Male Models Stand Up (and Strip Down) for Charity

Male models striped down in NYC for charity last year

We’ve had a few pretty hot weeks in Boston this summer – but Next Tuesday (August 2^nd) it’s about to get even hotter. Men’s Wearhouse is releasing their male models into the streets – and then stripping them down – for charity of course. The models will be wearing next to nothing – just a tie, boxers and socks – and will hold signs saying “Give the Suit Off Your Back” in an effort to encourage business minded Bostonions to donate their gently used work attire to charity.

The donated suits and other professional attire will be distributed by Men’s Wearhouse to local charities such as Tailored for Success and St. Francis House/Studio Shine, who will in turn provide the clothing to unemployed jobseekers needing a confidence boost, or a new look for an interview. Last year, the nationwide drive brought in 88,593 items of clothing, including more than 20,000 suits.

The Men’s Wearhouse National Suit Drive is part of a larger movement by the fashion industry to encourage charitable donations, and make luxury fashion items more accessible to the general public. Organizations such as The Heart of CAbi and Fashion Delivers™ are examples of other foundations that work to empower the disenfranchised and bring quality clothing to the less fortunate.

Yak Apparel believes in the power of giving back as well, which is why we manufacture the vast majority of our elegant trapper hats in Nepal, a country working to build it’s fair-wage economy and maintain a fledgling democracy.

-Hanna Perlmutter

See elegant trapper hats and other best winter hats at YAKapparel.com. To qualify for a $10 discount in any one purchase, register today and become one of the first 500 members between July and October 2011.

Amy Winehouse Joins the Ill-Fated 27 Club and Leaves Music Fans an Unexpected Gift

Singer Amy Winehouse

This past weekend has been a somber one, what with the terror attacks in Norway, and the death of famed British music star Amy Winehouse.

Winehouse’s unexpected, yet not completely surprising passing gained her entrance into an elite and rather ill-fated “club” of musicians known as the “27 Club.” Members of the 27 Club include Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain – all of whom passed away (read: self-destructed?) in their 27^th year.

Winehouse, known for her larger-than-life beehive hairdo and exaggerated cat eye makeup suffered from a very public struggle with drugs and alcohol, one that had been ongoing for many years. However, fans suggest that in recent months her addiction may have been getting worse. She was booed off the stage in Belgrade after arriving late to the show, and failed to remember her own lyrics once she finally got to the microphone. She immediately canceled her next two shows in Istanbul and Athens, and then just over a month later was found dead in her apartment, presumably due to a drug overdose.

While Winehouse’s death is both a tragedy, and a jarring reminder of the darkness of drug addiction, her passing has also helped to bring new life to the music industry. Just two days before her death Winehouse attended the iTunes Festival in London, and made a cameo appearance to draw attention to her so-called goddaughter, 15-year-old soul singer Dionne Bromfield. Winehouse’s passing just days later spawned a media flurry around the performance, and helped center the spotlight on Dionne – a spectacularly talented teenager well-deserving of the newfound attention.

As Bromfield’s career progresses it becomes clear that Winehouse’s cameo at the iTunes Festival was no mistake – it was her last gift to fans. A new voice, a new day, a new star.

-Hanna Perlmutter

See elegant trapper hats and other best winter hats at YAKapparel.com. To qualify for a $10 discount in any one purchase, register today and become one of the first 500 members between July and October 2011.

No Trophy but Plenty of Fame for Team USA’s Alex Morgan and Hope Solo

Alex Morgan and Hope Solo (L-R)

  The US women’s soccer team may have lost the World Cup to Japan last Sunday, but for star striker Alex Morgan and beloved goalie Hope Solo, the party is far from over. The glamorous duo posed for photographs at the premiere of the final season of Entourage on Tuesday, after being invited by television star Jeremy Piven.

Solo put any outlandish rumors to rest about a possible crush on Piven’s part, when she responded to media inquiries about the invitation by saying “he must be a soccer fan.”

While the classically pretty pair took some heat for their hippy inspired maxi dresses at the premiere, it hasn’t seemed to deter the slew of marriage proposals and date requests from smitten fans. Numerous facebook pages have been devoted to the stunning soccer stars, including one consisting solely of marriage proposals for the rumored-to-be-single Hope Solo. Morgan, on the hand, is definitively taken – by her long time boyfriend and fellow soccer star Servando Carrasco. Sorry boys.

In addition to their “celebrity” appearance at the Entourage premiere, Hope Solo and teammate Abby Wambach joined David Letterman on the Late Show for some good natured jesting.

Letterman teased Solo that based on her outfit (a dress) and her position as goalkeeper, he wasn’t sure she could actually kick. The teasing resulted in a shootout of sorts where Solo and Wambach attempted to kick soccer balls into the open doors of passing taxi cabs. One reporter commented, “he’s (Letterman) luckily she didn’t lay one upside his head.”

It’s difficult to say how long the fame will last for America’s soccer sweethearts, but for the sake of women’s soccer in the United States, let’s hope the hype continues at least for a good while.  -Hanna Perlmutter See elegant trapper hats and other best winter hats at YAKapparel.com. To qualify for a $10 discount in any one purchase, register today and become one of the first 500 members between July and October.

Demi Moore Travels to Nepal to Fight Human Trafficking

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher speaking about DNA at Clinton Global initiative

This past June Demi Moore traveled to Nepal with CNN’s Freedom Project to shoot a documentary film about the plight of women and children in Nepal forced into prostitution and sex slavery.
Nepal, the country of origin for much of the wool used in Yak head-wear, is a popular tourist destination for adventure seekers, hikers and history buffs. However, the scenic and historic country is also a popular destination for something much less beautiful – human trafficking.

During her 5-day visit to the Himalayan country, Moore visited with a small, yet passionate organization dedicated to protecting Nepalese women and girls from forced prostitution and sex slavery. Maiti Nepal, which translates roughly to “Mother’s Home” aims to prevent human trafficking over the Nepalese border into India. The organization operates at 10 of the 26 border crossings in Nepal, and intercepts an average of 20 potential sex slaves each day.

Part way through her visit, Moore met with the organization’s founder, Anuradha Koirala, a 62-year old former school teacher who won the CNN Hero of the Year Award in 2010, and appeared in a joint press conference to help raise awareness about the organization and its work. Moore also met with many of the women the organization has helped throughout its 20-year history, and participated in the filming of a documentary that hopes to share their stories. Back in the USA, Moore continues to fight against sexual slavery through the work of her and her husband’s charity, The Demi and Ashton (DNA) Foundation.

Here at Yak Apparel, we are joining the fight against human trafficking by working with Maiti Nepal to help provide fair-wage employment for women who have been victims of sexual slavery, or who are at risk of being targeted by traffickers. Being able to earn a living wage greatly reduces a women’s risk of being exploited by traffickers, and Yak apparel is proud of its efforts to collaborate with Anuradha to employ the women they serve in the manufacturing of Yak hats.
For more information about Maiti Nepal and the fight against human trafficking in the Himalayan region, visit www.maitinepal.org.

-Hanna Perlmutter

See elegant trapper hats and other best winter hats at YAKapparel.com. To qualify for a $10 discount in any one purchase, register today and become one of the first 500 members between July and October.

Japan Wins FIFA World Cup Women’s Soccer final

Congratulations Japan!  Japan wins its first women's world cup by defeating the US in penalty shootouts. Great saves by the goalkeeper, Kaihori. Congratulations!!!!

Also, a great play by Team USA.  Good goals by Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach.  Team USA demonstrated awesome energy and creativity.  The game would have belonged to the US had it not been for the number of unlucky misses.


See elegant trapper hats and other best winter hats at YAKapparel.com. To qualify for a $10 discount in any one purchase, register today and become one of the first 500 members between July and October.

First Lady and Fashion Icon Michelle Obama Puts Chicago Style Scene on the Map

First Lady Michelle Obama

In a city known for Midwest simplicity, classic sophistication and urban chic are beginning to thrive. Chicago is just coming into its own as a fashion hub, and Michelle Obama has been a significant help in putting it on the map.

One of the most fashion-forward first lady’s the white house has seen in some time, Michelle Obama has brought the elegant sophistication of the Midwest along with the urban style of Chicago to Washington DC. The first lady’s wardrobe, peppered with pieces by Chi-town designers such Mario Pinto and Ikram Goldman, has been routinely praised for its age appropriate trendiness and casual professionalism.

Chicago’s style scene has been on the rise for some time now, but the media focus on Michelle Obama’s wardrobe has sped its growth as a fashion center. Some of Chicago’s most notable fashion trends are its winter weather accessories, as the city is known for bitter temps and harsh winds throughout much of the year.

This winter’s trends combined fashion with practicality and featured knee-length jackets and ear-covering hats such as the trapper hat, or tassel hat. This coming season be on the lookout for lots of leather, tall boots, and of course, lots of layering – so that you can shed your stylish cold weather coats and hats when you arrive at your destination.

Other practical Chi-town fashion accessories that are always in style include a good scarf or shawl. Scarves made out of alpaca wool offer excellent warmth and distinct comfort. Infinity scarves, which were wildly popular in 2009, are another common choice for Chicago’s urbanites.

For those visiting Chicago this summer, be sure to bring along some pinky-red pieces -  Honeysuckle Pink is 2011’s Pantone color of the year, and leave the costume jewelry at home. Simple and classic diamond studs are on trend this season.

For an in-person glimpse of Chicago’s most current fashions, and the inside scoop on the first lady’s style, visit Ikram, Michelle Obama’s favorite fashion boutique on North Street in downtown Chicago. 

US Women’s Soccer Team Fights Tooth and Nail for a Play at the World Cup Title

FIFA World Cup: US Women's Soccer Team

This Sunday at 2:45 EST the United States women’s soccer team will take on Japan in the 2011 FIFA World Cup title match in Frankfurt, Germany. The game is being called a “David vs. Goliath” matchup – but that’s only because it’s Japan’s first appearance in a World Cup final. Just weeks ago it would have been difficult to find anyone willing to bet on a US appearance in the final game. In fact, the American women barely managed to qualify for the tournament at all. They grabbed the 16^th and final spot in the world cup after just scraping by Italy in their final qualifying match with a 1-0 win.

The road to the World Cup final has been equally as rocky for the American women. They lost to Sweden in the first round of group play – the first time any US women’s team has lost a game in a group play match – and they had to fight tooth and nail for a penalty-kick win over Brazil in the quarter finals. Star forward Abby Wambach kept the US in the game with a tying header in stoppage time, and goalie Hope Solo brought home the win with a diving save during penalty kicks.

The US women got their groove back in the semi-final match against France, but only in the final 15 minutes, when they managed to pound out two spectacular goals for a definitive 3-1 win.

This Sunday they’ll play for the top step of the podium, and a chance to redeem themselves after 2007’s crushing loss to Brazil in the semis.

“Getting to the final is one thing and winning is another," said Abby Wambach, the US women’s star striker. "It doesn’t matter if I came in third place in 2003 and came in third place in 2007, getting to the final is only halfway part of our dream coming true, and we want to make sure that we’re on that top podium come Sunday.”

While the US beat Japan twice in pre-tournament play last May, they know that after the recent tsunami and earthquake that rattled their opponent’s home country, they’re facing a different team this Sunday.

“It is pretty clear to most of us that we’re not going to see the same Japan team that we saw in the last couple of friendlies [pre-tournament matches]," said Hope Solo, US goalie. "They are playing for something bigger and better than the game. And when you’re playing with so much emotion and so much heart, that’s hard to play against.  So I think it’s going to be an incredible final that people didn’t expect to see.”

Tune in to ESPN this Sunday for the final game – and check back with Yak Apparel blogspot next week for our post-game recap.

-Hanna Perlmutter
YAKapparel.com 

What’s all the Fuss about Fur?

YAK Wool hat with faux fur lining

  The fact that fur is currently a fashion fixation is news to nobody. For the past three years, fur has dominated the fall and winter runway shows, and has remained a staple of winter wardrobes in the United States and abroad – despite the down economy.

In fact, it’s quite possible that the fur fashion trend is a direct result of a depressed economy. After all, fur is an easy way to feel glamorous, fashionable and luxurious, even when you’re on a budget.

Of course, there are some fur varieties that are reserved for the super-wealthy, but there are also plenty of warm and fuzzy options for the modest spender – and the animal lover. Faux fur is one extremely popular option has taken on a life of it’s own in the fashion industry. Designers such as Chanel, Topshop and Stella McCartney have all sent luxurious faux fur pieces down the runway this year. The quality of the faux fur made today is so high that for the average passerby it can be difficult to tell the difference between the real stuff and the fake.

However, if it’s not the animals you’re worried about, another option for snagging a luxurious fur style for less is to purchase a vintage fur. Fur was extremely popular in the seventies so many vintage clothing stores have a significant inventory of used furs. You can also check garage sales, the internet, or your mother’s closet.

Fur and faux fur styles aren’t just for women either. A number of fur pieces popped up on the men’s catwalks in 2011, including fur-trimmed aviator jackets and fur-lined hoods and hats.

Looking forward to 2012, expect to see fur and leather paired together. Many of the 60s and 70s styles such as the cropped fur chubby, and longer coats with fur trim will be making a comeback next season. So whether you prefer real or fake, prepare to bundle up in style this winter. 

 

-Hanna Perlmutter

http://YAKapparel.com

USA Women’s Soccer Team heading to FIFA world Cup final 2011

Congratulations Team USA: Women’s Soccer team

US women's Soccer Team heading into FIFA world Cup finals

Awesome work ladies! Team USA in FIFA Women’s World Cup finals first time since 1999.  This is the third time the US women’s soccer team is going to world cup final, last two were in 1991 and 1999.

USA Scores 3 goals (Lauren Cheney (Boston Breakers):1, Alex Morgan 22  (Western New York Flash):1, Abby Wambach (magicJack):1 ) against France (1) in today’s FIFA world cup semi-final game.

More than a Fashion Statement, Trapper Hats were Designed for Functionality

Trapper hat: http://YAKapparel.com

Throughout the past year, trapper hats, also known as Russian hats, bomber hats, or Ushanka hats, have exploded in popularity. Popping up all over runways, celebrity magazines, ski slopes and sidewalks – trapper hats have quickly become a fashion must-have. However, the stylish winter hats weren’t always so trendy – they were originally designed to keep the heads of hunters, trappers, nomads and outdoorsmen warm during frigid winter conditions in the arctic and Scandinavian regions.

The first trapper hats were made of leather and were lined with either rabbit fur or fox fur, both of which are known for their warmth. The hats were designed to cover the necks and ears of the hunters, and helped to prevent frostbite. The trapper hat wasn’t worn as a fashion statement until the early nineteen hundreds, when it was adopted by Siberian leader Aleksandr Kolchak and his White Army during the Russian civil war. After Kolchak’s crew lost the war, the hat was incorporated into the winter uniform of the Soviet Union’s Red Army – hence the trapper hat’s association with Russia, and the name “Russian hats.”

Today’s trapper hats are strikingly similar to the original design, with the exception of the materials used. Most trapper hats today are made out of wool, or synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester, and are lined with fleece or faux fur. While not exactly the same as the original hats, modern trapper hats are still extremely functional in winter weather, and have become popular amongst skiers and snowboarders for their ability to protect the ears, cheeks and neck from harsh winds. Trapper hats are also very popular in locations such as Alaska, where temperatures frequently drop well below zero degrees, as well as cities such as Chicago and New York, were chilly winter temperatures and an affinity for style come together in the perfect storm for a functional and stylish hat.

The history of the trapper hat is steeped in functionality, but the style also makes for an excellent fashion accessory. Available in many colors, styles, materials and designs, trapper hats allow ample room for fashionistas to stand out while still staying on trend. 

-Hanna Perlmutter
http://YAKapparel.com 

Setting the stage for a July 4th celebration - Boston.com

Setting the stage for a July 4th celebration - Boston.com