As CB reported a few months ago, Jessica Alba has been busily shilling her second career in the form of a line of organic baby care products for her new endeavor, The Honest Company. Mostly, the company sells biodegradable diapers, laundry detergent, and household cleaning supplies. Alba also said that she came up with the idea for the company while she was pregnant with Honor, and she seems committed to providing environmentally friendly products at a (relatively) affordable price. This seems like a smart investment for a fading starlet who’s still able to use her public profile to launch a business with a great deal of exposure simply because she’s a celebrity, and Alba isn’t talking down to her audience while promoting her business either.
In sharp contrast, we’re all quite aware of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop website, which she uses to show the peasants what kind of life they could be living if only they were lucky enough to have a father who was a famous director and then go on to marry an overrated rock star. Still, it’s reasonable to believe that Alba (while preparing to launch her own site) may have wanted to seek advice from a “seasoned” cyber veteran such as Goop. This week’s issue of Star claims that Alba reached out in such a manner, and Gwyneth just ignored peasanty Alba:
Move over, Gwyneth Paltrow, there’s a new lifestyle guru in town! As Jessica Alba’s acting career cool, she’s reinventing hersef by launching an eco-friendly household goods business called The Honest Company. She’s also set to release a guidebook called The Honest Life, and she’s targeting the same green, Goop-reading demographic as Gwynnie.
“Jessica was inspired by the success Gwyneth had with her newsletter, Goop, and she wants to beat her at her own game,” an insider tells Star.
But Gwyneth, according to insiders, doesn’t necessarily think that imitation is the highest form of flattery. Says one source, “When Jessica reached out to her for advice, Gwyneth refused. Why would she help a competitor?
[From Star, print edition, April 16, 2012]
I can totally believe that this happened, and Goop probably thought that Jessica’s efforts would flounder without the indispensible benefit of her expert advice. Gwyneth needs to realize that not everyone is a threat to her Goopy empire. After all, Alba is selling products that people can actually use in everyday life, and Goop mostly dabbles in telling peasants what they should buy if they want to be enlightened and live the most perfect life ever. As for branding, Goop hasn’t done much of that except for her snooty travel app and those revolting Goop colon cleanses. Gwyneth is such a ridiculous joke, but I can see Alba’s company being a viable source of income for her for decades to come. Interestingly enough, this week’s Goop newsletter is geared towards mothers-to-be, and The Honest Company does not make an appearance. Coincidence? I think not.
Also, I love these photos, which show Goop hiding from the cameras (because she can’t do her own makeup) while heading to a London restaurant on 3/19. “Away with you, peasants!”
Photos courtesy of WENN
Oh Gwyneth i can’t wait for karma to sneak back and bite you in the ass!
Alba has amazing skin and great street style
Her stylist is Brad still ? She dropped Zoe right? I am assuming due to price.. sure Brad was much much cheaper as he is just starting out on his own, and he’s better with younger clients I think anyway.
She looks ok without make up.. but Jlo still has the best skin I think.
I agree. I was looking at that jean vest thinking that is such a random purchase. I would probably see that in a store and say, “Yuck, who would wear this?” But it works on her and sort of makes the overdone short sleeve teeshirt with a scarf look fresh again. Jennifer Garner should contact Jessica Alba regarding street style.
Hahaha….clash of the titan egos!
well…….
Alba’s company is probably gonna be awesome and a worldwide success, and Goopy will stay at the present level. Just a thought.
And, I love Alba’s orange bag.
I’m a fan of neither of those women.
Honor creeps me out in the same way that Suri Cruise does. If I stayed over they would be hovering over my bed repeating “redrum”.
HAHAHAH. I lol’d!!! Honor isn’t the cutest little kid….ashame…
And Suri is just down right bizarre.
Really ? I’m only a fan of my own kids and I still think she’s cute and I’m one to see the uncute in a kid! Lol.
Honor is going to be an attractive young woman one day; she reminds me a little bit of Drew Barrymore in E.T.
Suri, will sadly be a mess, because there is no sense of balance in her upbringing.
agree.. honor looks always unpretty and sorry ‘bitchy’ (i know, that’s mean) but i think that’s just because of her really really straight brows. She has the same as jessica
Honor is one of the cutest kids around. Plus most of the time she’s dressed proper. Unlike Suri Cruise, who looks like a crazy Horror movie princess.
Ew, really? I don’t find her cute.
You know who I don’t think is cute? Violet Garner. *Ducks and hides*
Also, I never noticed how straight Jessica’s eyebrows are until it was pointed out. Not that’s really going to bug me.
But she does have beautiful skin!
Isa, I agree with you!
Alba has actually grown on me a bit. I really hope she kicks Goopy’s with her new company.
Though I don’t care much for Alba’ acting skills (Eva Mendes is much worse at the moment, and no I’m not a Gosling fan) she’s pretty and has style that many women can pull off and I find her celebrity status quite harmless so, good for her for doing something with it. Better than The Boss.
Ehh, don’t really like either of them but I’d probably pick Alba’s over Goop’s.. having said that though I’m such a lowly peasant that I can only afford the products at the grocery store or the kind I mix at home
I think that Alba’s partner/cofounder/whatever in this company is the husband of actress Jessica Capshaw, who is the stepdaughter of Spielberg, Paltrow’s “uncle”/godfather/whatever. This is interesting, b/c I’m fairly sure Spielberg and his wife would want this company to be a success. Seems pretty smart of Alba to align herself with such a family.
No not her Uncle Morty! The nerve!
Though I respect what Alba’s trying to do, when I think “organic products”, I don’t think her image fits.
I’m not an Alba fan, so I wouldn’t buy her products for that reason. That sounds bad, because maybe they’re really good, but I’m just being *honest*.
Yeah, I kind of agree. How can you buy something from someone who preaches ‘organic, organic’ – but they smoke? I, personally, don’t see how her company will last. I don’t see many ‘normal’ folk buying this stuff…but, then again, I don’t have kids yet. Maybe when that time comes, I will look in to it…
I spend a small fortune on “environmentally friendly” baby products. My girl started with Nature Baby care by Naty diapers when she had runny poops and now we do g Diapers. But I would never buy a product with Alba’s name attached to it for my child.
Her products will probably be catered to upper middle class and wealthy parents who can afford to buy thousand dollar strollers. I can’t imagine seeing these products at mainstream baby stores like Babies “R” Us as it would also cheapen the product for rich snobs who want to feel better about themselves for buying an expensive organic product. Maybe if it is successful online she will try to have it sold at Whole Foods. I think I would maybe try it once if I had a baby but I doubt I’d choose to buy a monthly subscription over just buying something from a local store.
I would like to try some of the products out, ut I don’t like ordering stuff online. Also, I don’t like that it comes in bundles. The only thing I would run out of monthly is the diapers.
@kibbles: That’s my point. I AM her target audience (*rich snob* able to afford such products), but I would never buy her products because I don’t like her.
i have no doubt that paltrow is a ‘mean girl’. she has her circle and only those she deems worthy are allowed in.
Albe has perfect skin. I have always thought she was so pretty since Dark Angel.
And I don’t understand Goopy’s refusal to use makeup. I know she “doesn’t know how to do it” but you have been wearing make up for 20+ years. How hard is it to put on some eyeliner and mascara? Answer: its not.
Why should Paltrow help her? She’s a bitch because she doesn’t ? Why not ask Martha for advice as well Jessica..
I don’t blame Paltrow one bit, Jessica has to learn the hard way or pay someone to help her. Like everyone else does. She is just used to getting her way on her looks and it doesn’t work on women. Boo effin hoo.
I just don’t find her attractive in the least. She always has a smug bitch look on her face, her smiles look fake and everyone says Victoria B looks bitchy????.. this girl takes the cake.
Paltrow goes out without makeup all the time, while I don’t care for her that much… she is hardly a Kim K who NEVER goes without makeup or is never seen dressed down.
Still not getting WHY Jessica is even in blogs, mags or even pap’d at this point .. she is doing nothing but having kids and was never a famous/great actress to begin with…
Goopy step away from the keyboard… Breathe…
Sorry, hate to break it to ya: not a fan of Alba or Paltrow but see no reason to hate on Paltrow just because she refused to help out a wanna be actress who decided to pump out babies since her acting career didn’t take off… if you hate Paltrow why even read her newsletter? I don’t.
A lot of people find her really pretty. I think she’s beautiful and sometimes that’s enough when it comes to fame.
i really dont understand what goop not wearing makeup has to do with anything….
are you suggesting that because Goop doesnt wear makeup that it means she isnt bitchy or fake?
if so then thats ridiculously narrow and shallow…
not that im surprised since youre defending paltrow
people always seem to gravitate towards the personality types of celebs in alignment with their own.
also insulting alba by saying shes a subpar has been who now pumps out babies is hilariously ironic considering what a talentless has been goopy is
at least Alba doesnt piss off as many people and has her looks to fall back on unlike gwyneth who utilized her connections to get where she is
i dont care for either of the two but the reasons your citing for your dislike of alba can not only be applied to paltow as well, but also would make alba the lesser of two evils
at least albas site isnt condescending, recommending things as grotesquely overpriced as goopys or sharing “advice” on everything and anything she knows nothing about.
Jessica is pretty, but it’s probably best she has back up plans, because the acting thing is not for her.
I checked out her site because I’m always looking for green/organic products – unfortunately you can’t just buy one thing, you have to buy a bundle of products in a monthly subscription, and I didn’t see prices anywhere. No thanks.
Does Goop have a peasanty regular old rubber band in her hair? Not an organic elastic handmade by nuns in Spain?
What does Jess’s husband Cash do for a living? People give Jessica Simpson a hard time for her k-fed but what about Cash? I know he graduated from Yale… then worked behind the sets at a few movies?
For a guy named Cash, he’s certainly falling short of his name. Otherwise his wife wouldn’t need to reinvent herself for income.
Yeah good point. It seems like she has to scramble and find ways to make money, while he sits at home. Terrible.
Actually I believe He is some sort of trust fund baby with a side directing & producing. He went to school with some hollywood elite kids so I am going with Alba is the one who really cashed in. No pun intended.
haha that’s funny.
If you notice Gwyneth and her pack of mean girls… are not pretty girls. Nor are they known for being simply polite to every day folks.
Most of them have wealthy parents and have lived a charmed life style. But the girls them self, are homely as hell.
Yes, I am saying it out loud. Gwyneth is homely as hell. So is Stella McCarthy. 🙂 And neither of them are very gracious to outsiders, unless it benefits them.
So here is Jessica Alba. A very pretty, young (under 30) girl with a great tiny body. And she is out there hustling to make a living. We are all hustling to make a living for that matter.
I don’t have any issue’s with Alba. She so far, has been able to behave like she has some sense.
No drunken antics. No sex tapes. No accidentally leaving the house, missing her underwear under a short skirt.
So for LA, she seems relatively calm and harmless.
And I can completely see the mean girl pack shunning Alba. Just like they did Jennifer Lopez.
The only thing missing this time, is Madonna has been kicked out of the mean girl club.
THIS is what bothers me about Goop. She’s a 5 in the face (completely average) who thinks she’s a perfect 10. Sure, she has the tall, thin, blond thing going on but I don’t find her pretty at all. She should learn to put makeup on because she needs it.
I totally agree with this comment. I know these kind of women. I went to a private school with many rich girls who fit the Goopy mean girl profile. They are plain looking with little talent but starve themselves and have the money for nice accessories. Now that I am older so many of them live the Goopy lifestyle as the house wife who only does yoga and golfs while posting daily photos of their children on a social networking site.
Brick needs too learn some GoopTricks.
Disagree. I met Stella McCartney once at a work event and not only did she chat with us peasants, but she was down to earth and very friendly. Goop ….yeah she’s prob not so nice.
paltry stated she started goop not to make money but to share her wealth of fabulous information. guess in her mind sharing means you have to pay. or sharing only with those not in a position to be threatening. goop does not play well with others.
if alba is smart she asked martha and any/everyone with a successful site for help- not only the goopmeister.
i never thought of alba as a crunchy earth momma but at least she’s hawking what she’s preaching. unlike the ultimate hypocrite, do as i say, not as i do, gooper. if alba wants to have an aspirational blog at least it isn’t for the purpose of mindless consumption.
I am no fan of the goopmonster in any way, but don’t call Chris Martin an ‘overrated rockstar’. Don’t like his choice in women, but he is such a great, genuine artist in a music industry world full of candy coloured shit (I’m looking at you Katy Perry!)
THANK you! You took the words right outta my mouth. I love Chris Martin and Coldplay. He’s a talented guy. I don’t know much about his personality/ego, but he’s a great songwriter and frontman.
I agree too! I really love some of Coldplay’s songs and don’t think they’re overrated at all.
I’m on the Coldplay bandwagon as well…loved them for many, many years (pre Goop!)
If one more chick starts her own organic baby food, baby website, baby clothes, baby burping and crapping supplies, etc. company after giving birth I’m gonna slap a b*tch. Congrats – you got knocked up, have the baby, raise it well and STHU.
Lolol you know my parents managed just fine without all of these companies and their expensive products. They shopped at the local co-op and farmer’s markets, and eventually planted their own small garden once us kids were a little older and able to help. They used everyday products like vinegar and baking soda to clean, and good old Dr. Bronner’s soap. Cloth diapers for us kids, though I might not go that far with my own.
That said, some people need the convenience and I’d rather there be more green options than the chemical kind. Once there is more demand, they should become more affordable. I’d be curious to know what Ms. Alba considers “affordable.”
I live in a small apartment in a very urban setting and can’t see myself cleaning cloth diapers. So I spend a lot on “greener” disposible alternatives.
However, there are other green alternatives that don’t cost a lot. Instead of buying “green” cleaning products I clean everything with vinegar and baking soda. Very effective and cheap too!
I use cloth! They’re not the same cloth diapers your parents used. I love them. They are several different types and they come in cute prints! They go on like disposables (no pins!) and it’s not that gross to wash them. I mean, poo is poo so it’s gonna be a little gross. I look for ways to be “green.” Any bit helps.
I believe the subscription is $80 a month and you get 200 diapers and other products like baby wipes. Not sure what else. I was thinking about trying out her free trial. Although I don’t know what the point would be, since I can’t afford the products even if I did like them.
I think that pic of Jessica in the supermarket w little Honor is fabulous and speaks to me more than someone who has a fishmonger and has Batali drop by her house to drool over her mediocre cooking. Def wish Alba best of luck w this, she’ll def have a wider audience.
I like some of Goop’s films but she has always struck me as someone who would be a first rate judgmental bitch in real life…so I don’t doubt this story one bit. Jessica Alba is a beautiful woman but not that great of an actress IMO so I hope this endeavor works out for her…also I love peeking into people’s carts at the grocery store…she has lots of healthy stuff (not surprising) but also a good deal of wine!! I like her already!
posted in wrong place.
wow dame poop sure has too many wrinkles when without make up. i mean not that she looked young with all the starving and and sunkissing, but i guess she was using one of those skin touting foundations that my mother is so fond of. anywho, this reminds me of that blind item on cdan where an oscar winning actress is jealous of a b-lister by looks and appears with her kids, gets papped by the beach etc. and emulates her every step. i sooo wanted that to be gwynnie-jessica or angie-megan but preferrably the former. anyway the word cat was constantly mentioned there so i figure it was halle berry and jessica, but wouldn’t it be awesome if it was indeed dame poop? just imagine what a laugh we would get out of that one 😀 it’ll be revealed on cdan sometime i guess
Jessica Alba will probably do just fine without the blog advice of a woman who alienates and irritates everyone with her website
considering how many people are annoyed with Goop, not getting “wisdom” from Gwyneth may have been a blessing in disguise”
though really i dont see why Goopy would feel the need to snub Alba since Goopies blog is about whatever topic suits her fancy at the moment and Albas is selling baby products and cleaning supplies
theres plenty of room for them both im sure but ill bet my money on the blog that isnt overpriced and condescending
Who cares about all this? i just want her bag!
“Oh, look what kind of bread I’m buying.”
“Jessica was inspired by the success Gwyneth had with her newsletter, Goop, and she wants to beat her at her own game,” an insider tells Star.
But Gwyneth, according to insiders, doesn’t necessarily think that imitation is the highest form of flattery. Says one source, “When Jessica reached out to her for advice, Gwyneth refused. Why would she help a competitor?
Don’t think it even happened.
I have NEVER liked Gwyneth. She acts like a pretentious bitch regardless of what character she is playing. While I’m not a huge fan of Jessica Alba, I’d rather spend my money on a company ran by a woman who appears to honestly love her children and want the best for them (and other people’s children) rather someone who lugs them around as an accessory.
I can’t believe Fishsticks (or poor Jessica Alba) actually thinks that Goopy’s website is something to covet. Her numbers SUCK: http://www.quantcast.com/goop.com
Quantcast is VERY accurate too — I didn’t think she was pulling in huge numbers but this is pathetic! Wow, that made my night!!! 😀
MiserAlba needs to find a better mentor….like any college intern with a little web savvy.
It is nice to see her with 3 bottles of wine in her cart!