Q&A with CampusDibs Co-Founder, Scott Poniewaz
Happy MLK Weekend everyone!! As you know we love to connect with other young entrepreneurs following their dreams...so today we are thrilled to bring you an interview with Scott Poniewaz, Co-Founder of CampusDibs. CampusDibs is a fully functioning sale site dedicated to the needs of today's college student. We are super psyched to be apart of this week's CampusDibs Newsletter and hope you check out our interview with Scott as well as their awesome site.
CampusDibs Team: Garren Givens, Manish Vora and Scott Poniewaz
CMar: What is CampusDibs and how did you originate the idea for it?
Scott: It wasn’t long ago that we were digging for change in the cushions for beer money, and realized it would be awesome if we could help students live large on the cheap with brands they already know, while also introducing up-and-coming products, services and brands (like c. marchuska). Students have similar needs across the country, so we offer everything from deals at the local pizza place all the way up to products like dorm furnishings, textbooks, or spring break travel. We also provide the opportunity for amazing experiences like NJ Nets basketball games or touring Broadway shows like Rock of Ages.
CMar: Who currently is a part of the CampusDibs team and how did you meet?
Scott: We have a great team with Garren Givens, Manish Vora and I as the co-founders of the company. We were all born in Wisconsin and somehow connected in New York through various entrepreneur and startup channels here in the city. We also have a few full-time staff and interns from schools like Baruch, Columbia, and Trinity (and we’re still looking for more).
CMar: What role has social media played in your business?
Scott: Colleges have inherent offline social networks that are tightly knit. One person telling their 3 roommates has been a great benefit with campuses. Facebook and Twitter referral programs are also key to helping spread Campus Dibs to different campuses around the country.
CMar: Where do you see CampusDibs 5 years from now?
Scott: We’ll still be putting together great offers for students and introducing them to the best things out there. Given the pace at which things move in modern times and in technology, we have a feeling there will be a much different experience we’ll be building on to bring everything awesome to students. Who knows, maybe we’ll have space travel for spring break by then!
CMar: Have you always been an entrepreneur?
Scott: I definitely did not take a direct path to where I am today. I grew up in Wisconsin and started college at the University of Montana studying art education, graduated with a photojournalism degree, landed a job teaching photo programs in Southeast Asia for a teen travel company, then ended up building their India operations and other Asian markets before leaving the safety of a salary and jetsetting to take the leap of faith to help launch Campus Dibs. Along the way, I’ve done everything from ski instructing to graphic design to cooking. Versatility is an important trait for entrepreneurs.
CMar: What inspires you?
Scott: Success, but not in the financial sense. Everything I do, I want to do well. I think Garren, Manish and I all share the same workaholic ethic, simply because we have that drive to succeed in everything we do. You should see us at our company bowling parties, you’ll definitely see that drive come out in all of us (laughing).
CMar: What's the most important thing you have learned from starting this business?
Scott: Aside from keeping all of our students happy and saving them money, it is the ability to reflect on how each decision effects the business, then move our strategy forward or pivot quickly based on that information. From my time in India for my previous company, it would definitely be that a cup of tea can go a long way.
CMar: Will you be featuring more green companies going forward? Is it an initiative for your site?
Scott: As we grow, we want to definitely feature more green companies on our site. One of our partnerships is with Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA and they have been very adamant about doing a series of local, green deals for their campus. We think college students today are more conscious and supportive of eco-friendly brands and of course, we love them too!
Thank you so much Scott!!! Have a fabulous weekend everyone!
Until next time stay eco-fabulous,
CMar xoxo
DC vs NYC: Fashion War?
DC Fashion is all about the working man and woman. Never have I ever witnessed corporate America look so trendy, until I stepped foot into the District. The guys and gals here actually resemble the mannequins we see in stores like Banana Republic, Express, & Nordstrom, almost identically. My days of wondering "Who would really wear a blazer like that?" are over for sure.
It all began on the metro at approximately 1:0opm. The time that a lot of people take their lunch break in hopes of avoiding the large noon crowd of lunch goers, but since everyone is trying the same method...1 o'clock gets just as crowded. A body of pencil skirts, slacks, blazers, suits, ties, & button ups crowded the train. A woman in a black v-neck skirt suit was standing next to me and I happened to notice her leopard print pumps and shortly thereafter a red ribbon waist-belt meticulously wrapped around her white button-up underneath her blazer. "How Pizazz?" I thought to myself. My first day in DC and I've already found some fashion relief. From that moment on I had begun observing DC fashion and, irresistibly, comparing it to NYC fashion.
Photo Courtesy of Curator of DC Style
How does DC compare to NYC fashion? Realistically, it doesn't. NYC isn't called one of the Fashion Capitals of The world for no reason...it is truly in a ballpark of it's own. However, DC fashion helps you notice and appreciate the simpler things that personalize and make an outfit standout; The true essence of fashion. It's so easy to get wrapped up in NYC's super hip, super trendy, super bold designs and mixed matches...the neon greens with the oranges, the biker boots with the ruffle skirts, the chic black dress with the glittered accent jackets. But, with all that going on...it's just as easy to miss the simple things like patterns, shoes, accent colors, bags, jewelery, & scarves. That's the breath of relief in DC fashion...that's their stronghold.
Photo Courtesy of Curator of DC Style
Since the main purpose of existence in DC is mostly working, networking, and politics... DC people seem to have mastered the "ready for anything" style. Their outfits are literally ready for work, then a cocktail after work, then to the art gala, then to a late business meeting, the bookstore, the grocery store, etc. etc. All while managing to still look prepared just in case something or someone important comes along at some point in their day. I would say that NYC is the same, but realistically, we can all pretty much cast everyone into their appropriate roles- you have the artists, the rebels, the fashionistas/fashion career inclined people, the business/wall street people, the party-goers/rockers, and so on. NYC fashion is more about the statement and less about the versatility of lifestyle.
Photo Courtesy of Curator of DC Style
DC Fashion speaks in code. They take an average outfit and make it extraordinary by adding a colored scarf or trendy shoes, glitzy jewelry or an eye catching bag, hounds tooth pea-coat vs a regular gray one, and bright colors alongside neutral attire. It's like..."Yeah I'm in the world, yeah I like fashion, but most importantly I'm keeping it real." A simple white dress with a red leather bag will do. You can try to wear zebra print leggings to the local Starbucks if you want, I can't promise that no one will stare and probably secretly think to themselves "Where does she think she is? New York City?". (Although, let me add, don't ever let anyone's opinion ever sway your fashion choices)
Photo Courtesy of Curator of DC Style
Sophisticated & contemporary, yet versatile & trendy is definitely how I'd sum up DC fashion. It's so easy to fall in love with the simplicity of the Washingtonian's style, which is why the fashion scene is picking up more than ever, having celebrated their first annual Fashion's Night Out this past September. They remind us that less is more, simple is best, and fashion is truly about personalization. But don't worry if you get bored with that...just hop a couple blocks down to Georgetown, the brainchild of NYC. I'm sure you'll get your hipster relief there.
xoxo
Liya Lahren
Eco-Beauty Basics: Go Green, Buy YAMERRA
Love your skin, love your hair, love you. That's the tagline for 100% natural hair and skin care company, Yamerra. Its founder, Maryam Moma is a 25-year-old fashion model who blends the beauty benefits of shea butter and essential oils with luxurious scents that'll leave you wanting more.
Angel: Yamerra is 4 years old. How did you come up with the concept to start the line and what is your company's philosophy?
Maryam: I founded Yamerra a few years after I graduated from Temple University with a degree in architecture. I enjoyed studying architecture, however- it was not my passion. I have always been immersed in the world of beauty, skincare and haircare, and fashion, being a fashion model in the industry since I was 16. I was primarily inspired to create Yamerra by my own skincare and haircare needs to create functional and useful blends for personal use with affordable and natural raw materials. I discovered that Shea butter is extremely restorative and healing for the hair and skin. I decided to mix pure Shea with essential oils and herbs to even enhance it more.
Angel: As a young entrepreneur, what steps did you take to start Yamerra and what challenges did you encounter?
Maryam: One of the first steps I took when I started Yamerra was to work vigorously to create a nutrient-rich and titillating scent palette for its products. I wanted to restore balance and radiance to my skin and hair using raw shea, and also be left smelling delectable! Closer to Yamerra’s founding, I brought a chemist on board, Victoria O., to make sure Isure herbs and essential oils did not clash to irritate the skin and hair; rather, to rejuvenate, balance and heal.
Organic Yamerra body butters in Sultry Mango and Strawberry Lemon. These luxurious creams are available in 1/2-ounce, 2-ounce and 4-ounce sizes.
Angel: Why did you choose to build Yamerra as an organic skin and hair care line?
Maryam: One of the primary reasons for making Yamerra all natural and organic is because all natural ingredients and raw materials are not only better for the skin and hair but also for the earth and environment. Yamerra is a sustainable brand. It has been an extremely important decision to keep the line organic and all natural so that it can be used and enjoyed by all, safely. Yamerra is recommended for even babies.
Angel: Your products are sold in three U.S. states, as well as international locations, Dubai and Nigeria. How do you manage Yamerra as an international brand?
Maryam: I have managed Yamerra as an international brand by making strong connections with trusted, like-minded individuals, who have used and seen the benefits of Yamerra first-hand. All the distributors/ store locations that carry Yamerra now, locally and internationally, are owned by Yamerra clients who use the product themselves. I deal with these people personally, sending them requested samples and products for retail as needed. Connecting with a store owner that is aware of what the market/ clientele needs and wants are, is easily reachable and communicates efficiently and timely is important in dealing with an international account.
Angel: Tell me about some of our most popular/favorite products. Besides your own line, are there other natural and organic companies or organizations that you support?
Maryam: We have three product lines, a two-in-one hair and body butter, luxurious body soap, and a whipped body soufflé. They come in six, very unique varying scents: Lemon Fire Bliss Lemongrass, Sultry Mango, Home Sweet Home Honey Vanilla, Be Bodacious Tangerine Grape, Sensual Bliss Jasmine Sage, and In Spring Lusciousness Peach Peppermint.
Yamerra also carries a line for mothers-to-be, nursing mothers, and newborn babies (6-12 months), plus unique seasonal creations.
Another organic product I support and use personally is Selara Faces Skincare. I love their face masks- they leave my skin firm, supple and revived. My favorite mask is their Honey Almond Exfoliator and Mask- After a home facial, I follow with another amazing product in their line- Selara Faces Skin Brightening Moisturizer. It’s is high in Vitamin E, smells incredible and leaves the skin feeling moisturized and loved.
Angel: What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs, especially those who want to build sustainable, eco-friendly businesses?
Maryam: I advise that young entrepreneurs starting a small business to follow their hearts and stay true to their most original concepts. Innovation, persistence, and determination to succeed in business must factor in. Especially to individuals interested in building an eco-friendly business; do not settle for or include anything that is not from the earth, not natural and chemical-free.
Angel: Do you have any last words?
Maryam: Join the Yamerra Revolution! Enjoy Yamerra’s luxurious, affordable and long-lasting Eco-essential products made with love. Otherwise, stay far away from products containing chemicals- help sustain the earth by using and supporting Eco-friendly brands and do not forget to recycle!
For more information about Maryam and her luxurious, all-natural shea butter products, log on to her webpage or visit her blog. Follow her as she travels to and fro @Yamerra.
Kisses and cupcakes until we meet again,
♥ ✌ ☺
-Angel Lenise
Why Being a #FAIL can be Cool
He's an Oklahoma City native, who ventured to upstate New York for film school at Syracuse... and now this Kindle enthusiast and author wants the world to join him on a journey that's sure to be a #fail. And I mean that in the best way possible.
Aaron Goldfarb is a Midtown Manhattan-based novelist whose first book, "How to Fail: The Self-Hurt Guide," is available in stores and on Amazon (click here to buy). He's just a few weeks shy of his national book tour and will be collaborating with C. Marchuska for some big - and I do mean BIG - projects next year.
I (@angELLEnise) had the chance to sit down with Aaron (@aarongoldfarb), and our own lovely blogger Christina (@cblacken), over coffee. And, I must say, I'm surprised that he's just a writer... he had us laughing the entire time.
So, heeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Aaron!
Angel: Why do you think the world needs a self-hurt book? What's the premise?
Aaron: The thing is, I'm not sure the world does need a self-hurt book. But I KNOW the world doesn't need any more self-help books. George Carlin once said, "If you're reading it in a book, folks, it ain't self-help. It's help." Well, I'd say, if you're reading a self-help book it's neither help, nor is it interesting. My book is a funny, satirical take on success in modern America. The world's FIRST self-hurt guide!
Angel: Now, you're an avid Kindle reader. Was that the reason you took an eco-route and made sure ''How to Fail'' was available as an e-book?
Aaron: It's funny, I'm about as eco-friendly as a writer can be, but I'll admit it's kinda through pure happenstance. I live in the tiny world of Manhattan where you can't have a lot of "stuff" which has caused me to thusly abhor "stuff." I live a very spartan lifestyle and there's nothing more simplified than whittling down an entire collection of books into one lightweight device. I love carrying countless "books" with me at all times, I love being able to buy a new book at any given time, I love how much easier it is to hold and read off a Kindle than it was to lug a huge hardback around. I'm such a Kindle evangelist, people assume I work for them!
Angel: On Nov. 9, you'll be starting your book tour with a release party here in Manhattan. From there you're headed to Brooklyn Bowl and some stops in Jersey to promote "How to Fail." That's not the typical book promo roadmap. Why'd you choose the ''30 Bars in 30 Days'' approach?
Aaron: Quite frankly, most book events are boring. I mean boooooooring. A fumbling author standing behind a lectern nervously reading an uninteresting passage to a funeral home type crowd of old farts just there for some free entertainment before bed time.
Angel: Whew, that's a mouthful, LOL.
Aaron: Thus, I decided to take my events out of the book store and to a place innately associated with fun: the bar.
Angel: Aside from your bar-book tour, you'll be teaming up with C. Marchuska for cross-promotional ventures. What plans do you have for working with C. Marchuska in the future?
Aaron: Yeah, I love doing cross promotional stuff with the kinds of people that might seem atypical collaborators at first. I'm not a "fashion type." Most of my friends and the target audience for the book probably aren't either. Likewise, most of C. Marchuska's core audience probably isn't into the kinda dark, vulgar comedy that "How to Fail" is. At least they've never thought they were. But I can tell you they are! C. Marchuska and I have discussed outfitting me for my tour as well as a few other fashion/book party type events that have never been done before (I'll just leave it ambiguously at that!)
Angel: That sounds interesting! But, I'm going to give you a head start with the the C. Marchuska lovers out there. Give me a tweet... In 140 characters or less... Why do people need to learn ''How to Fail?''
Aaron: Every one's trying so damn hard to succeed that they aren't having any fun. "Fail" a little and you might find yourself laughing a whole lot more.
Angel: You were almost there... 147 characters (with spaces). Do you have any last words??
Aaron: When you got something to sell, the last words can only be: BUY MY BOOK.
You can join Aaron's Facebook fan page here or visit his website at www.aarongoldfarb.com. He's open to all types of (fan)mail, so drop him a line at aaron@aarongoldfarb.com. Keep an eye out for his 30 Bars in 30 Days book promo, as well as his Nov. 9 release party at Amity Hall, right here in NYC.
That's all for now.
Signing off with hugs & kisses, and decked in plenty of goGREEN,
-Angel
Weekly Eco Fashion Wrap Up October 16th, 2010
Happy Saturday from the Big Apple's Upper East Side....CMar here giving you the latest and greatest in eco-fashion 
So let's get to it!
What to Read:
ECO Fashion by Sass Brown
Awesome new book from FIT professor, Sass Brown. Brown examines eco-fashion trends around the globe in this fabulous new read. Check it out today at your local book store or online. We can't wait to get our hands on a copy
What To Eat:
Photo Courtesy of http://girliegirlarmy.com
We are HUGE fans of The Girlie Girl Army weekly blogs with awesome recipes for the healthy chick! Check out this great and yummy recipe for Raspberry Ganache Fudge Cake by Raw Food Star Ani Phyo.
What To Do:
Photo Courtesy of Refinery 29 Blog
We aren't going to lie....Halloween is one of our favorite days of the year! Make it eco fab by picking up some cool finds at your local thrift store and then letting creative juices flow.... Once you have the perf outfit then rush over to a cool haunted house in your city to really get in the Halloween spirit! If you are in NYC be sure to check out the recommended Haunted Houses by one of our favorite daily blogs, Refinery 29! We are thinking Blood Manor tomorrow....anyone want to join??? Hehehe
News from c. marchuska:
Lots of awesome new posts for our amazing friends and fans to check out including new features like: AskHim and new posts: Introducing Christina Blacken: Six Questions in Six Minutes and How's My White Tee Bad: Demystifying Eco Fashion
Oh and some new projects in the works....let's just say CBS News stopped by....and a new web series has contacted our fav eco-fashionista.....SHHHHHH! Can't give more deets at this time, but stay tuned
Alright stay eco-chic my darlings and enjoy this amazing weekend!
xoxo
CMar
Introducing Christina Blacken: Six Questions in Six Minutes
Hello eco-fashionistas! It's been seven, whole days since I was introduced to the C. Marchuska world. Now, it's my pleasure to return the favor and give you all the scoop on another member of the team, Christina Blacken. She's an Ogden, Utah native and Cornell alumna. Christina balances dual roles as a paralegal in midtown Manhattan and a blogger for C. Marchuska's sustainable web presence. So, you green guys and gals, without further ado... meet Christina.
Angel: So which came first, your work in fashion or your introduction to eco-conscious living?
CBlack: Eco-concious living crept up on me. I started wanting to know the when's, what's, and why's of the things I consumed and how they affected both myself and the world around me. And thrift shopping came from the fun of the find, and the necessity of needing to be fashionable on a student's budget (lol). Those two passions melded into me taking a course on eco-clothing at Cornell, and it went from there.
Angel: How did you partner up with C. Marchuska?
CBlack: I met Christine through a Woman's Entrepenuership Course at Cornell. She was giving a speech about transitioning from one career field to another (which she had done by juggling a finance job and starting the C. Marchuska line). I really loved what she had to say, so being the gung-ho person I am, I stayed after class to chat with her. She complimented me on my outfit and mentioned having some opportunies that she would love to have me help with. And now, I'm happily blogging away for the C.Marchuska site! 
Angel: Besides eco-fashion, what other green alternatives, projects or organizations do you support?
CBlack: Well, I am a semi vegetarian so that counts for something right? I also volunteer at Housing Works (http://www.housingworks.org), a social enterprise that provides rehabilitation and housing shelters for the homeless and individuals suffering from AIDS through the monies generated by their profitable businesses (a thrift shop being one of them). I am still on the hunt to find a great cause or org to join, so if anyone has any suggestions, I am open to them!
Angel: Do you have any advice for people who are interested about breaking into the eco-fashion industry?
CBlack: Read-Learn-Step Out. That's my three-step program to breaking into any passion or interest you love. Read up on an industry, learn the ins and outs, and places to be, and people you may be interested to meet. Then go out to groups, events, shows, and clubs that are apart of that interest.
Angel: Besides C. Marchuska, what other projects are you involved in?
CBlack: I am a singer and am on the hunt for great musical groups to be apart of (any suggestions NYCers??). I am still transitioning into the city, so I'm just taking everything in. Hopefully I'll be apart of some other great causes and activities very soon.
Angel: Any last words??
CBlack: Don't talk about it, be about it! So run and tell dat (what's a post without my favorite quote? lol)
Well, that's all for now, folks. Tune in next Wednesday for my sit-down with C. Marchuska blogger, Krystal. Until then, sit tight, take care... and go green.
-Angel
How’s My White Tee Bad? Demystifying Eco Fashion
I have an addiction to a great sale. And not just any wimpy "buy one get one 2% off" type deal, but a sale so good you feel like you're stealing from the establishment (just kidding..sort of:D). So this itching for some good ol' saving inspired another passion...thrift shopping.
Now thrifting serves two distinct and lovely purposes in this fashionista's life 1) I save big bucks...ever know what it feels like to walk out of store with 5 great staple clothing pieces for under 40 dinero? probably not..get like me!:) and 2) thrift shopping allows me to find distinct pieces that are timeworn and well made, but still affordable.
Thrifting should make anybody this excited:D photo courtesy of blog.timesunion.com
Photo courtesy of 20something.ca
With those two things in mind, I scour racks of Salvation Army, Goodwill, Beacons Closet (insert any standard thrift shop name), searching for that next stylish blazer, blouse, or vest that will amp my wardrobe. But, in the midst of my budget loving frenzy, I was completely unaware I was becoming apart of a movement, a change in an industry so large, not one person on this planet can avoid interaction with it (unless you're a nudist, and if so good looks on great body image confidence:D lol). I am apart of a movement to completely change the apparel industry, by supporting eco fashion and sustainable consumption. Funny how it all started with a slick vest at a thrift shop.
So I know you're thinking "whooa whooa hold up Christina Blacken, what exactly is wrong with my white tee, yup with my white tee? And what's this funny buzz word 'eco fashion'? Also, how is thrift shopping all eco and such?" Well I'm glad you asked! Read on my lost cyber friend read on:..
Have you ever wondered, if a shirt could talk, what stories would it tell? If my shirts talked to me (glad they don't, that's certifiable wacko but you get me?) they would enlighten me on where they grew, whose hands stitched them, and how they ended up in a retail shop down my block. But since shirts shouldn't be talking to ya, consumers are left very disconnected and in the dark about how their clothes are made and what impact those clothes are having on the future of this earth.
Sounds heavy I know, but the effects of the current structure of the apparel industry are detrimental at best, devastating at worst. The C. Marchuska team is spreading the message of the environmental, economical, and social importance of eco fashion through this blog, and will feature a Monday blog spot giving an insider's look at the apparel industry, where your clothes come from and their impacts, and how eco fashion is leading a necessary change in consumption. With 6 billion people each rocking some type of frock, clothes aren't fickle baby, they're crucial and affecting us in ways unbeknown to the public.
Keep your eye's peeled for next Monday's rundown on what major impacts are occurring from the fashion industry. In the meantime I leave you with a quick vid to get your feet wet..educational and all:D
http://www.bbc.co.uk/thread/blood-sweat-tshirts/
til we cyberbond again,
stay fly
-CBlack
Weekly Eco Fashion Wrap Up October 8th, 2010
Before we kick off our fabulous week in review, by new eco chic CMar blogger, Krystal Williams, we thought we would finally announce the Winner of our London Chic Vocab Contest! Lucky for us, we have a resident fashion forward Brit, Ajay Nayyar, on board at c. marchuska. Ajay looked through all of your awesome response, but quickly assured us that we Americans actually call the accessory in debate the same word used by our English brethren....yup that is right ladies and gents....Brits actually call scarves the same thing we, bold and sometimes brash, Americans call them....scarves! Somewhat a bit of a trick contest question, but still we think it stirred up some interesting debates on London fashion vocab Now, for the real moment we have all been waiting for.....drum roll please!!!!! The winner of one NYC made, super soft, super sexy and totally eco c. marchuska hunter scarf is.....Derek Sanderoff! Congratulations Derek and thank you for participating and of course, thank you for your support! Alright, let me hand it over to Krystal...
Greetings, Fashion People! It’s Krystal with the Week in Review. Things have been heating up this week in the Ecosphere. Check out our fav picks of the week!
"Q&A with new CMar blogger, Angel Lenise"
Here's an excerpt from the post - check it out here and stay tuned for future CMar blogger interviews including an upcoming Q&A with yours truly "Well it has been a little over six months since we started our new social media campaign and we have some new exciting changes as well as new additions to our team! So for the next three Wednesday posts we will be featuring our fabulous new team members and why they are passionate about fashion and the environment. Today we are kicking it off with Angel Lenise. We met Angel through a casting call for our latest web spot featuring some of our favorite c. marchuska dresses."
“Eco-Fashion: Going Green”
Photo courtesy of the The Shoe Dish blog www.theshoedish.com
From May 26-Nov 13, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology will be showcasing ecofashion of today and yesterday. Ecofashion is often linked to the environmentalist movement and the hippie culture of the 1960’s, but rarely are fashionably eco-friendly styles before the mid-twentieth century discussed. This exhibition explores the ways in which the value of clothing has transformed in the past 200 years, putting into historical context of today’s eco-fashion movement.
For more info about this exhibition check out FIT’s website at www.fitnyc.edu.
Issey Miyake’s 132 5 Eco-Friendly Collection
The buzz on eco-fashion has been on high recently in the fashion world, but revolutionary Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake has taken things to a whole new level with the release of his innovative, origami inspired 132 5 Collection. What is the story behind the name you ask? One piece of clothe with a three dimensional shape that folds into a two dimensional shape. The space equates to the time that it takes from completion of the garment to the moment when someone puts it on and the five is equivalent to the number of permutations for each piece. Here at CMar this all adds up to 100 percent eco-fantastic!
Photo courtesy of evon-.blogspot.com
Some things I’d like to highlight before I let everyone get back to their fabulous weekends:
Eco Lover and Project Runway contestant Gretchen Jones is having a giveaway for a Pearl Crescent blouse. According to the EcoSalon website, “Her Pearl Crescent blouse is made from low impact, hand dyed, locally sourced silk and is versatile enough to wear with pencil skirts and heels or torn jeans and sneakers.” Go here for a chance to enter to win the blouse.
Photo Credit: www.ecosalon.com
Vancouver wrapped up its first bi-annual Eco-Fashion Week last week. Check out photos and a wrap up of the earth friendly fare here.
Photo Credit: Vancouver is Awesome (Blog)
Alright everyone - that's it for this week! Thank you for reading and if you like what you see - please feel free to tweet, share and comment!
xoxo,
Krystal, CMar & Ajay
Introducing Model, Fashionista & Eco-conscious Blogger….Angel Lenise
Before we kick off today's blog I want to remind everyone to enter our hunter scarf contest!! Check out Monday's blog post here - then comment on the blog on what the Brits refer to scarves as, share the blog post on facebook and like the blog post on our facebook page...then tune back in Friday evening for the winning entry! Easy enough, right?? Okay enough about Monday's contest... Well it has been a little over six months since we started our new social media campaign and we have some new exciting changes as well as new additions to our team! So for the next three Wednesday posts we will be featuring our fabulous new team members and why they are passionate about fashion and the environment. Today we are kicking it off with Angel Lenise. We met Angel through a casting call for our latest web spot featuring some of our favorite c. marchuska dresses.
CMar: First off Angel, how did you get into fashion modeling? How long have you been in the industry?
Angel: Modeling by no means has been a full-time priority... although I wish it was! I started a little over a year ago while I was still at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Ga. I did local fashion shows, worked with some great photographers, and really saw it as a platform to build a career in media and entertainment reporting. Moving to New York for grad school has seemingly put me in a position to really focus on modeling as a career, but managing school and work has been difficult enough. Once I finish my program, it will definitely be a full-time pursuit... although I try to do a shoot every now and then for my portfolio. Eventually, I'd love to do more print work and end up in television, either as talent or in production.
CMar: Have you ever worked with an eco-fashion line before? What intrigued you about working with c. marchuska?
Angel: This is my first time working with an eco-fashion label... or with any fashion label for that matter. I've been involved with fashion, and even interned for one of the Bloomingdale's stores in Atlanta. But I felt it would be great to be more involved with the people behind a line instead of a more corporate setting. After working with c. marchuska for a promo video and learning that eco-friendly fashion does not mean my sense of style had to be sacrificed, I was glad to hop on board.
CMar: Why are you interested in eco-fashion? Are there other green organizations you are also involved with or passionate about?
Angel: I'm really about living a healthy lifestyle... eating right, staying fit, using natural products... so I felt that the same effort I put into recycling or buying organic, I can put into my wardrobe too. Besides recycling on my own or buying local and organic foods, I haven't joined any other green orgs as a permanent member. That's why I chose c. marchuska. Why not blend fashion - something that I absolutely love - with an effort to live a greener, eco-conscious lifestyle? It's the best of both worlds.
CMar: Outside of modeling, we also are very lucky to have you on board with writing and reporting on green start-ups, style trends & tips and of course everything eco! How did you get into writing and blogging? Do you currently write for any other blogs? What is your fav topic to write about?
Angel: Like I said earlier, I went to college in Atlanta. I got my undergrad degree in Mass Media Arts with an emphasis in journalism and a minor in French. While in Atlanta, I worked for my school's TV station, CAU-TV, and was an events correspondent for popular college outlet, "The YARD Radio Show." Now, I'm pursuing my M.S. at Columbia University in Broadcast Journalism. But since I was involved in the arts at an early age (piano for 7 years, dance for 3, acting in high school), I'm avid about arts and culture reporting. Plus, at Columbia, most of the curriculum focuses on hard news and news features. So, any chance that I can report on something I'm truly passionate about, I'll take it. If it involves art, fashion, pop culture, music, or movies, I love to write about it! And the c. marchuska blog is the first one I've written for... I'm ready to get started and join the team!
Thank you Angel for an awesome interview!! We cannot wait for your upcoming posts and insights into eco-fashion!!
And to all of you fabulous readers out there - check out Angel wearing the red erin dress in her CMar debut and our latest 2010 web spot. The erin dress is available for sale on our site as well as various retailers in the US and at Sherry's London in the UK. The web spot is written, directed and filmed by HeroStatusFilms ~ Jonathan Monina and Sean Cunningham....yeah we think it is pretty amazing too
Check all of our web spots, fashion show coverage and much more on our You Tube Channel!
xoxo,
CMar
Monday’s Fashion Focus: London Chic Vocab
Happy Monday Everyone!
We are starting a new weekly blog series at c. marchuska this week. We have received your feedback and want to give you, our community, what it wants So every Monday we will be demystifying what fashion means to the masses. As most of us return from a social media filled weekend (totally recommend the Social Network movie - go see it NOW!) and get back into the grind of the week I thought we could focus this week on our brethren on the other side of the pond. I mean after all Prince Charles is now singing the praises of eco fashion so what better time to decipher the terms used by most fashionable Brits....
Whenever I travel to a new city, country, etc I want to go into the experience well informed. I want to know where the locals eat, where they play and more importantly how they speak. So on a recent jaunt to London I realized none of my Lonely Planet or Zagat's Guides could give me what I really needed....the fashion terms they used and embraced. I mean c'mon now....fashion is my passion and no amount of fish and chips will ever satiate me when it comes to Ted Baker, John Smedley....and (gasp) Burberry.... So here goes nothing your Monday fashion guide to the UK:
Jumper: no that Hugh Grant look alike is not referring to a cute little silhouette you wear over your button down... a jumper is a sweater in London....preferably one made of cashmere...
London Fashion Lesson #1: a Jumper is a Sweater
Pick up a John Smedly jumper today at: http://www.sherrys.co.uk/
Waistcoat: actually not a coat, nor is it some random too short to wear to the office dress pants...a waistcoat is a vest...hopefully Dolce & Gabbana and found under a suit
London Fashion Lesson #2: a Waistcoat is a Vest
Braces: oh I know this one....yeah those horrendous things that the dentist puts on your teeth to make puberty about a million times worse...sorry kiddies - but not in London....braces are suspenders....so classic and found frequently at Hermes....
London Fashion Lesson #3: Braces are Suspenders
This trivia is fun...but what is even more exciting is giving out some c. marchuska ecofashion swag.....as we enter my favorite season ever in NYC...um, yeah, FALL....check out the three web spots below and tell us what the hottest accessory (hint: hunter scarf) would be called in London and win yourself your very own sexy bamboo viscose unisex hunter scarf. Here's what you need to do to win:
1 - Comment on this blog and tell us what they call scarves in London
2 - Share this blog on your facebook page (more points rewarded to those that share it on twitter, gchat status, etc)
3 - Like this post on our c. marchuska fan page
Get it? Got it? Good! Now for your inspiration....check out these fab web spots we filmed to inspire your senses....
xoxo,
CMar