Real Talk: Internet Respect

As a member of the youtube guru audience, and subscriber to style blogs & vlogs... I've grown hyper-aware of the mass amounts of negativity out there on the interwebs, and I guess I just have a short rant to share: 

So much negativity, bullying, bashing, complaining, nit-picking goes on it's shocking! There's people who want to know every thing about you, and people who will make information up when you keep your personal life personal, and people– when you open yourself up and share yourself, then question your authenticity and accuse you of being fake. And then there's people who pay attention to you to only critique your every move, or to enter a giveaway (even though they openly criticize you), or to complain when they don't win and bash you some more. And then there's the people who are so nosey as to how exactly you profit from partnerships, affiliations, etc. and again, when they don't know all the details they take it upon themselves to make up facts, and additionally judge you for making a living off of clicks, subs, comments and site visits; completely ignorant to the fact that a guru's time and effort that goes into videos and tutorials is specifically for those in the audience who genuinely enjoy tuning in, and for themselves.

It's appalling the masses of people who dedicate so much of their time to be so critical, for no other reason than to be critical and express an opinion. To each their own I suppose, but to me the appropriate way to approach a personality, twitter account, youtube channel or blog you don't exactly jive with is to just not subscribe or follow and find one that speaks to you and your personal style. Wouldn't you rather spend your life enjoying something vs. feeling as though you wasted your time? 

I know I would, but again that's just my humble outlook on things. 

Real Talk: Sevenly.org

Hey there readers! So, I have something pretty cool to tell y'all– 

First off, I caught news of this via Steph of @CityandMakeup's latest video (watch that here), and I figured why not be one more voice out there that educates about this really great company.

What am I talking about? Sevenly.org. They're a company that basically generates awareness for all types of causes from relief efforts, to disease education, to social awareness campaigns via awesome tshirt designs which they sell to generate funding for said causes and charities. You can read more in-depth on their mission and FAQ on their website, and for more details on how the sales cycles work definitely tune in to Steph's video that I linked to above.

The angle I'm stressing is: it's $22 for a tshirt. Think about how many things we're willing to spend $20+ on: makeup, a restaurant meal, clothes, etc. By tossing $22 to sevenly.org, you not only get a cool graphic tee but you're also contributing funding and advertising for a cause or campaign.

This week's tee reads, "Girls are not for sale"– generating awareness for gems-girls.org, an organization lobbying to end sex exploitation and trafficking.

Follow Sevenly on Twitter at @sevenly!

You're Turning Violet, Violet!

Today’s look is inspired by today’s weather in Chicago – a high of 70º!! In late-October, that’s almost unheard of in the Midwest. So, I figure why not celebrate with a lively color like this rich magenta by giving it an Autumn twist and pairing it with a flirty curly side pony (inspired by Keri Russell). I love this look because when I look at it, I can’t help but smile… and I think that’s a lovely outward affect to present. Without further adieu…

The Breakdown:

Top: Anthropologie Dotty Tie Blouse in Dark Grey, $88.00

Earrings: Francesca’s Collections Brilliant Beads Hoops, $16.00

Belt: BDG Skinny Braided Leather Belt in Gold, $20.00

Skirt: JCrew City Mini in Bright Dahlia, $85.00 

Legwear: UO Scale Tight in Khaki, $14.00

Shoes: Nine West Glowing pump in Purple Suede, $89.00

Total Cost of this Outfit: $312.00

How to Save on this Look:

• Swap the gold belt out for a cognac-brown belt in a similar style.
• Swap out the colorful beaded earrings for a gold pair of your own. I suggest something bigger/longer– either a hoop or dangler.
• Swap the fuchsia pump out for cognac-brown leather pump. (*brown pump with brown belt.)
• If opting for a no-tights look, go bare with a nude patent pump.

By taking advantage of the accessories you already own, you can save up to $140 off this look– reducing your spending to $175 for two pieces that will surely be in your wardrobe for years to come. Or, you could also go the route of the complete opposite of what I’ve just said and cash-in on the accessories to pair with neutral items you may already own. Nothing updates your closet like fresh accessories, and in-truth it’s just as cost-effective. In either scenario, you’re sure to be fabulous :)

Real Talk: Parabens

So, I figured now that we’re midway through October it might be a good time to revisit the topic of parabens in leu of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

I tune-in to many of the youtube makeup/style guru’s videos, blogs, websites, etc., and I really enjoy that network of girl-world advice. While I know political or social issue soap-box-ing isn’t the route many girls care to direct their channels, I do think it would be nice to see some “girl power”/uniting chatter about breast cancer as it is a disease that claims so many lives.

Fact: 85% of diagnoses have no family history. (breastcancerawareness.com). That means those diagnoses’s come from causes related to diet, wellness, lifestyle and environment -aka- things we can control. I’m willing to bet on average most women hold the attitude of, “Wow, what a sad disease… but I’m not convinced it’ll happen to me”. – realistically. As someone who prefers to take a preventative approach to something as serious as breast cancer, well knowing how deeply it affects lives– I like to focus on the things that are within my power. After all, people always say, “it’s the little things”.

So, Parabens: they’re chemicals found in most cosmetics and skincare products that are injected for a multitude of reasons, but commonly: 1.) to prevent bacteria/microbial growth and 2.) to boost a ‘youthful’ appearance– usually by acting as a pluming or lifting agent. While that sounds pretty harmless, parabens (when soaked into the skin) make friends with ostrogen hormones (aka the ones that promote cell growth), and fool the body by mimicing said hormones. As we know, cancer is a cell vs. cell attacking disease, and as you can guess when you build an army of strong faux hormone cells (which hold the capability of multiplying) and they befriend tumor cells… well, that’s not a fun time.

Think of how many things per day (or twice a day) you apply to just your face:

• cleanser/face wash
• toner
• moisturizer
• foundation primer
• concealer, foundation (wet &/or powder)
• blush, bronzer
• eye shadow, liner, mascara
• ETC!!

Point being, roughly 10-12 products are being soaked into your skin just via your every day makeup routine. And if each of those products contain parabens… well, I think that’s just scary. I should mention, to avoid parabens altogether in life is virtually impossible. They are in toothpaste, soap, shampoo, makeup, and even in some foods. My goal is mainly to be aware and cut-down whenever possible… and I also think knowledge is power in this instance. If every woman were just conscious of the products they buy, reading the labels on what they’re applying to themselves– it’s a small step in the right direction.

Parabens listed in on labels in the ingredients section to look out for:

• Methylparaben (E218)
• Ethylparaben (E214)
• Propylparaben (E216)
• Butylparaben

I personally think it would be amazing to see Youtube Guru’s support on this topic, or if anything to use your video platform for creating awareness to a disease that’s a concern (or should be a concern) to each woman.

Love your bewebies ladies!! Take a preventative approach to breast cancer and make small lifestyle changes!!

Web linkage you may be interested in:

• Deodorants, Antiperspirants, Parabens & Breast Cancer: a great educational article about parabens in cosmetics
• BreastCancerAwareness.com: a pretty excellent FAQ resource
• Shine A Light On Breast Cancer: a great BCA campaign by Estee Lauder
• KeepABreast.org

Go pink! :)