Makes me proud to be a Swede, but sad about the general state of women’s equality in the world.

It feels slightly frivolous to post pretty pictures when so much of the world is in despair. It’s time for us all to help Japan recover. It may seem far away, but the earth is round and everything is interconnected. My heart goes out to the people, the earth and the ocean. Growing up in Sweden after Chernobyl, I vividly remember the aftermath of nuclear disaster and how long the effects persisted (still). We can only hope and pray for some form of recovery.

The best thing you can do to help is donate money to a reputable aid organization. Sadly, there are unscrupulous people out there, trying to benefit from our desire to help. Here’s how to avoid the scammers and make sure your donations reach those in need.

I’m finally back in NYC after a looong (and very reluctant) journey back from Hawaii — just in time to catch Super Bowl XLV on TV. I was rooting for the Packers and thrilled to see them take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Gooo Packers!

The fur hat! Anyone who has been to a Hasidic Jewish neighborhood has probably seen the men wearing this kind of hat, called kolpik. I wonder if my neighbors find it offensive when someone like me, who is not rabbinic in any way, wear this kind of headgear?

/// blouse, H&M, probably 7 years old / cardi, Marshall’s / skirt and boots, vintage / belt, old one stolen from my sister / bracelets, gifts / bag, Hayden-Harnett / scarf, BF bought in Japan ///

I live in a very Hasidic Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn. This time of year there is a pair of Hasidic men standing on nearly every street corner, asking: “Excuse me, are you Jewish?” I’m not sure why they do this and why they even bother asking me since I, with my long (currently frizzy) hair and high heels, don’t look like I would, indeed, be Jewish.

However, yesterday, when I wore this outfit, there was a sort of hopefulness in the young man’s voice as he asked: “Excuse me, are you Jewish?” I realized that it must have been because this skirt is the exact same length as those worn by the Hasidic women. I guess we cannot help being influenced by our surroundings.

/// blouse, H&M, probably 7 years old / skirt and boots, vintage / belt, old one stolen from my sister / bracelets, gifts ///

To be continued… UPDATE: Blending In – Part 2

Christian Louboutin’s ecotrash pump is back. This time with a peep-toe and leopard heel. Since it’s made from trash, each pair is one of a kind. All of them, however, have a 6″ (150mm) heel. Eco-sexy! Or, maybe not..?

I really wish the King of the Red Soles hadn’t decided to use PVC — there’s definitely nothing eco about that.

Like so many other times when mainstream fashion brands try to do the eco-thing, I’m torn. These shoes do make a good statement, but fall very short in the eco-credibility department. I guess, if you do decide to buy a pair (which will set you back, oh, $1095), make sure to wear them to all the important holiday parties you will be attending — to strike up conversations about our wasteful consumption habits. Just make sure your kids or dogs don’t chew on the toxic PVC…

This is also a great example of how graphic design can be used to spread messages of hope, change and inspiration. That’s what I want to do!

I’m torn about this Vogue “eco-friendly” editorial. The good thing is Anna Wintour seems to have discovered this thing we call eco-fashion. The bad thing is she does not seem to know what it means.

Sure, everyone knows that Stella McCartney is eco, so throw her in there (in the form of a $2,895 trench coat). Michael Kors made a $1,295 sweater from organic cotton? Throw that in there too! A Vera Wang bustier made with hemp fibers and peace silk? Sure!

It’s the same old stuff, in eco-guise. A steep price tag is just not enough to make something eco. While some of these materials may be better than their alternatives, most of these fashion houses make loads of crap from “conventional” materials, probably in Asian factories. One eco piece does not make up for all the rest. We call this greenwashing.

I was excited to see a turtleneck from Organic by John Patrick in there (which, at $110, seems like a steal in comparison). He’s one of those who actually gets it.

And no, Anna, fur is not considered eco even though it is a “natural material.” I could go on, but I will not.

Disturbing as it is, this Simpson’s opening sequence by Banksy is a very poignant commentary on the importance of knowing the backstory of all that you consume. Did you know a lot of cartoon animation is produced in overseas sweat shops? And don’t even get me started about how all the “fan gear” for all these popular TV shows is made!

In Port Elizabeth, South Africa, African Penguins, rehabilitated victims of oil pollution, are released back into the sea in front of hundreds of participants. So adorable!

In Wellington, New Zealand, community members performed a “Solar Panel Boogie” at sunrise.

In Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, participants in a climate festival formed a giant ‘350.’

In Oslo, Norway, activists relax outside the famous new Opera House in Oslo after a bike race around the city.

In Shangri-La, China, concerned citizens gathered at the temple to promote the spiritual connection to preserving the earth, its climate and its people, and spelled out ‘350’ in prayer flags.

In Baku, Azerbaijan, kids broke out the power drills to promote solar power as a solution to climate change. Kids with power drills! Hells yeah!

In New York City, The Columbia University Marching Band forms a ‘350’ on the field.

And Swedes will not be outdone! In Stockholm, activists dressed up in sun, wind and water costumes thanked people in the subway for choosing public transport and invited them to participate in the other activities taking place at Sergels Torg, the central square.