SpiritHoods Giveaway and Review!

Momma Told Me: Everyone has a wild side.

For some people, it has a name (several even), for others it's merely the Devil VS Angel sitting on their shoulder- for me, it's simply the feeling I get on a particularly gorgeous day, surrounded by nothing but nature. It starts in my toes and ripples out along the back of my spine to my very fingertips, the feeling that, for a single moment, nothing matters. There is no end, no beginning, no rules, no responsibilities. There is just me, in that instant, existing. Momma calls it my wild side, but it's also been known to respond to the title of 'freak flag', 'inner child', 'rebel', and more. When we're children, it's running through the backyard stark naked, not a sense of shame or modesty, giggling as the blades of grass tickle our ankles, and the warm sunlight drowns our bare skin. It's sneaking into the abandoned house on your way home from school, holding each breath, prepared to run on the turn of an instant. The older we get, the harder it becomes to feel so un-guarded, so alive.

So whee does our inner dinosaur go? It's not as if we wake up one day and decide the world is much to serious a place for make believe friends and puddle jumping. And why is is, when we grow older the things that once made us, well, us, soon become childish? It seems anyone over 14 who still admits a fondness for unicorns or kittens faces lifelong labels as 'different' or 'crazy'. And we trade in our ballerina slipper and Firemen hats for fancy degrees and briefcases, holding on for the day when we can vicariously relive these wonders with our own children. But I think it's time for a revolution. In a world where our idols, and even senators, are publicized for low morals and questionable conduct- who doesn't want to let loose with a little Roar??? I'm talking, of course, about the couture fashion trend sweeping the world, animal hoods.

This phenomenon was arguably started on the streets of New York, with an infamous photo of one panda donning local. I say arguably, because it's fair enough to say that art students and trendy teens were no doubt crafting similar looks in fringe cliques long before. However, there's one aspect of this wild trend that's indisputable; the brand that the buzz is all about, SpiritHoods. With a simple mission that transcends any one definition, SpiritHoods aims to unlock unique individual experiences for each wearer. Their market base isn't just trendy global towns, playful young adults, or even women. The SpiritHoods range spans children styles and sizes to even gender neutral styles worn by men. Perhaps what is most identifiable about the label, aside from the wide variety of primal inspiration, is the introduction of full length hoods. These are pieces of headgear designed to resemble a designated animal in silhouette and texture, featuring attached mitts (think scarf or long beanie).

These 'mitts' of sorts frequently feature mimicked paws, or pockets for the wearer to place their hands in. Others, such as the stunning Night Owl solely serve to add mystique, frame the face, or keep the wearer warm (yes, these are quite functional too!) Spirit Hoods animal inspirations range from Grizzly Bear and Zebra to Lion and Leopard. While it may be tempting to snap up the animal you favorite, some may be surprised to find I did not go with a Panda, SpiritHoods helps educate you about the embodiment of each hood's animalistic 'spirit'. Each hood possesses defined traits for the animal it represents, and statements about the wearers that may be drawn to it. Additionally, the brand's PRO BLUE initiative means 10% of all net profits, from items donning the PRO BLUE label, are donated directly to a non-profit organization benefiting the specific spirit animal! This truly makes a SpiritHood a wonderfully meaning gift, and priceless powerful statement.

I received a Husky Spirit Hood (SRV $129) for review here on Momma Told Me. My Husky arrived nestled neatly among tissue paper and with accompanying literature, and was breathtaking directly out of the box. Attached to the ear, via tiny safety pin, was a fabric label and breakdown of animal traits. The Husky, as it turns out, embodies spiritual well -being, resilience, and the ability to survive and guide others. This particular SpiritHood is similar to the Gray Wolf, but fluffier in texture and build. Made from 100% acrylic faux fur and a warm 100% cotton lining, this hood is plush and soft to the touch. The interior lining features a muted red and green plaid pattern, with embroidered paws on the 'pockets'. The pockets are actually intended for half-hand warming, and more casual, or posing use. Between the two flaps, below the chin, is a silver toned knob for fastening the hood and styling. I prefer to wear my hood open, or criss-cross the arms, but more active wear may call for buttoning.

I must say, in all, I consider SpiritHoods worth every cent in quality and execution. They are the highlight of my wardrobe, and I simply cannot wait for the cooler months! Whenever I wear my SpiritHood Husky out it draws so many compliments and jealous remarks, there simply is no substitution for an authentic SpiritHood. I should also mention that simply wearing my hood for a few hours out puts me in a playful and wonderful mood. It's hard not to smile, and feel incredibly sexy, in such a flirty piece of attire.

What Daughter Says: Unleash the wild side of fashion with an authentic SpiritHood!

One very lucky Momma Told Me follower will win a SpiritHood of their choice!

Mandatory Entry: You must be a Momma Told Me follower, then visit SpiritHoods, and tell me which you might pick if you won!

Extra Entries:
*Read about PRO BLUE and tell me something you learn +2
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*'Like' Momma Told Me on Facebook AND leave a comment on our wall sharing an animal you'd love to see SpiritHoods embody +2
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*Enter another Momma Told Me giveaway +1 each
*Vote for us on Picket Fence Blogs here and claim +2 bonus entries!
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***Take the Prince Lionheart survey +3 (You must Say Momma Told Me sent you!)

Giveaway begins June 23rd, 2011 at 9:01 PM PST and ends at 9:01 PM PST on July 14th, 2011. Winner will be notified via email, and posted here. Entries valid within the US. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn. Prize will be transferred via sponsor. Full Contest Rules and Entry Requirements can be viewed here.

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.