The Bombchel Factory: Ethical African Fashion on Kickstarter

Recently, I read a New York Times article about The Bombchel Factory, a new fashion startup dedicated to creating sustainable jobs and an infrastructure for fashion merchandising in Liberia. It sounded like a cool idea, creating steady employment for Liberians who have endured the Ebola crisis and also bringing new focus to Africa's bright and bold printed fabrics.

I love, love, love ethnic textiles but I'm always afraid that I'll look like a) I'm wearing an indigenous costume from my native land,  b) I'm exploiting artisans abroad in a vague attempt to look bohemian, or c) I've given up all hope and have resorted to wearing smock-like muumuus like Mrs. Roper.

When I clicked over to check out The Bombchel Factory,  my fears were dashed. The collection is, indeed, loud and colorful but the shapes and styling are totally modern and workable for a variety of shapes and sizes. I usually hem and haw over supporting projects on Kickstarter but this was a no-brainer:


I signed up for the three skirts tier, which gives you the essential Super mini, as well as a midi and maxi length skirt. I'm thinking I'll go for the Glam midi flare (pockets!!!) and Resort Life maxi with its slits-up-to-there, although others may prefer the more demure Power Pencil wrap midi and Regal maxi.

I just got the notice that they unlocked the $50K stretch bonus to produce the Dirt Off Your Shoulder blouse, which looks as comfortable as a sweatshirt but much, much sexier. I totally upped my pledge.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/itsarchel/the-bombchel-factory-an-ethical-african-fashion-wo?ref=hero_thanks

This top is reputed to look good on everyone from size 0-18. I'm crossing my fingers! One of the coolest things about The Bombchel Factory's launch campaign is that supporters will be given the opportunity to choose their own fabrics and customize sizing. As a short, curvy girl this is pretty exciting. I just wish they were offering the tunic minidresses I see in several of their social posts… they look like an ideal Naomi uniform…

Support The Bombshell Factory on Kickstarter through March 11, 2016. 

Cable and Gauge: Effortless Style

During my tenure as a stay at home mom, I might have became a bit of a slave to comfort. That means yoga pants. Transitioning back to an office setting kind of threw me for a loop. Yeah, I want to look professional but I also don't have any desire to iron anything, ever, and I really enjoy being able to just throw something on and scoot out the door. Without looking like I nabbed something off the laundry pile.

Cable and Gauge makes easy to wear clothing that looks as good as it feels. Their knitwear features classic silhouettes with smart, figure-flattering detailing that can be dressed up or down– all while feeling as comfy as your favorite loungewear. Seriously.

I received two pieces to review, a knee-length floral faux wrap dress and a twist-top maxi-dress:

Roo immediately tried both on and decided they fit perfectly. Look how elegant she is!

Being a short girl, I usually wear shorter dresses, so I knew I would like the wrap dress, especially in the plum floral tones. But I didn't expect for it to be so soft and feel as comfortable as wearing a t-shirt. The fit is very flattering for curvy girls, with wide straps that actually cover your bra straps. The only thing that would make this dress more of a go-to for me would be if it included pockets!

I was concerned about trying a maxi-dress, since I am only 5'2" and usually think that long skirts make me look like a jawa. Surprisingly, this one just skims the ground when I wear high wedges and I've worn it to work a couple of times already. Ladies, did you know that maxi dresses are an on-trend way to hide your unshaven legs? True! I love the zany print, too. Bob thinks I need a couple of peacocks on leashes to accesorize with. What do you think?

I've gotten a ton of compliments on both dresses and, better yet, actually enjoy wearing them. I am not rushing to change out of them and into yoga pants as soon as I get home from work, which is pretty impressive. Cable and Gauge has exceptionally reasonable prices and, right now, many items are on hefty reduction. Stock up on tops and dresses that will become your mainstays!



In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received samples to facilitate this review, which includes affiliate links that I could potentially earn some money from. All opinions are, as usual, strictly my own. 

Lolly Wolly Doodle All the (Independence) Day

I'm pretty non-preppy in my sartorial style but the big bows and custom coordinated kids' fashion from Lolly Wolly Doodle is hard to resist. Especially for the holidays. I love seeing kids decked out for big occasions. 

I grew up in Hawaii with a secret love of matchy-matchy family clothes. We never really did the coordinated aloha wear thing but I always thought it was stinking adorable to see whole families decked out matching gear. 

My kids have had their own sense of style since toddlerdom, so it takes a special occasion for them to deign to be dressed alike. Being ultra-patriotic, Jasper is especially fond of the 4th of July. July is his birth month, so he thinks of the whole month as reason to celebrate. Lolly Wolly Doodle has some seriously awww-inducing outfits for the 4th:

I knew the kids would both love Lolly Wolly Doodle's Flag Day collection. We received a couple of coordinating outfits to try out. Stars, stripes, red, white and blue… it's adorable stuff. (And washable for imminent popsicle disasters!) 

Jasper got the personalized stars and stripe shorts set.

Roo got the tween sized red striped navy polka dot sash dress. (I got a matching mommy one!)

Roo looks so grown up in her dress. (Mine is a little tight in the hips, so I've got a month to work on that. Ahem.) She likes the coordinated headband, too.

Jasper deemed the shorts outfit "super cool!" but wanted to save it for July. I had to barter with him to try it on for a photograph. Ah, kids.

Don't these just make you want to do sparklers? Do your kids like dressing up for holidays?

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received some samples to facilitate this post. All opinions are, as usual, strictly my own. 

Fashion Pronunciation, A-Z

Do you love high fashion but find yourself woefully unable to pronounce designers' names with the certainty you'd like? Have no fear. i-D has you covered:


Now you can snark on contemporary fashion with the confidence you deserve…

Secret Extensions by Daisy Fuentes

My hair has been woefully thin and scraggly since having kids. Not that I blame my children, who incidentally have lovely, thick heads of soft and shiny hair, but I miss having some volume up there. I don't need '80s big hair but a little extra oomph would be nice every now and then. 

That being said, I am a lazy hairstylist. I might blow dry or flatiron my hair once in a while but for the most part, I'm a wash and go kind of girl. What hope could I have of lush, supermodel-esque locks? Well, apparently a lot. A friend hooked me up with a new product, Secret Extensions, which are endorsed by Daisy Fuentes, who always has a covetably glorious mane of hair.

Secret Extensions are basically microfiber hair extensions attached to a thin, invisible hairband. I was skeptical but I figured I'd give them a try. I received two Secret Extensions, one in black and one in dark brown. They can be worn separately or together for a super full look. I was impressed with how soft they are, very much like human hair. You brush and style them as you would your own hair and they go on as easily as a sweatband does. You simply fluff your own hair up over the band– no backcombing or teasing needed.

The colors blended well with my hair- the black is probably better for winter and the dark brown is a better summer shade for me. Secret Extensions make me feel like a mermaid with cascading waves. And roots that need to be touched up. Ahem.

While I was testing them out, the kids came upstairs and demanded to try them on. Jasper wouldn't let me photograph his heavy metal persona but Roo was pretty into her redneck beard. I like how the curl matches her own wavy hair.

Just for kicks, I thought I'd see how my Secret Extensions looked when paired with my clip-in bangs.

I thought it was a pretty great look but my husband asked why you wouldn't just wear a wig. This proves two things: 1) he has never worn a wig and 2) boys are dumb. Secret Extensions and faux bangs are MUCH more comfortable and controllable than any wig I've tried on. Not itchy and no slipping around.

Secret Extensions won't break the bank at $39.99. Plus you can get free shipping if you shop via this link and use the code "daisy" at checkout.

For more information:
Follow @myhairsecret on Twitter
Like Secret Extensions on Facebook

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a sample to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

OnePiece - Loungewear, Simplified

Have you heard of OnePiece?  It's the ORIGINAL adult onesie, kind of a fashionable cross between a snuggie/slanket and a flightsuit. Invented by three Norwegian guys who wanted a better outfit for chilling out in, OnePiece started out as a simple combination of slacker hoodie and sweatpants but blossomed into a streetwear phenomenon with oodles of prints and colors to choose from. They even have licensed gear from kid faves like One Direction and Angry Birds as well as a super snuggly Snow Patrol OnePiece.

I ordered my first OnePiece and it was waiting for me when I got home from California which was especially welcome since I was going from 80ºF SoCal sunshine to 14ºF Kansas slushland. I was impressed by the quick delivery: all the way from the Netherlands to the American heartland in 3 business days, smack dab in the middle of the holiday rush. 

I love the classic Lusekofte (not to be confused with Lutefisk, which is a whole 'nother kettle of fish) styles that mimic traditional Norwegian sweater patterns but opted for the more subdued Rigid Onesie in washed camo. It reminded me of the flightsuit I wore to my first concert in the '80s– Rick Springfield, no lie.

Roo demanded to try it on first. She was so excited, she stripped down in the middle of the kitchen to put it on!

OnePiece lets you completely zip up your hood, for some mobile sensory deprivation…

The true genius of OnePiece is the one-size-fits-all comfort. It "fits" Roo and would probably fit her 6'2" dad although he declined my offer to give it a try. It's roomy on me, too!

Okay, it's not necessarily the most flattering clothing style for my short, round shape but it is incredibly comfortable. And it has plenty of pockets for phones, remotes, etc. 

My husband is a particular fan of the double zippers, which give OnePiece kind of a Russ Meyer charm:

My one design suggestion would be that they make the zipper go all the way around your nethers, so you don't have to completely disrobe to pee. 

OnePiece is available for Men, Women, Kids and small dogs. My dogs were pretty bummed, it's true… Rocky and Stella would both look great in a doggie OnePiece! 

If you're still not super enthusiastic about the whole one-piece aspect of OnePiece, you'll be happy to know that they stock a range of slouchy casual separates that are just as chill as their namesake style. The Slacker Hood (ack! Hoodie dress, what could be more perfect?) and Kajsa tights pictured below are two pieces I am dying to try.

Keep in touch with OnePiece!
OnePiece Facebook 

Twitter: @onepiece

Instagram: @onepiece

OnePiece Pinterest - Use hashtag #slackerslife to see OnePiece fans in action!

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a sample to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided, although I might earn cash or credit if you buy something after clicking on one of the affiliate links. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Modnique: Flash Fashion for the Holidays

Modnique is a flash shopping fashion site like no other I've come across. It features items for men, women and children across a wide range of styles, with new items daily and prices up to 85% off.

While most flash sites cater either to high end brands, indie designers OR bargain basement prices, Modnique gives you a true variety to choose from. Their wares are sourced from top brands you've only read about in magazines, tried-and-true favorites, as well as international design houses that may be less familiar to US consumers. Plus, shipping is always free on orders over $99.

I was really impressed when I first checked out the site– there were beautiful things for $30 and $3000, all at a hefty discount from their original suggested retail prices. Some of the brands that caught my eye: Gucci, Prada, Chloe, Kate Spade, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, Be&D, Dolce & Gabbana, Tory Burch… and much more. Check out these amazing Celine rabbit fur booties, on sale for $259, marked down from $1099!

The one thing about Modnique is that their vast offerings can be a little daunting. There is so much to choose from! I had a gift code to use so I could try out the site and it was hard to narrow down my selections. I had a serious desire to get some funky leggings from the Mr. GUGU & Miss GO collection. I was waffling between the galaxy cat print in the top right and the grumpy cat/cupcake print in the bottom left.

Alas, I chickened out. I may or may not be too old for that kind of thing.

Modnique has a great feature for holiday shoppers. Their 20 Days of Deals campaign started on November 7th and offers great new gift-giving ideas every day at 6am PST. The deals are really stellar (iPad Minis for $99, anyone?) but they don't last long! You'll want to log in ASAP to check them out. You can also follow the Modnique blog or Facebook to make sure you're in the loop.

After trolling Modnique for several days, I discovered a new awesome French brand, Kokomarina, and finally decided on what my inaugural purchase should be. I came across a Desigual dress that I'd been DYING to buy last summer but just never got around to. Possibly because it was nearly $200. I believe it was from their line that was designed by Christian Lacroix and has kind of an African feel to it, with a shell beaded bodice. Anyway, I totally regretted not buying it when I had the chance and lo and behold, it appeared on Modnique, for only $69! Oh, yeah!

I also ordered a stripey tshirt dress from Custo Barcelona that I think will be perfect with tights and sweaters this season.

Have you tried Modnique yet? What do you think?

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a gift card to facilitate this review as part of a Splash Creative Media campaign. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

MeUndies - Comfortable Underwear

Nothing beats a great t-shirt. My old favorites are all so worn that they're nearly threadbare and totally inappropriate to wear in public. I've been scoping out different tees from various retailers and haven't really come across anything that gets me super excited until I found MeUndies. 

MeUndies is a line of simple, sumptuous basics - shirts, socks and underwear. They strive to provide comfort and convenience at a fair price. If you buy in bulk, you get a lower per-piece pricetag. You can also choose to join MeUndies as a subscriber to receive a regular monthly order at reduced prices. A pair of ladies ultra-comfy boy short briefs, for example, has a retail price of $20 but would cost $16 for subscribers.

They are luxuriously soft, made from 92% Micro-Modal, 8% Elasthane fabric and possess naturally antimicrobial properties. I commend the designers for balancing wearable coverage with a flirty cut. Trust me when I tell you that you will want more than one pair. So if you buy a 5-pack, you pay $75- bringing the cost down to $15 per pair.

In my heart of hearts, I would loooooove for someone to bestow the 365 pack on me. Imagine, a year of clean undies! I am swooning at the thought. Plus, look at all the colors and patterns. Love. True, I can't imagine coughing up $350 for underpants but if you do the math, it brings the per panty price to a very frugal $8.90. 

I should mention that MeUndies also has a thong style panty but I am not partial to anything near my butt crack, just FYI. I got to try one of their women's v-neck tees, made of super smooth 100 combed cotton. This is the ultimate tee I've been searching for. Stretchy without being baggy, fitted without being too tight. It's lightweight but not overly sheer. Perfection.

MeUndies has quite a few different tee styles, from crews and scoop necks to tiny tanks and flowy cropped tees. I am dying to try their simple dress style with its asymmetrical hem. 

It sells for $25. Can you believe it?! I kind of want to order a couple to play with. Maybe drag out the dye and do some batik or something. 

Of course, MeUndies also has plenty of good stuff for guys. Bob got to try out the men's trunks and likes them, too. What's not to love about comfy skivvies?

I wish they had kids' sizes! Maybe someday…

First time customers of meundies.com can save 20% off their first purchase using code SDS20.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that we product samples to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own. 

Covetable Kids' Clothes: Trico Field

I'm not sure how I ended up on Trico Field's email list but every time I get a newsletter, I swoon. The super-duper cool kids' boutique stocks trendy Japanese designer fashions from Fith, Denim Dungaree and Go To Hollywood. I love their quirky prints and casual urban chic aesthetic… this is clothing for kiddos who are way hipper than the average adult:

Case in point- branded character clothing. I'm not a big fan of logo wear or kids' clothes that have some kind of corporate tie-in. I generally try to avoid stuff that is emblazoned with popular characters unless the kids really, really, really NEED them. Ahem. (I am so mean!) But check out Trico Field's new Mickey 2013 collection:

Combining iconic Mickey with a vintage look and dainty florals and a subdued color palette is total genius. I kind of wish these were in my size. In fact, I say that about a lot when I'm checking out the Trico Field website, which sadly does not seem to offer online ordering.

If you're in NY or LA, you can check out their US boutiques.

Before + Again - Year-Round Comfort and Style, Made in America

Before + Again is a fashion brand based in St. Louis, MO. Their innovative designs blend the art of printmaking with classic shapes in ultra comfortable cottons. I was immediately taken with their bold use of colors and patterns and was fascinated to learn more about their printing process. 

Instead of using harsh chemicals to print their fabrics, each piece in the B+A collection is made to order in the good old US of A using a dye sublimation process and water-based inks. What this means is that no toxic runoff gets into the water supply AND each item of clothing is also100% unique– you can see the printing variations as white creases along seams and creases. All materials from the production process are recycled.

I received four pieces to try from Before + Again and they are all just fabulous. Soft, vibrant and eminently wearable. The Adagio Gold Thermal L/S Crew is a gussied-up version of your favorite thermal tee. It's lightweight but warm, with extra-long cuffs to push up or pull down over your chilly mitts. It looks equally great with yoga pants or a miniskirt and tights.

The Charcoal Caymus Classic Dress is as comfy as a nightgown but makes you look like you actually took some effort getting dressed. I love this with leggings and big boots right now but I can see that it will be my go-to summer staple, too. 

The Flowering Terracotta 3/4 Sleeve Buttersoft Knit Tunic is just gorgeous. It's also very sheer, so you may want a camisole or slip dress underneath. It is, as the name suggests, buttery soft. I want all my clothes to feel like this. Super comfy but cute!

The Kalei Lime Classic 3/4 Sleeve Sweet Heart V-neck Dress feels more summery to me, something about the crisp white and lime green. The dress I received has 3/4 sleeves but is not available on the website yet. It's a slightly thicker cotton but still soft and stretchy, with a notched neck and a-line shape that reminds me of Lilly Pulitzer. I really want to wear it to the beach ASAP!

I have worn all of the pieces several times and washed them, too, with no fading or shrinking. They retain their shape and don't pill. I get tons of compliments when I wear them. I think the prints make me happier, too! Here's proof:

I'd love to see Before + Again branch out into leggings and skirts. Roo would like to see them make clothing for tweens, too. 

Special Valentine's Day Offer: buy any two pieces online at Before + Again and receive a complimentary Valentine Rose tee of your choice, good through Feb 15th.

Keep in touch with Before + Again on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received the items shown in order to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Love Story: Prabal Gurung for Target (sneak peek!)

Target's latest high fashion collaboration debuts right in time for Valentine's Day– Love Story: Prabal Gurung for Target will hit stores on February 10th.

I'm all for bargain hunting the trends as long as there's still some semblance of quality. The Target collabs have been spotty for me. I loved the Missoni line, overall, was disappointed with Liberty, was totally shocked at the price points on the Neiman Marcus. I mean, yeah, that cocktail dress was lovely but if I have $100 to spend at Target, I'm probably going to stretch it further than on just a single one-occasion item. Then again, I'm cheap! 
What do you think about designers making couture more accessible to the masses? 

Kick Up Your Heels with Earthies (Giveaway)

Earth Shoes have come a long way in its 40+ year history. The company still makes comfortable footwear for sandal-wearing hippies, sure, but they also make great looking kicks for folks who are more concerned with fashion than anatomical footbeds. Earthies is the fashion-forward younger sister to the venerable comfort footwear brand. Their slogan is "Wellness. Elevated."

Earthies utilizes the longstanding Earth promise of orthotic well-being to engineer women's shoes that are as comfortable and healthy to wear as they are foxy to look at. Yes, even heels and wedges! The range features everything from flats and sandals to dressy heels and boots. Each Earthies shoe design features a cupped heel, anatomic arch support, and cradle toe area that make them ideal for women to wear all day without sacrificing comfort or mobility.

I received a pair of the elegant black suede Earthies Syriana to review. They have a 3 1/2" heel with a graceful criss-crossed front and peep toe. They zip up the back and give your ankles a lot of support if you, like me, are out of practice wearing heels!

The Syriana is sort of a shoe/bootie that can be worn with bare legs in warmer weather or bulked up with tights or even funky socks for colder climates. I love the way bright tights make the wrap effect really pop:

I've gotten about a zillion compliments on these shoes, which is even sweeter because I can wear them to holiday parties and stand up all night without hobbling around the next day. I'm all about suffering for fashion, in theory, but not so much in real life!

Would you like to win a pair of Earthies to start your new year off in style? Enter using the form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keep in touch with Earthies trends:

• Follow Earthies on Twitter
• Like Earthies on Facebook
• Follow Earthies on Pinterest

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a pair of Earthies to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided for this post. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.