Jesse Kline revisits arguments that Charles Dickens would have been very familiar. In the same edition, letter-writer Morris Charney slips in the phrase “a fair wage without the coercion of unions.”

If there were no owner-exploitation, we would not need trades unions. The children of the Brave New World, the self styled “professional classes,” think that the overall fairness of our society is as natural as the flowers in spring.

Our forebears fought for this fairness; blood was spilled. Without this sacrifice, a very large part of our population would still be virtual slaves. Most of us would not even have a vote.

If the garment merchants became fair trade vendors of Third World goods, and as a result their garments became a little more expensive, I for one would be happy to pay.

Allen Strike, Port Hope, Ont.

… or do they?

I applaud Jesse Kline’s realistic viewpoint surrounding the hysteria we are subjected to over “exploited” foreign workers working for “avaricious” multinational companies. A few decades ago I did a stint in Sri Lanka and became friendly with several local Sinhalese who were working for the Bata Shoe Company. By Canadian standards, they were bringing home peanuts, but I can assure you they were bringing to their families considerably more peanuts that their contemporaries, many of whom didn’t have jobs. And my Bata friends were proud to be so employed.

Malcolm Bell, Lions Bay, B.C.

Which team will win the Cup? Send us a 75-word response by 6 p.m. EDT on May 2 at letters@nationalpost.com. Responses to be published on May 6.

Canada has real human rights issues

Re: N. Korea, Iran Slam Canada, April 27.

This article starts off decrying the fact that Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, China and Russia were among the countries reviewing Canada’s human rights record at the UN last week, suggesting that the review therefore lacks credibility. But if people did not keep reading, they may have missed that these countries were but five among 83 states that took part, including close allies like the United Kingdom, Mexico, Australia, the United States, Norway and Japan.

The pressing human rights challenges put in front of Canada are the real story here, such as alarmingly high violence against indigenous women. The one minute and 26 seconds given to countries like North Korea to speak up is, at best, a footnote — not a headline. Surely Canada is mature enough to cope with those 86 seconds with a wry smile; and maybe even use it later to press for human rights change in North Korea.

Let’s focus on what matters; how to move forward with the many significant and credible recommendations that could contribute to strengthened human rights protection in Canada.

Alex Neve, secretary-general, Amnesty International Canada, Ottawa.

The golden goose has been plucked

Re: The Split That Unites, John Ivison, April 30.

John Ivison paints a rosy political win/win situation on tax reductions for families — but the key to why it won’t work is in his article. As he points out, when Stephen Harper was elected, he immediately began increasing spending while lowering tax rates. As of last fiscal year, Mr. Harper has raised program spending 37% while revenue has only increased 10%, leading to the much-discussed deficit. Eventually taxation will have to rise to match the significantly higher spending. The golden goose has been plucked.

John Shaw, Newmarket, Ont.

Canada needs Sun News

Re: Finally Cutting The Cord, Andrew Coyne, April 30.

I am a Netflix subscriber and I watch Sun News. I love them both. Netflix is considered the leader in video streaming, but in Canada, Netflix is restricted by the CRTC so that only a subset of the content is available. Rules. Canadian content. Sound familiar?

When you make the rules that Canada forces on new entrants, you must at least provide a level playing field so that people have a choice. That is all Sun News is asking for. It provides Canadian content — excellent content, in my opinion.

Mike Lehman, Kitchener, Ont.

Andrew Coyne pens a mean article and even meaner vitriol about Sun News. For me, Sun News became a public good when it started exposing all the hypocrisy and misspending in government and various non-governmental organizations.

The mainstream media’s reporting on issues that matter to Canadians is generally shallow and puerile — without Sun News to expose these issues, the one sided extreme left spin will continue to deceive.

Let’s give Sun News a fair shake and not allow the left to silence conversation and impose its narrow views on the rest of us.

Jerome Henen, North Vancouver.

Go Leafs Go

Re: I Called It, letter to the editor, April 30.

Good to know others share my outlook on G.W. Bush’s legacy to the free world (“[he] “enable[d] us to prevail”) but how can letter-writer Joseph P. Curry of Chicago be so astute in his historical analysis and so wrong in his Stanley Cup prognostications (“the Stanley Cup is ours”).

Go Leafs Go!”

Hugh Hollas, Toronto.

Broadbent’s bad math

Re: Use The Tax System To Fight Poverty, Ed Broadbent, April 30.

Ed Broadbent thinks Canada has an income inequality problem. He admits that our tax system is “moderately redistributive,” but says that its redistributive impact is “20% below the advanced industrial country average.” Whatever the heck that means. Rather than quibble with vague statistics, I would like Mr. Broadbent to explain why our income inequality is unfair, or in fact is any sort of a problem.

Suppose all Canadian incomes were equal after tax and transfers. Would that be fair? I would argue that it would be eminently unfair that those who work hard to obtain skills and education to achieve economic success earn the same incomes as those who don’t.

Given the reduction in incentive to earn higher incomes, how does Mr. Broadbent think this would affect our overall standard of living? And if equal incomes are not fair or appropriate, what income distribution is?

Alex MacMillan, Kingston, Ont.

Re: Hey Harper: Start Acting Like A Conservative; Use The Tax System To Fight Poverty; Ed Broadbent, both April 30.

While I share the sentiments of letter-writer Curt Shalapata, his conclusion is disturbing. If Conservatives sit on their voting hands in the next election, that will only bring in the likes of Justin Trudeau or Thomas Mulcair to the PM’s office, making the lives of all Canadians far worse.

To get the proper perspective, just read Ed Broadbent’s bitter diatribe in the same edition. He and his ilk (including Mr. Trudeau) would likely act upon the doubtless upcoming UN recommendations to “correct” Canadian human rights.

Tim Harkema, Calgary.

Change room gender wars

Re: Female Reporters In The Change Rooms, debate between Matt Gurney and Amanda Cupido, April 30.

The recent controversy over Don Cherry’s comments brings to mind what occurred in the spring of 1956 while I was playing hockey in the Little Toronto Hockey League out of Varsity Arena in Toronto.

It was playoff time and the league asked all players to submit their birth certificates to confirm age eligibility. Lo and behold it was discovered that one the “boys” was actually a “girl.”

Well, controversy ensued. The newspapers were all over this revelation. It was discovered that Abby Hoffman was indeed a female who years later would represent Canada in the Summer Olympics. She was ruled ineligible to play.

In those days we all came to the rink fully dressed ready to play so the change room was not an issue. So, Don Cherry, I can envision you back in 1956 “placing women on a pedestal.”

Allen Manly, Thornhill, Ont.

If I were a professional athlete and got asked a question in the locker room, I think my first response would be to say, “Uh, do you mind if I put my pants on first?” I would never feel at ease in front of a dozen cameras, microphones, and reporters with nothing between them and my private bits but a damp, white towel. yet we still wonder why so many players look uncomfortable being interviewed.

No, the locker room is no place for a female reporter; it’s not a great spot for a male one either.

Richard Wallington, Edmonton.

Roll the dice

Re: What Happens In Vegas Should Stay In Vegas, Rex Murphy, April 27.

I’m disappointed with both Rex Murphy and your letter-writer for their hidebound views on casinos and belief that Vegas is the only reference point. Many wonderful cities offer a casino in addition to their many other attractions, including Venice, Copenhagen, Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Prague, Amsterdam, London, Vienna, Athens, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Singapore. Personally, I might only go to a casino once every year or two. But why should I prevent others from going? Casinos are simply part of entertainment and they do offer jobs. Why does Toronto resist everything — a generation back it was Sunday shopping and alcohol sales. Some like 1950s Toronto, but I would prefer to join the ambiance of the cities listed above.

John Baker, Toronto.

A-G that can add

Re: No ‘Clarity’ On Shortfall Of $3B, May 1.

It was not long ago that Auditor-General Michael Ferguson was being criticized by opposition partiers for not being bilingual enough for the job. Now, after this scathing report on the fiscal management by the Harper government, he is their new hero. Only proves even a unilingual A-G can add and subtract.

Larry Comeau, Ottawa.

Working at the CBC

Re: CBC Hiring: ‘Any Race Except Caucasian,” April 30.

The original CBC ad may be more limiting than many people realize, since the Caucasian race encompasses some or all of the populations of North Africa, Western Asia/Middle East, Asia Minor, Central Asia and South Asia, as well as Europe. Skin tone is not an essential distinguishing feature of the race.

Walter Shankman, Thornhill, Ont.

Would Barack Obama — who is partly of Caucasian descent — be allowed to apply for a job as a host of a CBC children’s program? And does CBC consider applicants of Jewish origin as Caucasian? Since Israel is a Middle-Eastern country — at least geographically — are Jewish candidates recognized as members of a minority group by the Canadian public broadcaster?

Michael Magner, Drummondville, Que.

Eat to live

Re: Do You Know What You Are Eating?, Letter To The Editor, May 1; Menu Labelling Doesn’t Work, Jesse Kline, April 29.

As noted by Jesse Kline and a letter writer, the Japanese have the longest lifespans. But only five countries have longer lifespans than Canada (Japan, Switzerland, Australia, Italy and Sweden) and we are not far behind, so it is very irresponsible for your letter writer to urge us “all eat at McDonald’s.”

Oh, and by the way, the Japanese have a higher cancer rate than here in North America.

Murray B. Nitchke, Toronto.

Christy Clark is no Pearson

When asked during the April 29 B.C. leaders’ debate which Canadian political leader she would choose to emulate, Premier Christy Clark named Lester B. Pearson because of his international work and ability to bring minority parliaments together. Yet the B.C. Premier’s government has cut funding Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific, a school that was envisioned by Pearson himself. It brings together up to 200 students from 100 countries on full scholarship, with the mission of making education a force for peace and a sustainable future.

Perhaps the Premier’s response indicates a change in heart. If not, perhaps her future actions will better emulate the work and values of Lester B. Pearson.

Nessa Kenny, Pearson College Graduate, Victoria.

Breaking the silence on Cuba

Re: Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind, Matt Gurney, May 1.

Matt Gurney’s column on the hunger strike by some 100 (of the prison’s 166) “enemy combatants” at the U.S. prison camp in Guantanamo Bay finally draws attention to the massive abuses that have been taking place there for years. It is interesting to see how a hunger strike by one dissident Cuban receives lots of coverage, while that of scores of Muslims in a U.S. prison there (all imprisoned for years, without any charges being laid against them) has been ignored until now.

Another example of this selective indignation is the criticism of Cuba’s emigration policy. This is ironic since it is now easier for Cubans to travel to the United States than it is for American citizens to travel to the forbidden land of Cuba.

Some balance is clearly required.

John M. Kirk, professor of Latin American Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax.

A brave toon

Re: editorial cartoon by Gary Clement, showing with a fellow NBS player telling Jason Collins “You’ve got balls,” for admitting he’s gay, April 30.

Personally, I think the National Post has also “got balls” in printing this cartoon.

John G Bullivant, St. Catharines, Ont.

Joe Fresh is just one of the popular retailers known to sell less expensive, fashion forward pieces. With the constant cycling of trends and the limitless options of outfits and accessories, retailers of this nature have branded themselves to produce and market clothing at lower prices so their clothes are worth a one time wear-and-toss. This might be suitable for some, but do consumers really know what goes on beyond compliments on a good outfit?

The detrimental fate of hundreds of factory workers in Bangladesh should answer that. Regardless, many still pick the cheaper option, opting for a quick fix rather than indulging in timeless pieces. Many are victim to society’s growing shopping trend and we’re hoping for a turn around. Why not pay a little extra with the reassurance that each piece was made with a smile?

How much are you willing to pay for?

PMBC group is a multi-level PR firm based in Los Angeles, specializing in Corporate PR and Tech PR. Visit us at http://www.pmbcgroup.com.

[np_storybar title="Loblaw to compensate Bangladesh victims" link="http://business.financialpost.com/2013/04/29/loblaw-to-compensate-bangladesh-victims-as-weston-says-collapse-was-inevitable/"]Loblaw said it will be providing compensation to the workers and families of the collapsed factory. The company confirmed last week that clothes under its line Joe Fresh were being made in the eight-storey Rana Plaza in Savar, Bangladesh, which crumbled last week. Read more.
[/np_storybar]

The association said in a statement Tuesday it will develop an updated set of guidelines for best practices and educational materials and resources for its members.

The commitment follows a private emergency meeting of retailers on Monday, including Loblaw, Sears Canada Inc and Wal-Mart Canada, to discuss how they would deal with the tragedy, which has killed more than 400 people.

Rescue officials in Bangladesh said on Tuesday that they had given up hope of finding more survivors at the complex, known as Rana Plaza.

[related_links /]

The incident is the latest to raise questions about worker safety and low wages in the poor South Asian country, which relies on garments for 80% of its exports.

Representatives of some 45 companies, including Gap Inc , H&M, J.C. Penney, Nike Inc, Wal-Mart and Primark, met officials from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association on Monday to discuss safety.

The Retail Council of Canada, which represents the operators of more than 43,000 stores in Canada, said it will work with international organizations, the Bangladeshi government and others to find ways to address safety in the Bangladesh garment industry.

Loblaw, which is Canada’s biggest grocer, has said only a small percentage of its popular Joe Fresh clothing line was manufactured at Rana Plaza. The line, launched in 2006, represents a key part of Loblaw’s growth strategy.

“We will be providing compensation for the families of the victims who worked for our supplier,” said Loblaw spokeswoman Julija Hunter in an email on Monday that did not specify any amounts.

The eight-story plaza in Bangladesh had been built on swampy ground without the correct permits, officials said.

With files from Canadian Press

© Thomson Reuters 2013

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock lately, you’ve probably heard of the tragedy that killed over 382 people in the collapse building in Bangladesh last week. While this is not the first building to have collapsed in Bangladesh in recent memory, it has certainly been the deadliest. What makes this one such an incredibly horrific tragedy is that it was completely and utterly preventable.

While the public is reacting in horror, the clothing companies have been quick to turn what could have been a public relations nightmare into an opportunity to open a dialogue about how this sort of thing could be prevented in the future. By offer compensation to the families of the families and the survivors of the tragedy, Loblaws is working hard to prevent a PR nightmare for the company. This not only shows an element of concern about how they had a role in this tragedy, but also opens up the larger dialogue by examining the larger problem with the garment industry

In this particular case, Loblaws has told the media that while they do have been active in attempting to have their products made in a socially responsible way, but unfortunately, as of yet they don’t have the power to mandate these regulations in another country.

While there are many people to blame in this tragedy, the garment industry is a ticking time bomb for more disasters, especially in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi garment factory workers are among the lowest-paid in the industry anywhere in the world. This savings is passed onto the customer in western countries, who often have no idea that the conditions of the workers of where their clothing made is often deadly.

Under our current federal government, Canada has been visibly absent from many of the international discussions that have been taking place discussing reforming current social auditing systems in the industry. With Canada being known for its strong social welfare system that includes healthcare, it’s seems odd that the government is so loose with creating an enforceable system for workplace health and safety in places like Bangladesh, which in recent years seems to have become the preferred choice for many Canadian.

While the authorities in Bangladesh are trying to decide how to punish those directly responsible for this particular factory, Canadians need to examine the their own role in the cycle.

As Canadian consumers, we need to understand where our clothing comes from. We need to support companies that do take part in this discussion, because the discussion needs to take place. At the same time, we need to demand that these changes happen quickly so we can buy clothing in good conscience.

Related articles

• Loblaw to compensate Bangladesh collapse victims (cp24.com)
• Loblaw sending reps to Bangladesh; Canadian retailers to hold urgent meeting (vancouversun.com)
• Loblaw to compensate families of Bangladesh factory collapse victims (ctvnews.ca)
• Many bodies still in collapsed Bangladesh building (hosted.ap.org)
• Canadian retailers hold ‘urgent’ meeting to discuss sweatshops, working conditions overseas (globalnews.ca)

I fucking hate this nail polish. It took three coats and still looked awful. Who the hell has time to do three coats of shitty  nail polish? Ain’t nobody got time for that.

ALSO, after taking this nail polish off, two of my nails are separating from the nail bed, which is related to my Crohn’s Disease but aggravated by some fucked-up chemical in this polish. To top it all off the polish soaked in and stained my nails what is pretty much the grossest colour ever. So now I either have to paint my nails for the next few weeks or walk around with these freak hands …

What the fuck Joe Fresh? You suck. Get your shit together, it is nail polish not rocket science for fuck sakes.

Toke it easy Readers!

Onya Ganja

The CBC has been covering this story intensely for the past week, and is to be applauded for doing so. This was the worst accident in the history of the garment industry (which is saying something). And within Bangladesh, it has aroused enormous fury at the often corrupt and uncaring elites who run the factories. It’s a big story.

[related_links /]

What I am less comfortable with is the constant and prominent identification of a single Western retailer that traces its supply chain to the Rana Plaza facility: Joe Fresh, which sells its inexpensive fashion brand here in Canada primarily through Loblaw Inc. supermarkets. Almost every CBC show I’ve heard singles out Joe Fresh, identifies the Executive Chairman of Loblaws Companies by name, and laments the fact that he has not decided to come onto CBC airwaves to confess his company’s sins.

This feels wrong to me: There are 3-million textile workers in Bangladesh, working at tens of thousands of facilities, many of which no doubt are also in a poor state of repair. For activists, I see the logic of naming and shaming particular retailers. But the only difference between Joe Fresh and thousands of other Western companies that follow standard low-cost Western outsourcing practices is bad luck. And Loblaws executive chairman Galen Weston Jr. — whose company did nothing illegal, and is sending financial compensation to families of the disaster’s victims — should not be made up as the Western face of Bangladesh’s tragedy.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

And yes, I say “Bangladesh’s tragedy” because it is patronizing to describe it otherwise. Many Westerners romantically like to imagine that we have the sweeping power to make life rosy in other countries simply by changing the place we buy our lace blouson tees and pencil skirts. But we don’t: The textile mills of Bangladesh sell into a global market that moves on price, no matter the small group of privileged consumers within wealthy nations — a subset within a subset — who have the luxury of making their buying decisions on other grounds.

Nor can well-intentioned inspectors deployed by Western retailers fully vouch for the safety conditions of textile mills in Bangladesh or anywhere else. That is something that can be done in a truly comprehensive way only by a professional civil engineering corps authorized and funded by local government. The reason textile mills collapse in Bangladesh, the reason coal mines collapse in China, the reason 12-year-olds harvest cocoa in sub-Saharan Africa ultimately is that government regulations and inspection regimes, insofar as they exist, are vitiated by corruption. These also generally tend to be countries that exhibit enormous levels of wealth inequality and political dysfunction, both of which conspire against any effort to make worker safety a national priority.

Moreover, even if Bangladesh and other sweatshop-trade nations had the political tools to bring the textiles industry to Western-standard on worker safety, they wouldn’t do so, since that would mean pricing Bangladesh out of the textile trade. A building collapse is just one of many ways to die in a nation such as Bangladesh. Someone who’s laid off from a textile job surely won’t die in an industrial accident. But penniless and improvident, they might then be forced to watch a child expire from malnutrition or an otherwise preventable disease. Which is worse?

Many activists are declaring that Rana Plaza was Bangladesh’s equivalent of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which took the lives of 146 Manhattan garment workers in 1911. But I doubt that: The Triangle Fire did lead to welcome improvements in workers’ rights and safety standards, but only because it happened during the Progressive Era, when a democratically robust and increasingly wealthy America already was beginning to respond to the problems associated with industrialization.

One day, Bangladesh will be at that stage of political and economic development. But it’s not there yet. And the fault for that doesn’t lie with Joe Fresh, or the people who shop there.

jkay@nationalpost.com
jonkay

It would take too many words to describe the joy I feel watching this video, shot and edited by my dear friend Elise Giordano (with very little of my help). We had such a fun time running around the Clay County Fair like kids, shooting videos and uploading Instagrams like tourists—in fact, I got called out for that multiple times by one particularly vocal local.

photo by: Elise Giordano

Without much discussion prior, Elise and I both tried our best to channel our inner-Americana.

photo credit: Elise Giordano.

Here’s what I wore, just add a red polka dot skirt and a random assortment of rings:

BaubleBar nameplate necklace; Joe Fresh t-shirt (only $10!); Mavi jeans denim jacket; Jack Rogers navajo sandals.

Ho Hey by The Lumineers isn’t a new jam. I’m sure you know and love it, so check out the rest of the album here:

Ready to go out to lunch! Gold brocade hair bow and Dark Denim Skinny Jeans, (both Baby Gap), Floral Print Onesie and suede Moccasins (both Joe Fresh) and Faux Fur vest (H&M)

I get asked what inspires my looks, and truthfully I look for the craziest things, question if I can pull it off and try it on. Usually if I’ve gotten this far, my decision has already been made. When getting dressed, I take risks and I often have asked my fiancé, Trevor if a outfit is too much. My theory is to always go for it at the end of the day it’s only fashion and you should have fun with it!

Photography by Trevor Negin

Blazer: Zara Shirt & Skirt: Joe Fresh Runway Collection Heels: Steve Madden Necklaces: Fenton Fallon, Vintage, Liana Marie

Today’s post will be about MAC Cosmetics lipsticks and some drugstore alternatives (for the most part). MAC Cosmetics are known for their lipsticks, as they offer a wide range of colours with their signature vanilla scent. The formula is generally long wearing, and the pigmentation is gorgeous. They have a selection of their lipsticks which have become cult favourites as a result of this. As I’ve previously noted, I have a bit of a make-up problem; I’m basically a hoarder. But because of this, I think I’ve been able to find some suitable options from drugstore brands (for the most part) that can be seen as an alternative to MAC lipsticks (or in some cases, in which MAC provides a nice alternative).

The reason I opted to call them alternatives as opposed to duplicates, or dupes, is that I feel the word duplicate is associated with the idea of a double, or sort of an identical product. But really, even if the colour is the same, the textures, scents, and how long the product wears in between every lipstick tends to differ, even among lipsticks of the same brand.  This post will talk about both the similarities and differences between the two products. So, onto the review.

MAC Velvet Teddy: MAC Cosmetics describes this shade as a ”Deep-tone beige”. I would disagree; I consider this shade a brown-toned pink shade, with a slight orange undertone. It’s a matte finish, but still has a creamy texture. It wears for about five hours, and fades evenly. 

The alternative: Revlon Matte Lipstick in 003, Mauve It Over. This shade is a medium pink with brown undertones. It’s a tad bit lighter than Velvet Teddy. It lacks the orange tones of Velvet Teddy, but is more wearable because of it. While it is a matte lipstick, it definitely has more slip to it than Velvet Teddy. It doesn’t seem to be scented. It wears for about three to four hours, and fades evenly. 

MAC Girl About Town: MAC Cosmetics describes this shade as a “Bright Blue Fuchsia”, which I would agree with. It has an Amplified finish, which results in a creamy lipstick with high pigmentation. This shade wears for about five hours, and sort of dries to the lips a bit, if that makes sense. It also leaves a deep pink stain on my lips afterwards. The best part about that is that with this lipstick the stain is consistent, so it still looks very pretty.

Some alternatives: Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in 030, Fuchsia. This shade is a tad bit darker than Girl About Town, and a bit more blue-toned. It’s very similar to the shade. It has a similar finish to Girl About Town, but has a bit more of a sheen, and has a bit more slip on the lips. The texture is almost soft, like it could break easily. Mine has actually moved a bit from the base, but I just moved it back over, put it in the freezer, and it was fine. It has a very faint scent, almost slightly minty. It wears for about four hours, but doesn’t leave a stain. 

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Ababa. This shade is a matte fuchsia. It’s not identical to Girl About Town because it’s a tad bit lighter, but still shares the same blue tones. I would consider this a toned down version of Girl About Town. They actually feel really similar on the lips. It also has a sort of cupcake scent, very sweet. This shade lasts for about three hours, but if you apply too much product, it can leave that dreaded line of colour around the lips.

MAC Retro: MAC Cosmetics describes this shade as a “Muted peachy-pinky brown”, but no, it’s almost nothing like that. Retro is a brick red shade, with slight peach undertones. It’s a Satin finish, so it’s a lot more creamy and moisturizing than, say, a matte finish. Because of this, it lasts for about four hours on the lips, but does not dry out in the slightest. 

An alternative: Joe Fresh Matte Lipstick in Brick. This shade is very similar to Retro, but has more soft pink tones to it. If anything, this shade is “peachy-pinky brown” ha. While it has a matte finish, it has a creamy texture and a bit of sheen to it. Brick is a bit drier on the lips than Retro, but when topped with a lip balm, they feel very similar. Brick has a slight clay sort of scent, but still a bit sweet, it smells mildly artificial. It wears for about four hours as well, and is more wearable as a colour.

MAC Plumful: MAC Cosmetics describes this shade as a “Blooming rose-plum”. It’s a very pretty pink with plum undertones, or in other words, a very wearable purple shade. Plumful is a Lustre finish, which means that it’s a bit sheer, but can be built up for greater opacity. Lustre finishes sort of work with your natural lip colour by enhancing it, rather than covering it up. Because the formula can be sheer, it’s also rather moisturizing. Plumful wears for about four hours, and fades evenly.

I don’t actually have a drugstore alternative to this shade, but for this, I would like to propose that MAC’s Plumful is actually an alternative to Lancome Color Design Lipstick in All Done Up.

Lancome Color Design Lipstick in All Done Up: This shade a beautiful fuchsia berry shade. It is more berry than pink, so it’s a bit deeper than Plumful. It’s very similar to MAC’s Plumful, but has a cream finish. This means that it’s more intensely pigmented. The formulation on this is very smooth and moisturizing. When worn as a stain, the results are very similar to how Plumful applies on the lips. But the fact that this shade can be worn with greater opacity makes it a bit more versatile. It wears for about five hours, and leaves a pretty berry stain.

MAC So Chaud: MAC Cosmetics describes this shade as an “Intense reddish-orange”, which is pretty accurate. This is a matte shade, but is still creamy. This shade is perfect for Spring/Summer. It can be used as a stain, and builds to full opacity in one swipe. It wears for about five hours, and leaves a slight stain on the lips.

An alternative: Inglot Lipstick in 103. This shade is very close to So Chaud, but with a touch of hot pink as a base. It has a creamy finish. It has a bit of sheen on the lips, and isn’t drying in the least bit. I’ve done an in depth review on this lipstick in the past, so if you’d like more info, it’s there.

MAC Diva: MAC Cosmetics describes this shade as an “Intense reddish-burgundy”, which is pretty accurate. It definitely has a strong red tint to it, but with a plum base. This shade is lovely, very vampy. It’s got a matte finish, but is still creamy. It can be worn as a very light berry stain, or full on vampy. It’s very versatile in that way, but also in that when worn full on, it leaves the same kind of stain on the lips after wear. It lasts for about five hours on the lips, and fades evenly.

Some alternatives: Wet n’ Wild Megalast Lipstick in 918D. This shade is similar to Diva, but with an inverse of tones. It has more plum to it than red, but still has that vampy finish to it. It’s matte, but not as creamy as Diva is. It’s a really thick texture, if that makes sense. Again, it can be used as both a stain and at full opacity. However, sense it’s a bit more plum than red, the berry colour is a bit deeper. There doesn’t seem to be a scent to this shade. The wear is about the same as Diva, so about five hours, but it has the tendency to fade a bit unevenly.

Wet n’ Wild Lipstick in 522A. This shade is a toned down version of Diva. It’s a bit sheerer in application, so it could be considered more wearable. While it’s not as dark, it gives a very pretty berry look. It’s sort of like how Diva would look if it was worn as a stain with lip balm on top.

MAC Impassioned: MAC Cosmetics describes this shade as an “Amped-up fuchsia”. While it is a fuchsia shade, it definitely is less blue toned than most fuchsias. It has an Amplified finish, which makes it very pigmented and creamy. This shade actually has some yellow undertones in it, so while it is a cool toned colour, the base of it is warm toned, which makes it more neutral, if that makes sense. It’s definitely a brighter lipstick, which makes it very appropriate for upcoming Spring/Summer seasons. Again, this shade actually leaves a very pretty pink tint to the lips after wear, and lasts for about five hours on the lips.

Some alternatives: Wet n’ Wild Megalast Lipstick in 905D: This shade is similar to Impassioned, but with a grey tone to it. The grey in this shade takes away the brightness of the colour, which arguably makes it more wearable. It also makes the shade a tad bit deeper, but still very pink. This shade has a very similar finish to Impassioned. It wears for about four hours, and does not leave a stain on the lips.

Ten Cosmetics Lipstick in Flame: This shade is almost identical in colour to Impassioned, but with a tad bit more red. When sheered out, it’s nearly identical. This shade has a similar finish Impassioned, and is very creamy in texture. It wears for about three hours, and leaves a rosy pink stain on the lips.

MAC Morange: MAC Cosmetics describes this shade as a “Loudmouth orange”, which I assume means that it’s a very vibrant, in-your-face shade, which it is. Morange has an Amplified finish, so the pigmentation is intense, and very smooth in application. It’s definitely a red-based orange. It has a bit of sheen to it on the lips. With wear, the colour tends to adhere to the lips, and becomes a bit more matte. It leaves a pretty coral tint to the lips after it fades off, over a span of about five hours.

An alternative: Joe Fresh Matte Lipstick in Orange. This shade is a very vibrant orange like Morange, but has more yellow tones to it. It has a matte finish, and is a bit drying. It has no sheen to it, but with a lip balm worn over top, it has a similar finish to Morange. It wears for about three to four hours, and does not leave a stain.

MAC Candy Yum Yum: MAC Cosmetics describes this shade as “Neon pink”, which is pretty accurate. Candy Yum Yum is a very bright, neon blue-based pink shade. It’s a very in-your-face, very bold, and pretty shade. It has a matte finish, and is creamy in application. It wears for about five hours, but tends to dry a bit on the lips. It does not leave a stain.

An alternative: Me Now France Lip Liner in P08005. This is a lip liner, which sort of strays from what is typically seen as an alternative. However, since Candy Yum Yum is a matte shade, this lip liner works in a similar way. The colour is very similar again, but has a bit of a grey tint. This takes away the neon aspect of the shade, but it’s still very, very bright. Worn alone, it lasts for about three hours on the lips, and does not leave a stain. In combination with Candy Yum Yum, it makes a really pretty neon pink lip.

MAC Brick-O-La: MAC Cosmetics describes this shade as a “Mid-tone berry”, which, again, is pretty accurate.  It’s an Amplified finish, so the pigmentation is intense and the application is creamy. This shade is not drying what-so-ever, and is a very pretty muted red shade. This shade is perfect for someone who feels as if true red shades are a bit dramatic and in-your-face. It’s a very wearable red, very daytime appropriate. It wears for about five hours on the lips, and fades evenly.

Again, I couldn’t find a suitable alternative to Brick-O-La, but it’s actually a perfect alternative to my favourite lipstick, Lancome French Touch Lipstick in 302. This colour was limited edition, and I’ve been trying to find a back up for when it finally runs out, and Brick-O-La is perfect.

Lancome French Touch Absolu Lipstick in 302: This shade is the perfect wearable red shade. It’s incredibly creamy and moisturizing, while providing a pretty wash of colour on the lips. However, you can still build the colour up on the lips, and it still feels smooth. It’s a very wearable rose red shade. The best part is, is that while it is sheer, it still has the ability to leave a rosy tint to the lips after wear. It’s my favourite, so I’m definitely biased, but it’s a very good lipstick. It wears for about four hours, but leaves a pretty stain on the lips.

While MAC offers a wide variety of shades and finishes of lipstick, there are lots of alternatives available as well. But all in all, a lipstick is just a lipstick. There are lots of options out there from a whole variety of brands with lots of similar colours. I think lots of people appreciate the nuances between the slight differences in tones and finishes because it can make a bit of a difference, but all in all, a colour is just a colour. There’s really something out there for everyone.

Where to purchase: MAC Lipsticks, $18.00 CDN, MAC Cosmetics.

Revlon Lipsticks, Around $7.99 CDN, Drugstores

NYX Cosmetics, $9.99 CDN, Drugstores

Wet n’ Wild Megalast Lipsticks, $2.99 CDN, Wal-Mart

Joe Fresh Matte Lipsticks, $6.00 CDN, Loblaw Grocery Stores.

Lancome Lipsticks, $27.00 CDN, the Bay

Inglot, see www.inglotcosmetics.com .

Ten Cosmetics, $0.50, Dollar Stores.

Me Now France Lip Liner, $1.25 CDN, E-Bay.

Photos and Swatches:

The lipsticks.

Left: MAC Velvet Teddy. Right: Revlon Mauve It Over.

From left to right: MAC Girl About Town, Revlon Fuchsia, NYX Addis Ababa.

Left: MAC Retro. Right: Joe Fresh Brick Lipstick.

Left: MAC Plumful. Right: Lancome All Done Up.

Left: MAC So Chaud. Right: Inglot Lipstick in 103.

From left to right: MAC Diva, Wet n’ Wild Lipstick in 918D, Wet n’ Wild Lipstick in 522A.

From left to right: MAC Impasssioned, Wet n’ Wild 905D, Ten Cosmetics in Flame.

Left: MAC Morange. Right: Joe Fresh Orange Lipstick.

Left: MAC Candy Yum Yum. Right: Me Now France Lip Liner.

Left: MAC Brick-O-La. Right: Lancome French Touch Absolu 302.

I hope this review was helpful and that you’re doing well.

- wendy

P.S. Long post is long. I hope it’s alright to read, haha. Remember when I said it’s finally warming up and jinxed the weather? I definitely do. It hailed the day after and it was sad. Spring is weird, but thanks for reading.

It’s an easy protest: Simply stop buying products from the Loblaw-owned retailer. But is that really effective for improving working conditions in places like Bangladesh?

Tandy Thomas says no.

“Boycotts are a reasonable and appropriate action that’s completely understandable, [but] I think punishing Loblaws is not the best thing to do,” says the Queen’s School of Business professor.

Thomas says we need to give Loblaws a chance to make things right, and Thomas says that so far they’ve done just that. Joe Fresh was quick to admit that they had a “small number” of items produced at the factory where more than 350 were killed in a collapse. They’ve also provided frequent updates on their social media channels and website.

An item of clothing with a Joe Fresh label lies in the rubble after an eight-storey building collapsed in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, on April 30, 2013.

So far, Joe Fresh has announced that they will be providing compensation for family members of victims of the collapse. They’re also sending representatives to Bangladesh and have admitted that their own facility audits “do not address the issue of building construction or integrity.”

“They’re not shirking the responsibility even though companies in the past have done so,” says Thomas. “And I think they should be applauded for doing so.”

Thomas says the most effective thing concerned customers can do right now is pressure companies like Joe Fresh improve.

“What’s important is that consumers communicate to Loblaws what they want to see them do, what kind of changes they want to see happen, and then give Loblaws the time to actually make good on those promises,” she says.

Joe Fresh says they’ve reached out to organizations such as the Toronto-based Maquila Solidarity Network to figure out what the next steps should be.

Director of advocacy Kevin Thomas also says a boycott isn’t the way to go, but suggests contacting companies like Joe Fresh with emails and phone calls and telling them what you want them to do better.

“I think customers have a lot of power when they speak out like that and it’s the one thing that companies are really attuned to,” says Thomas.

Rescue and volunteers workers remove clothing garments from the building as they search for victims amongst the collapsed Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Friday, April 26, 2013.

He also suggests leaving messages on Joe Fresh’s Facebook page and sending tweets. Hundreds of social media users are already on top of that, evidently. Every Facebook update the company has provided has been responded to with messages telling Joe Fresh to put their money where their mouth is and improve working conditions.

What about not buying any clothing made in Bangladesh altogether?

“It’s complicated because the garment industry is providing jobs in Bangladesh, and I think that’s a positive thing,” says Thomas.

Although clearly fraught with poor working conditions, Bangladesh’s $20 billion garment industry is an opportunity to provide locals with secure, well-paying jobs — but only if companies like Joe Fresh put enough pressure on factory owners to make it happen.

If you’re wondering what specifically you can ask Joe Fresh to do, Workers Rights Consortium director of communications Theresa Haas suggests demanding they commit to higher inspection standards.

The labour rights monitoring organization is asking retailers like Loblaws, H&M, Walmart and The Gap to sign the Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Agreement, which would require companies’ Bangladesh suppliers to undergo independent inspections, the results of which would be publicly available.

Haas says although may companies say they have their own inspection system, “what is happening on the ground is that these programs have been an abject failure at protecting the lives of workers.”

Related articles

• Joe Fresh customers react after Bangladesh factory collapses (o.canada.com)
• Joe Fresh customers want answers after Bangladesh factory collapse (o.canada.com)
• Primark to compensate Bangladesh factory collapse victims (o.canada.com)

“It’s tragic. It’s tragic and it’s inevitable, I guess, in terms of the way things have been managed in some of these countries,” he said Monday.

“It’s one of these issues around the world that needs to be resolved, and whether it’s ourselves, or whether it’s government, or whether it’s all these different countries. They need the work,” he said.

It’s tragic. It’s tragic and it’s inevitable, I guess

Seperately, Loblaw said it will be providing compensation to the workers and families of the collapsed factory. Julija Hunter said the company is still working out the details, but plans to deliver support “in the best and most meaningful way possible.”

The announcement follows a similar move by U.K. retailer Primark earlier in the day.

Loblaws, which is run by Mr. Weston’s son Galen Jr., confirmed last week that clothes under its line Joe Fresh were being made in the eight-storey Rana Plaza in Savar, Bangladesh, which crumbled last week.

[related_links /]

The supermarket chain, which has its annual meeting this week in Toronto, was a key player in the crisis meeting Monday of the Retail Council of Canada’s Responsible Trade Committee. Already there is talk of a consumer boycott amid conflicting reports of how much clothing Loblaws actually had made there, and how much may have been made for other large Canadian retailers.

So far, Loblaws is the only one to publicly acknowledge it did business there. A march on a Joe Fresh store in Toronto is to be part of a May Day parade on Wednesday.

Mr. Weston made the comments at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto’s downtown hospital hub, in a brief interview after the launch of five new brain research projects by Brain Canada, funded with $3-million from the W. Garfield Weston Foundation, which Mr. Weston Sr. chairs, and matched by the federal government.

Jeff Holt/Bloomberg

Loblaw had already said it was working with other retailers to support local efforts and provide aid in Bangladesh. The company was also sending senior officials to Bangladesh to get answers on what caused the collapse.

The compensation announcement came as Loblaw and other companies met with the Retail Council of Canada’s responsible trade committee on Monday to discuss how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Retail Council president and CEO Diane Brisebois has said one of the challenges has been that Canadian agencies don’t have the power to mandate that certain codes or regulations are followed in another country.

Loblaw has said its vendor standards were designed to ensure that products are manufactured in a socially responsible way, but that current measures do not address the issue of building construction or integrity.

While details of the meeting weren’t expected until Tuesday, some observers hoped the gathering would help companies figure out how to push manufacturers to provide safe workplaces and allow for the empowerment of employees.

Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press

Some even suggested the federal government could make retailers list third-party certifications on product labels so shoppers know their purchases were made under conditions that met a certain standard.

“What’s needed is enhanced oversight by Canadian retailers,” said Kernaghan Webb, a law professor who heads Toronto’s Ryerson Institute for the Study of Corporate Social Responsibility.

“They could use this as an opportunity to say ’Lets take a fresh look at our entire set of commitments on everything’ — minimum wage, issues of whether or not workers can unionize, health and safety — and they could revise those.”

Mohammed Sohel Rana, the fugitive owner of the Rana Plaza, on which three storeys were built illegally, was captured Sunday at a border crossing with India, and returned to the capital Dhaka to face charges of negligence.

He was reportedly last seen on Tuesday of last week, after large cracks appeared in the building and he reassured tenants of its structural safety.

At the site Monday, fire was caused by sparks from rescue equipment, and interfered with ongoing rescue efforts.

About 2,500 people survived the collapse, and the death toll reportedly stands at 381.

National Post with files from The Canadian Press

No doubt the global fashion industry – including Joe Fresh – is responding to mounting media attention on factory conditions. A recent article by Ron Nurwisah in The Huffington Post pointed out that CBC journalists tweeted out a photo from the Worker’s Rights Consortium, showing a Joe Fresh garment lying amongst the rubble. Scott Nova, executive director of the Worker’s Rights Consortium, acknowledges that the company had admitted it had garments produced in the factory, and urges it to move promptly to aid those harmed and improve safety conditions moving forward.

I’ve had a look at the Joe Fresh website this morning and they have a condolence notice expressing their sadness at the tragedy, saying that they helping impacted employees and families, and explaining that they are consulting with government (via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and labor organisations (including the Canadian Maquila Solidarity Network).

It will be very interesting to see what steps emerge out of the meeting of Canadian retailers. A key part of the Joe Fresh apology has been it’s claim that despite not yet addressing the structural conditions of it’s factory buildings,

‘Loblaws Inc. Vendor standards are designed to ensure that products are manufactured in a socially responsible way, for a safe and sustainable work environment. Our audits align with those of industry around the world…’

Here’s where it gets gritty. Their audits align with those of the manufacturing industry, that is the people making the money. Julhas Alam and Kay Johnson, Associated Press, have pointed out that since 2011, Labour groups have been pushing for a safety proposal drawn up by Bangladeshi and international unions. The safety proposal argued for independent safety inspections, recognising that local officials and government are too influenced by industry demands. It would also be legally binding. This proposal hasn’t been taken up by big companies because of the costs involved.

So let’s get real. Clothing is a $ 1- Trillion dollar global industry, of which Bangladesh represents around $20 billion. There are 4000 factories in Bangladesh alone. Workers killed in the collapse of the Rana Plaza were earning as little as $38 a month.

Clothing companies manufacture garments in Bangladesh because it’s cheap. Cheap labor means more profit. So when Joe Fresh argues that it’s factory audits align with industry standards, it means the standards considered adequate by an industry based on extracting cheap labor.

Whatever steps emerge out of the meeting of Canadian retailers today, I’m going to be a bit cynical about the extent of this for progressing fair and safe work environments. Why? It’s like assuming a room full of cats could come up with safety measures for mice. Retailer’s financial stake in this tragedy is ensuring that bad press about factory conditions doesn’t drive down share prices or profit. That’s not the same stake as factory workers wanting for personal safety and security, and fair wages.

At a minimum, I think Joe Fresh needs to sign up to the Bangladesh Building and Fire Safety Agreement

BUT Joe Fresh also needs to be more transparent with the Canadian public about what it it paying Bangladeshi workers.

Joe Fresh’s website has those generic photos of thin white women wearing this season’s spring colors. A peasant top. A mint green pencil skirt. I couldn’t help imagining what the website would look like if they included photos of their Bangladeshi workers, and maybe grieving family members, alongside the free-and-easy gambit of their white model. Canada, lets stop pretending to be the good guys. Lets own our part of this, as consumers, as a nation. Because isn’t it really about how we can all look at clothes, even by brands that claim social responsibility, and forget that there are other people – equally human – working long hours in factories to earn less a month then the cost of a peasant shirt.

If you are moved by this, you can sign a petition calling on the Bangladesh government to remove laws that restrict freedom of association (meaning that most workers can’t unionize) and demand minimum wage for garment workers. You can check out Manquila Solidarity Network. Or you can email Joe Fresh.

The Fundamental Foundation: Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Skin Perfecting Foundation

I have combination skin that’s prone to breakouts, so I’m pretty picky when it comes to foundation. I’ve tried dozens of foundations, from drugstore to designer, and I’ve finally found one that gives me everything I want – it evens out my complexion and covers up any imperfections without looking cakey or feeling heavy and oily. This foundation also matches my skin perfectly and as cliché as it sounds, I really do feel like I’m wearing nothing. It also gives me that glowing look without looking greasy.  I find it is best applied with a foundation brush but if you’re going for a lighter coverage, sponges work well too. I’ve been using it for about a month and I don’t see myself switching anytime soon. Bonus: it has an SPF 14 which is a must for keeping your skin young and healthy!

Best Bronzer: Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base

So this may be starting to seem like a Chanel endorsement, but I promise it’s not – I really just love their products! I’ve used this bronzer for about 5 years now and It’s really ended my search. This bronzer gives the perfect glow and warmth without looking orange, streaky or shimmery whatsoever. I prefer applying it with a bronzer or blush brush overtop of foundation for a lighter, more natural look, but this solid cream-gel formulation can also be used in place of a foundation, and  it’s great to have the option to build the colour a bit more for a night out or in the summer when you have more of a tan. This is definitely a splurge, coming in at $48, but one container lasts me over a year. It is well worth it. 

Super Scrub: Lush Ocean Salt

While I’m still searching for the best cleanser for my skin, I have found an awesome scrub by Canada’s own Lush Cosmetics. The Ocean Salt scrub is one of their pre-packaged products, so you don’t have to worry about it going bad quickly, but it’s still packed with the all-natural ingredients Lush is known and loved for. It has sea salt to buff away dry and dead skin, while its lime and vodka have antibacterial properties that help banish blackheads and impurities. The avocado and coconut add a bit of moisture and are probably why this scrub never leaves my skin feeling dry and tight like most exfoliants do. I have sensitive skin so I only use it about once a week but it really does wonders for keeping my skin even, getting rid of dead skin and keeping breakouts at bay. My skin always feels super soft and clean after using it. This is a must have at $21 for a container that will last about 6 months.  Bonus: it’s meant for both face and body, so you can buff away your dry winter skin before swimsuit season! 

Perfect Polish: Joe Fresh 

I’ve always thought that the more expensive the nail polish, the longer it lasts without chipping, right? Wrong! I’ve tried the gamut and I have to say that Joe Fresh’s line of awesome colours really takes the cake, and at $4 or 3 for $10, you can afford to indulge in the trendy colours of the season without breaking the bank. I find that this polish goes on very well and lasts just as long if not longer than the pricier polishes I’ve splurged on. I’ve always loved Joe Fresh clothing and their nail polish certainly doesn’t disappoint!

Hitting the Haircare Jackpot: Macadamia Nut Oil

I have super long hair and while it may look thick since there’s so much of it, the strands are super thin, making it a nightmare to brush. I’ve even broken a hairdresser’s brush! I’ve tried countless detanglers, leave in conditioners, hair masks, and hot oil treatments, but nothing has worked like macadamia nut oil. Right now I’m using Marc Anthony Repairing Macadamia Oil Treatment. I use this after washing my hair, on the ends only, and it makes brushing a total breeze. It also leaves my hair super soft and shiny and it smells awesome! I picked it up at the drugstore on sale for $5.99 and I plan on stocking up! A couple of drops go a long way, making this an affordable buy that works wonders!

I’m happy to have finally found these staples, but I’m always on the hunt for great beauty buys. Do you have any products you swear by?

Primark, a U.K. apparel company, announced they will be providing “financial aid for those injured and payments to the families of the deceased,” reports ITV News.

The company also has workers in Bangladesh working with a local NGO to provide emergency food, according to ITV.

Protesters demonstrate outside the flagship Primark shop on Oxford Street on April 27, 2013 in London, England.

More than 350 people were killed in the disaster. Rescue workers do not expect to find anyone else alive.

Now, the question still on the minds of Canadian consumers, is what Joe Fresh plans to do.

The Loblaws-owned retailer said today they will be having an “urgent” meeting with the Retail Council of Canada and other companies to “discuss how to address this unfortunate situation and be part of the solution.”

CBC’s As It Happens reports that the Council will release a statement about the meeting tomorrow:

#JoeFresh: Retail Council won't be speaking to the media about today's conference call w/ retailers, releasing statement tomorrow.—
As It Happens (@cbcasithappens) April 29, 2013

Loblaws is has also sent representatives to Bangladesh to speak with officials and get “a precise response on what caused this tragedy.”

Although Joe Fresh has been frequently updating a message about the tragedy on their website, it has so far lacked specifics.

UPDATE: Joe Fresh has announced on their Facebook page that they plan to offer compensation to families whose relatives worked at the factory.

“We are working to ensure that we will deliver support in the best and most meaningful way possible, and with the goal of ensuring that victims and their families receive benefits now and in the future. We are working on the details and we will update you as soon as we can,” said the statement.

With baby steps, the company is trying to renew its image (I mean they have been doing this for the past decade or so) and so far, I think this new change may actually be good for the company. Living in New York City, I am constantly surrounded by these crazy fashionistas that makes me want to sometimes throw in the towel and go out with just sweats on. This is totally in a good way because everyone is so fashion forward that I think to myself, ‘There is absolutely no way I am going to top anyone.’ But, thank goodness for all of these fast fashion retailers that us low-budgeters actually have a chance and JCP, right now, in my book is actually rising to be a great little helper. 

Don’t get me wrong, JCP still has a long way to go, like giving all of their stores a bit of a facelift, including their employees (many of them look like they just rolled out of bed and put some slacks on), store layout, and really emphasizing that new logo of theirs because quite frankly, I am digging it. 

To conclude my rant, I would just like to commend JCP and its accomplishments thus far. I am totally rooting for this underdog.

I mean look at this? It’s neat, organized, and doesn’t it make you want to go shopping?
It’s always a bonus to have celebrities endorse this new change. 

JOIN LOULOU MAGAZINE STYLE EDITOR, CLAUDE LAFRAMBOISE,
FOR A NIGHT OF SHOPPING AND FUN!*

SAVE 20% ON IN-STORE PURCHASES AND RECEIVE A GIFT BAG WITH PURCHASE.**

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013 FROM 6 P.M. TO 9 P.M. ONLY AT JOE FRESH MAPLE LEAF GARDENS  (60 CARLTON STREET TORONTO, ONTARIO)

CAN’T MAKE IT TO TORONTO? On May 16, from 6 – 9 p.m., save 20% on purchases made in-store at these key Joe Fresh locations across Canada! Enjoy giveaways and more fun in-store!

Bramalea City Centre 

25 Peel Centre Drive
Brampton, ON

Vaughan Mills

1 Bass Pro Mills Drive
Vaughan, ON
St Laurent Centre

1200 St. Laurent Boulevard

Ottawa, ON
Victoria

3600 Uptown Boulevard
Victoria, BC
Granville

540 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
CrossIron Mills

261055 CrossIron Boulevard
Rocky View, AB

RSVP NOW!

Clothing, I have always felt, is more important than most people give it credit for. That is, how we dress reveals a lot about us – how we view ourselves, and how we want others to view us. If one chooses to dress in cheaply made, uninspiring clothes he is effectively saying I don’t care how I look and, by extension, how the rest of the world looks at me. Because there is no questioning this: wearing well-made, distinctive garments makes everyone look better.

Having worked for a (short) time in fashion writing, I can confirm what most people suspect about the fashion world: It is vacuous, soulless and obscenely commercialized (virtually every item of clothing, every accessory and beauty product, featured in fashion magazines is selected to satisfy advertisers, not because it’s the ultimate representative of this or that sartorial trend). The fashion business sacrifices all things substantial in favour of surface appearances – and the irony is the finished product we see has been digitally edited and altered to the point that no matter how hard you try you can never achieve the same appearance because it does not actually exist. And yet there’s something to that. There is value in surface appearances, because that’s where our impressions of each other begin to form: If you don’t try to impress on the outside, the chances of anybody wanting to find out how interesting you are on the inside drops significantly.

The predominant argument in favour of disposable fashion is it affords the vast majority of people who can’t afford actual nice clothing a modicum of fashion-forwardness without having to spend a lot of money. As I say above, I don’t think Joe Fresh produces clothes that impress fashion-wise, to say the least, but the economic consideration also doesn’t work. In fashion, as in most things, a bigger price tag signifies better quality materials and more rigorous production standards. You can buy a $10 shirt from Joe Fresh that’s bland and will wear out quickly because it’s poorly constructed, or pay $30 or even $50 for something that will actually look good and last a long time. I can’t think of any good reason not to spend the extra money.

In the wake of this latest tragedy in Bangladesh, there will be more calls for Canadians to buy clothes made at home (or very nearby), where worker safety isn’t a joke and neither are wages. But that misses the point: There’s no reason good clothes can’t be made in Bangladesh, or anywhere else in the Third World for that matter. All it would take for garment workers there to achieve better working conditions is if more people here put some thought and care into the way they looked. And Joe Fresh just isn’t gonna cut it for that.