Hey guys! I apologize for my disappearance the last week from posts. I began a new job opportunity that monopolized my time last week but am here! Posts are becoming regular again starting today =].
Today' is going to be short, but this is still awesome information. I very much encourage you to read the linked story. So to get us started...
On Top of the World Lion's Club, a charity foundation based in Florida, just hosted the 'trashy' event everyone should attend; their third annual 'Recycled Trashy Fashion Show'. The event raised $8,000 to help hungry children and homeless veterans.
The pieces shown were required to be 75 percent recycled and no more than $40. Soda cans, duct tape, and (my favorite) postcards were utilized for this life-giving event. The pieces are creative and fun, just like the event.
According to club member Ron Niebo, about 320 people attended and 16 models were used.
On Top of the World Lions Club is an international organization based in Florida and the Bahamas. They hold countless local charity events. My favorite part about them is this: "Never are any of the funds used for the purpose of the clubs’ administrative needs, as that is accomplished by the members through membership fees."
How inspiring to hear that everything donated actually goes to people in need.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Trend Alert: "White Hot"
This spring/winter season, there is one color trend you need to have in your closet: white.
What has been termed as "white hot", the trend involves wearing white from head to toe. According to Express, this can best be done by utilizing different shades and textures of white in the same outfit. This way nothing will look too monotone.
Use the picture above as an example. Both models are wearing white. However, the combination of lengths, materials and slight color variations create a very interesting look.
Pros
White never goes out of style. More likely than not, the pieces you buy for this trend will be able to remain in your closet for a very long time. This means an investment of a larger amount of money will not be wasted.
White is a crisp, clean look. You will look "put together" and, depending on the outfit, more professional.
This color also looks good on most skin tones. Even if you are not tan, this color trend can be open to you if you recognize which shades will wash you out. You may even appear to look more tan!
Cons
White gets dirty easily. Wearing all white out to dinner or drinks can be dangerous. You will need to be more cautious about what is going on around you. The second choice with this matter is to not care at all and do lots of laundry frequently.
There are shades that will not look good on girls who cannot, or do not, tan. This makes the trend a little harder to manage, but if you want the look enough you can certainly find pieces.
The trend is in full swing in Hollywood already. At the Oscars, several stars showed up in white ensembles.
Interestingly, "white hot" is also becoming a desired look in the hair industry. According to Nolasco, platinum is the color to choose for this season.
What has been termed as "white hot", the trend involves wearing white from head to toe. According to Express, this can best be done by utilizing different shades and textures of white in the same outfit. This way nothing will look too monotone.
Use the picture above as an example. Both models are wearing white. However, the combination of lengths, materials and slight color variations create a very interesting look.
Pros
White never goes out of style. More likely than not, the pieces you buy for this trend will be able to remain in your closet for a very long time. This means an investment of a larger amount of money will not be wasted.
White is a crisp, clean look. You will look "put together" and, depending on the outfit, more professional.
This color also looks good on most skin tones. Even if you are not tan, this color trend can be open to you if you recognize which shades will wash you out. You may even appear to look more tan!
Cons
White gets dirty easily. Wearing all white out to dinner or drinks can be dangerous. You will need to be more cautious about what is going on around you. The second choice with this matter is to not care at all and do lots of laundry frequently.
There are shades that will not look good on girls who cannot, or do not, tan. This makes the trend a little harder to manage, but if you want the look enough you can certainly find pieces.
The trend is in full swing in Hollywood already. At the Oscars, several stars showed up in white ensembles.
Interestingly, "white hot" is also becoming a desired look in the hair industry. According to Nolasco, platinum is the color to choose for this season.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Have your dream dress...and sell it too
Nearly Newlywed is a bridal boutique that conquers that. This boutique allows you to sell your dresses back. That's right. (You can be excited.)
According to their website, you submit your dress with photos, measurements and details. They cater that information for selling and do all the work for you. They notify you when your dress sells, you ship your dress to the company and then you get paid.
"You can expect to receive 50-60% back of what you originally paid, if not more, if the wedding dress is still in sellable condition."
They send you 75% of the amount the dress is resold for.
Why am I excited?
This opens up a lot of doors for brides on a budget. If you are interested in buying a new dress, you could potentially spend a little more than your budget would normally allow if you make arrangements to sell the dress to Nearly Newlywed.
The company even partners with certain boutiques to give customers pre-approved "status" to sell their dress back.
I am also excited because there are a lot of gorgeous dresses on this site for very reasonable prices! The range of dresses you can buy on a budget is exponentially increased.
What are the cons?
The only major con is that wedding dresses have sentimental value. It is a reminder of the love you share with your husband and your children could want to use it someday. These are certainly good reasons not to sell your dress back.
However, this does not mean you cannot shop here from the start.
There are two smaller realities to consider. For one, these dresses have been worn before, so they are not completely new. This could be difficult for women that don't enjoy shopping at second hand stores.
These dresses also may not all fit with the current trends. If you are looking for a really big trend within the season you are shopping for your dress, Nearly Newlywed may not be the place for you to shop.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Trend Alert: The bodysuit
What most of us know as the leotard from childhood gymnastics is now making strides in the fashion world. The bodysuit has been seen on huge celebrities like Rihanna, Pink and
Yes, it is understandable for performances. Musicians wear crazy things on stage all the time. However, now that it looks like this will be in stores everywhere this summer, what are we supposed to do with it?
For starters, bodysuits are trending because they have the same kind of sex appeal a bodycon skirt or dress has: all of your attributes are being displayed. This takes it to more of an extreme though. Bodycon silhouettes are skin tight, but at least they have some type of modesty. Bodysuits take away the little modesty this style had.
If you were to just wear a bodysuit on a normal day around town, it would literally look like you are walking around in your bathing suit.
Despite that, there are still ways to style it without feeling like you are naked. The key to successfully wearing a bodysuit in every day life is to utilize layers.
As Blake points out, you can pair a bodysuit with any kind of bottom really. From maxi skirts to skater skirts and high-waisted shorts, the bodysuit will just look like a perfectly tucked in tank top.
I know for me this has its advantages. (I despise messing with a tucked-in shirt all day.) This could also help you stay cooler during the summer.
For warmer days, try pairing it with a cardigan or knit sweater and some skinny jeans. Even a skirt and tights would look cute!
Reality Check
The idea that a bodysuit is the same as a leotard makes the fashion very daunting and seem pretty silly. I openly admit this is what I thought when the trend was brought to my attention. However, you may start to like the fashion if you view it as a type of shirt.
The fit could certainly be uncomfortable and yes, if you don't like you feel wearing it, you could find the same effect with a very tight shirt.
Fashion is mostly about trying things you aren't sure of or haven't seen yet though. So I challenge you. If you haven't tried one on, give it a go.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
TOMS: Where are they now?
Before I start this post, I just want to give a shout out to my good friend Mike for giving me this story idea. It truly inspired me and reminded me that helping those in need is one of the reasons I decided to become a journalist. I am so happy to get this chance to create awareness in how to help and am going to do what I can to really start implementing these ideas myself.
Now for the post...
So, TOMS. This company has been popular for some years now. What first started as a rumor that shoes can be donated, is now an expanding company whose shoes show up in key retail stores like Pacsun. However, common knowledge pretty much stops at shoes.
What are they up to now?
For one, their shoe styles have greatly expanded. Men and women can get everything from the regular TOMS to wedges, boots and wedding shoes.
There is another, more important way, that TOMS has expanded though. They are now fully operating in a "One for One Movement". Along with shoes, they now correct eye vision for free when a pair of sunglasses is bought and they correct water systems for communities when their coffee is purchased.
A few years ago the company was under a lot of fire for giving only shoes to those in developing countries because it injures that countries economy. As a result, that makes the citizens worse off. They were also under fire because a pair of shoes is not a permanent fix.
In 2013, TOMS effectively remedied the first critique. "TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie pledged that, by the end of 2015, TOMS would produce a minimum of one-third of all its giving shoes in places where the shoes are distributed to needy individuals".
To start this process, TOMS began manufacturing in Haiti at the beginning of 2014 with the goal of having 100 employees. According to their website, they are making shoes in Ethiopia, Kenya, Argentine and China as well.
An extensive look at their website also shows that TOMS has gotten rid of the second critique too. In offering vision repair and water fixes, they are creating a lasting, life-changing movement in every country they help.
"As sight is restored to individuals, they can return to school or work.
Adults can contribute financially to the household and no longer require
extra care. Additionally, patients become advocates, helping neighbors
find eye care."
For each movement they explain the benefits and impact giving help has (even for shoes). For example, "approximately 90% of people who are blind or visually impaired live in developing countries". They correct sight in 12 of these countries with their supporting partner.
One of the most key attributes to their success is that TOMS does not donate these services on their own. For shoes, sight and water, they are partnered with organizations experienced in those arenas in developing countries. The partners are sought on how TOMS can help, what countries they should give to and how the services can be most effective.
"It is estimated that 1.8 billion people are drinking unsafe water. That's why we're partnering with Water for People to support water systems in 5 countries- the same countries we source our coffee beans from."
They also haven't forgotten that some people in their home country need help too. They are "bringing their story home".
*I apologize for so many links. I wanted to make sure you have an easy way to get to all the information I found.*
Now for the post...
What are they up to now?
For one, their shoe styles have greatly expanded. Men and women can get everything from the regular TOMS to wedges, boots and wedding shoes.
There is another, more important way, that TOMS has expanded though. They are now fully operating in a "One for One Movement". Along with shoes, they now correct eye vision for free when a pair of sunglasses is bought and they correct water systems for communities when their coffee is purchased.
A few years ago the company was under a lot of fire for giving only shoes to those in developing countries because it injures that countries economy. As a result, that makes the citizens worse off. They were also under fire because a pair of shoes is not a permanent fix.
In 2013, TOMS effectively remedied the first critique. "TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie pledged that, by the end of 2015, TOMS would produce a minimum of one-third of all its giving shoes in places where the shoes are distributed to needy individuals".
To start this process, TOMS began manufacturing in Haiti at the beginning of 2014 with the goal of having 100 employees. According to their website, they are making shoes in Ethiopia, Kenya, Argentine and China as well.
An extensive look at their website also shows that TOMS has gotten rid of the second critique too. In offering vision repair and water fixes, they are creating a lasting, life-changing movement in every country they help.
For each movement they explain the benefits and impact giving help has (even for shoes). For example, "approximately 90% of people who are blind or visually impaired live in developing countries". They correct sight in 12 of these countries with their supporting partner.
One of the most key attributes to their success is that TOMS does not donate these services on their own. For shoes, sight and water, they are partnered with organizations experienced in those arenas in developing countries. The partners are sought on how TOMS can help, what countries they should give to and how the services can be most effective.
"It is estimated that 1.8 billion people are drinking unsafe water. That's why we're partnering with Water for People to support water systems in 5 countries- the same countries we source our coffee beans from."
They also haven't forgotten that some people in their home country need help too. They are "bringing their story home".
*I apologize for so many links. I wanted to make sure you have an easy way to get to all the information I found.*
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