HM....

I've ranted about my moral dilemma concerning Mall of America's fast-fad chain stores such as H&M and Forever 21 in this prior post and I've stuck to my guns (and my wallet) since then. I haven't given either of those brands a single cent since writing that rant, but with the spring/summer seasons creeping up on me I'm realizing that I'm in dire need of some necessities. Necessities such as sunglasses. And jeans that aren't full of holes. Necessities that I could probably scour thrift stores for but lack the time, or buy from local boutiques but lack the cash flow. Necessities that could be found in a snap at H&M...

Luckily for me (and my morals) the Low Impact Living blog has done some research for me. This article rates some of the top fast-fad fashion brands such as Gap (includes Old Navy and Banana Republic), Target, Forever 21, and H&M in relation to their environmental responsibility and social practices. Hmmm, it seems that H&M isn't exactly the big bad wolf I've made it out to be. Not that they are perfect by any means - or that shopping there is better than thrifting or buying locally or handmade - BUT the article does let me feel okay to rationalize buying a few things from them here and there.

Hole-free jeans here I come.

Stuporbowl XI

150 bike kids and a smart, sassy, lady from Chicago invaded my house last weekend.

Since my house was a 'sober stop' this year (wtf??) Becca and I made anyone who entered our territory don a "finger 'stache".

Here is the Chicagoan, Becca, helping my lady Stella model a "finger 'stache":



Stuporbowl XI kicked ass for many reasons this year. But mostly because a woman won all around first place! Hell yes! It made me crazy proud to be a lady biker in Minneapolis.

Here's the champ, Susan, with her "thumb 'stache":



Finger 'staches for all.

namesake

My two new favorite names:

Char Coal
Corri Ander

Yes. These are real people.

I know because I send them snail mail.