Site Wins Fashion Fans By Letting Them Design (The New York Times)

OK, now don’t start getting ideas. I don’t want to be out of a job or anything. But I couldn’t resist pointing you to this article highlighting how the creators of Polyvore (described by the NYT as a “user-generated fashion magazine”) are pretty much doing everything right, while fashion magazine Web sites for such pubs as In Style and Vogue, well, aren’t. Basically, by tapping into the whole interactive and entertainment elements of fashion—consider, if you will, how no two fashionistas will wear the same piece the same way—they’re creating more value by letting visitors click through to their favorite e-retailer. Plus, the site is really cool, which always helps. (The New York Times)

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Give active people a little lightweight helper.

Climbing a mountain can get so annoying! All that walking, plus there’s gear to tote—water, oxygen … um …flashlights, tents, a change of clothes, a cappuccino machine…the list goes on and on! (Full disclosure: I have never climbed a mountain.) Luckily for those who have and do so often, Perserverance Mills Ltd., a textile manufacturer based in Lancanshire, England, came up with Pertex. The fabric is crafted from tightly woven microfiber yarns and is often used in sleeping-bag construction. (That’s right, sleeping bags! You would also need sleeping bags whilst climbing a mountain. Add that to the list.) Well, whatever you bring, Pertex packs light and is a great for saving space without sacrificing comfort.

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Paris’ House of Knock-Offs (Los Angeles Times)

Well, considering the fact it’s the fashion capital of the universe, I guess Paris has every right to blow the cover wide open on the differences between the counterfeit and the real deal. In fact, they’ve made an entire museum out of it (or should I say, “musee”?). Displaying Birkin bags, Hermes scarves and even Ray-Ban sunglasses, the Musée de la Contrefaçon gives the masses an education in luxury goods vs. cheap knockoffs. I, being firmly in the camp of “If you want it so badly, invest in the real thing,” appreciate this type of thing. I kind of want to go, actually. And as a bonus, it’s not just luxury goods being spotlighted. Ordinary stuff, including food, tools and beauty products are thrust under the microscope, as well. And it’s not pretty. (Los Angeles Times)

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Right to Bare Arms

BroderBros.—Harriton Fleece Vest

I layer with abandon, for better or for worse. To me, it’s not really an outfit unless there are multiple levels. Why? Well, I get cold easily. And I also enjoy irreverent color combinations. But even if it’s merely to get through the in-between seasons, fleece vests are great go-to wardrobe staples. Whether it’s for a college kid who spends half his day running in and out of the hallowed halls of learning, or for an adult who isn’t really into the bulkiness of a jacket, this is a great, versatile item.
(800) 521-0850
www.broderbros.com

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Jetline Announces Expansion Plans

Industry supplier Jetline, based in Mount Vernon, N.Y., announced it is in the process of examining additional plant locations to address increased capacity requirements resulting from double-digit annual growth.

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