past my ear. I got a haircut! I feel good!

As silly as it sounds, that’s all it took to make my stressed and not-so-fun day turn into a good, fun and hope-filled day. Who would have thought something so simple would do that for me? I feel better, I look better and therefore I am better.

Why write about this, you may ask? Well, I just want you to think about something. What is something small you can do for yourself to give yourself a much needed “pat on the back?” It doesn’t have to be a week’s worth of vacation on an exotic beach. It doesn’t need to be a new car or an entirely new wardrobe to refresh your look. Do something small, that you will enjoy, and I guarantee you it will add much needed fuel for your tank. After all, if a buzz haircut can do that for me, just think what the world has to offer next!

Similar Posts:

A Layman’s Questions About the US Economy

Everyone Wants to Dress Like a Teenager

Lisa Pawlowski — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:41:17 +0000

By Lisa Pawlowski

August 22, 2008

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.

In 2006, Celia Rivenbark eloquently wrote what millions of moms were thinking in her book, “Stop Dressing Your 6-year old Like a Skank and Other Words of Southern Wisdom.” She opined how it was nearly impossible to buy little girl clothes that didn’t look like something a prostitute would wear. Rivenbark theorized that the girls who wore trashy clothing fell into two categories. One, they were the daughters of wimpy, uninvolved parents, too busy talking on their cell phones, who mindlessly pass their bank cards over to the girls and don’t care what they buy. Or that the mothers think trashy-style is cute and try to dress the same way as their daughters.

She hilariously pointed out that on these Nanny-type shows we always see some woman, wearing a tube top and cut-off denim short shorts, cowering in a corner, sobbing, and wailing, “I cain’t get my kids to mind me. I’ve lost control of my children.” It’s funny ‘cause it’s true.

The problem is, parents want to dress like teen-agers and the kids want to, also. When I pick-up my kids from school, I look at some of their classmates and wonder, “What are their parents thinking?” And too often, the parents aren’t. They are too busy with their own lives and, quite honestly, I don’t think they want to parent. I think some people actually want their kids grow up quickly so they don’t have to deal with them anymore.

Kids have always wanted to dress older than they are. But in the past, it seems like more parents had boundaries and weren’t so afraid to say no. Society is urging kids to grow-up way too quickly, and yet is prolonging adolescence far beyond the teen years.

Similar Posts:

To Give or Not to Give Lingerie for Christmas

Get Ready for Swimsuit Season

Lisa Pawlowski — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:12:58 +0000

By Lisa Pawlowski

May 30, 2008

Right now the tops of my thighs feel like an immense bruise. My upper arms are so sore I can barely lift them to type this article. Have I been in a fight? A car accident? No. I’m getting into shape for summer!

When I was younger, I could eat Big Macs and chase them down with a doughnut and vats of soda, then I’d hop on my bike and ride for hours. Unlike most people, when I went to college I lost 15 pounds because I walked everywhere with a twenty pound bag on my back. When I graduated in my early twenties and got a desk job, I found out I wasn’t blessed with a fast metabolism and the weight came on. About thirty-five pounds. With the exception of those times I was pregnant, I’ve stayed around there all this time. I’m still considered to be normal on the weight table gamut-albeit on the upper end. For years though, I’ve wanted to lose about 10-15 pounds, but this goal was motivated by female vanity, and slipping into a smaller size, rather than health.

However, for the past few months I’ve noticed fat starting to move to places where it wasn’t before. So I decided to see a personal trainer.

I didn’t think I was too far off track. I exercise and do a mild version of Pilates. I’m not into junk food all that much but I do like to indulge in a bottle of wine imbibed over the course of a weekend. In spite of this “healthy living” I still had a bit of a muffin top creeping over my low-rise jeans. (For men who may not be aware, for the longest time, this was the only style of jeans available for women to purchase, however it is slowly getting better as designers and store clothing buyers realize that most American women are not built like heroine-chic models.)

The trainer said I had to “eat clean” which means no processed foods, eat a lean protein and a fruit or vegetable at each meal and have a “meal” five or six times a day. Also, no alcohol.
For the first week I had headaches from sugar withdrawal. (Thank God I didn’t have to give up coffee because that is what fuels my writing. I’d shoot up on straight caffeine if I could.) After a month of eating like this, I’ve gotten used to it and it isn’t too bad.

The weigh training is a different story. I didn’t realize I was so out of shape. I always feel like I’ve been beat up afterward. But when the pain wears off, I feel buff. My favorite activity is going around the house with my biceps flexed and saying things like “Someone call the vet ‘cause these puppies are sick!” Or “Someone call the zoo and tell them a couple of pythons got loose.” Or “The police pulled me over ‘cause I was carrying these guns!” If you have some more sayings that I didn’t list, feel free to add them to the comments section. I need new material.

As you can tell, I’m feeling pretty confident and after a month of this regimen it will only be a short time until my transformation into a MILF will be complete.

Similar Posts:

Style A to Zoe: A Fashion Book Review

Daniel Dessinger — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:17:57 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

May 6, 2008

I have never thought of myself, by any means, as a fashionista. However, I do like to keep up with what the latest styles, trends and “it” whatevers are. I never identified with one style icon, but rather took aspects from different women in the fashion and entertainment world that stood out to me. As I have matured, so have my fashion and style sense. I know how to coordinate outfits, add accessories, match shoes and even offer my opinion to whoever will listen; but I am not a professional.

Rachel Zoe, the famous celebrity stylist is. I made a recent trip to my local library and stumbled across her book, Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty & Everything Glamour, purely by accident. The colour of the cover did not jump out at me, but the words “Style A to Zoe” did. I inquisitively picked up the book, leafed though the pages, and saw that it was more than just your regular picture book of celebrities.

Reading this book, I was extremely surprised at how talented and knowledgeable Zoe is. The tabloids and gossip blogs have obviously done her no justice. For the past few years, all the information I was getting about Rachel Zoe was from online tabloids that only associated her with Lindsay Lohan and Mischa Barton and their “not so great” fashion selections. This is far from the truth. Zoe offers personal photographs of how she works and whom she works with. Included are personal entries from top designers, including Valentino and Frank Zambrelli who praise Zoe’s talent and eye for all things style related.

Zoe’s book is made up of eight chapters, including a detailed introduction of her life and the reasons why she became interested in the fashion industry and why she became a stylist. Included in her stylebook is a glossary of terms (A to Zoe), something that I thought was a cheeky way to finalize her work. Throughout the pages, Zoe dishes about how to properly accessorize (or as she puts it, “excessorizing”), how to pair chunky jewelery with smaller pieces, selecting the right shoes for the right outfit, selecting a classic bag over the “It” bag, how to correctly apply makeup, and even offers tips on how to design and style your home by incorporating art, fabrics and functional furniture.

What I enjoyed the most about reading Rachel Zoe’s book was the fact that she related to every female in every age demographic and every salary bracket. Zoe insisted throughout to explore vintage and thrift stores in search of jewellery and signature pieces that make you the fabulous woman that you are. She encourages everyone reading to host their own red carpet event and not to be afraid of getting dressed up and looking (and feeling) great.

Rachel Zoe’s expertise with style and fashion was a great and easy read. Her tone was set as if she was sitting across from me as we chatted over lunch or coffee. Her tips were fabulous and any woman who thinks of herself as being fashion forward (or not), should pick up this book because they will find at least one piece of advice to take home with them to use over and over again.

Similar Posts:

Papaya Clothing Website Is Live!

Daniel Dessinger — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:14:58 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

July 27, 2007

After more than a year of waiting, the Papaya Clothing Store website has finally launched! No more complaining or visiting CultureFeast to post 200+ comments about how much you want to shop at Papaya Online.

Go there today at PapayaClothing.com and take advantage of their Really Big Sale where you can get up to 30% off Papaya clothes online. The wait is over! Shop ’til you drop!

And feel free to keep visiting me here at CultureFeast. You don’t have to forget me, just because Papaya’s around.

***UPDATE***

As of Friday evening, the Papaya website is apparently down again. I don’t consider this to be a false site launch because I’m not seeing the placeholder that was there before. The server simply cannot be found, which may mean that the company’s server was overloaded with traffic upon opening. All types of technical problems are possible. I wouldn’t worry about it. Either they launched the site and changed their minds (which makes no sense) or they’re servers can’t handle the traffic and they’ll need to upgrade.

Check back here and I’ll update this page as I hear news.

*** UPDATE 2***

I just checked the Papaya site (July 31, 2007 11am CST) and it’s back up and running. Go check it out.

Similar Posts:

Missed My Calling: I Should Be a Papaya Clothing Marketer

Daniel Dessinger — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 21:55:10 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

April 14, 2007

I should write about women’s fashion more often. This Papaya Clothing store project is blowing up! On average, CultureFeast gets 60 visitors per day who are looking for information about Papaya clothing stores. There’s a seriously untapped market here. I should start a blog about the most popular women’s clothing stores: Papaya, Forever 21, and Charlotte Russe. Of course, I know absolutely nothing about women’s clothing, so I’d have to find some good writers to cover the details.

Being the domain name junkie that I am, I’ve already searched for good domain names should I seriously consider undertaking such an enterprise. unfortunately, there’s no time in the day. I’m gonna be a daddy, I have a full-time job, three blogs which don’t see enough action already, and a company blog which also needs more of my attention.

So here’s a free tip: if you’re reading this and you love women’s fashion (hopefully you’re a woman, but whatever), find yourself a domain and do some serious research. Find all the Papaya Clothing store locations you can find and post a list of them on your website. Become a resource for desperate shoppers all across the country.

Or you can just visit my website and keep your fingers crossed that my efforts will make a difference in getting their website finished.

Similar Posts:

None Found

Papaya Clothing Store Website Still Under Construction

Daniel Dessinger — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 15:14:46 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

April 7, 2007

UPDATE: The Papaya Clothing Website is Now Live!!!

To all the women who have left the 300 or so comments on this blog about Papaya Clothing, your action made a difference! The site is now live and you can shop online from anywhere! Finally!

The people truly do have a voice. I have received several comments from people claiming to be Papaya Clothing employees, proving that the company took notice of your comments here.

If you would like to receive a weekly email update of new CultureFeast blog posts, please leave a comment on this post with your first and last name, email address, and the statement, “Add me to your weekly email!”

We want to keep you all posted on what’s happening around here, but we ONLY want to send updates to those who want to be emailed.

Post your comment today, and we’ll add you to the list!

Thanks,

Daniel
Editor | CultureFeast.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I want to hear from the people. For all of you who have been visiting my website, hoping to find more information about Papaya Clothing stores in your area, let me first apologize. I don’t know much more than that they have a Papaya Clothing Store in Grapevine Mills Mall and apparently at Stonebriar in Frisco. But let’s get to the point.

I wrote a blog about Papaya Clothing stores and their affordable prices at the beginning of November 2006. That was five months ago. I just checked, and their website is still “under construction.” No sign of progress and no contact information is provided on the URL. That’s not going to cut it.

I literally receive as many as 300 visits to CultureFeast.com a day from Google and Yahoo searches for “Papaya Clothing Store” or “Papaya Clothing store locations” or some variation. My one little blog post about the cheap and stylish clothes at Papaya five months ago drives up to 11,000 visitors in a month to my site. That means that someone needs to get on the ball and finish their site.

So here’s the deal. We all know that I own WebSwank, a Dallas social media and search engine marketing company. I’m going to approach Papaya Clothing and show them my site visitor stats and see if WebSwank can’t help them launch their website. Papaya is just too hugely popular to not launch and optimize the website as soon as possible.

That’s where you the reader come in. I want to hear from you. If you are looking for information on Papaya clothing online and you come across this blog post, I want you to leave a comment here, telling me what kind of information you want from them. Do you want to shop and buy online? Do you want to know where the nearest store is located? Do you want to know if they’re hiring? Do you want to know if they offer franchising options? Or do you just want to know what everybody is talking about?

Post a comment here. Your voice will count in getting this website launched.

Thanks,

Daniel Dessinger

Similar Posts:

My Day with the Silk Boxers from Hell

Daniel Dessinger — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 03:20:38 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

March 27, 2007

It’s a sure sign I haven’t done laundry. The silk boxers go at the bottom of the drawer, so I don’t have to wear them unless their the last ones. After today, they won’t make it back into the drawer. They’re gone… Banished… Forever.

I’m extremely sensitive to heat. Sit in a leather / suede chair long enough, and I’ve got to stand up and walk around for awhile. Give me a 70 degree room or cooler, plus a ceiling fan, and I’ll be a happy camper. Not today. Oh no. Not with silk. Bastard silk. I officially hate silk.

If you’ve ever tried to wear boxers under jeans, you know that they have to be made out of a sturdy enough material that they won’t bunch up as you put your pants on. Seriously. As a matter of fact, they’re not worth buying if they’re not sturdy enough to stay in place. The only thing more frustrating than a shifting pair of boxers is a hot, itchy, shifting pair of boxers. Okay, the boxers themselves aren’t itchy. It was the stupid tag, but it’s placed in such a way as to provide constant irritation throughout the day.

Yes, I’m talking about the comfort level of my knickers. Get over it.

Why the hell did I every buy silk boxers in the first place? I know why. It was mostly curiosity which I have since left for dead. Sleeping in them may be okay, but the rest of life does not favor silk. Not for me. You do whatever you want. My silk days are done.

Similar Posts:

None Found

Papaya Clothing Store

Daniel Dessinger — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 23:51:47 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

November 5, 2006

I’m not a woman, but if I was I would surely visit Papaya clothing stores on a regular basis. My wife loves it. Their clothes are trendy and affordable. No, really affordable. My wife has been building a collection of basic colors and shirt styles, and she buys some of her shirts for three dollars!!!!!!! Yes, I said $3. For less than a value meal, she can choose from an array of seasonal colors. She just came home from a Grapevine Mills Outlet Mall excursion where she bought one pair of jeans, one pair of khaki pants, one long sleeve shirt, and two short sleeve shirts all for less than $80. You can’t beat that without shopping at Wal-Mart or Target (or Goodwill – which I must confess we have). Seriously, one pair of my jeans from The Buckle costs $80!

Even if I didn’t get the other pair of pants, I’d be seriously stoked if I could get a pair of jeans and three shirts for eighty bucks. Life just isn’t fair. They charge the heck out of us because they know we don’t mix and match as much. That means we don’t buy as much, which means they’ve gotta milk us for all we’ve got. Back to the subject… Look for the launching of the Papaya website, which is currently under construction. The deals are so good that even if you shop at three or four other favorite stores, you can save some serious cash getting at least some of your basics for way less than the competition. If you are in the Dallas / Fort Worth area, you can visit Papaya at Grapevine Mills in Grapevine or at Galleria Mall in north Dallas.

Similar Posts:

None Found

Public School Says NO to Leggings

Daniel Dessinger — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 21:21:31 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

November 3, 2006

A local Texas school district has ruled that public school girls cannot wear leggings to school under short skirts. Apparently, girls were getting the idea that they could buy shorter skirts and get away with them at school as long as they wore leggings. Interesting concept. Some leggings conceal more than others. Some are obviously meant to be sexy and draw attention. Some appear to be no more than extra warmth. It seems ironic to me that public school officials should have such a problem with dress code after all the compromises they’ve made over the past fifty years.

Some of you are too young or too uninformed to know that crime rate increased and SAT scores dropped within 5 years of removing prayer from schools. From one step to the next, from sex education to evolution, public schools have removed godliness and propriety from schools and replaced them with lawlessness and no respectable authority to emulate. Yet now we’re worried about leggings? Seriously? You’re going to give your child the right to learn about sex from someone else, have access to free condoms whenever they want, and give them the right to be tested for pregnancy without your knowledge, and you’re worried about whether they wear leggings? Priorities are more than a little screwed up.

From the news reports on 20/20, you hear about how a growing number of students refuse to show respect to their teachers. They are allowed to be openly rebellious and rude. There is no standard. That is what happens when you remove the moral code from any part of a society. Tell you what – allow teachers to be a source of faith and hope in school classrooms and let the girls wear leggings. Within 5 years, you’ll see whether dress code was the problem.

Similar Posts:

None Found