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Just because Earth Day has passed doesn’t mean
you get to forget about being kind to nature,
especially where your clothes and accessories are
concerned.
Target, Wal-Mart, and a lot of other local grocery
stores have implemented the cloth bag for
‘greener’ shopping. Too many people take away too
many plastic and paper bags, which are clogging
up our landfills. Plastic never disintegrates and
every ounce of plastic that has ever been
manufactured will last until the end of time. Scary,
isn’t it? Makes you think twice about drinking out of
all those plastic water and soda bottles (go buy a
travel mug already!).
But, we won’t talk about all the environmental
dangers since we hear about them almost every
day. Really, the problem is that instead of reserving
these cloth bags for shopping, countless women
have begun using them as purses! They may be a
cheap and environmental friendly solution to
plastic and paper bags, but women don’t have to
sacrifice style to be conscientious to the
environment.
Organic cottons, silks, and other fabrics are
noteworthy materials in designer “eco-fashions,” a
term coined as green fashion has taken storm.
More and more designers, famous and those just
starting out, are starting to use ‘greener’ materials
in their garment construction. Hemp has always
been a popular material to make clothes for the
hippie crowd, but it’s become more and more
prominent in the fashion market. Vans and Keds
are just some of the companies using hemp,
bamboo, and organic cotton in their tennis shoe
construction.
Rogan Gregory is one avant-garde designer (who
has designed everything from clothing to furniture),
who uses fur from free-range Alpacas that has
been handspun into yarn with no toxic dyes. The
way the designer dyes, washes, irons, and even
packages and ships his or her item is also a key
factor in producing eco-friendly items (e.g. non-
toxic dyes, recyclable garment tags, recyclable
paper in general, wind or solar powered
manufacturing companies).
you get to forget about being kind to nature,
especially where your clothes and accessories are
concerned.
Target, Wal-Mart, and a lot of other local grocery
stores have implemented the cloth bag for
‘greener’ shopping. Too many people take away too
many plastic and paper bags, which are clogging
up our landfills. Plastic never disintegrates and
every ounce of plastic that has ever been
manufactured will last until the end of time. Scary,
isn’t it? Makes you think twice about drinking out of
all those plastic water and soda bottles (go buy a
travel mug already!).
But, we won’t talk about all the environmental
dangers since we hear about them almost every
day. Really, the problem is that instead of reserving
these cloth bags for shopping, countless women
have begun using them as purses! They may be a
cheap and environmental friendly solution to
plastic and paper bags, but women don’t have to
sacrifice style to be conscientious to the
environment.
Organic cottons, silks, and other fabrics are
noteworthy materials in designer “eco-fashions,” a
term coined as green fashion has taken storm.
More and more designers, famous and those just
starting out, are starting to use ‘greener’ materials
in their garment construction. Hemp has always
been a popular material to make clothes for the
hippie crowd, but it’s become more and more
prominent in the fashion market. Vans and Keds
are just some of the companies using hemp,
bamboo, and organic cotton in their tennis shoe
construction.
Rogan Gregory is one avant-garde designer (who
has designed everything from clothing to furniture),
who uses fur from free-range Alpacas that has
been handspun into yarn with no toxic dyes. The
way the designer dyes, washes, irons, and even
packages and ships his or her item is also a key
factor in producing eco-friendly items (e.g. non-
toxic dyes, recyclable garment tags, recyclable
paper in general, wind or solar powered
manufacturing companies).
Another way fashion conscious people can help
the environment is to buy clothes and
accessories from designers who send part of
their proceeds to an earth-friendly charity.
However, the purchasing part tends to be a
problem for most people given the current
economic crisis. Eco-fashions, as well as
regular designer labels, tend to be pricey. The
materials, although less is used and it is all
nature-friendly, tend to be more expensive
because the manufacturing process is more
time consuming and these materials are less
available than generic cottons, silks, and other
fabrics. The same is true of organic foods.
Anyone can buy a Hershey’s chocolate bar for
80 cents anywhere, but an organic chocolate
bar from a whole foods market generally costs
over a dollar, maybe even over two dollars.
Thus, less and less people can contribute to the
nature-friendly way of living because it’s much
pricier.
But, if women out there must use a tote to carry
her belongings, there are much cuter and
chicer ways to do it than to have a supermarket
or department store branded across your bag.
For one, Target sells cute organically made tote
bags for fifteen to twenty dollars. Sure, pricier
than the two dollar shopping totes, but a lot
cuter, too. WalkerBags also sells reusable
nylon bags (among a variety of other eco-
friendly carrying items), which could easily be
used for supermarket or department store
shopping. They come in a variety of vibrant
colors and only cost twenty-five dollars. These
are just some of the hundreds of options now
available in the ever-expanding green America.
If you can afford it, go green with style. Not only
will you look great, but you will be helping out
Mother Nature.
the environment is to buy clothes and
accessories from designers who send part of
their proceeds to an earth-friendly charity.
However, the purchasing part tends to be a
problem for most people given the current
economic crisis. Eco-fashions, as well as
regular designer labels, tend to be pricey. The
materials, although less is used and it is all
nature-friendly, tend to be more expensive
because the manufacturing process is more
time consuming and these materials are less
available than generic cottons, silks, and other
fabrics. The same is true of organic foods.
Anyone can buy a Hershey’s chocolate bar for
80 cents anywhere, but an organic chocolate
bar from a whole foods market generally costs
over a dollar, maybe even over two dollars.
Thus, less and less people can contribute to the
nature-friendly way of living because it’s much
pricier.
But, if women out there must use a tote to carry
her belongings, there are much cuter and
chicer ways to do it than to have a supermarket
or department store branded across your bag.
For one, Target sells cute organically made tote
bags for fifteen to twenty dollars. Sure, pricier
than the two dollar shopping totes, but a lot
cuter, too. WalkerBags also sells reusable
nylon bags (among a variety of other eco-
friendly carrying items), which could easily be
used for supermarket or department store
shopping. They come in a variety of vibrant
colors and only cost twenty-five dollars. These
are just some of the hundreds of options now
available in the ever-expanding green America.
If you can afford it, go green with style. Not only
will you look great, but you will be helping out
Mother Nature.
| Staying Chic While Going Green |
| By: Stephanie C.Crets Fashion Journalist (Intern) April, 2009 |
| "Eco-friendly Fashion" |
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
It’s no secret that Maxwell has made a comeback to
the “music industry” that is utterly astounding. After
an 8-year hiatus, this Brooklyn born talent crept
back into the hearts of his fans and picked up
precisely where he left off. Ushering in a
sophisticated new look with vocal skills tighter than
ever, he immediately secured the top of the music
charts (solidifying himself as an “infinite genius”).
The success of the “Black Summer’s Night” CD and
tour is a classic example of his authentic, timeless
artistry. I can’t remember a time in R&B history in
which an entertainer has returned (from such a long
hiatus), with so much momentum. In a short period
of time, Maxwell has been nominated for six
Grammys, become the winner of the 2009 Soul
Train Music award for “Best R&B Male Artist” and
was recently nominated (in a category with Michael
Jackson) for the 2009 American Music Award for
“Favorite Soul/R&B Male.” Additionally, he was a
2009 ALMA award nominee for “Best Musical Act”
and has also received countless other forms of
recognition (this year) on a national and
international level.
When we think of Maxwell, the first word that comes
to mind is usually “love.” His respectful and
meaningful lyrics, continually pay homage to women
awarding us the affection he feels we so rightfully
deserve. According to Giant Magazine (Sept. 09),
this is something he acquired at an early age
through profound relationships with his mother and
grandmother. The very essence of Maxwell is one
that emits an abundance of spirituality, sentiment
and inspiration. His spirit is filled with so much
warmth and passion that he could most likely heat
the entire continent of Antarctica. Adoring fans are
helplessly intrigued by his intoxicating voice, smooth
delivery and good looks.
It is no secret that creating good music comes first
with Maxwell, but what’s fascinating is that there are
no limitations to how deeply he touches his fans. As
an artist, he reaches his audience with
extraordinary talent coupled with double doses of
positive energy. When you combine the spirit of
Maxwell’s music with his persona, you have a
perfectly blended soufflé that never gets cold. Not
only does he thoroughly entertain you with his
artistry, he also has the tendency to truly elevate
your spirits.
My first encounter with him was many, many years
ago when I worked in radio. I’ll always remember
how kind and warm-spirited he was (to my staff) and
how his positive energy was the perfect remedy for
such a stressful day. Many of us walked away from
him “literally” floating on clouds. In a more recent
encounter, I believe God used him as a source of
inspiration to change my life and many others. That
night, through song… he made a lot of us laugh, a
few of us cry and some of us really think. I walked
away that evening with the epiphany of knowing that
if he could work everything out within his “Lifetime,”
so could I.
the “music industry” that is utterly astounding. After
an 8-year hiatus, this Brooklyn born talent crept
back into the hearts of his fans and picked up
precisely where he left off. Ushering in a
sophisticated new look with vocal skills tighter than
ever, he immediately secured the top of the music
charts (solidifying himself as an “infinite genius”).
The success of the “Black Summer’s Night” CD and
tour is a classic example of his authentic, timeless
artistry. I can’t remember a time in R&B history in
which an entertainer has returned (from such a long
hiatus), with so much momentum. In a short period
of time, Maxwell has been nominated for six
Grammys, become the winner of the 2009 Soul
Train Music award for “Best R&B Male Artist” and
was recently nominated (in a category with Michael
Jackson) for the 2009 American Music Award for
“Favorite Soul/R&B Male.” Additionally, he was a
2009 ALMA award nominee for “Best Musical Act”
and has also received countless other forms of
recognition (this year) on a national and
international level.
When we think of Maxwell, the first word that comes
to mind is usually “love.” His respectful and
meaningful lyrics, continually pay homage to women
awarding us the affection he feels we so rightfully
deserve. According to Giant Magazine (Sept. 09),
this is something he acquired at an early age
through profound relationships with his mother and
grandmother. The very essence of Maxwell is one
that emits an abundance of spirituality, sentiment
and inspiration. His spirit is filled with so much
warmth and passion that he could most likely heat
the entire continent of Antarctica. Adoring fans are
helplessly intrigued by his intoxicating voice, smooth
delivery and good looks.
It is no secret that creating good music comes first
with Maxwell, but what’s fascinating is that there are
no limitations to how deeply he touches his fans. As
an artist, he reaches his audience with
extraordinary talent coupled with double doses of
positive energy. When you combine the spirit of
Maxwell’s music with his persona, you have a
perfectly blended soufflé that never gets cold. Not
only does he thoroughly entertain you with his
artistry, he also has the tendency to truly elevate
your spirits.
My first encounter with him was many, many years
ago when I worked in radio. I’ll always remember
how kind and warm-spirited he was (to my staff) and
how his positive energy was the perfect remedy for
such a stressful day. Many of us walked away from
him “literally” floating on clouds. In a more recent
encounter, I believe God used him as a source of
inspiration to change my life and many others. That
night, through song… he made a lot of us laugh, a
few of us cry and some of us really think. I walked
away that evening with the epiphany of knowing that
if he could work everything out within his “Lifetime,”
so could I.
So what else is there to know about this seemingly
angelic musician besides the obvious? “Maxwell”
who also goes by “Max” has an incredible sense of
humor with a very cultured and adventurous spirit.
He enjoys reading an array of literature, has an
eclectic taste in music and (on most days) runs (at
least) 5 miles to stay in shape. He’s very socially
conscious, has a charitable heart and just recently
decided to dedicate his new single, “Fistful of
Tears” to commemorate the ongoing fight against
breast cancer. Another way he demonstrates his
zeal for mankind is through, “Help Somebody” a
song on his latest CD “Black Summer’s Night” which
motivates us all to become involved with making a
difference in the lives of others. On Thanksgiving
Day, he actually performed the new single on a
television program entitled “CNN Heroes.” “CNN
Heroes” is a special awards ceremony that
celebrates “ordinary people doing extraordinary
things.”
We spend a great deal of time celebrating Maxwell’s
craft as a musician, but this time around… I thought
I’d take a few minutes to also celebrate the “Man
Behind the Music.” All I know is that Maxwell is an
individual who was sent from Heaven to entertain,
inspire and lift our spirits (I’m sure none of his die-
hard fans would ever beg to differ). The once shy
little boy who felt unimportant as a child has
become a very profound figure to multitudes of
people. When I first learned of how he felt as a
child, my response to him was as follows: “It’s
amazing how God has all of our lives mapped out
from the day we are born. During those times, God
was undoubtedly shaping your spirit into the
masterpiece you are today. You are an individual
who is loved by so many and IMPORTANT to so
many. The truth is that you enrich us as much as
you say, ‘we enrich you.’ You are such an
inspiration to me.”
There are only a handful of celebrities who I feel
transmit an authentic “spirit of humility.” Maxwell
(who does not get caught up into the “celebrity
image thing”), radiates a very humble and down-to-
earth disposition that is the epitome of what
“Fabulosity avec Amour” is all about. “Fabulosity
avec Amour” is the French translation for
“Fabulosity with love” which means that part of
being fabulous is to always express love for all
mankind. “Hats off” to his mother and grandmother
for raising such a sincere and gracious gentleman.
If Maxwell’s father were alive today, I’m sure he
would be just as remarkably proud of him as other
family members. His Dad went home to be with the
Lord when he was just three, but I am positive that
he is smiling down on him (from Heaven) each and
every day♥
angelic musician besides the obvious? “Maxwell”
who also goes by “Max” has an incredible sense of
humor with a very cultured and adventurous spirit.
He enjoys reading an array of literature, has an
eclectic taste in music and (on most days) runs (at
least) 5 miles to stay in shape. He’s very socially
conscious, has a charitable heart and just recently
decided to dedicate his new single, “Fistful of
Tears” to commemorate the ongoing fight against
breast cancer. Another way he demonstrates his
zeal for mankind is through, “Help Somebody” a
song on his latest CD “Black Summer’s Night” which
motivates us all to become involved with making a
difference in the lives of others. On Thanksgiving
Day, he actually performed the new single on a
television program entitled “CNN Heroes.” “CNN
Heroes” is a special awards ceremony that
celebrates “ordinary people doing extraordinary
things.”
We spend a great deal of time celebrating Maxwell’s
craft as a musician, but this time around… I thought
I’d take a few minutes to also celebrate the “Man
Behind the Music.” All I know is that Maxwell is an
individual who was sent from Heaven to entertain,
inspire and lift our spirits (I’m sure none of his die-
hard fans would ever beg to differ). The once shy
little boy who felt unimportant as a child has
become a very profound figure to multitudes of
people. When I first learned of how he felt as a
child, my response to him was as follows: “It’s
amazing how God has all of our lives mapped out
from the day we are born. During those times, God
was undoubtedly shaping your spirit into the
masterpiece you are today. You are an individual
who is loved by so many and IMPORTANT to so
many. The truth is that you enrich us as much as
you say, ‘we enrich you.’ You are such an
inspiration to me.”
There are only a handful of celebrities who I feel
transmit an authentic “spirit of humility.” Maxwell
(who does not get caught up into the “celebrity
image thing”), radiates a very humble and down-to-
earth disposition that is the epitome of what
“Fabulosity avec Amour” is all about. “Fabulosity
avec Amour” is the French translation for
“Fabulosity with love” which means that part of
being fabulous is to always express love for all
mankind. “Hats off” to his mother and grandmother
for raising such a sincere and gracious gentleman.
If Maxwell’s father were alive today, I’m sure he
would be just as remarkably proud of him as other
family members. His Dad went home to be with the
Lord when he was just three, but I am positive that
he is smiling down on him (from Heaven) each and
every day♥
| Maxed with Love |
| "The Man Behind the Music" |
Written by: Loni Willis
Founder, Fabulosity avec Amour
December 1, 2009
Founder, Fabulosity avec Amour
December 1, 2009
