From the BBC Pressroom: "As ethical fashion promises to be the next big thing, the BBC has today launched Thread – a new online magazine for fashion conscious people who care about where their clothes come from.

"Thread will cut to the heart of what 'ethical fashion' means, covering a range of issues from the environmental footprint of clothing manufacture, to the impact of the fashion industry on human and animal rights and why the choices we make as clothes shoppers make a real difference.

"First and foremost Thread is dedicated to showcasing the latest in eco-fabulous style. The magazine shows you how to get the look you want in an eco-glam way through a unique mix of affordable fashion, exclusive celebrity videos and interviews, photo galleries and thought-provoking features.

"It will also offer ideas and information on how to give your wardrobe an ethical makeover through a mix of shopping for new or vintage clothes, to swapping clothes with friends and customising existing clothes. Thread is proof that there are ethical options to suit your style, your budget and your views."

I'm bookmarking the site, even though I suspect Thread will have things to tell me that I won't necessarily want to hear. But when you know better, you do better. So bring on the big issues, Thread! We're listening...

>> Visit Thread

As we celebrate Earth Day, I could give you pithy eco-friendly tips such as 1) switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, 2) use a reusable shopping tote rather than paper or plastic, and 3) drink tap water instead of bottled. But we'll let the eco blogs handle that. Instead, we offer you 5 eco-conscious fashion and beauty finds to get you in the mood for greener living. Enjoy!

[1] Everyday is Earthday Tee at Forever21.com, $16.90 (If you're gonna wear a logo tee, why not make it green?)
[2] Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpaste at Drugstore.com, $4.89 (The yummiest toothpaste ever, which claims to be natural to boot)
[3] Labello Milk & Honey lip balm at SmallFlower.com, $8.95 (Visit Merz Apothecary, Small Flower's retail store, if you're ever in Chicago! It's an experience.)
[4] Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Soap at Amazon.com, $3.25 (My bf is addicted to this silky, refreshing bar soap)
[5] Handmade Felt Flower Brooch by Ei! Kumpel, € 8.50 EUR (Unique, handmade crafts that make great gifts, too)

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As part of their Gap Design Editions, the Gap enlisted 2007 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists 3.1 Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, and threeASFOUR to design a limited edition collection of white shirts, each putting their own spin on the classic white button-down. The collection looks pretty stunning on the models in the ad above, but keep scrolling...


Here's how the shirts look on yours truly: Not good. Not good at all. Yes, I took a trip to my friendly neighborhood Gap (a very rare occurrence) to scope out the collection, and while I had a very pleasant shopping experience (I forgot how oddly relaxing the Gap can be), the four shirts I tried by Phillip Lim were sub par considering the $78 pricetag.

Lim's Bell-sleeve shirt fit best (above left), but the ruffles would be difficult to layer under a cardigan or blazer without bunching and wrinkling. The Picot button-front shirt (above right) featured an uncooperative tie detail. Sorry, but I can't be bothered with buttoning and bow-tying. Pass.


A 3/4 sleeve top (above left) felt more like a mock-up than an actual finished garment. And it had a sort of "mad scientist" vibe that I wasn't feeling. Scary. Finally, I slipped into a low-tie neck top which made me look prego. Nothing wrong with that...but it's not the look I'm after. And again with the bow - please don't ask me to tie my own bows. The results ain't pretty.

In a nutshell, I felt the collection was unflattering, fussy and stiff. There's a reason that classic white button down shirts are universally appealing - it's that classic shape, cut and silhouette. So save your $78 and spend it on a great classic that you'll wear over and over again instead.

Beyoncé made famous these $4,200 “Closed Front Cage Sandals With Ankle Pads” Balenciaga heels (left)—also known as the Lego shoes—during her performance at the 2007 American Music Awards.

Now you, too, can release your inner diva with the absurdly similar shoes on the right, the "Brenda," available at Bakers. The question is, who will want them? And does that shoe look like a "Brenda" to you? I am most certainly missing something.

P.S. The "Brenda" comes in all white as well, and it's actually pretty fierce. In fact, they're all kinda starting to grow on me...

>> "Brenda" heels at BakersShoes.com, $79.95

Baby Phat president and Life in the Fab Lane star Kimora Lee Simmons is launching Fabulosity, a fashion sportswear line for juniors to be sold exclusively at JCPenney, later this year.

Fabulosity will feature tees, knit tops and sweaters, jeans, skirts and dresses, as well as hoodies, jackets and outerwear, with prices ranging from $29 to $108.

With all due respect, I think this is a big step backwards for JCPenney. They will never attract today's sophisticated budget fashion shopper with moves like this, nor will they be able to help their current customer base attain great style. Big "sighs" all around.