Hippy Chick Clothing Swap at The Farm

Barely mid June at around 7:30pm, I am traipsing along a forest trail behind three new girlfriends I've made here at The Farm in Summertown, Tennessee. We have been bunking together at the Eco-Hostel for the last two weeks throughout our month long apprenticeship in Natural Building. We are on our way to a ladies' clothing swap at Caroline's house, where we will meet the other women of The Farm, the longest running American intentional community and ecovillage, to swap clothing and stories and songs, some fine dishes of food, wine and tequila.

When we arrive, the room is filled with women of all ages, a toddler named Ruby is kicking and laughing in the big pile of clothes thrown into the center of the living room. Zandra, the 8 year old of Alayne and Jason, a young couple who manage the Eco-Hostel and live on The Farm, runs up to give me a big hug. I toss my hat in the pile and pour a glass of tequila and cold chamomile tea. The clothing swap has begun!

Women are laughing and trying on each other's clothes, music is playing, breasts are flying free, babies are laughing, guacamole is being had and little girls are running around stirring the feminine chaos into a monument of uncouth divinity. The energy in the room is strong and unstructured, gentle yet wild, and the colors and movement of it all deserves to be woven into a gorgeous tapestry or into a song, which I may write a little later.

The point is however, that this clothing swap is not only eco-friendly through the exchange of clothes, it is community friendly and heart friendly in its gathering of women. All female or co-ed clothing swaps may be an event you consider hosting. Its alot more fun than going thrifting alone or with a couple of friends with the added bonus that no money is exchanged. By hosting or attending a clothing swap, you create the opportunity to visit with others, discuss environmental or family matters, artistic and business endeavors and genuinely just let your hair down while doing something constructive. The larger the group, the more clothes, the more conversation and the more fun!

This is a great idea for kids' parties, girls' nights, right before Halloween, or anytime you want to unwind and be social. For the guys, maybe a night of swapping electrical gadgets or sporting items that they've grown tired of. Why buy more when you can trade that mp3 player for a chair massager, or a cocktail dress from 1993 for a pair of slammin' bell bottoms? Just kidding!

We all walked away with 5 or 6 very colorful pieces. I scored two pairs of really nice jeans, a black sparkly tie halter top from the 40's, a huge white men's dress shirt which I have worn over short shorts while baking cookies, and a three dimensional rainbow colored sweatshirt from the late 80's which is almost too wonderful for words. Overall, it was the experience itself which was the major score. I will never forget the baby buried in the clothes being tossed up in the air by the 8 year old who's mother was dancing shirtless in a wide brimmed hat alongside the other revelers, cookie makers, long wavy haired wine drinkers, spandex leotard and cowboy boot trying oners..... In the middle of Tennessee, just before summer, on an ecovillage called The Farm.

Enrich your life by hosting, attending,  or suggesting the idea to your group of friends and make sure lots of new people are invited. Eco fashion and community is a combination that will serve both our environment as well as our checkbooks. With all the recycled fashion these days, there is no reason not to recycle clothes from within the community in which you live, while getting to know one another better.

MEN: this fad has gone FAR ENOUGH.

If I see one more quasi-anorexic hipster boy walking around with a muffin top hidden under a pit stained wifebeater - I am going to scream!

When did everything go so wrong guys? Do you think it impresses your girlfriend that you both can wear the same pair of jeans? It doesn't - she wants to be the one with those gorgeous gams when you go out dancing! If its your boyfriend your trying to impress - chances are he wants you to keep those beefy, I-go-to-the-gym-everyday thighs in a nice pair of something he can fit his hand down when the stoli kicks in! 

Also, medically speaking, it cant be healthy for all of your stuff to be smashed up against your leg all day! Give yourself some room to breathe!

I guess thats all. Oh wait...

Worst. Fad. Ever. Its just wrong. JUST SAY NO!

Okay, yeah, that's all.

Jewelry That Completes an Outfit AND Makes a Statement

If you’re tired of the usual jewelry that you wear everyday, it’s time to make a statement by trying something new. From that new necklace that you bought on a whim to your grandmother’s ring – try them all! (Though not necessarily at the same time.) You might find that simply wearing these pieces changes how you feel about yourself and how others perceive you. According to Vera Wang, “Jewelry allows women to express themselves in a way that clothing sometimes simply cannot.” Try wearing a flashy brooch – but don’t think they have to worn one way. It’s quite stylish to wear the brooch just below your right (or left) collar bone. And don’t just stick with one. If you have a couple brooches, try arranging them in a cluster for a bigger impact. Or wear it near your waist to close a cardigan, to glam up a dress, or even in your hair tucked into an up-do! You’ll find that something as simple as an accessory can not only light up your appearance, it can brighten your whole outlook. Tim Gunn, a mentor on Project Runway, states, “Fashion is having a jewelry moment – statement pieces are back in a big way.” So go for it!

Project Runway Gowns For Sale!

Project Runway shows some of the best and most innovative clothing designs the amateur fashion world has ever seen. And now, you have the opportunity to take away a piece of the action! Bravo will be auctioning off each of the final collections by winner Jeffrey Sebelia, Uli Herzner, Michael Knight, and Laura Bennett at www.bravotv.com. The bidding has already started, so log onto bravo TV soon so you can get the dress of your choice! Below are just a few of the fabulous gowns so stunning, even Christian Siriano would say their fierce!

SAG Awards

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards took place yesterday, Sunday, January 25th. With the dresses flowing and the men looking quite handsome in their Armani suits, it was an evening to remember. As expected, 30 Rock and several of its actors won several awards that night, including “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series,” “Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series,” which went to Alec Baldwin, and “Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series,” which went to Tina Fey. Among other awards, “Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role” went to Heath Ledger, as expected, with Gary Oldman accepting the award on behalf of Heath. Slumdog Millionaire won “Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture,” Sean Penn won “Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role” for his role in Milk, and Meryl Streep won “Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role” for her performance in Doubt. Though the awards were the most memorable aspect of the night (for most), the dresses were arguably the most beautiful. Here are just a sampling below:

Welcome to the Scandalous Styles of Manhattan’s Elite

All right Gossip Girl fans, here is the article you've all been waiting for! You can look just like Manhattan’s elite, and perhaps even join their scandalous lives with just a few of these shopping tips. Of course we won’t look like Gossip Girl's true fashion-forward icon, Jenny Humphrey, as she designs her own clothes. But we'll give you the scoop on the others. Blair Waldorf If Blair’s classy, chic style is your thing, then we’ve got you covered. Remember Blair’s handbag in “You’ve Got Yale”? It’s a Valentino Jardin Rose Framed Duffel, available in black for $2,395 from Neiman Marcus. Or how about her Fitted Check Coat? It’s a Milly, sold at Bergdorf Goodman and marked down from $735 to $294! What a deal! . . . Also, don’t forget to check out her plaid blazer! You can find it online at Brooks Brothers, marked down from $3,500 down to $875. That’s 75% off! And for a 100% fitted cashmere coat, you can’t do much better. . . . . . . . Serena van der Woodson If you like Serena’s fun, sexy style, then this is the section for you. Remember Serena’s blue plaid blazer? We found it on The Violet Hour on sale for just $445. She paired this fantastic Smythe Equestrian Blue Plaid blazer with her school uniform skirt, hue tights, and Te Casan boots. Made by Fay Baldock Women’s Fenny Boot, these boots will complement and enhance any skirt or dress. . . . . . . If you’ve been searching for one of Serena’s many beautiful and stylish dresses, then look no further. Here is dress she wore on the episode, “Pret-a-Poor J,” airing on October 27, 2008.  It’s a Foley + Corinna Jersey & Faille Dress, and can be found on shopbop.com. . . . . . . . . . . . So enjoy, Upper East Siders! You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl

Spotlight on Alexander McQueen

The innovative works created by Alexander McQueen are becoming increasingly popular with his stunningly beautiful designs. He is known for the emotional power and raw energy of his shows, juxtaposed with his both romantic and contemporary collections. His combination of British tailoring, fine workmanship of the French Haute Couture atelier, and the impeccable finish of Italian manufacturing helped McQueen win the respect and admiration of designers, fashionistas, and celebrities worldwide. In 2003, the CFDA awarded him with the “International Award” for celebrating “a designer who has made an outstanding contribution to the world of fashion.” Below are just a few of the many celebrities who wear his fabulous designs.

Aretha’s Hat

Though many interesting hats were donned during throughout Inauguration Day and the weekend preceding it, Aretha Franklin’s hat was the best, which she wore it during her rendition of My Country Tis of Thee.  The hat was designed by Milliner Luke Song, who made it from wool felt and Swarovski crystals. He had created two hats for Aretha to choose from, but the Queen of Soul chose the more flamboyant of the two. . The hat’s popularity has prompted Mr. Song to design many more similar chapeaus.  His line includes 12 different hats of different colors and with varying bow sizes, with prices ranging from $150 to $250. He will premiere this line in February at the Women’s Wear trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. His company, Moza Inc., doesn’t usually name it’s hats, but in honor of the Queen of Soul, will name this hat after Aretha.

The Next High-Profile Fashionista in Politics

Though she has not yet been recognized as a style icon, Dr. Jill Bided looked beautiful and quite stylish throughout Inauguration Day and later that night at the Inauguration Balls. Though se chose to wear red throughout the day, Jill proved that she can take that color to new heights. fashion/celebritystyle/michelle-obama-and-jill-biden-inaugurate-fashion-into-the-white-house/">During the day, Jill wore a bright red Fluerette coat over a gray menswear plaid grey Milly dress, and paired with tall black boots. Though she was criticized for looking too sexy with a short(er) dress and the tall boots, we believe Jill looks perfectly feminine and very well put-together. Jill looked radiant a strapless, red Reem Acra gown, which she wore to the Inauguration Balls. The dress was fitted to the waist, then flowed out, making the Second Lady look more elegant than ever. She chose minimal accessories, donning only a thin bracelet and long earrings. Even though the First Lady may have received all the fashion hype, it is possible that this red dress stole the entire show.

Michelle Obama at the Inauguration Ball

After much anticipation and suspense, the First Lady attended the Inaugural Balls wearing a one-shouldered ivory Jason Wu Dress. Made with a silk Chiffon fabric and covered in organza flowers and Swarovski crystals, Michelle looked absolutely breathtaking, in this long, flowing dress. Mr. Wu, a 26 year-old designer, originally from Taiwan, was thrilled to have designed her chosen dress, saying, “I was in awe when I saw her. I was emotional, I was amazed.” Later on the Today Show, he elaborated, “I wanted to design a gown that would highlight her best features.” To complete the outfit, Michelle donned earrings and a bracelet made by Loree Rodkin. She chose 60-carat white gold and triple rose cut diamond drop earrings, a 10 carat center stone white gold and black rhodium rose cut diamond ring and white gold and diamond bangles. This outfit, as well as the one the First Lady wore to the Inauguration Ceremony will become part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Museum. Perhaps no one said it better than President Barack Obama himself at the Neighborhood ball, when his first words out were, “How good-looking is my wife?” Mr. President, we could not agree more. However, not all viewers found Michelle Obama’s dress to be quite as monumental. Fashion guru Tim Gunn, mentor on Project Runway and Host of Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, told CNN that he had hoped to see something with more jewel tones. On the other hand, Tommy Hilfiger remarked, “I thought she looked elegant and beautiful. I think white was appropriate for the evening complementing Mr. Obama’s white tie and formal dress.” Nevertheless, Michelle radiated happiness in her gown, and perhaps that is the takeaway messages. Perhaps Rick Nelson sang it best in Garden Party, when he astutely quipped “You can’t please everybody, so you’ve got to please yourself.”

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