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
Eco-Pita: Eco-Fashion All Wrapped Up…November 12, 2010
The approaching holiday season has me in a rather reflexive mood. I woke up this morning not only excited for the weekend but also thankful for....eco-fashion. For fear of sounding corny let me be clear that eco-fashion encompasses two of my favorite things. Being fashion forward while remaining eco-conscious. The two are so harmonious--the union is a match made in heaven. The pair have produced wonderful offspring and this week has been no different, but the changes that have been taking place have me wondering: will I still have something to be thankful for a year from now? Is this all an eco-fad or is eco-fashion really here to stay?
Monique Pèan, Costello Tagilapietra, and Maria Cornejo are the Eco-Fashion Challenge Winners (Photo Courtesy of LivingEcho.com)
1. The CFDA and Lexus awarded three fashion forward, eco-conscious fashion designers $250,000 each for their earth-friendly designs. The designers entered the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Eco-Fashion Challenge, where they were judged mainly on aesthetics but the criteria was that their company has to be 25% sustainable or use 25% sustainable material. But is 25% really enough? Are leaders in the fashion world really moving towards full sustainability or are they capitalizing on the moment by taking a wade in the eco-dipping pool? My hope is that this is just a start and that the stakes will get even higher from here on in. My gut tells me that this is just the beginning. People are beginning to realize that we either change or risk ruining the earth permanently. Though change is slow to come, it is still coming.
Dame Vivienne Westwood (Photo Courtesy of DesignTaleStudio)
2. In addition to the financial assurance that the CFDA gave sustainable fashion reports have been swarming the blogosphere that world renowned fashion creative genius Vivienne Westwood gave this piece of advice at a London speaking engagement last month: "give up shopping for at least six months." In addition, she pushed fashion lovers to wear a towel instead of a coat. She proclaimed that at the moment, it is all about do-it-yourself."
So before you all head off to enjoy your weekends, sound off! The CFDA, the largest, and frankly, one of the most influential unions of fashion leaders, has taken note of the importance of sustainable fashion and one of the most influential creative minds in the industry has become a leading voice on the importance of eco-consciousness in lieu of fashion forwardness. Do the points I've made show that eco-fashion has a stronghold in the overall industry? What do you guys think? Do I really have something to be thankful for this holiday season? Are we experiencing a fleeting eco-trend or have we hit the jackpot and eco-fashion is something that is here to stay?
I solve my identity crisis with Fast Fashion?
Geek to chic. That tagline was all the rage on daytime television once upon a decade. Has beens and have nots were given the chance to strut their stuff on national television on shows like Jenny Jones (google if you don't know) and throw their new and improved images in the face of their bullier(s). "Bucked toothed Betty" and "Willie the wetter" became "Betty the buxom" and "Willie the sexy warrior" (ok that's a reach) with a matter of a few clap push ups (or whatever workout routine was the craze), hair and makeup changes, and of course a revamp in the wardrobe.
As a teen I ate those shows up, watching every minute in awe and booing the villains who tormented those now sexier-than-sex souls. Although looking at the before and after photos was a hoot (some of those folks put the bust in busted) what was really fascinating was how a few simple changes in ones appearance can make all the difference in how a person is viewed and treated by onlookers, strangers, friends, homies, comrades, bell hops, bank tellers, you get the drift...
We all traverse our own complicated journeys, trying to find who we are and what we want to represent in this world. Although personality, character, and merit do and should be counted for a majority of that image, physical appearances matter far too much to not put at least a semi effort into what you look like before stepping foot outside la casa.
One industry knows too well our need to "image improve." The fashion industry's lifeblood is through hawking images at you faster than a college student can run up debt on a credit card. Every ad is about selling an image, a possible "new you" that looks as sleek, polished and hungry-thin as the models slouching in their pictures. And this new image comes in a seasonal package, for only $19.99 per item. Who wouldn't grab at the chance to reinvent themselves with each fashion cycle? That new skinny jean/sequined vest/high waisted pant is bound to make your legs/waist/arse look as great as the ads say right? Welcome to the world and purpose of fast fashion..
wait fashion, fast?? This vid will explain this interesting buzz word for you...
Did you watch the whole video? And you didn't skip any parts right? Better not or I am one unhappy blogger, and cyber threats should be taken seriously **queue ominous music**
But all joking aside, the video highlights the major problems with fast fashion: waste, exploitation, and of course poorly made clothes, meant to last only through a few wears. Stores like Forever 21, H&M and Zara are leaders in fast fashion, bringing us the latest trends in greatly priced packages. Yet their business models are far from sustainable, and more detrimental if it becomes a shopper's norm. There is no hard and fast answer to fast fashion, nor am I advocating that you never ever buy another item from your fav fast fashion store again. But stop and really think about that next trendy fashion piece. Do you really need it? Will it last a while? What are you going to do with it once you are bored with the fit/color/shape/feathers on it? And when buying it, remembering what you are supporting through your consumption...
So what do you think readers, is there any problems with a constant image change and buying into fast fashion? If so, in what ways do you try to "green" your wardrobe?
-CBlack
Eco Weekend Round-up: Nov 6th, 2010
What to Wear:
Boot season is definitely here and we are onto a super cool eco brand out of the UK called Po-Zu. As our favorite fashionable male, Brian, wrote in a recent AskHim blog, Uggs are still all the rage and are the perfect pairing for a casual day around town. But, we are thinking of trading in those Uggs for Po-Zu Piper Tans which, not only are a lot more stylish than those standard brown suede boots, but are also organically tanned with vegetable extracts. Oh and did we also mention that they give 3% of each purchase to the charity of your choice?? If that doesn't get your feel good shopaholic hearts racing then we don't know what will 
Photo Courtesy of Po-Zu website: http://po-zu.com/eu/
What to Check Out:
Tired of paying $250 for a mediocre hair cut?? Yeah so were we - so we hopped on the 6 train to Union Square to check out the Carsten Aveda Institute. For $19 you get a wash, hair cut, blow dry, scalp massage and hand massage. Apart from all of this, they also use all Aveda products which are composed of naturally derived ingredients. Make your appt today at the 22 East 17th Street!
Photo credit: Christine's Blackberry
What to Eat:
Did you know how many amazing nutrients are in pumpkins? Better yet, did you know how tasty pumpkin seeds can be? Check out this awesome recipe from Emeril Lagasse for some delicious roasted pumpkin seeds with a spicy kick. We made them and now are a bit addicted to this yummy snack 
Kicking it up a notch with Emeril's spicy pumpkin seed recipe
News from C. Mar:
As you end this fabulous first week of November be sure to check out our design process post Monika's Story: The Journey of an Eco Friendly Dress, how to get your guy's attention with this week's AskHim and a Q&A with one of the new member's of our CMar Team, Krystal Williams. Last, but not least, don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour this Sunday as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end for 2010...and luckily gives all of us some extra time to catch up on those much needed Zzzzzs!
Keep it real & keep it eco chic
CMar xx
Behind the c. marchuska Blog: Meet Krystal
For the past month, I've taken time out, each Wednesday, to introduce the c. marchuska community to some interesting folks in the eco world. We've heard from Aaron Goldfarb, an up-and-coming New York author whose first book is available on Kindle. And, I've also had time to feature Amy Ludwigson, the woman behind conscious-shopping sites Pure Habitat and Pure Citizen. Now, it's time to reel it all back and let you all in on a member of the c. marchuska blog team, Krystal.
Krystal's a 22-year-old, Jersey girl, whose self-proclaimed energy, humor and curiosity is taking her to new heights in the Big Apple. She and Christine have a Cornell connection that brought them together for c. marchuska (tongue twister, yes, I know). So pop a bag of (organic) popcorn, pull up a chair, and get cozy with... Krystal!
Angel: How did you become involved with c. marchuska?
Krystal: My roommate and fellow Cornellian, Christina, met her at a conference during undergrad. Christina asked if I was interested in helping out with the blog; and because I love writing and LOVE the idea of fashion, I came on board. I've been loving it ever since.
Angel: You said that living with Christina has helped you become a more eco-conscious person. What have you learned from living the "green" way?
Krystal: It's important for people, especially young people, to become aware of how we are affecting our environment and how we can change basic habits to leave less of a harmful impact on the earth!
Angel: Why do you think eco fashion is important?
Krystal: People will always need clothes, so fashion is always going to be around. It's important for an industry that affects everyone in the world to be environmentally friendly. The fashion industry uses alot of inorganic materials and is extremely wasteful. If we could find methods that reduce that waste and reduce the amount of harmful chemicals and materials, we would be able to greatly decrease the harmful effects we leave on the earth. It's just one step in the process to living more eco friendly, but it is a huge step.
Angel: Besides blogging 
, what can we find you doing in your free time?
Krystal: I love attending culture-focused events such as music shows and poetry slams around the city. I love discovering new places in the city... on any given Saturday you can catch me walking down Madison Avenue, or gallery hoping in Chelsea, or catching a crosstown bus, just to explore!
Angel: Well, it's great you have down time to get out and have fun. Now that you're a working girl in the city, and have two internships on top of working with c. marchuska, what's next?
Krystal: My dream job would be to work at a magazine, or with a news station as a news anchor. I want a communications-based career that will allow me to use my writing and interpersonal skills to make a difference in the world.
Angel: Well, let's give you some room to start making that difference, right now. As always, I like to end my interviews by asking a short, simple question... any last words?
Krystal: Be more courageous than you thought you can and don't worry about the things you can't change.
Keep an eye out for Krystal's Weekly Eco-Fashion Roundup and catch her on twitter @_MissWilliams. See you next week... don't miss me too much
-Angel
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
Ask Him: What To Wear on a First NYC Date?
Hi everyone!
Hope you are enjoying our new weekly line-up of fresh and fashionable posts However, we thought no week could be complete without some sort of advice column targeted towards the fashion forward community we know and love. So every Tuesday we are going to bring you advice from one of our new and fabulous male contributors, Brian Campbell. Brian will be taking your questions and answering them every Tuesday for your reading pleasure. You can email him your questions at askhim@cmarchuska.com.
So who is this Brian Campbell you ask? Well, first off he is a born and raised LA surfer/entrepreneur who recently spent 4 years in NYC following after a model and successful fashionista who captured his heart. Now he spends his weeks jetsetting back and forth between Manhattan and Malibu with the occasional trip to London or the South of France. We met Brian at our first eco-fashion green show during Earth week 2009 (video coverage below). Ever since we have kept in touch and are completely ecstatic about his offer to be a contributing blogger for our weekly postings. Alright Brian - show us whatcha got
CMar Reader: Hi Brian - I recently moved from LA to NYC for a job. I still haven't had a chance to update my wardrobe for the fall weather here on the east coast, but already have a first date this Thursday. What is appropriate to wear on a first date in NYC without giving the guy the wrong impression? Thanks so much - Anne
Brian: Hi Anne, and welcome to NYC. As you can probably already can tell, the city is a bit different to that of LA, especially the weather. Being a girl, and new to town can be a daunting prospect seeing as NYC is seen as an open playing field for single men. In order to make sure you're not giving a guy the wrong impression on a first date (I assume you mean you don't want him to think you want to sleep with him) from a wardrobe perspective entails not giving the guy the opportunity to lust over you. You want to keep him interested in you as a person, not a target. This obviously does depend on the guy also, whether he is there for a genuine 'get to know you better' purpose or whether it's one thing that he has on his mind. That, I'm afraid, is a very difficult thing to be able to determine from just a first date, so it's more of a case of you being the one who controls the situation. This is where your attire can possibly make a difference. Class, elegance yet slightly conservative without showing too much skin, would be the way to go from my perspective. You don't want to cover up completely, yet you don't want to reveal too much which can allow your guy's imagination to run wild. Short and simple here are some rules to follow:
Rule # 1: Cleavage is a definite no-no on a first date. Keep the guy's eyes off your chest, and on your eyes. Some girls fail to realize the power that eyes can have over a guy.
Date Night Look on Jules Kirby (Monika Dress by c. marchuska) Photo Credit: Erik Dong
Rule #2: Keep skirt length to slightly above the knee, no shorter. Guys are looking for smart sophisticated women. Less is not more in this situation.
Ultimately, this should lead to a successful first date, and if you like him, who knows, it could lead to many many more. Good luck with the date on Thursday Anne, and I hope that what I have said helps you a little more to prepare. Thank you for writing in and let us know how the date goes!
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