SAINT LAURENT FOR GQ GERMANY | MENSWEAR INSPIRATION

April 16, 2015, 3:00 am

≫ Next: JOIN THE FASHION REVOLUTION TODAY | APRIL 24, 2015

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Just a little does of inspiration to get us through this week--has it also been longer than usual for anyone? For those of you who follow me on Instagram, I mentioned that today's post would *finally* be the Islam Q&A video that I promised months (years??) ago (see a sneak peek here!) but unfortunately classes, a few extra meetings, and a lack of sleep (shh don't tell my parents) have gotten the better of me and the video still remains unpublished. As it's *basically* finished (only a few more little edits left!!) it will be up asap! In the meantime you can prepare by following my newly-made youtube channel and peruse through pretty pictures with me like the above editorial or others on my pintrest!

Here's to Thursday--we're almost at the weekend! 

<(')

~ l e a v e  a  r e p l y ~

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JOIN THE FASHION REVOLUTION TODAY | APRIL 24, 2015

April 18, 2015, 5:00 am

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Every year we come together on the 24th of April--the day that marks the anniversary of the horrible Bangladesh factory collapse at Rana Plaza--to ask "who made your clothes?" and demand a fashion industry that sets high ethical standards and sticks to them. Is it too much to ask brands to care about their workers?

If I'm any good at reading minds (I'm a woman of many talents, you know), you're probably thinking:

"Wow this is so exciting and perfect for someone who cares about human rights like me!!! How do I join?" 

Perfect! See, this is why we're friends!

This year, there are so many ways that you can get involved: 

1. Learn, Know | totally new to the dark side of fashion? Yeah, unfortunately most people are! Head on over to Fashion Revolution's site and check out what this day is all about, why it exists, and what issues we are trying to tackle. 

2. Share on Social Media | if you're a blogger, join in me & put together a post on April 24th! A lot of bloggers email me asking how to slowly start incorporating a "social action" component to their sites, and I think this is a great way to start! For ideas, you can take a peek at my post last year: 5 WAYS TO TAKE ACTION: REMEMBERING THE 1 YR ANNIVERSARY OF THE BANGLADESH FACTORY COLLAPSE (you've probably already noticed that I like long titles...and caps lock) 

Don't have a blog? No problem! You can still tweet/update your Facebook/pin/tumble messages of your support via whatever social media you're on. Share posts that you enjoy, tweet statistics--anything to get the word out! 

3. Share IRL (In Real Life) | nothing quite as powerful as word of mouth! Aim to have at least one conversation next week with friends/family/peers/strangers on the street (it's actually more creepy fun than you think!) about the Bangladesh factory collapse and strive to become a conscious consumer. 

4. Take a Selfie | upload a selfie (brownie points if your clothes are inside out & tags are showing), tag the brand and ask them #whomademyclothes? (Bonus: I think by doing this one you most likely will end up doing no.3....a lot)

5. Find an Event Near You | look up Fashion Revolution events near you and bond with your neighbors and fellow activists over human rights (sounds like the perfect day, tbh). I'm sure there will also be free food. Because human rights activists care like that. ;) 

(Also you should totally pin the above image to remind you to post/hint at others to do the same!) 

I'm joining the revolution for a more ethical fashion industry. Are you?

<(')

~ l e a v e  a  r e p l y ~

[VIDEO] ISLAM Q&A--*FINALLY* ANSWERED!

April 20, 2015, 2:30 am

≫ Next: 5 UNDER $25: ETHICAL BUYS ON A COLLEGE STUDENT BUDGET

≪ Previous: JOIN THE FASHION REVOLUTION TODAY | APRIL 24, 2015

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In light of the Islamaphobic hate mail I received following the Charlie Hebdo attack, I opened up JooJoo Azad for questions to help clear up any misconceptions or try to answer any questions you may have about such a misunderstood religion.

Oh right and OHMYGOSH sorry for the 50 year over-due post. My apologies.
Don't hesitate to leave any clarification questions/further questions below! Or any complaints as to my lack of video skills, hehe. 

So here is part I, which is focused more on the basics, general questions, etc. But I talk about all of this in the video, so here goes! 

*Watch at your own risk* (because I've never done videos and talking into a camera is strange) hahaha....... ..... ... ..oh gosh. Enjoy!

P.S. I recorded this in 2 sittings hehe so don't mind the random clothing/etc change, whoops!

<(')

~ l e a v e  a  r e p l y ~

5 UNDER $25: ETHICAL BUYS ON A COLLEGE STUDENT BUDGET

April 22, 2015, 3:00 am

≫ Next: 10 IMPORTANT READS ON THE FASHION INDUSTRY'S INCONVENIENT TRUTH

≪ Previous: [VIDEO] ISLAM Q&A--*FINALLY* ANSWERED!

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In honor of Earth day and broke college students everywhere // because you shouldn't have to break bank to support ethical brands~

After publishing my 6 (Ethical) Stores You'll Love As Much As Zara response post, a few of you requested a similar post with ethical picks that were a bit more aligned with your college-student budget. Which is such a valid and important request. I think being more conscious of variances in socio-economic class when posting articles is something I will be working on, so thank you always for the post suggestions! :)

1. The Yarn Kitchen: Felt Succulent Planter | (image above) ohmygosh. I might have sort of squealed when I saw these (my flatmates can attest to this). The plants are adorable, the planters are adorable, and it's handmade with organic cotton: win win win

2. Papel DePappas: Letterpress Card Bird & Perch Black | this beautiful illustrator creates some of the most beautiful and sweet cards and prints. All products are hand carved, folded, and printed!

3. Charity Water: Everything Tee | along with having a fun print that is focused on an important issue, this shirt is produced by, and supports, an international non-profit organization committed to making drinking water available in areas where it's needed!

4. Greenola Style: Paka Bracelet | handmade and directly helps marginalized artisans become financially independent. Their mission is to "use fashion as a tool to create positive change in the world" because that is just what it should be, right?

5. Suspiro Taller: Eco-Friendly Pouch | handmade from 100% natural or up-cycled materials, Suspiro bags are produced in accordance to Fair Trade and ethical standards in collaboration with Ecuadorian artisans!

Happy Earth Day! xx 

P.S. Have you joined the Fashion Revolution yet?

<(')

~ l e a v e  a  r e p l y ~

10 IMPORTANT READS ON THE FASHION INDUSTRY'S INCONVENIENT TRUTH

April 24, 2015, 2:30 am

≫ Next: PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR BEGINNERS | INTERVIEW WITH CHICAGO PHOTOGRAPHER: THEOXPROJECT

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2 years ago today, the Rana Plaza Factory in Bangladesh collapsed due to brands' negligent safety inspections, killed over 1,100 garment workers.

And, 2 years after, we are still waiting for justice.

As consumers and influencers, I strongly believe that we have the power to revolutionize the fashion industry and turn it into an industry that is not just beautiful on the outside. One of the most important thing we can do is to educate ourselves and have conversations with friends and family in order to raise awareness and grow the movement.

In honor of this day I'm sharing 10 articles that are really helpful in understanding the extent of its exploitation of marginalized women, utilization of child labor, destruction of the environment and human and animal health, and averse affects on women's mental health--just to name a few.

It's really so important to know where your clothes comes from--it's something you (hopefully!?) interact with everyday~

1. The Fashion Industry's Inconvenient Truth
2. Remembering the 1 Year Anniversary of the Bangladesh Factory Collapse
3. The Real Monsters In Your Closet
4. Victoria's (3 Dirty Little) Secrets
5. American Apparel: 3 Reasons to Boycott
6. The Feminist Shirt Controversy
7. Calculate Your Slavery Footprint
8. Lack of Diversity on the Runways
9. Alternatives to Exploitative Fashion Companies
10. Why Boycotting Works

Also if you are writing about this topic today, please do share a link in the comments section and I would be more than happy to add your article to this list :)

AND don't forget to join the Fashion Revolution today and snap a selfie wearing your clothes inside out, tagging the brand you are wearing and asking them #whomademyclothes?

Do you know how your clothes are made? How about what is on your back right now?

<(')

~ l e a v e  a  r e p l y ~

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR BEGINNERS | INTERVIEW WITH CHICAGO PHOTOGRAPHER: THEOXPROJECT

April 26, 2015, 2:00 am

≫ Next: WHAT'S IN MY (ETHICAL) BAG?

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Photography is easily one of the most important components of any blog--and one of the most difficult to master. So, obviously, we need to turn to someone who knows what's up and can give solid advice for the rest of us noobs~

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Ethan aka the OX, a self-taught Cuban & Nicaraguan photographer & architecture student at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Even though Ethan has only started his photography career less than a year ago, his photography definitely has the feel of professional, high-fashion editorials. And it's totally rad.
Let's just say, he obviously definitely knows his stuff (you can see for yourself)--and today he is sharing tips and suggestions with you!

HK | What does fashion mean to you? What does photography mean to you? 

EA | Fashion photography is a platform for unlimited creativity. The amount of skill it takes for a model to make the clothes on her body aesthetically invigorating requires the model to know their body as well as the architecture of the clothes. The photographer then has to place and organize objects in space and manipulate light to create a beautiful composition.  Then if the photographer knows how to use Photoshop has to spend hours perfecting the image. This enormous complex process makes looking at the final product extremely rewarding. I love the challenge, the chance at every turn to experiment and be creative.

HK | Where do you usually draw inspiration from? 

EA | I draw inspiration from Pinterest, people I follow on Instagram, and my fashion magazine subscriptions to W Magazine, Bazaar, Elle, and Vogue. I make folders of the photos and organize them together to create the moodboard for photoshoots.

HK | What type of camera(s) do you currently use? What sort of equipment would you recommend for beginners?

EA | I currently use Canon EOS Rebel T3 with a Canon 24-70mm f/4 lens. I recommend a speedlight you can configure manually, a stand, a speedlight softbox diffuser, a boom arm, tripod, 5 in 1 reflector, trigger & radio slave,a Sigma/Tamron zoom lens,(18-250, 50-250,24-70) and extra camera batteries. I still use that equipment to this day. 

HK | ....ah. I don't know what any of that is. Unfortunately. not all bloggers have the opportunity to work with photographers and use *just* a tripod and self timer to take photos of themselves for their blog. Do you have any suggestions/tips on taking photos this way? 

EA | Bring a friend with a similar skin tone and height. Use your friend as a test subject. Check the lighting on their body and especially their face. Use the background to frame the figure and place the model where all the attention is drawn the subject.

HK | Yes! Lighting is SO important! Do you prefer indoor or outdoor lighting? What is the most ideal?

EA | Outdoor photography, I love the challenge of having more light that is difficult to manipulate. There is also more to capture within the frame. While other photographers might refer to it as noise, I think overcoming the challenge of including that noise into the composition and making it aesthetically pleasing is a tremendous reward!

HK | What are your suggestions on best utilizing outdoor lighting?

EA | Outdoor lighting is fun and changes drastically therefore I’d recommend a lightmeter. The easiest times you work with natural light are during dawn at sunrise and sunset. The 5 lighting set ups I use:

o  Have the model facing directly away the sun. This creates a low contrast soft lighting on their face while also creating beautiful rim lighting on the hair.

o  Have the model facing the sun. There will be extremely harsh high contrast light so be very cautious and carefully watch the shadow created on the model’s face.

o  Place the model in the shadows and bounce light with a silver reflector. This will create a somewhat harsh light and it’ll be in the shape of a spotlight if your reflector is perfectly circular.

o  Portraits/Headshots/Beauty - Place a diffuser over the model and at around the height of the model’s waist use a white reflector or white foamcore to bounce light up towards the model.

o   If it’s mostly or all cloudy, bring a speedlight! Your model will blend into the background and it’ll make your image less appealing.

HK | And for those of us who are still not ready to face the world with our embarrassing posing? Any tips on mastering indoor lighting? 

EA | Indoor lighting is quite easy actually, especially when there are large windows. The best way to manipulate light is by using speedlights on stands with boom arms and diffusers that can be easily adjusted. The first thing to consider before setting up the lights is to determine the effects of the ambient light already present as well as the temperature of those lights in contrast to that of the speedlights.

HK | Let's talk posing. From a photographer's point of view, what suggestions do you have for those on the other side of the camera?  

EA | Be patient with the photographer. For those models that aren't experienced and are working with a photographer who is responsible then you’ll expect them to either know what poses they’ll want you in or they’ll show you other photos with examples. Come prepared with photos and practice poses if you know the theme before the photoshoot.

HK | Number one tip you'd give to photography beginners? 

EA | Stubborn ambition is key. Make the first move. 

~

Be sure to keep up with Ethan's work for The Ox Project via his Pintrest, Tumblr, Instagram, or Facebook! If you have any particular questions, leave a comment below and I'll ask Ethan to stick around and help answer as many as he can! Also, if you have any suggestions on what type of post you'd like to see next in the blogging tips series, drop me a line! xx

"Blogging Tips" is a new series on JooJoo Azad started due to popular demand and is focused on helping bloggers grow their blogs and speak out on issues that matter to them. New posts are published every Sunday.

For more: { blogging tips series }

<(')

~ l e a v e  a  r e p l y ~

 

WHAT'S IN MY (ETHICAL) BAG?

April 29, 2015, 2:30 am

≫ Next: 8 REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE A SOLO TRIP THIS SUMMER

≪ Previous: PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR BEGINNERS | INTERVIEW WITH CHICAGO PHOTOGRAPHER: THEOXPROJECT

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A cutesy short 1 minute video I put together to get you excited for spring...and ethical fashion! I played around with stop-motion filming and had a lot of fun. I also ate a tangerine in the middle of it, which you can also watch, if you find that sort of stuff exciting. Also I broke off a few branches (...in the name of ethics...) from a tree down the street when no one was looking. 

So basically, I hope you enjoy it! :) 

Take a peek at Harveys ethical bags 

Watch this on youtube, here, and if you enjoyed this little clip please don't forget to subscribe!

Also let me know if you like this sort of cutesy stuff/what you'd like to see in video form! (You all have been demanding videos for sometime now, so this is your responsibility now ;) ) 

<(')

~ leave a reply ~

* this post was not sponsored by Harveys

8 REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE A SOLO TRIP THIS SUMMER

April 30, 2015, 2:00 am

≫ Next: JOOJOO AZAD X FELTON KIZER X MAGAZINE RELEASE

≪ Previous: WHAT'S IN MY (ETHICAL) BAG?

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This post is all about proving that you don't need money, much time, or the know-how to travel solo and have an incredibly rewarding experience! 

Here’s how.  

Traveling doesn't necessarily have to mean taking a trip around the world and Instagramming along the way. It means exploring a new place, meeting new people, learning new things, and growing and developing as an individual. You can explore new parts of your city without spending a penny and have just as meaningful an experience as someone doing the same thing on the other side of the world.

Moreover, it is important to take a trip SOLO. Just you. (…& your many personalities). While you can still learn when you’re with others, in my personal experience I've found it more difficult to engage with the people and environment around me if I’m already engaging with my friends (we’re kind of a mess when all together) Moreover, (I’ll get into this a bit more below) when traveling solo you are forced to rely on no one but yourself which strengthens your independence, self-reliance, and confidence. (Which are pretty key for a positive life)!

Still not convinced? Check out the 11 Things AboutLife I Learned from Iran

So, whether it is taking on your city or someone else’s city on the other side of the world, here are 8 reasons why you absolutely should take a solo trip—somewhere—this summer.

1. Personal Growth | I strongly believe that traveling by yourself helps you learn things about yourself that you couldn't learn otherwise. Take a trip, take a journal, and understand yourself through your connections with new people, lands, cultures, and ideas.   

2. Independence | nothing develops your independence more than when you have no choice but to call all the shots yourself. Particularly difficult (yet rewarding) for the indecisive like myself.

3. Greater Understanding| of different cultures, people, environments, and ideas or values. The more you see, the more you learn, the more you understand and appreciate difference and diversity. From my travels I've really come to appreciate the beauty in human beings.

Photo taken in Rabat, Morocco

4. Confidence Booster | the combination of stepping out of your comfort zone, learning new things and meeting new people, and developing your independence all build your confidence and increase your overall happiness!

5. It’s the Perfect Time | I always picture traveling as this massive time-consuming ordeal that needs months planning in advance. But the reality, I have learned, is that you can get the most out of the experience when it is the opposite: spontaneous and off the (tour guide) books.

6. Meet New People | new friends! Hooray! (Also much easier to do if you’re by yourself). Talk to everyone and anyone you come across (to the extent of your comfort, of course!)

Photo from my last trip to Iran

7. Practice/Learn a Language | the best way to learn a language or hone on your language skills is to put it to live practice (well, unless you are part of the group of kids back in high school that dressed up in roman clothes and went to Latin conventions..*cough* my older brother *cough* dead language *cough*) 

8. It’s Refreshing | traveling is SUCH a great way to take a break, get away, refresh, and recharge. Especially effective if you've hit a plateau in your blog, work, studying, or life. Spending a month (or even a weekend) taking on a new environment will get you refreshed & ready to work with a new-found inspiration. (This is also why the “I’m too busy” excuse doesn't work—being too busy to take a break is more reason to take one!)

Update: Convinced to travel solo this summer? I just stumbled upon Rae's guide on How to Travel Alone that is beautifully well-written and worth the read. (& a logical next step from this post!)

Also I suppose this a good time to officially announce that I will be traveling to Germany and Iran this summer! *squeals* I’ll only be staying in Germany for a week but this is my first time and I’m really rather thrilled to visit family! Then I’ll fly over to Iran where I will be completing research for my BA Thesis (& more family) (and of course taking more Iranian Streetstyle, so stay tuned!). 

I can’t wait to take you all with me~

Where are you headed?

<(')

~ LEAVE A REPLY ~

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JOOJOO AZAD X FELTON KIZER X MAGAZINE RELEASE

May 2, 2015, 2:00 am

≫ Next: GOOGLE'S NEW SEO ANNOUNCEMENT EVERY BLOGGER NEEDS TO KNOW

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I say horse you say unicorn the point is this bag is totally rad~

Excited to team up with local Chicago photography talent Felton Kizer (who is also an activist #browniepoints) to shoot a few new toys--namely, the Crane Graffiti Jacket that you might have noticed in my 2015 Winter Coats/Jackets post, and a purse that looks like a horse. (My roommates are convinced it's a unicorn, and while it might also be named "Unicorn Handbag in Black," I still would like to beg to differ. Rather, it just has long ears. Trust me.)

[Photos: Felton Kizer | Location: Hyde Park Art Center | Crane Graffiti Jacket c/o Choices | Unicorn/Horse Bag c/o Choices | Cut-out Boots c/o Zappos]

Allllsooo, Felton is launching a magazine filled with local talent--musicians, photographers, bloggers, etc that will be launching this weekend! If you are in the Chicago area be sure to check out his Instagram for the details of the event. I'd love to meet up with you!

Also please weigh in on this horse with long ears/unicorn debate, below. This is important.

P.S. Speaking of judging things, I'm also a judge for the You Cam Perfect Mother's Day contest, which you should totally enter, as I'd love to see photos of you with you mothers! xx The contest is only running for one additional day so head on over and enter!

<(') 

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GOOGLE'S NEW SEO ANNOUNCEMENT EVERY BLOGGER NEEDS TO KNOW

May 3, 2015, 2:00 am

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On April 21, 2015, Google announced that blogs/site that do not have a mobile-responsive site will be penalized in search ranking. Here is how you can check to see if your site is mobile-friendly and how to update it if it's not! Mobile users probably comprise a decently large portion of your overall readers, so it's important to have a mobile-responsive site not only to improve your SEO, but also for your own readers' sake!

1. What is Mobile-Responsive? Why does my site need it?

Mobile Responsive. (Adj). | when a site is optimized for usage on a mobile device. No need for zooming in/out, no tiny font, no side bar, etc. Everything looks like it would if it was an app! 

Why does your site need it? | because the Google gods say so. Also because it can eliminate frustrations for many readers, as a very good chunk of readers view your site on their phones! Just think about the amount of people who keep up with your blog via social media, and how many people use such social media on their phones. Yeah. A loooot. 

So I *guess* this time Google is being sort of fair for the sake of SEO.

2. Ugh. SEO. Fine. How can I tell if my site is mobile-responsive?

Yeah SEO is never fun but pretty important for any blog (especially if you are/hoping to one day become serious about it!). If you haven't seen it yet, here is the Blogger's Beginner Guide to SEO, written in very basic and non-technical language for your reading pleasure (well, to the extent that reading about SEO is pleasurable) :) 

Annnyway, Google actually made a super quick & easy Mobile-Friendly Test where it will analyze your blog for mobile-friendlyness. Test your site here! 

3. NOOO my site is not mobile-friendly! Am I doomed!?

yes.

No! It's actually one of the quicker, easier SEO fixes! And either way, SEO is not a make or break for a blog, so it should never be a point of stress, as many bloggers exaggerate and make it out to seem. But, nonetheless, if you're not going to do it for the SEO it's probably a good idea to update your blog to make it more mobile-responsive anyway, for those millions of mobile readers of yours!

Below are some guides on how to make your site mobile-responsive, based on your blog's platform: 

+ Blogger

+ Wordpress

+ Tumblr

+ Other

I think the most difficult part of updating your site to a mobile-responsive site is sacrificing your beautiful designed-for-the-desktop layout for an ultra-minimalist, just-the-bare-bones layout for mobile users. Ugh. Silly mobile users. (For those of you currently reading this on a mobile device, please disregard that last statement) xx

If you completed the mobile test and Google deems your site sufficient...(for now....*cue evil laugh and thunder*) congratulations--that means you have time to work on your next blog post! ;) 

If you run into any troubles with your mobile update don't hesitate to reach out via email/in the comments section, and if you found this post helpful please do share with your blogging friends (..or non-blogging friends who just enjoy reading about SEO?)! 

"Blogging Tips" is a new series on JooJoo Azad started due to popular demand and is focused on helping bloggers grow their blogs and speak out on issues that matter to them. New posts are published every Sunday.

For more: { blogging tips series }

<(')

~ LEAVE A REPLY ~

Image 1 pre-edits via UltraLinks, Image 2 via Google

2015 MOTHER'S DAY ETHICAL GIFT GUIDE

May 4, 2015, 2:00 am

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It never did make sense to me to support your mother via a gift that was created through the exploitation of other mothers. This year, be sure that your Mother's Day gift  is both beautiful AND ethical. Here are a few things to be aware of when buying gifts as well as a few alternative gift ideas that are perfect for any mother~ 

P.S. Maman if you are reading this my gift will be me coming home in the summer, deal? ;) 

1. Flowers for Dreams: Lilac | unfortunately these hand-curated, hand-delivered bouquets are only available in for those of us in Chicago, but if you plan on purchasing flowers for Mother's Day, try your best to find local florists rather than a chain which imports from Kenya (Fun fact: 1 in 4 flowers sold on Valentines day is from Kenya, where working conditions are totally unacceptable!).
Not to mention that Flowers for Dreams also supports a different charity every month! Extra plus points!

2. Thread Harvest:Uzma Recycled Cotton Travel Journal | because your mother is totally rad and is full of amazing thoughts & ideas, giver her a notebook that not only empowers her write down & pursue her dreams (yes apparently mothers still have those despite having to deal with us kids) to but through the purchase of this eco-friendly journal you are also helping to empower marginalized women in India! Win/win for female empowerment!

3. Matt & Nat: Robby-Clay Clutch | totally vegan leather. Totally rad. If your mom is cooler than you, they also have pretty sick backpacks that I might have to gift myself pretty soon...

4. Anchal Project: Square Didi Scarf | depending on how long you've been reading, you might remember the collaboration I did with the Anchal Project what feels like ages ago. I'm adding them to this list just because I still use their scarf to this date and it easily one of the softest things that could grace your mother's neck. Made from upcycled Sari!

5. Raven & Lily: Mango + Grapefruit Candle | doesn't the name of this candle just make you hungry? I want to turn that into a smoothie. Also like the flowers, candles are a common gift for Mother's Day that you should be sure to be extra cautious about! Most candles are made from palm oil, & we've learned here on JooJoo Azad about the Deadly Truth of Palm Oil before, so you know that this is then a red flag! Instead, try looking for soy candles, like this one from Raven & Lily, as an eco-friendly alternative!

If you're still struggling with gift ideas, I put together an Ethical Gift Guide last year filled with brands that support women, so you can celebrate two women at once when purchasing from a brand from the 2014 list! Here it is below:

| 2014 MOTHER'S DAY ETHICAL GIFT GUIDE | 

Wishing you and your mother all the best for Mother's Day! 

<(')

~ LEAVE A REPLY ~

THE INSTAGRAM OF A REALLY GOOD COLLEGE STUDENT + TIPS

May 6, 2015, 2:00 am

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Your initial thought might be: but Hoda, don't you #hashtag all of your photos with #downwithclasses? How could you possibly be a good student?! 

It's a complicated relationship. 

I realized that I haven't done a proper catching up on these little snippets from my obviously uneventful life via instagram in awhile, and you all seemed to enjoy these sort of posts so here are just a few photos from my current feed (@hodakatebi). Instagram is easily my favorite social media because I think it's the most challenging, artistically, which is rather enjoyable! I think having a cohesive "edit style" or gallery style is something that I decided that I wanted to try to do, as it's a great way to make your Instagram look cohesive, professional, and attractive (this translates into more followers, for those of you trying to grow your following!). And with all social media, it's important to engage with others in order to grow your own platform (not to mention it's just so much fun!). I can safely say I've earned quite a few brand/photographer/blogger collaborations via Instagram and I think it's worth all the time that it takes to maintain/post regularly, engage with others, use relevant hashtags, and keep a unified "look" throughout your feed! 

UPDATE: I just ran into a great post on the Nectar Collective that lists the Best Hashtags to Get Your Instagram Noticed & Shared and I though it is also relevant to this post, if you'd like to take a peek! 

To tempt you to head on over to my Instagram, I'm going to leave off the descriptions so you have a reason to head on over & see what these snaps are all about (it's also because I'm sleepy and should probably go to bed but we'll pretend like I'm just good at marketing or whatever)

| @HODAKATEBI |

<(')

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6 THINGS EVERY BLOGGER NEEDS TO BE SUCCESSFUL (& HOW TO GET THEM)!

May 11, 2015, 2:04 am

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1. Network(s) | In my experience, the right contacts and the right networks can really open doors for you! The no.1 on my list of 18 Ways to Get Your Blog Out There is to guest post/collaborate with brands, bloggers, and sites that are larger than yourself. Not only does this help with backlinks, but a great shout-out from a reputable site will turn on the faucet of readers.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF: To build your own network & connections, you're going to have to be active and not afraid to put yourself out there. Consistently engage with blogs you admire *cough* like this one, obviously *cough*: leave thoughtful comments, share their posts, actively interact on their site, etc. Start with a few bloggers/sites and work on growing from there!

2. Plans + Organization | says the girl who just vanished for like 4 days after repeatedly ensuring you all that I would be regularly posting. Yeah. Whoops.(We (the blog & I) had internet issues!) But trust me on this one, planning and organization is vital for any blog's success.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF: Plan your editorial calendar in advance--Geneva from A Pair & a Spare talks about how she plans her blog's content up to a few months before...now that is organization! If you really want to take your organization to the next level, you should get on Regina's Blog Business Plan--it truly is a guide for champions!

3. A Strong Vision + Clear Goals | If you don't know where you're going, well, you probably aren't going anywhere. Having a clear goal in mind for your site (bonus points if it's also mentioned clearly on your site for new readers to quickly find!) helps you define, advertise, and brand your site.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF: Don't skimp on this one. Sit down and spend some quality time with your thoughts (however terrifying that may sound to you) and really analyze your blog. Why are you blogging? What is your ideal audience? What is your message? Why do you have more virtual friends than real friends? Why are you still in bed past noon? What are you going to do after you graduate...!!??? *cue existential crisis*

4. Be Different | last time I checked, there are about 90 trillion blogs out there (yes, I counted them all myself). Why should someone follow you? Are you an echo of another blog or are you setting the trends and making your own web into the terrifying and unknown world of the interwebz?

CHALLENGE YOURSELF: Pick a niche. And win it. Find something that makes you different and run with it--incorporate it into your branding so people know right away that they've came to the right place!

5. Be Useful | when thinking about some of your favorite bloggers *points to self*, you probably have a good reason for reading--they are helpful or add something to your life in some way. These are the blogs that keep you coming back, because they are useful to you in some way.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF: Make a list of your 5-10 top favorite bloggers and note why you like them. (I know you love me for my irregular and unreliable post scheduling). If you are a lifestyle or fashion blogger I think this challenge is especially tricky for you, but I think it's really important to incorporate tips/suggestions/creative ideas into each post to make them valuable for your audience!

6. Make Time | if you ask me what about blogging surprised me the most, it is easily how much time I would end up spending--and needing to spend--on it. Don't tell my mom, but I've actually stayed up all night a few times working on posts or replying to emails or comments. Was it worth it? Yes. Did I need a few extra cups of coffee to get me out of bed? Maybe. (Yes).  

CHALLENGE YOURSELF: Turn your passion into physical commitment. Set timelines, goals, allocate time daily and weekly to review your week, write blog posts, network, etc. Blogging takes a lot of time, and it can get rather tricky juggling blogging with classes, jobs, and other activities (I already did not have a social life before I started blogging, so nothing changes there!).

Are you ready to take these challenges? 

"Blogging Tips" is a new series on JooJoo Azad started due to popular demand and is focused on helping bloggers grow their blogs and speak out on issues that matter to them. New posts are published every Sunday.

For more: { blogging tips series }

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(pssst don't forget to share this post if you enjoyed it!) 

IN FILM

May 13, 2015, 2:00 am

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{ Photos: Alex Jung }

Had fun playing around in black & white & film-like vibes with a few new pieces that I brought over from my last travels to Morocco! This look was also one of the looks I put together for a feature on a Korean TV show that aired a few weeks ago in which I talked about the Hijab and how to wear it, and I'm happy that I can finally share this look with you, as I feel like I've worn this ensemble weekly! 

 If you've been catching up with my sleepless adventures on Instagram, (or just have read this sentence) you probably know that I finally have survived the nonsense that is mid-terms. I usually celebrate the end of mid-terms by sleeping really early as a little treat to myself, as it usually hasn't been on my priority list (or, on my list at all) these past few days, so, without further ado, I will now proceed to sleep for 10 trillion hours. 

P.S. I've recently been interviewed for a cutesy little feature on AWear World (I would like to express my support for their witty name) in which I talk a bit about intentions & motivations behind the creation of JooJoo Azad :) 

P.P.S Yes I also was shocked to find out that I was capable of publishing a post with such a short title, given that usually my post titles more resemble paragraphs? 

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HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY GROW YOUR BLOG OFFLINE

May 17, 2015, 2:00 am

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5 powerful ways to grow your blog offline: for those of us looking to expand our local audience, meet and work with amazing people, and take a break from the online world--this one is for you!

First of all, I must include a teensy disclaimer: I used to be really shy and reserved about this blog (yes yes Hoda can get shy too, I know, it's scary) and therefore in-person blog promotions were incredibly limited/absent for the first year and a half of my blog's life (so basically up until a month or two ago). Self-promotion has never been my forte (or just choice of interaction). But, overtime, as my blog has grown both virtually and as a part of my life, I am starting to learn the real value of (moderate) self-promotion!

1. Always Carry Business Cards on Your Person | you'll never know who you will run into! A great way to hold on to the relationships formed at those random, daily, very human interactions with people you meet on the bus, in line for the bus, and/or while you're complaining that the bus never comes on time.

2. Leave Your Business Cards Anywhere & Everywhere | most local coffee shops, relevant businesses, art centers, etc, have space that is already designated for, or will allow, business cards for their customers to pick up! Just be sure to ask permission before you add a little stack of your own beauties.

3. Attend Local Events in Your Niche | this is a great way to meet and engage with other influencers in the area as well as your target audience! Join local blogger networks and stay on top of event listings, check the events section of your local newspaper/magazine/sites weekly and try to attend at least one a month! (p.s. don't forget those business cards)!

4. Host an Event/Workshop | yes yes this might sound intimidating/difficult, but I do strongly believe that everyone has something that they can offer in the form of an event or workshop! From blogging basics to styling to photography tutorials to flower bouquet arrangements, there is always something that you can teach to your city! Host the even at a local brand/business and they will also help bring in (and welcome the additional) publicity! (If done properly this could also be monetized!)

5. Collaborate with Local Talent | I think this has to be one of my favorites from the list. Reach out to local photographers, brands, stylists, bloggers, models, etc and collaborate on a shoot, event, etc. It's a great way to meet new (incredibly talented) people, make new (super rad) friends, and grow your blog (especially if when everyone cross-promotes the project)!

Have you tried offline promotion? Did I miss anything that you have found particularly successful? Drop us (the blog & I) a line in the comments!

"Blogging Tips" is a new series on JooJoo Azad started due to popular demand and is focused on helping bloggers grow their blogs and speak out on issues that matter to them. New posts are published every Sunday.

For more: { blogging tips series }

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THE CONTROVERSY BEHIND MANGO

May 18, 2015, 2:00 am

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No, not the fruit (I'm actually currently eating one and I would like to extend my full endorsement to their edible consumption) but the Spanish-based clothing company that has gotten themselves a comfortable spot on JooJoo Azad's official Boycott List~

Mango was actually added to the boycott list via the suggestion of the manager of an online Spanish fashion community (who requested to remain anonymous), after seeing the boycott list on the site. She wrote to me in Spanish (a language that I am struggling to retain since studying it in high school) and said that she personally had met the purchasing manager of Mango who had visited the Rana Plaza Factory days before its collapse and said nothing of the factory's clear lack of safety.
(Related: Remembering the 1 Year Anniversary of the Bangladesh Factory Collapse)

We (the blog & I) of course immediately began the research, and this is what we found.

She's absolutely right. 
and
My Spanish is a lot better than I thought. 

In fact, not only was Mango having clothing made at the Rana Plaza factory collapse, but they actually continue to refute any blame for the tragedy and refuse to pay compensation to the victims' families. So that's, like, pretty not cool.

Mango claims that they had not official began a contract with the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh but interviews conducted by the New York Times  with some of the workers at the factory seem to prove otherwise. 28 year old Mohammed Hossain notes:
"There was an urgency among the bosses...the managers told us to finish the Mango products urgently." 

Why the urgency? We can thank the demands of fast-fashion for that: Mango clothing that used to be sent to stores every 4-6 weeks is now arriving every 15 days, and this requires pressure on clothing factories to cut corners (say, for example, in safety) in order to meet the increasingly difficult deadlines set by Mango. 

Zara had actually pulled orders at the Rana Factory due to a failed safety inspection--the same safety inspection that Mango's purchasing manager ignored a few days prior to the factory collapse.

The fact that Mango management was aware that the Rana Plaza factory failed various regulations but continued to order clothing to be sewn under such conditions (not to mention their controversy with plus sizes that have upset many women) has therefore earned them their spot on the Boycott List--a spot that they will shamefully own until they raise their standards of ethics, take responsibility of the factory collapse, and rightfully compensate the victims of their negligence.

P.S. Have a brand you'd like me to research/you would like to add to our Boycott List? Shoot me an email or leave a comment! The Boycott List is a collaborative effort!

P.S. Please be sure to spread the word! This is a very important step in a successful boycott campaign as well as raising awareness for what is going on behind the scenes of the fashion industry!

<(')

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Original image via Monica Carmona on Crossmap

BETTER YOU, BETTER WORLD: INSTAGRAM CHALLENGE

May 20, 2015, 2:00 am

≫ Next: HAUNTINGLY GOOD ETHICAL FASHION ADVERTISEMENTS

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One of my favorite ethical companies, Enrou, is hosting a really beautiful 2 week Instagram challenge to encourage self-reflection, self-improvement, and bettering of the world! (& You should totally join!)

This challenge is all about pushing us to live more intently, recognizing the impact of each decision that we make throughout the day that affects not only our lives but other all around the world--from where we shop and eat to how we interact with friends, family, and strangers. This is about living with purpose, and putting meaning into everything that we do as citizens of the globe. 

In order to make viable change in the world we first should focus on ourselves (shh I sort of stole that from Gandhi)--so, first week is focused on bettering ourselves: emotionally, physically, & mentally. Of course, this clearly would take longer than just a week to really engage with and improve ourselves, but who is going to join a 5 year Instagram challenge~ 

Week 2 is taking the same sort of improvement and applying it to our external surroundings by learning about and engaging with our environment. Day 8 is something we should definitely strive to do daily! (Just be careful about where you get your news from!) 

Check out what Enrou has to say about this challenge over on their #BetterYouBetterWorld post!

The Instagram challenge started yesterday so hurry and take the pledge today! You can also follow along my journey on Instagram (@hodakatebi) or Enrou's (@enrou_) for updates & reminders!

*This post was not sponsored by Enrou, but rather I was invited to join and share the challenge with like-minded people (that's you!), and of course I can't pass up an opportunity for ethical challenges. Or Instagram. xx

Join us& take the pledge! 

See you on Insta! 

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HAUNTINGLY GOOD ETHICAL FASHION ADVERTISEMENTS

May 21, 2015, 2:00 am

≫ Next: CHICAGO STREETSTYLE | Set 01

≪ Previous: BETTER YOU, BETTER WORLD: INSTAGRAM CHALLENGE

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Do you see the hidden message?
Save the Children is notorious for their extreme advertising. But their latest campaign raising awareness for child slavery in the fashion industry is rather brilliant. Can we get this clothing printed and distributed?

I normally don't do posts like this but Alex sent these over and I thought they were too good to not share! How do you feel about this campaign? Love/hate it? I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

P.S. My post on The Fashion Industry's Inconvenient Truth might provide a bit of context here! :) 

See you in the comments!

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CHICAGO STREETSTYLE | Set 01

May 29, 2015, 2:00 am

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 "We're actually from Saudi Arabia!"

"I work at Zara, which is a fast-fashion brand. I don't know a lot about ethical options, but I think the biggest reason people don't shop at ethical brands as much is because they aren't always the most affordable option. Or at least, I don't know of many affordable ethical brands." 

"I actually hand-made all of my jewelry!" 

P.S. Ella's work is really beautiful (& local & ethical!) and I really suggest taking a peek at her collection!

~

Also you might have noticed that I sort of had gone missing for a week (my apologies!) but if you follow me on snapchat (@hodakay) then you probably already know that I had locked myself in the library to catch up on classwork as part of a week-long plan once a quarter to finally be a good student. 

But that week is now over so we're back in business! Lookout for some exciting projects/collaborations coming your way! 

"Streetstyle" is a new(ish) and growing section on JooJoo Azad dedicated to using the language of fashion to connect with, be inspired from, discuss issues with, and learn about people around the world. 

For more photos of well-dressed humans from Iran to Chicago: { streetstyle}

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CHICAGO STREETSTYLE | Set 02

May 30, 2015, 2:00 am

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"My hat is actually from France, and I became great friends with the lady who makes these!" 

What do you think is the biggest hindrance to ethical fashion? "Americans don't like rummaging through things at thrift stores. But I try to buy ethical, local, or from thrift stores whenever I can."

What does fashion mean to you? "I AM fashion, soo...hahaha don't write that!"

What are your thoughts on ethical fashion? "Theres a whole big issue with cultural appropriation like Urban Outfitters does that and I'd never shop there."

[ relevant article: Victoria's (3 Dirty Little) Secrets ]

~ 

"Streetstyle" is a new(ish) and growing section on JooJoo Azad dedicated to using the language of fashion to connect with, be inspired from, discuss issues with, and learn about people around the world. 

For more photos of well-dressed humans from Iran to Chicago: { streetstyle }

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