Whodini Handmade

Orange Coast College's very own fashion department graduate, Jay Pezzelle took some time to answer my questions so we can get updated on his handmade line of totes, wallets and sometimes custom jeans.

1. What's your name and where is company based?

Jay A. Pezzlle based out of beautiful Long Beach, Calif.

2. What is Whodini handmade all about? What do you sell?

At the current moment I am making tote bags and wallets but I would like to get back into making an array of things. Whodini is all about fun and handmade. I feel I am getting back to the basics, my first love of sewing simple fun tote bags and wallets. Nothing too fancy, just good clean stuff.

3. How long have you been doing this?

I have been sewing Whodini products since 2003 I think.

4. What was your original inspiration?

Originally I wanted to be more than just some boring tee shirt company, so I learned to sew. I would have to say that Paul Frank was one of my first real inspirations, and still is for that matter.

5. What inspires you now?

I just like making things when I get the free time and energy to turn on the machines and get to work.

6. Do you have a wife? Any kids?

I have my lovely wife Kelli. We have been married almost four years and we have little Sloane Rose still in the oven due out on July 8th! Can't wait.

7. What is currently going on at Whodini Handmade?

Not too much. I had to put things on hold when I was in a motorcycle accident in November. Now I am doing better but bummed I missed that holiday season. Now I am trying to make some stuff here there and get back in the swing of things.

8. Any plans for the future of Whodini Handmade?

Just to keep on trucking with new fun designs for all the party people out there. Keep making fun well made product for the chosen few.

Thanks for answering my questions, Jay. We hope to see a lot more of your stuff in the future.

-Christina

Mustache March Part II (Finished by Justine)

(Courtesy of MustacheMarch.com)

Why are mustaches looked down upon in the work places, school, or even with your girlfriend? Mustache March is here to create a movement once a year to exercise the power of facial hair and show how inspirational it can be.

The word mustache came from the french word, moustache which comes from the Italian word mostaccio and so on and so on. The original word begins in Greece with the word mullon which translates to lip.

The famous military men were the originators of the mustache trend. The mustache represented ranks in the military. The bigger the mustache the more important the man. I don't understand why in the present times mustaches still don't hold the same meaning they did back then.

British Soldier Claude Maxwell Macdonald
(Courtesy of wikipedia.com)
Disneyland's dress code used to included a "no mustaches or beards" rule but later removed the ban in 1957. Even though beards aren't acceptable still, mustaches are making their comeback, according to nytimes.com.

Oh, but Walt Disney can wear his mustache to work...
(Courtesy of Google.com)

Men, bring out your Rogaine, and just grow it.
Rob, 47, Orange Coast College maintenance worker would be king if he were to have lived in the days when mustache size mattered. I believe this mustache took months to grow out and probably consists of much maintenance. It's awesome. My favorite mustache of the week.

Quiksilver Women's Line

Many of us living in Southern California like to dress the part. But often it seems like there isn't very much selection for the average 20-year-old. Sometimes we are looking through the racks at beach boutiques wondering when we are going to find some clothes that are not so juvenile. That's where this new Quiksilver Women's line comes in. The choices are colorful, they look to be comfortable and adult.



-Christina

Hello Kitty x Mac Cosmetics

Hello Kitty finally collaborates with Mac Cosmetics to create a soft pink line with an adorable fresh feel. But does it target the youth too directly?

Introducing the Hello Kitty Colour Collection which includes six new shades of lipsticks (tones of pink) and eye shadow pigments from greens to turquoises.
Hello Kitty Kouture features the more high-end collectables, a pendant featured in white crystals for the Hello Kitty lovers.

To me this line is a bit frightening. Hello Kitty has always been a play character for children and recently has become a beauty icon for young adults. Hello Kitty has been turned into jewelry with diamonds on them and now has teamed up with Mac makeup which causes a confusion for me. Does this promote children to wear and purchase makeup made for adults? Is teaming up with Hello Kitty a marketing tactic to target to a much much younger crowd?

Let children stay children. Leave the makeup play for the adults.

Mustache March madness begins Part I...

(courtesy of musatchmarch.com)

It's finally March and there is something to look forward to men (and boys). It is Mustache March. Mustache March began as a charity event to raise money for the Follicle Freedom Foundation-what it is I'm not yet sure.
The event is a "temporary cultural movement for the benefit of charity," according to Mustachemarch.com. Instead of a marathon, walk-a-thon, or dinner party, they decided to bring back the mustache that is under appreciated these days and make it support a good cause.
These are just some of the popular mustaches you can sport during the month of March. So remember, do not shave until April boys. Let the games begin. For more on Mustache March, visit here.

For the men who can't grow out their staches, American Apparel has created a hoodie-beanie in honor of Mustache March. You can pick it up at any American Apparel store near you for just $14 or shop online here.

I will be posting pictures of my favorite OCC mustache of the week. Be sure to tune in.

Orange Coast College student Matt Schirmer, 23, decided to rock a trucker mustache. This is my favorite mustache of all time.

-Justine Cuenco