Viral Video: Abercrombie & Fitch Backlash

The backlash continues from revelations that Abercrombie & Fitch will not make XL and XXL clothes for women and CEO  Mike Jeffries statement in an interview with Salon in 2006: "Candidly, we go after the cool kids, A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely." He affirmed that statement just last week in an interview with Business Insider when he said he “doesn't want larger people shopping in his store, he wants thin and beautiful people."

Now Los Angeles-based filmmaker Greg Karber has created this video to change the brand to "To make Abercrombie & Fitch the world’s number one brand of homeless apparel." While this viral video has garnered its fair share of complaints as well. In the video Karber criticizes Jeffries appearance and some say making fun of Jeffries is just as bad as Jeffries decision to exclude big girls.

Well- just Wednesday Jeffries responded to the backlash.

"While I believe this 7 year old, resurrected quote has been taken out of context, I sincerely regret that my choice of words was interpreted in a manner that has caused offense," 

"A&F is an aspirational brand that, like most specialty apparel brands, targets its marketing at a particular segment of customers. However, we care about the broader communities in which we operate and are strongly committed to diversity and inclusion."

"We hire good people who share these values," the statement continues. "We are completely opposed to any discrimination, bullying, derogatory characterizations or other anti-social behavior based on race, gender, body type or other individual characteristics."

What do you think? Do you like Karber's plan to change the brand? Do you think Karber is bullying Jeffries? Do you think Jeffries was right to say he only targets the 'cool kids'? Do you think he was wrong? Do you accept his response and think he didn't mean what he said? Oh... so many questions! Give me some answers. Weigh in.

2013 Color Of The Year

Introducing the Color Of The Year- Emerald. Did you know there was actually a thing? I pay attention to trends because I'm interested in fashion- and yet I never knew how all the fashion designers agree on a color and run with it. I always knew there just happened to be a color they were all using- but to know it's more than just coincidence is enlightening! I kinda want to bookmark their website. Do they all get in a room and conspire to put us all in one color each year?

Apparently Pantone is the world-renowned authority on color. For nearly 50 years they claim to have been inspiring designers. They influence not only fashion- but textiles and furnishings. The designers use the Pantone Color System each year- which consists of 21-hundred colors in cotton or paper format to find "The" color of the year. I'm still envisioning a group of big time designers in a room- rubbing their hands together with a devious grin saying "Ahhhhh greeen, yessss, EMERALDDDD!!" with a cackling laugh.

So, I'm kinda excited about this color. I do love jewel tones and I just happened to buy so me emerald jewelry and strappy pumps recently! BAM- I'm a trendsetter!

What do you think? Do you like emerald for the 2013 Color Of The Year?

Oprah's Favorite Things 2012

Oprah's Favorite Things shows used to be among her most popular. I think maybe more for the lucky audience members who were able to get their hands on them than for those of us who watched from home wishing we were there. Even so, she set the trend for many of shoppers each year. She is out with her new "Favorites" list on her web- and its sure to be featured in her monthly magazine.

Some of my favorites on the list this year- include:

Photo: Oprah.com

Bougainvillea Bangles

Wrist Watch

"These beautiful bangles take me right back to my trip to India."—Oprah

Originally $39 each, now $31 with code OPRAH | BougainvilleaBoutique.com

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/gift/Bougainvillea-Bangles?editors_pick_id=40387#ixzz2B4FGXcRW

Photo: Oprah.com

Hotel Collection Bedding

You Snooze, You Win

"I'm a sucker for freshly pressed white sheets and cozy down, and this 600-thread-count Egyptian-cotton sheet set is sensational for anyone who loves to hang out in bed."—Oprah

From $80 to $360; down-filled items, $220 to $700. | Macys.com

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/gift/Hotel-Collection-Bedding?editors_pick_id=40387#ixzz2B4FqG61X

Photo: Oprah.com

Blue Velvet Cake

My Blue Heaven

"Gayle fell hard for this blue velvet cake with cream cheese icing and sugar snowflakes. Just add coffee, milk, or a flute of Champagne."—Oprah

Originally $42, now $34 with code OPRAH | CarouselCakes.com

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/gift/Blue-Velvet-Cake?editors_pick_id=40387#ixzz2B4GMLXdN

Good Hygene Threat

Apparently prison inmates can add bad breath to their arsenal to survive behind bars. A group of 11 inmates in the Westchester County jail in Valhalla New York sued to have access to dental floss but prison officials said it was too dangerous! Who knew!?! Well, prison officials did- apparently there's a pretty good history of the minty smelling string causing serious harm.

Yahoo reports: In Texas, officials believe a prisoner used floss to cut his way out of his cell, then jumped a fellow inmate and knifed him to death.

In Maryland, Illinois, West Virginia and Wisconsin, inmates collected enough floss to braid it into ropes and escape, or try to, over prison walls.

A group of escaped prisoners on the run in Texas used floss to sew up their gunshot wounds.

And a man in an Illinois jail used floss to stitch together the dummy he left in his bed when he took off.

The jail compromised and now has a supply of Kayser's "Floss Loops" — circles of rubbery floss with no hard plastic that are designed to break easily before they can be used as a weapon.

No word if that will the settle claim--- although they were also asking for $500-million dollars- so some would speculate it won't and that they're hoping that gingivitis pays.

The Chamber Supports Women

The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce has a number of business councils to support a variety of target audiences. One of their biggest and longest standing councils is the Women's Business Council. Let's face it, as women we experience unique challenges in the business world. We like to talk about fashion and the kids. Men like to talk about sports... and ... well, sports. At least that's my experience. That's why I'm trying my darndest to watch Sports Center now. It's not going very well. I'd rather watch Project Runway... but I digress.  

The council aims to support women and help them succeed. If we are able to find sources of funding, learn the keys to success and meet the people who can make our business dreams a reality- we can achieve the goal of being "Bold In Business".

I spoke with The Chamber's Vice President Laura Dehmer about the Chamber's efforts and got a chance to thank her for connecting us at the Bold in Business seminar this week. There's something very motivating about seeing a room full of women looking for ways to become a powerful source in their industry. 

Inspires Me: Kate White

I took the day off from tv work today to do a little bit of career building at the Desmond Hotel in Albany. Kate White would call it "Draining the swamp while slaying the alligators". In other words- you need to do a little career building while also focusing on the day to day of your job.

Remember I told you Kate was the 14 year Editor of Cosmo Mag and is now following her dreams to be an Inspirational Speaker. It takes a gutsy woman to make the bold decisions shes made in her career and the room was electric as we waited for her to offer some words of wisdom.

Kate was here as part of the Albany Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce event called "Bold In Business". Kate offered a sold out crowd three tips to a successful career.

1. Go big or go home- don't just do your job, go above and beyond. Ask yourself is this a bold idea.

2. Get in touch with your inner bitch- Agh- did I just write that? LOL- but really what she means is don't hate on that office "B" who gets on your nerves. It's probably because that person is better at something than you are. Figure out what it is and set out to improve yourself.

3. Drain the swamp while slaying the alligators- Take one hour a week to focus on the big picture in both your career and your personal life.

Kate inspires me in a special way and getting the chance to see her speak in person, sign my book (which is completely highlighted and filled with my scribbled notes) and tell her she inspires me- was a wonderful experience. She even gave me a compliment on my inventiveness in how I was able to pull off the interview without the traditional professional camera crew. I hope that by sharing this information with you- you are inspired to take a bold move! Please check out the below interview to see how she inspires me and her other pieces of advice- for the young start up girl, the working mom and also more on her BIG tip.

Not only was the event sold out they sold out of her books!

I-Pad Mini Rumor Re-rumored

Photo: slashgear.com

Why don't they just announce it already? There are new rumors this morning that Apple will debut an I-Pad mini. The new rumor indicates that the announcement will happen October 23rd right before Microsoft’s Windows 8 launch.

Reports indicate the new I-Pad mini would use a 7.85-inch LCD IPS display, running at the same resolution as the original I-Pad and iPad 2.  Size wise that would put it right in between the I-Pod touch and the 9.7-inch existing I-Pad.

Are you the type of person who needs the latest gadget? Or are you completely happy with the device you have right now? The holidays are coming- you can always put it on your wish list!

Runway Fashion Trend

Photo: Matteo Volta/Imaxtree.com via Elle.com

The spring fashion week has come and gone- and according to Elle magazine- there was one BIG trend. Everything is SUPER SIZED! I'm not so sure how I'll be able to take part in the trend- aside from big jewlery- which I love. Are you likely to join this trend?

12 Ways The World Has Changed Since The 90s

Ahhh- to you remember a time when we loved that bubble gum music of the Spice Girls. You know- when they were just girls we think we would hang out with and not the super stars they are today? Didn't you love the fashion of your baggy overalls? Don't tell me you didn't have a pair that were reserved for the club! Haha. Check out THIS great blast from the past that is sure to make you go.... "Wow! It's been that long ago!?!"

YNN Albany Profiled by the Times Union

Photo: Times Union

This weekend the Albany Times Union has an article written by Larry Rulison marking YNN-Albany's upcoming 10 year anniversary. The business has changed so much in those few short years and it comments on the station's ability to survive and adapt. It's a good read.  Check it out by clicking HERE.