LINK LOVE with a TWIST, March 21, 2011

LINK LOVE with a TWIST, March 21, 2011

It has been 10 days since the most devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan’s history struck its shores.   The tragic events of March 11, 2011 have weighed heavily on our global consciousness.  The images of devastation seared into our memory.  Those lost forever – and those still suffering – never far from our thoughts.  Is it any surprise, then, that many of this week’s Link Love submissions touch on this tragedy in some way?  Is it any surprise that among the posts focusing on topics like feminism, blogging, and the stiletto, we find words of hope and raw emotion?  I’d be surprised if that wasn’t the case.

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Arash Mazinani – Bling Bang! Exploring the Blood Diamond Trade:  This selection, submitted by Stephanie of  the-loudmouth, was one of my absolute favorite reads last week.  “It’s an incredibly informative post about blood diamonds — what they are & what’s being done about them… [and] it’s a problem that continues today,” said Stephanie. “I didn’t know much about these diamonds before, so I was very grateful to have this information presented to me.”  Check it out and add your voice to the discussion!

Brunette Blogging – Blogging Walhalla:  Do you consider yourself a casual, semi-pro or pro blogger?  In this post, Kim breaks down the 3 types of bloggers and describes characteristic traits of each.  Her words reinforced my own ideas about the type of blogger I am.  I decided to include her post in this week’s roundup so you could see if her characteristics match the type of blogger you think you are.

The Citizen Rosebud – The Ides Have It and Just Another Day:  Marissa of The Well-Appointed Catwalk was so impressed with the discussions being held on The Citizen Rosebud last week that she submitted two of Bella Q’s posts!  Equally touched, Terri of Rags against the Machine seconded the submissions.  “I’d like to nominate Bella for two of her posts that raised the issue of how bloggers address (or fail to address) disasters such as the Earthquake in Japan,” said Marissa.  “The comments show the posts to be quite controversial, but agree or disagree, at least Bella got us talking about it!”

Clothes, Cameras and Coffee – Pink Moon: This submission comes from Bella of The Citizen Rosebud, who describes the author as “one of [her] favorite bloggers ever, the young yet remarkably wise (and beautiful!) Roz Jana.”  She picked this post because Roz “presents a wonderful outfit post while paying respectful tribute to Japan.  Her parents raised her right and you can see [it] for yourself right here.”

The DUSK Zone – That F-Word. Again:  There has been a lot of discussion lately on feminism and how it relates to fashion on the blogosphere.  Elle of Elle Enchanted chose to share this post because it offers a slightly different approach to the subject.   “I’d like to submit Dusk’s poignant post on feminism and fashion, and her take [on the topic] which I think is so true,” said Elle.  “She incorporates feminism into her fashion by dressing for her, not anyone else.  Thank you!  Now that’s a sentiment I’d like to see more often.”

fashion toast – for japan:  This submission, by Ariana of 55th Street, was one of the most-buzzed about posts of the fashion blogosphere last week.  Rumi’s emotional words describe what it was like to experience the March 11, 2011 earthquake from the streets of Tokyo.  “It was really touching reading it since the fashion blogger who wrote was in Tokyo during the moment of the earthquake,” said Ariana.

finding tokyo – The lights are out in Tokyo, Japan:  I decided to submit this post because it goes hand-in-hand with Rumi’s above.   Hana, an American living in Tokyo, wrote this moving post detailing her own experiences that day.  Her words contrast a routine and calm morning with the growing realization that March 11th would be a day like no other in Japan’s history.

I Know, Right? – Yesterday’s News: I love how Tanvi of The Fabulous Life of Not-so-Rich and Infamous always introduces me to new bloggers with her submissions, and this week was no exception.  “I love how Jennifer writes. She really has a way with words and expressions,” said Tanvi. “In this post she touches upon children and childhood and how times have changed from the 90′s to now… I love her outlook and unabashed way of writing.”

misfits vintage – Australia 101 – Part 1 – Geography:  Last week was one that weighed heavily on hearts, and many of us found extra delight in things that made us take pause in a positive manner.   Beauty, generosity, humor – they were all a welcome respite from the tragedy unfolding in Japan.  Franca of Oranges and Apples chose to share this post because “[it] made me laugh.”   Simple.

Orchids in Buttonholes – 16 March (a post discussing the stiletto) : “Putting forward one of the many fantastic Feminist Fashion Bloggers posts feels a bit like choosing a favourite child, but this fascinating analysis on one of our most ‘loaded’ pieces of footwear manages to be both well-researched and uplifting.” – Mrs. B. of Mrs. Bossa does the Do.

Profresh Style – Highlight the Blue Sky:  Pure joy.  That is what I felt when I came across this post.  Christina looks gorgeous as always, and the shoot just exudes happiness and fun.  She managed to highlight the blue sky and lift my emotions with this post.  Love it.

seamstress stories – London Non-Shop! What I learnt in a few months of (almost) no shopping:  Franca of Oranges and Apples chose to submit this inspirational piece because it shows “how doing a shopping ban made a long term difference to Laura’s perspective on mass produced clothing.”

Vintage Vixen – Is This What a Feminist Looks Like?:  “[This] post, by the Vintage Vixen, is part of a phenomenal event hosted by the FFB: what does a feminist dress like?” said Bella of The Citizen Rosebud. “Vix shows her fierce, willowy and gorgeous self to be one hot Feminista.”

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Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their favorite post of the week!

If you would like to submit a post for inclusion in the next edition of Link Love with a TWIST, please do so here.

If you would like to publish this post on your own blog, the code can be found here.