tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88630616966121764302024-02-20T04:57:35.283-08:00The MeréThe Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-22259899273850231192014-01-03T21:37:00.000-08:002014-01-03T21:37:47.331-08:00This year, we resolve to be abnormal.<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
“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.”</h3>
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<i>— <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ellen Goodman</i></div>
The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-77204749167479084332013-08-07T17:04:00.001-07:002013-08-07T17:05:21.819-07:00Seeking simplicity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Here's the reality: that 'vintage' appliquéd t-shirt, after leaving my home, is processed by employees who separate these old goods into categories and grades. A 'Grade A Handbags' bin might boast some old Coach purses and counterfeit Balenciaga City Bags, while a 'Grade C Denim' bin would house pairs of tattered Gap Jeans. These sorted goods are either sent to Goodwills and Salvation Army stores to be resold, or to giant clothing processing plants (one of which, I recently found out, exists just 15 minutes away from my hometown suburb). At these processing plants, the clothing is compressed into large cubes, sealed in plastic wrap and readied for departure.<br />
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Switch gears and take a glimpse into the life of a 25-year old Ghanaian man who has traveled with his two friends to the used-clothing plant to purchase and pick up a few of these bales. He and his friends load the cubes (weighing in at a ton each) onto makeshift dollies, and roll them through dirt roads in the scorching heat to Makola Market, one of the most prominent marketplaces located in Accra, Ghana. They cut open the bales, revealing the dirty, now<i> really</i> vintage clothing. Each article is hosed down and scrubbed with detergent, and repairs are made as seen fit. Holes and ripped seams are sewn through, faded denim is re-dyed, and black shoes are coated with a layer of oil-based, shiny black paint. Now the clothes are ready to resell.<br />
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<i>'Oboruni wewu'</i> is what this used-clothing market in Accra is called. It means '<i>White man dead</i>' in <i>twi</i>, a local language; I enjoyed the irony of the phrase as I enthusiastically shopped for Topshop, River Island, and BCBG clothing in a sea of what I knew to be possessions that we, in America (and elsewhere) are just tired of, and are not necessarily of without use. I, for one, didn't complain- scoring floral maxi skirts and embroidered tops for 1 Ghana cedi (50 cents in USD) was one of my favorite pastimes during my stay in Ghana.<br />
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Coming home and facing the ubiquitous 'nothing to wear' dilemma before my first day of work, I realized the significance of this age-old, wasteful, and (wrongly) profitable cycle. Fast fashion and impulsive, purposeless consumerism doesn't just compromise the working conditions and human rights of sweatshop workers in developing nations, or the physical environment around them- it also contributes to an international economic system that promotes continual waste with no direct consequence. Not to mention the ethical question that arises when you and I think we are donating our clothing, when in fact, a profit is being made off of our 'charitable action'.<br />
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It's a complicated issue that I am still wrestling with. I am currently cleaning out my closet after realizing how bored I am of my wardrobe options for the remainder of this summer, and the start of the new school year. I will not, however, be hitting up my ShopRite to throw away my well-loved but no longer flattering Free People dress. Rather, I'll be selling at a Buffalo Exchange, and giving what they don't take as hand-me-downs to younger family friends. I figure I'll save the energy, manpower, and capital it takes to ship the lace dress across the world. Still yet, I can't help but question my well-to-do plans when I realize that the used clothing market is the livelihood for hundreds of individuals and families at Makola Market, and hundreds of thousands across sub-Saharan Africa. Though jobs may be lost through a reduction of donated used-clothing, I think something needs to change. There must be a better way to rethink the system of fashion-related consumer waste.<br />
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We are making this our cause: buy less and invest more. If I hadn't bought the lacy Free People dress (that I was bound to be sick of), and saved up, instead, for a Prada LBD, I wouldn't be facing this dilemma in the first place. From heron out, we vow to live rich lives of simplicity.<br />
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<i>" Simplicity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest. "</i></div>
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- Leo Babauta</div>
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xx</div>
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the meré</div>
The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-57322854695809366192013-07-22T17:58:00.004-07:002013-07-22T18:15:40.011-07:00Guest Post: Allen <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Happily introducing Allen; a wonderful blogger at <a href="http://peopleoftheurban.wordpress.com/about-the-author/" target="_blank">People of the Urban</a> as well as a close personal friend. Avid traveler (FYI - he <i>might</i> 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 <i>real</i> as possible.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiA9N_V4FGkw_Q-3SimueTKm0TjdO_LYVGKWy_43nK0zuAxhsWuDBPYBh4FRhQalVZCuDIlggJ19Qp26AqvW209pnYiRyYSFllgAVcXpOyIUyvwL3GcBQAqGWwaFDSZ1zXJVILIC1tUx4/s1600/allen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiA9N_V4FGkw_Q-3SimueTKm0TjdO_LYVGKWy_43nK0zuAxhsWuDBPYBh4FRhQalVZCuDIlggJ19Qp26AqvW209pnYiRyYSFllgAVcXpOyIUyvwL3GcBQAqGWwaFDSZ1zXJVILIC1tUx4/s1600/allen.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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?</span></i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It’s not particularly disgusting per say, I do feel ‘clean’ after using such
products, but it’s cheap. Not wanting to be stuck-up or selfish, but I know my
body that some higher being gave to me would appreciate it if I wasn’t putting
this toxic stuff on it to later be absorbed into my blood stream (As anything
you put on your body is absorbed into your blood stream via your
skin/nails/gums in your mouth/scalp.) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_iqUujDFfcr8a9MMGnMe5wxM908rFcjWS7DEc0mUinv6LwoVlitD755uoGndCbYR3E4NYG_lXDE-lwLgw-ueq9JjY7J6Vmb27doaUSrkMs_ZLKbWpgDQqUU1Amjckq3kfudrmcm3XPs/s1600/poo-sham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_iqUujDFfcr8a9MMGnMe5wxM908rFcjWS7DEc0mUinv6LwoVlitD755uoGndCbYR3E4NYG_lXDE-lwLgw-ueq9JjY7J6Vmb27doaUSrkMs_ZLKbWpgDQqUU1Amjckq3kfudrmcm3XPs/s1600/poo-sham.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Since that
realization in High School, I got rid of all of the products in my bathroom
that had, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl
Sulfate…Basically anything with sulfates or phosphates. I even stopped using
Anti-Perspirant deodorant (Oh my gosh, perspirant isn’t even a word
recognized by Microsoft Word!)… I mean, isn’t it natural to perspire? Why not
just fan yourself off instead of sticking synthesized chemicals under your
pits?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626;">Anyways, that
marked the first of my personal care product epiphanies. For some reason, when
I left Singapore and moved back to the United States for college, I forgot not
to buy personal care products that didn’t contain sulfates, phosphates etc.
First week of college I was using AXE brand 2-1 Shampoo and Conditioner. <br />
<br />
Now after being lost and confused my first two years of college, the true
realization happened just two days ago. How could I have forgotten such a
sentiment to take care of my body by not letting it absorb cheap harmful
chemicals from my personal care products? I saw </span><a href="http://www.storyofstuff.org/">a video by ‘The
Story of Stuff’</a><span style="color: #262626;"> from an alumnus
on my newsfeed. After the video, it all came back to me: The trickery of the
private corporate sector just selling me things for my money, and the
government’s reluctance to let it do so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The blindfold was lifted again,
this time more dramatically. I couldn’t even trust more luxurious brands such
as Kiehl’s! They brand themselves as being ‘safe’ and ‘natural’. They say,
regarding their choice of ingredients, ‘Our intent is to utilize only the
gentlest and most efficacious ingredients and that is why a great number of
natural ingredients are used’. Sure, it’s their <i>intent </i>to do so, but I
knew for a fact the minute I read on the back of my Kiehl’s face washes (Facial
Fuel and Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleanser) ‘Sodium Laureth Sulfate’ and ‘Sodium
Benzoate’ that their intentions weren’t reality.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ955KNdA8wvBBo4mYrS3n_3-5RkDL9baL5w-uHLvh0gPmnX4JJkEZPlZgQm0Hfri_iHKUIBaeQMuwemdNiH8eou522yEUPgcFa83S5qhbJaBzu4TQ4dkhXWV2e9UnFgcpCDywhYHh81I/s1600/ew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ955KNdA8wvBBo4mYrS3n_3-5RkDL9baL5w-uHLvh0gPmnX4JJkEZPlZgQm0Hfri_iHKUIBaeQMuwemdNiH8eou522yEUPgcFa83S5qhbJaBzu4TQ4dkhXWV2e9UnFgcpCDywhYHh81I/s1600/ew.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626;">I feel like I’ve
been conned. Companies such as Kiehl’s aren’t actually legally bound to be
completely honest with the messages on their packages or other marketing
materials. Hence, be particular with their wording. Kiehl’s fooled me, Organix
fooled me, Giorgio Armani fooled me, Gatsby (Mandom Corp. Japan) fooled me…even
Deep Sea Cosmetics fooled me, who would think their cosmetics contained
cancerous chemicals from </span><a href="http://deepseacosmetics.com/index.php/vidoe2012">their
recent ad. campaign?</a><span style="color: #262626;">
Ridiculous.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You may argue
that preservatives such as sodium benzoate are OK in small doses as they are in
my face wash, but I was planning on buying that same face wash for at least
another 2-3 years and using it <i>every day, </i>daily-as listed on the
product itself. I haven’t come across any long-term studies regarding the use
of such products containing harmful chemicals in small doses such as sodium
benzoate, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. To be blunt, it is because large
companies have lost their human morals and have decided to fool innocent
consumers that their products are safe in the long run and short run. Don’t be
fooled.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Looking for
wholesome personal care products was a hunt. But ended successfully. I went through
Walgreens and CVS here in San Francisco, and I was having a very difficult time
finding products that didn’t contain: Petrol derived chemicals, Parabens, Sulfates,
Phosphates, Aluminium, Triclosan, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate… (Google
for yourself the characteristics of these chemicals.) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0b1EjQ4EdzpEWOH9RcjayEGvSm7YNEcsRPES_BbMWbuydcxq8tzrMMXwG5qAnNlgXzK4PN5nOgJMprxzbN7JiHoR82jQKOAOkNfl5e8TC8DuAiEj6Lit7MBwZ_tl9ECaaWrzChbSLcY/s1600/hunting-time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0b1EjQ4EdzpEWOH9RcjayEGvSm7YNEcsRPES_BbMWbuydcxq8tzrMMXwG5qAnNlgXzK4PN5nOgJMprxzbN7JiHoR82jQKOAOkNfl5e8TC8DuAiEj6Lit7MBwZ_tl9ECaaWrzChbSLcY/s1600/hunting-time.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After venturing,
I figured there was one place left to go: Whole Foods. I stepped in to the
personal care items aisle; All of my needs were met, my worries resolved, and
wallet not abused. Unlike the posh image of Whole Foods, the shampoo and
conditioner I bought from Whole Foods is more cost effective than Pantene, Head
and Shoulders, or whatever else Proctor and Gamble sells.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">
My toiletry kit went through a complete revamp. I didn’t just read the labels
on the shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and face wash; I went to the
moisturizer, eye cream, acne spot cream, cologne, even to styling wax I use for
my hair! All products were under $10.00 – the two exceptions being the $18.00
eye cream and $80.00 Cologne. <i>Antiperspirants, no more!</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCNIthLuvHDWxc0NqH_97Tz1kV6UaIxh4VLZIDNDEFlvNkPJsQVffp1rDN4C8pp8RkFI8d_w5cwLsfktBcxx0u324XiEBJ2a5P3avtSHrgWA7j6LdlgRbIDzGBgR7c8nr6jVXKz5bc3w/s1600/happy-face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCNIthLuvHDWxc0NqH_97Tz1kV6UaIxh4VLZIDNDEFlvNkPJsQVffp1rDN4C8pp8RkFI8d_w5cwLsfktBcxx0u324XiEBJ2a5P3avtSHrgWA7j6LdlgRbIDzGBgR7c8nr6jVXKz5bc3w/s1600/happy-face.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">some of the <i>au naturale </i>and affordable (he wasn't lying) products from Allen's hunt/haul </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 23.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The question
is…what I am going to do with all of the products I previously bought that
aren’t used yet? I don’t want to just throw them away and pollute even more…I
was thinking that perhaps I’d use them for cleaning things (like shoes, bags
etc.)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 23.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 385.1pt; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Once
they’re all used up I’m never buying them again.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>P.S</i>. - With regards to toothpaste
(not listed above) I recommend using one that also doesn’t contain any of the
above. Even if it’s ADA approved, dentists (my family is soon to have 3 of
them) recommend toothpastes without SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate + similar
chemicals) as it dries the mouth and promotes bad breath. I recommend using
Sensodyne- it’s easy to find, use it even if you don’t have sensitive teeth. It
may not be as bubbly as your Colgate toothpaste, but that’s a good thing (A
sign that it’s SLS free). "<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The original, full-length post can be found <a href="http://peopleoftheurban.wordpress.com/2013/07/19/planning-for-longevity-and-ethical-righteousness-personal-care-products/" target="_blank">here</a> along with more of his original photos & illustrations, as well as more anecdotes of all sorts. </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">His blog dedicates itself to his personal adventures, fascinations, and observations of the many cities he calls his homes and loves.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-85175029879324074242013-06-25T07:40:00.000-07:002013-06-25T07:40:32.614-07:00A glimpse into Ghana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-44369380540650617922013-06-09T16:10:00.003-07:002013-06-09T16:10:32.743-07:00Measure UpIn 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. <i>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? </i>Up until now, we thought it impossible to make informed decisions based on the lack of information available to the public.<br />
<br />
Enter <a href="http://www.measureup.org.uk/" target="_blank">MeasureUp</a>, 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.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
<i>it started with travel</i></h3>
<span class="s1">"</span>About two years ago my husband and I were on a four month travelling break around China and South East Asia. For the first time, the phrase you read on most things we buy: "Made in China" started to become much more real. This mysterious and fascinating country of well over a billion people suddenly became tangible. <i><b> It's quite hard to imagine a billion people, but if you meet a few of those billion you quickly learn what life is like for some of them. </b></i> China is geographically enormous and people move huge distances to get jobs in factories to make the things that we use and wear every day. They live far away from their families and work long days for little money, sometimes in pretty poor and dangerous conditions. The story is the same in lots of other countries which make our clothes."<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i>beginnings</i></h3>
<div>
"This all got us thinking about what we could do to help out these tens of thousands of people - most of whom, of course, we'll never get to meet. The first step seemed to be to make sure that the companies we buy our clothes are at least treating their workers well. The problem is that there are so many fashion brands it would take you ages to find out information on all of them. We thought we'd do the job for you and put all the information online... After a year of research and building the website, the site is now live. We've now got about 50 companies on the site and are adding new ones all the time… We've heard last year from someone who works for one of the companies included on MeasureUp. They are very conscious of where they have not met the MeasureUp indicators and have identified them as key areas to focus on."</div>
<h3>
<i><br /></i></h3>
<h3>
<i>demanding transparency</i></h3>
<div class="p3">
"It’s great to see that the majority of companies are now sending their own staff to visit the supplier factories they use. Having staff who have been to factories and worked with them directly on ethical issues can give a company a much better understanding of the challenges and pitfalls that can arise in its supply chain. It also helps to guard against one of the problems with social auditing: that of auditors accepting bribes in return for good audit results. On the other hand, there are very few companies who currently publish a list of the locations of their supplier factories.<span class="s2"> We think this is o</span>ne of the best things clothing companies could do to help us learn more about conditions for their workers. If a company can be open and transparent in this way it means that journalists, NGOs or anyone else with an interest in the issues can make connections to the companies involved when they hear about poor conditions in these factories. It also makes it easier for such people to visit the factories and see for themselves. Many companies say they cannot provide this information because it is commercially confidential. We're not convinced by this! We have examples of both large and small companies disclosing all their factory locations. Nike, for example, has published a complete list on its website since 2005. And small, fair trade company, People Tree also provides a complete list of the producers they work with. If these companies can do it, then anyone can."</div>
<h3>
<i><br /></i></h3>
<h3>
<i>on being a conscious consumer</i></h3>
<div class="p3">
"I love finding unusual and stylish new items… Just because we want our clothing to be ethical doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be fashionable! I also like buy organic clothes where I can find them – I was shocked reading a report recently about the impact of conventional cotton farming on the environment. And I try not to buy too many clothes, but to make sure the ones I buy are good quality and things I will wear a lot – the current culture of cheap, disposable clothing just doesn’t seem sustainable. We hope MeasureUp will help us to think more carefully about what we buy and where we buy it. The aim isn't to say 'you can't shop here' or 'you must shop here'. Instead it shows the commitments each brand has made about how they treat the workers in their factories. Then it's up to you to decide whether you want to support that company by buying their clothes. <i><b>The main thing is that what seems like a small decision - where we buy that new dress or t-shirt - can make a real impact.</b></i> If we choose to buy from companies with good ethical practices then it can mean the difference between the person who makes your clothes living on the breadline or getting paid enough to support their family. Or the difference between her having a safe and fulfilling job or working like a slave in dangerous conditions. It means <i><b>we can make a stand for justice with the clothes we wear everyday.</b></i>"</div>
<h3>
<i><br /></i></h3>
<h3>
<i>support the cause</i></h3>
<div>
by visiting <a href="http://www.measureup.org.uk/" target="_blank">MeasureUp</a>, liking them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/measureupfashion?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and sending Eve (& the amazing team behind the scenes) your thoughts about the site, and companies you'd like to see on it in the future.</div>
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xx </div>
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The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-61056727680652079602013-05-26T20:56:00.001-07:002013-05-26T20:57:02.936-07:00Shop with us<div style="text-align: center;">
Introducing <a href="http://bit.ly/17dTFHm" target="_blank">The Meré on tumblr</a> -- 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.</div>
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xx</div>
The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-62103143375829809102013-05-17T18:39:00.004-07:002013-06-11T04:49:01.335-07:00Lost in Translation<div style="text-align: center;">
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. </div>
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xx</div>
<br />The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-27571152208584169322013-04-24T19:11:00.000-07:002013-04-24T19:12:06.510-07:00Istanbul, Part II<div style="text-align: center;">
more food & fun<br />
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The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-33720179026923353682013-04-22T19:19:00.000-07:002013-04-23T08:56:54.290-07:00Earth Day - Live Responsibly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Earth Day, all!</div>
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To celebrate, <a href="http://www.thezoereport.com/sustainable-brands-slideshow/?slide=6" target="_blank">The Zoe Report says to dress responsibly</a>, and <a href="http://www.modelinia.com/blog/stock-your-wardrobe-with-eco-friendly-finds-from-stella-mccartney-liya-kebede-reformation-organic-and-vintage-fashion/48809" target="_blank">Modelina tells us to stock our wardrobe with "eco-friendly finds"</a>, but we say<i> <b>live responsibly, and stock up your life with products that fight for the environment. </b></i>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:</div>
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1. Live Argentine Camila Purse (<a href="http://bit.ly/Y0INIU" target="_blank">link</a>)</h3>
Made of handmade organic letter, this neon beauty makes a bold statement. A perfect replacement for the (all-too-ubiquitous) Cambridge Satchel Company messengers, the Camila Purse's production is carefully monitored under strict environmental laws. As the name suggests, they are produced in Argentinian tanneries, and a portion of their profits are forwarded to The Nature Conservancy- an organization that works to protect Argentinian grasslands. Green = good. Neon green = even better.<br />
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2. Nourish Tea Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls (<a href="http://bit.ly/ZJ6ErK" target="_blank">link</a>)</h3>
When we're not gripping our coffee mugs, you'll find us brewing tea in our dorm-friendly water boilers. We were alarmed when we realized the rose and jasmine tea we bought in Istanbul was running out; luckily, we've found our next tea stop! Don't be scared off by the exotic title- this flowery, smooth tea promises to be rich but refreshing. The 100% organic tea hails from the Fujian province in China, and we can't get over the magic of unfurling tea pearls when they meet water.<br />
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3. EcoTools Brushes (<a href="http://bit.ly/ZJ5Vqw" target="_blank">link</a>) </h3>
A Paris-based brand, EcoTools is a "leader in eco-concious beauty products," most well-known for their incredible bamboo brushes which have some of the softest bristles available on the market. We've owned our own sets for over a year now, and they're as good as they were when we first purchased them! People who have used them rave about them (just look up reviews) and we assure you, these brushes are as good as brand name brushes, except much more friendly for your wallet and the planet. (The whole set is only 13 dollars!? Cha-ching, done.) <br />
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4. WeWOOD Date Beige Watch (<a href="http://bit.ly/15CRI5V" target="_blank">link</a>)</h3>
We thought we'd seen it all - leather, canvas, gold, rose gold, silver - but WeWOOD caught us off guard. Their watches, made of varying types of wood, are sure to catch the attention of friends and strangers alike. WeWOOD's watches also hold the company to a commitment to the environment. For every watch that is purchased, the company partners with American Forests and Trees for the Future to plant a tree. Buy a statement watch, and plant a tree. Sounds to us like a great way to celebrate Earth Day.The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-39849273463502102052013-04-17T18:11:00.000-07:002013-04-17T18:11:19.566-07:00Istanbul, Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3nqg_J-pBkOf3MJUNoPitMsXKf7PWbkF2J_QGFn7SgfFiS5rMVn3oGAbzCnLMxw97w7H1COQfW04HIrZ3geIozjhWKicPckaSNYoN39Dh0SOirFb3eps9_FJjZbdFRbUmu2vlNOigTQ/s1600/IMG_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3nqg_J-pBkOf3MJUNoPitMsXKf7PWbkF2J_QGFn7SgfFiS5rMVn3oGAbzCnLMxw97w7H1COQfW04HIrZ3geIozjhWKicPckaSNYoN39Dh0SOirFb3eps9_FJjZbdFRbUmu2vlNOigTQ/s640/IMG_0038.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rzkAbGm_slfvn6lvJNLBBZAEWKMTHSX6Ycd5X3tY1leTSsLlrAlfV4wkd9IXEdg_3k5KI-frCoNvBcWJ7nLhODgdhFBQI8xldRcrFBtpWTrre5jUq8kbF_c4ylprQO-5I-P1EdKJn0M/s1600/IMG_2113.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rzkAbGm_slfvn6lvJNLBBZAEWKMTHSX6Ycd5X3tY1leTSsLlrAlfV4wkd9IXEdg_3k5KI-frCoNvBcWJ7nLhODgdhFBQI8xldRcrFBtpWTrre5jUq8kbF_c4ylprQO-5I-P1EdKJn0M/s640/IMG_2113.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOisXnhJ1Fa7LVLEVUUNVNPBnzWvIMzLpelE7nc-6e5GTWQErY_2ybubhohUxOw_0elsH5uE66nqTAkDySXAIB3bPj00wI7lqXwTDowCbP6xfo-ZKP_IUw0jEKZrMKVt460ZFpRBogUw8/s1600/IMG_2120.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOisXnhJ1Fa7LVLEVUUNVNPBnzWvIMzLpelE7nc-6e5GTWQErY_2ybubhohUxOw_0elsH5uE66nqTAkDySXAIB3bPj00wI7lqXwTDowCbP6xfo-ZKP_IUw0jEKZrMKVt460ZFpRBogUw8/s640/IMG_2120.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbHU_YnetqrR3Gv_BKanqPojVzMq5B9Nr6hzXj_5MG0bVJqGa11KQ93NFmxXjLb-LPyBOlR7h4WZh3rnJss3c7tWVmC6dH_zAlmm39vMO1eJZGbdsO3qLP5UfhIExzPYrK-J2cd-0W-Q/s1600/IMG_2132.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbHU_YnetqrR3Gv_BKanqPojVzMq5B9Nr6hzXj_5MG0bVJqGa11KQ93NFmxXjLb-LPyBOlR7h4WZh3rnJss3c7tWVmC6dH_zAlmm39vMO1eJZGbdsO3qLP5UfhIExzPYrK-J2cd-0W-Q/s640/IMG_2132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wishing we were still there,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
xx</div>
The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-68266349015386636932013-03-31T18:04:00.002-07:002013-03-31T18:09:30.353-07:00Given Goods: Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Aside from fashion and retail goods, Cammy loves hot yoga, French films like </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1675434/" style="text-align: start;">The Intouchables</a><span style="text-align: start;">, and sifting through her daily blogroll. Learn a little bit more about the powerhouse behind Given Goods:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW27ruYX-8IL9EgECmwxfgB_B4nwBHQk1LszeKBECDK6TLsEcQRmgNNomX4zPy7K09wBe3XaBSdfca_7r-M8T2wVsVq22_hXpztBu8FVTlYMBfAS4mbMosacecNZH8De1f4Knol7xBxoo/s1600/chouser_headshot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW27ruYX-8IL9EgECmwxfgB_B4nwBHQk1LszeKBECDK6TLsEcQRmgNNomX4zPy7K09wBe3XaBSdfca_7r-M8T2wVsVq22_hXpztBu8FVTlYMBfAS4mbMosacecNZH8De1f4Knol7xBxoo/s640/chouser_headshot.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="p1">
<b><i>on getting here</i></b></div>
<div class="p1">
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<div class="p1">
"I've always been overly empathic and compassionate about certain things. I think that is what I always cared about but I didn't totally know how it would totally manifest itself into work for me. Had I thought about this when I was living in Thailand, I probably would have said, "There's a business to be hatched here". Or, had I thought about this when I was graduating school, it would have been a pretty obvious path... but for some reason, it just didn't occur to me that this was what I wanted and needed. I heard about these things and took a ton of classes that were in this space, but I didn't necessarily know how to put it into action. If you looked at me five years ago, and you told me I would be starting this enterprise, I would have denied it."</div>
<div class="p1">
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<div class="p1">
<b><i>cammy cares</i></b></div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<div class="p1">
"Personally, I have a very big passion for women and mentorship; for bringing up ladies to the ranks and making sure there are people to mentor them- especially in this start-up community. For telling them, "Hey, <i>you can do this</i>". I wish there were people who I could've approached, saying, "Hey, I've got a weird idea, and you've been out there doing this for a while, so hear me out". Greater spatial issues in what we do? I am incredibly passionate about job creation, global marketplaces for beautiful things, and making sure people are following through on social responsibility. When you are talking about uplifting a whole group of people in a town or country, I want to know, <i>how are you doing that and how is it sustainable?</i> There's been this trend of aid for aid's sake, and that kills me. People don't always need what you think they need. To go and live amongst a certain group of people and really understand what makes them tick, what they need, and how you can get them there in a way that is sustainable - these are things a lot of companies we work with are grappling with. But everyone's still learning, and it's hard to make it scalable. That's what interests me. At the end of the day, I kind of want to be one of our companies. To run off somewhere and think about how this community can pull themselves out of these conditions, theses health problems, and this lack of education- that's what I want to do."</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><i>sources of inspiration</i></b></div>
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<div class="p1">
"By and far, it's our vendors, who I have the pleasure of speaking with daily. Today I had a call with the woman who runs <a href="https://givengoods.co/shop/brand/sful-glassworks">Ūsful Glassworks</a>, which is this amazing non-profit in Boise, Idaho. They work with folks who just got out of prison and teach them how to make this unbelievable glassware- and they're all made from recycled wine bottles. I gave some to my parents for Christmas and they're obsessed with it. They've bought 6 sets and given them to everyone they know. We have them at our house. But she says, "Yeah, I don't pay myself yet. We're 3 years old and I can't just do that yet- but I'll get there." And I said, "You are awesome. You are out there solving real problems for real people; giving them jobs and making these beautiful products... who are you? And she says, "Oh, I'm just a mom". That's how my day goes sometimes, and that's what inspires me."</div>
<br />
<b><i>recommended reads?</i></b><br />
<i>- <a href="http://www.lecatch.com/" target="_blank">le catch</a></i><br />
<i>- <a href="http://www.good.is/" target="_blank">GOOD magazine</a></i><br />
<i>- <a href="http://bigbangstudio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">big bang studio</a></i><br />
<i>- <a href="http://tomboystyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">tomboy style</a></i><br />
<i>- <a href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/" target="_blank">ecostiletto</a></i><br />
<i>- <a href="http://magnifeco.com/" target="_blank">magnifeco</a></i><br />
<br />
We're pretty sold on Ūsful Glassworks, and just bought the beautiful <a href="https://givengoods.co/shop/brand/sful-glassworks/product/olive-oil-or-vinegar-dispenser/option/clear" target="_blank">olive oil dispenser</a> and <a href="https://givengoods.co/shop/brand/sful-glassworks/product/candle-votive/option/clear" target="_blank">candle votives</a>. Remember, the deal's still on: use '<b>GGxmere</b>' at <a href="https://givengoods.co/" target="_blank">Given Goods</a> for 15% off your entire purchase.<br />
<br />
Being able to chat with amazing female entrepreneurs like Cammy are some of the best parts of our days, and is a continuous source of inspiration for us. What inspires you?<br />
<br />
xx<br />
the meréThe Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-13443616866504646582013-03-27T15:17:00.001-07:002013-03-27T19:15:15.697-07:00Given Goods: Part 1Dynamic, innovative businesses are usually led by powerful, passionate people. This couldn't be truer for Cammy of <a href="https://givengoods.co/">Given Goods</a>, who we got to catch up with a few weeks ago.<br />
<br />
We were initially attracted to Given Goods for their incredible, hand-picked selection of fashion, beauty, gift, and home products. Now that we know more about the thought behind it, it's harder not to resist the site. It aims to create educated consumers, especially with a new feature (that we're obsessed with)- the <a href="https://givengoods.co/good-graph-preview">Good Graph</a>. The graph helps you figure out how much of your shopping is doing good, what it's doing good for, and where in the world the magic is all happening.<br />
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<a href="https://givengoods.co/"><img border="0" height="443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHxxmqlJTc4PttwkybU11oDS2zyjO2GQ83bs09ZUh6_F1K1D3y4TqpEBc5ZnMCvkYW8HYN78TACp_66NaOwybdIa-Sa5FJzuN-CwAv0xU66iMUR_OnhnW1MSyCWrmT4neU6Gxe71xgkQ/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-03-27+at+6.09.35+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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But enough of our gushing- we'll let Cammy do the talking on behalf of Given Goods.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<h3>
<i>the business side of things</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">"In the beginning, we were essentially calling and begging all the companies knew and ever heard of. But it's changed quite a bit since. We want to know, do they have the right price and quality? Does their look and feel match what we want? Because we do have such a big social component, we are trying to redefine the way we look at social giving, but we do have a lowest optimal bar- give back... Once you get beyond that barrier, it's all about whether or not we love the product."</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<i><br /></i></h3>
<h3>
<i>how to orient fashion towards good</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">"One sort of overarching way to think about it is to have a collaborate brain. I don't think this sort of alarmist, <i>Zara, what are you doing? H&M, why are you doing that? </i>attitude is productive at all. The fast fashion industry is unbelievably huge right now and unfortunately what that means is that there is a certain confluence of price and timing and production has to be a certain way. So then what is a way for us to go out and say <i>Great, we see the goals of what you're trying to do each day, so what is it that we can do to aid in that?</i> How can we take a group of people who have been doing the same thing for such a long time and unfortunately making a lot of money doing it and say to them, <i>Let's look at the issues on our side and look at the potential issues on your side? Where can we come together in the middle of the mark?...</i> It's all so integrated in my mind."</span></span></h3>
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<i>some hope</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">"There's a growing base of consumers who really care about this stuff and who genuinely believe in and ask for these sort of products. I don't think the group is large enough yet to be moving the ticker in that direction quite yet, but it's coming. I really genuinely believe that if that group is mobilized, they will start going to these companies and saying we've got to be looking at these issues. It's been so interesting to me to see these large corporations say, "Hey guys, we get it. We're listening." So I do think there's something to be said about the duality of the problem- that consumers need to address and be aware of and make this a part of their day, but also looking to corporations and saying listen, this is harmful for you too... There's that age old "Everyone talks, but nobody walks", and sometimes this is really obvious in some of these efforts... It starts from an educated consumer. The more that people can have the desire to hear the story of a product or to know about where it came from and why or why they should care about it. It's really interesting to see how much love people have for it."</span></span></h3>
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<i>what Given Goods is doing</i><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">"It's absolutely necessary that people understand that there are products they will love that they will buy and are beautifully made and have a great story behind them that they will want for themselves and give to others, but doesn't have to look this way that, unfortunately, I think the sort of traditional fair trade or sustainable design wear is known to have."</span></h3>
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<i>do you own all the products?</i></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">"Oh my god, yes. I'd like to. Unfortunately, I can't always afford all of them… occasionally, we will model them though. That's a perk."</span></h3>
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Given Goods is certainly not your traditional fair-trade shopping site. It's beautiful designs are sure to blow you away. Try it for yourself -- <b>use this '</b>GGxmere<b>' discount code during your checkout</b>, and receive a 15% discount on your purchase. Make sure you tell us what you think (after you fall in love).</div>
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extra hopeful for the future,</div>
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The Meré</div>
<br />The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-83272948621284714672013-03-22T13:19:00.002-07:002013-03-22T13:19:57.128-07:00Foodie fridays<div style="text-align: center;">
inspired by <a href="http://www.milkandmode.com/2010/12/foil-baked-salmon-with-cherry-tomatoes.html">milk & mode</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBPXUDi5ichYQTpUZt0e_iVFw2DjvEd7cW6K0uo6OXFo8mOYfmVSe6mVfSpQgZa1xRqowghZFL1X2hfBNxJbqwZ5Zq_poC_nfUInu1MHvR4-oFShRPP5dDc2y1D1m_j_X7hQEHBXOH0A/s1600/IMG_1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBPXUDi5ichYQTpUZt0e_iVFw2DjvEd7cW6K0uo6OXFo8mOYfmVSe6mVfSpQgZa1xRqowghZFL1X2hfBNxJbqwZ5Zq_poC_nfUInu1MHvR4-oFShRPP5dDc2y1D1m_j_X7hQEHBXOH0A/s640/IMG_1825.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeW4acTrGa52htyCCSQy25Eq1U0_yQPiLdlVUL4RGGCb1dSxVnzmVzydcORe0eiTFIS_pbRwICwTqJrX7JaBP4kVcpiqhVHt-M6PheYrLCuu6BI863Ae39oC2D66q0FdSES2rydZ47Wg/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeW4acTrGa52htyCCSQy25Eq1U0_yQPiLdlVUL4RGGCb1dSxVnzmVzydcORe0eiTFIS_pbRwICwTqJrX7JaBP4kVcpiqhVHt-M6PheYrLCuu6BI863Ae39oC2D66q0FdSES2rydZ47Wg/s640/IMG_1830.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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xx</div>
The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-54648469218935948902013-03-12T14:13:00.002-07:002013-03-12T14:18:04.625-07:00Rainy day inspiration<h3 style="text-align: center;">
"Fashion's ability to bestow confidence without doubt one of its most powerful asset."</h3>
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<a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/alfresco/nap/webAssets/magazine/issues/issue_185/Cover_story/en/page_4/productsBG.jpg?v=1.2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://www.net-a-porter.com/alfresco/nap/webAssets/magazine/issues/issue_185/Cover_story/en/page_4/productsBG.jpg?v=1.2" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image & quote courtesy of The Edit Magazine</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;">On this dreary Tuesday (on the east coast, at least... stay dry, everyone!), in between exams and projects, we were ecstatic to stumble upon this issue of Net-a-Porter's weekly magazine, themed </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/magazine/185/1" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;">"The Power Issue"</a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;">. It's no secret that we are advocates of fashion as a source of empowerment, whether it be through the influence of design, or the by-product of production. This time, however, Net-a-Porter shows us that fashion, when paired with passionate, confident women, can be empowering to a different effect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">Join us in taking a break today by flipping through the online mag, which features one of our biggest girl-crushes (Sex and the City has our permanent vote as best chick-flick series), Sarah Jessica Parker, and the always inspiring Arianna Huffington, the founder of a little publication called the Huffington Post, among others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">We're one day closer to the weekend! Snuggle in your bed, drink some tea, and find some inspiration via the Power Issue. Happy tuesday, all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">Till Spring Break,</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17px; text-align: start;">xx</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></div>
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The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-35264853157233170082013-03-02T15:05:00.002-08:002013-03-02T16:12:15.038-08:00The ReformationWhenever we have time, we love thrifting and hunting for those one-of-a-kind pieces, whether it be in person or online (Etsy, where we can easily spend hours and hours procrastinating). There's something thrilling about these purchases. In today's times, when trends go viral within hours and everyone has access to the same brands online, it's hard to find items that you feel unique and <i>cool</i> in. Especially when you're dressing with a relatable budget.<br />
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That's why we love<b> the Reformation.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJF-pUiyPZhftVaVo9Nb3lkcpRFV592R2hW6abCCRYLBFInXDMWjuPhZrzTGp0LW23aqq_BGZSG9Zta8u69v62-BQzkqWEO5hFxPGdPgwYYheu5KI-JVIyrx1LYucNTOIazXeqINp8Gk/s1600/tumblr_miy7jr20hp1r608z0o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJF-pUiyPZhftVaVo9Nb3lkcpRFV592R2hW6abCCRYLBFInXDMWjuPhZrzTGp0LW23aqq_BGZSG9Zta8u69v62-BQzkqWEO5hFxPGdPgwYYheu5KI-JVIyrx1LYucNTOIazXeqINp8Gk/s640/tumblr_miy7jr20hp1r608z0o1_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Based in NYC and LA, the Reformation seeks to create unique, fashionable pieces from vintage clothing and surplus materials. They speak of their mission in a simple manner that rings true with us:<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">"Fashion, similar to other modern </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">industries, passes through many hands before reaching you. The further spread, the more inflated the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">price, and the more diluted the original concept becomes. Additionally,<b> there is a shocking 12.7 million </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>tons of clothing going directly into American landfills annually</b>. After years of working in the fashion </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">industry and experiencing this first hand, we became disillusioned by the inefficiency, and environmental </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">impact of the clothes we were making. Our vision is focused on our environment, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">and how our business affects the world and community around us."</span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Their styles have caught the eyes of not local fashionistas but even big-name celebrities like Rihanna. She wore a piece from The Reformation in her recent spread in The Rolling Stones, shot by none other than Terry Richardson (thumbs up!). She also rocked the Bee Shorts in her recently released <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEjjD8fanlo">music video for her song, Stay</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTzv1DqrflC5YdjorNSz_sKsOR9TQcsQ7S8uonT099mtC0BdpnWg9Hz3c_KwuwuwLKrHFC9_rmBqudHNW8HwvtwqSdn2TY8JqJCa7Om6XaVAQ88OSCldksboiNYayNHCzISwPWYWRfk0/s1600/tumblr_mhpnu0gxKD1r608z0o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTzv1DqrflC5YdjorNSz_sKsOR9TQcsQ7S8uonT099mtC0BdpnWg9Hz3c_KwuwuwLKrHFC9_rmBqudHNW8HwvtwqSdn2TY8JqJCa7Om6XaVAQ88OSCldksboiNYayNHCzISwPWYWRfk0/s640/tumblr_mhpnu0gxKD1r608z0o1_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Clothing with style that is celebrity & magazine-spread-worthy, affordable, actually unique <i>and </i>sustainable - why aren't you shopping on the Reformation yet? <a href="http://thereformation.com/">GO</a>! </span></td></tr>
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The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-76274888533126867062013-02-09T17:29:00.000-08:002013-02-09T17:29:30.493-08:00Reds <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4H1k5DzupzYnTbAD7Rn7rfjRGsVurwOMlruEynvRdsebWo5jGyWLIUAfvyZ_xFiYRXEYwbmoHus8gO-tV5pHR8P9Q9IJsK4a9IzI3eLxl7anL9AjwpBbVSBUr1CcyEeAOtPA1oi22cM/s1600/image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4H1k5DzupzYnTbAD7Rn7rfjRGsVurwOMlruEynvRdsebWo5jGyWLIUAfvyZ_xFiYRXEYwbmoHus8gO-tV5pHR8P9Q9IJsK4a9IzI3eLxl7anL9AjwpBbVSBUr1CcyEeAOtPA1oi22cM/s640/image002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Maybe it's because the day of love is soon upon us, but we're loving little pops of reds - or whole collections of them - in NYFW photos. As usual, Tommy Ton's street style photos have become our go-to, and we've been refreshing style.com religiously to keep updated from our favorite shows. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu6rWQvc5AbnOahusfx7TdI7ojucNmLac1WR-PMHSxEDQOxlL_D2_SbFLLUR2WP63ArIAtWz_0KxuTGGgzI20-mC2dAH1RhoT1XoJP4j3A99NNJhJ0S-ebWwK4U5E0WzGiv3mW70DhWU/s1600/_ARC0298.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu6rWQvc5AbnOahusfx7TdI7ojucNmLac1WR-PMHSxEDQOxlL_D2_SbFLLUR2WP63ArIAtWz_0KxuTGGgzI20-mC2dAH1RhoT1XoJP4j3A99NNJhJ0S-ebWwK4U5E0WzGiv3mW70DhWU/s320/_ARC0298.450x675.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjYoU9IjgEcpCrwacwp0rc7RXQzE9s06gKhWxbb2Q9Rp6I_ZDDtX-oJ1ktCuw-DzmcTSFlPwxNFQQuRfIoLbybENM4fBHcHbePw9y7IrKHoc5w3yK-lTUtJM5mMr0wcvL7rlRam96Tds/s1600/jill+stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjYoU9IjgEcpCrwacwp0rc7RXQzE9s06gKhWxbb2Q9Rp6I_ZDDtX-oJ1ktCuw-DzmcTSFlPwxNFQQuRfIoLbybENM4fBHcHbePw9y7IrKHoc5w3yK-lTUtJM5mMr0wcvL7rlRam96Tds/s320/jill+stuart.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i>Prabal Gurung, Jill Stuart </i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos from Style.com</span></div>
The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-43892512448101260382013-01-30T08:34:00.001-08:002013-01-30T08:47:18.621-08:00Cameron Russell x TED<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://embed.ted.com/talks/cameron_russell_looks_aren_t_everything_believe_me_i_m_a_model.html" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
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"The thing that we never say on camera, that I have never said on camera, is<b> I am insecure</b>. If you ever are wondering, '<i>If I have thinner thighs and shinier hair, will I be happier?</i>', you just have to meet a group of models because they have the thinnest thighs and the shiniest hair and the coolest clothes and they are most physically insecure women probably on the planet."</div>
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An important reminder that <i>looks aren't everything. </i></div>
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xx</div>
The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-52375259027239607022013-01-29T12:12:00.000-08:002013-02-01T08:44:24.283-08:00Design with benefits, Pt.II <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MSQKoYbf2rGc0Z7Z36vNQAIO-ezll29SQ8FrKzt5Qw4v1wP1tu13kUNU4pOHMHTy1smvIX0RQpcMJmVfQ0Zvjl0_cCrasrhxJnOfvkB_slmVeMNOF-7DNwEoHoy73BY1HJzMFzbhg5w/s1600/design+with+benefits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MSQKoYbf2rGc0Z7Z36vNQAIO-ezll29SQ8FrKzt5Qw4v1wP1tu13kUNU4pOHMHTy1smvIX0RQpcMJmVfQ0Zvjl0_cCrasrhxJnOfvkB_slmVeMNOF-7DNwEoHoy73BY1HJzMFzbhg5w/s640/design+with+benefits.jpg" width="449" /></a></div>
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<i>The faces behind <a href="http://www.designwithbenefits.com/">Design with Benefits</a> </i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After speaking to Eunice, Tania, and Ida about the genius behind Design with Benefits, we became interested in their personal stories, on their stories of travel, and their current musings and inspirations. To no surprise, these women as people are no less exciting than their creative e-store and website. </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;">THEIR STORIES</span></i><i><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"> </span></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>T</b>: I’m German-American: My parents and brother moved to Nicaragua from Germany, where they then lived for 10 years, my father opening an architecture practice. Following the Nicaraguan Revolution, they left to Florida where I was born. I studied Architecture at UC Berkeley and then UT Austin, where I met Ida, and we became fast friends. <i>I’ve always been guided by an insatiable traveling itch, </i>which led me to seek out social design work in places like Australia, Mongolia, and India. So it was no surprise to my family when I decided to take an architecture job in Santiago, Chile last year. Not long after, I met a handful of interesting foreigners who were all here, launching startups with the aid of Start-Up Chile, a startup accelerator run by the Chilean Government. <i>I couldn’t shake the idea of launching my own design-related startup</i><b>. </b> I applied for Start-Up Chile, and eventually Design With Benefits was born. I’m incredibly fortunate to have found two amazingly talented women, Ida and Eunice, to join me- Design With Benefits is infinitely better because of them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I:</b> I was born in Dubrovnik, a small historic town on the southeastern part of the Croatian coast.<i> Long before the idea of me being an architect had shaped I enjoyed playing urban design with my favorite toy</i>: a wooden assembly of a factory, which included a surprisingly high amount of miniature trees to be placed in this imaginary industrial setting... Tania and I met while studying sustainable design at the University of Texas at Austin, and we immediately became friends. I was very excited when she asked me to join Design With Benefits.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"><b>E</b>: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;">I was born in Seoul, South Korea and lived there until the age of eight, but I was pretty much raised and educated in Southern California. I am a junior studying international relations and psychology at Harvard, but I recently took a year off and am currently living in Santiago, Chile. During my time in South America, <i>I discovered my passion for journalism,</i> and when I am not working with Tania and Ida on Design with Benefits, I report on Chilean news with The Santiago Times. At Design with Benefits, Tania, Ida, and I tend to share many responsibilities because we are an early-stage startup, but I normally focus on marketing, editorial content, and digital media.<i> </i></span><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"><i>I hope to travel the world</i><b> </b>and am obsessed with Thai cuisine, Vinyasa yoga, Friday Night Lights, foreign languages, and multimedia/tech-related things.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"><b>TO-DO </b></span><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"><b>in CHILE</b></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"><b>E: </b>Sand boarding and stargazing at San Pedro de Atacama (driest place in the world), hiking glaciers and hanging out with penguins in Antarctica, horse riding and enjoying hot springs in Pucón. Street art in Valparaíso. Visiting all three houses of Pablo Neruda (Bellavista, Isla Negra, Valparaíso).</span><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">In Santiago, I would recommend visiting Pueblito Los Dominicos Artisan Village for souvenirs. I’m obsessed with palta (Chilean avocado), anything with choclo (Chilean corn), maracuyá (passion fruit). Chileans are also obsessed with pisco (in the form of pisco sours or piscola).</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>... & on </b><b>INSPIRATION</b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"><b>I: </b>I am really enjoying <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/">Brain Pickings</a> at the moment - a cross-disciplinary website that features extremely interesting articles from design, art, science and technology, to poetry and philosophy. Their "Literary Jukebox" has a daily quote from a favorite book, matched with a song. Don't forget to press play.</span><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"><b>T: </b></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"> <a href="https://www.designwithbenefits.com/the-dish/beetbox-make-music-with-beets">Beetbox</a> - </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;">A super talented NYU design student created a wicked instrument that allows you to make drum beats by touching actual beets. Amazing.</span><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><a href="https://www.designwithbenefits.com/the-dish/landfill-harmonic-paraguay-s-recycled-orchestra-transforms-trash-into-music">Landfill Harmonic</a> - </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;">There is a student orchestra in Paraguay, composed entirely from students using instruments made from trash in the landfill that the village/slum is built on. Students who could otherwise never afford musical instruments or lessons are making beautiful music on incredible instruments. I played violin for 15 years as a kid, and this story inspires the hell out of me.</span></span></div>
<br />The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-6477608912192185102013-01-26T14:11:00.000-08:002013-01-26T14:32:26.481-08:00Design with benefits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.designwithbenefits.com/"><img alt="" border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHm_EzfOecv38sgMgBWTLzBhZNekVuvmMEt9r7k1-mZpXGKypx9dNwT2eq1mRelRRHft1rXr18uUibjgC__wmiI7xcj9yqXyA3I-28DbmqAfkHk5HLUivt_wO9Y1zGUSQitf-slzVH5EQ/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-01-26+at+5.13.50+PM.png" title="" width="640" /></a><span id="goog_2032042044"></span><span id="goog_2032042045"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Move over, Etsy- there's a new online shop in town. If you're looking for personally-curated boutique with unique, design-focused items, we've found you your match. Shop at <a href="http://www.designwithbenefits.com/">Design with Benefits</a> for clever, beautiful products that keep social good in mind. But the good doesn't stop there. Each month, users vote for a cause (design-related and socially-conscious, of course), and the winning one receives a percentage of all online sales. It's a complex, brilliant idea, so we thought we'd let the team behind the site do the talking. Meet Tania, Ida, and Eunice- the brains (and beauties) behind Design with Benefits.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"><b>T</b>: </span><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;">I’ve always been interested in looking at ways in which design (whether architecture, urbanism, or product design) can be a catalyst for social change and a tool for addressing equity and environmental issues. For me, Design With Benefits is an opportunity to find and curate amazing products that are already doing this, and showcase them in one place, <i>making it easy for people to make a small but meaningful difference through everyday purchases.</i></span><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"> For example, we just started selling these striking bags called Homeboy Totes, that feature bold quotes and original calligraphy by ex-gang members in L.A. The organization involved, Homeboy Industries, encourages ex-gang members to turn their graffiti skills into profitable graphic skills. They also provide resources and assistance for them to build their own sustainable local businesses—offering a rare opportunity for a second chance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>E</b>: My favorite part of Design with Benefits is <a href="http://www.designwithbenefits.com/the-dish" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The Dish</a> section, where we feature news related to design activism, social innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. I’ve interviewed such incredible designers and entrepreneurs, and their stories truly inspire me. I am so thankful to have found Tania and Ida; Design with Benefits has been a thrilling experience so far... Design with Benefits is so much more than design and social responsibility; to me, it is also <i>about women and entrepreneurship, inspiring storytelling, and redefining beauty.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>I</b>: Design With Benefits has a primary objective to sell products, which are not only clever and beautiful designs, but also yield a certain social or environmental benefit. We aim to create an ethical relationship between the designer, the user and the interface that connects them. Moreover, our major goal is to <i>help influence overall consumer values and promote responsible purchasing,</i> as well as to leverage values throughout the whole manufacturing process. With hopes that social entrepreneurship will soon become mainstream, we are proud to be a part of this venture.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;"><b>T</b>: </span><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 18px;">We’ve also had vendors approach us with a clever product, who really liked our model, and were inspired by us to rethink their product to implement a benefit, like donating a portion of proceeds to a charitable organization. In the future, our goal is to do more of this. We would love to become <i>a hub that connects beautiful products from enlightened companies with creative non-profits</i>, so that they can partner together to create better, more ethical products in the process.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>I</b>: Work with Design With Benefits is a continuous learning process; I am constantly acquiring new skills and broadening my perspective as an architect. It is wonderful how creative this process is, and that<i> I have an opportunity to express myself as a designer in completely new ways.</i> And of course, the people: the three of us are a great team, we work well together and laugh a lot.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0e00;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Stay tuned for more about Tania, Ida, and Eunice-</span></span></div>
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The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-76185462725323442732013-01-14T12:47:00.000-08:002013-01-14T12:47:21.028-08:00Movie monday<div style="text-align: center;">
One of us recently watched Amélie (the other had seen it long before)... and fell in love. The French scenery is beautiful, and I'm still thinking about the movie's quirky, subtle, chuckle-to-yourself humour. Amélie and co. also teach us how to enjoy the little things in life. Like peeling dried glue off our fingers, sticking our hands in barrels of rice, popping bubble wrap, and drinking casual shots of bourbon in the afternoon.</div>
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Meet Amélie, France's very own Carrie Bradshaw.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa3t3K3l1y6_dx-CI_woIt0S7dXY7TAz5X3U49YpVKY5-ePn80Y9uR21o3NVpsnxQ9JrF-mFIL21M_-csO4SXDt3V55cysXH5SleYANdcI6tZRno1ixVAoLVB-geuNfD5fU1IK6gsYCI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-10+at+4.04.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa3t3K3l1y6_dx-CI_woIt0S7dXY7TAz5X3U49YpVKY5-ePn80Y9uR21o3NVpsnxQ9JrF-mFIL21M_-csO4SXDt3V55cysXH5SleYANdcI6tZRno1ixVAoLVB-geuNfD5fU1IK6gsYCI/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-01-10+at+4.04.38+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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xx</div>
The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-61602852306085223572013-01-09T19:28:00.000-08:002013-01-09T19:28:49.533-08:00Yumi Lambert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzOACXJ_ZXDLuxsS89MGM5MhUi_jqM7aH9QcdRRBDcimuDAh8mUdk2Ly4MIIFcmTFaKvRUgBpIVcGJ4oM4F65vr1LB7kwM2X_ouFkegIwKfebR5Bk7ft9xHHk0Z4Gbs5dclNsZnjkVeU/s1600/chanel+yumi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzOACXJ_ZXDLuxsS89MGM5MhUi_jqM7aH9QcdRRBDcimuDAh8mUdk2Ly4MIIFcmTFaKvRUgBpIVcGJ4oM4F65vr1LB7kwM2X_ouFkegIwKfebR5Bk7ft9xHHk0Z4Gbs5dclNsZnjkVeU/s640/chanel+yumi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were thrilled to see Yumi Lambert in Chanel's SS13 campaign - she's enchanting as always.</div>
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xx</div>
The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-75703210638857796962013-01-04T19:59:00.001-08:002013-01-04T20:05:30.468-08:00Macarons: try 1<div style="text-align: center;">
Two weeks ago, my roommate and I rendezvoused at the Plaza Food Hall for a quick lunch. I noticed that many of the dessert carts offered macarons- the French pastry that, out of intimidation, I have never attempted to bake. My friend helped me get over my fear of the macaron today, by walking me through baking a batch of them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL7KJiobBK_VFKofnWOzs0W0Z-FhCPfiMVgycZGon0RFDFCd6C7pcd92YWOCad0QHEgq9kbHJ_T85JAng8rtZ71z5-m1OUEO79PLmwkyAA2deo_7GkJ34Q6QvWSaRPdVpmkAprZDu1_Y/s1600/IMG_1784-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL7KJiobBK_VFKofnWOzs0W0Z-FhCPfiMVgycZGon0RFDFCd6C7pcd92YWOCad0QHEgq9kbHJ_T85JAng8rtZ71z5-m1OUEO79PLmwkyAA2deo_7GkJ34Q6QvWSaRPdVpmkAprZDu1_Y/s640/IMG_1784-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidc6DhqU-p5zARQOFnZN1b9E-qaWHGmz0RRv2wApyRnnUTMNz313uCF_QmjxaMgeFaEP-umdGqQQuGQIMwgkFfovCvQ-NrNauzkMLrqPNoG-CMivyBrAg9xExDX0SZeXP-twmwx8OI36s/s1600/IMG_1802-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidc6DhqU-p5zARQOFnZN1b9E-qaWHGmz0RRv2wApyRnnUTMNz313uCF_QmjxaMgeFaEP-umdGqQQuGQIMwgkFfovCvQ-NrNauzkMLrqPNoG-CMivyBrAg9xExDX0SZeXP-twmwx8OI36s/s640/IMG_1802-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-Ren5Dvu1A26dvYxBsNlkTK89ew1l2e_BelgN_umNmDP9RQQvWSpJQE8nDfNEo7CzcGQvurFg1eoV5GXOsSbhCHApDDcjzcl79tiCi06sXzl0QgNiZd5piDXDowSlAcZKPWmczKAahI/s1600/IMG_1810-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-Ren5Dvu1A26dvYxBsNlkTK89ew1l2e_BelgN_umNmDP9RQQvWSpJQE8nDfNEo7CzcGQvurFg1eoV5GXOsSbhCHApDDcjzcl79tiCi06sXzl0QgNiZd5piDXDowSlAcZKPWmczKAahI/s640/IMG_1810-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After an hour-and-half of meticulous measuring, mixing, folding, baking, and piping, 27 delicious little button-sized chocolate macarons emerged from my oven. The verdict? There are about a dozen without cracks, and with perfect little feet! A little dry, but overall, not bad for my first try.</div>
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With all credit to my friend K,</div>
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xx</div>
The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-7484748940923638482013-01-04T19:14:00.002-08:002013-06-11T04:50:21.492-07:00IOPE air-brushed perfectionI'm not great with beauty products; the other J knows much more about the perfect lip shade and blush hue. After all, she's the one who introduced me to the Clarisonic Mia and the wonders of translucent powder. I am less adventurous with my makeup- I usually stick with concealer, a cat-eye liquid liner, mascara, with the occasional light nude/pink lipstick.<br />
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I think it's time, though, to ditch the drugstore brands and invest in better makeup... at least, little by little. There's only so much damage my checking account can endure. Thanks to my mom, I think I've found my next investment.<br />
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It started when I left my makeup bag at home during a family vacation. Coincidentally, I had also been breaking out that week (I can thank finals and Insomnia Cookies for that). I needed some cover-up, quick. My mom handed me her IOPE Air Cushion 'Sun Block', but I was skeptical. I don't usually wear foundation; moreover, I usually don't take fashion/beauty advice from my mom. The little compact sure changed my mind about both of the above.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkrHoMLmeRzL3QOFnPNbrpJeZhfytmwuUvBa1CZyXLHkjwkqAmEq4bowFUe-NaSWsAgUDJWMS17EWIwAJcxqQn-5voD-TPd5MMxr060isCepQfxH3_dW55SYgu7mlxcEogtQiQEsuIRs/s1600/31smRbL6+FL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkrHoMLmeRzL3QOFnPNbrpJeZhfytmwuUvBa1CZyXLHkjwkqAmEq4bowFUe-NaSWsAgUDJWMS17EWIwAJcxqQn-5voD-TPd5MMxr060isCepQfxH3_dW55SYgu7mlxcEogtQiQEsuIRs/s400/31smRbL6+FL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The 'air cushion' technology is apparently all the rage in South Korea and Asia at the moment. You press into the little cushion with the sponge applicator, and some sunblock/concealer/foundation/magical substance squirts onto it. You apply it all over, and <i>voila</i>- a blemish-free, moist, and fresh face.<br />
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This product dispels all of my worst fears about foundation- it's light, not cakey, and leaves you looking (and feeling) moisturized, not dry. All in all, for a person like me, who likes to keep things simple, it's a god-send.<br />
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My mom just bought me one, and luckily, they're <a href="http://amzn.to/WiTVt7">online at Amazon</a>. They're selling out fast, though, so I suggest you all jump on it. A little post-Christmas gift for yourself. (They're on sale!)<br />
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Plus, it has SPF 40. I hear that's a good thing. Protects you from the UV rays, or something.<br />
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Till my next great product find,<br />
xxThe Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-53881003704845839192013-01-01T11:12:00.000-08:002013-01-10T09:58:54.176-08:00Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu8gUMF3tul7ttY-s7hyFlDbY_ICqHXUVpOcMViBiB2uspaeJI5Uy4_xlIevjzPZsbzg2R6q6saGwK1LwFw36xuP4W01JrM_Ne1OzAg5pO1xQBwry-LM27jhY2B8kk_KYuhgdFrIXtXo/s1600/new+years+note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu8gUMF3tul7ttY-s7hyFlDbY_ICqHXUVpOcMViBiB2uspaeJI5Uy4_xlIevjzPZsbzg2R6q6saGwK1LwFw36xuP4W01JrM_Ne1OzAg5pO1xQBwry-LM27jhY2B8kk_KYuhgdFrIXtXo/s640/new+years+note.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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New year, new us?<br />
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We haven't made physical lists of new year's resolutions since our middle school days, years ago. Maybe we stopped because we weren't fond of the bitter taste of guilt when we eventually broke our resolutions a few weeks (or sometimes, even a few days - oops) into the new year, or because we just got plain lazy. Whatever our reasons might have been, this time, to ring in the new year, we've decided to compile a short list of resolutions. Hopefully, you all can keep us accountable. Here are our top three resolutions of 2013:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Resolution #1: </i>Minimize</span><br />
One of the bigger lessons we have learned this year is that quality always trumps quantity- for clothing, food, and even relationships. We realized our rooms (and lives) are cluttered with things we don't need or really, even want. In an attempt to greet the new year with a fresh start, we began by cleaning out our closets. Good-bye, t-shirts that have not seen light in years. We donated ours to <a href="http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/">Goodwill</a>, and sold some at <a href="http://www.buffaloexchange.com/">Buffalo Exchange</a>; check out your local clothing drive centers and consignment stores. And in order to make this a lifestyle instead of a one-time cleanse, we've also been trying our best-est to buy only things we love and or need. In the words of Macklemore, "One man's trash, that's another man's come up". (Go watch Macklemore's <a href="http://www.npr.org/event/music/166256822/macklemore-ryan-lewis-tiny-desk-concert">NPR tiny desk concert</a>. You won't regret it.)<br />
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As we look forward to the new year with lighter hearts and less baggage, we're inspired by simple and minimalistic designs. Especially obsessed with white floors as of late.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXLvvKtzDg3-kZaIDOfIn7R4X4k8Llb2fxmGJAOqwmwHohEIS1qeV5hyphenhyphenyuI8C2mLODUaQd6vmurbfcJIYYk5p6kkmpEZe4OSCuIFMx6uNsSktjA_8Qq83mu_G65Wko4zAfPp37L82G4s/s1600/simple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXLvvKtzDg3-kZaIDOfIn7R4X4k8Llb2fxmGJAOqwmwHohEIS1qeV5hyphenhyphenyuI8C2mLODUaQd6vmurbfcJIYYk5p6kkmpEZe4OSCuIFMx6uNsSktjA_8Qq83mu_G65Wko4zAfPp37L82G4s/s640/simple.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Resolution #2: </i>Travel</span><br />
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Trust us, we are not ones to turn down spending our extra cash on new dresses, boots, and bags. Something we've started to learn this past year, however, is the value of experiences in travel. After travelling to South America, Europe and Asia this summer, we've quickly realized how many sights we have yet to see, how many place we have yet to travel to, and how many people we have yet to meet. With that, our resolution this year is to expand our horizons a wee bit more, and travel as much as we can. We're currently planning our first trip already - stay tuned for where we're headed!<br />
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A look back into our own travels this past year- <a href="http://thejaneface.blogspot.com/2012/09/london-style.html">london</a>, <a href="http://thejaneface.blogspot.com/2012/07/ni-hao.html">beijing</a>, <a href="http://thejaneface.blogspot.com/2012/03/lucy-liu.html">cancun</a>, <a href="http://the-mere.blogspot.com/2012/10/2-months-later.html#more">mongolia, and greece</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyws3JrhqZj47ikgfBER5JZQgMHnqlTiWtfQVjq5UrPQdk9pZgULFF5pmvKZw0uWXrDgkg7ggqJ41Hc6QrGPJRx4OEs04VKac4JVLd81xdvRxVuqzH30pLdjghADFMs-SmGZnKC0mzmPs/s1600/traveling+new+years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyws3JrhqZj47ikgfBER5JZQgMHnqlTiWtfQVjq5UrPQdk9pZgULFF5pmvKZw0uWXrDgkg7ggqJ41Hc6QrGPJRx4OEs04VKac4JVLd81xdvRxVuqzH30pLdjghADFMs-SmGZnKC0mzmPs/s640/traveling+new+years.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Resolution #3: </i>Timeliness</span><br />
Timeliness isn't an issue when your best friends (as in our case) have issues with timeliness as well. Our meeting times with one another are never set in stone, as we know that one of us, or mostly like both, will be late. This is something we have decided we need to change this year! Professors, employers, friends, and boyfriends would appreciate this resolution of ours, we're sure. This simple resolution will be the hardest to follow through with. We're going to start by setting our iCal appointments 15 minutes early, and setting alarms for them. Or maybe we'll just set our clocks 7 minutes early... we'll continue brainstorming. While we usually are dependent on our iPhones and iCals for alarms and scheduling, we found an alarm clock that may really get you to become timely:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStvtDQYNd4K1qHQhaea5ZzYjnMlBv_RI4Rm7p8JxPXso0HeJ_YKPPdYuwhK67AmqKm8kMGzX_a_0xzhC_8rtkX_uffHLAV_QZmZNKqhfJqRi-sBJWtMLD2ArGxowRlRTRvo9Z1BEdf6k/s1600/snuznluz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStvtDQYNd4K1qHQhaea5ZzYjnMlBv_RI4Rm7p8JxPXso0HeJ_YKPPdYuwhK67AmqKm8kMGzX_a_0xzhC_8rtkX_uffHLAV_QZmZNKqhfJqRi-sBJWtMLD2ArGxowRlRTRvo9Z1BEdf6k/s320/snuznluz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/snuznluz.shtml">Snuzluz </a>puts a spin on our charity-mindset: when you go beyond a certain point of snoozing, the clock is automatically connected via wifi to your bank account and a charity of your choice that you <i>hate </i>(oh), giving the old-school saying of "you snooze, you lose" a real meaning.<br />
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We think we're a little too scared of our snoozing habits to try this one out but if any of you guys are brave enough, let us know.<br />
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These are just the three that we both agreed we could realistically achieve - along with the usual work hard (and play hard, of course), eat healthy, work out on the regular, etc...<br />
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What are your resolutions this year?The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8863061696612176430.post-28163812467345223982012-12-28T22:09:00.002-08:002012-12-29T12:55:39.010-08:00Closer to sartorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMY9wV2la7ly2bzqgr2OLKfMFKNrgCUiFK7_JIM3y0gVJV1pSX8uo6LF699wU5jkjp6OqQd6gQctUpkybDemfHHVteIvZYuCyil9KT0dmuTFPppKT6vRitPt4L4SxjvpSLG-XDbbOwuc/s1600/IMG_1748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMY9wV2la7ly2bzqgr2OLKfMFKNrgCUiFK7_JIM3y0gVJV1pSX8uo6LF699wU5jkjp6OqQd6gQctUpkybDemfHHVteIvZYuCyil9KT0dmuTFPppKT6vRitPt4L4SxjvpSLG-XDbbOwuc/s640/IMG_1748.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF8naBqHZCN3TkG6lKZTZJWjz25V-X-4l1wfMS6mtDHDxv4B1fli_BIyqkJVvYETFlTRo9ErHzOzT_qoyrcs3wvp7rKr1yHhJGYtL06RTCAma2e7rU2NQsyDL5EdnsTTfj2YbPuP-cWo/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF8naBqHZCN3TkG6lKZTZJWjz25V-X-4l1wfMS6mtDHDxv4B1fli_BIyqkJVvYETFlTRo9ErHzOzT_qoyrcs3wvp7rKr1yHhJGYtL06RTCAma2e7rU2NQsyDL5EdnsTTfj2YbPuP-cWo/s640/IMG_1758.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-uKEWkDYgHsY_-MM1TndIKSUKhFHuHNsvQzNx3nxHWioSCzLPtESUWWU21yOhE111s2dJIPdboGwgbqMcco9yuJoa6mfG_AV26klLqcxlDK-wCOqDRyrtlr1zuhg5ArC51MLxeV6tBM/s1600/734231_3655136275334_1547236225_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-uKEWkDYgHsY_-MM1TndIKSUKhFHuHNsvQzNx3nxHWioSCzLPtESUWWU21yOhE111s2dJIPdboGwgbqMcco9yuJoa6mfG_AV26klLqcxlDK-wCOqDRyrtlr1zuhg5ArC51MLxeV6tBM/s640/734231_3655136275334_1547236225_n.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>presentation at wellesley college || my friend and fellow blogger || the sartorialist himself</i></div>
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Hearing someone speak about their art is always magical. This past month, during his Boston book signing, Scott Schuman shared his thoughts on beauty, simplicity, outstanding details, charm, posture, and perspective.</div>
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When asked how he approaches strangers to photograph them, he replied,</div>
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<i>"I am not afraid to approach them. I have a certain confidence, now, in my work and mission. I am not ashamed of what I do."</i></div>
<br />The Meréhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178926993580840937noreply@blogger.com