This year, we resolve to be abnormal.

“Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for - in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it.”

— Ellen Goodman

Seeking simplicity

We've all done it before. In fact, I've done it three times; I remember each day as a triumphant overhaul of bags and bags full of tacky flats with worn-out soles, free school event t-shirts, and ill-fitting, impulse online buys. It was hard to part with my old belongings, but with the last heaving lift of oldies/not goodies into the Salvation Army bins in my local supermarket, I always felt just a little bit lighter.

Spring cleaning, back-to-school, or start of summer - I love(d) any reason to clean up shop, get rid of my hoarded possessions, and replace them with shiny new toys for me to enjoy. It seems like a win-win for all. I donate my old clothing, accessories, and shoes, to the Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc, and they donate it to the 'needy'. Typically, I liked to envision malnourished, naked children in African villages receiving my then-cool pink Hollister & Co. t-shirts and jumping for joy in response.

Guest Post: Allen

Happily introducing Allen; a wonderful blogger at People of the Urban as well as a close personal friend. Avid traveler (FYI - he might have lived in more places than some have traveled to), lover of fun times, a kind heart if we ever saw one, and sealing the deal, easy on the eyes (wink). Here, Allen shares with us how he treats his good lookin' self while staying as real as possible.

"I had my first realization regarding the potential long-term and visible short-term damage my personal care products were doing to my body back in High School. You know, when you realize that the main ingredient in your shampoo that gives it a great lather and leaves you hair with a great unnatural shine is the same ingredient that’s in the detergent used to clean your canteen floor or wash your car?

A glimpse into Ghana

Measure Up

In our personal quests to become more conscious consumers, we have found that most of the challenge lies within finding more information about the products and brands we support through our purchases.  Where are our new strappy stilettos being made?  How are the workers being treated in the factory that produces our maxi dresses and clutch handbags?  Up until now, we thought it impossible to make informed decisions based on the lack of information available to the public.

Enter MeasureUp, a small initiative started in the UK, dedicated to providing consumers and competitors with a snapshot of the production methods and conditions of various fashion goods.  What impresses us most about the effort is its influence on not only consumers, through education and awareness, but also on producers- the key players in efforts towards ethical fashion and production processes.  We are ecstatic to hear about the progress and impact the site has already made -- Eve, the co-founder of the website (and the mom of a baby boy!), clues us into the history, motivation, and future goals of MeasureUp.

Shop with us

Introducing The Meré on tumblr -- it will serve as a visual diary of what we are currently eyeing and lusting for. Along with the brands and products we all know, love, and trust, the site will also showcase designers, brands, and products that we stand by for their efforts at furthering social good. All listings on the tumblr will all fit the same criteria, though: visually stunning, inspiring, and unique ways to make our lives just a little bit better.

xx

Lost in Translation

Every so often, we come across a movie that we fall completely in love with. Lost in Translation, directed by Sofia Coppola, boasts understated humour, beautiful cinematography, but above all, a genuine yet discrete portrayal of the loneliness of life, and the solace we can find in connecting with another kindred spirit. Several awkward moments in the movie made us cringe and chuckle, reminding us of the oddities of Asian culture that may seem bewildering and curious to outsiders. Still, Bill Murray is quite good at playing along. The blue, melancholy tones of the movie made Scarlett Johansson's skin glow, and her toussled blonde hair and perfectly pouty pink lips made us shudder throughout. 

xx

Istanbul, Part II

more food & fun

Earth Day - Live Responsibly

Happy Earth Day, all!

To celebrate, The Zoe Report says to dress responsibly, and Modelina tells us to stock our wardrobe with "eco-friendly finds", but we say live responsibly, and stock up your life with products that fight for the environment. If you're looking to shop this Earth Day, think about replacing that MAC brush or Michael Kors watch with one of our earth-loving alternatives: