Rodarte MAC - gate!

Okay so, I kept seeing tweets on Twitter about people being disappointed with MAC Cosmetics. Me being a massive, totally biased MAC addict, I had to find out what the issue was.. and I have to say, its quite shocking!

This autumn, MAC cosmetics are due to release a new collection. Exciting as always, huh? Read on..
This new collection is in collaboration with American fashion designers Rodarte. Rodarte is a clothing and accessory range founded by sisters, Kate and Laura Mulleavy.

Kate and Laura Mulleavy   -    Rodarte

And the products, as always, in the classy black trademark MAC casing, look fantastic..

Rodarte for MAC collection

So far, all this sounds and looks great right? Wrong. This collection was, apparantly, inspired by the sisters road trip through the towns of the Texas/Mexico border. Influenced by the 'ethereal nature of the landscape' they went on to design the collection..

Now, let me give a brief background to the towns the girls tripped through and the things they may've seen..

There are such factories in Mexico, particularly in a town called Juarez, that we may describe as 'sweat shops', here they are known as 'maquiladoras'. They make cheap export goods, predominately made by women. Over worked, under paid, very badly treated women. We've all heard of these types of places right? Unfortunately this kind of thing happens all over the world right? But when you dwelve deeper into Juarez and read that this town is notorious for the number of women (aged between 12-22) who are raped or murdered and it seems that violence towards women seems acceptable here and that many women have to seek second jobs, often in the sex industry, to make ends meet. Many women are murdered or missing and nothing seems to be being done. Some of the things I came across whilst researching were shocking! Google 'Juarez' and 'Maquiladoras' for more information.

The Mulleavy sisters must have come across some awful things. They decided to use this to create their collection for MAC. So we have products which to me seem to reflect the image of dripping blood. As I say, this is merely my opinion. You may think otherwise, but see what you think..

Alongside press pictures that, again in my opinion, reflect a woman looking ghostly, almost corpse like, next to a shadow of another woman which again, to me, looks as though she is dripping with blood.. Make your own minds up..

Rodarte for MAC

Complete this campaign with the eerily named products. How about 'Sleepwalker', 'Factory', 'Juarez', 'Ghost Town', 'Quinceanera' (which I understand as a coming of age party celebrated in Latin American countries - thanks to Big Fashionista for this info!), 'Badland' ..and those are just a few of the product names Ive picked up during my research. Tasteless right?

Okay so top marks for creativity, I get that what the girls saw then inspired them to create ths collection using the things they came across. And I really dont think they meant anything malliscious by this. But I think it is highly tasteless, extremely controversial and the fact that MAC cosmetics, supporting such campaigns as Aids, didnt pick up on the negativity this collection may cause is shocking!

Both parties have given statements regarding the back lash this has caused..

Official Statement from Rodarte

'Our makeup collection with MAC developed from inspirations on a road trip that we took in Texas last year, from El Paso to Marfa. The ethereal nature of this landscape influenced the creative development and desert palette of the collection. We are truly saddened about injustice in Juarez and it is a very important issue to us. The MAC collaboration was intended as a celebration of the beauty of the landscape and people of the areas that we travelled.'

Official Statement from MAC Cosmetics

'We understand that product names in the MAC Rodarte collection have offended some of our consumers and fans. This was never our intent and we are very sorry. We are listening carefully to the comments posted and are grateful to those of you who have bought your concerns to the forefront of our attention. MAC will give a portion of the proceeds from the MAC Rodarte collection to help those in need in Juarez. We are diligently investigating the best way to do this. Please be assured that we will keep you posted on the details regarding our efforts.'

Hmm. Controversial. So MAC are going to give a portion of the proceeds to those in need. I guess this could be seen as a good thing, it has raised awareness to what is going on out there. But in my opinion, it should never have taken a few complaints from offended consumers to make them sit up and realise the negativity this collection gives off. And for Rodarte to turn around and say that the collection was meant to celebrate the natural beauty of what they encountered?? Yes, and naming the products 'Sleepwalker' and 'Factory' and advertising it with a poster of a woman that looks half dead clearly does that! Ridiculous.


In my opinion, the least MAC could do is to change the product names before the collections release this Autumn. As I certainly wont be buying anything. Would you get any pleasure out of using a product with a name such as those given, knowing the story behind it?


Inspiration, images and research taken, with many thanks to the following..
Rodarte - Wikipedia
My Fashion Life
Style List
Big Fashionista
Temptalia


Please feel free to leave your views and comments on this issue, and link your own blog articles.


Lianne. X


UPDATE

MAC & Rodarte have released new statements this morning.

MAC say..
We understand that product names in the M·A·C Rodarte collection have offended our consumers and fans. This was never our intent and we are very sorry. We continue to listen carefully to the comments we have received and have the following plans to address concerns:

We are committed to donating $100,000 to a non-profit organization that has a proven, successful track-record helping women in need and that can directly improve the lives of women in Juarez in a meaningful way.
We are changing the product names in the M·A·C Rodarte collection.
As we have done in the past, please be assured that we will communicate details regarding our progress in this matter.

Rodarte say..
We recognize that the violence against women taking place in Juarez needs to be met with proactive action. We never intended to make light of this serious issue and we are truly sorry.

Helping to improve the conditions for women in Juarez is a priority for us and we are thankful for all the comments calling attention to the urgency of addressing this situation.

So what do you think?
I dont think this should ever have become an issue, but I am happy they will change the product names. But I dont know about you, I'll definately still shiver with disgust when I walk past this collection when it hits our MAC stores in a few months..

Lianne X

My Race For Life

Well, today I ran / power walked [lol] the 5k Race For Life for Cancer Research at Western Park, Leicester. And I feel really proud and really fab! :)

I promised you pictures so here goes..

All dressed up and ready to go :)

Me & my friend Donna arrived at Western Park at about 1.30pm, the park was a sea of pink, everyone looked fantastic! :) There were over 1300 people there, and that was just the PM race. There was an earlier race also, and a 10k race yesterday.

The weather was gorgeous! The sun was shining and it was really hot. Leicester Sound were playing in the background and everyone sat around in the sun, it was a really nice atmosphere.

Reading everyones messages on their backs saying who they were racing for was really inspiring. Made us feel really proud of what we were doing.

To get the crowd warmed up, the Nivea Male Cheerleaders came on stage and cheesed it up by teaching us a dance routine to SClub7's Dont Stop Moving. :)

This was followed by a warm up dance routine by a local dance instructor, which was loads of fun and we were all definately warmed up ready to begin the race!!

We thought we'd be brave and headed for the 'Running' flag rather than the 'Walking' and they counted us down to start..

We ran and power walked alternately around the course, which we completed in 44 minutes. It was such a great feeling!

Check out the medal! :) Excuse the red face!

Although I havent totalled up completely as I still have sponsors coming in, I raised approx £100 and feel really proud to have been a part of the event for such an amazing cause!

We will definately be taking part again next year and aim to beat our time!! :)

There is still time to make a small donation if you would like to. Visit my fundrasing page at www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/lianne1984

If you are due to take part in a Race For Life event near you, feel free to comment with your fundraising links!

Lianne XX

Stay Safe In The Sun

As summer is well and truly here I needed to stock up on suncream  for us all.
I was chuffed to find boots had a Soltan suncare family pack containing 3 different creams and an aftersun lotion..
4 FULL sized bottles for just £11.99. It would be worth £32.50 if you purchased each bottle individually so I thought it was a bargain.

Soltan Moisturising Suncare Lotion SPF15 200ml, RRP £9.25
Soltan Moisturising Suncare Lotion SPF30 200ml, RRP £9.25
Soltan Moisturising Suncare Lotion for Kids SPF30 200ml RRP £9.25
Soltan Moisturising Aftersun Lotion 200ml RRP £4.75

Remember

Sunburn during childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life so keeping your children safe in the sun is vital.

Debbie xxx

Wish List..

Ooh well since Deb did her Wish List it's got me thinking what I want.. So I thought I'd share it with you too!

Okay my biggest wish right now is to have this back..

But thats a different story.. :(

Anywayy, onto more 'material' things.. lol.

Well, things havent been great for me lately [see wish one.. lol] so I went for a spot of retail therapy at the weekend, y'kno what it's like when you're in that mood and moneys no object [although my bank statement shouts that it shouldve been!!] I went a bit mad and bought lots..

Clothes, underwear, trainers for Bradley, make up, new purple GHDs.. And that's probably only half of it.. Ooops! lol.

But, theres a few things I still need want :)
Such as the following...

MAC Studio Sculpt in NW20

This is my best friend! I use this daily, along with Studio Tech for touch ups!

But I'm running low. And it's currently out of stock. Boo.

An epilator!

I really want one. Shaving just doesnt last and Salon Waxes can get too expensive, so I want to invest in a decent epilator! I've only ever used one once before, and yeh it was a lil painful, but no more than a wax. They price between £50-60 so they're not that cheap, but it's a one off payment for long lasting smoothness! :) Im still unsure of which one to choose, the above image is of one of the latest models.

Anyone have any recommendations??

A Tiffany Necklace

I really, really want one. Particularly from NY! :)

I doubt I'll get one anytime soon but it's ALWAYS on my Wish List! :)

Thats all I can think of right now. Which is unlike me, I usually WANT EVERYTHING! lol. Feel free to post your 'wants' right now...

Lianne X

Wish List..xx

I'm hoping to cross some of these off my list in the next few weeks..

They Include birthday presents for Lewis and something for Karleigh.

I've just recently started growing my nails again. Since the birth of Lewis I kept them short as I was terrified of scratching him. So here we have a Nails Inc French Manicure Kit.

£20 from the Nails Inc website

http://www.nailsinc.com/

AVON Body Trim

Helps to tone abs and arms

£13

Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter

£12.50

ELC Happyland Funfair set

£40

(£32 after the permanent 20% off discount code)

ELC Happyland Fire Station

£30

(£24 after discount)

MAC Studio Tech

NC20

£22

IKEA Trofast storage

Going to use these as toy storage for the living room

Prices Vary depending on how many frames and boxes you want

Crayola pens set for Karleigh

£9.99 or 2 for £15 from Argos

What do you all think of the items?

Debbie xxx

Race For Life

This Sunday, July 11th at 2.30pm I will be taking part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life 2010.
It is an amazing event, for an amazing cause. And I feel proud to be taking part.

One of their goals is that by 2020, at least two out of three people with cancer will be diagnosed at a stage when they can be successfully treated. It's estimated thst upwards of 5,000 lives in the UK every year could be saved if cancer was detected at an earlier stage. And that's just one area where they're hard at work.

But they need our help, to raise as much money as we can!

So please, please visit my fundraising page at http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/lianne1984 . I would be extreeeeemley very grateful if you could sponsor me, just £2. It would mean the world to me!
I'll be sure to post some pics of the event on Sunday!

For more information on the Race for Life and ways you could help, visit www.raceforlife.org and if you're taking part in an event too, feel free to post your sponsorship links!

Wish me luck!!
Lianne X

Weight Loss Journey..

Ok, so as I'm nearing the end of my weight loss journey (only another 5 lbs to go until i hit my goal-YAY), I thought it would be a good idea to share some before and after pictures, eating habits and anything else I remember.

Before having Karleigh  I was a trim size 8, weighed no more then 8 Stone and I suppose I could eat what I like as they say. I was very much into everything sporty and you'd never catch me wearing anything but a pair of trainers and my good ol' Nike tracksuits. Gosh how things have changed.

As soon as i became pregnant i struggled with my weight. I gained 5 stone..YES you read right, 5 stone during the pregnancy. I managed to lose about a stone and half after from the stress and upset of Karleigh's heart problems. I then tried every diet going (apart from weight watchers) where i'd lose the weight i wanted but then lose motivation and give up and pile a little back on.
I was back up to a size14 and desperate to be a size 10.

Luckily, during my pregnancy with Lewis I gained only his birth weight, but soon after he was born i put weight on. I weighed in at 11st 4 lbs...

Time for the diet...again!

I had always heard of people being on Weight Watchers and I constantly see their products advertised, but what put me off before was having to go the meetings.It wasn't until Janurary this year did i realise you don't actually have to attend meetings, you can just work out how many daily points you are allowed and then do it how you please.
To be honest, it doesnt feel as though i am on a diet because i still allow myself treats/takeaways as i can very easily fit them into my points allowance.

Week 1-4 I lost 11 lbs
Week 5-8 I lost 8 lbs
Week 9-12 I lost 6 lbs

I hit my first target of 9st 7lbs.

I was really chuffed as this was the lightest i'd been since having kids, but I wasn't comfortable with my size still so i gave myself a new target of  9stone :)

Im currently at 9st 5lbs so only 5lbs to go now.

I can now fit into size 10's :) YAY!

I Will take a proper full length picture when i hit my goal

Debbie xxx

'Love Your Body'

Okay so I'm a big fan of The Body Shop.
They've come a long way since I was young, they've got classier, expanded their range but still stay strong to their values and campaigns. I really respect The Body Shop for their work on defending human rights, supporting community trade, protecting the planet and fighting against animal testing and I always feel good when Ive been in and made a purchase, like Ive helped in some teeny tiny way! :)
But now, The Body Shop are giving something back, to us, the customer, with their Rewards Card.

For £5 a year, becoming a 'Love Your Body' member allows you to get 10% off ALL purchases, in store and online. Plus many other benefits.. a free birthday gift upto the value of £5, free products when you reach your 4th and 8th stamps, and other special member benefits and invitations.

Well, I heard the words 10% off and FREE gifts and I was sold :)

Now I looooove their Body Butters. But at £12 a pot they are quite pricey. But I found a fab bargain on the Sale shelf at my store - 3 full size pots of Body Butter for £15. Theyre probably old stock, but they still do the trick and they all smell yum! The butter sinks into your skin really quick so they're not greasy or time consuming. And they leave you smelling lush all day long!

[Raspberry, Passion Fruit & Blueberry]

Anyone have any other Body Shop faves I should try??

Lianne XX

Debbie..xx

Helloooo...

I'm Deborah ( pronounced Dee-Bore-Rah) - A bit unusual i know, but you can just call me Debbie :)

I'm a 26 year old Stay at home mum to  6 year old Karleigh and 1 year old Lewis.

We live in North London with Postman pat Paul, my partner of 9 years.

I'm always out and about on little adventures with the kids..

I didn't have the best start to life and missed out on heck of a lot of stuff, so giving them everything i missed out on as a kid means everything to me - plus i get to experience a lot of it too.. :)

When i get some ME time, i love to Shop, Read and make cakes & cookies...mmmm

Hope you enjoy my little adventures...xxx

Lianne..X

Hiyaa :)

I'm Lianne, I'm 26 and a single, working mum to 6 year old Bradley.

I work full time as a Childcare Practitioner in a PreSchool.

My world revolves around my little man, but I try to make sure I have ME time too :)

I looove all things beauty and spoiling myself with clothes and cosmetics. I'm a MAC addict, so expect lots of reviews on MAC :)

I have known Debbie since we were about 12. And although we live about 100 miles away we're still really close and she probably knows almost everything about me :)

We decided to put this blog together to share reviews on everything from beauty, to family and home stuff too - everything that makes our life easier, and thought we'd share that with you too :)

Enjoy!!

Lianne XX