Category Archives: Social Media
Last-Minute #Fashion4good Gift Guide
If you’re like me and are guilty of waiting till Christmas Eve to cross off items from friends & family wish-lists, then consider yourself a last-minute shopper. Dashing through the stores with a Starbuck’s in one hand, the final race to get things done is upon us, and most likely your not laughing but crying all the way. To help turn that frown upside down, I’ve decided to put together a last-minute guide showcasing some of my favorite items by designers and brands that are giving back in a big way. From the glasses by Warby Parker, to the shoes by Parcel & Journey, every single piece within my look was designed to make a difference. Whether it’s perserving craftsmanship right here in the US, or promoting it within impoverished communities globally, it’s the perfect gift that continues to give long after the holiday season.
The glasses I’m sporting were designed by eyewear brand Warby Parker. Founded only a couple years ago, they already are changing the way see things. This summer, they hit a milestone of distributing 500,000 pairs of glasses to those in need. Their “Buy a pair, give a pair” concept is quickly becoming one that many are looking to imitate.
The scarf and shoes were created by Parcel & Journey. Recently launched, this new website has created an online shopping experience that reflects the rich colors, patterns, scents, and textures of tradition while introducing you to the hands and heritage behind the work. A process that is honored by a “trade not aid” philosophy; giving skilled artisans a chance to earn a sustainable income and provide a better life for themselves and their families. Creator, Joanna Steinberg, has made a decision to build something that would improve the lives of artisans around the world through micro-finance and craft revival, while at the same time sharing with you the history and tradition that these crafts represent.
The dress shirt underneath by sweater was designed by Mizzen + Main. Along with keeping production here in the US, their program “A Shirt for A Start” was created to aid in giving selected servicemen and women the opportunity to work and learn new skills through internships and jobs within their organization. They will pay them while they develop entrepreneurial experience, industry connections, and a better understanding. As they grow as a company, they will offer these vets more than a start. They will offer an opportunity to join them in design, logistics, communications, engineering, and other key departments – on a full-time basis. They will also connect them into our networks for continued career development and networking opportunities.
The sweater and backpack were designed by outdoor apparel company Appalatch. Priding themselves on being ethically-driven, they’ve created the first 3-D wool sweater, available to the masses, which allows for virtually zero waste and the perfect fit. Also, entirely made here in the US, Appalatch’s mission is to design, manufacture, and sell clothing and accessories that honor the people they work with, the environment that produces their materials, and the customers who support the brand.
The denim I’m wearing, I recently discovered at Brooklyn Denim Company right here in Williamsburg. The entire process is produced in the US using cone mill denim.
The timepiece on my wrist was designed by WEWOOD. Being eco-smart, the wooden watches are made from mostly scrap-wood and uses state-of-the-art Miyota movements for the guts, a hybrid of technology and nature resulting in a unique watch that’s handsome and earth friendly. In 2010, WEWOOD hit the scene as the avant-garde approach to sophisticated sustainability. Later that year, WEWOOD opened a branch in Los Angeles and teamed up with tree-planting-partners ‘American Forests’ and ‘Trees For The Future’. With this cohesive collaboration, the goal is to help restore Mother Nature, one watch at a time, by planting a tree for every WeWOOD purchased. Since 2011, WEWOOD has planted 250,000 trees with its partners and sets challenging targets for 2014 and beyond.
I’ve been obsessed with camo lately, so I couldn’t resist rocking a pair of camouflage socks by Nice Laundry. They are determined to do their part in reducing the amount of waste we shed each year. Believing in second chances, they’ve partnered with one of the nation’s oldest and largest textile recyclers to make sure your old socks are recycled responsibly and efficiently. When you send your socks directly to one of their recycling partners, they undergo a grading process. The top-tier of socks will be cleaned up and sent to areas of need. The balance will either be repurposed as textile or shredded into fibers and turned into things like home insulation, depending on the condition.
Photographs by Eniko Szucs, Hair by Nicholas Shatarah for Phyto
Giveaway-Parcel & Journey Exclusive Love Clutch
Parcel & Journey is giving away one of their exclusive “Love” clutches this week over at Yourtango.com. The popular website dedicated to love and relationships, has partnered with P & J to offer their readers (and YOU) this beautiful oversized lipstick red clutch with the word love inscribed on it. One lucky gal will fall in love and be the winner next Tuesday the 16th. To learn how you could win, click here. If you can’t wait to till next week and are completely obsessing, purchase it directly here. It also makes for a great holiday gift or stocking stuffer!
#Thisisglam-Banana Republic
I paid a visit to one of Banana Republic’s stores this past weekend for a little retail therapy. Upon entering their men’s store, my eyes quickly focused in on a army green colored hat and subtle camo-print sweater. To my surprise, the promotional offer they were running allowed me 40% off each item. Quickly jetting off to a fitting room, I was asked by one of the associates to snap a photo of myself via Instagram and hashtag it with #thisisglam to enter in a chance to win a $500 gift card. A fan of the #selfie movement, I was happy to oblige. I thought I would also share this cool contest BR is doing all month long with you all. They are giving away five $500 shopping sprees to one of their stores or online. To learn more, click here!
Hat & Sweater: Banana Republic, Pants: American Apparel, Scarf: Missoni, Boots: Adidas Y-3, Sunglasses: Ray-ban
Get the look: MR. Porter’s Global Style
I don’t like being told what to do, but when there’s a $4,000 dollar shopping spree on the line, I’ll do whatever I need to do (legally) to win it. If you know me personally, you’re already aware that chocolate and shopping are two of my weaknesses. If you don’t, now you do!
With that said, I was invited to enter the global style campaign taking place during the month of November by Mrporter.com. A fan of the designers they carry, I thought I would enter the following look via Instagram showing off my personal style to the world. I also thought it would be fun to accompany the submitted photo with a cool get the look feature, since I am in it to win it.
For those who also struggle to just say no to a little retail therapy, I’ve personally picked out some of my favorite pieces from the Mr. Porter website for you to either admire or indulge. Now, go to my photo and vote, voTE, VOTE. Papa needs a new coat for christmas.
Jacket: Vintage, Shirt: DKNY, Denim: DL1961, Scarf: Missoni, Hat: Bailey, Chukkas: J.D. Fisk, Watch: Valentino, Sunglasses: Armani Emporio
Hat: Lock & Co Hatters, Jacket: Balmain, Shirt: J.Crew, Boots: Mr.Hare, Scarf: Missoni
#Fashion4good-Movember Movement
I hope everyone had a safe and ghoulish time yesterday. With that said, today marks the start of November and another Movember. For those unfamiliar, millions of men (and some women) will be sprouting moustaches all over the world in hopes to raise awareness for men’s health issues such as cancer. The charity movement which runs the entire month, has raised over $173 million dollars since its humble beginnings back in 2003. Now spread over 21 countries, the funds raised have gone to support world-class men’s health programs that combat prostate and testicular cancer and mental health challenges. These programs, directed by the Movember Foundation, are focused on awareness and education, living with and beyond cancer, staying mentally healthy, living with and beyond mental illness and research to achieve a vision of an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health.
I now need your help. This year, I decided to create my own fundraiser and am asking you to donate what you can in honor of someone you know who has suffered from some type of men’s health issue. I’ve personally kicked it off and donated $50 in honor of my uncle, Jack McDonald, who suffered and passed away from cancer several years ago. Help me honor his and so many others lives, by giving what you can in an effort to help those who are currently suffering. There’s no greater feeling in the world then giving back. It’s what keeps my heart feeling full-Donate here!
Photo Courtesy of Vincent Parker
#STYLETVNYFW
This week kicks off one of the year’s most celebrated events, fashion week here in New York. Fashionistas from all over will be taking over the streets (racing to shows in their highest heels I might add) to check out what’s in store for Spring/Summer 2014. I’ve personally rounded up the troops to see what we can expect for the upcoming season. You can view behind-the-scene pictures and videos, designer and celebrity interviews, and more by following the hashtag #styleTVNYFW. Can’t wait to see who we run into!
stylesourcedotme.wordpress.com 
8th Annual Indepdendent Handbag Designer Awards
With less than a week away, the preliminary judging panel will be meeting here in New York this coming Sunday to determine finalists for the 8th Annual IHDA (Independent Handbag Designer Awards). I’m happy to report that I will be on the panel this year, yet again. I can not wait to see what designers have in-store for us. Along with discovering new names, what tends to really excite me are those who create beautifully crafted bags that bring originality to the market. If you haven’t entered, there’s still time to apply. Curious to see which bags standout? Follow the #HandbagAwards, myself and the others via Instagram & Twitter to stay up-to-date.