I haven’t hidden my feelings about luxury brands and the devotion that certain shoppers have to them but it was somewhat shocking to see this art piece on Counterfeit Chic.  What’s even more shocking is that this piece was supposed to be on exhibit in Shanghai, which Style Bubble’s anecdotes have led me to believe involves a whole other layer of controversy.  Ironic or insulting, it’s hard not to think of pigs as having a negative connotation but maybe I’m putting too much thought into it?

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I rarely really laugh out loud at things I find on the internet though I’m sure I use shorthand often enough…on second thought, I think I rely on emoticons in chat & email more than anything.  However, I did laugh out loud at these hysterical charts by Doogie Horner on Comic vs Audience–to the point that I had to pull my laptop over to my boyfriend whereupon we both laughed so hard we cried.

Oddly enough, it made me think of Jozette because she always seems to be the first to point out anything funny–I’m sure Munich & Prague are keeping her busy, though.

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I ran into someone at work this week who complimented me on my hair, specifically that my hair was natural.  She bemoaned the grow-out stage she was currently suffering through but felt it was something she had to do so as not to appear a hypocrite to her 3 year old daughter.  We agreed that kids should have a chance to form their own opinion about the weighted issue of hair, culture and identity that’s so particular to the Black community–which brings me to the much lighter topic of vintage images.

Found in Mom’s basement is an amazing site that is a sad reminder of how much text advertising used to have.  It includes old Ray Ban ads, so many horrifying examples of interiors it’ll make your eyes bleed, and nostalgia for days.  Via the fabulous We Are All Seeking Something.

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Given that someone as cool as Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo works for Glamour, I shouldn’t be surprised that they’d be responsible for a provoking, thoughtful conversation around race and friendship.  Carmen at Racialicious was on the panel for the discussion and the comments on her post are as varied as you’d imagine.  As someone who doesn’t identify as one thing and would have a hard time figuring out how to answer the question, it was still fantastic to see how honest yet positive the responses were.

Also, since this issue of Reading Material has circled around race, I’ll share an excellent essay that, in the random, inexplicability of the internets, led to a set of hysterically funny LOLcats.  Because, like Wendy said, sometimes you have to laugh or else you’re going to cry.

And check out the auction on her Diana necklace to benefit the Nielsens.  Today is the last day to bid and do something good.

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Finally, I’d mentioned a giveaway when I transitioned over to this new space (don’t forget to update your links!) and this one is going to be bigger than any I’ve ever done.  Given that I’m quickly approaching my 2nd anniversary and I don’t think I ever celebrated the first, there is going to be a giveaway posted every Monday for four weeks starting on 9/22.  There will be no quiz or guessing game–just leave a comment on that day’s post and you’ll be in the running for the prize(s).  As always, even if you’re outside the United States, feel free to comment as I’m happy to ship internationally.

So be on the lookout starting 9/22 and thank you to everyone for commenting, reading, and being so very wonderful!