StW READS & VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

1. Dustin Hoffman Breaks Down Crying Explaining Something That Every Woman Sadly Already Experienced

StW Says: Just Watch! Then share this with the men and shallow women in your life.

2. Olfactive Branding: Retail's Fragrant Frontier by Rebecca May Johnson. Read/View via Business of Fashion.

StW Says: Soon, we'll be born as robots and told what to buy. Christopher Pratt's claim that this new tactic is about brand identity, not revenues is thinly veiled language for the real motive of enticing return visits and continued spending. We can't help, but recall a Jay-Z lyric that sums retailers' increasingly aggressive tactics to win and retain customers: "I'm a hustler homie. You're a customer croney." We can't knock branding, but many times we wonder where it will stop. How much before consumers' free will is no longer free or privacy undeniably violated? Take a look at the article Schuanne tweeted recently which also touches on this issue: High-End Stores Use Facial Recognition Tools To Spot VIPs and this one about how Nordstrom Uses Smart Phones to Track Customer's Movements. What do you think? Does this bother you?

3. MIDWAY : a short film by Chris Jordan

StW Says: It's tragic that one of my goals in life is to travel the world to see, live and breathe it before we completely destroy it.

4. Skin Bleaching Models Were Banned From Dakar Fashion Week 2013. Read/View via Clutch.

StW Says: This is another story Schuanne tweeted earlier this week. Brava to the woman running things at Dakar Fashion Week! The standard of beauty needs to be broadened. We can't make progress if skin bleaching is acceptable and commonplace in media and fashion and worse, encouraged. In fact, while we're on the topic check out Dark Girls, a recently released documentary film that aims to force dialogue and positive change about how dark skinned, black women are viewed and view themselves.

5. KAARI UPSON / LARRY’S HOUSE. Read/View via Mousse Magazine

StW: We first learned of artist, Kaari Upson through Trendland, but did some research and found an interesting artistic project he took on that really blew our minds, like the image above. If you're open to reading the entire article, which describes the project, we think you'd find the project intriguing and liberating, at least as far as open thought in rejection of social norms goes, because you'll likely find yourself uncomfortable at certain points or throughout. We were! We say note your discomfort and ask yourself why you're uncomfortable, what your beliefs are, where they come from and whether you truly believe them or if they were instilled imposed. Self examination is a good thing, if not for developing new outlooks, then certainly for re-affirming that we truly believe what we believe or how we view others or more specifically, how we feel about and what we think of sexuality.

6. A sit down with Ayzit Bostan, Fashion Designer and Artist. Read/View via Freude von Freuden

StW Says: We're in love with the bag pictured above; in fact! We thought you should know about it, and its designer, in case you haven't stumbled upon them yourself. There's a lot of great fashion coming out of eastern Europe. Ayzit is based in Munich, but we're keeping our eyes locked on Berlin. Might we add that Ayzit's design studio feels like home? It's probably because we are charged and fed by creative processes. Enjoy the feature!

7. Rebels Always Rebel by aleXsandro Palombo. Read/View via Trendhunter and Humor Chic Blog.

StW Says: aleXsandro's illustrations are cheeky and sometimes hilarious. There's one depicting Anna Wintour and President Obama in a sexual act, which we didn't care for, but the images above made us laugh and we thought they would bring smiles to your faces.

StW READS & VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

1. Celebrity reactions to Chanel's F/W 2013/2014 Haute Couture Show
StW Says: What's your opinion? Watch the show via the video below and leave your comments.

2. CHANEL Fall/Winter 2013-2014 Haute Couture via Bayoucool
StW says: "Chanel's show was like a travel through time. The set and clothing from the beginning to about the middle of the collection were reminiscent of an old world militaristic order. Colors, with few exceptions, were limited to muted greens, blues and purples. Belts, boots and caps were all reminiscent of a soldier's kit. Rubble, the remnants of turmoil and destruction, surrounded show attendees. Then the clothes began to tell a different story with more pronounced uses of glimmering fabric, cuts that suggested a futuristic world and occasional outfits that were entirely white or silver. They signified a shift, almost like triumph or emergence from the rubble. As I thought this, I noticed the backdrop on stage, which depicts the modern society in which we live. Eventually, the caps disappear and the clothing becomes airy relative to the first two thirds of the collection. The show ends with Erin Wasson wearing a futuristic white suit with traces of romantic elements in its skirt and train. Perhaps Karl is pointing to a future society that rises above warfare? -Schuanne" Thoughts? 

3. Feminist Disney by Mari Rogers. Read/View via The Daily Dot.

StW says: The points raised here are thought provoking. Call us ignorant, but we never understood why dressing up as Native Americans was wrong or upsetting, but the article's reference to Disney's white washing of Tonto, a native character in its upcoming film, and production of Tonto costumes that include sleeves intended to mimic Tonto's skin complexion reminded us of our outrage a propos of fashion's continued use of black face despite the fact that there are plenty of black models able and qualified to work worldwide. We're still exploring this idea of misappropriation. We aren't totally convinced of its evilness, but certainly are now open to more critical perspectives of the practice. Participate in the conversation by visiting Mari's tumblr.

4. Fendi and its guests toasted to the label's new store at 51 Avenue Montaigne, Paris at the close of couture week there. Read/View via Style.com. 

StW says: What's more exciting is Parisians and visitors to the city of lights will enjoy a free exhibition of Karl Lagerfeld's photography which commemorates the fashion house's work to restore Italy's famed Trevi fountain, amongst others. Visit Styled to Wear's facebook page on June 8th at 3P EST for our pick of best dressed at this fete.

5. Work of photographer, Erik Madigan Heck. Read/View via Erik's website.

StW says: As we were surfing Pinterest, we stumbled upon a striking image like the one above that reminded us of Dutch, baroque painter, Johannes Vermeer, that maintained elements of modernity, mainly in the clothing. We wanted to gobble up more and figured you may too. Erik's work is stimulating and it's impressive that he has found success within the fashion world at the tender age of 29, having amassed a client list that includes: Mary Katrantzou, Rodarte, Ann Demeulemeester, Haider Ackermann, Comme des Garcons, Kenzo, Dries Van Noten and Valentino Couture and more.

StW READS & VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

1. "Anna Wintour Named Condé Nast Artistic Director" Read/View via Condé Nast. StW: INCREDIBLE! The woman is simply incredible! Keep finding ways to rise and discover new challenges for yourselves in your personal lives and careers. Go, Anna!

2. "Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In Message to Men" -CNNMoney

  

StW says: Men need to be a part of the equation--thank you for attempting to impress this upon men and women of the generations in the workforce today!

2. "Take My Picture" -Garage Magazine

StW says: Street style photography certainly emboldens some to rock bizarre attire that they wouldn't wear in their ordinary lives, and or become attention whores. However, I agree with the designer who asserts that participating in spectator event outside the shows is an excellent marketing tactic, for all: new and established designers, photographers, editors bloggers, stylists, aspiring models, writers, performers, anyone really. One highly circulated snapshot feeds traffic and awareness (albeit not always positive) to an individual or brand. It's there to be capitalized. It's a circus, but it democratizes the industry unlike ever before. As more people join the chorus, it seems that the industry grows larger and more influential.

3. "Sustainable Air Travel Takes Off" Read/View via Environmental News Network. StW says: Bravo, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines! They flew 7 hours from NY to Amsterdam using a 50/50 blend of kerosene and recycled cooking oil! Let's keep moving in this direction! Go bio-fuels! This article was brought to my attention by my friend Emily D.

4. "16 Year Old White Girl Poses in 'African Queen Editorial'" Read/View via Jezebel. StW says: I'm wondering if magazines continue to do this for the controversy publicity this stunt brings. I thought to myself, perhaps editors are looking for black models with stereotypical Caucasian features, but then again there are plenty of black models who fit the bill. So, I don't understand this. Admittedly, I feature a lot of young, white women on my blog and social media profiles--more white than any other race. I am conscious of that and working to change that. Hold me to it. Who do you need and want to see represented?

StW READS & VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

1. "The Gates Funded Toilet of the Future" Read/View via FastCompany HERE. StW says: I am impressed and humbled by the organization's commitment to improving the lives of disadvantaged peoples around the world. The use of water from a toilet for irrigation is incredibly foreign to me, but the scientists are confident that the technology works.

2. "Gaucho" -Dave Matthews Band

StW says: This song is a call to action in plain language. Bravo! Let's heal the world, not just by believing but also by doing. My involvement HERE is one way I choose to positively impact my fellow man. Get involved!

3. "Somewhere" -Jimi Hendrix

StW says: So apparently this is previously unheard Jimi Hendrix that BBC played on the airwaves for the first time ever yesterday. I'm a fan of Jimi. While listening to his music I feel connected to him and it's rare that I connect with an artist so profoundly. I was excited to hear that there was more to be heard and felt.

StW READS & VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

1. Yves Saint Laurent on Black Models posted by Vogue Spirit
StW says: Embrace your beauty. There's a debate about whether the exoticising of black women, or any person, people, place or thing for that matter, is good or bad. I'm not sure of where I stand in that debate, but at the end of the day embrace your beauty and if someone pays you the genuine compliment of calling you beautiful or special, thank them and move on.

2. What Women's Media Needs to Know about Chassidic Women" Read/View via xoJane HERE. StW says: Whoa! Blew the roof off what I learned from previous rhetoric RE the life of Orthodox Jewish women. A must read! Thank you xoJane for bringing Chaya Kurtz' words/views/knowledge to the forefront. It's important to have a number of perspectives.

3. "Tory Burch Is Now a Billionaire, Thanks to Chris" Read/View via NYMagazine HERE. StW says: Good for you, Tory! Huge fan of success stories.

4. "The Science of Productivity"- AsapScience

StW says: This helps!!! Watch.do.see the results!

5. "Hit girl Sia ... the singer who writes Rihanna and Jessie J's chart-toppers" Read/View via London Evening Standard HERE. StW says: Thank you Sia for bringing "Diamonds" (mentioned HERE) and "Wild Ones" and many more songs I enjoy to life.

StW READS & VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

1. "Raf Simons Working Fast to Make Dior More Like Chanel" Read/View via Fashionologie HERE. StW says: Raf Simons stomps all over Galliano's legacy of bringing the drama and editorial edge that is theater to Dior, not to mention, for which the label received much fame and applause. Nonetheless, Simons raises a good question. Who is the Dior woman? What is the signature Dior piece that identifies her from a distance? It's certainly no longer the horse saddle bag Galliano designed for the label. In with the new, they say.

2. BattaBox- "Nigerian men tattoo their lips pink!"
 StW says: There's something perverse about the statement: "'For those  who  have black lips we help them clean  up their lips.'" Maybe this is a stretch, but I think the 'Pink Lips' phenomenon speaks to western influence and lack of diverse, positive images in the media. Not to mention how painful this must be. Is this even safe?

3. "Psy of 'Gangnam Style' Fame Once Rapped About Torturing and Killing American Soldiers and Their Families" Read/View via New York Magazine HERE. StW says: JAW DROPPING! He sure pulled the wool over our eyes.

4. Leaftv- "how to set up your bar in 7 easy steps"
StW says: Simple enough!

While I enjoy writing posts to both help and entertain the StW audience, my experience is so much richer when I hear from you. So, I'm opening the floor to you. Please comment by clicking the add link below. Comment on anything that interests you or anything you'd like to see here on StW. Thank you always for reading and stay tuned for more great content. Many, many thanks! -Schuanne

StW READS & VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

1. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society- "Light the Night 2012"StW says: This is a call to action. I've personally experienced the support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and now I'm asking you, my caring and charitable viewers, to demonstrate your kindness. Please take one minute to donate whatever you can manage to the LLS, no matter how small. Donations on my LLS page will be accepted through December 2012 HERE.

2. "2012: Top Six International Scandals" Read/View via The New Yorker HERE. StW says: Talk about vices. Good catch up on the world/politically charged events of 2012.

3. "Millions of Charcoal Sacks Clutter Somali Town" Read/View via Voice of America HERE. StW says: To the UN official who will make this decision, lift the ban for a set period of time in exchange for an economic development plan and a start towards its implementation aimed at developing new industry (preferably environmentally friendly) in Kismayo to entirely replace the charcoal trade. If any terrorist activity comes of it, embargo the country. Harsh?

4. "Money Matrimonial" Read/View via Grantland HERE. StW says: Talk about standards! I've grown up in the know about some of these things and part of me likes the sense of tradition and pride, but the other part hates the condescension of the whole thing. The most important thing is life's not a dress rehearsal so you've got to live your life for you. Screw standards. They are like rules and as such they are meant to be broken. A friend of mine from high school brought this particular article to my attention. Thanks, MG!

5. Rihanna- "Diamonds" 
StW says: I've been jamming to this song since hearing it reverberating through the speakers of a local hot spot last week. There's something different and all encompassing about this song when it's booming on surround sound. It courses through your body. The bass is everything!

StW READS & VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

Here are a few articles and a video I found interesting this week. What I share here may or may not be directly related to fashion, but to be ill informed is never fashionable. Leave your thoughts by clicking through the 'Add a Comment' link at the bottom of this post. My first impressions are italicized below. Enjoy!

1. "Toxic Chemicals in Clothing Make All of Us Fashion Victims" Read/View via Business of Fashion HERE. StW says: Thank you for holding fashion accountable, Business of Fashion for publishing this article and Greenpeace for championing a healthier environment for everyone. Our futures should not be at the expense of fashion or...many things I will not rant about.

2. "At the Outlets, Buyer Beware" Read/View via WSJ HERE. StW says: Just keep a discerning eye out while outlet shopping--pull a bit at the seams of garments to test strength. Look for any wear and tear on identical garments to determine how yours will age. Don't be afraid to ask for discounts if there's any visible damage (including make-up stains). A bargain is no bargain if the craftsmanship is slipshod or condition is below standard.

3. "Rachel Zoe's Style DOs and DONT's" Read/View via Glamour magazine HERE. StW says: Wise words!

4. "Lysistrata Strikes Again" Read/View via WSJ HERE. StW says: Totally agree that the sexual marketplace is tipped in the favor of men, on college campuses and in major cities where women outnumber men. So, I echo the author's question (and have for years): "As a practical matter, how, in an essentially free sexual marketplace, can like-minded women accomplish [sex founded on friendship, dating, and relationships] without being undercut by those among their peers who either do not share that objective or do not give it a high priority in the short term?," but reject the solution offered, "develop ways of stigmatizing young women who too readily say yes to sex, just as unions do to scabs and strikebreakers." While this may have some impact, I prefer to focus on me, improve myself and choose to date men who value who I am.

5. "How to Go Out By Yourself and Enjoy It" by my friend, Karyn Polewaczyk. Read/View via xoJane HERE. StW says: I support daredevils who get awesome things done, especially those who are my friends! Can you blame me? Karyn's no exception--follow her on her site HERE. Now, take yourself out on a date!

6. Lykke Li- "Possibility"
StW says: Right now, I'm listening to Lykke Li's music on a constant loop. I placed her sounds on my "creative" playlist where names like Florence + Machine, (select) Lana Del Ray, Foxes, and Jimi Hendrix play. This is one of my favorite songs of hers. You can find a good playlist HERE.

StW READS & VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

Here are a few videos, images and articles I found interesting this week. What I share here may or may not be directly related to fashion, but to be ill informed is never fashionable. Leave your thoughts with the 'Add a Comment' link at the bottom of this post. My first impressions are italicized below. Enjoy!

1. Ee'da- "Fade to White"

by Ee'da reblogged from Dark, Lovely and South Asian a blog I found via my friend Biba who pens Malaya. StW says: This was so real, right, and timely. Loved the video concept too--clean and simple.

2. "When extensions go wrong: Naomi Campbell displays shocking bald patches after years of wearing weaves" Read/View via Daily Mail HERE. StW says: Most shocking images of Naomi's receding hairline EVER!!! Scary.

3. "Why women in China wear ski masks to the beach: weekend read" Read/View via FashionSing HERE. StW says: I like a diverse view of beauty and appreciate tradition.

4. "Dream Catcher: This boutique owner made her fantasy a reality" Read/View via Refinery29 HERE. StW says: More power to any woman trying to get her own piece of the world. The world is ours (each and every person reading out there) for the taking.

5. Fashion is Political: Fashion Editor Robin Givhan Talks Politics. Read HERE. StW says: Interesting mainly for the last two paragraphs.