fashion friday
At my husband’s urging… right, my husband… I’m going to highlight a certain “look” that only some of you will understand.
Let me begin by saying, for those of you who do understand, the look is unmistakable. I was in the Liberal Education department just before winter break last semester, waiting for my students (I tutored French) and a young undergrad walked in. And despite my inner voice to just keep my mouth shut and mind my own business, I asked the young man if he was from the west side of Michigan. “Yeah,” he said.
“Grand Rapids?” I asked.
“Yeah, how’d you know?”
“You look like it…. Sorry, not in a bad way, but you have the look. I mean you look good….” And I think I butchered his self esteem, but I buffered it by asking if he knew a few of my G-Rap friends, and he did, so we left on a good note.
The next west-Michigander walked in, and I placed her too. Grand Haven. Two for two.
Well, friends, the west Michigan look is all pieced together by one choice brand.
Yes, THE NORTH FACE.
With Spring approaching… not quickly enough, mind you… The North Face has some great styles for the Spring hiker, or more likely for the Spring hiker poser.
I’m really drawn to the Geo Mesh Vesta Hoodie. It looks like it’s comfortable in cool or cold weather, especially for all-weather joggers and spring hikers. 
Nights get cold in the mountains. Per www.thenorthface.com, this fantastic jacket features:
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VaporWick™ fabric
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Soft, easy-care gridded fabric
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Mesh side panels for increased breathability
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Hand pockets
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Monkey thumbs
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Back right bottom hem stash pocket
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Reflective graphics on front hand pockets
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Reflective piping and The North Face® logo
Next, this lil’ ¼ zip jacket is oh so chic, but also oh so practical for athletes. It offers Carbon from Bamboo technology, mock neck with ¼…. Wait, did that just say Carbon from Bamboo 
technology? (Yes).
I have no idea what that is, but I’m entirely distracted and will now spend the rest of my post investigating Carbon from Bamboo technology.
Oh. My. Goodness.
The North Face is so intelligent. Not only do they have a recognizable brand, great clothes that appeal to a very specific and loyal demographic, but they also use catchy phrases like “Carbon from Bamboo technology” that catch my eye –and my sporadic attention—like a black bear catching the whiff of a freshly grilled burger.
Anyway, according to their website, “Carbon from Bamboo technology is a method of enhancing the performance qualities of fabrics used for active outdoor endeavors. In this highly specialized process, dried bamboo is carbonized in a kiln at nearly 800 degrees Celsius, then ground into a fine powder. The Carbon from Bamboo powder is blended with a polymer to form fibers that are woven or knit into fabrics.”
Wow. How many other brands’ pieces of clothing are made from bamboo? Where is the bamboo grown? Is it adult bamboo, or juvenile bamboo? Can people be allergic to it? What about the pandas?
Wait, forget that last part. This is so amazing. Its really revolutionary to think you’re wearing bamboo without really wearing “bamboo.”
The site continues with the science lesson saying, “The end result of this process is a high-performance garment in a compressible and comfortable fabric that displays the following key characteristics:
WICKING & QUICK DRYING
Carbon from Bamboo technology utilizes the highly porous nature of carbon to dramatically increase the surface area of the fabric. Consequently, there is more area to wick and disperse moisture which also decreases dry time. Studies show that Carbon from Bamboo technology achieves a higher percentage in moisture transfer compared to standard polyester.
ODOR ABSORPTION
The highly porous nature of Carbon from Bamboo also acts as a net to trap odor-causing molecules where they can quickly decompose without releasing any odor.
UV PROTECTION
Lastly, the same porous structure of Carbon from Bamboo, along with its dark black color, work in tandem at a microscopic level to trap harmful UV rays. Finally, the performance qualities of Carbon from Bamboo do not diminish with incremental laundering. Since the carbon is added to the polymer, it becomes part of the fabric instead of a coating that washes away over time. Carbon from Bamboo will maintain its performance qualities over the lifetime of the garment.”
BRILLIANT!
Fashion Friday has evolved, scientifically, into Venture Vendredi!!
How thrilling.
In conclusion, The North Face cool-season apparel made from the revolutionary Carbon from Bamboo technology is worth every penny because of the scientific backing of a new-age fabric making your jacket piece last longer than… well, this season’s latest trend.
