Style
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Don't Let The Weather Stop You From Looking Fab
See rain. Sigh. Put on on something lame and head out the door...
Sound familiar?
This season anything goes when it comes to the weather forecast. So in order to prepare for the holiday weekend, we took one top and created three outfits. Each for a different forecast.
Whether it's chilly, raining, or oh-so-hot, we've got you covered!
See outfit ideas below or shop our blue watercolor faux wrap top here!
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Why We Promote Fashion Longevity (Slow Fashion)
Shop our long-wearing blue watercolor top here.
This week is Fashion Revolution Week, which commenced on Monday, April 24th, remembering the Rana Plaza factory collapse in 2013, one of the most tragic factory collapses to date.
I attended an event earlier this week hosted by TH3EFOLD & Bond Collective NYC here in NYC. The event held an hour-long panel discussion of the fashion industry's desperate need to promote sustainable and ethical supply chain practices.
One of the panelists, Alden Wicker from Ecocult, brought up a great point about HM, who has recently made an effort to integrate ethical fashion into their fast fashion supply chain. The effort in itself is commendable for such a large retailer; however, looking at the big picture, it almost cancels out the fact it is a "fast fashion" retailer.
So what exactly is fast fashion and why does it carry such a negative weight?
Fast fashion, often called “disposable fashion” literally mimics the word fast food. It is relatively cheap, will instantly satisfy your need, and will most likely not be good for you in the long run. Fast fashion is clothing that is often considered “trendy” and hits the store’s floor within weeks of conceptual design. It then ends up in the consumer’s hands, worn once or twice, and ultimately thrown away or donated. Think of the last time you went to an H&M, Forever 21, or Primark. You probably ended up buying several items under $50 and ended up wearing them only handful of times before either getting tired of them, or having them fall apart at the seams.
Just like fast food, you often do not know what ingredients you are consuming.
Yes, all clothing has a content label, but what the label is not telling you is the conditions or dyes being used. A few years ago I bought a pair of dark wash skinny jeans at American Eagle. They were relatively cheap, fit great, and had that perfect rich navy dark wash. I was instantly satisfied. It wasn’t until after a week or so of wearing them that I realized they had a very chemical-like odor and every time I wore them, I would get a feeling of a hot flash along with a headache. The chemicals used in the dye were literally making me sick. Not to mention, the color rubbed off on everything- my purse, shoes, and skin. It was a disaster.
These examples are only some of the superficial effects of fast fashion. Here, in short, are a few of the deeper & darker repercussions and where the term really gets its bad reputation.
There are typically two parts to this.
- Human Factor– harsh treatment of factory employees, low wages, hazardous working conditions
- Environmental Factor – waste, pollution, water contamination, animal cruelty
Image: Fashion Revolution x Greenpeace (Source: Elizabeth Cline 2014)So while, H&M is vetting their factories for fair treatment of employees and producing in non-hazardous building structures, the negative impact of the quick turning “fast fashion” model is almost canceling out their positive efforts.
What does the cost really mean to you?
I’m sure many of you reading this will say “What about the people who cannot afford better quality clothing”. This was a question brought up at the panel discussion, and the answer is this. Less is more. Take the money you spend on several low price items and invest in one quality product that you will wear several times. We as a consumer need to start educating ourselves on what is good and what is bad. Just like we do with food.
The purpose of this post is to spread awareness of the negative effects of fast fashion during Fashion Revolution week. You can do your part while showing some love to yourself and your closet by choosing quality over quantity.
Buy less, buy better. Period.
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Learn How To SABER A CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE With a Kitchen Knife!!
Recently, while on holiday, my fiancé decided to propose on the gorgeous island of Tortola in the BVI. With champagne in hand, I had always wanted to "saber" a moment, and this one could not have been more perfect!
Of course, I had remembered word-for-word an article in Nantucket Magazine last summer "How to Saber a Champagne Bottle".
With such luck (and ninja-like skill), I got it on my first try! I thought, this trick is too good not to share!
So enjoy, and let us know your experience!
<< here is your generic "do not try this at home or indoors" warning >>
Materials:
-Champagne Bottle (go cheap for your first try)
-Household Kitchen Knife or Saber
-Champagne Glass
-Optional: Limited Edition Straw Hat (shop here)
Step One:
Remove entire label from neck of bottle including any seals or metal
Step Two:
Every bottle should have 1-2 seams that run lengthwise. Find one, and use that as the "runway" for your knife or saber.
Step Three:
One of the secrets to this trick is to use the spine or thicker dull end of your knife when sabering your bottle.
Step 4:
Don't hesitate! Hold the back end of your knife against the glass (middle of the bottle), use that seam (step 2) as your "runway", and follow through to the top. The glass should cut like butter granting you a new skill to show off at your next holiday party!
Step 5 & 6:
Pour & Share
If you like this post, please share or like us on Facebook!!
Cheers!
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#WHATIWORE
Cotton Polka Dot Top >>shop here
Limited Edition Straw Hat >>shop here
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Awesome Last Minute Gift Ideas That GIVE BACK!!
Our inboxes are full and overflowing
Of gift guides for yuletide
And holiday cards a-glowing.
There’s one last list to check
Before you become a nervous wreck.
Last minute gifts for your #squad or #pack,
These 10 awesome gifts will humbly give back.
1. HALF UNITED:
1 purchase = 7 meals for a child in need
Photo & Item courtesy of HALF UNITED (earrings, bracelet, necklace)
2. ONE HOPE:
1 bottle = 15 meals for a child in need
Photo & Item courtesy of ONE HOPE (bottle of chardonnay)
3. SH*T THAT I KNIT:
1 knit hat = 1 knit kit for young adult undergoing cancer treatment.
Photo & Item courtesy of SH*T THAT I KNIT (knit hat)
4. TOMS:
1 pair of sunglasses = TOMS will help give sight to a person in need
Photo & Item courtesy of TOMS (sunglasses)
5. LSTN SOUND CO:
1 purchase = provide hearing aids to a person in need through the Starkey Hearing Foundation
Photo & Item courtesy of LSTN SOUND CO (earbuds)
6. RUMBA:
1 purchase = $2 donation to one of their partner foundations such as GiveDirectly, Young Survival Coalition, Action Against Hunger, and Social Tees Animal Rescue.
Photo & Item courtesy of RUMBA (watch)
7. CUDDLE + KIND:
1 purchase = 5-10 meals to children in North America & around the world
Photo & Item courtesy of CUDDLE + KIND (penguins, frame, bunnies)
8. THE ETHICAL SILK COMPANY:
1 purchase = 10% of profit donated to Jeevan Jyothi AIDS Centre and Focus Ireland
Photo & Item courtesy of THE ETHICAL SILK COMPANY (eyemasks)
9. JCOCO CHOCOLATE:
1 purchase = a fresh, healthy serving of food to a person in need
Photo & Item courtesy of JCOCO CHOCOLATE (chocolates)
10. UNITED BY BLUE:
1 purchase = 1 pound of trash removed from oceans and waterways
Photo & Item courtesy of UNITED BY BLUE (tote bag)
P.S. If you hate missing out on pretty things and want to join our dynamic community, join us here and we promise to keep you in the loop.
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Dinner’s {almost} Ready! Set Your Table With Color This Season...
As we are counting down the days until Spring, 115 to be exact, we can't help but want to incorporate some color and flair into our holiday palettes.
While we are getting to know each other, you will soon realize we LOVE color, we LOVE DIY, and we HATE feeling stressed out. What perfect time to implement all of these than the holidays.
Our first undertaking… the table dressing.
Pinterest: Apartment 34
Pinterest: Apartment 34
A quick trip to HomeGoods may be your fix, but for us, it can get a little overwhelming. Not to mention, did you notice the Santa & Reindeer paraphernalia creeping out before Halloween this year?
We chose one of our favorite holiday dinner tables on Pinterest and have provided a quick DIY tutorial for you to apply at home… it’s colorful, it’s easy, and it looks good on ya! Well, your table that is!
The Basics: SHIRAZ, TANGERINE, MAGENTA, FORREST GREEN
Find these here: Builder's Paper; LED Candles; Garland
The Extras: DEEP EGGPLANT, ROSE, COPPER
Find these here: Apron; Napkins; Stemware; Plate; Flatware
Hope this has inspired you to add color not only to your dishes, but to your table.
And remember, leave your stress at the door and enjoy every moment with your friends & family.
Cheers!
P.S. If you hate missing out on pretty things and want to join our dynamic community, join us here and we promise to keep you in the loop.
