"The human cost of shockingly cheap clothing"

Photo credit: ecouterre.com

Jon Oliver covered the topic of sweatshops, fast fashion, and the world's unhealthy and deadly addiction to cheap clothing very well on his show "Last Week Tonight." Oliver's words from this video are the title of today's blog.

Obviously, I love clothing and like a bargain. Am I aware of how many clothing companies use child labor and allow people to work in inhumane, dangerous conditions to produce garments? Yes, but have I chosen to spend my money responsibly, and thoughtfully, by not supporting such unethical companies? Not always. Oliver's story put this issue on my radar again. It should be on all of our radars and we should shop or not shop accordingly. Go here to learn more about child labor.

BIG SALE

Like many of you, I love shopping in consignment stores. There are bargains to be had on one of a kind garments and accessories, and I like the idea of recycling instead of always buying new.

Today there is a sale at a local haunt in Santa Barbara: Jessica Consignment. Maybe I will see you there!

How to Dress for Work

 Photo credit: Associated Press
 
I enjoyed listening to this story on NPR's On Point about workplace dressing today. I've never had a job that required me to dress a certain way, so it is sometimes hard for me to relate to people's struggles over what to wear to work. However, I do understand there are complicated and often mixed messages people get from their employers about what is appropriate and what is not.

Go here to read an excellent New York Times article on this topic. Times are different from the 1970s, when women dressed like Mary Tyler Moore in her eponymous TV show (pictured above).

New Bras!

Image credit (both): Simoneperele.com

I require a lot of lift from my bras.  For this reason, finding just the right brassiere can be a challenge. So it was with the usual dread and excitement when I went bra shopping this week. Happily, I left Purrmission Lingerie, in Santa Barbara, with two new bras that fit great, are comfortable and give me plenty of lift.

No matter what you is shopping for, it is important to remember what your goals and preferences are. Even though I was offered a number of demi and balcony bras to try on, I stayed the course, asking the saleswoman to show me only full coverage, contour bras. Since Purrmission is known for its gorgeous lacy and fancy bras like the one below, the saleswoman could not resist bringing some stunningly beautiful ones as well. Sure, I tried them on. But in the end, I found two contour bras--one in black (above) and quite pretty, and one in nude, utilitarian.

I saw many, many lovely bra and panty sets, nightgowns, and slips at Purrmission. If you have not been, the trip is well worth it. I also picked up a bottle of Forever New, my favorite hand wash fabric soap.

Sunday Wardrobe Wisdom

Here are some fun facts from The One Hundred by Nina Garcia:

60% of Americans claim to have owned at least one pair of Converse in their lives.

Converse high-tops are also called Chuck Taylors, because in 1918, a high-school basketball star, Chuck Taylor, began wearing them. He later promoted and lent his name to the sneakers.

I think Converse sneakers are terrific. These days my favorite version is the white Jack Purcell (above).  They go with jeans, shorts, summer dresses, and casual skirts. Love them!

Bill Cunningham

Photo credit: brockelpress.com

How sad it was to hear that Bill Cunningham, longtime "On the Street" fashion photographer for the New York Times, had died. Many, many tributes have been written about him, and more are to come. This one was especially touching to me. He was clearly a very special man, described by his colleagues this way: "Bill expressed his enthusiasm regularly and effusively."

Here are some links to my past blogs about Mr. Cunningham:

The Palate and the Eye 

Good News 

Intoxicated with Fashion 

Sea Life 

Crazy Shoes 

Fashion Week 

Booties 

Hot Days and Men in Suits