A Feather Frenzy

Dear Readers,

Forgive me for my blogging absence. Busyness is a primary cause, but more than that I have felt largely uninspired of late. I am having a difficult time with summer's fashions this year. I appreciate the Bohemian vibe and the throwback to the 70's, but few pieces strike me and/or would work on my figure. Both styles make use of billowy tops, dainty fabrics, and outrageous prints. Such accoutrements are not beyond me, but I've combed several stores in the last week as well as searched online and have come up empty handed. Meanwhile, I've made use of pieces I already own, which is probably better in its own right, but as a woman, I am only all to glad to add to my wardrobe. :)

My mother always keeps an eye out for interesting and controversial goings-on in the fashion industry for me. She came across an article about the newest rage - feather hair extensions. Made intensely popular by Steven Tyler showcasing them on the most recent season of American Idol, fly fishermen and their tackle suppliers are getting highly annoyed with women coming into their shops to buy the "hackles," the especially long tail feathers of a rooster. In an article posted on PETA's website, it is explained, "Roosters used to make these extensions are bred and genetically altered to produce long, luxurious saddle feathers (the ones on their backsides, which can take years to grow) before they are killed [euthanized] and de-feathered for their precious plumage." Needless to say, PETA sides with the fishermen. Recently, these birds have been killed in record numbers to meet the demand of fashionistas, desiring to make a statement.

My take on this situation:

I will not be adding feathers to my hair, albeit they do look pretty neat. They are rather expensive and only last a few months - not something I'm willing to put the money out for. (I'd rather get my next tattoo). :)

I do feel bad for the added number of birds who have died recently in the name of fashion; however, remember, this has been occurring for quite some time for fishing, etc. just not in this great a quantity.

As with any fad, the craze will eventually die out. Next season it could be peacocks! Actually, this would not altogether shock me. Why not peacocks!? They have beautiful feathers! But these roosters are already getting messed with by being genetically altered, so I will not be signing any PETA petitions.

 Nevertheless, since we live in the land of the outsourced and artificially fabricated, it would be nice if someone devised a way to create artificial feathers that looked great and did not cause a bird to die before its time. Oh look! China did! Furthermore, Amazon.com sells them for less than $10 with shipping. For that amount of money, I just might put them in. I could see my sister and I doing that together for the summer (*hint, hint*).


Your thoughts??????