Puma Vs. Aldo

As the Eco friendly march goes on, we are seeing more and more companies trying on smaller carbon shoes, and leaving smaller footprints. (clever, huh) Personally i find the biggest waste companies have is packaging. There are two companies i want to recognize for reducing the costs, and waste they're putting out.

First of all, Puma for the Clever Little Bag.



It is a reusable shoe bag, intended to be used for pictures, keepsakes, and of course, for shoes. The German company claims it will massively reduce its carbon 'paw print' , saving 8,500 tonnes of paper, which is the weight of 1,400 elephants every year. It's great advertising for Puma. Just think about it.. You buy a pair of shoes and get this spiffy bag. Then you want to show it off, so you use it for your lunch, gym stuff, and carry it everywhere you go. BOOM! Now everyone is eying your bag and want one too. And how do they get one? Gotta buy the shoes! I like the idea personally, but it seems like a knock off of the Aldo bag which i will talk about next.


Aldo: Shoe box with built in handle



So here we have shoe boxes with the handle built in. Pretty simple concept, but think about all the plastic and/or paper you would save by cutting out bags and tissue. In 2008 the company launched its Next Step program aimed at going green and becoming more environmentally friendly. Way to go Aldo. Maybe it somehow makes up for your mass production of very cheap shoes that are extremely overpriced for what they are. But hey, they look cute. And i have to say, i bought a pair of shoes there once, and i was super excited about the built in handle.. i thought it was genius. Ha.

What do you think? Who does the eco friendly box better?

Top Apparel Company is a Sexual Harrassment Target

American Apparel is the top clothing manufacturer in the United States. It is a vertically integrated clothing manufacturer and wholesaler, and retailer that preforms its own design, marketing and even its own advertising. Starting off as a socially responsible basics retailer, it has branched into pants, skirts, leggings, and even men's and children's clothing.

Although A.A seems to be such an amazing company from the outside, there is unending controversy coming from within. From sexual harassment, to illegal hiring practices, to weight discrimination, they are constantly making headlines. It's just one thing after another. An unnamed source has leaked a transcript from a May 18 conference call during which retail managers were instructed to submit “full-body head-to-toe” photographs of job applicants for approval. “Your looks determine your position and pay rate, not how effective you are at your job,” the source told Gawker. To add to that, staff recruiters are supposed to send the photos from their personal e-mail, not the store account. The company reiterated that they screen purely for personal style, not physical beauty; applicants may be turned away if their looks fit into the fuzzy category of “off-brand.” Ridiculous much?
Maybe so they all can look like this:



Also to add flame to the fire, there have been 3 sexual harassment cases against the owner of the company owner Dov Charney. As i don't believe rumors, i could care less about those statements unless there is proof, but Charney never denied masturbating in front of a reporter AND engaged in oral sex with a female employee. He responds to accusations with: "I've never done anything sexual that wasn't consensual,"
Charney says.

Interesting eh? That's the kind of person i want to think about when i wear my overpriced A.A Cotton Skirt. Here are a few more ads, just for kicks. Is he a genius? Or thinking with his.. well you know.

What do you think??

As seen on..

Ever wonder where the stars shop? Here are a few items i love and where to get them!


First of all. Olivia's multi strand necklace. I love the colors and the multi-strand gives the layering effect.
Buy at:
Topshop
$75
www.topshop.com




Paris Hilton in a black and white stripe dress.. no not from jail, FCUK!
Buy at:
French Connection
$148
www.fcukcanada.com



Taylor Swift's grey bow top.
Buy at:
Lauren Moshi
$137; 1-888-442-5830
www.revolveclothing.com





Katie Holmes shops at H&M! Jean shirt only $30 after taxes!
Buy at:
H&M
$29.95
www.hm.com







Kate Bosworth's sweater is comfy and trendy with the studded shoulders.
Buy at:
Top Shop
only $80
www.topshop.com






Sienna Miller's super tight jeans. Not as expensive as you would think!
Buy at:
7 for all Mankind
$235
www.7forallmankind.com



Even the stars shop smart! Enjoy!

Diamond in the Rough

As i was waiting for my Indian takeout on lunch break, i was exploring around the little area of Gastown within a you know, 2 minute radius.. i wanted to look, but also wanted to make sure i was back in exactly 10 minutes for my food :). At first i went into a Western store, looking at Cowboy boots, not too exciting. Then a little boutique in the middle of two bigger well known stores caught my eye. I had never seen this store before. In that part of gastown, there are cobblestone roads, and lots of people walking around, but it's a local place.. not many tourists venture down that far. In nice silver letters i read the store name: LynnStephen.

Being my curious self, I walked in to take a look around, and was pleasantly surprised! The owner of the store was working by herself (given the store was as big as my 700 sq foot apartment)but made time to come over to be a greet me personally.I chatted with the owner for a bit and got to know a little more about the store. They had just opened up 5 months ago, which explains why i haven't seen it yet, and are very involved with the community, donating $50 towards my fashion show on the spot(!!) I had a look around, and there were some pretty amazing clothes inside. The clothing was minimal on rolling racks, but it looked classy and expensive. They carry great brands, such as Paige,DL1961, Gemma, Monrow, Lauren Moshi, Pade Vavra, and Gorjana, just to name a few.

The best part about the store, in my opinion, was their changing room/bathroom. The entire wall surrounding is made out of books! I took some picture, excuse the quality, they're from my camera phone, but i just had to write about it!

This is a view from the front door



This is a view from the back of the store. Owner of the store, and friend Darryl pictured as well





This is the inside of the wall! See any books you like?


See what a little wandering can lead to? I want to go back and shop! Oh that's right, i'm going tomorrow :)

2010 MTV Movie Awards

Lindsay Lohan

I know she will most likely get bashed for wearing this, but i am absolutely in love with her Jumper. I haven't seen anyone who can pull it off better. I think it was the perfect material, and perfect for her.. Maybe a little less length and less boob action.. but still. LOVE IT.





Jessica Biel

I like the polka dots and the feathery skirt.. but for some reason the outfit isn't doing it for me...



Russell Brand


Yeah, you would.



Katy Perry

Going across the color wheel from Lady Gaga's yellow hair, Katy comes to the red carpet with a royal blue do.... interesting.. very gaga-esque


Mike Sorrentino


You're a "Situation" alright...





Christina Aguilera


Is her dress made out of Trash bags? It kind of looks like the metal Panier i had to weld for design for my 15th century gown..At least she's in amazing shape. Props to you.





Kristen Stewart


awkward.... *silence*

Free People at the Bay

As my school year gets closer to the end, we have been out in the field more doing real work. This last week i was with a team of people and were asked to merchandise 8 mannequins for the brand Free People at the Bay. The brand is a little funky and for the miss-matchy fashion forward woman. I did two outfits, first was the outfit above. It consists of a cute floral dress with a neutral pink on the top with a waist band connecting. and a cute white lace lapel blazer over the top with a nice texture on it. It's nice to pair the simplicity of the jacket with the print on the skirt, and add the low key necklace just for added look.

The second outfit is:



It is another springy/summer time dress, i love dresses when its hot out! This outfit consists of a pink sequined dress with spaghetti straps ( hidden by the jacket) and a army green blazer over the top. The blazer shows a little attitude with the sleeves rolled up and contrasts nicely with the pink and creme. The army inspired jacket is also opposite from the cute and fun dress which goes to show that you can match these items and still look great. I paired the outfit with a chunky statement necklace to add a bit more attitude to the mannequin.

Through doing this, i have found a brand that i am now in love with. Free people is a higher price point, but its also great quality and fashion forward. Can't wait to go back and shop :)

Mannequins are so easy.. they always look so great in everything! Especially dressing headless mannequins, it's so easy to see yourself in the outfits!
It was fun getting to style my own pieces and i've found that i really enjoy it.. Styling in the future perhaps? We'll see.

What a nice surprise !

Brightened up my entire day. I love roses.