Carry A Nation

I was so charmed by this story of Carrie A. Nation. In the late 1800's and early 1900's men were acting like drunk assholes and women had no rights. So she took it upon herself to support prohibition and then went one step further and walked into illegal bars and starting smashing things with her hatchet. Hear a much better version of her story on Criminal episode 73.

Sol LeWitt to Eva Hesse

Don’t worry about cool, make your own uncool. Make your own, your own world. If you fear, make it work for you — draw & paint your fear & anxiety.

This sentiment is exactly what we (I) need to channel these days in the world where your cool is measured by Instagram likes. Note to self: "cool" does not equal valuable or even good.

An excerpt from a letter written by Sol LeWitt to Eva Hesse when she admitted that she was suffering from self-doubt and creative block. As seen on Brain Pickings.

So where are you from?

Kate and Yoko of So Where Are You From? A podcast that talks about being Asian in America, and explains why you shouldn't ask your Asian friends where they are really from.

The True Cost

I just watched a documentary called The True Cost (on Netflix!) last week and it was heartbreaking. I already have conflicted feelings with the fashion industry, especially in the United States, and this film confirmed all of my suspicions. It touches on a lot of important subjects like the environmental impact on both ends from production to landfills, the social side about how the people that make your clothes are treated and lastly to a larger picture of consumption in America. This year I have purchased very few pieces of clothing, most of them vintage / thrifted and a few things from Everlane. 

My current list of retailers doing it differently is quite small:

• Everlane
• Cuyana
• Elizabeth Suzann

I am hoping to see more of these ethically minded companies pop up over the next few years. In the meantime, I will keep combing my favorite thrift stores.