The original log, a blue square emblem featuring the Gap name in white was replaced with a white backdrop featuring a blue square in the upper right-hand corner. The logo change went hand-in-hand with the company’s clothing line update aimed at consumers in their early 20’s and 30’s. Gap was looking to take their design from “classic, American design, to modern, sexy, cool”.

After the new logo was added to the company’s Facebook page, more than a 1,000 people took the opportunity to publicly protest. Gap responded to the critique  and welcomed suggestions from the crowd.

Marka Hansen, Gap’s brand representative in North America released a statement that said in part “We are clear that we did not go about this in the right way. We recognize that we missed the opportunity to engage with the online community. This wasn’t the right project at the right time for crowd sourcing.”

The company decided to go back to their iconic logo effective today. Gap also owns Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, and Athleta. Hansen stated ‘There may be a time to evolve our logo, but if and when that time comes, we’ll handle it in a different way.” Sales at Gap stores in North America have been on the decline for six consecutive months while Banana Republic and Old Navy have seen gains this year. The parent company as a whole has not seen annual sales increase since 2005.

Gap (NYSE: GPS) Dumps New Logo Idea After Protest was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

As more families are creating and abiding by budgets, kids may feel a bit anxious or resentful about not being able to get the things they want – or at least feel they should have. One of the important ways to bridge this emotional gap with kids is to discuss it and work out a budgeting plan that allows kids to take part in the responsibilities of family finances. Clothing is just one example of things kids will ask for but since it is also a basic necessity, we will use clothing as our example.

Create a Kid Budget
Even though the family as a whole works on an established budget, there is no reason you can not establish a budget within a budget and teach your children the real value of money. Setting a budget limit for each month will help your child understand that they need to take time to think about what they need and control their impulse buys at a young age – or they will end up having to go without.

Decide on Money Earning Opportunities
By simply giving a child money to use with their budget, you will miss a key learning experience about the real value of money. Instead, use the experience to get your child used to earning their own money. Even 5 year olds can earn money by working around the house, doing simple chores such as folding washclothes or dusting the tables. The older the child, the more responsibilities, the more money you pay.

Teach Smart Shopping
Once your budget has been created and the income potential has been established, it is time to take it one step further and teach your child how to spend their hard-earned money wisely. Help them to identify what items they want and then work with them to find the best prices. Use store fliers or the internet price comparison sites. Let them know that just because one store has a certain price tag, doesn’t mean another store will have a better deal. Kids will likely enjoy learning about shopping and most importantly, they will enjoy the time they are spending with you.

Teach Money Management
just because you set your kids up with a budget, make sure you continue to work with them until they can understand how to manage their money. You want to make sure they understand thinking ahead about what they will need to make sure they can afford it all. You want them to understand that blowing all of their cash on that cool pair of sneakers will leave no money for their new jeans for the school dance.

Provide Incentives
Kids who pay attention to your money lessons and who learn to follow their budget can be rewarded with a little something extra from mom and dad. Maybe your child has been wanting that new jacket at the mall and have been working to save up. As a bonus, you can kick in what you can afford to help their savings progress. This teaches kids that with dedication and hard work, bonuses do come.

Relax on Your Opinions
Kids love to express themselves and generally fashion is their mode for self-expression. When you give your child responsibility for saving for and buying their own clothing, you, as a parent , need to relinquish some of your own control and allow your child to buy what they want to buy. Chose your battles wisely if you disapprove with some of the purchases. Children need to make some mistakes to keep learning lessons about money and life in general.

Teach Values While Shopping for Your Kid’s Clothes was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

1. Frequency: Re-application of sun screen is the key to effectiveness.  When active in the sun, reapply every two hours.
2. Higher is Better: Use a sun screen above 15, and it must cover both spectrums: UVA and UBA. Note: Travel-Advocate has reviewed numerous sunscreen products and will present a separate article on different options.
3. Timing: Apply sun screen 10-15 minutes before going outdoors for best protection.
4. Forgotten Areas: When applying sun screen, do not forget lips and ears (often left uncovered by baseball hats) as these are common areas for skin cancer to occur.
5. Avoid Peak Hours: If possible, schedule outdoor activities before and after peak hours of the sun, which are from 10 am-4 pm. For example, consider a schedule around the sun: an early morning golf tee time or tennis game, a midday indoor lunch/siesta, and a late afternoon swim after 4 pm.
6. Be Aware of other Products: Check all medications and products that you are using to see if they increase your sensitivity to the sun. For example, Retinoids, antibiotics and high blood pressure medications, are among medications that cause photosensitivity.
7. Start at the Top: Wide brim hats and sun glasses will help protect your face and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, as well as keep you feeling cooler in the heat. Note: Travel-Advocate has reviewed different products in this category and two hats with style and protection to boot include Soleil Chic’s UV hat and the Tilley Hat product line, which is certified UPF 50+. Both block both UVA and UVB rays and travel well in terms of packing and durability.
8. Beyond the Skin: Check out the great options in sun protective clothing, which are widely available online, including long sleeve swim tops and other sun protective clothing and hats. Note: Travel-Advocate has reviewed numerous sun protection clothing lines and its favorite is Sun Safe Designer Clothing. This colorful and stylish line is complete with clothing and protective products that are feminine and do not leave you feeling that you should be fishing with the guys or in the Outback! The garments are flexible in terms of how much you want to cover and the fabric feels good when wearing.
9. Body Check: When you are in beach attire, take the opportunity to give yourself, and family members, a body check.  If you notice that moles or spots have changed in color or appearance, or look unusual, consult your dermatologist.
10. Keep in on in the Water: When swimming, be sure to select a waterproof sun screen.

For those travelers who have already have skin damage due to sun exposure, Dr. Siegel says, “Always take precautions in the sun, but new treatments and therapies can reverse some damage. Laser treatments, such as the Rhytec Portrait PSR3, which stimulates remodeling of the skin’s architecture, replace damaged collagen with significant amounts of new collagen.”

Adults with sun damage should also try Antioxidant Therapies (green teas, Vitamin C), and an aggressive use of Retinoid topicals, he adds. “This can diminish fine lines and wrinkles and can also eliminate pre-cancerous growths on the skin.”

However, Dr. Siegel cautions that laser treatments and therapies may reverse some sun damage, but can also increase sensitivity to the sun.

As a reminder to the importance to protect skin from damaging sun rays, SpaFinder released photosensitive “I Will Reflect” wristbands that change color when exposed to harmful UVA & UVB rays. These comfortable bracelets with meaning retail for $4.99 at SpaFinder.

“Between the stylish design and the cool color shift, these wristbands are buzzworthy on their own merits,” said  Susie Ellis, president of SpaFinder, Inc. “We designed them to be a perfect jumping-off point for a conversation not only about limiting sun exposure, but also getting the regular check-ups that could lead to life-saving early detection.”

Dr. Karl Guber, the creator of LUCA sunscreen, is a practicing surgical pathologist who continues to see younger and younger patients with melanoma. UVA rays are the rays that cause cancer and premature aging and currently, sunscreens do not have to label the level of UVA protection, according to a LUCA spokesperson. Dr. Gruber is working diligently to change these labeling laws because most people mistakenly apply sunscreen believing they are protected and while they may not burn, they can still be causing serious damage.

In addition to Dr. Siegel’s tips for ensuring travelers are protected from the sun, many consumers are unaware of the damage UV rays have on the eyes. A spokesperson for Transitions (allowing wearers to carry one pair of glasses offering both prescription and sunglasses in one) presents the following statistics:

• 80% of consumers are aware that UV exposure can cause skin cancer, but only 5 % know that UV exposure can harm the eyes
• 14% of female and 22% of male respondents reported they never wear protective UV glasses
• Wearing 100% UV-blocking eyewear can help reduce the risk of sight-threatening diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration

Note: Travel-Advocate took a look at a few eyewear products and one non-prescription sunglass product line that has a variety of styles and are easy to wear is the Quattro polarized performance sunwear line. These glasses protect the eyes from damaging UV rays are have no glare for a retail price of $49.95.

Wherever your travels take you, do not forget to pack the protection (sunscreen, hats, clothing) to ensure a vacation is enjoyed and no permanent damage results as an unwanted memory.

Photo Credit: Sun Safe Designer Clothing and LUCA

Travel Tips for Sun Safety was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

When traveling, companies are taking note of the newly imposed carry-on restrictions, weight limits and additional fees for even checking a piece of luggage on most airlines. There are products designed to maximize space, minimize weight and hopefully save money on additional levied baggage fees (whether for an extra bag or for one that exceeds weight restrictions). Following are a few products to help travelers when packing or items that make traveling easier. 

• To maximize luggage space, use Compression Bags. The bags remove excess air around bulky items, creating up to 80% more packing space. Offered by TravelSmith Outfitters, www.travelsmith.com.
• Maximize clothing purposes with versatile articles such as the Women’s Sophisticated Three Piece Set. Offered by TravelSmith Outfitters, www.travelsmith.com.  
• Clear bag sets to take your personal toiletries, eliminating need to purchase travel-sized products. One stylish choice for men, women and children is the Clear Bag System^TM toiletry kit. Available at: www.clearbagsystem.com.
• Travel size personal care product packs by mysmartpac are convenient, carry-on approved, disposable, and earth-friendly. The packs, available in HIS and HERS, take the guess work out of packing personal hygiene products (figuring out container sizes and worrying about bottles opening en-route) when traveling. Visit: www.mysmartpac.com
• Maximizing space without sacrificing style is possible with Coakley travel bags. With the number of bags allowed as carry-on items when flying this functional product ensures nothing is left behind without trying to juggle lots of bags. Available at www.coakleybusinessclass.com
• For those needing some extra space for their souvenirs, pack an expandable checkable tote bag in your carry-on bag. Constructed from durable ballistic nylon and comes in black, olive, blue or red. Offered by Anne McAlpin^TM, www.packitup.com.
•  Wanting to avoid any checked-in luggage fees all together? Consider Brookstone’s Dash Rolling Hardside Carry-on, which is sleek and stylish and comes in black, silver, red, pink, green or yellow. The light weight (less than 8 pounds) hard plastic case protects your belongings and fits in standard overhead compartments. www.brookstone.com.
• Weigh luggage before arriving at airport to avoid surprises and the need to quickly perform the shuffle game (switching items from one bag to another) or even rushing to an airport kiosk/store to purchase a new bag. Several companies offer this product including:

• - TravelSmith Outfitters’ Digital Luggage Scale – a portable, handheld luggage scale that weighs up to 100 lbs. (44 kg.) of luggage. www.travelsmith.com
• - Brookstone’s Digital Luggage Scale (available October 2008) weighs your bags to ensure they meet airline requirements. Measures bags weighing up to 75 Lbs. Simply place the clip on your luggage strap and use the handle to lift the scale and bag off the ground. Measures the weight in pounds and kilograms. www.brookstone.com
• - Balanzza digital luggage scale (available August 15th), a scale developed specifically for travelers that weighs 10oz, so it is easy to pack and take with you to ensure souvenir bags are not over the limit. Weighs up to 100 pounds and weighs in pounds and kilograms. www.balanzza.com

Yet, if these packing products do not work and you still end up checking multiple bags with a resulting fee, some hotels are helping you ensure you leave nothing behind.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced the “We Got Your Bag” promotion that runs through Sept. 9, 2008. Guests need simply to show proof of an additional airline baggage charge upon check in at any one of Kimpton’s 43 hotels in the U.S. and Canada, and a room credit will be issued in that amount, up to $25, offsetting the fee imposed upon air travelers. Some restrictions apply. Visit www.kimptonhotels.com.

The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel in Washington, DC, has developed Travel Smart program offering a 10% discount to ship baggage; an Airline Restriction Relief package featuring a full-range of airline approved toiletries and other travel necessities, free of charge to guests; a 24/7 Tech Butler, offering adapters and chargers for its guests’ technology needs powered by I-Go; and more. Visit www.affinia.com.

What is your favorite travel product that is a must-have for any traveler?

Photo Credits: Top Left (www.coakleybusinessclass.com); Top Right (www.clearbagsystem.com); Middle (www.brookstone.com); Bottom Right (www.balanzza.com)

Travel Products Making Traveling Easier was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

At an even six foot since I was about 12, shopping for clothes has always been a nightmare. Pants were never long enough, sleeves were always too short, and my clothing size was never proportionate to my body type. I never received clothing as presents because the women in my family were of average height. In order to have pants that reached past the ankles, I would need to wear pants that were just huge in the waist. It was frustrating, humiliating, and incited a lot of name calling. I can not bear to hear the words “high” and “water” in the same sentence. I could not shop in regular stores because they never carried my size. Alternatively, I sometimes resorted to wearing boy’s clothes because they just fit better. I had checked out many online sites and was disgusted to see that many actually charged extra money for the extra length. How unfair is that? Also, it seemed stores that catered to tall people mostly carried only men’s products.

It wasn’t until a few years ago, browsing through Walmart, did I discover that manufacturers had finally got a clue. I found Levi Jeans had been produced in height sizes (petite, average, and tall). I was beside myself when I discovered they fit perfectly and were relatively inexpensive (under $18). There was no surcharge for the extra two inches of material. Other brands, including Faded Glory, New York & Company, and some of the bigger retail department stores, began following suit. Kimora Lee Simmons, creator of the Baby Phat line, also produces a clothing line fit for the taller folk. Ms. Simmons herself stands at 6’0 and was probably just as sick of the options she faced before gaining notoriety and wealth. I finally had options after so many years of torture. There are still only a handful of places I can depend on for pants with more than a 34″ inseam that do not cost an arm and an extra long leg.

There are still many websites that carry tall woman’s clothing. While I still hate shopping, I am always interested in finding out what companies are interested in dressing taller woman at reasonable prices. I found a website that intrigued me because it provides information about more than just clothing; it covers a whole range of topics important to tall woman. http://www.tallwomen.org/clothes/usa/  is the direct link to page that lists companies that carry tall sizes. When you are done shopping, be sure check out the other sections of the site for some really good reading, whether you are a tall woman yourself or not.

TALL GIRLS UNITE: THERE IS FINALLY CLOTHING THAT FIT RIGHT was created by and is property of American Consumer News.