Commuter Guy (3) Young Prof: West Hollywood

I snapped this young professional guy in West Hollywood. I love his jacket, and his longer lengthed hair. He definitely works in entertainment or film, but this is LA, so he could be your financial advisor...
-fgg

Generation S

When you look at your label inside your favorite clothing item, what does it say to you? Is it pure and natural, is it a collaborative blend, is it manufactured from the minds of man?

More recently I have been intrigued and curious about eco-fashion and more socially conscious fashion initiatives. It is making more and more sense to me that sustainability and "green" consciousness will be (well, should be) the base note for the industry. Think about it: the #1 used product in fashion textiles is, yes, COTTON. It is the base for everything. It fueled an entire nation (USA), enslaved and freed a people (African Americans), caused a war (US Civil War) and continues to be the thread which binds an entire industry and us as these creatures called human beings.

When I look at the label on my clothing favorites, I can say the are definitely made up of a symbiosis of pure, blend, and synthetic. Of course, these clothing favorites also span a considerate time line of my life and my buying (or fashion) style. As of late, I have been really focusing on buying only pure fabrics and distancing myself further from wearing blends. I have grown very accustomed to the rich and soft feel of 100% cashmere or the durability and adaptability of pure cotton. With that, I have also become more and more aware of not only what my clothes are made of, but how they are made. Where has my cashmere and cotton come from? What human (or machine) hands put my clothes together and under what conditions? This is where the combination of green sourcing and sustainability come together.

I went on a search for more information on the subject. I found this definition in an article published here:

"The nonprofit Sustainable Technology Education Project (STEP) defines eco-fashions as clothes “that take into account the environment, the health of consumers and the working conditions of people in the fashion industry.”

Clothes and accessories that meet such criteria are usually made using organic raw materials, such as cotton grown without pesticides, or re-used materials such as recycled plastic from old soda bottles. Eco-fashions don't involve the use of harmful chemicals and bleaches to color fabrics—and are made by people earning fair wages in healthy working conditions."

It furthered my thinking about eco-fashion, most definitely. Not only is it about the kind of materials used, but also about the whole process. I have a friend who has a manufacturing factory in India and in a number of conversations with them about their "work trips" I have come to find that the factory conditions and the conditions of the workers is the most important and tantemount aspect of the factory. The factory cannot produce and exist holistically if the workers there are not happy, treated fairly, and their work environment is up to (and beyond) standards. My friend makes this the most important part of managing the factory. It becomes a part of the product that comes out of the factory: the quality of the worker's lives/environment shows in the quality of the clothing. My friend believes in the WHOLE process, which cannot be said for many other factories in different parts of the world. And as labor outsourcing becomes more and more necessary for clothing manufacturers, let us all hope that with the awareness of sustainable practices becomes more glaring and important that conditions improve exponentially and that this area of sustainability catches up.
I love the fact that there are Generation S(ustainable) champions out there in the fashion world. People like Summer Raynes, and fashion e-zines and blogs like Ecouterre or EcoFashionWorld, are putting the importance of eco-fashion forward and into our larger fashion world view. Now, I hope and wish that the greater scope of the industry starts to not only take notice but take action to initiate advancement and change throughout it. I know it will take small steps for the big fashion giants to make, but these steps will be important for the future of industry and our world, I believe. I'd love to see Fashion Weeks in the fashion capitals being eco-friendly and eco-conscious, like in Portland or more symposiums and industry conventions like in Geneva, and to think that one day soon, eco-fashion will be a thing in our everyday lexicon and practice. Now that's Good.

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• Eco Fashion World (myecoutopia.wordpress.com)
• Frock L.A.'s Elegant Eco-Fashion Suits All Shapes and Sizes (Photos) (treehugger.com)

Paint Strokes: Los Feliz

I just love her belted top, with all of the various colors. Her look is definitely indie-chic, very much Los Feliz.

-fgg

Short Film: I Heart Jumpers by Pringle of Scotland

It rarely rains in So Cal. Not so much in Scotland. I found this to be so cute and cheeky, and befitting of the weather recently.
Enjoy!

I Heart Jumpers: Pringle of Scotland
(TY Susie Bubble for the introduction of this. This is my form of flattery :-D )
-feelgoodguru

Legz: Urth Caffe

Welcome 2 LA, where its always sunny, always 72 degrees!
-fgg

Wisdom from the Alcove's "Chess Table"

At the Alcove in Los Feliz, there is a "chess table" with little drawers that have been stuffed with little notes scribbled by the patrons over the years. At any time you can go inside to the table and (if it is not occupied, which it almost always is), sneak in and read the notes left there.
Here is what I found today, and it couldn't be more true. An edict I listen and follow to myself; perhaps you should too:

It's good...
-fggofstyle

Ask Me Anything on Formspring

Thanks to those who have used this fun platform to ask me questions. I welcome them, so ask away!
-fgg

Coachella 2010

Um, can we say STELLAR line up ALL week-end?
Grace Jones, LCD Soundsystem, Jay Z, She & Him, De LA Soul, Sly and the Family Stone, Gossip, dirty Projectors...it keeps going.
Who wants 2 go!?! What do I wear1?!
-fgg
(photo/bill via BleachBlack.com)

A Tree Grows...

I stumbled upon the news that one of my favorite places in Los Angeles will be shutting their doors in about a year, The Bodhi Tree Bookstore on Melrose.

Here is the article, found at the LAist.com: http://laist.com/2010/01/12/the_bodhi_tree_bookstore_is_closing.php

For the countless New Agers, Yoga enthusiasts, Veggie-heads, and all around feel-gooders, the closing of the Bodhi Tree will leave a gap in where we go to find new information, to espcape into a private world, sit and read  a book in comfort, take a class in something of esoteric interests, connect with the community, or just buy really good sage wands. The Bodhi Tree helped me to find a sense of myself in a comfortable and safe enviroment. It will always be remembered as a great place to disappear and find a little bit of Light here in LA.

You will be missed.

I'm off to the Bodhi Tree now, to enjoy a cup of tea and find a good and unusual book and just Feel good. I'll see U there.

-feelgoodguru

"Nurses Who Kill"

This is adorable!
TY Chane't!!!

The Annointed Seven

I came across this interesting article/mention at Fashionista.com: http://fashionista.com/2009/12/vogue_annoints_seven_bloggers.php

It left an impression on me and I had to comment; please indulge me for just a moment--

The time has come when old media starts to close the gap and begins to embrace new media, and its bright stars. Vogue takes a leap and will feature seven fashion bloggers in an upcoming issue. The chosen seven bloggers are still being speculated as to who they are and bandied about why they are the first to be given the fashion anointment from Vogue. I really don't think it matters who the final choices are nor does it matter that they are being featured for various (supposedly opinionated) reasons. What matters is this embrace by the venerated glossy print magazine to online content and the (countless) creators of fashion.

New media is inescapable and it is how most everyone is getting their information. Fashion bloggers take their point of view and apply it to the internet. They take their personal view of the world of fashion and report on that. They take the view of the fashion world and report it to the masses of the internet world. They expand their world a thousand fold in a matter of seconds. Its reach is vast and instant and indelible. Is it permanent? Yes, in a way. Is it collectible? Perhaps not in the same sense as saving back issues of Vogue for future reference and inspiration. It is collectible for its immediacy. That is the child of new media and our modern world: instant gratification and constantly evolved news and ideas.

I follow a very eclectic group of fashion bloggers. Some of them are of the speculated Anointed Seven. Many of them are not. I follow them for the simple fact that I enjoy looking at their world with their eyes and seeing what they see. I love how my favorite bloggers color the world and help me paint mine in a more individual way. I like how I have been able to open up to ideas that I might have been countered against because I've seen it thru someone else. It is this expansion of ideas that keeps me coming back. It is this conversation that keeps me engaged. I have become an ardent fan and want to be a part of my bloggers worlds. I simply want to participate.

I began blogging to just put my thoughts out into the stratosphere, to openly discuss the events, ideas, and situations that would arise in my professional and personal life. Like the ever-changing shifts in my life, my blog does the same. Rooted in fashion and style, it really is a lifestyle blog, a discussion on how I see the beautifully fashionable world I truly live in, that we all live in, no matter where in the world it is.

Blogging, at its heart, is simply about the writer/bloggers world around them. The blog a living journal, an outlet that has its own life teeming with experience, thought, folly, happiness, individuality, and style. As long as this individual touch exists in blogging, the new media form will continue to thrive. The human content, this element, is the life that breathes through blogging. And this new media has a life that is going to continue for a very long time. It is at the innovation stage and all media outlets are following. From television, music, and film, all the way to business, sports and news, web bloggers are on the cusp of the newest new. With “establishment” media like Vogue taking notice and giving recognition, it is not long before the bridge between old and new media becomes a permanent and ever-lasting one.

And that’s good.

Thanks 4 the fashion inspiration:

http://www.gretaguide.com  http://www.dluxelist.com/ http://www.bryanboy.com/  http://www.stylegourmand.blogspot.com/ http://www.garancedore.fr/en/ http://www.hintmag.com/  

http://seaofshoes.typepad.com/  http://theglamourai.com/ http://stylebubble.typepad.com/
http://fashionispoison.com/  http://www.ferohhhsh.com/  http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com
http://fashion-train.blogspot.com/  http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com/  http://www.fashionista.com
http://jakandjil.com/blog/ http://www.ecouterre.com/  http://natalieoffduty.blogspot.com/
and the countless others! Keep posting!!

-feelgoodguru

Grammys: Great Ad Campaign

I have been noticing these really cool posters around town with "We Are Real Fans" and realized they are for the Grammy Awards. It is a really good and inventive campaign and is interactive. Go here to see what real fans have to say and show how they feel about their favorite Grammy nominated artists:  http://wereallfans.com/
I'm liking both Beyonce and Lady Gaga's fans!
They are taking IT there!!!
-feelgoodguru

Commuter Chic (4)

I spotted this lovely denim clad woman in Pasadena wearing the cutest outfit. She had on all denim, which normally, is a NO. Worn in matching hues (dark indigo) and as a cohesive look (jacket/pants) it totally works here. It is also full of whimsy: a retro-vintage outfit of cropped straight leg jeans and a mid length trench style jacket, it speaks 60's flair. It also has individual denim flowers sewn all over both pant and jacket. So cute!
-fgg

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Just added the widget, on the right, so it is now oh so simple to click and follow the blog!


Follow my blog with bloglovin

"Little Monster"

I am going to admit it right here and now: I am beginning to fall under Lady Gaga's pop culture charms. I just picked up the January issue of LA's 944 Magazine and couldn't stop staring at the great cover photo and inside editorial. With hair by Peter Savic, gorgeous makeup by Billy B, and inventive fashion styling by Nicola Formichetti, I started falling. Thanks!!
Could it be that I'm just preparing myself for the final onslaught of her media takeover? Does the Queen of Pop, Madonna, finally have a worthy ascendant to her throne?
We are ALL about to see.
-feelgoodguru

(photo credit: Max Abadian/944 Magazine/agirlsgottaspa.com)

Tavi-Mania

I'm officially on the wagon now: I just can't get enough of Tavi.
Who would have ever believed that a pre-teen would be the darling of the fashion world and embraced by the fashion cognoscenti? Well, believe it. I'm not surprised in all actuality. Think about it: Tavi is a true ingenue. She evokes an innocence and an expertise in her fashion reviews and commentary. Her voice belies her age and her frame. It bellows and roars and is filed with genuine insight. She is, I believe, one of those "Rainbow Children" New Age spiritualists talk about. Of course, the fashion designers and editors and movers and shakers recognize her talents and she is being (justly) rewarded.

Check this article out (via Fashionista.com): http://fashionista.com/2009/12/tavi_pens_a_column_for_bazaar.php

If she can garner coveted gigs like the Bazaar editorial now, just wait until after she graduates high school. Heck, college. She will be a true fashion force.
-feelgoodguru

The Hottest Site for Men's Style

By suggestion from a very stylish female friend, I went on over and checked out Valet, and I strongly suggest that you do to. Whether you are a style savvy guy follower, or a cool hip fashion chick, there is someone you know who could use the very fantastic information and editorial on the site. Layed out like a true glossy, Valet doesn't skimp or skirt on the substance and their content. I am totally loving their "31 Days" guide, perfect for ALL of us!!
Take a look and check them out: http://www.valetmag.com/

-feelgoodguru

formspring.me

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/fggofstyle

Wholy Holy

Spotted this young girl in Walgreens and was a tiny bit charmed by how she ingeniously crafter her "dot" look: polka/cheetah dot top paired with shredded "dot" leggings. Cute, 'cause she's 14. Not cute 'cause she's 14. U can't stop style at any rate or any age.

-fgg

My Top 5 Fashion Films of 2009

As its major form of social entertainment and as its product of manufacture, movies are to Los Angeles what theater is to London or New York. Movies here dictate the currency of our pop culture and of the world right outside of our doors. I view a lot of films, it is no question. Going to see the latest film is very de rigueur here, and really is the most prominent topic of conversation all over town. There has been so many films released this past year that one can easily forget about many of them (so many are unforgettable anyway), or miss them entirely. A movie about fashion or a movie that has fashion at its center point, I am sure to make the effort to see, and hope that it will be memorable. Here are my choice picks of the top five fashion films of 2009, in no particular order:

The September Issue

To be privileged to get not just a sneak but a full tilt boogie peek into the hallowed halls of Vogue Magazine and to see Anna Wintour at work, was such a treat. The undeniable star of this film was and will always be Grace Coddington. Her keen and sharp eye and attention is unsurpassed, and I am so glad to have been able to witness it and to cheer her on!

Valentino: The Last Emperor

Valentino is truly the last of the famous international designers. What a great treat to see how this genius rules (and creates) his kingdom. The best part of it all: the endearing love and partnership between Valentino and Giancarlo Giametti. It is the most touching part of the whole film.

Nine

Another hit musical for our time, this time about Italian style, Italian life, Italian fashion! There’s even a costume designer (Dame Judy Dench) who easily whips up costume confections right in front of us (sequins, feathers, and mesh oh my!) a Vogue journalist (Kate Hudson, in mirrored glass mini skirt!) and all the rest of the gorgeous female stars in their distinct looks/costumes. We get to be treated to the fabulous Colleen Atwood’s fine costume work here and it does not disappoint!!

A Single Man

In Tom Ford’s world, everyone is gorgeous and everyone has style in everything on and around them. This film just dripped with true classic style, everywhere. From George’s fantastically dreamy Santa Monica home, to his sleek Mercedes Benz, to his sharp, tailored clothing he leads the pack when it came to men’s style in the movies (or out in the real world).  Everything was visually lush and it drew you in with wishes that the world was simple and stylish and classic like it was back in 1963.

(500) Days of Summer

Aside from all of the charm that this non-traditional romantic comedy gives us, it reflected back to us how we really dressed in our everyday lives. Zoë Deschanel’s “Summer” couldn’t have been styled more real: I see women dressing with the same indie flair every day in my favorite LA neighborhoods of Los Feliz and Silverlake, and young professional hipster guys wearing classic and modern clothing like Joseph Gordon-Leavitt’s “Tom”. The style was simple and realistic, and it reflected that face back to the audience who, in their indie-hipster garb, could easily see themselves in the characters. And as each of the characters grew, so did their clothing, also reflected in a real-time and concise way. And when “Tom” puts on his grown up suit, I swear the four times I saw this film I spotted guys in the audience mentally check how neat, presentable, and fashionable he looked, and took notice.

It is a New Year, and a new slate of films are yet to come out. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes up on the silver screen and hope to see some great fashion notes reflected back at me.

So far, “Sherlock Holmes” doesn’t miss a beat with its presentation on Victorian England style with a very subtle modern flair (Adler in pants and waistcoat!) and of course, “SATC 2” in the Spring, a bona fide fashion film if there is to be at least one for the year!

-feelgoodguru

Motorcycle Diary: Commuter Guy (2)

Hot bike. Hot guy. Hot way 2 commute! He's got the whole look down.
-fgg