The Adventures of an Urban Socialite*

* Bringing You The Truth In The Form Of Fashion ©

celebrate your priorities with minoritees March 28, 2008

Filed under: Favorites, Hot Designer, Shop, Streetwear — urbansocialite @ 11:15 am

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I know you’re probably sick of me posting about how I’m going to fix this site… If only this was my full time job (closing my eyes and dreaming about independent, urban fashion…), I’d be set. My real full time job is wonderful but very very time consuming…. I’m hoping to grt a new phone this weekend so I can at least post on the fly. I was at a gala last night and I was kicking myself because there were some outfits I’m sure you would have loved.

I have to two designers I want to post about this morning… but only time for one. Since it’s Friday, I’ll go for the more fun/realxed of the two: minoritees. minortiees is the collective brainchild of founders collin spencer and austin green. Founded in 2004, the two sought to create a product that was both smart and stylish, geared at celebrating the minority and multi-cultural influences. The designs are not solely based on race, but inclusive of the individual in all of us. Simply put, minoritees offers conscious causal apparel geared toward an often over-looked market. It’s focus? strength. individuality. pride.

I love the afro sunburst tee (seen left).

 

wonhundred reasons to shop March 26, 2008

Filed under: Couture, Fashion, Streetwear — urbansocialite @ 11:18 am

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I’m in one of those phases of my life where I can’t begin to explain how over committed I am. On that note, I’ve been working on the layout for the new version of this site (www.urbansocialite.com). For your insatiable desire for the best fashion,  I thought I’d leave you with Danish design house Wonhundred. Founded by designers by Nikolaj Nielsen and Pernille Schwarz, this label is fun, laid back, with a decidedly urban edge. I’m hoping to take this weekend to work out the website stuff…  I have new obsessions to share (don’t you love MAC’s Heatherette collection??) and about 75 e-mails worth of fabulous designers.  So much fashion, so little time!!

 

Grin and Tonic March 17, 2008

Filed under: Eco-Couture, Hot Designer, Ponder this..., Shop — urbansocialite @ 12:52 am
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At Urban Socialite.com we’re all about looking good and feeling good at the same time. That’s why I’m sure you’ll love the collection of t-shirts at Tonic Generation. Not only will you look fabulous in one of their four eye-catching designs, you’ll also feel great about your purchase. Take for instance the “School Tee” pictured above. Each school Tee purchased will help educate three children in India for one year. Why they chose this project:

There are nearly half a billion children in India, millions of who live on the streets and railway platforms. One teacher, Inderjit Khurana, saw that most of them spent their days begging from those very platforms instead of going to school. So she decided to bring the school to them.
The children who inhabit the railway platforms of Bhubhaneshwar have been the victims of abuse, starvation, poverty, and neglect. They have been exploited for child labor and prostitution. As a schoolteacher, Inderjit Khurana used to take the train to work and would see these children begging for money and food from train passengers instead of attending school. She was convinced that they would never escape these conditions without proper education. So in 1985, Inderjit took matters into her own hands and created the “platform school.” She assembled books and writing slates and went to the train platforms to teach the children the basics of reading and writing. Today, Inderjit’s school reaches 4,500 students every year through her organization, Ruchika Social Service Organization (RSSO). With just a few dedicated volunteers and staff, the organization provides safety, nutrition, and education to kids who otherwise faced a life on the streets.

Aside from this noble cause, Tonic Generation also supports “Bed Nets Against Malaria,” “Restoring Sustainable Forests,” and “Water For Life.“The company seeks to show that capitalism and social good can co-exist. They do this by handing over a big chunk of their revenue 40% on average, to the people who need it most. More from Tonic: “The good news is that we’re not in competition for dollars you donate to other worthy non-profits. We just sell you stylish stuff and support meaningful causes along the way. Buy a t-shirt and help build schools in India. Or send bed nets to prevent malaria in Africa. Or plant trees in our forests. See the difference you can make exercising your purchasing power.”

Tonic works by partnering with secular non-profits in four key areas – the environment, education, social welfare and poverty. All of their cause partners have proven track records in what they do best, are committed to action now, and ensure that support reaches its destination quickly and efficiently.Thank me later for this perfect excuse to stock up for the summer.

*** By the way, I’m in the process of revamping this site a bit. If its a bit tweaky over the next week or so, please forgive as I promise it will look great when it’s done!

 

Wanted: Sublet March 14, 2008

Filed under: Couture, Eco-Couture, Favorites, Hot Designer, Shop — urbansocialite @ 11:14 am
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WANTED: Cool, comfortable clothes, socially conscious designers, and a great story.

To find? Look no further than Sublet Clothing, a great New York clothing company with close ties to the environment, the community… and of all things, Craigslist!

After responding to a Craigslist sublet posting during college, Inessah found herself dragging two suitcases up three flights of stairs to meet her new roommate, Tara. Finding themselves with a lot in common such as Inessah being unable to find a more permanent place, and Tara living her motto,
“The more the merrier,” the initial two weeks turned into three months.Two years later, after having worked traditional careers, Tara and Inessah missed the spontaneous community, independence and creativity they felt when subletting. So over lunch one day, they decided they would create their own permanent sublet through Sublet Clothing.

I love the Amirah dress! Can’t you just picture me walking down the beach in Jamaica, the wind blowing through my hair, sipping some fruity drink in this flowy little dress? I can… but alas, now I must go to work.

 

Toggle this March 11, 2008

Filed under: Couture, Dresses/ Party, Eco-Couture, Hot Designer — urbansocialite @ 11:49 am
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So much fashion, so little time. My to-do reviews are literally stacking up on my desk… Great clothes, cool jewelry, and of course, my favorite, MAC make-up. By the way, does anyone want some of MAC’s latest collection? I have some fabulous samples just looking for a new home (the trade off is, you have to send me a review of whatever I send you). Anyway, I digress and I’m running très late, so I will leave you with one of my favorite eco-friendly designers, Kate D’Arcy of Toggery.

Combining the notion of sustainability with her innate sense of style Kate D’Arcy launched Toggery, a new line of organic clothing for a new age of consumer.
The clothes are a special blend of contemporary design with environmentally conscious fabrics. They are soft and luxurious, flattering to the figure and a smart choice for the fashionable.
With a passion for fashion and a dream of creating a collection of essential pieces, Kate decided to not only create a collection of beautifully stylish pieces but to be environmentally responsible in how they are made. Using all 100% organic cotton and bamboo fibers, the entire collection is produced by a certified socially responsible apparel manufacturer right here in the USA.
Women can nurture themselves in the finest fabrics nature has to offer in the fashionable line of women’s contemporary knit styles including fashion tees, basic tees, dresses and leggings. There is a good feeling knowing that no compromise was made via humanity or the environment for a quality signature style.
Purchasing a piece from Toggery by Kate D’Arcy is not only an investment in fashion but also in the environment.

As Kate always says “We all have to do our part, why not look fabulous while you do it!”

 

Find your outer Kuyichi March 10, 2008

Filed under: Eco-Couture, Streetwear — urbansocialite @ 11:02 am
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Part of me is happy about daylight savings… it means we’re one step closer to spring! An other part of me was pretty displeased when my alarm went off at 6am this morning. Technically, my body still thinks its 5am …which is far too early to wake up.
Mornings like this make me wish I could restart the weekend all over again. Throw on a pair of jeans, curl up with a good book and relax. Looking for that perfect pair of jeans for your next weekend? Try Kuyichi (the name comes from the Peruvian god of the rainbow). Kuyichi was founded in 2001 with the goal of introducing organic cotton and fair trade to the jeans industry. Kuyichi manufactures pure, organic & fair trade jeans. Their designs are super sexy and very comfortable. This “Style Conscious” brand is sure to be an instant favorite!