Crocs or crap?

The plastic slip on shoes have been around for many years.  They started as shoes to be worn boating because of their non slip bottom and light weight material.  They are also worn in the medical field and then moved into the gardening world.  Now they are seen on feet ages from 1 to 60.  The company states We are committed to making a lightweight, comfortable, slip-resistant, fashionable and functional shoe, which can be produced quickly and at an affordable price to our customers

I thought they came in one style but when i looked at the website, it proved me wrong.  There is the standard slip on style which come in every color under the rainbow and more.  Then there is the normal style with a fuzy fabric inside, i guess they are trying to compete with uggs?  What really surprised me was high heel crocs.  Now these are nothing compared Christian Louboutin's, but some look like normal shoes while others are just the slip ons with a heel.  

I understand wearing these shoes in the operating room or in the garden.  And I think it is cute for little kids under 10 to wear them in the summer at the pool.  However, I am tired of seeing the parents wearing them to replace their normal going out shoes.  I work at the mall and always see families walking together with their colorful crocs.  I think this is just being too lazy to change from your plastic foot coverings into normal shoes.  

Are these shoes biodegradable at least? Or made from recycled materials?  Well acording to their website, Crocs, Inc. launched a new recycling program, SolesUnited, in early 2008. SolesUnited is a first of its kind program created in response to the desperate need for quality footwear in impoverished countries and areas affected by tragedy.  Blending environmental and humanitarian efforts, we are collecting, regrinding, and remolding your old Crocs shoes into new and donating these to people in need of shoes around the world. Please visit http://www.solesunited.com/ to learn how to recycle your Crocs footwear.

The Soles United program resoles your donated shoes and gives them to people who need them in other countries.  This is a great program they are involved with and more shoe companies should take part.

In conclusion, crocs should only be worn by kids under 10 and not by their parents.

The Perfect Fashion Follower's Website

I have always wanted to find a website that tells you the latest trends as well as letting you be able to shop from the site.  I have found it!  ShopBop.com shows you the latest season's trends and then you can shop for those trends.  You are able to search the site by Trends, Brand, Category, and even Designer.  There are atleast 100 designers listed on the site to choose from.  This site sells it all, shoes, handbags, denim, dresses, scarves, and tops.  The clothing are only the hottest trends along with some sale items.  Because the clothing are from well known designers, it can be pricey, however the sale items are a steal!  Sale items are either 30%, 50% or 70% off, however all sale items are final with no returns or exchanges.  This is a great site to even just find out what the latest trends are for your own personal research.  While browsing through the site, you are able to create a Wish List, and email it to you loved ones so they know what to get you for your birthday or Christmas.  There is also an option for Gifts under $150, which have great ideas for the upcoming Holiday for your friends and family; unfortunately this site is for females only, no men's clothing yet.  The site also offers free ground shipping on all purchases, which a big incentive to shop on the site.  There are very few websites that give you free shipping on any amount.  Go check out this site and you will be very impressed and probably will start your Christmas shopping early.

Palin's Pricey Wardrobe

Every women likes to buy a new wardrobe or an outfit for a special occasion, but what about a $150,000 shopping spree?  Last week, the news outlets discovered that the Republic committee spent $150,000 on Sarah Palin's wardrobe, hair and makeup for her campaign.

According to www.politico.com the RNC (Republican National Committee) spent $49,000 at Saks Fifth Avenue, $75,000 at Neiman Marcus, $5000 at Bloomingdale's, $9000 at Macy's and $4,700 on her hair and makeup.  There are also some shopping sprees for her family.  After this was leaked to the public, the RNC responded by saying "With all of the important issues facing the country right now, it’s remarkable that we’re spending time talking about pantsuits and blouses," said spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt. "It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign."

How much did Obama or McCain spend on their suits?  My dad wears a suit to work everyday and i know that they are very expensive for a nice, well made suit.  I'm sure they both spent a pretty penny on themselves as well.  What was Palin's wardrobe like before the campaign?  Was her clothing that old or awful that she couldn't wear them?

This also brings up another point, why are they--the media--focusing on her so much?  Is it because she is a women?  Did the RNC plan on this and that is why they chose her to run with McCain, so they could "make history" along with Obama?  Why is it that most of this election season has been focused on mainly the candidates and not the issues at hand?

Unfortunately I don't have the answers to these questions, but just something for you to think about before you go to the polls on Tuesday.  But GO OUT AND VOTE! 

Can Wearing Denim Make You Healthy??

Denim is definitely a staple item is everyone's wardrobe.  It looks great dressed up to go out with friends or to just run go to the grocery store.  Many people wear them everyday without thinking about how they are made or what improvements have been made to the design.  That's why the people at makeyourownjeans.com do the thinking for the consumer.  

The company is located in Mumbai, India and operates only on the web.  They create custom jeans from the measurements of the customer.  It has recently started using an organic dye that uses a technique that dates back to 5,000 years ago, which is said to help heal the body.  The fabric is dyed in 50 different medical herbs.  

This process is called Ayurveda, which translates into health and wisdom.  The herbs are said to heal many different types of illnesses, such as skin problems, diabetes, arthritis, digestive problems, and high blood pressure.  The medical herbs are exposed to the wearer's skin, the largest human organ, and then goes into their body.

This company has an Organic Certificate for the chemical free dye process, domestically grown fabrics, and eco friendly factory, which is made of organic bricks.  This Ayurveda dye process is available for jeans, shorts, trousers and bed sheets.  The article is available to view here.

Gilt Groupe

How can you shop sample sales from designers while still in your pajamas?  All you have to

do is become a member of the online site Gilt Groupe at www.gilt.com.  The Gilt website was

started by two friends, Alexis and Alexandra, in 2007.  Alexis was one of the founding members 

of eBay.  At Gilt, members only can shop men's, women's and children's designer clothing for up 

to 70% off the regular price.  The sample sales last only a day or two.  They include desiners from Valentino to Missoni.   Limited quantities of the clothing at available, so once its sold, its gone.  Members are able to view a preview of the sales before they start. 

Blog Post #1

What is a fashion blog?

I think of a fashion blog as a place where readers are able to gather information and mostly my opinions about the fashion industry and trends.  They can read about the latest trends that are hitting the runways all over the world.  Such as what are the must haves for the next upcoming season, what is the next silhouette, what’s the new fabric or print, and what are the hot colors.  And some things about what the celebrities are wearing on the red carpet or just around town.  I would like to also include some things about dog fashion because I like to dress my puppy in clothing from time to time (Halloween costumes are the cutest).  They will also be able to read about my opinions and reactions to articles on the internet and newspaper. 

            The theme of my blog will be the now.  It will revolve around all things current and future.  Everything that is happening in the fashion world, or what I think is important.

            I think a good fashion blog is one that is very opinionated and yet gives all the facts.  It should also have links to other sites for further reading so the reader can form his/her own opinion about the subject.