Petition Against Forever 21

Forever 21 was never really my thing, even when I was in my twenties.  I just didn't shop there because I found the clothes too trendy and short-lived.  I don't need to recycle my wardrobe every time a new trend comes out.  That being said, I wasn't pro-Forever 21 or con-Forever 21 either.  More of a "meh, it's just not my style" kind of thing.  Until now.  As a fashion junkie, this just crosses the line.

I'm appalled that Forever 21's "creative team" is basically not doing any real work.  Sure, we all get inspiration and ideas from others.  But to stoop so low as to blatantly steal an exact design?  Unbelievable.  C'mon, how about some real creativity?  Isn't that what you're paid to do?  Who is signing off on these anyway?  Sure, eco-friendly designs are great too, but I'm more flabbergasted about the complete fashion plagiarism.  And how do they continue to get away with it?  Lawsuit after lawsuit, and they still do it?  Have you no ethics?  Have you no shame?  Dirty, sneaking, thieving bastards! 

You can read more about it and sign the petition here:

Story: http://audreymagazine.com/change-org-campaign/
Petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/dont-let-forever21-steal-from-independent-eco-friendly-designers

Shoes as Art?

Would you, could you wear these?  I can see these shoes displayed as a part of a art show, but not being worn in every day life.  They might work for Lady Gaga, but for those of us in the real world, what do you think?

Speaking of funky shoes, I'm seeing a trend of spikey heels.  I'm a bit thrown off by these also.  Are they a weapon?  Another form of wearable art?  A few months ago, I saw these Sam Edelman Lorissa shoes.  Last night I saw a similar pair in my BCBG Lookbook.  That being said, my style is not edgy and adventurous like Rihanna. I can totally see her wearing these.

These certainly aren't for the tame.  I'd venture a guess and say that the ladies who do wear these type of shoes want to be noticed.  Thoughts?  Hot or not?  Scary or spicy?