Consume This

The perfect scarf--I have been in search of one for as long as I can remember. I have a whole box of scarves I never wear. It's like Goldilocks and the Three Bears--they can't be too trendy, to thin, too thick, they can't look cheap but can't be too expensive, the color has to work with my entire wardrobe, they must keep me warm to some degree, and they have to work in any season. Enter the Kikoy--the most perfect scarf on this planet.

Last year, I was checking in on the fashion blog, Fashionista.com, and stumbled upon this post regarding a model's find: the kikoy scarf. I was immediately in love with what I saw. I jumped over to the website, flipped through the selection, found like 4 scarves I wanted, but paused when I saw that I had to order through the UK. I didn't want it to take forever shipping from England, or get lost in the mail, so I put off ordering. For three months I thought about the kikois, and finally I ordered one, just in time for spring. And to my surprise the ordering process was super easy, the scarf came within three days of my order, and the price was more than reasonable: $34.00. I take my Kikoy everywhere--to the office (what AC?), on the airplane, to the beach (it doubles as a sarong), the movies, etc etc.

It's worth noting that kikois are a product The Kikoy Womens Group of Kenya. The knotting of the kikoy is a tradition in Kenya, and this group was put together to preserve its legacy. Just knowing that the kikoy is a handmade product that supports the well-being of this group of women makes the purchase that much better.

And looking at Caroline, below, it seems I ordered the exact same color as her. And it does look that good even on an un-model. Trust me.


Bottom line: If your craving for good scarf has taken you to Urban Outfitters and their generic "hipster" whatever--put down that synthetic mess and log onto the Kikoy website and buy an original and truly beautiful scarf you will wear forever.

Consume This

I'd like to introduce "Consume This," a regular column here at Silently Judging. See, I am a bit of a shopper--clothes, shoes, books, gadgets, anything--and I get asked a lot "where did you get that?" I also buy a lot of stuff I wish I hadn't (see shoes). This column will spotlight the best of the best--stuff that's actually worth spending whatever money you have left after paying rent, bills, student loans, whatever.

Ok, Toms Shoes. Amazing. I've seen them in the pages of Vogue, British Vogue, Lucky, etc for a few years. They are basically slip on canvas shoes, reminiscent of Keds , but way more chic. I went to the website last year and actually picked out a pair I wanted but didn't actually purchase (ps-colors and sizes sell out fast so don't delay like I did.) Anyway, as soon as spring hit here in NYC, I saw boys and girls wearing them--they looked comfortable and nice with skinny jeans, so I decided to give them a go. I am totally addicted. I walk about 10 city blocks everyday (to and from work), and I've learned to wear flat comfortable shoes. I've done sneakers (not cute), ballet flats (hurt my heels), flip flops (killed my arch, heels, and balls of my foot), and cute sandals (gave me blisters.) Walking in Toms is like walking in your favorite pair sneakers, but without looking like a commuter from White Plains or a tourist from Minnesota. The canvas stretches a little bit to form your feet; the interior sole is a soft suede; and the bottom grips slippery pavement when it rains. I've not got one blister or foot cramp. I definitely recommend these bad boys, and as an added bonus, with every pair you buy Toms donates a pair to a child in need. Oh, and I should mention the guiltless price tag of only $42.00. Here's the pair I bought--madras for spring/summer--and I plan to buy a darker pair for fall/winter.
Final word: if those t-strap sandals are killing you, and you never thought Crocs would look so appealing, trust me--Toms shoes are the way to go.