#ADOPTDONTSHOP

It’s kinda funny how controversial the two categories to my blog are to each other.

Allow me to get some thoughts out.

ADOPT

Facts are facts. 1.5 million shelter animals are annually euthanized (670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats) according to statistics from the ASPCA. There are rescues for every type of dog, cat, bunny, hamsters, because there are a surplus of animals that need saving. There is not a surplus of breeders. Don’t support or turn a blind eye a system that is responsible for creating problems for the rest of the animal population. Help others to see that. When you hear of a friend or family member looking for breeders for specific animals, tell them you’ll first help them look at rescue sites so that they aren’t supporting breeders. I can’t express enough how important this is. Do the best you can do, and if you’re lost, come find me :) I am HAPPY to help <3

SHOP

As someone who can honestly say they have poor self control when it comes to clothing & accessory shopping, I have made it my goal to REALLY try and not buy firsthand from websites or brand name stores. If I do buy from a store, I try to make sure it is a reputable brand that values sustainability, ethical work environments, and/or fair trade profit.

Not only are there better deals on these mainstream styles, but there are people that buy non-returnable items that they have never worn or cant fit in anymore and are trying to find forever homes. And apps like Poshmark, Mercari, or even eBay make the user experience that much easier!!

#ADOPTDONTSHOP

We’re all trying the best that we can. If you look at yourself in the morning and honestly look at your progress as a human being, then you’re on your way. We are all growing, learning, and changing each and everyday. We’ve each grown up with influences and circumstances beyond our control. So we must also have empathy for each other that we aren’t yet the person we want to be, we’re on our way to becoming that person. Give each other the time and space to grow, judgement-free. BUT NEVER STOP INSPIRING OTHERS!!! By being your best self, you are subconsciously inspiring those around you to strive towards their own goals. Recognize it, become it.

Say the hashtag #ADOPTDONTSHOP and say it loud. Scream it from the high-rise buildings and in the streets. Shop conservatively, check alternative options before you blow twice the amount of money on something you could have found discounted elsewhere! Ask people where they’re getting their animals, and encourage that if they’re not already rescuing, that they should—or at the VERY least donate (money or TIME!!). Every little bit helps.

SAVE A LIFE. SAVE YOUR MONIES. #ADOPTDONTSHOP

xoxo,

Lex

Grandpa Shoe Trend

Someone had to say it.

I remember looking down at my grandpas shoes when I was a little girl and thinking to myself “damn, that shit ugly” but you know, they served a purpose. They were functional, not fashionable. He wasn’t trying to impress anyone. He wanted to comfortably get from point A to point B. No disrespect here fathers and grandfathers, mothers and grandmothers, or others that require the extra foot support, you DO what YOU gotta do.

THIS IS DIRECTED AT THE TEENAGERS THRU THE 40SOMETHIN YEAR OLDS.

I’ve decided to make a list of 8 things you can buy instead of Balenciaga grandpa shoes priced at a discomforting $895.00 - 

1. you could rescue, or sponsor the rescue of approximately 20 dogs or 40 cats. Did you ever dream of having an animal sanctuary? Skip the shoes, adopt the dogs.

2. You could take the day off work and stay home and cuddle your animals. You’d probably be more productive during the rest of the week anyways.

3. you could buy the worlds largest pizza at Big Mama's and Papa's Pizzeria in Los Angeles and feed 50-70 of your friends. If you don’t have that many friends, there are lots of dogs that would love to snack on that with you. You’d probably become their best friend.

4. you could go to Disneyland for 8 days straight, and have $15 to spare.

5. you could buy the shoes, and burn them to keep the dogs living in these freezing cold shelters warm for at least 20 minutes. I assume they probably burn prettier than they look. But then we’d be emitting more unnecessary carbon dioxide into the atmosphere so let’s scratch this one.

6. you could go on an all inclusive trip to Mexico, and have extra money for spending. Plus, lots of street dogs to pet in Mexico.

7. you could afford pet food for the next 3+ years, OR get luxury pet food delivered through amazing services like Ollie. That price depends on your animals’ size, but STILL, thats approximately a year of food for your animal(s).

8. you could liiiterally drink 210 pumpkin spice lattes from starbucks, priced at $4.25 per drank. You can also get your pupperino a Puppuccinos for free while you’re there.

Say it’s too late for you, you already gave into the trend and bought the shoes. Here is my recommendation. Find a senior center in your area and donate those shoes to someone who could really use them. Never look back.

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE DAY WHEN PEOPLE WAKE UP AND REALIZE THEY PARTICIPATED IN THE 2018-2019 VERSION OF CROCS. YA’LL WACK AS HELL, TAKE THEM OFF.

sincerely (xoxo),

Lex

Havana Hounds

It’s no surprise that I fall in love with animals at every turn, no matter the type, age, or size. THEY ARE ALL ANGELS.

I had the opportunity to travel all over Havana, Cuba, a city alive with an endless supply of vibrant culture, movement, and energy.

The architecture and street art were truly spectacular, unlike anything I've ever seen. It was like time traveling back to the 1950's with classic cars filling the streets; the unique Cuban experience. But my most favorite part was the lovingpreciousadorableperfect dogs and cats that wander the streets. They were the cuddliest of creatures, wanting to snuggle by your side and accept any love you’d be willing to give. Fair warning, probably definitely need to wash your hands after because they didn’t smell great, but dang they were cute.

This was my heaven, but seamlessly arose some frustrations.

I was upset seeing how extremely dehydrated their fragile bodies felt. Like most animals without homes or living on the street, they had no access to water. I watched as they’d try to drink from what few puddles there were in the cracks of the streets. This made me think long and hard about the bigger picture. What we can be doing to help animals in 3rd world countries gain access to water? If it’s a struggle for people to get water, imagine the animals.

One of the days I was there, it happened to rain. You could see water flushing out of the gutters onto the side of the street. Enough of a puddle, and these animals would flock to the water. This sparked an idea in my mind. How amazing would it be to attach bowls to the bottom of gutters to collect rain water for animals to drink?! I have absolutely zero logistics, and no concrete plan. But for now, this thought is going to keep me all jazzed up.

One of my dear friends on the trip told me that she had heard of an initiative in Argentina with the same concept going forward to hydrate their street animals!! I couldn’t find any further information about it on Google, so if anyone knows any further information regarding that topic, please comment and let me know!

Luckily for these animals, there are some epic improvements by the Cuban Association for the Protection of Animals and Plants (ANIPLANT), a non-governmental organization founded by none other than Cuba’s first prima ballerina, Alisia Alonso. Its focus is on improving the lives of dogs and other animals in Havana by eliminating animal suffering through massive spay and neuter campaigns, public education, animal health promotion, and hands-on intervention in cases of animal suffering.

If you have the opportunity to travel to Cuba, I urge you to look into this organization, or others similar before you leave. Cuba’s lack of resources is a tremendous problem and even something as simple as basic animal medications for wounds, heartworms, or anxiety can be thrown in your carry-on. The impact we can make with the supplies we have access to is limitless.

I’m happy to be sharing with you all this dream, because maybe we share the same dream. Maybe we share this same goal to save the world one paw print at a time.

Let’s be brave.

xoxo,

Lex

IM A BLOGGER NOW!!!

IM A BLOGGER NOW!!!

Welcome fellow animal lovers and fashion fiends. 

Lexi here! I’m a woman on a mission to empty out animal shelters in style. Serving a soufflé of all my favorite things from rescue animals to fashion. I like to pet your dog. I LIKE A GOOD BARGAIN— plan to show you where, when, and how to decipher unique, worthwhile finds. I believe every dog is a puppy, and thrift stores are magical. Expect to see lots of adventures, adoptable animals, tips & tricks to successfully style yourself & your animals, and excessive amounts of dog lovin’. 

I’d characterize myself as a dreamer. I dream that this world IS a beautiful place, and that every human being holds the capacity to make this world a better, more sustainable home. I’m here, trying to do my part my spreading awareness to a cause ( #ADOPTDONTSHOP ) that so deeply matters to me. Spreading awareness first, and hopefully more to come :)

Fun fact, I stick my hands through car windows to pet strangers’ dogs. 

Fun fact, I think life is more fun with a smile on your face. 

Fun fact, the love you make is equal to the love you take. 

And yes, that is a Beatles line written by the brilliant John Lennon, but it couldn’t be any more accurate. I’m so excited that you’re here, reading/listening/seeing/feeling all the things with me. Follow along on my journey to experience all things rescue animals, fashion, and love. 

xoxo,

Lex

Photo by Bryson Silvestri Photography