i knew when i told you guys i purchased this j. crew coat from ebay that someone would call me out on my ethics or lack thereof. there are people who read my blog just for that purpose alone. they are always there to point out my flaws.
and people i have tons of flaws.
i am nowhere near perfect, just ask my family!
what you see on my blog is the good side of me.
i happen to be a vegan, big whoop. that does not give me the right to run around blogland judging others who are not. most of the blogs i read have nothing to do with being vegan. i read them b/c i like them and they are nice people. i read food blogs that are not vegan all the time. i love them b/c they give me great ideas for recipes that i can make my own. i read blogs that are all about frivolous fashion and decorating and i love them!
what you see on my blog is the good side of me.
i happen to be a vegan, big whoop. that does not give me the right to run around blogland judging others who are not. most of the blogs i read have nothing to do with being vegan. i read them b/c i like them and they are nice people. i read food blogs that are not vegan all the time. i love them b/c they give me great ideas for recipes that i can make my own. i read blogs that are all about frivolous fashion and decorating and i love them!
the fact that someone takes the time out of their day to send me emails and/or comments telling me i should be ashamed of myself just kills me because
the computer they are typing on was most likely made in a sweatshop.
the computer they are typing on was most likely made in a sweatshop.
you can read about that here if you are interested.
anyway, i just had to vent.
see you tomorrow with pictures of pretty flowers.
edited note: this is the link that dani so kindly alerted me to. i suggest everyone read it and feel pretty good about shopping j. crew.
j. crew social responsibilty practices
xo
janet
anyway, i just had to vent.
see you tomorrow with pictures of pretty flowers.
edited note: this is the link that dani so kindly alerted me to. i suggest everyone read it and feel pretty good about shopping j. crew.
j. crew social responsibilty practices
xo
janet
I suspect it is a lot like reading an opinion line in the newspaper...
ReplyDeleteWhat a bunch of buttheads. Really. It's the only word for it. You go on with your bad self. And your good one too.
ReplyDeleteThey are jealous, Janiet. Pure and simple. :)
ReplyDeleteoh gee...I did a typo in your name. sorry. ha.
ReplyDeletehaters gonna hate, and funny how so many of the are named "anonymous"!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand - they were complaining that you did not mill your own hand-picked organic cotton and make your own clothes?
ReplyDeleteI think people feel vaguely self-judged by your choices (vegan, simple elegant home, not wasting your money, fit as a fiddle) and like to use any opportunity they can to lash out because of their own insecurities. Or maybe they are trying to help you become a better person (just kidding - I highly doubt that).
I think the fact that you buy recycled clothes is wonderful - it means that new consumption is curbed and that's a GOOD thing!
xo Terri
i think it's great that despite the fact that you knew you would have some sort of backlash (which i think is ridiculous), you still posted anyway. thank you for keeping it real :) we are all human and no one is perfect. we do our best and that is all we can do.
ReplyDeletejanet,
ReplyDeletesorry to say this but a bumper sticker said
it best "mean people suck". like thumper says in bambi "if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say it all". i am always so tickled when you have a new post and never, ever, have thought to write anything to you other than something complimentary as your blog is wonderful. i am glad you called them out on it. they should be ashamed and just leave you alone. my rant is now over and am feeling better. PLEASE don't let the "haters" get to get to you and continue your regular posts. we need you out here. thanks ......
jan
These people only have 10 mins computer time each day - that's all the asylum allows.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I almost snorted tea out of my nose!!!
DeleteThat is SOOOO FUNNY!!!!
Delete-Suzanne in Illinois
Such a great response!
DeleteDear Janet,
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I was upset on your behalf by that comment...have been going on to myself about it all morning!
You're fabulous, they aren't.
ReplyDeleteThey want to get over their jealousy and concentrate on making themselves nicer people rather than taking their failings out on someone who brings so much beauty and pleasure to our lives.
You rock, Janet! xxx
Small minds...
ReplyDeleteSo if it is made in a sweatshop, it's great that you bought it second hand, so not one penny of your money goes into the manufacturing company. Buying vintage really is an ethical way to shop.
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous (as always) in your coat! Happy people who really are content with their lives and choices seem to be extremly provocing to some people. I think they should work on improving their own lives instead of criticizing other.
You are a great inspiration!
Janet...We have a man,in my town, who writes nasty stuff about our towns people all the time..why he doesn't run for their offices is beyond me. He thinks he knows everything, but all he is good at is stirring "crap". No one likes him . Which I find so funny. People that take the time to be nasty on line, have no lives. If I read something I do not like...I click off and never go back there. Plain and simple. You have enough followers who appreciate you. Smiles, Susie
ReplyDeleteJanet, I'm a total carnivore and the only second-hand stuff I buy is either a book or an antique. Who cares? I read your blog because I enjoy it and I like the way you write and cook. I also like your style. Just delete those comments/emails and forget about them.
ReplyDeleteJanet, let me ech the rest! I love your blog because I love your perspective and things and your obvious joy in beauty!
ReplyDeleteHey Janet,
ReplyDeleteSoooo glad that you stand up for yourself! None of us are perfect...all works in progress! Difference is some of us are trying to be better citizens of earth, trying to improve life for our fellow creatures, our fellow (wo)man and live more fulfilled lives. And then there are those who are absolutely convinced that they are the only person on the face of this green earth that has RIGHTS and the rest of us are little better than insects...but it's amazing, you'd think they'd be so proud they'd be happy to sign their name! I guess they KNOW, deep down inside they are a nothing, with nothing to contribute and they want to take it out on others. Love your blog and everything in it! You have so much to contribute to the *conversation*. (sorry about the rant)
Ciao, CJ
Hi Janet, hmmph. I don't know why people like Simone want to throw a little shame your way. It really cheeses me off. I commented on the trench coat review with a link to JCrew's Responsible Sourcing code of conduct, which details how they monitor their supplier conditions, how they improve those conditions, and their involvement in herproject.org.
ReplyDeleteThere are definitely worse companies, and besides you bought yours second hand for crying out loud.
xo
I am not sure where Simone buys her knickers from, but my guess is that unless she is buying them from American organic cotton growers, hand sewn by an etsy shop owner, it is likely that they have a questionable background too. As is the pen she writes with and the pan she fries an egg in. It is near impossible to source things that are not made offshore right now, and as such we really have no idea of the ethics that go into most items we buy. So we soldier on, buy second had when possible, recycle,
ReplyDeletechoose not to use pesticides, eat vegan or whatever we can do for the world in our way, but to criticize someone like this (especially you who eats for the planet, conserves your money and carefully considers all purchases)is just ridiculous. Go find a cause Anonymous and educate yourself and take that little burst of energy it took to leave a nasty comment and put it to a real use.
Janet, I am standing and applauding you. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteI Love your blog. I look forward to each new post. Your the best!!Sheree
ReplyDeleteOh good grief! What is wrong with people?
ReplyDeletexo
I almost feel sorry for this anonymous Simone. How sad that she leaves in such a small mean little world. That her thoughts have to go right to the negative. Yep, I ALMOST feel sad.
ReplyDeletePlease put such hateful comments like that out of your mind. You always write the best posts, which I really look forward to reading. In fact I think you should be writing a book, and I would even pay full price for it!
:) - Cindi
The Internet give people another excuse to be a-holes. Sorry that they bugged you.
ReplyDeleteDear Negative Commenter s,
ReplyDeleteDid your mommy teach you about good manners?
Manners are simply being considerate of others.
When you are visiting a blog, you are visiting that bloggers home.
Would you behave in such a manner in someones home?
Be on your best behavior or you need a time out.
My Great Grand Mother Mame` always said, "If you can not say anything nice, say nothing!"
Sincerely,
Miranda
SF Bay Area
I read your blog regularly although I don't know if I have ever left a comment. You are so inspirational and I love all of your posts! One of your posts in January inspired me to go back on the vegan diet I left a few years ago and it has been great! So thank you so much for whatever you said that changed my life for the better :). I used to have a blog a few years ago and I posted about eating a vegan diet and the "vegan police" starting posting nasty comments about "what kind of vegan" are you (I wear leather, wool, and silk) etc... I actually shut down a really popular blog because I was tired or having to explain or justify myself. Some people construct an idea of who they think you are and they feel you have to live up to that image. Other people LOVE being right and love finding all the ways that others are wrong. Ignore them and know that there are many of us that you inspire daily! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLeah
Ha! Good luck finding anything these days that is made is the good ol' USA...even at Nordstrom it's hard to find anything not made in a foreign country.
ReplyDeleteI heard about the Apple worker's wages on the news and the excessive hrs. they work. But apparently it's very widespread. Not just a small handful of companies.
Some people really need to get a life.
Linda
xo
Janet, I'm glad to see that your band of followers has taken the time to speak out on your behalf again - add my voice to the chorus!
ReplyDeleteHere here I agree with this. Hip Hip Hooray for janet and her blog.
DeleteWhat is it with some dimwits? I love your blog and think blogs like yours and Vixs' encourage others not only to eat wisely,but also to think about spending their money in a wiser fashion.
ReplyDeleteNot only does she seem to be ill informed but rude as well. I've said it before and I'll say it again...Rude is the new black.
I don't understand those types. They always have to leave a little 'tsk-tsk' comment. A pox on them.
ReplyDeletexo
Claudia
Oh please. You are a thoughtful consumer, healthy eater, and a good steward of your money. We do the best we can. Good luck not buying one single thing that has been manufactured under questionable circumstances. Which, by the sounds of it, it doesn't sound like this was anyway. (Haven't read the article linked to yet, but it would be encouraging if J. Crew has taken a stand.) Please keep doing what you do. So many enjoy your blog and appreciate the time it takes and your willingness to invite us into your life. Kathy
ReplyDeletePlease don't let her take away from the positive experience you've had and how much you've enjoyed your trench.
ReplyDeleteWhat I have most enjoyed in my short time of being a blogger is the very different lifestyles that each of us have, we, every one of us, are all so unique! That is the joy of blogging, learning about others passions and feeling free to share about our own without the threat of critisism. Life on the "outside" is filled with those downers! Maybe an unwritten code needs to be, "If you can't comment anything nice then don't comment at all!"
ReplyDeleteblessings, kim
Janet, I love your blog, and commented somewhere else how fabulous you looked in your trench coat. This snide little comment says nothing about you but far more about the person who made it. Today, you will still be gorgeous and sharing great ideas on how to live the good life and the snide commenter will still just be that.
ReplyDeleteAlso, how cool to find out that J Crew has an ethical sourcing policy - thanks Dani BP.
I have only two words for those types. But I only talk like that off the blog!
ReplyDeleteThe people who have nothing else to do but give you a hard time are no doubt the ones who's lifestyle is probably worse than anyone's, or else are so self-righteous it cancels out any good that they may do. We all try to do our best, I hope you are able to totally take them with a grain of vegan salt. The majority of your readers admire you for what you do and for goodness sake, you are allowed to purchase a new trench coat! You are way above any snooty little mean-girl.
ReplyDeletepity on the ner-do-wells, what a shallow & empty life.......
ReplyDeletedebra
People just slay me at times. It's moments like this that I want to tell them to "get a life"...sheesh! Do people have so little in their lives that they must drag others down to their level so they can have company in their misery? But then as my mom used to say, "it takes all kinds of people to make the world".
ReplyDeletePersonally, I really enjoy your blog. I read it because I like your projects, your thriftiness and your sense of style. Please don't let one sour soul change the way you blog, or your outlook on life, they're not worth it. Take care! :)
love you for that!
ReplyDeleteJanet, shame on Simone & kudos to Dani for posting about JCrew's Responsible Sourcing code of conduct.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your blog - I am always learning from you and I totally admire all that you do!
BIG HUG
xoxo
-Shell
I'm not really educated on this subject but I have to ask, what's the alternative? I see people on blogs ranting about everything at Target being made in China. Everything at Target is made in China because people WANT to buy a glass for a buck. I found a store in Boston that's sells only clothing, shoes and accessories that are made in America. It's called Ball & Buck and it's a good resource to find companies that make clothes in the USA (but I was sad to see them using hunting images in their advertising so I won't buy from them). But the cheapest shirt is $112, jeans are $200. Clothing at that price point isn't a possibility for a majority of people.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet,
ReplyDeleteI had to go back and read what you were talking about...unfortunately, so many things we buy are produced in sweatshops by overworked and underpaid people...probably more than any of us would imagine. However, buying something second hand is a VERY ethical thing to do...it supports organizations like goodwill and the salvation army, it prolongs items from being tossed into a landfill, it is smart financially and perhaps it will ultimately affect the bottom line of the company producing goods in an unethical way. We all take our stands for or against things ... if we do the best we can everyday to honestly live by those stands, that's the most important thing. What I admire about you is that you never proclaim to be perfect....you just do the best you can with the things that are important to you.
I'm in agreement with Sarah..this is what I would also say/support.
DeleteLet me add..you look fantastic! And heck, it was bought on Ebay! Coming from someone whose closet is easily 95% J Crew, I loved learning about J Crew's ethical practices. Thanks to Dani (whom I love:) for enlightening us. I now feel a little (tiny bit) better about where I have chosen to over-indulge for the past several years.
I am learning a lot though and I strive to go without anything new unless absolutely necessary, anymore. I am leaning towards a life of less and it is already so freeing.
I can just feel how organic you are through your choices and I strive to be more like this. I want to give you credit for supporting this lifestyle in such a beautiful way and for being a fantastic role-model for me. Hugs.
Obviously, Simone likes to throw rocks at things that shine. She needs to grow up! Janet, you keep doing what you're doing, because you have a lot of followers who look forward to your blog.
ReplyDelete~Thuy
I'm amazed that people feel they have the RIGHT to make the judgments as they do. I love reading your blog. Your posts inspire me to be better... to eat healthier, to move more so I can shed some weight, to shop better, to live a simpler yet more beautiful life. Shouldn't we all be trying to do the right thing? Well pointing fingers at people isn't doing the right thing.
ReplyDeleteI hope you just keep doing what you're doing, and sharing little pieces with us.
Colleen in Madison
Wow some people have a lot of nerve.
ReplyDeleteBeing as nice and honest and entertaining (and adorable) as you are Janet you certainly don't deserve this kind of email...
the person who sent it has to have been using a computer too so duh what's up with her?
I think your mini rant is just lovely, so well written, and polite too.
You are my kinda gal...
Keep on blogging you've got serious followers who love you.
XO
Why is it that there are those who are ready to jump out at us and CRITICIZE . . .i don't get it . . . So much more fun to be happy!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I can top the funny comment from Tabitha--10 minutes computer time allowed--Sums it up perfectly.--I laughed out loud.
ReplyDeleteIn the end, those who are not haters cannot understand why people have to be so nasty. Best we don't understand them--Who wants to be in that kind of brain anyway?
-Suzanne in Illinois.
Oh dear! I had no idea. (Mostly because so few people read my blog that I get spam or the odd lovely friend comment.) I sure people have said this in the 45 previous replies, but I'll say it anyway. I like you, I like your style and your dedications and your playful attitude. I look forward to each one of your posts. We have a saying in my family: "stuff 'em all!" we say. Much love from me to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat Veronica said. And everybody else. You know what I missed? What the hell is wrong with the coat in the first place? Does everyone know something scandalous about J.Crew that I missed?
ReplyDeletegeez, you're the cat's pj's and we all know it!
See you tomorrow.
xoxo J.
I love visiting your Blog....love your recipes(I'm not vegan), your great style and darling bargain clothes, your adorable cottage and your positive attitude. There are always a few jealous, mean-spirited and spiteful people around who, no matter how sweet and lovely you are, are going to feel the need to spread their misery by directing their unhappiness at you. But your glass is half full not half empty - there are so many of us who just love you and love coming here. Chin up, you are terrific!
ReplyDeleteThe coat looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteJanet, another fan here. Don't think I can add anything new to what's been said, just want to add my support. Like so many others, I also love reading about your charming home, your fun style, your delicious recipes, and your desire to live more simply.
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Oh Janet! I'm a fan, I don't care what you wear or where you get it. I read your blog because you're a nice person and I LOVE LOVE LOVE your house! So chic. I'm trying to be better about commenting - but wanted to let you know I'm a follower and visit daily! xoxo, Artie
ReplyDeletehttp://niagaranovice.blogspot.com
Stop by sometime!
Janet - some people are just so unhappy. I think you are one of the best intentioned people I am lucky to 'know' in blog land. When I get overload from beautiful but OTT blogs about home decorating and all the things you HAVE TO HAVE this season, I flick to your site and remind myself you can live a life that is considered and creative and beautiful without the big $$. You can also make choices based on your own set of values and still live a well considered and full life. Don't change.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but I just don't understand why some people have to have a "go" at others and for what? Janet, keep on doing what you are doing. Plenty of people love and adore your blog. And you.
ReplyDeleteDid you know that you feature quite a lot on one of my favourite blogs here in Australia...? Called 'The Library of Design'? By a wonderful Australian author (and a such a lovely person too, I know - I have met her) - Janelle McCulloch. (See on my blog's sidebar for the link to her blog)
To hell with mean spirited people... !! Sarah x
Hi Janet! I didn't even read all of the comments you received on this post. I knew the majority, if not all, would be supportive(and that includes me!). I really have gotten a better perspective about negative comments when I read that NieNIe(the young mother, who was burned in a plane crash) actually received nasty comments. What!!??! People can disagree, but respectfully.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the restaurant business. We have to be careful not to let one negative comment ruin our day. Either learn something constructive or let it go and focus on the 99.9% positive people out there.
Japolina's comment sums it up for me!
Kathleen
Hi there Janet! I discovered your blog about a week ago, and quickly added you to my google subscription. You found a big fan in me. I find you extremely inspirational (and I read a LOT of blogs) from your $10 outfit challenge, to your rose garden, to your killer decorating skills. Keep it up!!
ReplyDeleteJust Keep Calm and Carry On, Janet.
ReplyDelete(Since when is J. Crew considered a "designer name," anyway???)
Janet, I haven't been keeping up with my blog reading lately, so I had to go back and see this post and read good ole mean spirited Simone had to say.
ReplyDeleteThe trench looks great on you. Great find, and good for you for finding it on Ebay! I think this anon hater could be the same person. How miserable-- what does she do? scour blogs creating opportunities to leave nasty comments. I'm glad you gave her a little rant and you got to feel some love from your very loyal followers. Keep doing what you're doing--you are a good and very kind person and that's what matters!
Julie
Janet, you bought the coat used on e-bay, yes? My sweet honey and I buy almost all of our things second-hand (he is better at that than I am, but I am learning). In our minds, we think it is the most environmental and socially responsible act to buy things second hand. It keeps them out of the landfill and keeps us from buying a brand new product which uses up tons of resources to produce, ship, advertise.
ReplyDeleteObviously you know all that ... but I don't understand what kind of criticism could be lobbed at you for buying something on e-bay.
anyway - like everyone else said: you are fabulous! you are loved! you are inspiring!
thanks for creating a blog that creates so much joy in the world. blessings, tera
Hey Janet,i've said it to you before- "always be a little kinder than necessary" this goes out to anyone feeling like posting a nasty comment! sometimes its just better to say nothing!
ReplyDeletemassive hugs..Alan x
I really do not understand the motives behind people who try to bring others down. Moreover, I do not intend to waste one second of precious time here on earth trying to figure it out. More important things to do, right?
ReplyDeleteWe have a saying here in the south about people like that...."Bless her heart." That is a southern belle's gracious way of saying, "What a whack job!" Just remember, if anyone else tries that, say "bless her heart" and go ahead on with your bad self!
P.S. I'm just posting this as "Anonymous" in rebuttal to the "Anonymous" whack job that posted earlier. Maybe it will balance out the karma. I know, I know..."bless my heart."
janet, you are one of the most conscientious bloggers out there, if somebody has a problem with you and your ethics I say screw them, move somewhere else and get a life all you haters, geez...
ReplyDeleteSo sorry that you had to deal with a mean blogger. You look fabulous as always.
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Thats a lot of blog love going on right there!! Talk about a positive coming from a negative.............I'd like to thank this anonymous Blog Troll for giving us (the above) the opportunity to show that we are more like you Janet than we are like them. Love your blog........dont ever change ALWAYS be you :) xx
ReplyDeleteApparently some people have nothing better to do than to leave rude and negative comments on blogs...very sad! I think they must be very unhappy with themselves or with their own lives to be so mean. I'm sorry you've had to personally deal with such negativity! Anyone who visits your blog can easily tell that you are a caring and positive person...just keep on being you! :)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you're having to deal with this. We aren't supposed to take things personally that clearly aren't, but sometimes that's hard. It's easy to find fault in others, but surely mean commentors can find fault with the 95% of Americans who are doing a whole lot less than you're doing to help animals, the environment, and the world.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, it's unlikely that anyone in the U.S. functions without somehow exploiting people and the environment in developing countries. Just by living here, we are screwing others, using 25% of the world's resources though we are less than 5% of the population. By virtue of living our privileged lives (and EVERYONE in American is privileged by global standards) we are negatively affecting other people, animals and environments. Buying used clothing and other items is certainly one way to reduce all of our negative impact.
Good for you Janet on addressing this - I too have never understood why some choose to direct their energy in a negative way towards others and are so quick to Judge; I have been a reader of your blog for the past few years and I absolutley adore your blog, I hope when I "grow up" to be as graceful, stylish and charming as you :)
ReplyDeleteI am a new subscriber to your blog...One of my girlfriends told me about it and I just LOVE you and all your fabulous ideas! Keep doing what you are doing...because so many of us find inspiration in you...
ReplyDeleteRegardless of J. Crew's positive/negative manufacturing practices, you look pretty darn cute in that coat!
ReplyDeleteGood girly Ms. Thang..people will write the worst things but not EVER say them in person. NO one is holier than anyone else. You go girl..keep on doing what your doing. : )
ReplyDeleteHi Janet,
ReplyDeleteMost of us followers read your blog because we like just the way you are. You are perfectly imperfect! Nobody's perfect anyway. Thank you for being YOU!
Dear Janet,
ReplyDeleteI haven't commented to you before ..... I love your blog - it and you are charming! No one is perfect - thanks heavens! And if anyone thinks they are, they are delusional. Ignore the haters and remember those who love your presence on the web. I think some people lead miserable little lives with a hobby of pouncing on anyone they find on the internet. These same people would not have the courage to write a blog as you do. Wendy.
Good for you, Janet. I think your trench looks lovely. You do A LOT for the planet, animals, and people by being vegan, by avoiding conspicuous consumption, and by shopping second hand when you can. You have nothing to explain to anyone. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Janet,
ReplyDeleteI understand your being miffed...but on reflection I think that your critic just paid you a compliment however backhandedly. My guess is she put you on a pedestal and was a bit devastated that you did not embody the perfection she was seeking. Not that it is your responsibility to live up to anyone else's aspirations for you. But I rather think she was not intending to be unpleasant--you must have been her blog crush!
I think I could not have resisted commenting that yes, alas, it was made with the congealed blood of enslaved orphans (I am plagiarizing this line from someone but cannot remember where I came across it) but hey, it looks great on, so one just has to let it go.
(But I am with the others--thrifted? how much more ethically sourced can you get!)
Wow, so someone has nominated themselves as a police woman for your life choices? In doing this they then provide you with feedback?
ReplyDeleteThat's completely mental.
Thanks for sharing your life. I am inspired already to find another pair of black pointy toe shoes after seeing your photo with the wide leg jeans. They look magical together. I should have stocked up when they were everywhere in the shops years back. I wore mine until they gave up.
People like these are what you call keyboard warriors. They are just looking for something to do so they try picking people apart. Don't take it personally we all love you blog and love you.
ReplyDelete