SAMANTHA GOTTLICH
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My blog...home to my free range opinion on fashion, business, entertainment, sustainability, and the world we live in.

​All posts are written by me unless otherwise stated. 


***NOTE:
​
​I do not receive money through advertising or commission for my blog. I occasionally receive complimentary products, which I only blog about if I genuinely like or agree with. I am not paid to write to run this blog. This blog is 100% my uncensored opinion. 

How Products Perpetuate Sexism (...Oh Yes, I'm Going There)

1/30/2017

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Why is it that we associate the color pink for girls and the color blue for boys? Why do we walk the aisles of Toys R Us and Walmart and find the "boy" toys and the "girl" toys. Why do we order a happy meal for our children and siblings and ask them if they "want a boy toy or a girl toy?". 

​Have you ever noticed how absolutely ridiculous this concept is?

I was at McDonald's the other day. (Don't judge, you know the fries are alright when you're on the run and need a treat). When I was in the dinning room waiting, I looked at the toys for this month's Happy Meal. "Boy Toys", Teen Titans (an action cartoon on Cartoon Network), "Girls Toys", little Sweet Tarts change purses (?) in the shape of hearts with cute quotes. Seriously? It's February of 2017 and this is RIDICULOUS. 

Raising Our Daughters with Sexism
​- And We're Blind To It

It's your niece's/cousin's birthday. You're looking for a gift  that she'll adore. Something to make the mother of the birthday girl pat you on the back. Something to make the birthday girl exclaim in joy and proudly show off her gift to her guests. 

You start with online shopping but decide to hit the mall. You'd rather see what's in stock and what's trendy with the kids.

You enter the aisles in the stores and find yourself surrounded by the shelves with toys targeted to girls. You see rows of baby dolls, toy kitchens and plastic food, and even mock vacuums and brooms.

Think of that. Visualize that. 

Baby dolls. Toy kitchens. Plastic food. MOCK VACUUMS AND BROOMS.

Are you f***ing kidding me?

But... you enter the "boy" aisles. You see the contrast in toys. You find trucks, action figures, and toys that promote action and adventure.

Promote action and adventure.

Have you recognized how SEXIST this is?

"Little Tina gets a Barbie play-set with the shopping mall and ultimate shoe collection and Bobby gets to build and use his creativity with Legos!".

​We're starting our kids out in a sexist culture and as parents, we don't even recognize it.

Brands Taking Steps Forward

As times change and we recognize the stupidity of what is gendering products, brands and companies are striving to change how we see products. Target has moved forward to changing the gendered aisles to descriptive aisles ("Not "girl toys" but dolls and play-sets. Not "boy toys" but action figures and play sets").

Mattel's Barbie is empowering children by having president Barbie, CEO Barbie, as well as Barbies that are petite, curvy, tall and have different hair textures and styles (YOU GO BARBIE!).

​My favorite new toy set is called “Project MC2”. These toys are targeted to girls but the toy sets are science inspired. Girls are praised to play with these dolls that combine scientific experiments with play. I love how this line of toys is promoting girls to focus on their careers and NOT shopping.

Barbie

Project MC2

In Comparison...

We can't forget about the controversial move BIC made by introducing "Pens for her". Ellen DeGeneres famously mocked it on her Talk-show stating, "thank GOD women have pens now". We get it, BIC, you want to make cute styled pens (I love stationary, I'm guilty). But labeling with gender is out and unacceptable!

Bordering that, Lego came out with a line of toys for girls ("Lego Friends") that featured stores, girl figures, and more. The toys were brightly colored and featured "pretty" details. I love the idea of a brand normally targeted to boys trying to say "hey we're a toy for both girls and boys!" 

Lego has continued their efforts and has recently introduced the new DC Girls Lego sets which bring action and adventure, and female empowerment, into the lives of young girls.

Bic for Her

Lego

Break The Rules, Buy "Opposite Gender" Products (?)

A little TMI, I have always struggled with finding the right antiperspirant. I tried sprays, roll-ons, gel, powders. Teen Spirit, Dove, Degree, Secret - you name it, I tried it. Every girly, flowery, pretty scent and brand, I tried. Deodorant had to be reapplied throughout the day and I had to leave one at home, one in my backpack, and one in my purse.

But one day, I left my deodorant at home and traveled towns away. I had no deodorant and thought I would surely die. My ex-boyfriend told me to just use his, Arm & Hammer "Fresh" scented. I looked at him puzzled, "this is for boys" I thought. The scent, the packaging, the ads - yup, why would this product even work for me?

​Well, I was WRONG. The one deodorant that last all day as keeps me fresh with no reapplication needed is a MALE PRODUCT.

A Wrap Up

Listen, I can't offer a solution to this issue. Where do you start to create a change in an issue so ingrained in a culture and roots?  The first step is recognizing there is an issue. I present to you this blog post to show you what I see and my realizations in hope to create awareness.
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Product Review and Style Guide: The Sox Market

1/16/2017

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Winter is here. The brutal winds are unapologetic. It’s time to bundle up in layers of fleece and wool. Marshmallow jackets are back in style and with that, staying warm is a priority above staying fashionable. But what happens when you want to add a pop of color and personality to your look but you have to battle frostbite?

Sock It To Me

When we were kids, socks were not well received. We'd moan in frustration if we found socks anywhere near us on our birthdays or holidays. Now, we see a good pair of socks as a diamond in the rough.

Who doesn't like a pair of warm and unique socks that adds personality and style to any outfit?
The Sox Market is an amazing online website that pairs socks with a style and uniqueness that can't be found anywhere else. Whether you need knee highs, ankles, tights, or something else, The Sox Market has you covered.

ORDER TODAY: Free shipping on orders over $30

Rock Out With Your Socks Out!

How can you not show off your rad socks? In a professional setting, it's awesome to have a bit of hidden spunk. In a casual setting, adding a vibrant color or personality will have your friends talking. And who doesn’t like to flaunt their new style

Fabulous Feet

I am OBSESSED with my Sox Market Tacosaurus Socks and my Diamond ankle socks. Whether I'm rocking my Dr. Martens or clog heels, my Sox Market socks adds personality to my look. My favorite part about my Tacosaurus Socks is that the socks are undeniable unique and reflect my own personality and weird style. They are comfortable, lightweight, and your feet wont sweat! I love the vibrant color combinations; the colors give me a sense of '90s nostalgia and my pair of socks reminds me of '90s Nickelodeon and the Rugrats. Ditch the boring white ankle socks and get the pairs you deserve!

The Sox Market: Style Guide

Docs & Socs

Whether you're in the mosh pit or sippin' tea in a coffee house, Dr. Marten's are meant to flaunt socks. Check out some of my favorite pairs with my Sox Market socks!

Classic with a Twist

These, below, are my prized possession; my vintage Docs my mom scooped me from one of those online Yard Sale sites. Made in England, polished, with original laces. The laces and the brown leather pair perfectly with this tasty tacosaur!

Taco To Me About It

My yellow Docs... they've seen better days. They're my go-to concert shoes. They've seen everything from lead singers falling off the stage on me, warm sticky beer on cramped concert floors, and mosh pits. Pairing my yellow Air-Wair Docs with these socks gives me a look that will have me stand-out in the craziest of concert crowds. 

A Diamond Dozen

Playful patterns meet cotton candy colors in an unlikely duo with Dr. Martens! I just scooped these shoes from my local consignment shop and I love the cut and style on the foot of the shoe. The openness allows me to show off some serious style.

The 1940's Called, They Want Their Shoes Back

My Great Aunt Debbie gave me this INCREDIBLE pair of shoes which were handed down through the family. Yes, they are from the 1940's!!! I paired my Sox Market Diamond socks, my 1940's kicks, and my navy dress with sheer flower sleeves. Combining patterns, history, and modern style; this look is perfect for a casual day of errands or a breakfast date!
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Rain, Rain, Go Away

No, you can't see my socks. Yes, I still feel fabulous! Matching my bubblegum pink galoshes with my Sox Market socks is the perfect way to add a splash of color to a gloomy, rainy day.

Make a Boring Day at Work, Bright

Here lies my coffee shop kicks, from the days I worked behind the line at my local drive-thru. Days are long, tiring, depressing. I'm not saying that these socks will save you from boring and bleak days at work...but I am saying a pair of Sox Market socks might just make your day a little more positive through the fun pattern!

Standing Out In A Similar Style

One of the biggest trends right now: boots with yarn or thick socks that show above the boot. Whether you have your Hunter boots, your Frye boots, or your Uggs on, chances are you have socks peaking above the boot. Don't blend in, stand out. Pick a unique pattern or style from The Sox Market and pair it with your boot of choice!

Don't Skimp On Funky Prints

Life isn't about blending in. Creating your own style makes you, you. For me, I like wild and unusual looks. Pairing my crazy tribal printed dress with my taco socks brings a style that will have a crowded room taking notice.
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The Weather Outside is Frightful,
​But My Socks Are So Delightful

Have I mentioned how much I HATE the winter and every aspect of it? Snow, frost, ice, slush; GO AWAY. But... having my taco socks on does bring a smile to my face.

New Year, New Gym Visits

Here we go again... "New Year! New me!".
If I manage to drag myself to the gym, I feel a constant suffering the entire hour I'm there (if I make it an hour). Confidence makes the gym a more comfortable place for everyone and I personally find a lot of confidence from the outfits I wear and clothes I own. So treat yo self. Before you journey to the gym, pick out some pieces that make you feel good about yourself, no matter the weight you're at. Maybe, some funky socks will help bring some positive vibes to a resolution that's usually crappy to deal with.

Stock up on Socks

Need a reason to stock up on socks? Let me offer some ideas
  • ​Making sure you (or someone you know) stays warm this winter
  • Match your socks for upcoming holidays (St Patrick's day, etc)
  • Buy a few pairs to donate to your local shelter or donation drive
  • Winter birthday gifts
  • Treat Yo’ Self
  • Winter birthday gifts (...like, for certain a blogger...)
  • Valentine’s Day gifts
  • “Just ‘Cause” gifts
  • Winter birthday gifts (...cough...February 9th...cough…)
  • Plan ahead for next year’s holidays

You Heard What The Socks Said...

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Find The Sox Market Online!

Ready to shop for socks? Find The Sox Market online!
Website: http://www.thesoxmarket.com/
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoxMarket/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/soxmarket
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoxmarket/

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