Fashionably Yours

Ever heard of clothing that can purify the air around you? Or perhaps a spectacular effigy made completely out of used kitchenware? Maybe a stunning portrait of Steve Jobs made only using used electronic items?

Spatula art at The Change Initiative

Steve Jobs recycled art at The Change Initiative

Steve Jobs art at The Change Initiative: Acloser look

If caring for the planet is a concern of our generation today, The Change Initiative has gone several steps ahead to offer a lifestyle concept that’s unique, loving and simply incredible.

The new store in Dubai houses little known but responsible brands that put the planet first. From fashion and accessories, cosmetics and jewelry to electronics to home and kitchenware to edible delights, this concept store totally bowled me over, not just with its ethos, but also by putting its money where its mouth is.

The Catalytic dress- purifies the air around it!

Hand painted jewelry made of recycled paper

Natural and organic beauty products at The Change Initiative

I checked out this amazing collection of hand painted jewelry made out of recycled paper and old magazine covers and almost count believe it! I’m a big fan of organic beauty products so I was delighted to find a variety of natural and organic range of haircare and cosmetics here, at the Change Initiative.

Edible treats at The Change Initiative

Eco friendly Furniture made out of recycled material

Wine glass made from a used bottle

Could’nt get over the amazing handmade furniture, made completely out of recycled materials- so stylish and futuristic! Add to that, this striking blue wine glass caught my eye and only after a few minutes I realized it was actually made from the top of a wine bottle! Totally cool!

Recycled art at The Change Initiative

Butterflies made of used cola cans!

The Change Initiative store at Barsha, Dubai

We come across people talking about being environment friendly but rarely do we find them actually doing something towards the cause. The Change Initiative really got me thinking if I’m doing my bit to reduce my carbon footprint or atleast in some small way, contributing to the conserve the planet- Sadly, I realized I didn’t! Now, thanks to such concept stores, it’ll be easier for people who atleast have their heart in the right place, to contribute by choosing the products that make a real difference. We sure need more places like the Change Initiative!

It’s Massive Clean Up Day! I’m shocked to find a ton of old, but barely used cosmetics, hair products and general junk in my closet so it’s time  to toss out some palettes and paints today – even though some of them are just three months old! Yup! That’s the real shelf life of a mascara! Clearly, we can’t afford to be sentimental about make up.

Massive Make up Cleanup!

Here’s how long you can keep cosmetics before they expire:

Mascara — 3 months. (Some say 6 months, but many cosmetics experts, including DaltonJames, recommend 3 months.)

• Liquid Foundation and Concealer — 6 to 12 months.
• Cream Blush and Eyeshadow — 6 to 12 months.
• Powder Blush and Eyeshadow — 1 year.
• Eyeliner and Lipliner Pencils — Up to 2 years.
• Liquid Eyeliner — 6 months or less.
• Lipstick — 1 year.
• Moisturizers and Skin Care — 1 to 2 years.

Okay so they haven’t exactly been easy on the pocket but using old make up might make you break out, change color and turn smelly! Ew!

So I bid a sad farewell to my paint pots and lip gloss sticks, my beloved Max Factor mascara and the nicest dark eye palette from Sephora. Sigh… Good byes are never easy! But hey, sale season is on and I think I saw a 50% off somewhere so…Cheers to getting rid of the old and welcoming the new.

You don’t believe it could ever happen to you.

I never did either. But as a 17 year old back then, I panicked when I discovered the formation of 2 hard lumps inside. At first, I cried alone. I didn’t even tell my mom until I was fully composed, Googled information and researched until I had atleast some understanding of what was happening.

It was then I realized that this MAY OR MAY NOT be the end for me. We got the lumps thoroughly checked by a doctor and found they were benign at the time. However, they had to be surgically removed in order to eliminate any risk. They were removed in a two hour surgery, the run up to which, I remember in graphic detail. But since then, every single hour of every single day, I’m simply grateful for the fact that I’m alive , healthy and happy.

The fact that one in every eight women in the world succumbs to Breast Cancer each year, makes me shudder.  Breast cancer is curable if detected in the early stages. So conduct self examinations every six months, look for signs and symptoms and get a mammography done along with your regular health check-ups.

Safe & Sound Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign: Burjuman

Read here for crucial information regarding Breast Cancer: You need to know this!

What is Breast Cancer? What are the symptoms?

Conduct a self examination: SEE HOW

 Other Early Detection methods: Read more

Do yourself a favor: Be aware, be responsible.

Talk to your friends about this. Share this post on your Facebook Wall, link it to Twitter, share it on email.  Do your bit for the cause, simply because you can.

Visit  www.safeandsound.ae for all information regarding the Safe &Sound Campaign. Please spread the word!

Fashionably Yours will be covering the upcoming Fashion show with Breast Cancer survivors on the 21st of October, Friday, at Burjuman Mall.  Stay tuned for contests and giveaways from Burjuman, on Fashionably Yours.