tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53272566004392195922024-03-12T23:19:59.705+00:00Girl With The White BalloonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-55794679505121694712012-12-12T21:13:00.000+00:002012-12-12T21:13:05.679+00:00This arctic chill calls for merry mulled wine & some toasty jammies!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: grey; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can’t quite <b>believe</b>
how quickly </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Christmas</u></span><span style="font-size: large;"> has crept up upon us this year... </span>each morning my Pooh
Bear advent calendar (oh yes) breaks the news to me that I have one less sleep
to go (with ALL my shopping still left to do!), softening the blow slightly with
a miniature sweet chocolate surprise. I’m not in a state of panic though... it’s
much more fun leaving it a little closer to the day I think, don’t you? I will
never be one of those fun-sapping lunatics who buy stuff in the January sales as
gifts for the </span><i style="color: grey; line-height: 18pt;">following</i><span style="color: grey; line-height: 18pt;"> Christmas and
has everything completely sorted before Halloween even hits us. I don’t think
the word ‘Christmas’ should pass anyone’s lips until the first day of December.
Everyday up until then it should be considered an obscenity. Like <b>‘Voldermort’</b>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway – as that epic
day draws ever closer, it seems to be getting a tad colder. By tad I mean a
HELLUVALOT. Now, I’m used to not-so-distant broke student days where heating
was an unnecessary luxury, and our landlord seemed to share similar views on
double glazing (<i>and</i> the need for fire
escapes, but that’s a story I’ll save for another day); however, I am beginning
to feel a little bit chilly even when I’m tucked up in bed with a cosy double
duvet wrapped around me. The fact that I tend to still wear shorts and vest
tops probably doesn’t help matters. What can I say? I’m a summer baby. The
season of winter has never managed to make much of a mark on my wardrobe. But seeing
as it is VERY VERY cold, I should probably loosen the purse strings a little
and buy myself a proper set of insulating jim-jams. But they have to look good
too. Cue: <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://punjammies.com/" target="_blank">PUNJAMMIES</a></span></b> (UK peeps - unfortunately, they currently only ship to the
US so I guess my short shorts will have to do for a little longer. Sorry
people, these mishaps happen #firstworldproblems).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These special little
jamas are created by equally special women in after-care facilities in India who
have been rescued, released or escaped from a life of forced prostitution. Sadly,
those who are lucky enough to escape this cruel trade are left with extremely
bleak prospects since they cannot easily enter the education system, return to
their families, or secure jobs to support themselves. This is why after-care
centres are one of the best options to help these women rebuild their lives and
create a positive and sustainable future. After essential quality medical care
and education, the women are trained to sew, and more importantly learn the invaluable
feeling of being independent and worthy, proud and strong. And slowly, day by
day, she begins to trust again... not only in others, but herself too. That raw
pain drifts further away, into a hazy pool of memories, and she starts to
believe again that there is good in our world like she did once when she was
little, when all of her dreams seemed possible and close. This restored hope is
all thanks to the socially responsible vehicle that is <b><a href="http://punjammies.com/" target="_blank">PUNJAMMIES</a></b>. It’s funny
how a small, seemingly insignificant new opportunity like making pyjamas is all
it takes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out the beautiful fabrics, prints, and colours:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Prices from $25, and free shipping (in the US) for orders over $99.</span><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"> All images from www.punjammies.com.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When one woman was
asked about how her life has changed since working with <b><a href="http://punjammies.com/" target="_blank">PUNJAMMIES</a></b>, she said,
<b>"In the brothels, I was alone. But now I have sisters."</b> – It’s that
money can’t buy feeling and sense of belonging... being part of a family,
having a place, and knowing that somebody out there truly cares about you. It’s
strange and comforting... our world can grow and advance and change unrecognisably
so in the years to come, but when all is said and done, it’s those little kind things
that all of our hearts are seeking. It’s all we want. And it’s all that we
need.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">‘Every pair of <a href="http://punjammies.com/" target="_blank">PUNJAMMIES</a>
tells the story of a woman who was, once, voiceless. When you buy her
PUNJAMMIES, you are a key part of her path, out of modern-day slavery, into a
life of hope, dignity and freedom.’</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Wear PUNJAMMIES. Wear <b>hope</b>.</u></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">p.s I recently wrote an article for a new online fashion magazine called CT - about Selfridges' <b>‘Not Your
Usual Christmas’</b> Campaign led by Bruce Weber, which is all about the spirit of
giving something to somebody this year who has maybe never truly experienced
the joy of Christmas. You can find it and read it at <a href="http://www.ctmagazine.co.uk/"><b>www.ctmagazine.co.uk</b></a> (pages 10-15) +
check out lots of other fashion goodness from upcoming young talent in the
industry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you so much to all of you still reading! x x x x x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-75785975857107158632012-10-29T17:06:00.003+00:002012-10-29T17:34:45.349+00:00The IOU Project<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Mahatma
Ghandi said - </span><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><u>‘<span style="background-color: #f3f9ff;">Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that
you do it’</span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f9ff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I don’t know about that... I think I’m still undecided. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f9ff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Either way, I’m glad <b><a href="http://iouproject.com/" target="_blank">The IOU Project’s</a></b> founders had a eureka moment
and decided to pursue it, despite knowing whether it would be successful. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take
a look:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://iouproject.com/" target="_blank">The IOU Project</a></b> prides itself as a transparent clothing brand,
producing handmade apparel that can be traced from start to finish – documenting
how and where it transforms from those initial fabric yarns into a beautiful
wearable garment, and ends up in your welcoming hands.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All of the fabrics used to make these garments are <b>hand-woven by very
skilled artisans in India</b>, using this age-old culturally historic technique. The
fabric is then passed along to small manufacturers in Europe where it is turned
into an awesome garment or accessory <b>by HAND</b> (no robot-like machines involved).
And depending on what item you purchase, you can look it up on the IOU website
and see the very journey that your piece of clothing made! <u>You’re not just
getting a shirt or a dress people... you’re getting a story, and <b>you</b> are making the happy ending.</u><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What makes <b><a href="http://iouproject.com/" target="_blank">The IOU Project</a></b> even better is that each textile piece that
is woven is unique, so no item that is produced or sold is the same as another.
So you end up with something that is truly special, you’ll look FIERCE, and will
be making a statement to all those high street herds of sheep out there who
enjoy blending in. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take a closer peek at IOU:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://iouproject.com/shop/" target="_blank">You can visit the shop by clicking here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">‘<span style="background: #F3F9FF;">Whatever
you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it’<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: #F3F9FF;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That's what they say.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ghandi was no doubt a very wise man, but I’m not sure I agree with him
entirely. I think what we do matters. Every single tiny gesture or action is a
little piece in the puzzle that slowly slots together and makes up a giant
picture of your journey here. But a lot of your pieces are also key to completing
other people’s pictures, and without theirs, yours would also remain incomplete.
Our actions affect others, in a ripple-like way, for better or worse. Sometimes
we see those ripples, and sometimes we don’t; though they still happen. You’re
here, in this very moment, for a reason. Don’t ever believe that what you’re
doing is insignificant; because I can promise you that you couldn’t be further
from the truth. No matter how great or small – what you do matters. And more
often than not, it’s the little things that hold the greatest value. You probably
don’t realise it, but the act of you just simply being <i>you</i> has probably changed someone’s world somewhere for the better.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #F3F9FF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f9ff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Whatever you do will matter to those who believe that it does.</u></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f9ff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LJbeeYI7H8/TzJ_UnwYC3I/AAAAAAAAAuk/njoey8TXurA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LJbeeYI7H8/TzJ_UnwYC3I/AAAAAAAAAuk/njoey8TXurA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f9ff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-49540294419016074512012-10-20T11:14:00.003+01:002012-10-20T11:14:55.823+01:00Osei Duro: Honourable Magic<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>If you knew 10 years from now
that you were finally going to meet the love of your life, what on earth would
you <i>do</i> between now and then?</b> <b>I think
I’d probably waste away those precious days just waiting for that moment to
hurry along. And what if you knew that tomorrow would be your last day here? I
think that would ruin the fun of tonight. Don’t you?</b> <b>What I mean is that while
we all sometimes wish we could predict the future, and be calmed by just a
shred of certainty and reassurance that our lives are going to play out like we
hope they will, it’s actually strangely comforting muddling along here in the
unknown. It somehow takes all the pressure away; frees us, and dar</b></span></strong></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>es us to dive
in head first and create whatever story we’ve always dreamed of; because each
of us has nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Plain and simple - life is a
mystery... and I think that’s one of the greatest gifts that each of us recieves. </b></span></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Maryanne
Mathias and Molly Keogh</b></span> are two ladies who know better than most of us that you
never know where you’re going to end up or what life has in store for you right
around the next corner. But that’s what makes it such an epic adventure, right?
These talented designers first met during high school, but it wasn’t until
Maryanne flew to <b><u>Ghana</u></b> that she found herself wanting to stay and design and
create a clothing collection. It was then that she envisioned something far
bigger and better, but unable to execute her ambitious vision as a one-woman
band, she decided to reach out to an old friend – Molly</span></strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">. ‘I asked Molly to join me as a partner
when we were at our 10-year high school reunion,’ Maryanne says.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">What was
initially meant to be a one-off trip, ended up becoming the socially
responsible and sustainable fashion label – <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://oseiduro.com/" target="_blank">Osei-Duro</a></b></span>. The two ladies work in
partnership with the <u>Dzidefo Women’s Cooperative in Ghana</u>, who are local
artisans, and together produce collections that are very unique and flattering,
with an innovative use of fabrics and prints that I have yet to see anywhere
else. It’s hard to pinpoint the style... it’s a <b>mix of cultures</b> (notably Accra
– the capital of Ghana – and North America, the two places where the pair split
their time between), <b>and integrates ethnic elements with a strong contemporary
urban feel.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In stark contrast to what the high street continues to half-heartedly churn
out for us on a weekly basis - each finished piece from an <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://oseiduro.com/" target="_blank"><b>Osei-Duro</b></a></span> collection
represents many hours of creative collaboration between the dynamic design duo
and their talented crafters. <b>‘There is a lot of back and forth as we develop the prints,’</b>
says Molly. <b>‘We might request an experimental technique that is new to the
dyers, or they might suggest a traditional method they think suits a need. We
send samples and sketches back and forth with the dyers and the sewers and the
cobblers until everyone is satisfied with the results.’</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The name, <a href="http://oseiduro.com/" target="_blank"><b>Osei-Duro</b></a>, translates to <span style="font-size: large;"><b>"honourable
magic"</b></span> in Akan. I think that sums up the spirit of the label nicely.
It’s built upon a friendship, and is supported by a local community working
together to collectively produce something special. It’s about people from
different parts of the world crossing paths, colliding with one another,
something that wouldn’t have otherwise happened if it wasn’t for these
incredible ladies. It’s strange when you think of it like that... when you dare
to think about how none of it might have existed if Maryanne hadn’t pursued her
dream... It’s like everything that happens in our lives on a daily basis, we
all make choices to go one way or the other, and are sometimes left wondering
whether we made the right decision in that moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think Maryanne and Molly
made a beautiful choice.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-43455114597171666352012-10-01T21:06:00.001+01:002012-10-01T21:07:51.275+01:00The Mayamiko Project: Bricks of Hope<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>50p buys a brick.
And every single brick counts.</b> That’s all you need to know.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Well, ok, there is
a bit more of a story to tell...</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So <a href="http://mayamiko.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mayamiko</b></span></a>
(the Chichewa word for <b>praise</b>) is a Trust created by a bunch of
like-minded creative spirits who decided to use their skills to benefit people
in the world who are less fortunate than themselves; and you and me. It’s their
special way of giving back and spreading the goodness around in a truly unique
way. The main objects of the Trust are to promote sustainable development by
the relief of poverty through training and employment opportunities
(particularly in Africa), as well as promoting and preserving good health
through the provision of funds and a variety of services. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mKNxWEnpNTI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The <b>Mayamikans</b> (as they like to be known!) are
planning to build a new sustainable skills and production centre in Lilongwe,
<b>Malawi</b>, as part of <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mayamiko.org/bricksofhope/" target="_blank"><b>The Mayamiko Cotton Project</b></a></span>. At present, the disadvantaged
women – affected by the HIV pandemic or are carers of HIV orphans - who are
trainees and tailors, learn their crafts and work outdoors. The aim of the
production centre is to provide a sheltered environment and improved working
conditions for these women while they’re hard at work trying to build a future for
themselves and their families.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> The project has already trained groups of women in many different textile
processes including weaving, knitting, cutting, sewing, and tailoring, all the
way through to finished garments, some of which have been featured in Vogue,
Grazia, Cosmopolitan and The Guardian! So it’s clear that this is a <u>life
changing opportunity</u> for these women to create a sustainable and flourishing living.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Along with a necessary skills centre, the Mayamikans
are hoping to build a <b>nursery</b></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> where the ladies’ babies and children will be looked after
holistically, fed nutritious food and taken care of lovingly; and in the future
they hope to build a <b>fashion school</b> where technical and creative talents can be
nurtured and developed for sustainability and growth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Malawi is actually one of the poorest countries in
the world, with a <u>life expectancy at birth of just 41 years</u>, and over half of
the population live in extreme poverty. However, studies indicate that lifting
women out of poverty has amazing effects on reducing the under-5 mortality
rate, and that it increases the chances of offspring being healthier and being
sent to school and receiving a vital education. Evidence shows that when women
have a steady and reliable income, which is what this project aims to achieve,
that money mostly goes to the benefit of their children, the family, and the
community- and that my friends, is how a <b>‘virtuous circle’</b> begins.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Malawi grows cotton that is
exported raw for very low prices. Cotton is the fourth biggest export commodity
but accounts for next to nothing of the total export value of the country. So the
project aims to source some of the precious cotton grown in Malawi, and use it
locally to manufacture products with added value for the internal market and
for export. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">And guess what? <span style="font-size: large;"><b>YOU</b></span> can play a part in realising the
</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mayamikans</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> dream by <a href="http://www.mayamiko.org/bricksofhope/" target="_blank"><b>buying bricks for the new production centre</b></a>. Mayamiko have set a target of <b>200,000 bricks</b>, each brick representing
<b>50p</b>; and don’t underestimate how much every single brick donated helps.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And there’s an
added bonus on offer too! There are a number of different gifts that will be
sent to you with compliments depending on how generous your donation to the
project is. <b>Donating 100 bricks (£50)</b> will get you</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> a Mayamiko cotton
drawstring bag and oyster card made by trainees in Malawi; all the way up to if
you donate <b>20,000 bricks (£10,000)</b> <u>a room will be named after you in the Skills
and Production Centre, and you’ll become a lifetime patron of Mayamiko, listed
on the website</u>. £10,000 is a LOT of dough, so don’t worry, there’s plenty of
other unique gifts on offer for smaller and more affordable contributions! <a href="http://www.mayamiko.org/bricksofhope/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Click here to visit the Bricks of Hope project, and make a life changing donation today.</b></span></a></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There is a
Chichewa saying that goes:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Phukusi
la moyo sasungilana”</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have no
idea how to attempt saying it, but this translates literally as <span style="font-size: large;"><b>“Do not let
another keep the valuables of your life”</b></span> – but what it is really saying is that
you need to look after your own destiny. And this is exactly what the
Mayamikans are trying to offer to the women of Malawi – the education, skills,
and fair wage to be in control of their own destiny in this world. Everyone
should have the right to pursue something that they want, and create a life for
themselves and their families; a life which they are proud of; a life that is
full of meaning and purpose. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">That’s not asking too much, is it?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://mayamiko.org/" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can read more about Mayamiko here.</span></u></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=shani_girlwiththewhiteballoon" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S</span></b></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=shani_girlwiththewhiteballoon" target="_blank"><b> You may or may not know that I am running The Royal Parks half marathon on Sunday (7th October) to raise money for World Child Cancer. There's still time to sponsor me if you have a few spare pennies kicking around - you can click here! Thank you, lots of love</b></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LJbeeYI7H8/TzJ_UnwYC3I/AAAAAAAAAuk/njoey8TXurA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LJbeeYI7H8/TzJ_UnwYC3I/AAAAAAAAAuk/njoey8TXurA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-71625767292618330832012-09-07T19:29:00.003+01:002012-09-07T19:29:50.315+01:00Raven + Lily: Empowering women through design<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Best buddies <b>Kirsten Dickerson & Sophia Lin</b> are the
brain power behind <a href="http://www.ravenandlily.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Raven + Lily</b></span></a>, which is a socially responsible ethically
natured brand dedicated to empowering women worldwide through design
partnerships and sustainable economic opportunities. Both ladies are extremely
passionate about fashion and ethical design, and so <a href="http://www.ravenandlily.com/" target="_blank"><b>Raven + Lily</b></a> was the perfect
platform to channel both of those passions and change the lives of women in the
process. Sometimes, fashion does find a heart.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3A9W-oHOo5I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
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Current collections are lovingly made by the hands of artisans
all over the globe from North India to Cambodia to Ethiopia. All of the
jewellery and accessories are contemporary and organic in design, eco-friendly,
and reflect the unique beauty and culture of the amazing woman who made it. And
each item arrives with a special gift tag attached that tells you the journey
of just how that purchase has ended up in your hands, and who is responsible
for putting it there.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Ethiopia
Collection</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> is comprised
of statement necklaces, earrings and bracelets crafted with handmade beads +
charms from melted bullet casings and vintage silver coins. This collection
empowers HIV-positive women in Ethiopia.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The India
Collection</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> features
gorgeous recycled cotton papers, hand-carved wood journals, metallic leather jewellery
and hand-milled natural soaps. This collection empowers marginalized women in
Northern India.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Cambodia
Collection</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> includes
eco-friendly bags and t-shirts made with hand-loomed, natural-dyed, and remnant
materials. These hand-printed pieces are made with love by HIV positive and
formerly trafficked women in Cambodia.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But <a href="http://www.ravenandlily.com/" target="_blank"><b>Raven +Lily </b></a>don’t just create sustainable economic opportunities for marginalised
women, oh no – they are firmly dedicated to returning proceeds to their partner
communities to fund education, healthcare, and micro-loans. So when you
purchase any of these fantabulous pieces from R+L, you are making yourself a
part of breaking that poverty cycle, and transforming the lives of women and
their families.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I always try to remember to tell myself that there are 3
important things in life. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind.
And the third is to be <span style="font-size: large;"><b>kind</b></span>. That’s all you need to remember. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-53098831873534724682012-09-03T12:38:00.004+01:002012-09-03T12:39:54.877+01:00Push Pull Cambodia's accessories will set you apart from the crowd<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Based on the traditional art of <b>Ikat weaving</b> which originated
in Cambodia, a man by the name of Daniel Flickinger decided to create <a href="http://pushpullcambodia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Push Pull</b></span></a>
– a fun and luxury accessories brand that brings together a unique combination
of historical handmade techniques and modern design. If you’re a fan if
brights, spots and stripes, then you’re going to LOVE the designs this brand
has to offer.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The idea for the company arose back in 2008 when Dan visited
Takeo Province (Cambodia) for the first time, where Ikat weaving is a way of
life for people – in every home you are guaranteed to find at least one wooden
handloom. Takeo boasts a high number of very skilled artisans which impressed
Dan and left him pondering. Deeply saddened by the sheer poverty of the region,
and wanting to celebrate this amazingly rich weaving culture, he decided to put
the locals’ skills to good use.</div>
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Cheu Teal Village in Takeo Province is now home to a <a href="http://pushpullcambodia.com/" target="_blank"><b>PushPull Cambodia</b></a> weaving centre where approximately 46 artisans are employed, who
each specialise in different phases of Ikat. <b>Tying, dyeing, spinning, and
weaving</b> – you name it, they do it; and all of these traditional techniques are
carried out by hand creating pieces that are truly one of a kind. Push Pull’s
goal is to stimulate a renaissance of Cambodian Ikat, and thus provide
long-term employment and an improved quality of life for its artisans and their
families.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And just a little bit more info for you: Cambodian Ikat
patterns are actually commonly passed down verbally from generation to
generation, so when you purchase an item from <a href="http://pushpullcambodia.com/" target="_blank"><b>Push Pull</b></a> you’re purchasing
something with a whole lot of cultural value and meaning, and you’re helping to
keep a beautiful age old tradition alive. </div>
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<b><u>When has shopping on the high street
ever offered you that?</u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Take a look at a few of the gems that <b><a href="http://pushpullcambodia.com/" target="_blank">Push Pull Cambodia</a></b>
have to offer (I can feel what’s left of my overdraft slipping away already):</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-39350014005493838612012-08-18T13:01:00.001+01:002012-08-18T13:02:11.668+01:00Now you can CHANGE A LIFE & look SHARP while doing so with BORA WEAR<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What if your clothes stood for something?</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">What if your clothes <b>made a difference?</b></span></u></div>
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New men’s apparel fashion label <a href="http://www.borawear.com/test/p1/index.html?utm_expid=62075521-0" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bora Wear</b></span></a>, founded by James
Muna, is a socially conscious brand for more reasons than one. Not only are
traditional African textiles used to make all of the HOT DAMN-SHAZAAAM pieces,
but Bora Wear also gives a significant portion of its profits to an orphanage (<a href="http://www.totolove.org/" target="_blank"><b>TheToto Love Children’s Home</b></a>) for HIV-positive children in James’s mother’s
hometown - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">"Shuttling back and
forth between Kenya and the United States made me increasingly aware of the
inequities that existed in Kenya, placing a drive in me to make a change. Bora
Wear is my way of making Kenya—and <a href="http://www.ecouterre.com/is-the-african-inspired-fashion-trend-a-form-of-cultural-appropriation/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">eventually
Africa</span></a>—a better place"</b> he says.</div>
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Just in case you were wondering – ‘bora’ means <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">best</b> or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ultimate</b> in Kishwahili; and it is their sole mission to be just
that.</div>
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All of Bora Wear’s vibrant statement-making printed shirts (they
remind me very much of Will Smith as a young Fresh Prince) are stitched by
HIV-positive women in Embu (where James’s mother grew up). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“We focus on employing women because it has very positive impacts not
only on the employee but on her family, as well,”</b> James explains. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">”The goal here is to empower the entire
community while also solving social and economic issues in a sustainable
manner: employment.” </b></div>
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Bora Wear hopes to strongly empower through apparel.</div>
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The samples that are currently being showcased on the
<a href="http://www.borawear.com/test/p1/index.html?utm_expid=62075521-0" target="_blank"><b>website</b></a> are FIT. The shirts are really bright and quirky – for the guy who
likes to own something a bit different, and doesn’t give a shit what anybody
else thinks. I’m expecting great things from this little label. Nothing is
available to buy just yet, but Bora Wear has promised they will be taking
orders very very soon, so you can sign up on their website to stay in the loop
via email! You can also check out more about the label on their <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/borawear%20" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a></b></div>
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<b>'In the end, nothing we do or say in this lifetime will
matter as much as the way we have loved one another.' </b><i>Daphne Rose Kingma</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-66335890716365317672012-07-21T18:02:00.000+01:002012-07-22T18:04:46.329+01:00LIVE A LIFE WORTH IMITATING.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>‘I alone cannot
change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many
ripples.’</b></span> Mother Teresa</div>
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The <a href="http://www.barnabasclothing.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BARNABAS</b></span></a> t-shirt
label embodies this thought, with its logo depicting two straight lines with
one making a ripple effect – symbolising how just <u>ONE life</u> can, and does, make
an impact. Founder <b>Alexander Aquino</b> hopes that when you wear his logo, you take
on the challenge – ‘to be a BARNABAS’ – and become a part of this vast
community out there that is sending ripples of change and hope out into our
world; in the journey for a better one. </div>
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<a href="http://www.barnabasclothing.com/" target="_blank"><b>BARNABAS</b></a> – meaning ‘Son
of Encouragement’ – is more than just a brand; it’s an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">identity</i>. Its purpose is to encourage others to be bold, courageous,
and fearless in making choices that make a difference in their life as well as
those around them who are often forgotten. What we say, what we do, and even
the clothes that we choose to wear – it all matters, and it all makes a
difference. We can choose to live our lives with purpose and positive action,
and to <span style="font-size: large;"><b>‘LIVE A LIFE WORTH IMITATING’</b></span>.</div>
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Leading the charge of change, <a href="http://www.barnabasclothing.com/" target="_blank"><b>BARNABAS</b></a> <b>donates 10%
</b>of all their sales to <a href="http://www.livingroominternational.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Living Room International</b></span></a> – a non-profit organisation
in Kenya that
provides comprehensive care to those men, women and children living with
HIV/AIDS or other life threatening illnesses. Their vision is to be a community
that honours life and offers hope, and they do this by becoming family to those
that are dying. Their hospice facility allows them to provide compassionate
medical, emotional and spiritual support for patients in their final days of
life, in a homely atmosphere and environment, where everyone is welcome,
everyone is loved, and everyone belongs.<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> <br />
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Alexander’s clothing line not only captures the fashion and spirit of youth
culture, but also firmly speaks out against settling for the ‘normalcy’ that we
are accustomed to within society. He encourages us to be better, to believe in
the power of our voices and our passion, and to get on out there and stir
things up. Those who choose to proudly sport <a href="http://www.barnabasclothing.com/" target="_blank"><b>BARNABAS</b></a>, join a global effort,
and take on the challenge to LIVE A LIFE WORTH IMITATING.</div>
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You
can take a look at some of the latest collection below (the Look book was
actually shot in the city that I have come to know and love over the past 3
years – Nottingham, UK – so it makes this label even more special to me. I have
no idea why they chose Notts, but I’m very glad they did!)</div>
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On another note -
I’ve been back home for summer now for around a month and school is officially
out... <u>FOREVER!</u> And I’ve taken this time to catch up on all the important things
I’ve neglected while at uni, including: stuffing my face on home-cooking,
catching up on this month’s NYLON, and watching lots and lots of TV. One of the
shows that I wasn’t able to watch (due to our lack of SkyOne + the black & white
with a lovely green tinged screen that didn’t exactly equate prime<i> </i>viewing) was
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Touch</b></span>, the new supernatural thriller
series starring <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">24’s</i> Kiefer
Sutherland, in a very different role to how we have come to know and love him
as super action warrior<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><u>Jack Bauer</u>. I’ve
just finished watching season 1 with the bro, and if you haven’t seen it, <u>SORT
IT OUT</u> because it’s simply <b>GREAT</b>. It centres on this 11 year old kid – Jake -
who never speaks, and he sees everything in numbers. He LOVES numbers, and he
is <u>THE <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">MAN</i></u> with them, and uses them
to make certain people ‘touch’ and saves lives in the process. He’s one cool
kid. Anyway... in one of the episodes, Jake talks about an ancient Chinese
legend called <b>‘The Red Thread of Fate’</b>, which says that the Gods have a wire
attached to the ankle of each of us, connecting all the people whose lives are
destined to touch. The red thread may stretch or tangle along the way, but it
never breaks. </div>
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I love the thought
of that. Like there’s already a plan for all of us, we just don’t know it yet. And
that every single person that we’ve encountered, befriended, or even loved so
far was meant to happen, because someone out there decided it needed to... they
decided that we needed each other. No one is sent to anyone by accident. Every single soul that you cross paths
with from this point on is for a reason. Unbeknown to us, we have an impact on the
lives of everyone that we touch, whether great or small. You might’ve changed
someone’s world and not ever realise it. I like to believe in the Gods’ Red Thread
and that if two people are destined to touch, the universe will always
find a way to make the connection - even when all hope seems to be lost. Because
there are certain ties that simply cannot be broken. They define who we are; and
who we can become...</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-65834737533917346102012-07-15T18:27:00.001+01:002012-07-15T18:27:59.167+01:00designer BAGS under my eyes...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Just a quick note</span> to let all of you lovelies know that my
printed eco bags are now available for you to purchase on <span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Printed-cotton-eco-long-handle-shopper-bag-with-handmade-bow-detail-/221072604435?pt=UK_Women_s_Handbags&var=&hash=item3378f43d13" target="_blank"><b>eBay</b></a></span> for just <b><span style="font-size: large;">£12!</span></b>
And as you probably already know by now, all of the profits from every bag are
going to <u>charity</u> (<a href="http://www.worldchildcancer.org/" target="_blank"><b>World Child Cancer</b></a> & <a href="http://www.orphansofghana.org/index.html" target="_blank"><b>Orphans of Ghana</b></a>), so it’s a
guilt-free purchase all in aid of a great cause! </div>
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There are 5 AWESOME designs for you to choose from - see the
<a href="http://girlwiththewhiteballoon.blogspot.co.uk/p/bag-it-out.html" target="_blank"><b>BAG IT OUT</b></a> page for more details...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQlK_0T_uJ8/UAL8aV4eq3I/AAAAAAAAB3M/pPOHEe_WHPU/s1600/bag+photos+1+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQlK_0T_uJ8/UAL8aV4eq3I/AAAAAAAAB3M/pPOHEe_WHPU/s640/bag+photos+1+-+Copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Love love love,</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-74227011435553072102012-07-07T17:26:00.000+01:002012-07-07T17:36:08.106+01:00Pineapples & AFIA<br />
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<b>I have to start by apologising for being awol the past
couple of weeks</b> – I just returned home from uni (for good) and have been trying
to sort all the clutter/fabric/and my life out; I’ll keep you posted on how
that’s going (my bedroom currently looks as though the past 3 years of my life
have just exploded in it – who knew I had such ridiculous amounts of <b>STUFF?</b>)...
but if you don’t hear from me for a good few months, then assume that I am STILL
jobless and have been forced to sell all of my belongings, declare myself
bankrupt, and have hitched a ride to the tropical islands of <b>Hawaii</b> where I
will reside for 7 years until my student loans are completely written off. And let’s
be honest, I probably wouldn’t ever come back. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fresh pineapples</b></span> flow over there
like rain flows here in England – that alone is reason enough for me to JET.</div>
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So today guys & dolls, I bring youuuuuu: <a href="http://shopafia.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AFIA</span></b></a>. A women’s
award-winning - and sustainable - clothing line, sourced and sewn entirely in
<b>Ghana</b> (West Africa). </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fruqnG2NErs/T_hek7BSLLI/AAAAAAAAB2M/k9hFxd2UnU0/s1600/ghanabnw1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fruqnG2NErs/T_hek7BSLLI/AAAAAAAAB2M/k9hFxd2UnU0/s640/ghanabnw1.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pReZXeon49s/T_hewCiP8pI/AAAAAAAAB2c/87cNyHqstTE/s1600/ghanakidrun1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pReZXeon49s/T_hewCiP8pI/AAAAAAAAB2c/87cNyHqstTE/s640/ghanakidrun1.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht4igHRWVKs/T_hfZf6ApxI/AAAAAAAAB20/MM90Z20Fwoc/s1600/ghanashop1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht4igHRWVKs/T_hfZf6ApxI/AAAAAAAAB20/MM90Z20Fwoc/s640/ghanashop1.gif" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozrBCfZjEmc/T_hfAzo40sI/AAAAAAAAB2k/yvRuNtFeHSE/s1600/ghanalady1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozrBCfZjEmc/T_hfAzo40sI/AAAAAAAAB2k/yvRuNtFeHSE/s640/ghanalady1.gif" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMIO_9rXq00/T_hetI4ybPI/AAAAAAAAB2U/PqcDF7zPjT0/s1600/ghanacut1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMIO_9rXq00/T_hetI4ybPI/AAAAAAAAB2U/PqcDF7zPjT0/s640/ghanacut1.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnw0Y2UD5Ks/T_hfH6BJLnI/AAAAAAAAB2s/YhJpINJoIa0/s1600/ghanamachine1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnw0Y2UD5Ks/T_hfH6BJLnI/AAAAAAAAB2s/YhJpINJoIa0/s640/ghanamachine1.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bold and quirky designs are all courtesy of Meghan
Sebold’s creative mind (really sophisticated and wearable pieces with
interesting prints that are nothing like the stereotypical ‘ethical’ clothing
that most people think of - the clothes are a clear fusion of the vibrant African
textiles with American trends). Meghan also handpicks the cotton wax fabric
used in the garments from the markets in Accra (Ghana’s capital city), and
fabric is printed in Ghana too in an effort to support the textile industry and
showcase the traditional African fabrics that the markets have to offer. </div>
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<a href="http://shopafia.com/" target="_blank"><b>AFIA</b></a> is a social business, and therefore believes in
creating prosperity for <u>ALL</u> of the people involved in every aspect of the
label. They stand firmly for <b>transparency, mutual respect, and collaboration</b>.
And they also hope to eliminate all of those misconceptions that I was talking
about regarding the aesthetics of sustainable fashion and production in Africa
(it <b>IS</b> a business, not a ‘charity’ project).</div>
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Buy and wear <b><a href="http://shopafia.com/" target="_blank">AFIA</a></b> because you love it. And feel good about
your informed purchase, because you’re helping to support a bundle of goodness on
our planet. AFIA can also be purchased from <a href="http://fashioningchange.com/brands/afia#filter/vendor_id=380" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>FashioningChange</b></span></a> – an online
fashion retailer that only stocks ethical/fair-trade/sustainable labels that
are making positive waves in the fashion industry.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1W5puWV4CIM/T_heItO79aI/AAAAAAAAB1M/eJ59SbnWDKk/s1600/AFIA-11_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1W5puWV4CIM/T_heItO79aI/AAAAAAAAB1M/eJ59SbnWDKk/s640/AFIA-11_1500.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iplA2GJcXt8/T_heGB4sgII/AAAAAAAAB1E/0ffVTWmDt0M/s1600/AFIA-10_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iplA2GJcXt8/T_heGB4sgII/AAAAAAAAB1E/0ffVTWmDt0M/s640/AFIA-10_1500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_mgftt1etME/T_hegP7r8MI/AAAAAAAAB2E/qkRmmGKkj9Q/s1600/AFIA-73_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_mgftt1etME/T_hegP7r8MI/AAAAAAAAB2E/qkRmmGKkj9Q/s640/AFIA-73_1500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlTOWgHrW-k/T_heOeQjqzI/AAAAAAAAB1c/p9lq2YUDv-M/s1600/AFIA-3_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlTOWgHrW-k/T_heOeQjqzI/AAAAAAAAB1c/p9lq2YUDv-M/s640/AFIA-3_1500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_b0v58Q4rA/T_heS2fymyI/AAAAAAAAB1k/0hE6R0OTHwQ/s1600/AFIA-42_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_b0v58Q4rA/T_heS2fymyI/AAAAAAAAB1k/0hE6R0OTHwQ/s640/AFIA-42_1500.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3QjmaqSZIY/T_heL1iUxYI/AAAAAAAAB1U/PabH3DYjIoA/s1600/AFIA-29_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3QjmaqSZIY/T_heL1iUxYI/AAAAAAAAB1U/PabH3DYjIoA/s640/AFIA-29_1500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4LZPlTsI5M/T_heZLoFJTI/AAAAAAAAB10/_YrHqif5T98/s1600/AFIA-62_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4LZPlTsI5M/T_heZLoFJTI/AAAAAAAAB10/_YrHqif5T98/s640/AFIA-62_1500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nfz3nKSCeLs/T_heV7Zb17I/AAAAAAAAB1s/7zfmwMTO8mI/s1600/AFIA-57_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nfz3nKSCeLs/T_heV7Zb17I/AAAAAAAAB1s/7zfmwMTO8mI/s640/AFIA-57_1500.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWCguZtSdok/T_hecCgDIxI/AAAAAAAAB18/YmlYzDYHe2M/s1600/AFIA-6_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWCguZtSdok/T_hecCgDIxI/AAAAAAAAB18/YmlYzDYHe2M/s640/AFIA-6_1500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think there’s something really special about owning an
item that represents someone’s story somewhere... maybe on the other side of
the world. You’ll probably never meet them, but you’ve touched their life in a
way that you’ll never quite fully grasp. You’ve helped them to build a livelihood
for themselves and their families. You’ve made a difference; and although they
don’t know you, <b>they’ll never forget you.</b> </div>
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<b>P.S</b> I know this isn’t fashion related in any shape or form,
but I just have to share it with you because it’s <b>BANANAWESOME</b>. <b><a href="http://tunesforchange.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Tunes for Change</span></a></b> is a non-profit aimed at using the passion of music to create positive
social change. </div>
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<u>How it works:</u> Artists donate a song, the songs are then
compiled to form an exclusive quarterly album, you then donate what you want
for the album, and finally, all proceeds go to <b>charity</b>… </div>
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It’s such a great idea, and hasn’t been going for very long,
and always showcases up-coming artists that are definitely worth checking out.
So go take a look, and download the current album today before it disappears into
a black world-wide-web-shaped hole forever.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-11271280248805551262012-06-20T22:54:00.001+01:002012-06-20T22:54:53.714+01:00BucketFeet<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.bucketfeet.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">BucketFeet</span></b></a> began with a college
student, some cool artsy customised trainers, and the power of our old friend Facebook.
<u><b>Aaron Firestein</b></u> began drawing on canvas trainers in his spare time at Uni back in 2007,
and posted pictures of his wearable art online, which immediately gained a lot
of positive comments from friends, friends of friends, and even total
strangers. So, being out of pocket like me and most other students out there,
he decided to start designing and selling the quirky shoes to put a bit of
extra money in his pocket on the side. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then, in 2008, Aaron jetted off
to <b>Buenos Aires</b> to embark on a career in photography, but decided to take his
unique wearable art with him. While volunteering with young kids out there in
one of the slums, fate worked its magic as it always does, and he crossed paths
with another volunteer – Raaja – who quickly became a close friend. He even
bought himself a pair of Aaron’s custom trainers; a true friend right there. The
pair stayed in touch; meanwhile Aaron’s shoes began to take off big-time in South
America. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Just a few years later, the guys
decided that what they truly wanted to do was to create a platform that would
connect artists to people around the world. Realising that this was their hearts
calling, Aaron and Raaja both quit their day-jobs, and embraced footwear as a
way to spread art in a creative way, support various artists, and give back. So
in Spring 2011, the goodness that is now <a href="http://www.bucketfeet.com/" target="_blank"><b>BucketFeet</b></a> was born.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The shoes are great for a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bucket-full</i> of reasons: they are very
original, comfortable, light, versatile, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i>
affordable too. Artists are hand-selected by the guys to create exciting and
innovative designs to decorate the shoes, and they are paid royalties for every
pair that you guys & dolls decide to purchase. But the goodness doesn’t
stop there – BucketFeet also donates a percentage of its sales to its
non-profit partners (including <b>MAGIC</b>, <b>love futbol</b>, and <b>Children Mending Hearts</b>)
where kids are supported through various creative programs in art, music and
sports – centred on teaching skills and instilling confidence, rather than being
based upon handouts. Some might ask why, but Aaron and Raaja always knew that
giving back was the right thing to do.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">These shoes are simply <u><b>AMAZING</b></u>.
Having discovered these, my overdraft looks set to take another beating,
because I simply MUST have at least one pair of BucketFeet in my life (let’s be
honest, I will probably end up buying 3 pairs minimum). Here are a few of my
favourites...</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1S5xrRbcBI/T-JE1FFoMmI/AAAAAAAAByo/6uFkiQtuxeE/s1600/free_shipping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1S5xrRbcBI/T-JE1FFoMmI/AAAAAAAAByo/6uFkiQtuxeE/s640/free_shipping.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCUiAWOnDQc/T-JE2WPVH8I/AAAAAAAAByw/PL4w18sWtx8/s1600/fuego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCUiAWOnDQc/T-JE2WPVH8I/AAAAAAAAByw/PL4w18sWtx8/s640/fuego.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ty6C3R_ME48/T-JE6HUF9JI/AAAAAAAABzM/4tTu4h3eJSY/s1600/untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ty6C3R_ME48/T-JE6HUF9JI/AAAAAAAABzM/4tTu4h3eJSY/s640/untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTE91rs5SZI/T-JE4bOa6xI/AAAAAAAABzA/4EDjNduwvdY/s1600/karma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTE91rs5SZI/T-JE4bOa6xI/AAAAAAAABzA/4EDjNduwvdY/s640/karma.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGWNtTbFTlM/T-JE5eSDq4I/AAAAAAAABzI/5dsVtg3afTE/s1600/oomo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGWNtTbFTlM/T-JE5eSDq4I/AAAAAAAABzI/5dsVtg3afTE/s640/oomo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EzOExKZ_qI/T-JFOZ4Ye9I/AAAAAAAABzY/Ej0oQ_kgPY0/s1600/bucketfeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EzOExKZ_qI/T-JFOZ4Ye9I/AAAAAAAABzY/Ej0oQ_kgPY0/s640/bucketfeet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ones I have my little eyes on....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">all images from www.bucketfeet.com</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.bucketfeet.com/" target="_blank"><b>BucketFeet</b></a> is such a simple, yet
awesome idea for incorporating a life passion into a business model, that has
the added bonus of contributing to society in an extremely positive way, and
changing the lives of young people around the world. I love that our generation
seem to be much more socially orientated when it comes to the world of
business. We are choosing to use our good fortune and spread it around in
places that really could do with it far more than any of us could, and receive a
little less profit in exchange for this good deed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have officially finished university
now <span style="font-size: x-small;">(*choking back the tears... no I’m simply not ready to be an adult just yet
and am still about 12 years old in my head*)</span> but this week I have enrolled in a
extra one week crash-business course, where I am learning the basics of how to
go about starting a business, and whether I’m suited to this career. And the
more I think about it, and the more I plan and develop it, I really do see <span style="font-size: large;"><b>The
Girl With The White Balloon</b></span> being a great addition to the fashion world. I
really want to make it happen, and continue to build on my label (and this
blog) and design & produce fashion that people enjoy, but that also has a
really positive effect on someone somewhere else in the world. And the more
that I continue to give this deep thought, the more I get scared. Scared, because
the world is full of people and their broken dreams. All the things they dreamed
of doing, but never did. I’m scared that I’ll end up being one of those people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isn’t it strange how the
majority of us spend our lives endlessly planning for someday?</span> The people we’re
going to be, and what we’re going to do. Lists upon lists of things we hope to
accomplish and achieve within our lifetimes: get out there and see the world,
write books, quit our jobs and pursue our true passion, get in touch with an estranged
friend, start a family... and before you know it, life has slowly been ticking
away, and you wake up and realise that <b>someday is <i>today</i>.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>And then someday is
yesterday.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>And this is your life.</b></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So don’t waste a single moment. You
know all those things you’ve always wanted to do? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">You should go do them.</span></b></span></u> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-45838486215923537712012-06-05T19:38:00.000+01:002012-06-05T19:38:26.186+01:00CrOp by David Peck<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.davidpeckcollection.com/category_s/170.htm" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">CROP</span></b></a>, which stands for creative opportunities, is a feminine
& fun-spirited clothing line with a conscious, recently launched by American
designer <b>David Peck</b>. But I bet you didn’t know that he actually earned a degree
in classical cello before moving to Paris to study fashion design. Who would’ve
guessed it? </div>
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David’s designs are favourites among young stars including <b>Taylor
Swift</b> and <b>Lauren Conrad</b>, due to the combination of design aesthetic (the
refined elegance of Parisian style with American practicality) and commitment
to the environment – all his collections are proudly manufactured in the U.S.</div>
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Each <a href="http://www.davidpeckcollection.com/category_s/170.htm" target="_blank"><b>CROP</b></a> collection stems from a collaboration with other
creative professionals who value giving back; the ultimate aim being to develop
a strong network of artists who generate even greater opportunities together.</div>
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David is also strongly committed to giving back to
charitable causes, and has therefore <u><span style="font-size: large;">decided to dedicate 10% of profits from
each of his collections to the cause that is affiliated with his seasonal
inspiration</span></u>. Further goodness is that the collections are also made from a
combination of <b>certified organic, fair trade, and natural fabrics</b>. So you can
look great and <b>FEEL</b> great too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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When I had a look at his s/s 2012 collection online, it felt
like Christmas had come early. All of his designs are so beautiful, yet
extremely wearable, and incorporate a strong use of colour and print. <span style="font-size: large;">These
clothes are made to be <b>SEEN</b></span>, and are fit for the playful girl who likes to have
fun when it comes to fashion, doesn’t take herself too seriously, but also has
a heart when it comes respecting our environment and our world. If that sounds
like you, then <a href="http://www.davidpeckcollection.com/category_s/170.htm" target="_blank"><b>CROP</b></a> is a definite love match. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAqLDzhD9f4/T85RmdxY-OI/AAAAAAAABxw/AFOLlkrS43U/s1600/5-SS12_BoldColors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAqLDzhD9f4/T85RmdxY-OI/AAAAAAAABxw/AFOLlkrS43U/s640/5-SS12_BoldColors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgGyRTcIeIY/T85Ros6t7qI/AAAAAAAAByA/wiuamVVVM0g/s1600/7-SS12_MixMatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgGyRTcIeIY/T85Ros6t7qI/AAAAAAAAByA/wiuamVVVM0g/s640/7-SS12_MixMatch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdWZfY19FqI/T85RpRLbMvI/AAAAAAAAByI/MDdx6WBNJh0/s1600/8-SS12_ChicClassics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdWZfY19FqI/T85RpRLbMvI/AAAAAAAAByI/MDdx6WBNJh0/s640/8-SS12_ChicClassics.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7miMW2NkqU/T85RqZPGiLI/AAAAAAAAByQ/PK3crI4KDls/s1600/9-SS12_FunkyFresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7miMW2NkqU/T85RqZPGiLI/AAAAAAAAByQ/PK3crI4KDls/s640/9-SS12_FunkyFresh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aE-kCrk4Wkw/T85RrDZGD6I/AAAAAAAAByY/kv7-Pa0yKhY/s1600/DPC_LookBook_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aE-kCrk4Wkw/T85RrDZGD6I/AAAAAAAAByY/kv7-Pa0yKhY/s640/DPC_LookBook_Cover.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
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I think the fact that there are designers out there like
David – creating fashion with a conscience – restores my faith in the fashion
industry, and makes me feel proud to be in it. If only the rest of the world
knew just how important a simple choice like the clothes on their back actually
is. I refuse to be the sort of designer who sells out, and contributes to the
mass market as it stands today. This might put lots of money in their pockets,
but it can’t be putting any happiness in their hearts; knowing that they are a
part of a hideous greed-fuelled machine, where everything including the lives
of our fellow men & women come second to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">profit margins</i>. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>I believe that true happiness is being able to wake
up and just know that this is what <u>you wanted</u>, and not what somebody
else wanted.</b></span> And what I want, more than anything, is to change things; and to
have what I do create a positive domino effect on people’s lives. </div>
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Remember: <span style="font-size: large;"><b>NO DREAM IS TOO BIG. </b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-29869819320457742992012-06-02T12:38:00.000+01:002012-06-02T15:01:20.038+01:00NTU Graduate Fashion ExhibitionLast Friday (25th May) saw the highly anticipated <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nottingham Trent University 50/50 fashion show</b></span> take place, as well as the fashion exhibition open to the public. <br />
<br />
This year we did what no year before us had ever done: half of us showed collections on the runway, while half of us chose to produce a fashion exhibition (usually the runway steals the show, but not this time! thus the name 50/50) - making it the biggest and <b>BEST fashion show in NTU's history</b>. <br />
<br />
My work was displayed in the exhibition (because I wanted to do a whole lot more than just make clothes e.g. this blog), and will be up on display until 5th June in the NTU Newton building - so if you haven't checked it out already make sure you do, because there is so much talent crammed into that smallish space.<br />
<br />
Here are a few photos in the run-up to setting up for the show (unfortunately there are no balloons in my exhibition space because apparently if a kid accidentally let one go, it would set off the fire alarms in the ceiling... what can I say other than the powers of Newton are <i>severely</i> down with fun)...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMm3PjDtv14/T8nmcxeQ13I/AAAAAAAABvU/XHYCnZw9jck/s1600/DSCF2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMm3PjDtv14/T8nmcxeQ13I/AAAAAAAABvU/XHYCnZw9jck/s640/DSCF2005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini wish-balloon cards that I designed and ordered on moo.com - just adding some white thread so I can tie them to my balloons</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pxy0t6fq10/T8nm4wHfdCI/AAAAAAAABwI/gE4pcg0Gjjs/s1600/DSCF2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pxy0t6fq10/T8nm4wHfdCI/AAAAAAAABwI/gE4pcg0Gjjs/s640/DSCF2018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots and lots of white hope filled wish-balloons</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUnQiDq8N7M/T8nm9iA1HqI/AAAAAAAABwQ/GsubmsDi9tQ/s1600/DSCF2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUnQiDq8N7M/T8nm9iA1HqI/AAAAAAAABwQ/GsubmsDi9tQ/s640/DSCF2019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make a wish, and believe in it with all your heart. Now set it free...</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33-5ObahbB4/T8nmhpEgZkI/AAAAAAAABvc/zIZBxu7kEno/s1600/DSCF2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33-5ObahbB4/T8nmhpEgZkI/AAAAAAAABvc/zIZBxu7kEno/s640/DSCF2008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XU0TevMZg1Y/T8nmmUsamTI/AAAAAAAABvk/K62fNwt-JGs/s1600/DSCF2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XU0TevMZg1Y/T8nmmUsamTI/AAAAAAAABvk/K62fNwt-JGs/s640/DSCF2010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HaciVrVO4t4/T8nmrHEQ7lI/AAAAAAAABvs/icPqNsVZ3i0/s1600/DSCF2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HaciVrVO4t4/T8nmrHEQ7lI/AAAAAAAABvs/icPqNsVZ3i0/s640/DSCF2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My postcard sized business cards - courtesy of moo.com again</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mYpMDjrDvpg/T8nmv3dlj8I/AAAAAAAABv4/XEbuJU3rUJo/s1600/DSCF2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mYpMDjrDvpg/T8nmv3dlj8I/AAAAAAAABv4/XEbuJU3rUJo/s640/DSCF2014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_IPgi8xEmFE/T8nm0WdVaeI/AAAAAAAABwA/zsru5j3zdIc/s1600/DSCF2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_IPgi8xEmFE/T8nm0WdVaeI/AAAAAAAABwA/zsru5j3zdIc/s640/DSCF2015.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moo let you print double sided for no extra charge, so the front of all my cards have this on them, while the backs are a mixed bag of photos and words</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufkht7tEwFU/T8nnLZC6ucI/AAAAAAAABws/DoV0v2L-IfE/s1600/DSCF2022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufkht7tEwFU/T8nnLZC6ucI/AAAAAAAABws/DoV0v2L-IfE/s640/DSCF2022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My exhibition space in Newton! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmn_PPOkaGA/T8nnPuA2jNI/AAAAAAAABw0/xCC17ZWHXdA/s1600/DSCF2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmn_PPOkaGA/T8nnPuA2jNI/AAAAAAAABw0/xCC17ZWHXdA/s640/DSCF2023.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Shani Marion Jayawardena is The Girl with The White Balloon</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka5TNftX3_w/T8nnT4SbS8I/AAAAAAAABw8/ssoysu0Kr_0/s1600/DSCF2024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="566" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka5TNftX3_w/T8nnT4SbS8I/AAAAAAAABw8/ssoysu0Kr_0/s640/DSCF2024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>donation</b> box for people to pop money in and take one of my printed canvas bags + donate any spare pennies kicking around</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRv3wlbDcNc/T8nnYTgP4QI/AAAAAAAABxE/qYdZP570iu8/s1600/DSCF2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRv3wlbDcNc/T8nnYTgP4QI/AAAAAAAABxE/qYdZP570iu8/s640/DSCF2025.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbpGoh5Rt_g/T8nncpDXfmI/AAAAAAAABxM/Vh9l3EDudrc/s1600/DSCF2026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbpGoh5Rt_g/T8nncpDXfmI/AAAAAAAABxM/Vh9l3EDudrc/s640/DSCF2026.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is probably my favourite bag design: <b>Dear Justin: I'm already sexy, so I'm bringing charity back</b>.</td></tr>
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<br />
To see my work on display just seems a world away from where I was 3 years ago on my art foundation. I feel I've grown so much, and have made something that I'm extremely proud of, and that I strongly believe in. I've been able to take something often superficially perceived like fashion, and channel it into something positive; something that might just change someones life for the better. And there simply aren't words to describe how happy and content that makes me feel. That's all I hope for in my time here.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I stumbled upon some wise words of wisdom, that were just what I needed to hear (isn't it strange how the right things find you at the right time like that?), and I thought I'd share them with all of you too:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>YOUR JOURNEY HAS MOLDED YOU FOR YOUR GREATER GOOD, </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AND IT WAS <u>EXACTLY WHAT IT NEEDED TO BE</u>. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DON'T THINK THAT YOU'VE LOST TIME.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>IT TOOK EACH AND EVERY SITUATION YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED TO BRING YOU TO THE NOW.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AND <u>NOW IS RIGHT ON TIME</u>.</b></span></div>
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Nice isn't it? </div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Never forget that we make a living by what we get; </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">but <u><b>we make a life by what we give</b>...</u></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">p.s if you are a lady named Contessa who saw my exhibition the other day, and enquired about buying one of my dresses - I tried to email you, but it's not sending for some reason (think the email may have been jotted down wrong!) so just message me/email me on here! Sorry!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">+ Hayden? guy from Rock City - If you're reading this: in the words of Kelly Clarkson - I do not hook up, I go slow. So if you want me I don't come cheap. Keep your hand in my hand, And you heart on your sleeve... Don't feel bad about this. I think you're nice. So... call me maybe?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-4934449775942277372012-05-30T21:44:00.004+01:002012-06-01T16:46:48.306+01:00The Green Room<br />
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In the summer of 2010, <span style="font-size: large;"><b>ASOS</b></span> – <span style="font-size: x-small;">the online fashion store that annihilates
my overdraft every few months without fail</span> - severely soared in my estimations when
they unveiled <a href="http://www.asos.com/Women/Women-Landing-Pages/20110615H-Women-Green-Room/Cat/pgehtml.aspx?cid=13694" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Green Room</b></span></a> – a section
solely dedicated to showcasing the hottest labels in sustainable fashion.</div>
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<b>Sometimes</b>, I think it’s extremely difficult not to view the
fashion industry as jaded when looking at it as an outsider. Numerous cases of
high street retailers’ sweatshop environments are continually presented to us,
along with ever-alarming stats about what the effect of garment production is
actually having on our planet (for those cynics out there who believe that
global warming is just an urban myth: <span style="font-size: large;"><u>I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW YOU CAN BE SO
MORONICALLY OBLIVIOUS!</u></span> Last week we had two weeks straight of pouring rain, followed
by two weeks of intense sunshine. It’s hot, then it’s cold, then it’s a damn sauna
again. It worries me that one day I'll be walking down the road and the world might just explode). Rarely is the
industry that I have chosen to immerse myself in depicted in a positive light,
mainly because ultimately it centres entirely on image. Looking good is the
most important thing, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only</i> thing
that seemingly matters, and more often than not, nothing else is even a
consideration. So many people simply either do not care, or do not want to
begin to think about how the clothes on their backs actually ended up there.
But I think things are slowly beginning to change, and most certainly for the
better. Because the truth is, that it really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">does</i> matter. It all does. <u><span style="font-size: large;">What we choose to sit back and accept,
what we choose to stand up and fight for, what we as people succeed in changing
- <b>it all matters</b>. Never underestimate the power that you and your choices have
to truly make a difference.</span></u></div>
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So back to <b>The Green Room</b> – ASOS’s platform dedicated to
collections with an ethical or eco-conscious story to tell. There is a mixed
bag to be found of environmentally friendly textiles, and the supporting of
fair trade principles and traditional craftsmanship; plus, a range of Made in
the UK pieces supporting our local manufacturers. Labels include the likes of the
fairly well-known <b>People Tree</b>, the <b>ASOS Africa</b> collection which is produced in
Kenya, up-coming Sri Lankan lingerie brand <b>Charini</b>, and Ali Hewson & Bono’s
contemporary & well-crafted line <b>Edun</b>. And let me tell you (more of a
warning actually) there are sooooo many beautiful pieces to be found in The
Green Room that you will fall head over heels for. Here’s a little of what’s
rocking my little polka-dot socks right now:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4jN6PF8VS8/T8aFMPbXXXI/AAAAAAAABu4/W7qQ5v-Cuj8/s1600/asos+africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4jN6PF8VS8/T8aFMPbXXXI/AAAAAAAABu4/W7qQ5v-Cuj8/s640/asos+africa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shop online right now <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.asos.com/Women/Green-Room/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=10062" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a></span>, and find out more about these
lovely green labels too. </div>
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The Green Room proudly stands for <span style="font-size: large;"><b>style with a heart</b></span>.</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-15303607649103835682012-05-17T21:07:00.002+01:002012-05-17T21:09:05.018+01:00Gifts that Give Back<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTlYiaG4Dns/T7VWy0VVqGI/AAAAAAAABtM/UPgSLhtz82Q/s1600/200912-omag-joan-hornig-220x312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTlYiaG4Dns/T7VWy0VVqGI/AAAAAAAABtM/UPgSLhtz82Q/s400/200912-omag-joan-hornig-220x312.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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Back when <a href="http://www.joanhornig.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Joan Hornig</b></span></a> was a spring chicken in college
(Harvard in case you were interested – yep, smart cookie she certainly is), she
made it her ultimate goal to have enough money in her pocket by the time she hit 50 to
allow her to spend the rest of her days fulfilling her heart’s desire: giving
back to the world. </div>
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Having always admired the fancy (but unattainable) antiques
found in luxury boutiques, Joan learned to design her own jewellery inspired by
these pieces. And as it turns out, she had a bit of a knack for this beautiful craft.
As fate would have it, six years ago a friend casually said to Joan, ‘<b>I love
your necklace</b>,’ to which she replied, <span style="font-size: large;">‘<b>Thanks, I made it</b>.’</span> How great is it <b>a)</b>
being given this lovely compliment, topped off by <b>b)</b> being able to reply that that
greatness being admired was made entirely by your very own hands? <b>Pretty sweet.</b>
Part of me just wants to start making my own clothes (I don’t know why I don’t already
because as you know I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can</i> do this fairly
well – it’s kind of my career currently...) in the hope of being able to roll
out one-liners like that. ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What? This old
thing? Hell yeah sister, I can make these in my sleep</i>.’ <b>Boom</b>. This summer, I
will make it happen... <u><b>Anyway</b></u> – back to Joan – her friend mentioned the
exquisiteness of that necklace to another friend, who – get this – just happened
to be a merchandise manager at none other than <u>Bergdorf Goodman</u>, and said to her: ‘I’m
looking at something that should be in your store.’ Don’t you just love it when
things fall right into place? No fight or struggle or pain makes a refreshing change. It restores your
faith in the world once more; at least it does mine, and reaffirms the fact
that <span style="font-size: large;"><u>good things do happen to good people</u></span>, and they happen a lot!</div>
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So
back in 2003, Joan gathered up all of her pieces from her New York City
apartment and took them into the Fifth Avenue store. ‘The Bergdorf people said, 'We like these things, but are you a
business?' I said, 'I believe I can be a business.' <span style="font-size: large;"><b>They offered her a trial
run, and witnessed her first ‘collection’ sell out in just <i>five</i> days.</b></span></div>
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But Joan
did not embark on her jewellery design business to make money. Oh no. Her business
model beats to its own drum: each lovely piece sold comes with a card explaining that
she will donate <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>100% of the profits</b></span> to the charity of the buyer’s choice. And so,
two years ahead of schedule, Joan reached her goal, and gained her philanthropic
heart’s desire. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span>Joan’s artistic and exquisite jewellery (all of which are either one of a kind, or very limited
edition) has been worn and adored by the likes of <b>Jessica Alba, Eva
Mendes and Cameron Diaz</b>; and all of her pieces stand out in the crowd, all the
while carrying the important message that giving away what you don’t need and
giving it to someone who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">does</i> is a
beautiful and selfless act that is very worthy of promoting. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2olX_FCQiDE/T7VW4MqoqYI/AAAAAAAABt8/08o-gXSpndY/s1600/earrings_forgetmenot_keshis.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2olX_FCQiDE/T7VW4MqoqYI/AAAAAAAABt8/08o-gXSpndY/s640/earrings_forgetmenot_keshis.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGOmx5VWmkI/T7VW9o8BvXI/AAAAAAAABuk/x5X3JxraVPA/s1600/necklace_leaf_keshipearls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGOmx5VWmkI/T7VW9o8BvXI/AAAAAAAABuk/x5X3JxraVPA/s640/necklace_leaf_keshipearls.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xswyqfAXmfA/T7VW62H4k2I/AAAAAAAABuU/p0tFcXWfICI/s1600/earrings_unfolding_brass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xswyqfAXmfA/T7VW62H4k2I/AAAAAAAABuU/p0tFcXWfICI/s640/earrings_unfolding_brass.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTjbbJA2vto/T7VW-bN8r2I/AAAAAAAABuo/ZeLtiJ5PR58/s1600/pin_butterfly_18k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTjbbJA2vto/T7VW-bN8r2I/AAAAAAAABuo/ZeLtiJ5PR58/s640/pin_butterfly_18k.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(a few of my favourite pieces, all available <a href="http://www.joanhornig.com/" target="_blank">online</a>, where these images are also from)</span></div>
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To date,
the Joan B Hornig Foundation has been able to donate <span style="font-size: large;"><b>over <span style="font-size: x-large;">one million dollars</span>
to over 700 non-profit organisations</b></span> worldwide. And just think – all of this
came from one woman with a goal. She says, ‘People ask, '<i>Why wouldn't you want to keep the money?</i>' <span style="font-size: large;"><b>They think
success is measured by what you put in your pocket. <u>I get to create beautiful
things that make a difference for people. There isn't anyone who's been made
richer by this experience than me</u></b></span>.’ </div>
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I can’t put it any better than that. </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Philanthropy
is Beautiful</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-58787169571383143572012-05-15T21:38:00.000+01:002012-05-16T14:02:34.255+01:00Girl with The White Balloon presents her very first collection<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today</span></b> I got back the final edited images from my <span style="font-size: large;"><b>photoshoot</b></span> which took place a couple of weeks ago! <u><b>VERY exciting stuff!</b></u> I decided to go outdoors (and pray that the rain stayed away, which it thankfully did) to showcase my collection of pretty dresses, and the <b>Arboretum (Nottingham)</b> was the perfect setting.<br />
<br />
These are the dresses that I will be auctioning off (after they have been graded and given back to me!) and donating all of the money raised to charity. So - if you happen to like what you see, then get in touch!<br />
<br />
All of the photography was done by my very talented friend <b>Alice Crag Membrey</b>, hair & make-up was done by the lovely <b>Katie Knott</b>, and my collection was modelled by the stunning <b>Hope Orsborn</b>.<br />
<br />
I'm sure you'll agree that the talent of all of these ladies shines through in these beautiful images...<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Hope you enjoy!</span></u><br />
<br />
P.S please do not use any of these images without my permission! ALL are <b>copyright Alice Craig Membrey 2012</b>.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-78227922758341084722012-05-14T20:46:00.000+01:002012-05-14T20:46:17.911+01:00The Future of Fashion: eco-chic warrior Laura Siegel<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.laurasiegelcollection.com/" target="_blank"><b><u>Laura Siegel</u></b></a> is a lady on an
eco-chic mission: ‘</span><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To ethically
handcraft easy-to-wear, textured designer pieces while enabling artisans
in third world countries to continue their uniquely creative skills.’</span> </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And
in case you don’t already know of her – she’s pretty darn good at it too. </span></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Intent on making her mark on the
fashion industry an ethical one, Siegel’s design philosophies are strongly shaped
by the people, journeys and stories that she has encountered whilst on many of her
inspired globe-trotting adventures. To this day, she continues to work in harmony
with skilled artisans that she met along that long and winding road who have
had a significant influence on her soft textile collections.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While on her travels, Laura
became besotted by an Indian embroidery technique used by the native women of
the nomadic Rabari tribe, who came to the region of Kutch back in the 13<sup>th</sup>
century. However, it was this very technique that was banned by tribe elders
only 15 years ago, leaving the Rabari women heartbroken until, as fate would
have it, they stumbled upon a loophole in the elders’ decree; which meant that
by simply adding an extra appliqué step to their embroidery method they were
able to once again pursue the work they love, without violating the law. The
very special <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rabari embroidery</b></span> is characterised by explosive colour, and rich
textures, combined with elaborate motifs reflecting their beautiful surroundings;
and is used to identify communities, and even social statuses. Unsurprisingly, Laura
fell head over heels for these ladies and their craft, and began working with
many of them to create pieces for her designer collections. This on-going blossoming
work relationship with Laura enables these women to support their families, and
also gives them a sense of pride, accomplishment, community, and livelihood. Through
being a part of something on this scale, they are finally able to feel
important, valued, and worthy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Again from the buzzing-with-talent
region of Kutch (India), Laura began working with a local artisan named <b>Ismail
Khatri</b>, whose family had been using a 7000 year-old craft called <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ajrakh
block-printing</b></span> for a whopping ten generations. All of the designer’s
block-printed fabrics are made (using only <u>natural dyes</u> I might add) in
collaboration with the Khatri family; and the entire community benefits greatly
from this collaboration, as they are still recuperating from an earthquake that
devastated the region back in 2001. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>“The process of working with the artisans
really shapes the collections,”</b></span> Laura explains. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>“They created their own
interpretation for this season’s themes. The result is a collection of the past
dreams, future dreams and cultural values of everyone who worked on it.”</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Some of you might already be
aware of just how damaging the dyeing process is, especially how prevalent it
is within the fashion industry, but being the eco-chic warrior she is, <b>Laura
only uses a natural dyeing process in her collection</b>. Now granted, this is very
labour-intensive, but the huge upside is it doesn’t incorporate any chemical treatments,
which ensures the long-term health and safety of the artisans, while also
maintaining a chemical-free community water system. Win win. This is where a
community of natural dyers located outside the city of Munnar (Kerala) come in.
These physically challenged young adults are educated and rehabilitated at a
Vocational Training Centre, and take pride and joy in their trade; with the
added bonus of being able to use their skills to support their families. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And last, but by no means least,
all of Laura’s knits are created in collaboration with a group of lovely
artisans in Bolivia. These women are MI5 trained in handmade production methods
for knitting and hand machine knitting. Oh yeaaah. They can pearl jam the night
away. So listen up y’all: by wearing a signature Laura Siegel knit piece, <span style="font-size: large;"><b>YOU</b></span> (yes,
I mean <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i>) are empowering these
women and enabling them to create a great life for their nearest and dearest. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Ace</b>. Now <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> is what you call a truly great business plan. If I am ever
lucky enough to start up my own label, this is how I hope with all my heart it
would be. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here are a few of my cherry-picked outfits from Laura’s <b>s/s 2012 collection</b>:</span><br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-56383428919440356772012-05-11T19:11:00.000+01:002012-05-11T19:44:25.210+01:00Global Girlfriend: online fashion boutique<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.globalgirlfriend.com/store/ggf/site" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Global Girlfriend</b></span></a>, created by inspirational
lady <b><u>Stacey Edgar</u></b> back in 2003, aims to help women across the world gain
economic security in their lives, by providing all of you guys & dolls with
a huge range of unique products to purchase from its online boutique.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JI4oWQT-RIY/T61TlfMxOII/AAAAAAAABoI/MoHNoexeyiU/s1600/global+girlfriend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JI4oWQT-RIY/T61TlfMxOII/AAAAAAAABoI/MoHNoexeyiU/s1600/global+girlfriend.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">All of the items on sale are women made, fair
trade and eco-friendly, and have one sole purpose: to help women in need help
themselves, through a fair living wage with healthy and safe working
conditions. So whether you are looking for clothes, accessories or even gifts,
Global Girlfriend has something special for you, along with the added bonus of
knowing that you are changing someone’s life for the better. Not bad for a
couple of clicks of the mouse right? There are some lovely bits and bobs that
would make great gifts, so definitely spare a moment in your hectic schedule to
have a nose around! When you click on an item that takes your fancy, you’ll get
a background story about the women who made it, along with where, and just how
your purchase will greatly impact their lives. It’s a refreshing change to know
exactly <u>where</u> the clothes on your back are coming from, and how they made the
journey to your appreciative hands.</span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnG4c0MKvsI/T61TzIh649I/AAAAAAAABoQ/Pm5dKqf8jT8/s1600/33850.gif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnG4c0MKvsI/T61TzIh649I/AAAAAAAABoQ/Pm5dKqf8jT8/s640/33850.gif.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;">Antique Sari Cosmetic Bag - crafted
by a women's cooperative in New Delhi</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJosHCojftE/T61TzzM3JXI/AAAAAAAABoY/p3ipGOZnkG0/s1600/35468.gif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJosHCojftE/T61TzzM3JXI/AAAAAAAABoY/p3ipGOZnkG0/s640/35468.gif.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Wakami Eight-Strand Earth Bracelet<span style="line-height: 115%;"> - handcrafted treasure, made in Guatemala and inspired by an
earth-creation story</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVfrpGBlPSI/T61T1Pd472I/AAAAAAAABog/uetGzZO-sfM/s1600/42690.gif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVfrpGBlPSI/T61T1Pd472I/AAAAAAAABog/uetGzZO-sfM/s640/42690.gif.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Good News Gift Bag - <span style="line-height: 115%;">handcrafted
from recycled newspapers</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJvZ18sKfNw/T61T1_gjQHI/AAAAAAAABoo/GOC_XIcwY8E/s1600/43849.gif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJvZ18sKfNw/T61T1_gjQHI/AAAAAAAABoo/GOC_XIcwY8E/s640/43849.gif.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;">Freeset Signature Tee</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Wear
with pride the signatures of the women rescued from human trafficking by
Freeset in Kolkata, India</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf1pIOou1xg/T61T3AXBw-I/AAAAAAAABow/i9Ds1u7IfmE/s1600/44440.gif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf1pIOou1xg/T61T3AXBw-I/AAAAAAAABow/i9Ds1u7IfmE/s640/44440.gif.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Handwoven bracelets are made by a group of women
working in Nuevo Montecristo, Guatemala</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhtjTWl2-_0/T61T3qvMtSI/AAAAAAAABo0/bBT2Ok1Qzqg/s1600/45912.gif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhtjTWl2-_0/T61T3qvMtSI/AAAAAAAABo0/bBT2Ok1Qzqg/s640/45912.gif.jpg" width="636" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Three Owl Tote<span style="line-height: 115%;"> - Handmade
by women rescued from sex traffickers in Calcutta</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACjbE3QsyAg/T61T4pmmkOI/AAAAAAAABo8/79mS4yFwsWo/s1600/47936.gif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACjbE3QsyAg/T61T4pmmkOI/AAAAAAAABo8/79mS4yFwsWo/s640/47936.gif.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;">Kenyan Away With Hunger Scarf</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oxn5rtBkP6s/T61T5snw1HI/AAAAAAAABpA/4Lp8QDtmwQc/s1600/48545.gif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oxn5rtBkP6s/T61T5snw1HI/AAAAAAAABpA/4Lp8QDtmwQc/s640/48545.gif.jpg" width="592" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;">Dahlia Hand Block Printed Dress</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Stacey is extremely passionate about providing
women with a reliable income, so that they in turn can reinvest in themselves
and their children’s health, education and nutrition; which will ultimately
build stronger families and communities, and will help to break the vicious
cycle of poverty, and hopefully bring the promise of a brighter future
worldwide. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Aside from creating jobs for many women, each
item purchased from Global Girlfriend has a charity royalty which is directed
to <a href="http://uk.camfed.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home_index" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Camfed</b></span> (Campaign for Female Education)</a> – a non-profit organisation that is
extremely dedicated to eradicating poverty in Africa by educating and
empowering the nations’ girls and young women. Camfed works directly with
people in rural areas of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana and Tanzania; and provides life
changing educational and economic opportunities to girls who treasure the
chance to create a sustainable life and future for themselves. More
specifically, the money goes towards Camfed’s <b>seed money micro-grant program</b> –
run by young women <i>for</i> women – where grants are given in order to embark upon a
small business venture; which benefits not only them and their families, but
their entire communities in the process. Camfed is another sparkling example of
an organisation that isn’t dishing out aid, but rather the opportunity for
young people to build a life and a future, without feeling constantly indebted
to others, and the chance to experience a happy and content existence. After
all, <span style="font-size: x-large;">everybody should have the right to <b>Life</b>, <b>Liberty</b>, and <u>the pursuit of
<b>Happiness</b></u></span>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s not much to ask for, is it?</span> </span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-43371082968036981482012-05-07T14:17:00.001+01:002012-05-07T14:17:25.773+01:00BAG it outEarlier this week, a large cardboard parcel arrived at my doorstep containing 100 of my <u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>printed canvas bags</b></span></u> from the kind souls at <a href="http://www.bagitdontbinit.com/" target="_blank">Bag it Don't Bin it</a>.<br />
<br />
The bags are all <span style="font-size: large;"><b>eco-friendly</b></span> and are also <b><span style="font-size: large;">fairly traded</span></b> + the fabric bow additions that i handmade myself are put together using the <b><span style="font-size: large;">off-cuts</span></b> from making my graduate fashion collection, that would otherwise have gone in the bin. What can I say? <span style="font-size: large;"><u>These bags are just brimming with goodness</u></span>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1JTrJYzmuQA/T6fBTLFQW2I/AAAAAAAABnQ/E_5xbcH3iXs/s1600/bag+photos+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1JTrJYzmuQA/T6fBTLFQW2I/AAAAAAAABnQ/E_5xbcH3iXs/s640/bag+photos+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Each bag is a very reasonable <b>£10</b>, and <span style="font-size: large;">ALL</span> of the profits made from every purchase will be going to our <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://girlwiththewhiteballoon.blogspot.co.uk/p/charities.html" target="_blank">RAG charities</a></b></span>.<br />
<br />
All 5 designs can be seen on the new <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://girlwiththewhiteballoon.blogspot.co.uk/p/bag-it-out.html" target="_blank">'BAG it out'</a></span></b> Page. There's certainly one to suit everyone, from witty banter to uplifting messages of positivity.<br />
<br />
They will be on sale at various events this month, as well as from me personally, and I will put them up on eBay very soon. <br />
<br />
Very exciting stuff. <b>Grab one while you can.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-47309763449336219512012-05-06T21:06:00.002+01:002012-05-06T21:06:13.081+01:00Fashion Targets Breast Cancer<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<a href="http://fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>FTBC</b></span></a> was set up waaaaaaay back in 1994 by Mr Ralph Lauren, who took it upon
himself to unite the fashion industry in order to raise awareness and funds for
the breast cancer cause after losing a close friend to the disease.<br />
<br />
All the money raised year after year, thanks to all of you generous guys out
there, goes towards <b>Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s</b> vision of a future free from
the fear of breast cancer. <b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Did you know that <span style="font-size: x-large;">one in eight women</span> in the UK will
be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime?</u> </span></b>So next time you’re
hanging out with your best gals, you can probably take a look around, and sadly
know that the odds of one of you ending up with this harrowing illness at some
point in life is quite probable. Scary when you think of it like that isn’t it?
When it’s happening to someone you know; when it’s close to home; that’s when
it finally hits you, and you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">get</i> it,
and you begin to understand just what a crippling effect this disease has on so
many lives in our world. And so Breakthrough’s work in finding the causes,
improving health services and finding new and better treatments through necessary
research, remains more vital than ever.<br />
<br />
During its 18 year span, some of the fashion world’s biggest names,
including the likes of <b>Naomi Campbell<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_234684711">, </a>Claudia Schiffer, Jerry Hall, Kate Moss, Elle Macpherson, Twiggy & Kylie Minogue</b> have all fronted the FTBC campaign. This
year, the privilege has been given to Brit ‘it’ girls <b>Georgia May Jagger and
Pixie Geldof</b>, who are both extremely passionate about the cause and helping
drive forward the fight against breast cancer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMF3SzqG8xA/T6bYyEAuQ-I/AAAAAAAABms/_nI8HF2j0Go/s1600/KYLIE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMF3SzqG8xA/T6bYyEAuQ-I/AAAAAAAABms/_nI8HF2j0Go/s640/KYLIE.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUqu-QtqCNI/T6bYyp36D4I/AAAAAAAABmw/un0Qw0b6Fco/s1600/NaomiCampbellfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUqu-QtqCNI/T6bYyp36D4I/AAAAAAAABmw/un0Qw0b6Fco/s640/NaomiCampbellfinal.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5srdzekgzM/T6bYzaoqFmI/AAAAAAAABm4/PXkD-batT-s/s1600/Poster_final_Georgia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5srdzekgzM/T6bYzaoqFmI/AAAAAAAABm4/PXkD-batT-s/s640/Poster_final_Georgia.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTvTF2ICq2w/T6bY0bbj6HI/AAAAAAAABnE/EiImSjp0oN4/s1600/Poster_final_Pixie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTvTF2ICq2w/T6bY0bbj6HI/AAAAAAAABnE/EiImSjp0oN4/s640/Poster_final_Pixie.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Every year a whole host of the best British high street retailers –
including good old <b>M&S, River Island, Topshop, Warehouse, Coast, My
Wardrobe, Laura Ashley, Debenhams, and many more</b> – join in to sell bespoke <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org.uk/ftbc-shop/" target="_blank">FTBC merchandise</a></b></span> throughout the Spring, with a <span style="font-size: large;"><b>minimum 30% of the sale price being
donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer</b></span>. And as always, this year boasts a whole
crop of exciting bits and bobs ripe for the picking, including a few of my
favourite picks below:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhXXC36zCGQ/T6bWvb-3HNI/AAAAAAAABmc/boucSbYHojo/s1600/FTBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhXXC36zCGQ/T6bWvb-3HNI/AAAAAAAABmc/boucSbYHojo/s640/FTBC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1lqJGJ2K7c/T6bWxuguguI/AAAAAAAABmk/pVwR2-TsdsQ/s1600/designer+filofax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1lqJGJ2K7c/T6bWxuguguI/AAAAAAAABmk/pVwR2-TsdsQ/s640/designer+filofax.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a bespoke Filofax auctioned off on eBay in aid of FTBC, featuring personalised pages by the likes of Giles Deacon & Matthew Williamson! B-E-A-Utiful illustrations</td></tr>
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Without fail, every year sees these <u><b>I-MUST-HAVE items</b></u> fly off the shelves,
raising more than <span style="font-size: large;"><b>£12 million</b></span> for this cause since its launch all those years
ago. So if you like what you see, there’s no time for umming and ahhhing – buy now,
and we’ll cross that (credit-card-bill) bridge later... and anyway, without you
filling up your wardrobes with these hot new items each year, this amount of
money would not have been raised, so I urge you to not feel guilty; and to rather
give yourself a great big high five. <strong><a href="http://fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org.uk/ftbc-shop/" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Buy it. Fight it. Wear your support!</span></u></a> </strong>Hell to the YEAH.<br />
<br />
Are you still feeling guilty? I TOLD YOU NOT TO! Tell you what – take a look
at this and see firsthand the lifesaving work you are helping to fund - <span style="font-size: large;"><b>FEEL
GOOD</b></span> about that:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-69860878819628849222012-05-03T11:33:00.000+01:002012-05-03T15:33:29.692+01:00FASHION AGAINST AIDS *Kiss me quick*<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fashion Against Aids</span></b></u> was first launched back in 2008, and
has always been a collection aimed towards raising awareness of HIV/AIDS among
youth. And since then, the campaign has raised more than <b>$6.5 million</b> which has
gone into HIV/AIDS prevention projects around the globe. </div>
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The organisations that have benefitted are: <b><a href="http://www.unfpa.org/public/" target="_blank">United Nations Population Fund</a>, <a href="http://foundation.staying-alive.org/en" target="_blank">MTV Staying Alive Foundation</a>, <a href="http://www.psi.org/youthaids/" target="_blank">YouthAIDS</a> and <a href="http://www.designersagainstaids.com/" target="_blank">Designers Against Aids</a></b> – all of which work in the prevention and education of HIV/AIDS for young
people all over the world. </div>
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For 2012, much of <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/faa#inspiration" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>H&M’s ‘Fashion Against Aids’ capsule collection</b></span></a>
(which only went on sale a few days ago) has already sold out online, and is
selling out on shop floors across the country like hot (choc-chip) cakes. I managed to bag myself the funky tribal
striped reversible bomber jacket which is just FIT with a capital F and a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">steal</i> at just under £25 – with <b><u>25% of
all the profits going to this great cause of course</u></b>. Check out your nearest H&M
to have a look at this must-have collection, and show your support for the
campaign by repping your favourite item. But be warned - the nature of much of what’s
on offer is very bold with lots of statement clashing colours and busy patterns
– not for those who prefer to sink in to the background. <span style="font-size: large;">These clothes are made
to be worn <b>LOUD</b> and <b>PROUD</b>.</span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpLmvFHMMFA/T6JdEma_eMI/AAAAAAAABfY/395hGDSt2H0/s1600/hmprod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpLmvFHMMFA/T6JdEma_eMI/AAAAAAAABfY/395hGDSt2H0/s640/hmprod.jpg" width="546" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new bomber jacket - very excited by this. Reminds me of The Fresh Prince days...</td></tr>
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You can help to spread the message by shopping for the exclusive
collection, sharing this campaign, and by also uploading your very own <a href="http://campaign.hm.com/faa2012/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>KISS</b></span> to the gallery</a> to pledge your support. <u><span style="font-size: large;">For every kiss entered, $1 will be donated
to the cause</span></u>, so get on board the love train and <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>start making out guys &
dolls!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr-el1tVKTM/T6JdcTaM4dI/AAAAAAAABfk/m_mL990u_yo/s1600/1335727643.592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr-el1tVKTM/T6JdcTaM4dI/AAAAAAAABfk/m_mL990u_yo/s640/1335727643.592.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhiXSHTcMLc/T6JdbR88EGI/AAAAAAAABfg/1Dpaf8vS1Rs/s1600/1335625448.5042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhiXSHTcMLc/T6JdbR88EGI/AAAAAAAABfg/1Dpaf8vS1Rs/s640/1335625448.5042.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yF_F3B0fdd8/T6JdeV9xrOI/AAAAAAAABf0/sE_iKWZ98Bs/s1600/1335991676.6222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yF_F3B0fdd8/T6JdeV9xrOI/AAAAAAAABf0/sE_iKWZ98Bs/s640/1335991676.6222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-28205756075828394542012-05-01T22:13:00.002+01:002012-05-01T22:17:45.868+01:00The Oxfam Wedding Auction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu1P18SJLLg/T6BS4fB46ZI/AAAAAAAABe8/Iy79rpCUCAY/s1600/6a0120a65f64b9970c0168ead666c1970c-580wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu1P18SJLLg/T6BS4fB46ZI/AAAAAAAABe8/Iy79rpCUCAY/s640/6a0120a65f64b9970c0168ead666c1970c-580wi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In celebration of
the Royal Wedding anniversary</b>,</span> <a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Oxfam-Shop/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Oxfam</b></span></a> has launched a very special and unique
<a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Oxfam-Shop/" target="_blank"><b>online auction</b></a>, offering you guys the chance to bid on exclusive items for your
own Big Day!</div>
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As of Sunday just passed, future brides and grooms have the
chance to bid on a selection of very exclusive items (via eBay) for a fraction
of their normal retail price. Beautiful white gowns, pretty sweet-scented bouquets,
special favours for your guests, tiered cakes that look like masterpieces... all
that sort of stuff that gets us ladies extremely giddy, and you guys smiling
and nodding along, all the while totting up just how much everything’s going to
cost you. Well fear not chaps, because with Oxfam you can be guaranteed that
the price is right.</div>
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<a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Oxfam-Shop/" target="_blank"><b>The auction</b></a> is proudly supported by leading bridal blog <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lovemydress.net/" target="_blank"><b>Love My Dress</b></a></span> and features over 100 items with a combined retail value of £70,000! This
includes fabulous wedding gowns by top
designers such as Jenny Packham, Sassi Holford and Tammam, <u>AND</u> a flower girl
dress by Nicki Macfarlane who made The Duchess of Cambridge’s bridesmaids’
dresses last year. Other bridal must haves include an exclusive
consultation with Ian Stuart and choice of any of his Killer Queen dresses; a
private consultation with sought-after wedding planner Sarah Haywood and the
chance to meet cake-maker extraordinaire Peggy Porschen; flowers from florists
such as By Appointment Only and Philippa Craddock, and lots lots more. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IBZUu-xYRM/T6BQlZqJpKI/AAAAAAAABew/6i42-q2oIl4/s1600/oxfam+wedding+auction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IBZUu-xYRM/T6BQlZqJpKI/AAAAAAAABew/6i42-q2oIl4/s640/oxfam+wedding+auction.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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All the proceeds from the auction will go to <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/oxfam-unwrapped/how-we-spend-your-money" target="_blank">OxfamUnwrapped's</a></b> emergency work</span> in poor countries worldwide. This could be paying
for water, feeding packs, soap, blankets, and the generous souls on the ground
who organise and distribute all of this. So winning an item doesn't just mean
getting an extra special something for your perfect day, you'll also be giving
people the support they need to re-build their lives. And that, as they say, is
priceless. What more convincing to give you his credit card could your fiancé possibly
need?<br />
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<a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Oxfam-Shop/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Oxfam Wedding auction</span></b></a> is already well under way since it began on the
evening of <b>Sunday 29th April, and <u>runs up until Wednesday 9th May</u>. <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So get
bidding!</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-25382138306288081642012-04-29T11:37:00.001+01:002012-04-29T18:57:20.296+01:00Oliberté is selling PRIDE, not pity.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">'Why or how could anyone want to make shoes
in a place full of so much poverty and corruption?’</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Asked <b>Tal
Dehtiar</b>, founder of <a href="http://www.oliberte.com/shoes/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oliberté Footwear</span></b></a> – the very first company to make premium
shoes in Africa using African materials. What began as a Toronto-based company
back in 2009, now has projected sales of between 20-25,000 this year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">This is finally
a find for all the fellas’ out there – great timeless shoes and bags, of the
upmost quality – the perfect gift for the style savvy man who is conscious of
his consumer choices. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NpgPAD4TvAk/T50WwaIKm-I/AAAAAAAABcQ/APCwmrGtZY4/s1600/oliberte+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NpgPAD4TvAk/T50WwaIKm-I/AAAAAAAABcQ/APCwmrGtZY4/s640/oliberte+shoes.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">When you think of Oliberté, be
sure to think quality. They’re certainly not striving to mass-produce shoes as
cheap as chips. ‘When it comes to footwear,’ Dehtiar says, <span style="font-size: large;"><b>‘we don’t want people to think of Africa as the next China. We want
them to think of it as the next Italy.’</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">‘They’re attractive. The shoes demand attention.’</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> says Justin Davis, manager of
Mint Footwear in San Diego. He noticed the materials and craftsmanship were
better than ‘regular production stuff.’ And once he heard the story about how
and where the shoes are produced, Davis simply had to have them. <u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">‘People crave products that have a little
more purpose than just consumption,’</b></u> he says, which I believe is very true
amongst our new generation of consumers today, who like the idea of being able
have a positive social impact when they make a material purchase; rather than
just buying another meaningless object. </span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">‘At Oliberté, we believe Africa can compete on
a global scale,’ he says, ‘but it needs a chance. It doesn’t need handouts or a
hand up. It needs people to start shaking hands and companies to start making
deals to work in these countries.’</span> </b>In Africa, the middle class is increasing in size, and one of Oliberté's
goals is to support that growing middle class by building a world class
footwear brand that can create thousands of jobs and encourages manufacturers
from other industries to work in Africa. The continent has the necessary means to grow
and support its people, and that’s exactly what Dehtiar is trying to establish.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Oliberté
shoes are all stitched and assembled in Ethiopia, while the leather is sourced
from local free-range cows, sheep, and goats. And none of the livestock have
been injected with hormones to speed their growth, which is found to be a scarily
common practice in other parts of the world. I personally choose not to buy any
form of leather goods, because I believe that as a fellow vegetarian it would
be hypocritical of me; but if real leather is something that you’re a fan of,
then make it this free-range sort. And they also greenly offer something known
as three-way shipping, which means that once you have enjoyed your Olibertés,
if you can't donate or reuse them, they promise to take back the shoes and
recycle them (this is of course, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only</i>
if your Olibertés no longer function because you’ve just worn them too damn
much due to the sheer pleasure they provide you with).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The crepe
rubber soles of the shoes are then made from natural rubber which is processed over
in Liberia, and are lined with soft, breathable goat leather. Woven labels and
other branding materials are produced in the African island nation of Mauritius.
And r</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">ecently, the company expanded its
line and now offers leather bags and accessories to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">boot</i>, some of which are sourced in Kenya and made in Zambia. </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">So Oliberté are
really building up their company supply chain all over the continent in an
effort to create a strong and thriving network. </span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In
addition, the company only employs workers from selected factories which pay
(relatively) high wages and provide good employee benefits; and there are
further expansion plans to open its own factory in Addis Ababa, while
maintaining existing production at the other plants.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I don’t think I have actually
gotten around to blogging about <b>TOMS</b> shoes as yet – and I think most people have
heard of them – but in case not, the humanitarian Californian-based footwear
brand gives one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair that it sells.
They have donated more than one million pairs to children through ‘shoe drops’
where they travel the globe to hand out the shoes. These don’t just help to
prevent horrific soil-borne diseases, but the donations help children to attend
schools for the first time, because many forbid bare feet. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">However, upon closer
investigation, I have found that the TOMS business model is quite controversial
to some people who appear to be speaking from a more informed perspective. ‘With
TOMS,’ Dehtiar says, ‘the best thing is the awareness they’ve created.’ But
he’s sceptical of the company's one-for-one model because he believes the
donations can pressure local shoemakers and vendors, in addition to reinforcing
stereotypes about the developing world.</span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">‘TOMS is a good marketing tool, but it’s not good aid.’</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> Agrees Saundra Schimmelpfennig (an
international aid expert who blogs at <a href="http://goodintents.org/" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Good Intentions Are Not Enough</b></a>). <span style="font-size: large;">Giving free gifts is not a good form of aid,
nor is it any form of long term solution for the people on the receiving end</span>. What
can have a much greater impact is creating jobs that pay a fair wage, allowing
people to live their lives with a sense of normality, and not making them
consistently feel like a bunch of helpless charity cases. No one wants to be
dependent on handouts. <span style="font-size: large;">What they need is a <u>hand UP</u></span>. Dehtiar says he doesn’t want people to be encouraged
to buy his products because they ‘feel bad about Africa’.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">One strong force Dehtiar cites
for founding Oliberté is that while carrying out aid work shortly after
graduating, <span style="font-size: large;"><b>African friends kept telling
him they were tired of charity and that what the continent needed was jobs.</b></span>
‘On a given day,’ says Dehtiar, ‘One to two hundred people are working on our
shoes. Because we don’t hire foreigners, we have local buy-in.’ So if we waltz
in to people’s home-towns and start handing out hundreds of pairs of free shoes,
then people who have made a livelihood for themselves by making and selling
shoes locally are going to be forced out of business. By giving hand-outs, we’re
not helping the situation in the long-run, we’re only making it worse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Take a look at the <b><span style="font-size: large;">'</span><span style="font-size: large;">A day without
dignity’</span> </b>campaign video:</span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">It would seem that good
intentions are simply not enough. And many companies and organisations,
including Oliberté are working to create new perceptions of Africa and to show
that unbeknown to many, it is brimming with more than capable people with the
potential to support themselves and their families, just like you and me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I also happened to stumble upon
another, rather different, charity campaign video by <a href="http://www.mamahope.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mama Hope</b></span></a>, whose motto is
to <u>‘Build a Future. Not a Stereotype.’</u> Aiming to re-humanise Africa, and make
us realise that we’re actually more similar than we are different. When the
pity is gone, the following take its place: <span style="font-size: x-large;">DIGNITY. OPPORTUNITY. SUPPORT.
CONNECTION. CAPACITY. CREATIVITY. PERSEVERANCE. COMMUNITY. MEANING.
CONTRIBUTION. JOY. POTENTIAL. TRIUMPH. LOVE. BELIEF. COLLABORATION.
PARTNERSHIP. EMPATHY. CHANGE.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">HOPE.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">It’s a pleasantly refreshing
approach isn’t it? Made me smile for sure.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">However, Ms. Rodgers (founding
director of Mama Hope) has faced criticism for showing only relatively wealthy,
happy African people in the charity’s videos. But Bernard, a man featured
in the “Hollywood Stereotypes” video, was an orphan originally sponsored by Ms.
Rodgers’s late mother, who actually inspired the founding of Mama Hope. His
story shows the power of what people can ultimately do when they get access to an
education, Ms. Rodgers says. And I agree with her one hundred percent. They don’t
need free gifts, they need access to the skills that they will keep and use for
a lifetime. <br />
<br />
Back to Oliberté - Dehtiar is hoping to pave a path that larger manufacturers
can follow in time. ‘Our goal is to be the reason that 1 million people are
employed in manufacturing in Africa,’ he says. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">‘We want to show that these models work and we want to encourage
others, like the Nikes and Levi’s of the world, to do the same.’</b></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oliberté is
selling pride, not pity.</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-61842169091865969372012-04-27T22:19:00.002+01:002012-04-29T13:18:03.951+01:00‘No more Shopping, you have too many clothes!’ But Mum, I’m going Shwopping! IT’S GOOD FOR THE WORLD.<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Did you know that one in
every four items of clothing purchased by us in the UK ends up in the bin?</b></span> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Non</i>? <u>Neither did I.</u> I knew fast fashion
was a problem, but hearing statistics like this really put this issue firmly
into perspective. I mean, what is the point of going out and spending your hard
earned dough on new clobber, only to have it end it’s very short life on the
top of an environmentally un-friendly landfill heap? <span style="font-size: large;">WHAT IS THE POINT??</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><b>DING DING</b>, we have a
winner. That’s right, you there, in the sunshine-yellow dress. <span style="font-size: large;"><u>There is no
point at all. </u></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">And while we can't fix this fast fashion craze overnight; rather than do nothing, we should at the very least try and <u><span style="font-size: large;">do something</span></u>. <span style="font-size: small;">What's the worst that can happen? We don't succeed, we learn, and we try again. No love lost.</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">So here’s to<b> M&S</b> making a try of it:</span></span><br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cLpao2f4eCk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">They are placing <b>recycling bins</b> by
the tills of all of their 342 stores in the country</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">When we go shopping, we’re encouraged
to take any unwanted garments in store and pop them in these bins</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The aim of the game being to
kick-start the ‘<span style="font-size: large;"><b>buy one, give one</b></span>’ culture</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">These unwanted items will then be
resold, reused or recycled by M&S’s charity partner <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oxfam</b></span>, thus raising a
tonne of money to ultimately change a lot of lives.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">This phenomenon, in a
nutshell, is a revolutionary trend about to take off called ‘<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SHWOPPING</b></span>’. That’s
right ladies, you heard it here first. Pretty soon we’ll all be getting in on
this fashionably charitable act of turning our rags into riches. Retail therapy
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> giving back all in one swift transaction?
Yes please, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">don’t mind if I do...</i></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PV8A-Rvy9Qc/T50wOCYQNLI/AAAAAAAABek/LEX6tU5AN1U/s1600/shwoppinglaunch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PV8A-Rvy9Qc/T50wOCYQNLI/AAAAAAAABek/LEX6tU5AN1U/s640/shwoppinglaunch3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The scheme is part of <a href="http://plana.marksandspencer.com/about/partnerships/oxfam/shwopping" title="MS Plan A"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">M&S's ‘Plan A’ programme</span></a> and an expansion
of a partnership with Oxfam which began back in January 2008, and has since
seen more than 10 million items donated, worth an estimated <b>£8m</b>! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">According to the Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs, <span style="font-size: large;">UK consumers throw away 2m tonnes of clothing a year,
with half going straight to landfill</span>. So maybe, just maybe, these recycling
bins by the till points will be a constant reminder urging customers to recycle
their unwanted clothes rather than binning them. Remember:<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Green equals GOOD</b></span>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">However, this move by M&S has been
slightly controversial amongst <span style="font-size: large;">smaller charity shops</span>, who fear that this initiative
may result in them missing out on vital donations which they depend upon. What I
would say is – please don’t get so uncontrollably excited about shwapping and forget
the little guys. My advice is: <span style="font-size: large;">if you’re planning on going shopping for the day,
then bring a couple of things to ‘exchange’ in M&S; but if you’re having a ruthless
clear out of your cupboards, then bag it all up and drop it off to your <u>local
charity shop</u></span>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><b>Cath Lee</b>, chief executive of the <b><a href="http://www.smallcharities.org.uk/?gclid=CI_yp9zkz68CFYgifAodzQlgEg" title="Small Charities Coalition website"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Small Charities Coalition</span></a></b>,
said: <span style="font-size: large;">"It's great to encourage recycling in this way, but it would be a great
shame if an unintended consequence is that the shops of smaller, less well
known charities receive fewer donations as a result. There is huge diversity
amongst charities, and <u>the smaller ones have an essential role to play in
addressing local and specialist causes. They contribute an enormous amount to
our communities</u>. The smaller charities that have shops will be heavily reliant
on the income from the donated goods sold, so <u>it's important that people
continue to give their unwanted clothes to their local shops</u> in their high
street."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Listen to Cath people. She’s a <b>smart cookie</b>. She
knows what’s what. She’s down with <span style="font-size: large;"><b>all charity related shenanigans. </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">You may already be aware of the fact that
even the larger charity shops such as Oxfam are currently struggling to get
enough donations through the door that are in a re-sellable condition – which I
believe is down to the explosion of being able to sell unwanted clothes online
through sites like eBay, ASOS marketplace etc. and make money in the process.
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But come on people, what happened to the act of just simply giving, and feeling
good about that?</b></span></span><br />
<br />
But shwopping is not all M&S are doing - they have also teamed up with <u><b>London College of
Fashion’s Centre for Sustainable Fashion</b></u> on a project aiming to bring together a
host of industry experts (including designers and stylists) who will be carefully
exploring and debating the future of a more sustainable fashion industry, which
I very much look forward to.<br />
<br />
The one-off project gives M&S customers a behind-the-scenes look into
the world of 21st Century fashion, and offers the opportunity to <b>witness the
stars of environmentally friendly fashion</b> hard at work. Visitors, whether
already eco-conscious in their shopping habits or not, will even be able to have
a go at designing and creating their own items through master classes at the
hands of the experts. So if you believe that fashion school has always been
your true calling, but for one reason or another you never quite ended up
there, then this is one for you.<br />
<br />
There is only one requirement: <b><span style="font-size: large;">in order to attend this exciting event you
must bring along an unwanted item of clothing.</span></b> Each item will then be assessed
for potential use and will either be reused and transformed in the lab or
handed over to Oxfam to resell or recycle. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Whether you’re ready to embrace it
or not, this right here is <u>the Future of Fashion</u> as we know it.</b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://social.marksandspencer.com/fashion-2/ms-to-launch-sustainable-fashion-lab/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The M&S Shwop Lab</b></span></a> at the Old Truman Brewery, London, is open between
10am – 5pm every day (except Mondays) from 26 April – 9 May 2012.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5Czl-7RnY8/T50wNbh4-XI/AAAAAAAABec/TPnaPkvJPu4/s1600/Fashion-Lab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5Czl-7RnY8/T50wNbh4-XI/AAAAAAAABec/TPnaPkvJPu4/s640/Fashion-Lab.jpg" width="624" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sustainable Centre for Fashion: work of designers Michelle Lowe-Holder and Noel Stewart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It’s really encouraging to see a commercial
retailer as established as M&S making a concerted effort to be greener and
address the huge wastage problem we are currently facing in our culture today. And
the fact that this is in turn benefitting a great cause like Oxfam makes it a
blooming great initiative in my eyes. Here’s to hoping it <u>blossoms</u>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">What do <b>you</b>
reckon?</span></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5327256600439219592.post-37954947029425105252012-04-25T19:50:00.001+01:002012-04-28T13:29:04.561+01:00Make a Wish-Balloon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ygmjmEHvjI/T5g-WZiJ9sI/AAAAAAAABbo/pf3N325v1h8/s1600/INSPIRATION+BALLOON+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ygmjmEHvjI/T5g-WZiJ9sI/AAAAAAAABbo/pf3N325v1h8/s640/INSPIRATION+BALLOON+copy.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you remember</span></b> when you were younger, ever making a wish,
and tying it to the ribbon of a balloon, and letting it float away to somewhere
else; hoping upon all hope that it would end up in the hands of a magic wand
bearer, and that your wish would someday come true?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It might’ve been a new bicycle, a baby brother or sister, or
even (in my case) ice cream for breakfast every day (<i>some things never change</i>). Somehow the image of that
balloon slowly flying away to an unknown destination, soaring higher and
higher, made it seem like it was <b>fuelled by magic</b> inside of there, rather than squeaky
helium. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, that is where my inspiration for the name of my <span style="font-size: large;">fashionably
charitable</span> campaign originated. ‘<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The
White Balloon</b></span>’ is <u>a symbol of hope</u>. It’s about wishing for change, and believing
that change can be realised - the way that every child innocently believes that
wishes do come true. Wasn't everything much easier in those lunchbox days? When you believed in everything; and everyone believed in you... I think that we tend to lose this feeling as we grow up...
the world gets a little darker and a little scarier; we grow more afraid, and start
to think that maybe we can no longer be anything we want to be, or do anything
that we want to do. Maybe we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can’t</i>
change things? But in reality, we couldn’t be further from the truth. Now is
the time to make a wish, and believe in it whole-heartedly. Now is the time to pave
our own paths, stand up, and change things. Now is our time. <b>Now is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your</i> time</b>. So make it count.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I decided to take this moment to share with you my very own
wish balloon (above). This is my wish for my own life, as well as all of yours... Go ahead and take a little time to make your own. What’s
truly important to you? What are you hoping for? What really matters?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>'Make a wish</u></span>, and
place it in your heart. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Anything you want.
Everything you want.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you have it?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Good.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Now believe it can
come true.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You never know where
the next miracle is going to come from, the next smile, the next wish come
true.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">But if you believe
that it is right around the corner, and you open your heart and mind to the
possibility of it, to the certainty of it; you might just get the thing you’re
wishing for.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The world is full of
magic. You just have to believe in it.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">So make your wish.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now <u>believe in it</u>,
with all your heart</span>.'</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s1600/xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h70s3rrmE-8/TzJ-TX2TSVI/AAAAAAAAAuc/wNFYwHm22IA/s320/xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09126951186271538502noreply@blogger.com0