If you want to understand why girls who are sex-trafficked don’t run straight to the police, Withelma Ortiz, known as T, could tell you a thing or two. The 22-year-old has a pretty good grasp on the issue — having been first sold for sex at age 10.
New Listen: Beach House “Bloom”
Beach House released their fourth album, Bloom today. Hailing frrom Baltimore, Maryland, Beach House is a duo that has been on the hot radar since their self-titled debut album in 2006. Known for their mastering in the dream pop genre, it’s easy to realize the natural allurement of each song.
Bloom opens up with “Myth”, a song succeeding in the creation of an enticing melody with multi-layered sounds and honest writing. The album also draws in and encourages listeners to explore the many themes of love, temporary happiness, and post-heartbreak moments.
Stream the album here.
To get more insight about the release of Bloom and Beach House, check out this Pitchfork interview.
Follow them on Tumblr/Twitter.
- jh
JEWELRY That Makes A STATEMENT!
Currently, many are adding a variety of accessories to give their look some extra zest and to make it unique! From cute shoes to vibrant jewelry, there is always something that you can use to make your outfit stand out! One company that allows you to accessorize and make a statement, literally, is Alex and Ani! This company creates jewelry that is not only eco-friendly, but also unique to every individual. Alex and Ani’s mission is, “To design products that adorn the body, enlighten the mind, and empower the spirit. Alex and Ani’s collections reflect a design aesthetic that celebrates each wearer’s unique essence.” From necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings, each beautiful piece allows you to express yourself, while looking fabulous at the same time!
-TH
For more information check out: www.alexandani.com
Rumi Neely in Leather
Rumi Neely, the blogger of Fashion Toast, is wearing a Kahlo’s Jonas dress, Karen Walker sunglasses, and Celine SS10 wedges. She is an inspiration in the fashion blog world and she keeps her fans on their toes, making them wonder which trendy outfit she will model next. Her success boomed in 2008 when people loved the items she sold in her eBay vintage store called, “Treasure Chest Vintage” which was receiving 35,000 hits per day. She not only sold her clothes and shoes, but she modeled her own outfits. This summer, why go for just a simple summer dress when you can wear a classy leather dress like Rumi Neely? The dress corresponds perfectly with the leopard print sunglasses and wedges. So, be creative and find your perfect dress!
-Jenny Kim
Viewing child porn on the Web 'legal' in New York, state appeals court finds
Reporter M. Alex Johnson writes:
Viewing child pornography online isn’t a crime, the New York Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday in the case of a college professor whose work computer was found to have stored more than a hundred illegal images in its Web cache.
The court dismissed one of the two counts of promoting a sexual performance of a child and one of the dozens of counts of possession of child pornography on which James D. Kent was convicted. The court upheld the other counts against Kent, an assistant professor of public administration at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Should viewing child porn be illegal, period? What do you think?
Bloom Bloom Pow!
If lions are the kings of the jungle, then flowers are definitely the queens of botany. Despite the rather rainless month of April for all of us in Southern California, this month has definitely brought out the May flowers in fashion. Whether it may be with a bright and colorful Matthew Williamson garden-party sundress or a head-to-toe beautifully botanical ensemble like the floral suit featured in Peter Som’s 2012 Spring collection, flower-patterned pieces are planting themselves as one of the must-wear trends of the summer season. If you’re like us and these designer get-ups are budget-busting buys, then try checking out the green wardrobe staples from H&M’s 2012 Conscious Collection and get in on the bloom today!
-MB
With summer just around the corner, the best way to get one pumped up is with a new song to add to your new sun-inspired playlists!
Claiming his hometown as the Eastern Seaboard, Vacationer is all about making songs that “relaxes the listener and sends their mind on a well-deserved trip.” Just with one listen, the songs create an audio soundscape for spontaneous trips anytime the listener needs a quick sense of sweet exploration.
An instant favorite, “Trip” has a friendly, enticing tune with irresistible lyrics:
“I need a fix, A trip is what I need/Simmer and sip, as cool as can be/And I know care is waiting for me/That love is coming on!”
Follow Vacationer to listen to his tunes and peep the pictures he snaps.
- jh
Get your daily dose of Water<Less jeans with Levi’s and a peek into the life cycle of denim
Raising the bar for environmental and social innovation in the garment industry, the designers of Levi’s have “set out to create an entirely new approach for using less water in the denim process.” This video and and diagram presents an in-depth look into how denim is manufactured to produce the oh-so-coveted look of perfectly stonewashed jeans, and how Levi’s does it differently.
Watching #Nefarious a #movie about #humantrafficking. We #love that @exoduscry is a #partner with us in the #office. (Taken with Instagram at Freedom and Fashion)
Stockholm Syndrome in the Pimp-Victim Relationship
NY Times reporter Natalie Kitroeff writes about complex psychological effects of the sex trafficked victims:
Color Block…Why Not?
With summer quickly approaching, everyone will soon be looking through their closets or shopping for shorts, tanks, bathing suits, dresses, and basically anything else to keep them cool! Along with that, there should be another thing taken into consideration, COLOR! Currently, numerous designers are incorporating “color blocking” in their designs, which allows you to wear multiple colors in one outfit, without making you look crazy! Whether it is on your six-inch pumps or on a cute maxi dress, color blocking will make your outfit look tasteful and vibrant, which is definitely what you need to stand out during the summer season!
-TH
Merchandise can be found at:
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