ACTION ALERT: Tell enjoi domestic violence and rape are NOT FUNNY

existential ella — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:44:14 +0000

“Domestic violence isn’t a joke and this t-shirt isn’t funny. Help us get enjoi to take down the shirt and continue spreading love of skateboarding without adding to the desensitization of violence that already exists.” Ginae Klasek

The petition to have enjoi remove the shirt depicting a women wearing a sling with the words, “He really does love his skateboard more than me,” has almost 3,000 signatures.

The revolution has begun my friends! Stand up for women, take back our power from people like this. Enjoi has promised to remove the shirts, and issue a formal apology, but we have yet to get a written statement from them addressing these promises. The fight isn’t over. WE NEED YOU!

SIGN THE PETITION: HERE

NO MEANS NO!!

Unconsciousness means no!

Submission under threat of violence MEANS NO!

Women being violated every single minute, all around the world, is NOT A JOKE. Media needs to get the message from US – women’s suffering at the hands of men is not a joke.

Check out an article about this petition from the LA Guardian HERE

Please take a moment to sign the petition HERE, and if you feel safe, comment on enjoi’s Facebook page HERE. They aren’t nice folks, so don’t be surprised by the name-calling and child-like responses. You do not stand alone! We are in this fight together.

Be Stevie Nicks

existential ella — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:31:14 +0000

Etsy Shop of the Week – bo winston

existential ella — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:46:23 +0000

banner by bo winston – check out their SHOP: HERE

Curating a vintage shop is an artform, one that the folks at bo winston on Etsy have mastered! They have done all the work for you, selecting only the finest items, representing multiple decades of fashion. The shop features a little bit of everything, and I’ve selected some prime dresses to share with you here.

80s/90s Goth/Grunge/Retro YES!!!

90s grunge halter dress ; 80s/90s velvet babydoll ; 80s print babydoll dress

Bohemian Earth Mama 60s/70s

Moroccan maxi dress ; Southwestern fringe mini-dress ; 70s summer frock

One might think, oh…I could just go to the thrift store and pick up something like this myself. I wish the best of luck to you! However, it’s harder that it looks my friends. These items are few and far between at your local vintage thrift shops. Let the intuitively-guided vintage pros at bo winston do the work for you this week!

Stay cool this summer…wear kaftans!

existential ella — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:55:56 +0000

Kaftans have been around for centuries. Worn by women and men in Africa, Asia and Europe. In the 1960s and 70s, participants in the North American hippie movement started donning these free-flowing, ornate robes.

Handmade Kaftans on Etsy

by Silk and More

Silk and More is by far my favourite shop for handmade kaftans on Etsy. The shop is run by a hard-working, creative woman named Shikha. She is supported by members of her family, and they make the kaftans from their home in India. Her shop features long and short robes, custom orders for events (get them for all of your bridesmaids!), and a variety of fabrics are offered. Shikha has even designed a button-front version for nursing mothers to conveniently nurture their child.

Fast shipping, excellent product, and the feeling of wearing these kaftans makes it a MUST HAVE for summer! They come in one size that will fit from a size S to 2-3x nicely. I wear mine around the house, out to coffee, and camping!

Silk and More has become so popular that several copies of the shop have appeared on Etsy. Make sure to order from Shikha at Silk and More!

Vintage Kaftans

I’ve made it easy for you to check out the best of the best vintage kaftans on Etsy! Get that bohemian style paired with comfort and cool!

Left to Right: EL Vintage ; Luv Stoned Vintage ; NorthStar Vintage ; myuniverse ; EL Vintage

Turn, Turn, Turn – The Byrds 2/5/66

What is NORMAL?

existential ella — Mon, 06 May 2013 22:58:11 +0000

This was too AWESOME not to share. What is normal, when it comes to people? No one can really say. We are amazingly different. Our characteristics, perceptions, experiences, all make us completely unique. Lets stop comparing ourselves to others, and start showing people who we are. YOU have wonderful things to offer this world, or even just the people you currently know. Believe me when I say this, YOU are irreplaceable, fascinating, beautiful and just right. As long as we keep living with good intention, and sending out messages of non-violence and respect, we are heading in the right direction!

Check out the original posting of this on Kristina’s Tumblr: A Cluttered Mind

New, HOT, Items in Existential Ella’s Etsy Shop

existential ella — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 01:05:55 +0000

BRAND NEW to Existential Ella – wire wrapped, and adjustable bohemian rings! Just in time for festival season. I’ve been making and wearing these type of rings for some time, and I decided to see if you would like to wear them too. Wrapped with silver-plated wire, featuring stone beads and bohemian, spirit-infused style.

These rings should not be worn in water or while participating in vigorous activities. Made for fun, fashionable, free-spirited frolicking!

Since these items are new, and experimental, you get them at an awesome discount price for the time being!! Sold as is, with wonderful imperfections that do not diminish the beauty. ENJOY!

Don’t forget to wrap your wrists!!

So Very – Black and White Etsy Summer

existential ella — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 03:47:03 +0000

For the beach and beyond…

There’s nothing I love more than scanning Etsy for must-have fashion. Well, other than dancing, reading, kissing, writing, petting my animals and eating stuff. So, while we all wait for our favourite Spring fruits to ripen, lets take a look at some warm-weather appropriate clothing.

the Suits

Black and white is THE trend for Spring/Summer this year. SO GLAD! Tribal patterns, color blocking, and stripes are always awesome…and just your luck! I’ve found them all for you. From left to right, clockwise – Excavation LA, detroit LUX, Histoires

the Cover-ups

Caftans (far left), shawls, and ponchos are the essence of relaxation after a day in the sun. Cover up those sun-kissed shoulders and ease into the evening as the moon rises. A woolen poncho (seen on the right) might be too warm for day play, but the wind gets chilly near the ocean. Throw it on, and find yourself a bonfire and some friends. Get these here: Destination Home, WildLife TX, and Factory Handbook

Tops and Bottoms I Love

Black and white stripes aren’t just for Tim Burton movies anymore. And apparently, the stuff I used to be embarrassed about wearing in my Junior High class photos are now covet-worthy (see 90s blouse in lower right corner of collage). Enjoy these treasures/born again favourites! Get your 90s fix here: Maude Deco, All Wild at Heart, Story of Things, George and Jane

And I can feel the cool washing over me…

Digable Planets – Rebirth of Slick

Seriously Retro 80s/90s Prom Style

existential ella — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:33:59 +0000

I never went to prom. Moment of silence, tears, frowny-face, over it. I spent prom night tripping on acid, trying to find my fingers and wondering if dirt would taste good. It didn’t, don’t try it. Any of that.

So, you want to have a seriously retro prom dress? I hear ya. You’re not into wearing that same crunchy, metallic tube dress every other girl wears. Good for you!!

retro fascination

The four dresses featured directly below are all from Retro Fascination (an Etsy store with many more where these came from). Reasonably priced, and in all sizes and colors!

It’s hard to tell if a prom dress is hideously ugly, or totally cool. Such a fine line. However, every dress you see in this blog post is bona fide, 100% totally tubular (see 80s Urban Dictionary).

I only like pink because of Molly Ringwald

Dresses available at: Vintage Grime, North Star Vintage, Hep Cat Clothes

I invented the Post-It Note

DRUM ROLL PLEASE….

Yes, it’s leather. I like to feature a lot of vegan items, but I still LOVE me some leather. THIS DRESS IS THE ONE AND ONLY BOMB! Leather, lace, strapless, ruffles…I am having a freakin’ heart attack! GET THIS DRESS: Hooked on Honey

And I leave you with the song I would have lost my virginity to:

(kids, don’t do that – prom IS NOT worth it. You prom date is NOT “The One.”)

Artist Feature – Cameron Russell, Model and Wise Woman

existential ella — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:05:01 +0000

There are so many TED talks I admire. TED, by the way, is a “global set of conferences owned by the private non-profit Sapling Foundation, formed to disseminate ‘ideas worth spreading.’” You can access many of the talks via Youtube HERE: TEDtalksDirector

The talk I want to share with my readers here at Existential Ella, is presented by Cameron Russell. She’s a model, with over a decade of experience in the industry. Cameron discusses the realities of the modeling industry in a clear, honest and inviting way in the video below.

What do you think about this video?

When looking at fashion spreads and advertising in magazines, on television, or pretty much anywhere you turn your head, think about how it was constructed, who is involved, and the message that is being sent. Who created the ad, photo or video? Why did they create it? What are they trying to sell to you – because that’s usually what they are trying to do.

On the other end of that analysis, think about the individuals, and not the corporations, involved in the production of these works. The model, photographer, designer, stylists, makeup artist. All of these people come from different circumstances. They each have their own specialty, passions and insecurities too. Their work is their art, and what feeds them.

Most importantly, when it comes to the messages sent via these images, realize that what you look like is not what defines you. Fashion models, and fashion photography, is not meant to set the bar for everyone else in regards to their outer appearance.

Advertising, and media, do try to manipulate our feelings, and make us think we need to purchase certain items to feel good about ourselves, but we have the choice to not accept this information into our lives OR to view these messages in a different way. Be selective with what media you allow into your mind and heart. Remember that every advertiser, company and individual has their own agenda, and it may not be in your best interest.

You are a powerful being. You are a unique individual. You have the right to be yourself, whoever that may be. Are you a writer? Do you like to play roller derby? Are you good with animals? Do you have a great smile? Do you care for your family? These things are important. You are important.

Etsy Shop of the Week – The Astral Gemini

existential ella — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 03:47:11 +0000

This may be my very favourite Etsy Shop of the Week, and you’ll understand why…

◬◬◬vintage digs & adornments for the psychedelic soul◬◬◬
◬◬◬ N E W handmade jewelry + photo prints ◬◬◬
FOLLOW :◄◈www.facebook.com/theastralgemini ◈►

The Astral Gemini is the love child of the beautiful and talented Chelsea & Nick, currently reppin’ Lawrence, KS. The shop is filled with choice vintage items for women, men, children, feet, and home! My favourite section in The Astral Gemini shop is Chelsea’s handmade creations. These items are one-of-a-kind (OOAK), and fused together with genuine magic gifted from the Universe.

Chelsea puts her spirit into making the items pictured above, and there are many more where these came from. She uses elements of nature, and design inspiration from the 60-70s era to bring forth accessories meant to be seen, enjoyed and treasured.

You can also get a custom made fringe t-shirt, perfect for festival season!! This would look great with a long, bohemian skirt, and one of Chelsea’s handmade dreamcatcher necklaces.

It’s not easy finding the perfect vintage item, just what your heart has been yearning to acquire. Check out The Astral Gemini, I think your digs might be waiting there!

If you’re like me, your eyes are feasting on the beauty of the photos in this shop. This post wouldn’t look half as cool without the amazing pics from Chelsea Donoho! She’s not only an excellent curator of all things vintage, and a talented creator of handmade adornments. She is a photographer with skill that seems to be channeled through the hippie gods of rock and psychedelic wisdom. For more on Chelsea, check out her photo site: chelseadonoho.com