The image we should be....

I've seen multiple articles recently about controversy surrounding the right way to look. But who in fact decides what that image is? Why is it a constant struggle to live by this image that only a few people can really fit into?

A few weeks ago, it was an article about a woman who sued Prada because she was fired for being "ugly." Since when did it become all about JUST looks? Personality is a very important part of a person. It should in fact, be more important than looks... because looks fade. And to top it off, the single mom lost the lawsuit. Now Prada is countersuing her because "she" slandered the Prada name. Wait a second here, PRADA is suing her for damaging the company's reputation? Because of Prada's horrible decision to sue for $780,000, they as a company have in fact hurt the name even more.

Rina Bovrisse, the former employee of Prada.

I've also been amazed by this whole Abercrombie and Fitch controversy. What was CEO Mike Jeffries thinking? Saying he "doesn't want larger people shopping in his store, he wants thin and beautiful people." That his customers should feel like the "cool kids..." The cool kids, really? Jeffries is obviously a bully. Was he never taught, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all?" He is an example of why so many teens think they aren't cool enough or popular. What about the fact that most people can't afford $30+ for one shirt or $50 to upwards of $100 for a pair of jeans... so not having a certain label makes you uncool? 

This brings me to question, what is the image we need to be to fit in? You don't see many plus size mannequins, or companies that sell larger clothing... and that's just not fair. I've done multiple posts on this issue because it's mind boggling to sit here and think bigger sizes should be treated differently. I know I've struggled with weight just like every other woman out there and it's just not fair to make women feel worse because they can't find clothes to fit their body. It's crazy when I read these posts or articles about the constant, repetitive cycle of body image and what is right or wrong

And yet it's not just woman who are affected. This whole image issue is just a small glimpse into the world of bullying. Mean Girls is a perfect example. They had this idea that skinny is beautiful and if you were anything else other than skinny, with perfect hair, skin, features, you were in the burn book. So what guidelines are people following? and how do we break them down so people can be themselves and not have to worry about what criticism they will get for not looking a certain way or wearing a label? Creating that movie even unintentionally fueled the "image" fire because as much as they made fun of the "Mean Girls" they were also glamorized.

There are millions of women out there who strive to change the way we view beauty, and good for them! The more voices heard the better. Plus-sized blogger Gabi Gregg , who introduced a fabulous new two piece for plus size women and Jes, aka The Militant Baker, who did a photoshoot and wrote a great response to Mr. Jeffries, are just two examples of women stepping out to make a difference. I even read about a stepmother who required her daughter to wear secondhand clothing to teach the 4th grader empathy after she bullied a girl for her clothing.

Photo cred: Liora K Photography and Jes, the Militant Baker

These are all great examples of women who are trying to open our eyes and create a new idea of what we should look like. 

Remember: 

 Everyone has something that makes them beautiful, it just depends on if that person is going to let their beauty shine.

Prada to go public...

By Jody Marich 

One of my daily reads is the Telegraph's fashion section. Today I came across something I found really interesting that could effect the fashion world and maybe my bank account if I am lucky enough to buy any stock....

Prada is planning to go public for the first time in their 98 year existence. The fashion empire is planning to "float" on the Hong Kong stock exchange. It is the fourth attempt from the company, and hopefully a successful one. 

According to the Telegraph, Prada is in debt of around £880 million. Mrs. Miuccia Prada and her husband Patrizio Bertelli, the company chief executive, are looking to sell part of their 95% stake to help pay off the enormous debt and increase expansion. Prada's overall estimated worth is around £5.2 billion. This move will be the biggest European Fashion brand to hit the Hong Kong market in over a decade and Prada will be the first Italian desgin company to be listed in the Hong Kong market. 

The global expansion of Prada has led to a significant increase in sales and profit. “Strengthened by these results and confident in the future development of the group, we can now face the coming challenges with serenity and seize the best opportunities offered by the international capital markets” Bertlli said in a statement.

photo from Telegraph.co.uk

The initial public offering would help in the international expansion of the brand. With nine stores planned to open in the next 12 months, this new embark on the stock market could greatly reduce debts while increasing money for expansion. 

Meow! Trend Alert: cat eye sunglasses

By Jody Marich

Tis the season for new shades!

As the temperatures heat up, cat eye shades are the sunnies to try! The classic 50's staple has been revamped.

With designers playing around with the (old) but new trend, this summer cat eye sunglasses are to go to shades. Designers like Alexander Wang and Prada were a few to jump on the bandwagon, using bold statement colors along with oversized, futuristic shapes.

(Alexander Wang: 325$) (Prada:225$)

The oversized version on this classic shade, gives any fashionista the retro chic look for summer. For a bold look, try a pair in statement colors, like gold, pink, or green. Tortoise is another great color to choose.

(Bluedame.com: 14.80$) Nicole Richie sporting cat eyes

(ASOS: 16.91$) (Foever21: 5.80$)

Cat eye sunglasses are everywhere for s/s 2010. From runways to celebs, everyone is trying this look. Whether you want to spend big bucks or just a couple dollars, this accessory trend is definitely one to try this summer.

(Photo from refinery29.com)

Cat eye sunnies are flattering to most. The upswept sides emphasize cheekbones and add definition to your face but make sure you try them on before you buy. You don't want to get lost behind them or have an unflattering fit.

Here are some tips to find the right pair of cat eye sunnies for you.

1. Determine your face shape- is it oval, square, diamond, heart shaped, round, or rectangular?

2. Consider you features- if you have a small face with tiny features, it will be harder to pull off big, bulky sunglasses.

3. Frames should follow your eyebrows

4. Cat eyes are more geometric so they are better suited for angular faces, but don't get discouraged, there is a right pair for everyone, just keep trying!

Remember, Fashion is Fun. It is uniquely you!

♥