Friday, March 09, 2012
Tumblr: Microblogging with Morals
“One of the great things about Tumblr is that people use it for just about every conceivable kind of expression. People being people, though, that means that Tumblr sometimes gets used for things that are just wrong. We are deeply committed to supporting and defending our users’ freedom of speech, but we do draw some limits.”
One of these limits include a new policy that prohibits users from creating blogs or blog posts “that glorify or promote anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders; self-mutilation; or suicide”. The act of pulling these self-harm blogs obviously has the best intentions, however Tumblr is still under ridicule from many of its users. These users have either created or “follow” blogs that post “thinspiration”, “pro-ano”, and “pro-mia” pictures and lifestyle guidelines, encouraging each other to “stay strong and starve on”. Many arguments are based on how Tumblr will draw the line between free expression of its users, versus harmful content. Tumblr responded on their website within their Content Policy with this,
“Promotion and Glorification of Self-Harm. Don’t post content that actively promotes or glorifies self-harm. This includes content that urges or encourages readers to cut or injure themselves; embrace anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders; or commit suicide rather than, e.g., seeking counseling or treatment, or joining together in supportive conversation with those suffering or recovering from depression or other conditions. Dialogue about these behaviors is incredibly important and online communities can be extraordinarily helpful to people struggling with these difficult conditions. We aim to sustain Tumblr as a place that facilitates awareness, support and recovery, and to remove only those blogs that cross the line into active promotion or glorification of self-harm.”
Tumblr will also implement Public Service Announcements (PSA) when users use the search engine for words such as “pro-ana”, “pro-mia”, “thinspiration” and “thinspo”. This PSA will link users to Help Lines and websites that encourage them to seek help, instead of “thinspiration”. This is a very big step in the right direction for Tumblr, and therefore its users. For a blogging platform that is known to house many raunchy and controversial blogs, it is interesting and admirable that they have voluntarily come forward to censor those of which that contain self-harming content. Perhaps this is because these harmful blogs are projecting themselves as “healthy” to an extremely susceptible crowd, in which Tumblr feels responsible in protecting.
Despite the why and how, Tumblr picked the right time to do so. With summer on its way, awards shows every night, and day after day of “Fashion Week”, is it any wonder there has been a serge in “thinspiration” blogging. The pressures placed on
the youth of today to be thin, attractive and confident are substantial and overwhelming. The last thing society needs is an easy way (Tumblr, for example) to feed the fire with blogs encouraging this ideal. Although the banned blogs may not have caused every viewer an eating disorder, it can surely cause a loss of confidence in body image, which is why prohibition was such an important step for Tumblr to take. Although Tumblr may lose a thousand users due to the new policy, those blogs were detrimental to the health of millions of users, and thankfully Tumblr realized this.
Banning these blogs may not change the way some people continue to treat their body offline, or deter people from posting elsewhere, it will certainly make it easier to browse Tumblr pages without feeling ashamed, discouraged, and unhappy with ones own body image compared to distorted ideals. Hopefully this makes room for Tumblr blogs that truly inspire, accept, and encourage healthy body image. That’s an ideal society should stand behind.
Tumblr Follows Suit

The fashion industry has long been scrutinized for their portrayal of unhealthy body image through both runway shows and editorials. In the last few years, organizations associated within this industry have made it a point to begin creating and enforcing policies to ensure healthy models are being used by designers and magazines. As of a recent, an extremely widespread social media platform has decided to take action as well by removing self-harm content and providing Public Service Announcements in place. This platform is Tumblr.
Tumblr is one amongst the social media platforms currently dominating the internet. The Tumblr homepage has a daily counter showing how many blogs and posts total, as well as how many posts were made during that day. Right now Tumblr sits at “18,983,293,198 total posts, 44,387,775 daily posts and 47,593,269 total blogs. When checking back almost an hour later the total posts and total blogs jumped by several thousands. These numbers indicate how fast postings can spread through Tumblr along with how far they can reach, and is one of the reasons action is being taken.
The site creates a sense of community as you can follow your favourites and comment on shared interests. It is a place where individuals can blog and reblog whatever they wish – from likes and inspirations to favourite television shows, fashion, food or cute animals. It is a faster form of blogging, where many posts are simply reposts from other Tumblr pages. When browsing through, many pages consist of pictures, quotes, videos, etc… with associated tags (#fashion) –similar to Twitter- making searches very easy for users.

Tumblr, however, does realize that they are putting themselves in the line of fire. The philosophy of this website and the company is that it offers users a space and environment to post freely and express themselves. The company’s release states “We are deeply committed to supporting and defending our users’ freedom of speech, but we do draw some limits. As a company, we’ve decided that some specific kinds of content aren’t welcome on Tumblr. This prohibition is intended to reach only those blogs that cross the line into active promotion or glorification; recommending techniques for self-starvation or self-mutilation” – staff.tumblr.com. It came down to giving users the freedom to post while maintaining the company’s values and beliefs. The company is also offering a grace period for these specific blogs to remove content and change what is necessary to avoid losing their account.
So far the reactions of bloggers have been mixed. Thousands of users have reblogged the company’s post and are in full support of the decision. However, for all those in support, there are almost as many not in favour. Reasons against the decision range from taking away outlets for those who need to connect with others in their situation, while others discuss other manners of self-harm promotion. The majority of replies against Tumblr’s decision express that the company is going too far and are concerned with what will be prohibited next. One blogger states, “so why don’t they also create a policy against people posting about, while, or in support of getting drunk. Is that not self-harm? Drug addiction? And all those pictures of ‘glamorous’ women smoking cigarettes. Aren’t they promoting something harmful too? Needless to say, I disagree with this policy. There are other ways to support people in the position of utilizing self-harm than making them feel like freaking pariahs.
Critics are also quick to point out that these bloggers will simply move to the next big social media platform – Pinterest. Pinterest is similar to Tumblr as it allows users to “pin” any images from the internet to their online pinboard. Cheryl Wischhover of Fashionista.com checked out Pinterest for herself. She reported that although there are as many pins of the same content on Pinterest, most of these pins are originating from Tumblr pages. Therefor in a sense, eliminating postings on one will platform heavily reduce postings on the other
Only time will tell whether this prohibition will stand and whether or not it will truly work. As far as individuals turning to other sites, that cannot be controlled. However, eliminating one source is always a step in the right direction.
The division between utilizing current accessible fashion as an expression or solely as a necessity
In today’s modern world there is a balance of life that we human beings attempt to manage within our own hierarchy of priorities to satisfy our core values and necessities. On this journey of balance we now find ourselves in a world submerged in an abundance of various social medias and technologies, this revolution of constant communication has changed some consumers ideologies of fashion. Many people find salvage in fashion as a tangible art form that allows them to express themselves on a continual basis; while others view it as a human necessity. This division is prevalent since we are a consuming world, whether or not you make the conscious decision to utilize clothing as an expression or just a textile that keeps you from being nude- you are still a consumer contributing to the fashion industry. The division represents the modern world and its ladder of consumer needs, showcasing that people have the privilege to express themselves freely within their religion, culture, social status, art, personal comfort and financial means. Also technology and social media has allowed people to share their style, fashion needs, and opposing opinions on fashion as art; all publicly. This sort of creative freedom is an opportunity to see behind the consumer dollar and divulge into the innate nature of humans to see any form of “art” in different perspectives.
Fashion as an art merely means that certain people feel an organic passion for expressing themselves through clothing. The act of dressing is not just a daily routine it is a constant discovery of one’s self and inner creative desires. The aesthetic is mesmerizing, allowing people to escape from the definite and day dream within reality. Fashion has no boundaries of self expression because it is something your physical self is adorned in. No matter what your day entails, your clothing is accompanying you for the majority of it - playing a key role in how one is represented in the world. According to Rachel K. Ward in a lecture on March 27 2008 at Cornell Fine Arts Museum, “ The truth is that art may at times resemble fashion and fashion may look like art. “. Whether or not one agrees with that, it is true. Historically and currently fashion is intertwined with many facets of art and the creative world. This places fashion particularly at the high-fashion level, at par with any form of art. Fashion shows are the focal presentation of fashion as art. In Rachel K. Ward’s opinion on Michael Kors as he orchestrates a fashion show for his collection, “…in the fashion world designers give models particular instructions before going out on the runway. Here we see the creation of a fantasy, a mental world associated with the clothing, Kors is activating the presentation of fashion with a particular vision…”. It is clear that designer’s place an artistic direction into their fashion shows and just like any form of art, shows can be misinterpreted by anyone because of their bizarre nature. In the realm of clothing, that is only due to the intense artistic vision designers implement on the runway and is then trickled down to retail level where garments are more wearable. No matter the rank of art that a consumer views fashion to be, “some see clothing as equivalent to the out most layer of themselves and so incorporate them into their life-world with little difficulty…” as stated by John Flügel in The Psychology of Clothes (1950). Flügel perfectly explains how some people utilize fashion as a direct expression of who they are and even a daily expression of art with a natural ease.
On the opposing side of the division, consumers view fashion just as clothing and categorize it as a human necessity. There is valid research done by Abraham Maslow in Motivation and Personality (1987) where he organized Maslow’s human need’s which include, “Physiological, Safety, Social, Esteem, and Self Actualization.”. These human needs display the balance of life that humans are engaged in throughout their lives. Too many individuals clothing as art in this balance just does not take precedence, just as John Flügel states “…others locate clothing within the external environment; clothing is “other” to their sense of themselves.” It does not demean this category of the division it just represents a consumer that truly does not connect with their clothing as a creative outlet or representation of themselves. There is no relationship between the decision of what to wear other than what is socially acceptable for certain activities and the necessity of having to be dressed in public. Maria Alice further researched the correlation between Maslow’s human needs and fashion in her article on Consumer Needs as a Core Aspect within Fashion Product Design. Marie Alice’s theory of, “Interpretation of Clothing and Fashion Needs” in relevance to physiological needs, “is related to the body temperature, Safety is linked to the protections of the body, Social needs fulfill the role of integrating people into group, esteem represents the individual recognition and self actualization needs are related to the worthiness of indulgence.” Many consumers view clothing as a basic necessity that keeps themselves and the ones they love warm and save from the elements. There is simply just a lack of representation of oneself through clothing because they have different personal priorities and passions in their balance of life. Fashion being so representative of society’s perception of beauty that many consumers view on clothing is directly associated with excess, extravagance and gluttony. The fast paced culture of fashion supports these qualities because how can clothing be considered traditional art if it is constantly changing and demanding more rather than being a staple in time like famous canvas paintings. Rachel K. Ward describes this comparison as, “art is normally aligned with meaningful intention and thus meaningful engagement; fashion is generally regarded as momentary and meaningless.” The unattainable nature of the fashion industry a main reason why so many people go through life viewing clothing as just something of comfort and ease, while having other creative outlets as their priorities.
The division of fashion as an art, necessity, or foe will remain a prevalent consideration for our social modern world. We must acknowledge all sides of this division because clothing is a human necessity, and we must continue to support the art of fashion. We are setting a foundation for future generations within our cyber world, how will our fashion be perceived; art or foe?
Kony 2012 - Cause or Con?

The Pit Falls of Social Networking
The internet and social networking is an excellent way to keep in contact with friends, play games or to keep up on news of your favourite company. On the other hand, people need to use these tools with caution.
As humans, we are social creatures that like to interact with each other and share ideas. When we are online and not seeing some of our friends and family, we up load pictures for our friends and family to see. But do we know if it is just our loved ones looking at them? Online privacy is a bit of an oxymoron. As much as we password protect our profiles on Facebook, it still is possible for people who are not our friends to look at our embarrassing photos of our crazy night at the club or that sexy picture we took for a significant other. As a rule of thumb, any photos that you would not want your grandmother to see, do not upload them to your profile. We do not have to only worry about strangers look at our embarrassing profile pictures, but also potential employers. Employers are using Google to search for information and or pictures of applicants to see if they are a ‘right fit’ for the company. If they find any scandalous photos, you could be hurting your chances for getting a job.
With social networking, people or companies can update their Twitter status in real time. It can be a useful tool to let friends see how you are doing, your activities or your feelings. Unfortunately, we are living in an age when there is such thing as too much information or TMI. People have to be careful about what they vent about on Facebook or Twitter. If you are friends with people from your work place or especially your boss, you may want to think twice about what you complain about through your status updates or tweets.
British woman complained about her current boss calling him a ‘pervy wanker’ and forcing her to do, complaining extra work or pointless tasks. She forgot that she added her boss as a friend; therefore he was able to see her status updates. He responded back to her status by telling her that she was fired and she can come pick up her belongings as reported in the article, “Fired Over Facebook: 13 Posts That Got People Canned” by Catharine Smith and Craig Kanalley . In 2011, designer Kenneth Cole used the Arab Spring to promote his spring collection according the article Kenneth Cole's Controversial Social Media Campaign Trivializes Serious Issue, as reported by Jo Piazza (August 18, 2011).
“Millions are in an uproar in #Cairo. Rumour is they heard our new spring collection is available online at http://bit.ly/KCairo.”
Although his followers increased by 3000, most people found the tweet in poor taste and making light of a very tense and violent situation in Egypt. A few hours after the tweet was posted, Kenneth Cole issued an apology via his facebook account.
With more people using the internet, any insulting or controversial comments made by celebrities or radio personalities, have the potential to go viral. Written in the article, Rush Limbaugh vs. Sandra Fluke: A timeline (posted March 7, 2011), conservative shock jock, Rush Limbaugh made some very insulting remarks about Sandra Fluke, a Georgetown law student who testified in congress to subsidize birth control. Limbaugh asked during an interview, "What does that make her?” and he replied, "It makes her a slut, right? It makes her a prostitute. She wants to be paid to have sex. She's having so much sex she can't afford contraception. She wants you and me and the taxpayers to pay her to have sex." Limbaugh apologized about his comments but it was a little too late. People with access to a computer, cell phone, television, etc heard Limbaugh’s insulting remarks, even though some people do not listen to his radio show. As of March the 6, 26 advertisers have pulled their sponsorship of his program.
Social networking can promote a cause or charity and get young people on board because they are constantly using Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. Recently a video on youtube.com was uploaded, about stopping a war criminal Joseph Kony in 2012. The charity, Invisible Children, is behind the video and the campaign to arrest Kony for war crimes and for people to donate money to help the people of Uganda. The charity has been able to get a lot of people to watch the video and donate because Invisible Children has also asked celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Rihanna to tweet #stopkony. There is a backlash against the video because some have claimed that the some of the information in the video is exaggerated. According to the article “Obama Takes on the L.R.A” on Foreign Affairs, (published November 15, 2011) Mareike Schomerus, Tim Allen, and Koen Vlassenroot wrote that the army that Kony is leading, the Lord’s Resistance Army (L.R.A), is weakening and even if with Kony’s arrest, his followers will join other militias or continue their war crimes independently. Also, there are accusations that Invisible Children is using donations for expensive trips and promotional movies. With all the criticisms, Invisible Children claims that all the facts in the video are accurate and donations have not been used inappropriately.
In all the examples shown in the article, it is evident that social media is a powerful tool for communication locally and around the world. But we have to use this tool wisely.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
What are you Wearing?
The unwritten rules for dressing for success, from socially acceptable to social acceptance, because knowing what to wear is half the battle.
Let's face it, we all do it! Whether its the last minute phone call to your friends to decide what dress to wear, or the fashion faux pas that has everyone saying "what are you wearing?!"
The Job Interview
With graduation around the corner, it has us all thinking about our careers. While many of us have been subjected to stresses of the job interview, you have to admit when it comes to your career it's a whole other level of stress. Thinking about what to wear to the interview shouldn't be one of them.
According to Canadian Living magazine, before you decide on what to wear, you should investigate the companies corporate culture and learn about their dress code.
What you decide to wear says a lot about you but also how you view the company and how you will approach the job, which is the basis of the advice provided by the Student Affairs at Virginia Tech University; that you should be memorable and not your outfit.
The First Date
Going on a date with someone for the first time is full of uncertainties, but the thing you can be certain of is how to dress to impress.
Patti Stranger, famous for Millionaire Matchmaker, is an expert on first dates.
From Shape Magazine, some of her best advice includes, don't overdo the accessories, the details like a pearly white smile won't go unnoticed, stilettos will make your legs look longer, dress up a little even when the date calls for casual, wearing red will be sure to get his attention, and suggests that wearing your hair down will make him want to run his fingers through it.
The Cocktail Party
While you might not think that you'll be going to a cocktail party anytime soon, consider the weddings of your friends you'll be attending in five years. The perfect cocktail dress is just what the occasion calls for.
Of course the little black dress, LBD, always works but if you willing to be a little more adventurous try colour with a bit of sequins. For great ideas check out Vogue's online article on Cocktails dresses with over a hundred ideas for your next cocktail dress.
The Night Out
Ever wonder why some get by the red rope of the hottest night clubs and others don't? It might be what they wear.
The NY Times investigates some of the snobbiest clubs, notorious for their dress code, where for the women it's all about the shoes, the Christian Louboutins and the Jimmy Choos, with a minimum 5 inch heal.
Then across the city, The NY Times noted, at the hipster bars it's patron prefer the look of tighter denim.
One interviewee commented that "today (clubgoers) dress in costume," like the "guidette" trend, based on how the want to be perceived, but no matter the look it's all about how you "rock it!"
The Family Function
Tired of your mother’s nagging comments about dressing appropriately in front of Grandma and the Aunt who has an opinion about everything?
Ever notice how well you know your Mom? That you probably know what she’s going to say before she says it? Use that to your advantage when you go shopping and before getting dressed for a family function. Think, “What would my mother want me to do?”
Let’s face it you’re going to give in eventually, so it might just be worth sacrificing your individual style just this once for your Mom.
It might just save you from the argument all together and the looks from your meddling family members.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Help Your Body Blossom Into Summer For a Beautiful You!
Spring has sprung while summer lingers just around the corner – time to tune-up your body in preparation for feeling fabulous as we slip back into sexy skin-baring dresses, shorts, and tees. Whether you’re planning on dusting off the old itsy-bitsy-teeny-weenie-yellow-polka-dot-bikini for a victory lap or you just want to feel a surge of spring vitality – here are three top suggestions to bring out your beautiful natural beauty:
1. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT: ARE YOU WHOLESOME OR OVERLY PROCESSED?
Follow these simple, yet powerful eating tips to spring your metabolism into action, cut out the toxins, and increase energy. Keep it simple by choosing a variety of natural whole foods to feel and look radiant.
Some red flags to watch for: If it comes in packaging plastered with health claims then put it down and walk away! If it looks too good to be true then there’s probably a lot of money to be made at your expense – after all, many of the biggest bang-for-your-buck nutrient rich natural foods don’t need a convincing package to demystify its contents. The farther away a food is to its natural state, the more it should be avoided – or at the very least, be sure to really enjoy it!
The information available can certainly be overwhelming and confusing but fear not – this is not a diet, just a simple reminder to be mindful of what you put into your body to feel and look your best.
A FEW FAST FACTS TO GET YOU INSPIRED:
Seasonal Spring Asparagus, Spinach, Peas, and Strawberries – all great sources of anti-oxidants and bioflavonoids - to slow down the aging-process by eliminating free-radicals and keeping inflammation in-check, vitamin C - essential to building collagen, and carotenes – essential to building connective tissue throughout, and those are just a few of many benefits to keep your skin, gums and eyes looking young and supple.
Wild Salmon, Nuts – excellent sources of omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids which are amazing for your skin and is also known to give your brain a boost – not just another pretty face!
2. WATER: NOT JUST FOR ELEPHANTS!
Surely, you already know that drinking water is essential merely to stay alive but did you know that it is the best skin beauty treatment around? Besides hydrating skin from the inside out to keep the cells plump rather than wrinkling and sagging - water assists with just about every vital bodily function. Keep all your cells plump and juicy by simply drinking enough water to feel and look healthy.
SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION INCLUDE:
- Fatigue and loss of concentration - instead of caffeine, try water for a lift.
- Dry, parched skin and dull eyes.
- Feeling hungry – yes, sometimes you’re just dehydrated.
- Headaches.
- Feeling thirsty is a sign that you are already quite dehydrated.
Best solution is to keep a water bottle with you and sip from it throughout the day. Nothing fancy –luckily we are blessed with clean drinkable tap water and it’s free!
3. EXERCISE: GET THAT BODY MOVING!
This one is so easy and gives back countless benefits both physically and mentally – simply embrace some modest and regular exercise into your daily routine - a little goes a long way!
Moving your body increases circulation, flushes toxins, releases endorphins, tones your muscles, increases cell turnover and feels great while giving you a youthful healthy glow – highly effective and it’s free – what is more beautiful than that!
SIMPLE IDEAS TO GET MOVING THROUGHOUT A REGULAR BUSY DAY:
- Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
- Ride a bicycle for transportation – no gas or parking required and can actually save time and money. Pick up a free City of Toronto Bicycle Route Map in any bike shop to plan your route.
- Walk whenever you can - even for 10 minutes – it all adds up.
- Sit on an exercise ball at work (instead of a chair) as an effortless way to work your core and keep your spine straight while you balance your body.
- Do a little stretching periodically throughout the day to give your circulation a little boost and distribute some extra oxygen to your cells.
- For the more adventurous: Dance like nobody’s watching!
HEALTHY IS BEAUTIFUL
Don’t underestimate just how amazing your body truly is – expensive lotions and potions, make-up and designer clothes sure are nice but pale in comparison with the sparkle of vivacity. These basic healthy habits are guaranteed to make you feel and look great plus offer the added benefit of more restful sleep –and it’s not called beauty sleep for nothing - regular restful sleep offers major health benefits and looks great too.
Tame your Mane
Tame your Mane
This season's top trends for managing your mop.
Front and Center
The center part is a quick and easy fix for those in a time crunch. This versatile style can be worn up in a messy bun or slicked back, and can also be worn down either straight, wavy or in curls. Try adding an accessory like a headband or hair clip to finish off the look.
Off Balance
The side part is an easy and stylish alternative to the center part. This look can be worn up or down, slicked back or curled. Wither you have bangs or not this is a style that will never fail. Try braiding the side with the least amount of hair and securing it at the nape of the neck with bobby pins or a decorative clip for an interesting twist.
DIY:
-Create a part at any point along forehead (be sure the part is nice and straight)
-experiment with different variations of the style, try gathering all the hair into a loose bun at the base of the neck
Birds Nest
Just rolled out of bed with ten minutes to get out the door? Toss up this quick do for a messy on the go bun that works with any outfit.
DIY:
-pull all hair up into a ponytail on the top of your head.(you can also place it off to one side)
-*optional* if your looking for a sleek look, try spraying your pony tail with hairspray and comb through to reduce frizziness
-wrap all of your hair around the pony tail
-secure with bobby pins (be sure to criss-cross pins to secure them in place)
-gently pull on hair to create a messier look
-*optional* if you want your hair knot to have more volume, try curling and teasing your hair prior to step one
Be Bold
Bright, bold and outrageous hair colours are shining through this season. Blue, pink, and purple are just a few of the many colours and shades available. Experiment! Use different colours for a layers look. If you have bangs, try dying them a different colour for the rest of your hair!
DYI:
Manic Panic hair dye is the most well known semi-permanent hair dye on the market. Available at most local drug stores and online at: http://www.manicpanic.com/ Average price: $13-$15
Ebay-pro
Ebay-pro
How to shop for clothes on ebay like a pro.
However, be warned. As a novice buyer many of my first ebay purchases were sources of huge disappointment. That beautiful Diane Von Furstenberg dress which arrived with ripped seams, the tiny Tocca dress sold as new without tags, but which arrived pre shrunken from a hot wash. There are many traps that the novice buyer can fall into but which are easy to avoid if you know just a little bit about ebay. Here are six tips to shop eBay like an pro.
1. Be specific
To save time scrolling through pages of fashion, keep a wish list of must-have items and store it on your cell phone or computer. If you would not compromise on the size, color, or fabric in the store, you don’t make the same mistake online.
Knowing your fashion history will help with shopping for major fashion labels; consider buying something from an earlier season. Tomas Maier–era Bottega Veneta bags aren’t cheap, but one from before his tenure at the house may have the same signature intrecciato leather weave but should be more reasonably priced.
3. Check seller feedback
If you are considering buying an item on ebay the first thing to do is to check the seller feedback. This quickly tells you the number of transactions that the seller has been involved in and how their customers have rated their conduct in these transactions.
As a rule a feedback score of 98% positive plus should make you reasonably comfortable, over 99% should make you completely comfortable. If it is lower than these levels you should read what people have had to say. Sometimes lower feedback is not the fault of the seller, but of buyers who have not read the auction terms such as delivery times correctly.
4. Read the measurement
The thing to remember with buying clothes on ebay is that sizing varies dramatically between stores and designers. If you purchase something that is a size 6, because that is ordinarily your size, and it doesn't fit you will not be able to get a paypal refund. In this case it is not the buyers fault.
The way around this is to take a similar piece of clothing that you already own. Carefully measure any parts that are important to you. Compare them to the measurements listed by the ebay seller. If there are no measurements listed contact the seller and ask for the specific measurements that you want. Remember: no reply? Don't buy.
5. Jump on a trend early
As soon as a collection is posted on sites like Style.com, get a head start on the trends by looking at vintage versions of what’s feeling new. Chandelier earrings are set to be big for spring (Dolce has good ones) and are a very easy eBay get.
6. Ask for more photos
Not every seller knows the power of taking the perfect product shot, so don’t be deterred by a poor set of images. Contact the seller for more options if you feel that you’ve found what could be a diamond in the rough.
Be in-the-know with the three top tech-savvy Fashion apps
Shopping has evolved with a combination of advancements in technology and our social media saturated society. As shopping will continue to evolve, we fashionista’s shall adhere to the new ways of staying on top of your fashion game. The market for Smartphone Apps is one that is not faltering, hence the abundance of mediocre fashion apps floating among cyber space. No need to be overwhelmed; because here are your top three tech-savvy apps that will have you on trend with the latest fashion and biggest deal.
HauteLook
This multifaceted website made the brilliant move of creating an app for any Smartphone. It took no time at all for devoted hautelook.com website-shopping enthusiasts to fall in love with this efficient fashion engine. The design of the app is run on an ‘event’ basis where all merchandise being sold is categorized by designer/brand and only available on the website for a predetermined amount of days. The HauteLook app will send your phone an instant notification when an ‘event’ has started so you can be the first to purchase and be on trend. The variety of categories is really what gives this app its integrity. You have everything from eye shadow, teeth whitening kits, to Steve Madden shoes and Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dresses. HauteLook is an affordable fashion accessory that will never go out of style.
NET-A-PORTER.COM
This brilliant website has started the revelation of iWindow shopping. Net-a-porter.com is also a online fashion website that accumulated so much popularity that once they created their Smartphone app it instantly was accompanied with a cult following. The high-fashion magazine inspired app design allows you to get lost in a fashion induced day dream. The main page acts as a cover page that is constantly changing and always adorned with a sassy one-liner. The main page consistently has five different categories, What’s New is a compilation of all the newest garments in the fashion industry, the next three categories are always changing and titled in correlation to the trend they are displaying, and the last category is always Magazine which is a look book inspired creative haven. Net-a-porter uses a crisp white background that completely compliments the artistic fashion, also the brilliant lay out they designed so you can see a close-up picture and further information on any garment you are interested in is so well done it feels like you’re playing a game.
StylishGirl
This fashion app takes on a different angle then the two previous. StylishGirl is legitimately the new-age Clueless electronic closet organizer, which was only just a dream back in 1995. This app is created to be your personal fashion assistant. The main page layout has adorable visuals that go along with each category. Add Item allows you to take pictures of any of your personal wardrobe with your phone, which is then stored in My Closet. My Closet is literally your own electronically organized wardrobe, helps you put together outfits. The actual category Outfits lets you shop/iWindow shop and put together outfits with your dream pieces and garments you already own. Wish Bag lets you organize all the items you wish to purchase. The Calendar category will remind you when you need to make certain purchases like for a friends birthday or if you got paid. The ingenious category Suitcase lets you virtually pack a suitcase using Mycloset before you go away. The Fashion Mall category lets you shop by accessories, jewelry, shoes, bags or clothing; this stands out because it allows you to shop online without having to filter through the surplus that is on the web. Finally the Fashion Lounge, this interactive category contains a blog, and personalized videos of other stylist giving tips and ideas. Within Fashion lounge you can also design, search latest look that people have put together, search most wanted items and get tips on any style inquires.
HauteLook, NET-A-PORTER.COM, and StylishGirl are all free apps, so indulge your fashionista eyeballs on these savvy smart phone apps and never feel deprived of your fashion fix again.
Baby, It's Bold Outside
After winter, it can sometimes be hard to put away our dark colours and embrace spring style. After dressing in the dark for all those months, it is time to back away from the black and get out of the grey. Spring is here, and with it comes the opportunity to show off some of the seasons best trends at any and every event on your social calendar.
Flower Power
Ditch the dark colours and step into something patterned. These aren't your grandma's florals either. This trend is about going big. Punch up your look with a vivid piece and defy expectations by trying a tropical island colour pallet. Whether you decide to go all the way, in a floral dress, or to keep in simple with just one part of your outfit, like a great pair or floral shorts, this trend is sure to get all eyes on you.
Shine On
High tech fabrics are big for spring. After a holiday season filled with head-to-toe metallics and sequins, this is a more subtle way to light up the night, without looking like you've been glitter-bombed. Fabrics with a slight sheen give a sleek and modern edge, without being too harsh. When wearing fabrics with a shimmer, don't over accessorize. Pair a piece that has sheen with neutrals. These two things will keep you shining without pushing you over the top.
Daisy Who?
Put Miss Buchanan to shame by trying out some 20's style elegance this season. With the new version of The Great Gatsby on its way, everyone wants a piece of the jazz age. Silks, feathers, and beading are among some of the deco details that are part of this trend. Don't go full-on flapper, though. Try a dress with a dropped waist or a fringed skirt, but leave the headband at home. You'll be garden party ready in no time.

Tribal Beat
This trend is sure to keep you on the island, no matter what the council says. Tribal influences are new for spring. Animal prints are still in. For those of you who are willing to be bold, try a flowing maxi dress in a large cat spot print. Not quite ready for the safari? Try pairing an earthy colour with a geometric print for a look without the claws and teeth. And don't forget to mix up your textures. Try some wooden jewellery, and look for beaded details to add some depth to an outfit.
Now that the world is done hibernating in their down filled jackets, it's time to show off your style savvy. So whether you decide to go bold, travel back in time, or across the world, these Spring trends are sure to have you turning heads and dropping jaws wherever you go.
Fashion 101 for Spring and Summer!
Get ready for a fashionable season!
We all dread the winter season. Everyone’s cold, miserable and all bundled up from head to toe, which makes it hard to make a fashion statement. Well, spring is here, and summer is right around the corner. It’s time to take off all those layers, bask in the warm sunshine and show everyone what you got!
Bright vibrant colours, and colourful spring/summer patterns are in, it gives a fun fresh look. The colour that will be a very popular is the colour red! Red clothes, jewellery, purses anything red is in fashion!
Skinnies, Baggy, boyfriend, wide leg, leggings (tights) and jeggings are the pants to wear. Skirts can be worn as casual or dressed up. Slim fitted skirts are very popular right now, especially the high waist fitted skirts. But did you know that long skirts can be worn as a dress? It’s true you can! If you see a nice long skirt, you can wear it as a dress and no one will be able to tell the difference, but you! Dresses are always nice to wear casually or dressed up. What’s in style for this season are fitted dresses, gathered waist dresses, belted dresses, fringed dresses, pleated dresses, a line dresses, long slim fitted dresses, flowing dresses. And last but not least dresses that have a printed pattern on them, they set a great look. Crops tops, graphic shirts, bra (crop tops, structured, and bandeau) are great with jeans, tights, skirt or shorts. It just depends on your sense of style.
Accessories play a big part in an outfit, to make it better and stand out more. Clutches, long strap, and big purses are the ones to be wearing this season. Chunky “bracelets” (or bangles), also cubic zirconia gems earrings, bracelets; necklaces have slowly made its way to being popular again. Costume Jewellery with a vintage look is another way to stand out this spring. Last but not least pearls have been on and off in fashion scene, earrings and a simple pearl necklace can be added to your outfit for a classy look. Big; earring, necklaces, and rings are a great accessory to wear with an outfit. Nail polish on your nails can help make you stand out; the colours to get are bright coloured nail polish. Also a nail polish craze is going on its called “crackel”, its fun and gives an edgy punk look. Make up plays another important part to standing out in the summer. Pink and red lipsticks are the colours to wear. The “natural” look is becoming more a popular look to just put on cover up and mascara and maybe a little blush on. Or if you wanted to stand out with your makeup, you can put on eye liner (preferably liquid) and a colour shimmering eye shadow to make your eyes pop out more. Either of the looks you choose for this summer, you’re guaranteed to catch some or a lot of attention this spring/summer!