Hello LilyOnTheLam.Com Readers:
Once upon a time, I lived around the corner from The Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. It was very much the embodiment of the Truman Capote quote that you lose one IQ point for every year you live on the West Coast - except in my case I think it was ten IQ points a year. I became much more shallow and vapid than ever before. (And that's saying something!)
I spent my time partying in Hollywood 6-7 night a week and achieved the lamest distinction of "Girl who hangs out with the British girl who wears her hair in braids." Yes, when I'd go to bars guys would come up to me and say "Hey - you're the girl who hangs out with the British girl who wears her hair in braids!" And that sad part is that I would instantly pep up and be "YESSS! THAT'S ME! I am the girl who hangs out with the British girl who wears her hair in braids!" and I'd be all keen on being "recognized." What can I say, people? I was very young at the time.
When not partying, I was shopping and dining. I had my first really "adult" apartment. (Meaning that I didn't have to hang comforters on all the windows to stay warm). And I was eager to furnish it. So shop, shop, shop I did.
One of the stores, my "lower IQ, shopping obsessed" LA self liked to frequent was a quirky little store called Kitson. It's a fun store that sells crap you don't need. Which was pretty much the criteria for any store I liked in my teens and early 20's. I used to think fondly of Kitson. Notice the past tense.
Today I saw a Kitson promotion that literally made me want to throw up in my mouth, then take a flight to Los Angeles and throw up on every Kitson marketing person I could find.
If you're a frequent LilyOnTheLam.com reader, you may remember my book review on Kristen Johnston's fabulous autobiography "GUTS." It is an inspiring book on life and overcoming addiction. Well Kitson decided it would be a great idea to give away Kristen Johnston's book if you buy one of their Team Xanax or Team Vicodin sweatshirts. See their heinous ad here.
In my opinion, Kitson's marketing campaign to push their clothing ridicules Kristen Johnston's struggle, mocks addiction and trivializes the struggle of many people around the world. It seems like a humongous insult to wield just to sell some dumb sweatshirts.
Kitson sells Rihanna t-shirts, would they offer an instruction manual on how to beat women for free with these shirts? I understand trying to be tongue in cheek humorous and that sometimes a little off color behavior can really promote a product. (I'm looking at you, Miley Cyrus.)
But when you look at how many people are struggling with addiction and how many people, especially young people, have lost their battles with addiction - I just have to say "Really Kitson?" You should be ashamed of yourselves.
In the same week, the TV show Glee will be airing their tribute episode to young actor Cory Monteith who died from heroin and alcohol intoxication; to look at a Kitson ad promoting "Team Xanax" and "Team Vicodin" seems to be slapping the young shopper demographic they should be courting in the face. Where is "Team Overdose," "Team Death," "Team Losing Your Future"?
Do yourself a favor and purchase Kristen Johnston's book from your neighborhood book seller. It's a great book and a must read.
And shame, shame on you, Kitson LA. In life and commercialism, you can choose to promote good or focus on damaging the very consumers that fund your company. Why choose damage? You can keep your sweatshirt. I'm on "Team Boycott Kitson's Offensive Marketing Campaigns."
Oct. 8 Update: Please read this moving post from Bill Williams for more on the above.
Once upon a time, I lived around the corner from The Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. It was very much the embodiment of the Truman Capote quote that you lose one IQ point for every year you live on the West Coast - except in my case I think it was ten IQ points a year. I became much more shallow and vapid than ever before. (And that's saying something!)
I spent my time partying in Hollywood 6-7 night a week and achieved the lamest distinction of "Girl who hangs out with the British girl who wears her hair in braids." Yes, when I'd go to bars guys would come up to me and say "Hey - you're the girl who hangs out with the British girl who wears her hair in braids!" And that sad part is that I would instantly pep up and be "YESSS! THAT'S ME! I am the girl who hangs out with the British girl who wears her hair in braids!" and I'd be all keen on being "recognized." What can I say, people? I was very young at the time.
When not partying, I was shopping and dining. I had my first really "adult" apartment. (Meaning that I didn't have to hang comforters on all the windows to stay warm). And I was eager to furnish it. So shop, shop, shop I did.
One of the stores, my "lower IQ, shopping obsessed" LA self liked to frequent was a quirky little store called Kitson. It's a fun store that sells crap you don't need. Which was pretty much the criteria for any store I liked in my teens and early 20's. I used to think fondly of Kitson. Notice the past tense.
Today I saw a Kitson promotion that literally made me want to throw up in my mouth, then take a flight to Los Angeles and throw up on every Kitson marketing person I could find.
If you're a frequent LilyOnTheLam.com reader, you may remember my book review on Kristen Johnston's fabulous autobiography "GUTS." It is an inspiring book on life and overcoming addiction. Well Kitson decided it would be a great idea to give away Kristen Johnston's book if you buy one of their Team Xanax or Team Vicodin sweatshirts. See their heinous ad here.
In my opinion, Kitson's marketing campaign to push their clothing ridicules Kristen Johnston's struggle, mocks addiction and trivializes the struggle of many people around the world. It seems like a humongous insult to wield just to sell some dumb sweatshirts.
Kitson sells Rihanna t-shirts, would they offer an instruction manual on how to beat women for free with these shirts? I understand trying to be tongue in cheek humorous and that sometimes a little off color behavior can really promote a product. (I'm looking at you, Miley Cyrus.)
But when you look at how many people are struggling with addiction and how many people, especially young people, have lost their battles with addiction - I just have to say "Really Kitson?" You should be ashamed of yourselves.
In the same week, the TV show Glee will be airing their tribute episode to young actor Cory Monteith who died from heroin and alcohol intoxication; to look at a Kitson ad promoting "Team Xanax" and "Team Vicodin" seems to be slapping the young shopper demographic they should be courting in the face. Where is "Team Overdose," "Team Death," "Team Losing Your Future"?
Do yourself a favor and purchase Kristen Johnston's book from your neighborhood book seller. It's a great book and a must read.
And shame, shame on you, Kitson LA. In life and commercialism, you can choose to promote good or focus on damaging the very consumers that fund your company. Why choose damage? You can keep your sweatshirt. I'm on "Team Boycott Kitson's Offensive Marketing Campaigns."
Oct. 8 Update: Please read this moving post from Bill Williams for more on the above.
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