Fashion

#SHESHINES WITH ANIMAL ACTIVIST, PAMELA HART

Pamela Hart, the director of the Animal Law Program at the Animal Legal Defense Fund, never stops finding ways to help others advocate for animals.

For example: She co-founded Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims (SAAV) with her law school classmate Megan Senatori, whom she calls one of the most inspirational women she knows. She was the first to teach Animal Law courses at both the University of Chicago Law School and her alma mater, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

And she didn’t stop there.

Always looking to expand the field of animal law and equip people to defend animals and treat them humanely in the first place, this Wisconsin-based lawyer is launching three new educational programs this year alone.

Body Bark caught up with Hart to hear a bit more about how she got into animal law and what inspires her to keep going.

Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first job after school?

My first job after law school was working with my dad at his law firm. This was a great experience as I got to work with an excellent attorney, mentor, and, most importantly, my dad!

Did you always know you wanted to go into law and animal advocacy?

I did not always know I wanted to go to law school. In fact, I took 10 years off between Business School (undergrad) and law school. When I did return to school, I was ready! By the time I went to law school, I had already adopted Max. He was a German Shepherd mix from the ASCPA in NYC. Unfortunately, Max had seen abuse and neglect in his young life. He opened my eyes to the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. This started me down my path of animal advocacy.

What prompted you to start teaching? Have you always had an interest in education?

When I was in law school, there weren’t any animal law courses or student animal law chapters available. After graduation, I and my classmate, Megan Senatori, approached the UW Law School administration about adding the first-ever animal law course. Thankfully, they were receptive, and we were able to develop the course curriculum and introduce UW law students to animal law. A few years later, I taught the first animal law course at the University of Chicago Law School.

You’ve had so much success in the industry. When did you realize this was the direction you wanted to take your career?

I am incredibly fortunate to be able to marry my passion with my profession. I have been involved in animal protection for almost 20 years. I have my dream job!

In 2001, you co-founded SAAV. What made you feel the need for this organization?

Max inspired me to recognize and care about the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. When Megan and I first met, we’d frequently talk about how we wanted to use our law degrees to help animals. We quickly realized there wasn’t a safe haven program for animals in our community, as a result, SAAV was born. We are so fortunate to have incredible partners collaborating on this program — Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) and Domestic Abuse Intervention Service (DAIS).

You’re clearly a master at multitasking and confidently wear a variety of hats. Is there any secret sauce you want to share to future lady bosses considering making their passion their full-time reality?

I don’t think there’s a secret sauce necessarily. I think following your passion, believing in your purpose, embracing the unknown, and surrounding yourself with amazing, supportive, inspirational female leaders along the way will make things happen.

I take it back, surrounding yourself with inspiring women IS the secret sauce.

We absolutely love the way you styled your Body Bark piece. How would you describe your overall look and style?

I’m a busy mom and attorney who leans toward professional casual. I love Body Bark because you can dress it up or down, plus it’s unbelievably comfortable. Also, every time I wear Body Bark, I think of my incredible and inspiring friend, Catherine Poirier. Not only is she the founder of Body Bark, she is one of my dearest friends and favorite people on the planet.

One thing about you that may surprise people is…

I play a mean game of H-0-R-S-E with my kids. I’m in it to win.

Favorite way to spend the day in Madison, Wisconsin…

Summertime in Madison is the best! Whether it’s enjoying Wisconsin’s beautiful lakes, strolling around the world-class farmers market, or taking in the view at the Union, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be!

Your all-time favorite lady boss mentor is…

Joyce Tischler, founder of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

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Body Bark is so grateful to Pamela for filling us in on her career and how she helps make the world a better place for animals and humans alike! Want to know more about her story? Check out this article, and shop her Body Bark look here. We’ll be back soon with more from another inspiring boss woman!

June 21, 2017 0 comment

Fashion Work Wardrobe

3 Ways To Wear Body Bark To Work

Who else likes making a good investment? Like, getting Apple stock in its early days? Or buying (almost) any stocks Warren Buffett buys?

We all like to know that we’re spending smart and getting our money to work for us. But you don’t have to be a financial expert to make a good investment. Sometimes, it’s as simple as buying things for yourself, your family and your home that are made well, will last a long time and are versatile.

That’s kind of our thing at Body Bark. We want you to look and feel your best. We want you to be comfortable both with your fashion and with your eco-conscious purchases. We want you to have pieces that will work for you at the office, at the park, and anywhere else your busy life takes you. So with that in mind, here are a few Body Bark investments that will widen your work wardrobe and give you a great return on your investment.

For a summery corporate look

As the warm weather continues to roll in, try rotating this breezy look into your wardrobe: a turtleneck tank, seersucker suit and ankle-strap heels. Then (with the Belmont Stakes happening this past weekend, we have pearls and big floppy hats on our minds) you can easily dress down for a business brunch with an eye-popping Kate Spade.

For a business-casual look

Pair a three-quarter sleeve scoop neck with a brightly colored pencil skirt. Add some beige pumps to play it safe or some pretty floral sandals to add another pop of personality. With a scoop neck, you have options for jewelry: big beads and sparkles? A collection of tiny gold and silver pendants? No necklace, but statement earrings? A flowery headband? Or a sleek look with no jewelry at all?

Start with a classic white short-sleeve crew neck, and throw on a pair of boyfriend jeans and a long cardigan. You can throw on a pair of wedges if you’re in the mood to dress up a bit, but most days we’d just go with some chic Oxfords. One bonus to this look is that you can wear it every day, and it will work for spring, fall, and depending on where you live, a month or two of summer and winter. Which is great for you if, like at least one big-name agency art director, you’d rather invest your creative energies in your work than i

For a creative-industry look n choosing a daily outfit!

June 14, 2017 0 comment

Fashion Tech

5 Fashion App Must-Haves For GirlBosses

Who else is glued to their phones these days? We use our phones for waking up, tracking our health, taking photos and video, staying in touch with friends, networking, getting directions, ordering food, exercising, listening to music and checking the weather. It’s a lot. But even though some days we just want to hurl our phones into the nearest body of water, there is one thing that we always have time for, and it’s not Pinterest — it’s fashion apps.

Check out these apps to streamline how you look and feel your best.

Donde

Most women have probably faced the dilemma of knowing exactly what clothing item they’re looking for but not being able to find it. With this app, you simply select the features you want, and Donde shows you clothing that fits in your parameters. Because if you know you want a gold dress with an asymmetrical hem, it would be nice to be able to just find it.

Stylebook

This app costs $3.99, but that’s a small price to pay if you have a closet full of clothes but always wear the same three outfits. You’ll take snapshots of your clothes, clip them from the background, and voila — your closet is on your phone. You can track your outfits, see your most-worn clothing item, and even see which item has the best value (your Body Bark top, maybe?) based on how many times you’ve worn it. (Bonus for moms and wives: One reviewer said that the app works great for days when dad dresses baby, as well as for packing and for keeping track of what she owns while she’s out shopping!)

PS Dept

If you love having the latest fashion but don’t like having to track it down when everyone else has the same idea, this is the app for you. The PS team will locate that item that seems nearly impossible to find, and then you can make your purchase through the app. Easy peasy.

LIKEtoKNOW.it

This app is for the Instagram-obsessed among us. When you like or screenshot an influencer post, the app will keep your likes and screenshots in one place and allow you to shop the featured pieces.

The Hunt

Lip Sync Battle hostess, model, chef and social media legend Chrissy Teigen once gave a dress to a fan who commented on it via Twitter. But if you see someone wearing a piece you adore, and you’re not so lucky, you still have options. This app allows you to crowdsource fashion tips, style and, yes, what brand Chrissy Teigen is wearing. Have fun!

June 7, 2017 0 comment

Beauty Fashion Features Jewelry

One Top Worn 3 Ways for a Summer Wedding

Everything seems crowded these days: our favorite restaurants, our Facebook timelines, our brains. One space that doesn’t have to be crowded, though, is the closet of a chic, stylish woman. When you have a few well-constructed basics and a few favorite signature pieces, you’ll have enough combinations to keep you dressed for any occasion.

This summer, let simplicity, comfort, and style win out. Start with Body Bark’s soft, eco-friendly Turtleneck Tank, and add on the following items to carry you through wedding season.

Look 1: The Outdoor Garden Wedding

Slip on a modern romance pencil skirt and a pair of block-heeled ankle strap sandals (along with a wrap, in case it gets cool in the evening), and you’re ready to hit the garden. The block heels on the sandals are key — nobody wants to be punching holes in the turf with every step, and you’ll be thankful for some sturdy-yet-pretty footwear. Your look will be understated enough to not steal the bride’s thunder, but you’ll still turn heads with a sweeping skirt and flattering tank silhouette.

Look 2: The Urban City Shindig

Throw on a pair of culottes, quietly declaring your confidence in the way that only androgynous French pants can. Keep up the European globe trotter theme with a pair of cutout pointy-toed pumps. A slicked-back hairstyle will have you feeling like a runway model, and if you think you’ll head out to drinks afterward, bring a jean jacket as an after-wedding accessory.

Look 3: The Black-Tie Wedding

You can’t go wrong with a full ball skirt for the dressiest of events. Shimmery fabric adds an air of elegance and a creative pattern, print, and pockets will give your look a modern feel. Velvet pumps with gold piping will dial up the look so you’ll fit in with a posh crowd. Chandelier earrings, a sparkly clutch, nude nails and a twisted updo will complete this look and pull it all together.

May 10, 2017 0 comment

Fashion Jewelry

10 Jewelry Designers Who Are Making Our World Better

At Body Bark, we love shopping at businesses that make the world a better place. Why spend money on mass-produced items made in unethical conditions when you can support a cause and create a connection? Check out some of our favorite jewelry-designers-with-a-cause, and pick out some chic new pieces to dress up your Body Bark basics!

PURPOSE Jewelry

These pieces are handcrafted by survivors of sex trafficking in India and California. We love the delicate gold and silver aesthetic — and the fact that this business equips young women with marketable skills so they can reclaim their futures.

Noonday Collection

This business empowers Artisans around the world by connecting them with Ambassadors in the U.S., who run their own businesses selling the Artisans’ jewelry and accessories.

Lydali

Lydali curates ethically sourced goods from around the globe and shares the goods’ origin stories. As they put it, “We believe that talent is universal, but the opportunity isn’t.”

River Song

Founded during the off-season of organic farming, River Song jewelry gathers inspiration from the natural world and draws on artist partnerships to create delicate, unique pieces.

Tribe Alive

Showcasing a cute, airy summer collection, Tribe Alive connects female artists around the world to create quality clothing and accessories. As they say, “We work with women we know. We work with women we respect.”

Go Rings

A new college graduate started selling these cute wire rings to fund a mission trip. Today, proceeds from the sale of each ring and other pieces help fund nearly 50 people and organizations.

Soko

Soko uses smartphone technology to connect artisans to the global market. The company boasts a five-fold revenue increase for its source artisans around the world.

SLATE + SALT

If you’ve ever considered yourself a socially conscious, “globally minded, luxe nomad,” SLATE + SALT’s handmade bags, home goods and jewelry just might strike your fancy.

The Brave Collection

This jewelry is created by mothers and other women in Cambodia, a country still healing from genocide and plagued by sex trafficking. Along with fair pay, the artists receive health insurance and education stipends for their children.

The Shine Project

Threads by The Shine Project employs inner city youth who have received scholarships from The Shine Project, many of whom thought college would never be an option for them. The jobs enable them to continue working their way through school.

May 1, 2017 0 comment

Fashion

How to Style Body Bark for the Best Girls’ Night Out

Let’s be honest: it’s more fun to shop for accessories than basics. But finding the perfect base means that you can go to town dressing it up or down, and then go out on the town. Body Bark pieces are designed to fit seamlessly into the wardrobe you already have — or give you an excuse to go get some fun add-ons so that next time you head out for a night with the girls, you’ll have an outfit ready to party.

Black Turtleneck

Turtlenecks may have suffered through a history as the brunt of jokes about “covering up,” but the past is in the past. This sleeveless turtleneck says you’re ready to rock and roll. Add a statement necklace and a pair of skinny jeans, and you’re ready to go. Or keep building with the following items to show off your ability to incorporate a sustainable, stylish piece into a globe-trotter-worthy night-out ensemble.

Floral Pants

The spring/summer 2017 catwalks served up bold blooms and eye-popping bouquets of floral prints. Rock this feminine floral trend on a wide-leg pant and you have a winner winner chicken dinner. Plus a wide-leg will leave you feeling breezy and free without the hassle of a skirt.

Denim Jacket

If a denim jacket isn’t already a staple in your weekend wardrobe, one should be. They’re sturdy little pieces that layer well for cool nights and tend to have pockets that are just right holding the napkin on which you and your friends jotted down the idea for the next Microsoft. Girl bosses unite!

Ankle Strap Sandal

The best part of ankle straps on sandals, or on any other shoe, is that there’s no need to worry about a wayward shoe slipping off while you’re dancing with your friends or walking home. Plus, strappy sandals are just cute and always on trend.

Gold Hoops

As is often the case, the smallest item in this outfit is crucial for tying it together. Hoop earrings synthesize the attitude of the black turtleneck, the impulsivity of the denim jacket, the flowing elegance of the floral pants, and the sexy height of the strappy sandals.

Metallic Clutch

The final accessory for this outfit is the one tasked with guarding your keys, cards, lipstick and whatever other backup you bring with you on a girls’ night out. But just because the clutch has a utilitarian job doesn’t mean it needs to look utilitarian. Find a cute one. Fill it up. And have fun!

April 10, 2017 0 comment

Fashion

Eight Clothing Must-Haves to Buy with Your Tax Return

Key clothing pieces are like any good investment: they occupy a niche in the market (i.e. your closet), have long-term potential, and are easy to understand. If you’ve figured out the magic formula of filing your taxes without owing the government or being owed, you’re likely looking at a tax return this month — which means this is the perfect time to consider some clothing investments that will have you looking and feeling like the stylish boss lady you are.

(Disclaimer: We can talk clothing investments all day, but talk to your financial advisor about other investments!)

Classic Handbag

A bag like this one, with room for a laptop, allows you to always look professional as you work, travel and run errands — no personal essential left behind.

Stylish Flats

Flats have long been known as the shoe that goes from long-boardroom-presentation to busy-mom-picking-up-kids to date-night-walking-around-the-city. Flats like these kick it up a notch with looks without sacrificing versatility.

Quintessential Trench Coat

The trench: perfect for in-between seasons, for rainy days, for conquering the world.

Perfect Pumps

Pumps are like power suits for women: put them on and you feel more in-control. (We know that red soles are a status thing, but we have to admit — they do add to the effect!)

Slim-Fit Blazer

A good blazer is an investment that has the added benefit of helping pull together a capsule wardrobe: You only need one or two to pull together dozens of different looks.

Luxurious Long-Sleeve T

Choose a long-sleeve T-shirt that’s both dreamy-soft and sturdy enough to last you through pairings with sweaters, blazers, pencil skirts and yoga pants.

Tailored LBD

Slipping on a little black dress is one of the easiest ways to feel confident, sexy and ready for anything. Choose one with some unique details to make it feel like part of your personal brand.

Killer Jeans

Find a pair of jeans you love. And then buy 12 pairs (just kidding…sort of). Because when a girl finds the perfect pair, she knows not to let them go.

April 3, 2017 0 comment

Fashion

This Is the Most Versatile Piece of Clothing You’ll Ever Own

Seriously.

Need some examples? Here are a few day-in-the-life scenarios to show just how versatile a Body Bark piece is.

For the executive

Kiana is an executive at a tech company. She has a penchant for classic accessories and a long list of client meetings and formal evening engagements.

A day in the life: Kiana layers a Body Bark Modest Scoop Long Sleeve with a blazer, pencil skirt and elegant pearl necklace. The shirt lays flat under her skirt, and the long sleeves add warmth under her blazer. But someone turned up the heat on in the boardroom, so she leaves the blazer on her chair while she confidently presents on her company’s shifting competitive set. After work, she meets a client-turned-friend for drinks, switching the blazer for a sweater jacket and adding some chandelier earrings.

For the mother

Sheree is a mom who used to be a high school track star. These days, she uses her speed to chase twin kindergarteners around.

A day in the life: Sheree wears Capri-length workout pants and a jean jacket over a Body Bark Tank to a PTA meeting, then ties the jacket around her waist to go on a walk with her neighbor before picking up some groceries and the twins. That evening, she switches the workout pants and sneakers for heels and pleather leggings for a girls’ night out.

For the adventurer

April is a travel writer who focuses on sustainable practices and efficient travel.

A day in the life: April’s flight leaves at 6 a.m., so she gets dressed in the dark in the outfit she laid out the night before: a tunic top, Leggings, and her favorite all-day flats. Her destination? Iceland. As usual, she’s traveling with a carry-on only, so the leggings will also serve as soft sleepwear and an extra layer under her snow pants when she goes on a glacier tour.

Finally, women like these aren’t the only ones who love Body Bark. For fashion buyers, Body Bark inventory moves all year long — summer tops layer smoothly and provide a soft underlayer for scratchy sweaters, and long-sleeved tops offer just the right amount of coverage on breezy summer nights. Manufactured in the US, Body Bark is made from sustainable beech trees, and this fabric holds its shape, color, softness and fit through washing after washing. Try it and see just how versatile a wardrobe essential can be!

March 20, 2017 0 comment