The Beginning of a New Season: Spring.

Thank goodness, I didn’t think I’d make it through this winter – at least, not without my North Face jacket.

Super Dry beanie, Oakley goggles, Burton coat and gloves, North Face neck warmer

I actually met this climber. I introduced myself and told him I took a few photos of him while he was climbing.  I emailed him this photo and it’s now hanging on his living room wall in Switzerland.  Pretty cool.

The North Face Verto Jacket is one of the lightest wind and water-resistant jackets available, that can rapidly become your best friend in emergency situations. Only 90.72 g (3.20 oz), and it can be packed down and be transported easily.

Features:

• Alpine fit
• Reverse-coil zips
• Chest pocket
• Elastic-bound hem, cuffs and hood
• Jacket stows in chest pocket
• Stretch loop in pocket to compress and stow jacket
• Summit Series collection is harness and pack-compatible

I even have goals to buy things.. mostly home decor or workout gear. I write them down and then save up money until I can buy them. So here are my 5 things I am currently saving up for.

Asics Hera running socks – i have a good friend who loves these. She says there like a treat for her feet!

Brooks PureCadence 2 – i tried these on at the store and loved them.

Livit sports bra – these are so cute!

So I have never bought anything from lululemon before, but they have tons of cute stuff so I will definitely be trying some out!

Okay, so I have one North Face jacket and I wear it all the time, I think it is time to add a vest into the mix!

Do you set goal list? What are some of your “needed” workout gear?

Before I take my son anywhere I want to research where I want to go.  I have to keep in mind the difficulty level from which all of us are limited to.  For example, I don’t want to plan a hike with my 3 year old which incorporates technical climbing to get to our destination point.  I also don’t want to go somewhere that I have not tested myself prior to taking my son.  Most State and Federal parks are designed to have loop-style beginning and ending points; i.e. hiking paths begin and end at one point, and even interlace and cross each other at different points.  This is good because even if you were to get lost, eventually you will return to a familiar point in a short period of time.  Remember, even hikes planned near large cities are austere if access is difficult.    Local and popular print (e.g. Falcon Guide Book) guide books are next to being considered as a great resource for your planning.  Make sure you choose a guide book that has the most information possible.  For example, look for books that show routes in details including difficulty, photos, and driving directions in/out from park, directions to/from trail heads and bases, and clearly understood maps to scale.  The best guide books I have found also include emergency points of contacts, dos and don’ts, typical weather patterns and environmental hazards, and even places to campout or bivouac.  All of the aforementioned intelligence is critical to planning expedition type outings such as climbing large mountains.

  The more you and your children enjoy the outdoors, the more you should read up on the destinations together to learn as much as you can.  The online environment is a great place to search out the basics of what you need.  Also, you can find local information such as eateries and restaurants for after the hike/camp, and many State and National park websites will have the need-to-know sections such as park fees and emergency information.  Reading books from experienced hikers or climbers who traveled the routes you are planning to go is an awesome resource because you can learn a lot from their experiences.  For example, before I climbed Mount Rainier and Mount Blanc I really wished books like No Shortcuts to the Top  by Ed Viesturs and Touching the Void  by Joe Simpson were published (at least the copies I have) before my best friend and I set out for our unknown adventure.  Their gripping real-life stories were sobering and provide a great deal of life lessons and things to expect which are great for planning references whether for day hikes or the mountain expedition.  I like to get books for specific environmental hazards such as Avalanche Safety if I’m going to take my son to a large mountain during the winter season for skiing, snowboarding, or hiking and winter camping.  Sometimes what looks like a great open snow filed may actually be an avalanche washout zone.  Researching what to look for is critical to a safe time with your children.  For example, I know that if there was a week of very cold temperature and fresh snow dump the day before our hike, and the day of our hike is expected to be sunny, then I should plan on a slippery ice shear level, called depth hoar, which will be extremely low strength for any weight to be placed upon it.  Therefore, if my son and I were to walk across a hill side with an angle of repose between 30-50 degrees in these meteorological conditions just mentioned, than we could potentially trigger a large snow slide or worse, an avalanche at higher altitudes.

One of the most important items to remember is the time of year that you want to go outdoors.  Summer and winter are pretty easy to understand.  Wool fabrics keep you warmer than most synthetics but don’t dry as easily if wet and are heavier and don’t compress down to a small size.  If it is spring, than you will want to prepare for unexpected rain and muddy areas; if it is autumn, then the beauty of changing leaves can distract you from the chill of a blowing wind.  Blowing wind can drop your body core temperature very quickly if you are not prepared!  This is critical to remember for young children because even a slight blowing wind over exposed skin will drop your child’s core body temperature.  Children’s physiologic compensatory mechanisms are much better than adults, but when those mechanisms reach a certain point, decompensatory shock can quickly become irreversible if proper, and often simple interventions are continued to be ignored.  Remember, hypothermia (drop in core body temp to  ≤ 35°C (95°F) can occur at ambient air temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and water immersion around 21°C (70°F).  So, always plan to have at least both a light micro-fleece and thin, water proof shell jacket/pullover easily available at the top of your backpack.

Now this brings us to what your child and you should wear.  I always plan on layering from proximal to the skin distally to a wind and water proof shell.  Intermediate layers should be insulating like fleece and down.  All layers, below the external shell should be breathable and wick moisture away.  From hot to extremely cold weather I put on Terramar©, Hot Chillys Pepper©, or Under Armor© underwear at the appropriate thickness depending on the temperature(s).  Of course, North Face©, Patagonia©, and Columbia© are just as good, but much more expensive usually.  I save my fleece and outerwear shells for these brands.  Remember, children will be rough and will test their limits so don’t blow your month’s paycheck on expensive ski pants, for example, because the cheap ones will do the job; it is what is underneath that will keep them warm and increase the fun-factor!  Hats

and gloves are a necessity during cold weather and you should let your children choose something that they like.  This is important because they will like to wear the colors and patterns (or more precisely favorite cartoon/movie characters) they identify with.  Just ensure that the hats and gloves are rated for the weather you will be in and gloves are insulated well with a water proof (not just resistant) covering.  Mittens are warmer than split finger style gloves because there is continuity between the insulating materials and the warmth of your fingers.

Choosing the right socks are critical with regards to the fun-factor.  If your child’s feet are cold, neither one of you will have fun!  I prefer putting on thick synthetic socks such as SmartWool© because they breathe well, keep your feet warm, and dry fast when they get wet.  These sock types are good because in extremely cold weather you can put on a thin lining pair of socks on first as extra precaution.  Always bring an extra pair of socks for each person.  Gaiters© are an important component to keeping your feet warm and dry in cold and wet environments.  Plan on purchasing the best footwear for your children and yourself.  This is critical to safety and fun!  Sneakers are sufficient for low grade easy difficulty trails, but basic boots that come over the ankle are a better option.  If your children really like the outdoors, than invest in the best of foot wear for them.  Keep in mind, if your child’s feet grow as fast as my son’s has, purchase at least a half size to one full size bigger.  I will just add an extra pair of lining socks to my son’s feet to fill the void.  The most important feature for footwear is a boot that goes up beyond the ankle, is rigid, insulated and water proof.  A boot truly is waterproof when the tongue material is part of the rest of the boot as one piece.  Another important point for older children and adults is to have footwear that fits properly!  Tight does not indicate proper fit.

I always try and get my clothing and gear on sale; although, the best time to do this is often at the end of a season.  Choosing the right backpack is important for several reasons.  First, an appropriately fitting pack will be comfortable at its maximum loading and will be healthier since the weight will be distributed correctly along your frame.  Also, if your children are younger, you will be carrying everything for them.  I did purchase a small kids backpack that resembles an airplane, but I only keep a light fleece, thin external waterproof shell, and a couple favorite toys for him to carry.  His portion of food, water, snacks, and extra clothing stays with me in my pack.  What your child will carry will be dependent upon their age, strength, and comfort levels.  I like rucksacks with a large main body and extra side compartments.  I prefer a separate top compartment for maps, extra batteries, headlamps, and tissues for those runny noses.  Daisy chains are a must.  There should also be plenty of cinch straps to streamline everything and attach poles, pouches, sleeping bags, or shovels for example.  I also prefer having padded waist and shoulder straps that are adjustable to fit.

Finally, different technical gear may be necessary for your visit to the outdoors, especially if you plan to go for a full day or overnight stay.  First, you will need to decide if you are staying overnight.  If you are, you will need a comfortable strong tent.  To be honest, unless you are an avid camper or mountaineer, a simple, lightweight tent at a reasonable price is all you will need.  Free-standing tents are easier to put together and can be moved quickly laterally if need with little effort.  I have a tent for just my son and I like this.  My expensive custom-made pitch-tent is for my adult mountaineering excursions.  I keep the tent in a separate waterproof compression pouch that houses a simple repair kit I personally put together; just in case my son’s Autobot slices a hole in the side while attempting to take out a Deceptacon!

A lightweight LED headlamp is critical to have when the ambient light decreases.  I keep one compact high-beam Halogen bulb flashlight for a rescue scenario; Halogen bulbs create a lot of heat so they will show up on an infrared device stronger than the light itself at night.  I carry collapsible hiking poles for difficult terrain.  I can use them as poles for my randonnée skis or as a splinting device for long-bone injuries, and so many other things.  For overnight trips I carry a hand-held water filter device to purify drinking water.  For me, then next best thing is a good compass.  I know what you may be thinking.  What!  A compass!  That is why God inspired man to invent the GPS!  Well, technology fails, and a compass won’t unless it is broken.  GPS devices are heavy and need power; thus extra batteries and more weight to carry.  The only piece of technology I bring besides my cell phone is a Kestrel© Pocket Weather Tracker.  This latter device is lightweight and is a full pocket-sized weather station which also has elevation detection capability and a compass built in.  I use this for my medical responding days and when I go shooting.  Again, I have to bring an extra set of batteries and multiple day expeditions will call for many more batteries.

It is also important to remember different devices like traditional GPS and cell phone devices feed on energy faster than others.  Don’t rely on them as much as your own experience and a simple and inexpensive compass with map!  If you don’t know how to use one, map/compass or GPS, take a simple course or ask someone with experience to show you.  The critical thing here is know how to use whatever you have and practice, practice, practice.  You won’t have to waste valuable time figuring things out as you go when you need it the most.  Again, not just safety for your children, but fun-factor!  Another critical piece of equipment to have is a pocket-size pair of binoculars.  I actually have a small set for my son who loves using it at every rest point and at camp.  Binoculars are useful for other things as well in a survival situation or emergency.  Yes, I believe there is a difference; emergency v. survival.  I also keep a small plastic bag stuffed as a survival kit.  If you would like a detailed list of items, just leave a comment and I will reply.  When your kids are old enough, you can bring small Walkie-Talkies to keep in contact with each other; although, there will be more batteries to carry.  Cameras are another peripheral item you and your children can carry, but I use a disposable camera for my son because it is light, has a built-in battery and if it breaks, my wallet won’t.

In general, the above aforementioned items are my staple of gear I bring on typical day hikes to the mountaineering expedition multiple overnights.  I can provide more specific items to bring along depending on what your adventure will be, and the factors that go with it.  If you would like to ask me a question about specific types of gear, alternatives, or more details about what I have given you herein, please do not hesitate to leave a comment.  As you can see, planning takes a good deal of preparation, but once you get the basics down, you will only need to peek-n-tweek as you and your child progress in your outdoor adventures.  Safety is the most important factor to keep in mind first; the fun-factor is a close second to consider.  Keep your equipment list streamlined and have extra socks, underwear, and batteries.  Part of safety is purchasing the right clothing and gear, and knowing how to use the equipment with practice.  The other part of safety is properly planning your day and making good sound decisions.  Don’t take risks you are not prepared to deal with if something unexpected happens.

Special Note: Tell someone not going with you 1) WHERE you are going, 2) HOW you are getting there, 3) WHEN you are expected to be back, 4) WHAT to do in an emergency (e.g. Local emergency numbers, Ranger Station or Coast Guard numbers, inter alia), 5) CHECK-IN from time to time.

Alex’s Pick
Leg Warmers / Boots
Ballerinas no longer dominate the leg warmer trend.  I’m happy to see these warm, comfy and adorable accessories have spread to the general population across campus.  With the dreadful winter we’re experiencing here in Michigan, throwing on some boots before heading into the blizzard is necessary.

Yes, some boots can add a little extra to an outfit, however most that I see are there for function, not fashion.  But have no fear! Leg warmers save the day.  They come in any color possible and thousands of designs.  They vary in material and stitching as well.  Having a little leg warmer sticking out above the top of the boot not only gives a winter ensemble an extra touch, but they serve their purpose! Add some leg warmer to your wardrobe and you’ll be cute and warm.  It’s the best of both worlds.

Danielle’s Pick
Lululemon Leggings
Leggings are nothing new this season. In the past, I have always struggled to find the perfect pair of leggings. Being stretchy, cotton, and spandex, the worst thing EVER is when the seams start to rip and your behind starts to show on account of too many runs through the washing machine and just flat our poor quality.  I’ve even tried hang drying them instead to try and preserve the elastic in both the seams and the rear – but nothing works. Eventually, it’s RIP (literally and figuratively) to the cotton blend leggings.

I know I’m not the only one who has experienced this! And I know this because the amount of Lululemon Wunder Under wear-er’s on campus has become overwhelming. Just a few short months ago, I too was wondering what this reflective, omega shaped logo was on the back of everyone’s waist band. After discovering the literal greatness of the Wunder Under pant from Lululemon (and getting over the price shock), I would never go back to buying cotton spandex blended leggings – and from the looks girls in my classes, neither would anyone else. Being an education major, there are only 2 men in my classes this semester. Needless to say they aren’t rocking the omega shaped logo to class every day, but the majority of the 20 females in the class are. Now, I didn’t take a survey as to why they are spending $70-$90 on a pair of stretch pants – but if I did, I’d bet that it’s because of the durability of the material. Get over the price and buy a pair. If broke college kids are doing it, it must be worth it! Think of them as an investment piece!

Melissa’s Pick
Puffy Vest
It is easy to spot a trend walking around campus, but not as easy to tell who paid a fortune, and who mastered the trend without emptying their wallet. Finding the look for less is a necessity for any college student’s budget. When it started to get colder, I noticed the amount of puffy vests appearing on students. I saw girls tailgating, studying, and walking to class in them. It seemed like the perfect layer for fall, and looked adorable even when paired with a sweatshirt underneath.

If you have ever been on Michigan State’s campus, it is easy to notice that North Face is a very popular brand. Almost every girl or boy walking to class is wearing a North Face jacket. Most of the vests I spotted were also this brand. Being such a staple item, I knew I could find this same “North Face look,” but for MUCH less.

I have had great experiences with coats purchased from Old Navy, so I decided to look there for a cheaper, but still quality vest. I purchased a classic black vest with the same North Face look, for around only 30 dollars! Finding the look for less without losing the desired level of quality is a difficult task, but Old Navy always seems to come through for me. Deciding which trend to keep up with is always a difficult decision for me because you never know if it is worth the investment. Trends come and go, and I wouldn’t want to be stuck with a pricey “uncool” item come next season. Don’t be afraid to do a little bargain hunting, people!

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For once when I say that I don’t mean financially because I had vouchers and birthday money so I had free reign but my back has ceased up and I’m currently debating how painful it will be to get up and move to go to bed.

My favourite purchase of today was the Tottenham Hotspur baby grow. I myself am a bit of a glory hunter but boyf LOVES the Spurs so I know he will be happy with it.

When I got in my bed looked like when I got home (before and after unpacking)

There’s a few bits in there for Oliver because we had an abundance of vouchers and money. I spent Peter and Bea’s money for Oliver on a little giraffe set and a little sheep beanie from Next. Boyf’s parents money bought a giraffe charm for my Pandora bracelet and a Ted Baker bag. My grandparents and Jan’s money bought me clothes from H&M my Aunt’s money went towards a tracksuit and the rest I bought using money I had saved aside out of my last decent pay packet.

All in all a successful day. Big smiles! (For once I didn’t come away with any shoes, just a pair of North Face slippers)

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Winter Madness

Magnificent Miles, this grand shopping central I visited in downtown Chicago carried an aroma of sweet luxury with an overwhelming amount of varieties to shop from. While everything is all swell, I would suggest visitors to avoid this sanctuary during winter periods, unless tornado surfing is a forte of yours.

Anyways, a far from being whip lashed by wind blades, I noticed that a nice warm coat is essential for survival in this city of wind. With a quick glance over what the local demographics are wearing to counter the vigorous weather, dawn-feather jackets and wool peacoats came up to be the most popular choice of clothing amongst local Chicagoans. North Face is one of the most visible dawn-feather jacket brands that hold majority favoritism. On the other hand, the popular Canada Goose Chilliwack jackets are not so popular in America and are nowhere to be seen on the streets.

So… the question comes to…

Which one will keep you the warmest without making you look like an abominable snowman?

North Face Gotham vs. Canada Goose Chilliwack

The North Face Men’s Gotham

Canada Goose Men’s Chilliwack

Made in Canada vs. Made in China

At first glance, customers are often surprised that the Chilliwack is more expensive than the Gotham. The difference in price can be partly explained because Canada Goose is made in Canada and The North Face is made in China. I think this is an important point because it’s rare that manufacturers make their outdoor clothes in Canada, and a great achievement considering the availability of labour in our country. However, we should consider the fact that Canada Goose produces jackets on a much lower scale than The North Face, for whom it would

be impossible to produce such a large quantity only in North American factories. I will leave you to form your own opinion on the subject and to decide whether or not “Made in Canada” is important enough to pay the difference when you buy your next coat.

Down

First of all, I have to say that both jackets are very well insulated. From Edmonton to Montreal, I’d have no problem recommending either to a customer. The Gotham Jacket uses goose down with a fill power of 550, while the Chilliwack uses duck down with a fill power of 625.

In both of these cases, these two jackets are equally warm.

With or without a waterproof liner?

Unlike the Chilliwack and Gotham for women, which have a water repellent coating sprayed on the outside of the jacket, making them water resistant, the Gotham for men is totally waterproof. In addition to a spray-on coating, this jacket is lined with a waterproof-breathable liner The North Face HyVent, and has sealed seams, which ensure that water won’t leak into the coat. However, whether a jacket is waterproof or not shouldn’t be the deciding factor in your choice; it’s unlikely you will wear such a coat when it is warm enough to rain. In my opinion, the important point to consider is how wind resistant they are. Both jackets do a great job in this regard. The outer, reinforced fabric on both models for women cuts the wind, while the Gotham for men benefits from a second barrier: its liner HyVent.

Real of Synthetic fur?

Animal lovers will probably prefer the Gotham Jacket with its detachable synthetic fur, making it easier to wash. The Chilliwack has real coyote fur around the hood. I can say from experience that real fur tends to be slightly more durable and will protect your face better from the wind than synthetic. However, I find the Chilliwack’s collar less practical in winter as it comes up awkwardly high around the chin. You either have to wear it zipped down to the base of the neck, or zipped completely up to the nose. The Gotham’s collar has a better design because it zips up high, still leaving room for the chin.

Cut and Style

Apart from their logos, these two coats are very similar in style. They are the same size, but the Chilliwack is slightly more fitted than the Gotham; however, on the same models for women, the reverse is true: the Gotham is more fitted than the Chilliwack. Contrary to other Canada Goose jackets, the Chilliwack will correspond to your normal size. It is also a bit longer than the Gotham.

With both jackets being on par with everything that comes to warmness and durability, the decision on which Jacket is better for you is based on your personal style and body type. I usually prefer to wear fitted clothing, so my wardrobe would match up with the Chilliwack more in comparison to the Gotham. Price wise, the Gotham jacket is definitely a purchase that meets the value, while the Chilliwack is a lot more expensive, but also keep in mind that clothes are not just fabrics to keep you warm but also a statement of your identity and the way you carry yourself.

- Phat.

Reference:

http://altitude-blog.com/north-face-coat-jacket-insulated-gotham-canada-goose-chilliwack-parka-mens-womens/

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Your clothes should be tight enough to show you’re a woman but loose enough to show you’re a lady –Marilyn Monroe-

I wanted to reach out to all you lovely ladies about proper gym attire. Just like in the streets there’s a right way and a wrong dress. The only difference is while the streets is more of a fashion statement, the gym is not only a fashion statement but also dressing the wrong way could adhere you working out or even harm you while you’re working out.  For instance why would you wear a sports bra verses a regular bra while taking a walk or hitting up the gym? Because sports bras are made to support you and hold you in a different way then your everyday Victoria Secrets Angels Demi. Sports bras are made to support you cooper’s ligaments, it’s the ligament that keeps the girls nice and perky. When you workout without giving this ligament proper support, it stretches and does not have the ability to recoil. Which is why when you leave the gym and did no upper body workouts but your chest hurts. So I promise working out with no sports bra is not going to help you.

A sports bra should fit tighter than a regular bra but not so tight you can’t breath, with that sad wearing a sports bra that is too tight not only looks silly but it also can cut off proper circulation.  You should not get any chaffing, the straps should not dig into your shoulders. So if you’re not comfortable in it then don’t wear it. If you’re not sure test the bra out first, jump up and down maybe even run in place.

There are three different type of sports bras, low-impact, medium-impact, and high-impact.

  UnderArmour Seamless Essentials

Low impact sports bras are for walking, road cycling, weight training, and yoga. These bras are usually thin and do not have much of a shape to them. Personally my favorite is the UnderArmour Essentials Sports Bra. Its seamless and gives me great coverage!

New balance medium impact tank bra

Next is a medium impact bra, this bra is made for moderate hiking, snowboarding, light jogging. These are made a little thicker and usually have some sort of shaping to them, to better support the type of activity you’re doing.  I have the new balance medium impact sports bra, its thick enough to give me support.

North Face stow-n-go

Lastly there’s high impact bras, these bras are for running, playing sports such as soccer, mountain biking. When you find see these types of sports bras they’ll almost look like a regular bra, they have actual cups but with a sports bra band. You can easily find this type of bra with adjustable straps too. The North Face Stow-N-Go II is my best friend when I’m running (I mostly do yoga and run), I like it because it shapes, holds, but doesn’t have the underwire that some high impact bras have. Although depending on your cup size you might need the underwire for better support.

So I hope this gives you ladies a little more clarity on sports bras, if you go to any active wear company’s page they’ll have specific details and guidelines for their sports bras. I highly suggest taking the time to try a few different ones on, while also going to get your proper bra size measured. Statistics show that 3 out of 4 women are wearing the wrong bra size. Trust me, finding the right sports bra is only half the battle, to being able to enjoy your daily workout.

What started off as an amazing morning at Squaw Valley with my brother Kai ended in a trip down the slopes with ski patrol.  An awkward landing had my body and board moving in opposite directions- resulting in (what felt like) a 360 degree twist of my ankle, a loud pop, and a distinct and instant pain radiating up my leg.  A few curse words later and finally finding my breathe, I accepted the damage was done.   Declining the doctor (I’m relying on the fact that I’ve had so many injuries I can distinguish between sprains/fractures/broken bones) I’m forced to sit, rest, ice, and let my body takes it’s course to heal itself.

happier times, earlier in the day

 I am mostly thankful that it wasn’t anything more serious. I can deal with crutches and low impact activities for a bit.  Huge thanks to Kai for giving me piggy back rides all over Squaw Village and my sister Nurse Erin for being on top of my icing and pain killers last night.  Honestly, my whole family has been really wonderful at making sure I don’t have to move too much…

Without the availability to move and partake in my routine passions, I’m trying to think of activities to fill my day that don’t involve my left foot.. Suggestions?

]]> http://anthonyr.org/2013/02/05/the-original-freeskier-scot-schmidt-at-50/ Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:52:35 +0000 AnthonyR http://anthonyr.org/2013/02/05/the-original-freeskier-scot-schmidt-at-50/ http://facetiousfarang.com/2013/02/05/thailand-is-a-cowboys-paradise/ Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:27:13 +0000 Ruth http://facetiousfarang.com/2013/02/05/thailand-is-a-cowboys-paradise/ http://adventuresinlimbo.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/after-the-hike/ Tue, 05 Feb 2013 06:45:11 +0000 Taylor Rae http://adventuresinlimbo.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/after-the-hike/ After what was, the longest hike I have done to date, I decided to actually collect the gear that was necessary for these kinds of trips. Yes, my order or operations is a little backwards, but in there somewhere, there was logic. I mean, if I can do it “unprepared” (whatever that means) then with actual hiking boots and a decent backpack, the same journey would ideally seem much easier. Let’s hope that this doesn’t give me a false sense of confidence…

Overall, the gear is all secondary to the experience and the mindset you go into the journey with. I mean, if I were ice climbing or doing the like my mentality would not keep me alive, my equipment probably would. But this hike, although tiring, is not all that dangerous unless you have an injury, heart condition, etc, in which case I doubt you are going to be hiking twenty miles. But, that night I went to a local REI and picked up what I thought (and my friends agreed) was ideal gear for the kinds of things I enjoy doing and plan doing more of.

North Face Backpack (Women’s Surge)

The first was this backpack which has a weight distribution that is just lovely, and has a laptop pocket and all kinds of features. I carried one of these when I was in Big Sur a few weeks ago and even with enough water for four people plus snacks and lord knows what else still was incredibly comfortable while hiking up a never-ending hill. I am so excited to use it!

La Sportiva Hiking Boots (with gore-tex and vibram soles) hell yes.

I am in love with these hiking boots, they were more than I wanted to spend but they were just so freakin’ comfortable. Even after hiking twenty miles and having swollen feet and being all kinds of sore. I wish they were padded in the tongue a little more like the merrels did. But, the ultimate test… if they made me want to dance in them. Yes. So I couldn’t say no. Dancing around the store in them made me sure they were the freaking best.

Nalgene water bottle

And, who couldn’t always use another Nalgene water bottle. I ask you.

Aside from these necessities, I got a couple pairs of good hiking socks and happily limped home with my friends, and my new gear. None of it has failed me yet. knock on wood.

2013 fashion is giving me flashbacks to high school. I love it. Fall my senior year Teen Vogue had a spread of the up and coming model Agyness Deyn. It was the same year Ugg boots became really popular (who let this happen? why?) and everyone wore boot cut jeans with hoop earrings. Vom. I hated it. In fact, I had my mom buy me a knock-off pair of Ugg boots because I didn’t want to spend that much of my back-to-school money on something so aesthetically nauseating but I still wanted to “look cool”. Agyness Deyn changed that. Agyness Deyn changed everything for me.

the whowhatwear.com feature on Aggy’s style back in 2007. Girl is SO ahead of the times!

She had this super short platinum blonde hair with smokey eyes that just seemed to radiate the same emotions as a Modest Mouse song. She was wearing silly tee-shirts with skinny jeans (skinny jeans!?) donned with feminine jewelry and colorful Converse. In other pictures she wore a white cotton dress with biker boots and bright pink lipstick. Some of her outfits were fucking ugly. It was awesome. I loved her. She understood me. And if she didn’t, her clothes sure as hell did. It was in that moment, at seventeen reading Teen Vogue, that I realized the difference between fashion and style. It was when I had my first great epiphany- I am free to create my own style. My own look. My own persona. My own identity. What great power!

“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you. You decide what you are & what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.” — Gianni Versace

At least it felt like power. This is coming from the kid who had every creative curious bone painfully crushed by the evil tyranny of a private Catholic school until I was twelve. I mean, on my first day of public school in the 7th grade I wore I plaid skirt with a white shirt because I didn’t know how ‘normal kids’ dressed. All I knew was that when I wore what I wanted on “free dress day” at my Catholic school I was usually forced to change into an old dusty uniform they dug out of the basement of the Church because, “good girls don’t wear such outrageous clothes”. My shirt had a giant tie-dye butterfly on it. Scandalous.

Agyness Deyn is who showed me that loving fashion didn’t mean having to like what was ‘in’. It’s not a love of stuff or things. It’s not about being told whats cool or following the rules. It’s being in love with the concept that there is a medium of art so great we can actually wear it!

I never wore those ugly ass Ugg boots again. (And you shouldn’t either.)

Top Five Fashion ‘Must Haves’ I’ll Never Ever Own Because I Think They Are Absolutely Dreadful:

1.
I just…. I just don’t understand… I mean, they aren’t cute. At all. And they can’t get wet because they are that leather-y suede-y material so they can’t be worn in the snow or rain when ones feet would be the coldest anyway. The only use seems to be letting me know that myself and the wearer probably have nothing in common and to stay away from them.

2.
I don’t camp. I also don’t feel like I need to present myself as someone who does camp. I recycle and buy organic vegetables, that doesn’t require an over-priced boring pullover.

3.
I get it. Sundresses are a classy way to be smokin’ hot to get the boys all rilled up. I’m a HUGE fan of sundresses. I own dozens. I do not and will not own a Lilly one. Why? Well, her dresses go one of two ways. One is that the conservative cuts mixed with the bright bold patterns of Floridian beach house couches makes the wearer look like they just robbed a grandma. The other is the playful innocent feminine silhouettes leave way too much of a slutty kindergartner on Easter Sunday kinda vibe. They are creepy either way.

Most importantly, the material is straight crap with even worse construction. A jersey knit skirt with an ELASTIC WAIST BAND was $128 at one of her boutiques. I’m no stranger to $128 skirts but mine sure as hell have some thoughtful construction put into them.  Bitch doesn’t even put liners in her $300 dresses. Seriously? Rude. Lilly is well-marketed rip-off. No thanks.

4.
I don’t dislike Sperry’s for being what they are. I admit they are adorable on about 98% of the people who wear them. I so happen to fall into that weird 2% where it just looks like I’m wearing someone else’s shoes… because I probably am.

5.
I wore a fedora in high school because I listened to a lot of ska music AND IT WAS 2005! 2006 was the last possible year it was acceptable to wear a fedora. Wearing a fedora in 2013 is just marking yourself as a douche. So I guess, thanks.

coming from Baltimore, i was always surrounded by people who didn’t seem shy about expressing themselves. outrageous hair, obnoxious nails, and appealing fashion sense. they always seemed to bring it when it didn’t even need to be brought. like a casual walk through the park, people were dressed as if mtv was capturing their every move or a trip to the grocery store, people styled themselves as if paparazzi were observing them from a microscope. i found it exciting, like, ooh i can’t wait to see what good outfits i see tonight! ya know, things like that really made simple errands more exhilarating.

now that i have resided in Berlin, fashion, at times, seems to be nonexistent. there are tiny glimpses of well-managed fashion sense but that is shortly bombarded with endless fashion disasters.

a big thing here, on the eastern shore, is camouflage. i get why it’s big, a lot of people hunt around here but last time i checked, hunting was prohibited at school and grocery stores so why are you still wearing it there?

another big thing, especially for the average college girl, are over sized sweatshirts and light denim jeans. first off, most of the girls only weigh about 100lbs, but put a XXL hoodie on anyone, and they look frumpy and 20lbs overweight. second off, light denim? i know i am a huge fashionista, but even if you’re not, how have you not heard about light denim and it being a terrible choice? it does nothing for your shape except RUIN IT.

men here are even worse. they seem to only know the shoe brand Converse and their pants can sometimes be so long that the bottom of their jeans are covered in dirt, which i am sure they collected from hunting.

anyway, i rarely see a girl or guy at my school dressed interesting. a good interesting. like, unique. a well put together style that actually is appealing to the eye.

i see nicely dressed people but how hard is that? simple for girls, throw on some skinny Pac-Sun jeans, Ugg boots, and a North Face and call it a day. even simpler for guys, invest in some cute skinnies, probably from Pac-Sun as well, and purchase a pull over sweatshirt in a decent amount of colors, and there you go!

but nicely dressed isn’t interestingly dressed.

i can do nicely dressed. but i won’t.

now look, if you happen to be reading this, and you happen to be from Berlin, don’t take any offense. i’m not saying anything negatively, but please, reevaluate your life.

another point i would like to make about this eastern shore fashion:

i am quite positive that besides myself, and maybe a handful of others, everyone who lives here shops at the same stores that everyone else does. i don’t, i am an online shopper to the fullest. simply because i can’t stand Pac-Sun or Hot Topic, or whatever other stores infest this area. but my fellow residents don’t seem to care. i could probably see tons of people at my school, this very second, wearing the same thing as three other people. they don’t care! whatever is close, affordable, and cute to their inexperienced minds is all sunshine and rainbows to them!

it’s torture living here sometimes. i feel as though no one really admires my style. they more or less seem to gawk at it or ignore it. which isn’t any fun! i think my favorite thing in the world is when myself and someone else can bond over the simplicities of fashion. that rarely ever happens here.