No Days Off Are Allowed

With 2/3 of America's population, dieting, losing weight or watching what they eat, it is safe to say that the world we live in is anything but free. Examples like Ms. Baton who are constantly thinking about how much to eat, what to eat or when to eat make us reflect to ourselves and think, "are we this way too?" Weight in America has been a huge concern lately, and more and more people are struggling to stay in that healthy weight range. The article states that many American's are only able to control their weight by doing what Ms. Baton does which is making it a constant decision every minute of the day. While thinking about this and comparing it to my life, I couldn't agree more. Even I do this to stay as slim as possible. In today's society, I feel that nobody is happy in their own body and we are all trying to make ourselves better and slimmer every day. I think chronic dieting could be viewed the wrong way by many, but I think that as much as we would all love to have that abnormally fast metabolism, we have to deal with what we've got. This habit will always be important and if children are talk to always watch what they eat, the obesity rate will most likely drop.
The image above just goes to show how are always constantly worrying about what we eat, when we eat, how much we weigh, etc. We basically live each day with a ball and chain attached to our ancles screaming, "Should you really eat that, it's going to go straight to your hip."-Kaitlin

Now, the problem with these promises from fabulous sounding dieting programs is the misconception it leaves on those who try them. They give us this promising hope that, all we need to do is diet for a certain amount of time,

In today's society, it is almost mandatory to be thin, or at least not overweight or obese. Most Americans' goal is to get as thin as humanly possible, but according to obesity researchers, that is not always attainable for every person. It has been researched and proven that we cannot fully control our own weight. A gene with predetermined weight ranges is inherited, which varies about 10 percent from a certain median that our bodies can keep at a constant (Kolata 36). According to the text, people sometimes either reach their highest or lowest predetermined weight, which causes their body to compensate and make their appetite disappear, or they become hungrier. Unlike the people at the bottom of their weight range, most of America is at the top, deeming them as fat, overweight, or obese (Kolata 36). On another note, research has shown that the behavior of overweight people has not fully explained why some people stay at such a high weight, and they need to be more realistic with their weight goals (Kolata 37). I can agree with the fact that we cannot go beyond or below the predetermined weight for our body. There are many real-life examples that I've seen and heard that lead me to believe this. We all remember the weight-loss journeys of celebrities, like Kelly Osbourne, Lindsay Lohan, and Nicole Richie, who all seemed to be at each opposite end of their weight range at certain points. I also agree that some people should be more realistic in terms of their weight goals, but it might just take time and maybe several trials to lose the pounds or inches. All in all, I believe that weight-loss shouldn't only be about size, but about health as well. -Mallory

For an individual to lose weight, it is imperative to truly plan and evaluate the appropriate means necessary for themselves. Cutting fat, skipping sugar, a quick walk, alone these steps will most likely not be succesful. A person must plan out and become informed on what is truly needed. For example, just because a food claims to be low in fat, does not mean it is low in calories. Evaluating caloric intake plays a necessary role in planning a successful diet program. Also, not only exercising, but exercising enough is key. As stated in the textbook The Meaning of Dress, 150 minutes of exercise per week is the minimum recommendation for losing weight. This is a fact many people never educate themselves on. Luck should not be the deciding factor in a healthy lifestyle. Planning an individualized regiment is the way to go. 

Although meant to be humorous, the above image contains truth to it. Certain individuals want quick fixes or they participate in unhealthy behavior to lose weight. Eating a balanced diet and having an effective excersie plan are the true necessary factors for staying fit and feeling good. 

xoxo

the mark.it team

Fashion's Night Out '12

Not only was attending a particular event during Fashion's Night Out a fun experience, but the way particular companies prepared for the festivities by means of social media or e-vites was exciting. Here are two invitations that were sent out via Facebook and email to inform fashionistas of what they could participate in during FNO. For a one-night only event such as FNO to be successful, making the public aware is key. If Westfield Topanga, the location I visited for the night, had utilized resources such as previously mentioned, it would have helped draw in a larger group of people and make for a more successful event. -Rachael

There was a huge buzz throughout the web for the La Brea Block Party. The flier sent out mentioned about 9 major stores participating, DJ's, many Food Trucks and free giveaways. It was anticipated to be the hit of town, the biggest party on the street! However, for some reason, it turned out to be the complete opposite, a disappointment to many. The stores closed early, only about 3 participated, only 2 food trucks, and not many people went at all. It turned out to be a low-key, silent event. All that was said from those who attended, was "Maybe next year". -Amanda

The FNO experience wouldn't be complete without snacks, drinks, good music and fun. This aspect of  Fashion's Night Out is extremely important because not only does it entice consumers buts it creates a buzz. Two stores in South Coast Plaza that made their guests feel totally comfortable were Madewell and Tory Burch. Madewell had energetic music, a goofy bartender and a braid bar which is totally smart because it made customers stay in the store longer! All of Madewell's treats stayed true to the young, preppy colorful brand that they are. Also the always classy Tory Burch had monogrammed cookies and bubbly champagne which screamed their brand to the "T." -Kaitlin

Fashion's Night Out has become one of my favorite fashion events, by far! Although I didn't get to attend one of the more popularly-known events this year, I did attend the local, chic mall in my area, Westfield Topanga. I had hoped to see many more promotions, sales, and shopping incentives, but the highlight of this location was the Audi Giveaway. Being that this mall has grown to become very luxurious with stores such as Michael Kors, Henri Bendel, Jimmy Choo, and Salvatore Ferragamo, it was only fitting that the grand prize be a brand new Audi A4. Congrats to the winner! -Mallory

xoxo

the mark.it team