I'm sidin' with Mama on this one (but is that really surprising?)

Okay, I hate wearing fur. It's horrible, and it's tacky, and it's just... unnecessary. Oh yeah, and it's cruel to the poor animals who die for the soft pelts that cover those Grandma/Spoiled Socialite coats people somehow still seem to like. I just don't get it; granted, I am a vegetarian and an animal right's activist, but... I can't be the only one who feels this way.

But even I'm not into crazy PETA. I remember, when I was visiting American in D.C. for the second time, I went to the Smithsonian and was bombarded by their brainwashed minions activists. Luckily, I'm a vegetarian, so I wasn't cut up into little bits and thrown at Republicans.

And, well, PETA once again has stepped out of bounds by printing Mama 'Bama in an ad for their Fur-Free and Fabulous campaign. Well, this wouldn't seem too horrible, after all, it's not a bad thing to be fur-free and fabulous, both of which definitely describe Mama.

Except, of course, none of the First Fam are allowed to endorse special interest groups to protect the "interest of free enterprise," as Brett Dykes wrote for Yahoo! News.


"We did not consent to this," a White House spokesperson commented on the pseudo-endorsement. So PETA really shouldn't have used Mama's stylish image.

PETA countered with this statement: "We haven't asked the White House to fund or promote the campaign, as they can't do such things, but the fact is that Michelle Obama has issued a statement indicating that she doesn't wear fur, and the world should know that in PETA's eyes, that makes her pretty fabulous."

So basically, because M.B. has spoken out against fur in the past, PETA believes that they're entitled to her personage. Um. Sorry? Well, I can't deny that she's fabulous, but... just because M. "issued a statement" about her refusal to wear fure doesn't mean that PETA has a right to her face and bod and fur-free splendor. That's not the way the law works; we're not living in a society in which laws bend to the wills of special interest groups like PETA. The rule is that M.'s not allowed to endorse special interest groups, and so no matter who did or didn't consent to what and how much (or little) cash PETA's hitting the White House up for, at the moment Michelle Obama is endorsing PETA. Or at least PETA is saying she is.

Do I agree with this rule? Not really. I think every citizen should be able to endorse whoever they wish. However, right now, rules are meant to be broken rules, and they need to be followed so we don't end up swimming in anarchy. Or whatever.

They've got Carrie Underwood, Ofrah and Cray-Cray (Tyra Banks), so do they really need the extra star power of the First Lady? I doubt it. Although, PETA's getting some press out of this situation (and I'm certainly contributing, in my own way.) And no press is bad press, right? So maybe this is what they had intended all along. Stir up a little controversy, then take down the photo once the media locks in on the story like Caitie on a cup of coffee.

It's ingenious. And also really, really stupid.

But here are some more photos of our classy broad.

 

 

Images courtesy of AP and Mrs-O.com.

Sorry guys, I've been super busy/absent/lame.

So here's some penance to hold you over until my next real post, which should be in the next couple of days.

Abbey Lee Kershaw in Vogue Italia Dec. 2009!

 

Gorgeous. One of my favorite models.

Images courtesy of Modelcouture.

SALE! REBAJA! SOLDE! VERKAUF! (And How To Beat 'Em.)

I'd first like to wish a very happy holiday to all of you who have spent the past few weeks fretting about gifts and cards and food and parties and... well, unfortunately weight gain. But now, we can take a collective sigh of relief. Christmas is over, and while the holiday season isn't over just yet, the brunt of the storm is.

And if you're like me and slightly overwhelmed with the kindness of family and friends (or, at least with their gifts), the idea that there is still more shopping- some great shopping, at that-left to do doesn't help to calm the Christmas Jitters.

I'm going to NYC for the next few days. I've gotten several gift cards that I'm almost certainly going to use during my stay. My justification for over-indulgence after the holiday? EVERYTHING'S ON SALE! Everything! I mean, walk down any street in your town and look for a store that DOESN'T have a big "x% off" or "SALE SALE SALE!" sign hanging flashily in the window. Storeowners want to make money, and the chances that people who have gotten money for the holidays will spend that money and more if the word SALE screams at them from every wall are quite good.

The sale is really a psychological attack on your wallet. Granted, I usually keep to my budget whilst shopping, I know that I can be tempted (and seduced) to the dark side of overspending. And I don't have a job, so... yeah. I need that money. And I'm sure many of you are in the same position. So, how do you deal with sales? And also, how can you keep rational during the Post-Holiday Frenzy?

Never pass up an in-store sale, especially if there is shipping online. When I purchase things online, I try to go at or above the minimum total for free shipping. A general rule I use when I'm going to pay sale prices online is to look at the total prices both in-store and online. Say the total of the shipping cost plus the total of the purchased items on sale equals or is greater than the price in-store. I'm obviously going to take a trip to that store, unless I don't have one nearby me.

I have several great malls near where I live, including the most distant King of Prussia Mall, which houses everything I could ever want or need to purchase. It is about an hour away from where I live, so I tend to buy from online stores when those particular stores aren't anywhere else near me; Urban Outfitters is a good example, but I do think they're getting one in the mall I go to most often. Almost everything I buy from Urban I get from the online store. It is easier that way, but also because crossing the free-shipping threshold is relatively easy when making an order. That's the great exception.

And businesses have free-shipping options on purpose. Let's say I want to spend $300 at Urban Outfitters. The online store wants me to spend more than the minimum of $150 because for them, the benefits of giving free shipping on, say, a $300 order outweigh the cost of shipping they must then pay. It's just good marketing, and it really doesn't benefit me any more than in-store shopping does, because although I might not be paying a shipping fee, I'm still paying significantly more than I would be if I did have to pay for shipping. However, I will be paying exactly what I would be paying in-store, which is a good thing, considering I'm not also paying for gas and resources to get to and from the store.

Basically, crossing the free-shipping threshold is only truly worthwhile on large orders of items that you would almost certainly buy in-store for the same price. I would rather go to a store for small orders rather than pay shipping and handling. And in-store sales are almost always beneficial, unless, of course, they lead you to impulsive shopping, which can be a real burden...

Don't let the shiny, exciting 50% Off Everything! signs push you into debt. Naturally, when things are on sale, it's easy to purchase more, because things cost less. However, this should mean that that little number at the bottom of your receipt should be lower than it would have been originally, not higher. Even though it seems worthwhile to stock up when things are on sale, if you have a budget to stick to, you need to stick to it regardless of how excellent the deal on jeans is.

The easiest way to combat impulsive shopping is to make a list of needs (or wants) prior to entering the arena. That way, your mind is clear of provocative signs and images seducing you into evil, dark alleys where they rape your wallet. Put that list on paper, stick in safely in your purse or better yet, in front of your credit cards in your wallet, and rest assured knowing that you have one more weapon to use against the deep-seated psychological urges you may feel when let lose in the wild, er... store.

This really helps me think about whether or not a purchase is TRULY necessary. Obviously, nothing besides the vitals (water, nutrients, shelter, oxygen) are actually necessities, but maybe a pair of pants has finally worn itself out, or a blouse just doesn't fit well anymore. These are the kinds of necessities I'm talking about. For the sake of not preaching, I'm just going to make up a quick list of things I need right now.

1. Pair of earbuds to replace the faulty pair - stay in the $15-30 range.
   
2. Bra/panties - 1 nice black bra, 5 panties. Normally Victoria's Secret has that great 5 for $25 sale on underwear, so I'll take advantage of that most certainly. Also, I have a gift card which will help.
3. Make-up - Right now Sephora is having a decent sale, so I will probably go there to restock on mascara, eye-liner, eyeshadow and an eye-liner sharpener from Urban Decay (I love their products!) with my gift card for Sephora.

I have a good deal of money to use, but I would like to keep some for later. So I always conclude my list with a DEFINITE budget, which in this case happens to vary from store to store, so that isn't too easy to do. It's always good to have a budget that isn't the ultimate make-or-break limit; keep it a good amount under your "true" budget. Naturally I don't need to meet that budget, but if I do, that's fine.

Also, it's good to keep in mind this little fact: many stores have similar, if not the same, products in stock. And often, there can be quite a discrepancy in prices between those two products, especially during sales. So this is my final tip: do your research.  Figure out what you want to buy ahead of time and plan out money-saving strategies by browsing the websites of potential sellers and calculating the best values. This might be more time consuming than simply winging it, but in the long run, this is just another tactic to prevent impulse spending.

And I lied: I have another. Remember that there will always be more sales to take advantage of, but there won't always be more money on that card. Shop wisely, be rational ALWAYS, and let's hope that I follow my own advice in New York.

Review: Spending the Holiday in Manhattan!

I have a message for the men out there: well, it's December 19th, and if you are still searching for the Perfect Gift for your significant other... well, you have five days. Five. Here's a little suggestion for you: get on it ASAP, unless, of course, you enjoy sleeping on the couch.

But in all seriousness, Christmas is a time to show your deep love and appreciation to those around you who give your life meaning. While the most powerful form of thanks comes in the form of a swift embrace, there are more... material ways of saying, "I love you and thanks!" And those material ways can definitely help when it comes to staying in your most cherished one's good graces.

For the holiday, my family and I are going up to NYC to celebrate, and while I doubt I'll be carrying the gorgeous bag featured to the left (remember, I don't have money), I know that most fashion-forward women and effeminate men out there would get a kick out of unwrapping a lovely leather handbag like this beauty of a purse from Aspinal of London.

The product description for the Manhattan Clutch examines the details of the bag. Aspinal's "best selling bag," each Manhattan Clutch is "handmade in stunning Italian Black Mock Croc Calf Leather... by a small Italian family tannery." It features "shimmering" grosgrain lining, "a gorgeous bijou hand mirror and a separate pocket for tickets and invites," as well as a durable "detachable heavy gold gilt chain." The clutch also comes in four other colors: Amazon Brown, Blue, Red and Purple.




It's a classic wardrobe staple, the black leather bag, and Aspinal's upscale take on that staple is just perfection. What's great about it is that it goes with nearly everything, from skinny jeans, boots and a warm sweater to that sexy cocktail dress you've been hiding in your closet, waiting for a party classy enough for it. Apparently I'm not alone: InStyle magazine wrote that the Manhattan Clutch is "amazing arm candy," and Daily Express defined it as both "evening glitz" and "daytime chic." Versatile!


What I like most about this bag is how extraordinary the quality is. That leather just... exquisite. I don't often buy leather, simply because I am heading in a considerably vegan direction from where I am now (of course, I'll never get there because of products like this), but I can wholeheartedly and without a hint of socially-conscious guilt admit that I would buy this chic clutch in a minute. I don't often find bags that just ooze quality. Though I don't have any cash, and all I earn has to zip on over to my American University funds, I will keep Aspinal of London's Manhattan Clutch in mind for a time when I actually have money. 


Aspinal of London's Manhattan Clutch can be purchased for $405.00 on Aspinal of London's website. Images courtesy of Aspinal of London. 

Offers:




Buy A Brit Tote and Get A Free Brit Clutch Wallet with code BRITOFFER Today! Valid 12.01.09 - 12.31.09.

ECOLOGIE: The Art of Fashion Forward Global Sustainability

From dictionary.com: E - CO - LOG - Y; noun. "The branch of biology dealing with the relations and interactions between organisms and their environment, including other organisms."

First off, you are probably wondering something along the lines of this: "Gee, Caitie, why are you spelling 'ecology' incorrectly?" And you're right. Obviously, the English word ends with a 'y' as opposed to 'ie.' I know this; I consider myself pretty good at vocabulary and spelling.

I actually did have a reason for using the French word for ecology. The French are an inherently fashionable and ecologically advanced people, and seem to be able to weave these two qualities together quite efficiently. At least from the stand point of an American.

There are, however, other areas of the huge umbrella topic called GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY. Wikipedia has a really good definition for global sustainability, suggesting that in terms of ecology,it "describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time," while "for humans it is the potential for long-term maintenance of well being, which in turn depends on the well being of the natural world and the responsible use of natural resources."

Basically, global sustainability is the ability for the systems of our world (social, ecological, governmental, etc) to endure over time. And while environmental sustainability tends to get the most attention from the media, I would argue that social sustainability is more important for the overall welfare of our species as a whole.

I attended a conference called the Global Youth Forum this past November, and sustainability was our topic. One of our keynote speakers was Mr. Mathis Wagernackel, creator of the Ecological Footprint Network. So, clearly the Western world has a monopoly on the world's consumption. But here's a few pieces of information from the EFN's website to really hit the imperativeness of this situation home:

Factoid 1: "If everyone lived the lifestyle of the average American we would need five planets."

Factoid 2: "Since the late 1970s, humanity has been in ecological overshoot with annual demand on resources exceeding what Earth can regenerate each year."

Factoid 3: "Today humanity uses the equivalent of 1.4 planets to provide the resources we use and absorb our waste. This means it now takes the Earth one year and five months to regenerate what we use in a year."

Factoid 4: "Moderate UN scenarios suggest that if current population and consumption trends continue, by the middle of the next decade we will need the equivalent of two Earths to support us."

... That's not good.

However, in little ways, we can help. And that's why I've devised a short but well-rounded list of companies that specialize in fair trade and organic clothing and products. If we can all work a bit harder to lessen our consumption by participating in this global movement in seemingly insignificant ways like recycling newspapers, cutting down on our showers or purchasing only or mostly organic and environmentally friendly cleaning agents, food products and clothing, we can reduce our global footprint significantly.

1. Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages is one of my favorite fair trade companies. They helped found the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and so their connections to fair trade dealers and farmers are extensive. Fair trade "provides under- and unemployed artisans with an opportunity to earn vital income and improve their quality of life by establishing a sustainable market for their handcrafted products," according to the Ten Thousand Villages website.

If you're looking for last minute gifts for the holidays (for example, the gorgeous tan scarf in the collage above) your local Ten Thousand Villages store is a great place to search. They have a great collection of sustainable and socially/environmentally friendly items for reasonable prices.

Best of all, "artisans and Ten Thousand Villages agree on a fair price that covers the cost of labor and materials and enables artisans to earn fair compensation for their work." This is what makes fair trade different from free trade: fairness. It seems obvious, but it's such an essential part of these artisans' lives. It allows these people to feed and provide for their families, their villages and their industries.

The products they sell tend to be more in the natural-looking, crunchy vein of sustainable fashion, although they do have a great deal of really neat Asian and African products that help to add a sophisticated and multicultural edge to their products.

2. Nimli

If you prefer more of a quirky, fun approach to sustainability, try Nimli. According to their mission statement, Nimli "is an online marketplace devoted to providing natural, organic, and sustainable lifestyle products while embracing style and aesthetic." This is very important. Aesthetic. Nimli is attempting to enhance their products' overall appeal through their style.

I put a lot of products from Nimli into the collage, but my favorite has to be that adorable owl pillow. So pretty.

Something I found really interesting is that Nimli requires that "all designers to ship their products directly to our customers." This might seem sort of strange, but here's what makes that such a great thing: "by eliminating the unnecessary step of shipping items to a warehouse for future re-shipment," the individual and industrial carbon footprints that normally increase with standard manufacturing processes decrease considerably, thus making Mother Earth a very happy and healthy lady.

Nimli's products are a bit more expensive, though not outrageous; however their products seem to be good quality and worth the price tags. These prices enable them to "embrace a way of life that supports goods that do not cause suffering and damage to the environment" as well as to "animals." (As a vegetarian, that particular part made me quite giddy!)

3. Greenloop

This site is HUGE! It's got so many independent and eco-friendly designers that it overwhelmed me just a tad. However, while some of the designers aren't spectacular, this site has a great selection of those that are.

From their mission statement: "Greenloop supports sustainable textiles, recycling and re-use, renewable energy, reduction of green house gases, organic farming, sweat-shop free production, and environmental non-profit groups every single day through the products we offer."

Similarly to Nimli, Greenloop has "committed to supporting the development of environmentally responsible, renewable energy and to stopping global warming." They "purchase certified carbon offsets for each order placed making each shopping experience even greener."

The dark blue maxi dress comes from Greenloop. I want it, but I'm poor. Prices are all over the place because some designers charge more than others.

4. Equita

Equita, interestingly enough, is the Italian word for fairness. It "is a design-conscious shop showcasing the finest in green, sweatshop-free and Fair Trade essentials for the body and home."

They seem to go a long way to ensure that their products are the finest green products they can find. "To accomplish this," they have "developed a strict set of criteria that guides [them] through [their] product selection."

They are also extremely investing in the Fair Trade Organization. I found some great bullet points on their website that help describe what Fair Trade exactly hopes to accomplish.

• Paying a fair wage in the local context
• Advancement opportunities for employees
• Providing equal employment opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged
• Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices
• Being transparent and open to public accountability
• Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local context
• Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible

Though one of my personal favorites, Equita is probably the most expensive of the bunch. However, their products are just stunning. Everything from that baby blue sundress to the multi-colored metallic chain necklace just ooze class and simplistic beauty.

5. Gaiam

Gaiam is the ultimate yoga company. My mom is a massive yoga aficionado, and she swears by Gaiam for her supplies. But Gaiam is also quite fashionable, and they have great Fair Trade and organic products, like the ready-for-the-office ruffled purple tunic above.

As told by the founder, Jirka Rysavy, Gaiam looks "to create a global community of like-minded people — a force for positive change." To solidify that statement, Gaiam has worked to much success for the environment.

In 2006, the company created the world's first "carbon-neutral product shipping program." They founded Go Zero, an environmental awareness organization, and use 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging. They have also partnered with the Fair Trade Organization to ensure that their products, both those labeled Gaiam and non-Gaiam, were created by fairly and justly paid labor.

6. Free People

Free People is quite a well known company. The very first store opened by the Philadelphian owners of Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, FP specializes in products for the "26-year-old girl, smart, creative, confident and comfortable in all aspects of her being, free and adventurous, sweet to tough to tomboy to romantic. A girl who likes to keep busy and push life to its limits, with traveling and hanging out and everything in between. Who loves Donovan as much as she loves The Dears, and can't resist petting any dog that passes her by on the street." Basically, a free spirit.

However, I add FP to my list with reservation: Free People does not sell solely Fair Trade/organic items. Most of their products are organic and some are Fair Trade as well. They are all, however, very WELL made. I believe that the quality of their products outdoes that of Urban's quality.

I love FP, and all of the items I've purchased from them have been Fair Trade. The products I've gotten in the past have been very well made and I still wear them quite often. FP is a bit more expensive, although you do get a sustainable bag with your purchase!

In addition to these stores, you might want to check out your local boutiques for organic clothing, as well as vintage/consignment stores. Wearing vintage is the ultimate in recycling fashion. When you are finished with clothing, they no longer fits, etc., be sure to donate them to Goodwill/Salvation Army/etc. to give others a chance to lessen their ecological footprints.

And did you know, denim can be used to insulate houses?

Images and information courtesy of the Ecological Footprint Network, Ten Thousand Villages, Nimli, Greenloop, Equita, Gaiam and Free People.