tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25397617714657436792024-03-13T09:31:26.146-04:00My Fashion HubStyle it up. Set the trendNessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-89365376233470661452014-01-31T13:57:00.000-05:002014-01-31T13:57:45.697-05:00Black is the New Black: H&M Haul<div style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/blog-hmhaul.jpg" href="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/blog-hmhaul.jpg" style="color: #ee4e00;"><img alt="H&M bustier, H&M peplum top, H&M knit sweater" class=" wp-image-1631 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/blog-hmhaul.jpg" height="328" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/blog-hmhaul.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="655" /></a></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/24497?article=24497-A" href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/24497?article=24497-A" style="color: #ee4e00;" target="_blank">H&M peplum top</a> $34.95 - <a data-mce-href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/24101?article=24101-A" href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/24101?article=24101-A" style="color: #ee4e00;" target="_blank">H&M low-cut bustier</a> $24.95 - <a data-mce-href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/22591?article=22591-A" href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/22591?article=22591-A" style="color: #ee4e00;" target="_blank">H&M knit sweater</a> $24.95</div>
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"You know you're a New Yorker when you need a flashlight to see what's in your closet" - <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/dressmonsta" href="http://www.youtube.com/dressmonsta" style="color: #ee4e00;" target="_blank">Dress Monsta</a>.</div>
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I admit that since two years ago,<strong> I could never get enough black clothes</strong>. Everything, from dresses, skirts, blouses to pants, tights and booties, just look better in black to me. Anyway I ventured to H&M the other day to spend my $50 Christmas gift card.</div>
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I hadn't been to H&M for two months (Foursquare told me), which is like 6 months in fashion year. Either this store near Bryant Park has really good stuff or H&M has improved the quality of their clothing. And there wasn't a huge tourist crowd like usual. Jackpot!!</div>
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I found three pieces that must be leftover from previous weeks' stock. In my size! <strong>So style. Much fortune. Wow.</strong></div>
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I've been on a search for <strong>sexy crop tops</strong> I can wear in the club. Honestly I have a clubbing uniform, an outfit that consists of skinny pants/tights and a crop top, usually all black in different material. The reason I stick with this is because I feel comfortable and can show off my asset (thin waist). Bodycon dresses, while look good on me, are often too short and rise up when I try to dance or even walk.</div>
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1. The <strong>peplum crepe top</strong> in size 2 is a bit snug but it will do. In the back, it has three hooks and the peplum part is open. It is quite girly and flirty. I will need <em>high-waist pants</em> to go with it, although you can also style it with <em>high-waist pencil skirt</em>.</div>
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2. The <strong>bustier</strong> I got is actually all black, not pinstriped, and had double straps. Size 4 is pretty snug on me, which MUST be <strong>vanity sizing</strong> because I am barely a size 4 in tops. To clarify, this top is extremely LOW-CUT. It is even <a data-mce-href="http://instagram.com/p/jzkJViy3bd/" href="http://instagram.com/p/jzkJViy3bd/" style="color: #ee4e00;" target="_blank">more revealing on me</a> that on the model, and I have AA cups. Hmm, anyone larger than a B cup shouldn't attempt to wear this in public.</div>
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3. This sweater is a <strong>coarser, loose knit</strong> that has almost of a <em>sheer effect when layered</em> over something else. I got a similar oversize sweater of the same material in burgundy (unfortunately it became fitted after being thrown into the dryer load) and loved it. So naturally I have to get it in black. Size Small was a bit too long in the black, since this has a high-low hem, so I went for XS instead. This sweater can be paired with <em>leggings</em> and easily <em>layered over tank tops or blouses</em>.</div>
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This was quite a successful, stress-free shopping trip. Until next time, stay warm and wear black.</div>
Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-21872835927781780272013-04-10T11:00:00.000-04:002013-04-10T11:00:03.935-04:00Why I Love "2 Broke Girls" (Plus Bonus Fan Art)<br />
<div style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/2-broke-girls-fan-art/"><img alt="2 Broke Girls fan art" class="size-full aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster7.jpg" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster7.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></div><div style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">I've been watching <a data-mce-href="http://www.cbs.com/shows/2_broke_girls/" href="http://www.cbs.com/shows/2_broke_girls/" style="color: #ee4e00;" target="_blank">2 Broke Girls</a> religiously for the last two weeks and got through every single episode 'till the latest one. I love it!</div><div style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">The show is hilarious and raunchy. I can see the Sex and the City glamour influence from director Michael Patrick King and the Brooklyn/trashy girl humor from co-creator Whitney Cummings.</div><div style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Not only being broke is something many young women dwelling in NYC (namely me) can relate to, the show also deals with entrepreneurship, classes and sub cultures (upper class, working class, hipster) and female friendship.</div><div style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">And did I mention the fashion? I love Caroline Channing's signature pearl necklace and the color white - which symbolizes her wealthy past. Check out the posters I made using promo pictures, screen shots, the official logo and the font inspired by the opening collage (<a data-mce-href="http://www.dafont.com/all-ages.font" href="http://www.dafont.com/all-ages.font" style="color: #ee4e00;" target="_blank">All Ages bold italic</a>).</div><div style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/2-broke-girls-fan-art" href="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster6.jpg" style="color: #ee4e00;"><img alt="2brokegirls_poster6" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1555" data-mce-src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster6.jpg" height="275" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster6.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="388" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/2-broke-girls-fan-art" href="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster5.jpg" style="color: #ee4e00;"><img alt="PILOT" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1554" data-mce-src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster5.jpg" height="296" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster5.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="388" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/2-broke-girls-fan-art" href="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster4.jpg" style="color: #ee4e00;"><img alt="2brokegirls_poster4" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1553" data-mce-src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster4.jpg" height="296" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster4.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="388" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/2-broke-girls-fan-art" href="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster2.jpg" style="color: #ee4e00;"><img alt="2brokegirls_poster2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1551" data-mce-src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster2.jpg" height="256" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster2.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="388" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/2-broke-girls-fan-art" href="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster1.jpg" style="color: #ee4e00;"><img alt="PILOT" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1550" data-mce-src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster1.jpg" height="291" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster1.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="388" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/2-broke-girls-fan-art" href="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster31.jpg" style="color: #ee4e00;"><img alt="2brokegirls_poster3" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1571" data-mce-src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster31.jpg" height="206" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster31.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="388" /></a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/2-broke-girls-fan-art" href="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster8.jpg" style="color: #ee4e00;"><img alt="2brokegirls_poster8" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1573" data-mce-src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster8.jpg" height="241" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2brokegirls_poster8.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="388" /></a></div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-64374144105791035962013-04-05T13:22:00.002-04:002013-04-05T13:31:52.013-04:00Great Interactive Ad by Red Bull and Pandora<br />
<div style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Recently, Pandora has been rolling out a slightly updated layout that allows for more visible ad content. The player and search bar still stays on top for convenience, but the full album cover display, artist info/lyrics and station list was pushed downwards, making you scroll through the background ad.</div><div style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">What's interesting is that Red Bull has clever placed this interactive ad, introducing its three flavors - red, silver and blue. Users are instructed to "slide the can" on the scale, which changes the background to the corresponding image of the <a data-mce-href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2012/10/07/red-bull-energy-drinks-taste/1615351/" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2012/10/07/red-bull-energy-drinks-taste/1615351/" style="color: #ee4e00;" target="_blank">cranberry, lime and blueberry</a>-flavored can. Even though I am not a regular Red Bull drinker, this brand has proved to be an expert in <a data-mce-href="http://mashable.com/2012/12/19/red-bull-content-marketing/" href="http://mashable.com/2012/12/19/red-bull-content-marketing/" style="color: #ee4e00;" target="_blank">content marketing</a> and produced multiple viral extreme sports events and online videos.</div><div style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2013/04/05/great-interactive-ad-by-redbull-and-pandora/"><img alt="redbull interactive ad on pandora" class="aligncenter" height="269" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/pandora-redbull.png" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="605" /></a></div><div style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">In this Pandora ad, Red Bull is able to target customers by demographic info and taste in music. The eye-catching graphic strategically places the <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ilikered&src=typd" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ilikered&src=typd" style="color: #ee4e00;" target="_blank">hashtags</a> as an implied call to action - asking people to tweet it. Finally, the ad circles back wonderfully to its medium - Pandora. Listeners can click to listen to three custom stations - Red, Silver and Blue - which correspond to the brand and its products.</div><div style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">One word for Red Bull: genius. Do you think you're likely to be attracted by this type of interactive ad? Have you seen any similar examples recently?</div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-67633597017702371622012-07-26T10:04:00.003-04:002012-07-26T10:11:45.498-04:00Teen Sexuality through the Tragedies of Spring Awakening<br />
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<a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/spring-awakening-1.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/spring-awakening-1.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-129" data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/spring-awakening-1.jpg" height="403" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/spring-awakening-1.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; float: left;" title="Spring awakening 1" width="336" /></a>In this entry, I'd like to change it up a little and talk about a theatrical production. When I entered college in 2008, I was randomly put in a peer group of theater majors and had a theater professor for an academic adviser (I later realize it was a mistake because I failed to "officially" declare the major I wanted - Communication - prior to entering).</div>
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Anyway, I had the opportunity to see the musical at the Ahmanson theater in downtown LA. I have to admit that I had never been a theater fan or known much about the productions, but I remember enjoying the show a great deal. The emotions were so raw, and I absorbed the energy even though I was sitting from very far away (discount tickets!). After four years, I don't remember the story very well so I did some research to joggle my memory.</div>
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<b><i>Spring Awakening</i></b> is a rock musical adaptation of the 1892 German play by Frank Wedekin. Taken the time period into context, you can understand why the topic of teen sexuality is so controversial. The whole musical is strung with tensions. The main characters, the teenagers, are growing out of childhood and into puberty. They develop strong sexual desires but are often in the dark about sexual anatomy, how to express the feelings or the consequences of acting them out. The matters are worsened because the adults refuse to give them information to make wise decisions.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/spring-awakening-2.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/spring-awakening-2.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-130" data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/spring-awakening-2.jpg" height="408" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/spring-awakening-2.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Spring awakening 2" width="600" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Wendla & Melchior</dd></dl>
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- The female lead Wendla (played by Lea Michele), for example, doesn't know where babies come from, and her mother is intent on keeping it from her. Later, Wendla ends up <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bar1GRem8rs&feature=related" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bar1GRem8rs&feature=related" target="_blank">having sex</a> with Melchior despite her initial reluctance and lack of knowledge on the matter. She is astonished to find out that she's pregnant. The abortion that her mother forces her to get results in her death. (In the <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_Awakening_(play)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_Awakening_(play)" target="_blank">play</a> version, there is a clear indication that she is raped by Melchior).</div>
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- Moritz is an intense and nervous young man because he can't make sense of the erotic dreams he has. After being educated by Melchior's essay with illustrations, his dreams become even more vivid, which Moritz believes is a sign of insanity. Later, he is unfairly failed by teachers and resorts to suicide because he has no way out. The teachers blame this death on Melchior's sex essay.</div>
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- The musical also deals with homosexuality/bisexuality in a scene where a student, Hanschen, <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8c5J26dWy0" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8c5J26dWy0" target="_blank">seduces</a> a delicate classmate, Ernst.</div>
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This musical is a frank and intense critique of a dogmatic society that inhibits sexuality. It has some graphic scenes and sexual content, and is recommended for older teenagers.</div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-82569601463428504732012-06-05T11:42:00.000-04:002012-10-17T12:38:21.475-04:00Mean Girls portrays teenage sexuality fearlessly<br />
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<a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-4.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-4.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-108" data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-4.jpg" height="378" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-4.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; float: left;" title="Mean girls 4" width="288" /></a>This has to be my most favorite post so far because it is about Mean Girls (2004), one of my all time favorite movies and one that I know the lines to. This should also be an interesting take at teenage sexuality because of the movie's colorful and humorous portrayal of the issues.</div>
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Mean Girls revolves around Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), an American girl who grew up in Africa, has been home-schooled all her life and, thus, is completely ignorant about the way an American high school works. She is thrust into the chaotic social scene and has to make a hard choice: identifying with the beautiful but mean, <i><b>superficial Plastics</b></i> or with the real, accepting social outcasts.</div>
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<i><b>Teenage sexuality</b></i> is present in many details through out the movie. For example, a scene of the <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpCvnBrjAhQ" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpCvnBrjAhQ" target="_blank">Sex Ed class</a> shows coach Carr warning students to not have sex or they would contract chlamydia and die. At the end of this irresponsible speech, he hands out condoms anyway, acknowledging that the students are having sex despite such preaching. Ironically, despite being a promoter of <b>abstinence</b>, coach Carr engages in a sexual relationship with an <b>underage</b> female student. (This has a very serious implication despite the joking way it was treated by the movie.) </div>
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The biggest lesson from Mean Girls, however, is the fact that <b>a student's sexuality defines his or her social placement</b>. You may recall the infamous scene where Cady is introduced to the cafeteria. Students divide themselves in distinct groups and sit exclusively together: "<i>freshmen, ROTC guys, preps, J.V. jocks, Asian nerds, cool Asians, varsity jocks, unfriendly black hotties, girls who eat their feelings, girls who don't eat anything, desperate wannabes, burnouts, sexually active band geeks</i>."</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-21.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-21.jpg"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-110 " data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-21.jpg" height="346" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-21.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Mean girls 2" width="614" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Regina has all the boys at her finger tips</dd></dl>
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- The Plastics are the most popular girls in school because they are beautiful and have expertly use their sexuality to manipulate people. The person who excels at this is the antagonist Regina George:</div>
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- Regina takes back her ex-boyfriend Aaron just because she doesn't want Cady to have him. Aaron is hot and popular; Regina maintains a high social status as a result.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-5.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-5.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-113" data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-5.jpg" height="360" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-5.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Mean girls 5" width="480" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Regina makes out with Aaron in front of Cady to show her power</dd></dl>
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- She cheats on Aaron by hooking up with Shane Oman in her house and above the auditorium ... just because.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-6.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-6.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-114" data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-6.jpg" height="281" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-6.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Mean girls 6" width="500" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">She two-times Aaron because she can</dd></dl>
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- When Janis, Damien, and Cady want to take down Regina, they secretly try to make her gain weight so that she her status will dwindle.</div>
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On the opposite side of the coin, being out of the <i><b>heterosexual norm</b></i> or the traditional <i><b>"hot" ideal</b></i> guarantees that you'll be an outcast:</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-31.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-31.jpg"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-111 " data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-31.jpg" height="336" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/mean-girls-31.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Mean girls 3" width="448" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Janis & Damien: being gay or lesbian makes you unpopular and weird</dd></dl>
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- Janis is considered a weird freak by the school because Regina has made up rumors about Janis being a <b>lesbian</b>.<br />
<span style="font-size: 13px;">- Damien is among the outcasts because he is "</span><b style="font-size: 13px;">too gay to function</b><span style="font-size: 13px;">."</span></div>
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Mean Girls is successful in giving sarcastic and poignant lessons by portraying an amusing, ruthless high school environment. Its biggest target is to tackle superficiality and instill the idea that people are much more than how they look or who they hook up with. I greatly recommend it to teens and adults alike.</div>
Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-26713445946903308892012-05-25T13:59:00.000-04:002012-06-22T11:37:15.581-04:00Smallville: Too much sexual tension and too little resolution<br />
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The Smallville series finally closed in May 2011, ending its tenth season and 10-year run. Personally I think the show was too overdue. I stopped watching it a long time ago despite being an initial enthusiast. However, I would still like to discuss what took place in the first three seasons.</div>
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TV shows use sex to sell, and Smallville is not an exception. Well, it would indeed be a waste with such an eye candy leading man like Tom Welling. For the first three seasons, Lois Lane - Clark's destined partner - hasn't even been introduced. But the show does not lack juicy elements.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-97" data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/smallville-3.jpg" height="281" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/smallville-3.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Smallville 3" width="500" /></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Clark & Lana</dd></dl>
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Clark has simultaneous sexual tension with his best friend Chloe and girl-next-door Lana Lang. Both of them are alluring: the former smart and adorable, the latter beautiful and vulnerable.</div>
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Nothing even happened between Clark and Chloe (despite many compromising scenes like <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd0F1XIRAlo&feature=endscreen" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd0F1XIRAlo&feature=endscreen" target="_blank">this one</a>) because the feelings came only from Chloe's side. For Lana, what constantly stood in hers and Clark's ways were his secret and her various suitors (<a data-mce-href="http://smallville.wikia.com/wiki/Clark_and_Lana" href="http://smallville.wikia.com/wiki/Clark_and_Lana" target="_blank">Smallville wikia</a>). Even when they express their feelings for each other, Clark's super power makes consummating their relationship problematic.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=690AcbZMrjE&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-95 " data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/smallville-1.jpg" height="344" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/smallville-1.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Smallville 1" width="480" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Clark's and Lana's first time (Click for clip)</dd></dl>
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An older blogger from <a data-mce-href="http://cheapsexandotherstories.blogspot.com/2009/02/sex-on-smallville.html" href="http://cheapsexandotherstories.blogspot.com/2009/02/sex-on-smallville.html" target="_blank">Cheap Sex and Other Stories</a> observes, Lana and Clark have a problem that is similar to that of Edward and Bella:</div>
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If he's 'faster than a speeding bullet/more powerful than a locomotive, then surely his ejaculate would shoot right up and through her. Killing her.</blockquote>
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Cleverly enough, the writers arrange for them to have sex during the time Clark loses his super power in<a data-mce-href="http://smallville.wikia.com/wiki/Clark_and_Lana" href="http://smallville.wikia.com/wiki/Clark_and_Lana" target="_blank"> season 5</a>. They actually lose their virginity to each other, which is really sweet (and quite unrealistic considering how many boyfriends she's had). Later on, they are able to do it again when Lana gains super power. And their combined strengths render seismic tremors all around town - just a superman version of rocking the bed.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umd6cU4PfRM&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-96" data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/smallville-2.jpg" height="348" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/smallville-2.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Smallville 2" width="491" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Their earthquake-rendering sex (Click for clip)</dd></dl>
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In my opinion, the series progressed too slowly, leaving the sexual tension between these two unresolved for seasons. And it isn't just the tension that keeps the audience on edge. Their on-and-off relationship was also constantly stormy until her tragic death in season 6. I understand that the producers have to employ this tactic to keep the show going for 10 seasons. However, it's quite ineffective in keeping a loyal audience interested in the long run.</div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-24160327405560746592012-05-14T15:28:00.000-04:002012-06-07T14:33:27.083-04:00Gossip Girl: The novel vs. the TV show<br />
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I read the Gossip Girl series in high school (circa 2007), and the Gossip Girl series on CWTV ran throughout my college career. Both creations have received much criticism for the sexual content that is too explicit for its teenage audience.</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/gossip-girl-2.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/gossip-girl-2.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-84" data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/gossip-girl-2.jpg" height="413" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/gossip-girl-2.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Gossip Girl 2" width="550" /></a></div>
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Naomi Wolf of the <a data-mce-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/12/books/review/12wolf.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/12/books/review/12wolf.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all" target="_blank">New York Times</a> critiqued the Gossip Girl novels in 2006 in an article titled: "Young Adult Fiction: Wild Thing." She wrote: "sex saturates the "Gossip Girl" books ... This is not the frank sexual exploration found in a Judy Blume novel, but teenage sexuality via Juicy Couture, blasé and entirely commodified." Then Wolf went on to quote a passage from the 8th novel "Nothing Can Keep Us Together," where Nate takes a Viagra and gets it on with Serena in a Bergdorf's dressing room. Ironically, this is one scene that I do recall from reading the series five years ago:</div>
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Nate was practically bursting as he followed Serena. . . . He grabbed her camisole and yanked it away from her body, ripping it entirely in half. . . . 'Remember when we were in the tub at my house, the summer before 10th grade?' . . . 'Yes!' 'Oh, yes!' . . . Nate began to cry as soon as it was over.</blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ungk_W2Oclc/T9Dzy7ef4CI/AAAAAAAAAJs/gU0Nfd22pWI/s1600/Gossip+Girl+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ungk_W2Oclc/T9Dzy7ef4CI/AAAAAAAAAJs/gU0Nfd22pWI/s640/Gossip+Girl+4.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Promos for the movies are stills from sex scenes dubbed with negative reviews.</span>
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As for the show, the <a data-mce-href="http://www.parentstv.org/ptc/shows/main.asp?shwid=2633" href="http://www.parentstv.org/ptc/shows/main.asp?shwid=2633" target="_blank">Parents TV Council</a> gives it a "red light" rating because of occasional "graphic simulated sex scenes" and "plenty of provocative kissing scenes, erotic situations, and skimpy clothing." But it is not the graphic sexual content that makes the series reprehensible. <a data-mce-href="http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/gossip-girl-books" href="http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/gossip-girl-books" target="_blank">Common Sense Media</a> points out the the sex is not graphic but that "it isn't always equated with love." The Parents TV Council that the sexual content in the Gossip Girl series is often "gratuitous" and the characters appear to be promiscuous.</div>
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Besides sex, there are also depictions of unhealthy and un-teen like behaviors such as rampant alcohol and drug use. <a data-mce-href="http://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/books/12058/" href="http://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/books/12058/" target="_blank">New York Magazine</a> points out the lack of consequence (in the novel) that serves to glamorize these negative actions: "kids have sex without pregnancy scares." The Parents TV Council concurs, saying the characters in the TV show often "play musical chairs with their sex-partners, but suffer no physical or psychological ramifications."<br />
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<a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/gossip-girl-3.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/gossip-girl-3.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-85" data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/gossip-girl-3.jpg" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/gossip-girl-3.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Gossip Girl 3" /></a></div>
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As an audience of both, I definitely prefer the wit of Cecily von Ziesegar's prose to the childish drama in the Josh-Schwartz-and-Stephanie-Savage-produced show. The latter seems to drag on forever, replaying the same Blair-Chuck (nicknamed Chair) over and over. At some point, the unthinkable manipulation employed by the characters wears out its charm. The fact that everyone hooks up with everyone, breaks up and hooks up again (!) makes it get old really fast. As the producers run out of ideas for controversy, they arrange for Blair to become an item with Dan, the existence of whom she has spent most of her time either abhorring and ignoring.</div>
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To reward your patience for reaching the end of this post, here are some bonus sexy scenes from the show: Blair and Chuck <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7khl3Ofqwk4" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7khl3Ofqwk4" target="_blank">having angry sex</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgZjX-4pJMA&feature=related" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgZjX-4pJMA&feature=related" target="_blank">showing off undies</a>. One of Blair's and Nate's <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlleipBF4mY&feature=related" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlleipBF4mY&feature=related" target="_blank">rare hookups</a>. Serena's & Nate's <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywrksjiINSQ&feature=related" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywrksjiINSQ&feature=related">drunken first time</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq1MWawf1P0" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq1MWawf1P0" target="_blank">fooling around in the kitchen</a>, and an <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rodtynwH-Z0" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rodtynwH-Z0">implied threesome</a> between Dan, Olivia & Vanessa.</div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-70635629596220873072012-05-07T15:26:00.001-04:002012-05-07T15:26:45.887-04:00Dropping the pants on the sisterhood<br />
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/blog-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants-2.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/blog-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants-2.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-68 " data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/blog-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants-2.jpg" height="491" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/blog-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants-2.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: default; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Blog - Sisterhood of the traveling pants 2" width="655" /></a></dt>
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I saw The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants one year after it was released, which was when I was sixteen (2006). It was based on the first book of the four-title bestselling series by Ann Brashares. I never read it and am not likely to read it now. But the movie made a big impact on me as a teenage girl.</div>
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The sisterhood consists of four girls, Bridget, Carmen, Lena and Tibby, whose mothers were in the same pregnancy fitness class. On the first summer they have ever been apart, they find a magical pair of jeans that fit all four of them, despite the fact the girls are different in shape and size. Over summer, the girls pass the jeans on to each other via mail from their different locations, along with a letter detailing their journeys.</div>
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The four main characters are incredibly stereotypical, yet they are so appealing and easy to relate to. There's Bridget (Blake Lively), the beautiful blonde athletic girl who is deeply troubled by her mother's suicide. Carmen, the smart, gregarious Latina who's made to feel inadequate by her father's new yuppie wife and step children. Lena, the sweet artsy girl who's afraid to open up, and Tibby, the sarcastic alternative girl with a nose ring, jet black hair and blue streaks.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/blog-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/blog-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-69 " data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/blog-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants.jpg" height="504" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/blog-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: default; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Blog - Sisterhood of the traveling pants" width="631" /></a></dt>
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Guess who gets laid first?</div>
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Bridget has a crush on a coach at her soccer camp in Mexico (Eric), flirts with him, seduces him at a dance club and loses her virginity to him one night on the beach. The emotional reaction following this is worth discussing. Sex with Eric leaves her feeling empty and listless, which is not what she expected. Her mood swings make her afraid that she was going to be depressed like her mother. Bridget is full of disappointment and distress. The movie implies that she is is mistaken to hope that sexual intimacy will fulfill her. The message is that sex should only happen when she is happy and calm within herself.</div>
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It is not only the sexual awakening that leaves a mark. Lena, while visiting her family in Greece, falls in love with a guy whose family is her family's sworn enemy (A Romeo & Juliet situation). Carmen has to deal with her insecurities and rage at feeling abandoned. Tibby's sarcastic world view is challenged by the purity and compassion of a young leukemia-inflicted girl. The movie set ups dramatic situations but portray very realistic character development. The audience seems to experience emotional catharsis as they root for each girl to overcome her problems.</div>
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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is an inspiring for teenage girls who are struggling to define their identities. I enjoyed it at that age, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get inside the emotionally turbulent world of a teenage girl.</div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-72085275369389774502012-04-18T15:14:00.000-04:002012-04-18T15:14:45.372-04:00Logos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8sk0Uhmk_oo/T48SWrdxPOI/AAAAAAAAAJU/OQN7uxBk1hA/s1600/Digital+design+-+Logo+Barnes&Noble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8sk0Uhmk_oo/T48SWrdxPOI/AAAAAAAAAJU/OQN7uxBk1hA/s400/Digital+design+-+Logo+Barnes&Noble.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCu3MRxRRBk/T48SXEH1haI/AAAAAAAAAJc/XRJP_2rAv3M/s1600/Digital+design+-+Logo+Kim+K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCu3MRxRRBk/T48SXEH1haI/AAAAAAAAAJc/XRJP_2rAv3M/s400/Digital+design+-+Logo+Kim+K.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9J1Fl7sVngc/T48SXo5lOWI/AAAAAAAAAJk/uxobZCbJ8mQ/s1600/Digital+design+-+Logo+Michael+Bloomberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9J1Fl7sVngc/T48SXo5lOWI/AAAAAAAAAJk/uxobZCbJ8mQ/s400/Digital+design+-+Logo+Michael+Bloomberg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-46990648971332768772012-03-24T23:51:00.000-04:002012-05-07T15:27:47.062-04:00Twilight avoids explicit sex but fails at promoting abstinence<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
It will be a remiss to have a blog about Young Adult literature and not mention good old Twilight. So here is my spiel on it.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/twilight-1.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/twilight-1.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-44" data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/twilight-1.jpg" height="400" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/twilight-1.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Breaking Dawn scene" width="332" /></a></dt>
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I read the Twilight series when it was exploding in 2008. I loved it, just like I loved The Princess Diaries and Gossip Girl when I was 15 or 16. It was mostly the fantasy that pulled me in - the fantasy of having a chiseled boyfriend who's strong enough to protect me from anything, sharing a secret world with him and being comforted by his incredibly sweet scent and marble chest. However, after getting over honeymoon phrase with Twilight, I grew up and realized how annoying some of the series' messages are.</div>
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In preparing for the post, I researched articles regarding the topic of sex in Twilight. Many of them (e.g. <a data-mce-href="http://blogs.psychcentral.com/pop-psychology/2010/03/sex-in-twilight-an-argument-for-bella/" href="http://blogs.psychcentral.com/pop-psychology/2010/03/sex-in-twilight-an-argument-for-bella/" target="_blank">PsychCentral</a>) criticize the book for painting an unrealistic picture for teenagers, i.e. no teenage boy has as much self-control as Edward Cullen. Despite his natural urge to bite in Bella's neck and suck her aromatic blood, he is able to restrain himself and act as a harmless creature around her. After all, he's had 108 years of celibacy under his belt. Bella, on the other hand, is unashamed of her sexual desires and usually the one who pushes for sex.</div>
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After all the sexual tension, the two finally get married (Bella is 18) and are able to consummate their relationship in book 4, Breaking Dawn. Stephanie Meyer is careful to not include explicit details of the sex, which is disappointing for more mature readers like me. It ends with Edward and Bella skinny dipping in the ocean and cuts right to where Bella wakes up ecstatic the next morning (<em>Isle Esme</em>, Book 1). In fact, the producers of Breaking Dawn the movie re-imagined this literally headboard-breaking sex scene but had to cut it because it is <a data-mce-href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2054679/Kristen-Stewart-opens-Breaking-Dawn-sex-scene-steamy-show.html" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2054679/Kristen-Stewart-opens-Breaking-Dawn-sex-scene-steamy-show.html" target="_blank">too steamy</a> for a PG-13 rating.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/twilight-2.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/twilight-2.jpg"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-46 " data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/twilight-2.jpg" height="378" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/twilight-2.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: default; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Breaking Dawn sex scene" width="234" /></a></dt>
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I find nothing wrong with sex before/outside marriage. However, it would be hypocritical to say Twilight promotes abstinence. Obviously Bella cannot keep it in her pants long enough. It's almost as if she gives into getting married at 18 just to get in the sack with Edward. After the first time they have sex, Edward feels guilty and is reluctant to do it again because he is afraid he hurts her too much. Bella uses every excuse to persuade him otherwise, including going to college and waiting until she's 19 to become a vampire (She was really impatient to be changed asap because she doesn't want to be much older than the forever 17-year-old Edward).</div>
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“Sex was the key all along?” He rolled his eyes. “Why didn’t I think of that?” he muttered sarcastically.</blockquote>
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To desire sex is human nature, and there's no argument about that. What I find annoying is getting married early just so you can have sex "within" marriage. My problem with the Twilight series in general is also that Bella's love for Edward is glorified as eternal. For all I know, she could just be another teenage girl foolishly falling in love, getting married and getting knocked up at 18.</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/twilight-3.jpg" href="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/twilight-3.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-49" data-mce-src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/twilight-3.jpg" height="241" src="http://pinkpas.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/twilight-3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Breaking Dawn " width="400" /></a></div>
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Many writers discussing the issue of sex in Twilight can't help but mentioning Judy Blume's novels. The general agreement seems to be that, even though Judy Blume came decades before Stephanie Meyer, had a more progressive attitude toward teenage sex. Blume discusses realistic sexual encounters (i.e. Forever) while Meyer is more idealistic in her view of teenage sexuality (sex within marriage, eternal love).</div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-82506707885218161792012-03-21T13:24:00.002-04:002012-03-21T13:25:29.678-04:00Midterm: Abstract typeFrom the poem <i>Landscape with the Fall of Icarus</i> by William Carlos Williams, I picked the word "spring." To me, spring is something very specious, bright and lively, budding out of the cold and harshness of winter. It's synonymous with flowers, femininity and sinuous movement. <br />
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This is why I chose to spell out the word by arranging jewelry on a black canvas. The floral pendants and soft curves of the letters represent the meaning of spring. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-biY63FSiu-k/T2oODbJr24I/AAAAAAAAAIM/Vi-L3PKZrkc/s1600/Digital%2Bdesign%2B-%2BSpring%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-biY63FSiu-k/T2oODbJr24I/AAAAAAAAAIM/Vi-L3PKZrkc/s400/Digital%2Bdesign%2B-%2BSpring%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jOHuZcBh2c/T2oODpRyB_I/AAAAAAAAAIY/jxy9vgJopMI/s1600/Digital%2Bdesign%2B-%2BSpring%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jOHuZcBh2c/T2oODpRyB_I/AAAAAAAAAIY/jxy9vgJopMI/s400/Digital%2Bdesign%2B-%2BSpring%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocuiCwdC2oo/T2oOECdeWTI/AAAAAAAAAIk/sTI9wfPNGWI/s1600/Digital%2Bdesign%2B-%2BSpring%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocuiCwdC2oo/T2oOECdeWTI/AAAAAAAAAIk/sTI9wfPNGWI/s400/Digital%2Bdesign%2B-%2BSpring%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DrvJ9_ZkPa8/T2oOEzDsXII/AAAAAAAAAIw/bzU89c74RG8/s1600/Digital%2Bdesign%2B-%2BSpring%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DrvJ9_ZkPa8/T2oOEzDsXII/AAAAAAAAAIw/bzU89c74RG8/s400/Digital%2Bdesign%2B-%2BSpring%2B%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3pjaSFvu1g/T2oOFdvu5EI/AAAAAAAAAI8/fH8Zurt_3fU/s1600/Digital%2Bdesign%2B-%2BSpring%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3pjaSFvu1g/T2oOFdvu5EI/AAAAAAAAAI8/fH8Zurt_3fU/s400/Digital%2Bdesign%2B-%2BSpring%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXuuStlVFNY/T2oOe1JuJkI/AAAAAAAAAJE/jUAt0amI1oc/s1600/Digital+design+-+Spring+(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXuuStlVFNY/T2oOe1JuJkI/AAAAAAAAAJE/jUAt0amI1oc/s400/Digital+design+-+Spring+(6).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vr0MT73N2rs/T2oOgL_fd-I/AAAAAAAAAJM/XkrNuMznYoc/s1600/Digital+design+-+Spring+whole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vr0MT73N2rs/T2oOgL_fd-I/AAAAAAAAAJM/XkrNuMznYoc/s640/Digital+design+-+Spring+whole.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-15100124934182142322012-03-07T17:25:00.005-05:002012-03-08T18:29:29.535-05:00History of a font<center><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iU79AACmG8o/T1k-1o4h8rI/AAAAAAAAAIA/r12AzObPMH0/s1600/Digital+design+-+Helvetica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="37" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iU79AACmG8o/T1k-1o4h8rI/AAAAAAAAAIA/r12AzObPMH0/s400/Digital+design+-+Helvetica.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</center><center><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHnN_Fbnj6M/T1k-1YdrEYI/AAAAAAAAAH4/gvX0csYSLHM/s1600/Digital+design+-+Helvetica+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHnN_Fbnj6M/T1k-1YdrEYI/AAAAAAAAAH4/gvX0csYSLHM/s200/Digital+design+-+Helvetica+2.jpg" width="150" /></a></center><br />
A whole 80-minute about font is a bit of a overkill. Nevertheless, I was able to learn something about – not only Helvetica itself – the rules typography and its social construction. The history of how Helvetica came about isn’t as interesting as the meaning it was associated with in that time period.<br />
<div class="p1"><br />
</div><div class="p2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Helvetica was invented in Switzerland in 1957. Originally named Neue Haas Grotesk, it was later changed to Helvetica, which means the Swiss type face. According to the experts who spoke in the movie, this type has a visual wholesomeness about it. It is quite symmetrical across the horizontal axis, and is formed by the (negative) space instead of imposing the line on the background. Like Switzerland in World War II, Helvetica’s most remarkable quality is its <span class="s1"><i>neutrality. </i></span> </div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The popularity of Helvetica is more easily explained when one considers the historical context surrounding it. Helvetica was invented after World War II, and associated with the modernist movement, which is an industrial ideal that aspires to functionalism, effectiveness and utilitarianism. As the experts said, Helvetica doesn’t distract from the message. The type is clean, neutral and efficient so that the meaning is conveyed through the content of the words. In the industrial world, such a quality is very desirable. </div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>I think the political correctness of being <span class="s1"><i>neutral</i></span> and its association with the modern society makes Helvetica a powerful type. It’s interesting to see how many logos are illustrated by this type, from every day brands like the MTA system, Greyhound, Sears, JC Penney, Oral B, Energizer, The North Face, Verizon, Target to more fancy and specialty ones BMW, Toyota, Muji and Fendi. Helvetica is used by governmental agencies because it implies transparency, accessibility and accountability, which helps to shape the public’s attitude toward such institutions. The type is extremely versatile and almost chameleon – it’s professional when used by American Airlines and cheeky when used by American Apparel. </div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p2"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Like any social meme, Helvetica experiences rise and fall. Through the 50-plus years of its existence, post-modernism has replaced modernism as the progressive ideal. The type that was once so innovative becomes too familiar, predictable and ends up conformist and routine. As Helvetica’s story comes in full circle, the movie ends on an open note. It demonstrates the greatness of one type face but anticipates a future where type face design will experience some drastic paradigm shift just like it did with Helvetica. </div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-7975971361321240562012-02-29T14:23:00.003-05:002012-03-04T22:48:12.748-05:00Type face: effective and ineffective<b>Effective</b>:<br />
1. At Coterie fashion trade show: This print san-serif font is large and effective in communicating information in a very large convention space. Still, it maintains sophistication and channels the dynamic, trendy vibe of the event.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vx6yjSynIfI/T053u3AUjVI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/mKkCOdjCCno/s1600/3+Type+1+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vx6yjSynIfI/T053u3AUjVI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/mKkCOdjCCno/s400/3+Type+1+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yCY4nADHTvc/T053vcpKwbI/AAAAAAAAAGY/5rHJHTL9_Bo/s1600/3+Type+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yCY4nADHTvc/T053vcpKwbI/AAAAAAAAAGY/5rHJHTL9_Bo/s400/3+Type+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Milly - a participating brand at Coterie. The type face is very curly and feminine, appropriate for a high-end brand that retails at department stores like Saks and Neiman Marcus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNPGrxvzRGE/T053v-JifhI/AAAAAAAAAGg/skogcPGR5WU/s1600/3+Type+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNPGrxvzRGE/T053v-JifhI/AAAAAAAAAGg/skogcPGR5WU/s400/3+Type+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Max and Cleo: has an interesting choice of type - it's quite minimalist. The simplicity also contrasts with the image, which has soft movements. I think it reflects the brand's clothing, which are mid-end, practical dresses for women. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xunTqSq_0f0/T053wQGLzVI/AAAAAAAAAGo/bp0sppyr-LM/s1600/3+Type+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xunTqSq_0f0/T053wQGLzVI/AAAAAAAAAGo/bp0sppyr-LM/s400/3+Type+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. The Bread Factory: The font conveys something quite fun and energetic. It is easy to read and stands out because it is framed by the circles. It looks like a stamp of quality. It kind of reminds me of the <a href="http://www.koshertopia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/CoffeeBean-1.jpg" target="_blank">Coffee Bean logo</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLm1zX3HhL8/T1QyfHhgrWI/AAAAAAAAAG4/JOSxGMMC7u8/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Bread+factory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLm1zX3HhL8/T1QyfHhgrWI/AAAAAAAAAG4/JOSxGMMC7u8/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Bread+factory.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. The Holy Cross School: The font is very prominent. This serif font is neither too complicated (hard to read) or unsophisticated (too commercial, plain).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsllcpkyscA/T1QylmLuUxI/AAAAAAAAAHA/vEWG_jItrkk/s1600/Digital+design+-+Holy+cross.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsllcpkyscA/T1QylmLuUxI/AAAAAAAAAHA/vEWG_jItrkk/s400/Digital+design+-+Holy+cross.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Ineffective:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Banner for the new Bud Light Platinum. The new design of a slim, blue bottle closely resembles that of a <a href="http://thesocialdrinker.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/skyy-vodka-lg.jpg?w=231&h=300&h=300" target="_blank">Skyy vodka bottle</a>. The metal effect of the letters helps to make it pop. The type is also large enough to catch attention. However, the type seems too generic (all caps) to convey the exclusive/high end image of the product.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkbUiIHXzzw/T053w0fovOI/AAAAAAAAAGw/p-WhhWopi_I/s1600/3+Type+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkbUiIHXzzw/T053w0fovOI/AAAAAAAAAGw/p-WhhWopi_I/s400/3+Type+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. "Enter" sign: The type is very bold. But the shortness of the letters and the way they're stacked vertically make them very hard to read. The same problem applies to the Samaritan Village Veteran Program sign below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQMJ2ToZU9I/T1Q1dNn7-mI/AAAAAAAAAHI/dEsgPEV5_1o/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Parking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQMJ2ToZU9I/T1Q1dNn7-mI/AAAAAAAAAHI/dEsgPEV5_1o/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Parking.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
3. Samaritan:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DwMzGXH9eCI/T1Q1jmB9EEI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/oKmH7mb5WA8/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Samatarian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DwMzGXH9eCI/T1Q1jmB9EEI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/oKmH7mb5WA8/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Samatarian.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Schnippers: The all-caps type is hard to read. The letters stand alone without a solid background to make them pop. Maybe it works better at night. Also, it's circus-y, doesn't really make me think of a restaurant. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRjKkhfSxL0/T1Q1p-FIwrI/AAAAAAAAAHY/LFpT2w-wd5o/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Schnippers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRjKkhfSxL0/T1Q1p-FIwrI/AAAAAAAAAHY/LFpT2w-wd5o/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Schnippers.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
5. Spider-man Turn off the dark: The font looks like something that is written in chalk on blackboard. It is a creative type but doesn't really work for the concept of the show.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo9XkDpavyw/T1Q1wTTSMiI/AAAAAAAAAHg/yaxKOefO3ic/s1600/DSCN4290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo9XkDpavyw/T1Q1wTTSMiI/AAAAAAAAAHg/yaxKOefO3ic/s400/DSCN4290.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-81856084132418914452012-02-24T23:01:00.001-05:002012-03-05T23:56:54.796-05:00Need tips for a cool Mother's day gift?<span style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Mother's day this year falls on my parents' 23rd wedding anniversary. They're only 2 years shy from celebrating their silver anniversary. I'm happy for them, and there's more reason to make this day special for my mum. Luckily, Gizoo has thought up some worthy gift packages, as well as novel, humorous items for this occasion. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INO8ehKMv70/T1WWAavyc5I/AAAAAAAAAHo/4mKHXJmCAuU/s1600/Mother's+day+-+Fake+candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INO8ehKMv70/T1WWAavyc5I/AAAAAAAAAHo/4mKHXJmCAuU/s320/Mother's+day+-+Fake+candles.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extremely real-looking faux candles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I find the <a href="http://www.gizoo.co.uk/Products/ExperienceDays/ExperiencesForHer/pamperChoiceExperience.htm" target="_blank">Pamper Experience</a> and <a href="http://www.gizoo.co.uk/Products/ExperienceDays/ExperiencesForHim/relaxationDayExperience.htm" target="_blank">Relaxation Day</a> packages legit. In the first one, mums can choose either a makeover (hair treatment/styling and makeup by a professional), a makeup lesson OR a beauty treatment (aromatherapy massage, mani or pedi). My mum is a hair person and doesn't do a lot of makeup, so I'd definitely recommend her the first choice. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Relaxation Day is a more expensive option but can really take away the stress as it includes a facial and upper body massage. The great experience, rather than any material gift, will be the best present for mums. If you're too broke to get her these luxurious treatments, you can try to help her re-create a spa environment at home with these faux <a href="http://www.gizoo.co.uk/Products/HomeGarden/Bathroom/GelSpaBath.htm" target="_blank">bath jelly</a>, <a href="http://www.gizoo.co.uk/Products/HomeGarden/Lighting/VanillaCandles.htm" target="_blank">vanilla candles</a> and <a href="http://www.gizoo.co.uk/Products/HealthFitness/Relax/MassagingBath.htm" target="_blank">massaging bath pillows</a>. My former roommate actually owns similar candles. They work great as decor and are safe for furniture, kids and yourself (!)</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">I also come across this fabulous <a href="http://www.gizoo.co.uk/Products/HomeGarden/Kitchen/BrownPaperBag.htm" target="_blank">brown "paper" lunch bag</a>. My mum usually packs her lunch, and this would work perfectly for her. I love the paper-bag appearance of this container so much that I'm tempted to get one for myself. As an environmentally conscious person, I'm even more excited about the fact that this reusable bag will significantly reduce the use of paper bags and save trees.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iChH4ok1wag/T1WW0pfniTI/AAAAAAAAAHw/z-28pfUSsug/s1600/Mother's+day+-+Lunch+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iChH4ok1wag/T1WW0pfniTI/AAAAAAAAAHw/z-28pfUSsug/s1600/Mother's+day+-+Lunch+bag.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An environmentally-friendly take on the classic brown paper bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Be sure to check out Gizoo for more cute <a href="http://www.gizoo.co.uk/Products/HomeGarden/Kitchen/CameraLensMug.htm" target="_blank">mugs</a>, <a href="http://www.gizoo.co.uk/Products/HomeGarden/Kitchen/FirstClassApron.htm" target="_blank">aprons</a> and other mum-friendly gadgets. Happy gift hunting!</span></span>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-35751109727965532192012-02-21T22:14:00.000-05:002012-02-21T22:14:44.376-05:00Lines, shapes and textures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week's assignment was to find three pictures (each) that focus on line, shape and texture. Here they are:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Line</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktfId7Yl1Fc/T0Rbx8HNoKI/AAAAAAAAAEE/jFoQKwAXhOM/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Line+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktfId7Yl1Fc/T0Rbx8HNoKI/AAAAAAAAAEE/jFoQKwAXhOM/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Line+(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RanAGzKd_3c/T0Rb3oki-MI/AAAAAAAAAFI/_sr6b7KWjY8/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Line+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RanAGzKd_3c/T0Rb3oki-MI/AAAAAAAAAFI/_sr6b7KWjY8/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Line+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pw4IUs4pAIU/T0Rb9BX3yII/AAAAAAAAAFQ/hH-eejOErlM/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Line+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pw4IUs4pAIU/T0Rb9BX3yII/AAAAAAAAAFQ/hH-eejOErlM/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Line+(3).JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Shape</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pO6PKqBxgUI/T0RcDz04RFI/AAAAAAAAAFY/SJ3YAPXEaxs/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Shape+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pO6PKqBxgUI/T0RcDz04RFI/AAAAAAAAAFY/SJ3YAPXEaxs/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Shape+(1).JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3O1KWuehFiw/T0RcGKJ3mII/AAAAAAAAAFg/VVNcgoQe8C8/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Shape+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3O1KWuehFiw/T0RcGKJ3mII/AAAAAAAAAFg/VVNcgoQe8C8/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Shape+(2).JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7D4-xXF4Z6c/T0RcJV8hGVI/AAAAAAAAAFo/RNkSVsO48ZU/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Shape+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7D4-xXF4Z6c/T0RcJV8hGVI/AAAAAAAAAFo/RNkSVsO48ZU/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Shape+(3).JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Texture</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aH5-nYdC9XM/T0RcX0BmUII/AAAAAAAAAF4/zW4KohDckAk/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Texture+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aH5-nYdC9XM/T0RcX0BmUII/AAAAAAAAAF4/zW4KohDckAk/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Texture+(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggw-DhGP-Rs/T0RcmihFtHI/AAAAAAAAAGA/6IIAZX1Eqcs/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Texture+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggw-DhGP-Rs/T0RcmihFtHI/AAAAAAAAAGA/6IIAZX1Eqcs/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Texture+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOCnRGZ3GJM/T0RcuGXcZbI/AAAAAAAAAGI/eaErmG0iwxw/s1600/Digital+design+-+2+Texture+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOCnRGZ3GJM/T0RcuGXcZbI/AAAAAAAAAGI/eaErmG0iwxw/s400/Digital+design+-+2+Texture+(3).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-73021460924189046542012-02-15T11:59:00.000-05:002012-02-15T11:59:17.816-05:00Digital design: Playing with shapes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jTEqBjqyCo/TzviEL6sM6I/AAAAAAAAADM/pVeNYxOUatc/s1600/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jTEqBjqyCo/TzviEL6sM6I/AAAAAAAAADM/pVeNYxOUatc/s640/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
As part of my Digital Design and Usability class, I will be keeping a blog documenting weekly assignments. The first one focuses on playing around with shapes. I extracted 5 shapes from this beautiful creek landscape (taken by my boyfriend in Colorado I believe) and arranged them in 6 compositions that depict different emotions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNbNvEIl5As/TzviXOIf0BI/AAAAAAAAADU/YT4NBDheSh4/s1600/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes+anger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNbNvEIl5As/TzviXOIf0BI/AAAAAAAAADU/YT4NBDheSh4/s320/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes+anger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anger</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7k5qrLlitIo/TzviasquX8I/AAAAAAAAADc/ERCS_IZ4qEs/s1600/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes+busy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7k5qrLlitIo/TzviasquX8I/AAAAAAAAADc/ERCS_IZ4qEs/s320/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes+busy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Busyness</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbKyV4DWrEc/Tzvid6n_1mI/AAAAAAAAADk/YH0PVGJKbFI/s1600/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes+growth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbKyV4DWrEc/Tzvid6n_1mI/AAAAAAAAADk/YH0PVGJKbFI/s320/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes+growth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Growth</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-msOrkImW0FE/Tzvig2Y4YKI/AAAAAAAAADs/-I_vkfken5M/s1600/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes+intimacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-msOrkImW0FE/Tzvig2Y4YKI/AAAAAAAAADs/-I_vkfken5M/s320/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes+intimacy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Intimacy</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pccNu7Yh1c/Tzvij9dQjHI/AAAAAAAAAD0/lVruU2s2FMY/s1600/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes+loneliness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pccNu7Yh1c/Tzvij9dQjHI/AAAAAAAAAD0/lVruU2s2FMY/s320/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes+loneliness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Loneliness</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVfS6t6YNPg/Tzvim5vvZHI/AAAAAAAAAD8/vUPWLWqXFH0/s1600/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes+serenity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVfS6t6YNPg/Tzvim5vvZHI/AAAAAAAAAD8/vUPWLWqXFH0/s320/Digital+design+-+1+Shapes+serenity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Serenity</div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-15258182495030868652012-02-14T10:52:00.000-05:002012-02-15T11:44:12.774-05:00Happy Valentine's Day world!This is my FIRST V-day ever I get to celebrate with a significant other, namely a cute, nerdy software programmer by the nickname P-Lo. So I guess I'm allowed to gloat and be cheesy. However, I will try to refrain myself ... I was inspired by an image I found online to make this cute simple card. Ironic =) Get it? The card is the back of an envelop.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="304" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431514_10150533514936487_565871486_9332705_1185833155_n.jpg" title="Valentine's Day card" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What Valentine celebration can be complete without a love song? Here is My Valentine by Paul McCartney, a sad but beautiful song I saw at the Grammy. I sent my parents the video because they are Beatles fans and celebrating their 28th year of being in love.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lcXHtcR3deY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-5102374633387648202012-02-08T13:47:00.000-05:002012-02-08T13:47:15.053-05:00Visiting an old friend: H&M Dressing Room<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I was searching for an website built from HTML for my Web Production class. I didn't even know where to look until I somehow recalled H&M Dressing Room. I'd discovered this probably two years ago and had <a data-mce-href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/play-up-the-tights/" href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/play-up-the-tights/">SO much fun</a> playing dress up on the models (it's like playing with Barbies for grown-up girls). Here's an <a data-mce-href="http://www.hm.com/us/dressingroom/LADIES;jsessionid=F91571ABB75D93AF9823ACC1F5B54004?aid=97701-A#Nr=4294959749" href="http://www.hm.com/us/dressingroom/LADIES;jsessionid=F91571ABB75D93AF9823ACC1F5B54004?aid=97701-A#Nr=4294959749">outfit</a> I spontaneously put together as a demonstration for my class blog's entry. Check it out and you'll be instantly addicted!</div><div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-mce-style="width: 460px;" id="attachment_1232" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10px; padding-top: 4px; width: 460px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/visiting-an-old-friend-hm-dressing-room/hm-1/" href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/visiting-an-old-friend-hm-dressing-room/hm-1/" rel="attachment wp-att-1232"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-1232" data-mce-src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/hm-1.jpg" height="561" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/hm-1.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="H&M dressing room" width="450" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 0px;">Preppy blouse, cardigan, shorts layered over tights, green pumps & faux leather bag</dd></dl></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Here's my analysis of why the interactive website is so great:</div><blockquote style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #234a89;" style="color: #234a89;">Visitors can choose from a variety of backgrounds and models. They can browse a vast number of of H&M items, including underwear, tops, pants, skirts, dresses, coats, tights, shoes, jewelry and purses. To put an item on the model, the user simply clicks on it. She just clicks again to undo. She can pick a different color of the piece of clothing or a different way to wear it on the model.</span> </blockquote><blockquote style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #234a89;" style="color: #234a89;">The interaction allows users to imagine how clothes would look on a real person. It demonstrates the effect of layering different items of clothing. The model figure can be viewed from the front as well as from behind. After creating a satisfactory outfit, users can publish it into an image file and post it on other media. The price of each item is conveniently displayed next to it, which highlights H&M low-price positioning.</span> </blockquote><blockquote style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #234a89;" style="color: #234a89;">The dressing room is a very fun website for customers. It looks sleek, modern and pretty. It's like a virtual version of playing with dolls as little kids. It's also a great advertising for H&M products. Once customers see how good an item could look, they're more likely to go to the store and try it on (H&M US currently doesn't sell its clothes online).</span></blockquote>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-14262706765382889752012-02-06T22:19:00.001-05:002012-02-06T22:20:06.274-05:00On a productive sick dayOver the weekend I came down with my old enemy - sinusitis. I was slightly feverish on Sunday with muscle aches. So I decided to not come in to work today, which was a good idea. I spent the whole day sneezing my lungs out and blowing my nose. Nevertheless, I did some of my favorite things and got quite some stuff done:<br />
- Sip G7 instant coffee.<br />
- Eat a hero sandwich with butter and spam.<br />
- Read Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers" for class on a borrowed Kindle keyboard.<br />
- Get a bunch of quarters.<br />
- Go to a laundromat for the first time.<br />
- Get some cooking in.<br />
- Do homework.<br />
<br />
<div style="position:relative;width:500px;height:500px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/sick_day/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=43417582"><img title="Sick day" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/43417582/id/rW-NjqmvRg_46ZNf7qrDKw/size/x.jpg" alt="Sick day" width="500" height="500" border="0" /></a></div> <br />
<div><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/sick_day/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=43417582">Sick day</a> by <a href="http://vannessanguyen.polyvore.com/?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste">vannessanguyen</a></small></div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-46330430322395844522012-02-05T21:59:00.000-05:002012-02-05T21:59:09.267-05:00Shoes that pacify the "slingback synapse"<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I stumbled upon this funny 2007 commercial from UK footwear brand Brantano today. It basically sets up Anne-Marie Brantano as a fictional psychologist who discovered the "<strong><em>sling-back synapse</em></strong>" in women's brains. This fuels women's irrational actions about shoes such as "shoe rage," which is worsened by being forced to wait or not being given the right shoe size. It was dubbed <a data-mce-href="http://tvs-worst-adverts.co.uk/brantano/" href="http://tvs-worst-adverts.co.uk/brantano/" target="_blank">TV worse ads</a> by the TWA blog. I find it silly indeed, and somehow the lab setting keeps reminding of <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qegm5Z5rmVw" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qegm5Z5rmVw" target="_blank">Trojan commercials</a>.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sgb2TcntHmk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">You have to admit, though, that "slingback synapse" is a very sticky catchphrase. The original idea was just unsuccessfully translated into a commercial. Anyway I venture to take a look at Brantano website to see what the store has to offer. Price-wise, it is equivalent of Aldo. However, Brantano carries shoes that are very wearable, aka shoes that don't have not 7-inch heels.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">My first impression of Brantano is that the designs seem more <em>conservative</em>. You can see that by browsing the <a data-mce-href="http://bit.ly/AFhDxn" href="http://bit.ly/AFhDxn" target="_blank">boots section</a> and discovering mostly <em>black, slouchy or ankle boots</em> with low heels. Also the dressy shoes section has a wide selection of <a data-mce-href="http://bit.ly/Ake8n2" href="http://bit.ly/Ake8n2" target="_blank">Mary Janes</a>.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Nevertheless, I found some cute and comfortable options for women who like dressing up. For example, these <a data-mce-href="http://bit.ly/xzuI9d" href="http://bit.ly/xzuI9d" target="_blank">Clarks black suede slingbacks</a>, standing at 3 inches, are classy and versatile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QfUo3jXQN8/Ty9Bevz2URI/AAAAAAAAACI/jgWfxzhR0-k/s1600/Brantano+-+Clarks+slingback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QfUo3jXQN8/Ty9Bevz2URI/AAAAAAAAACI/jgWfxzhR0-k/s320/Brantano+-+Clarks+slingback.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I'm actually falling in love with the Red Level brand - check out the </span><a data-mce-href="http://bit.ly/zNzACn" href="http://bit.ly/zNzACn" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank"><strong><em>nude</em> <em>suede round-toe pumps</em></strong></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> and</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><em style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><a data-mce-href="http://bit.ly/yJsUDk" href="http://bit.ly/yJsUDk" target="_blank">coral pink patent pumps</a></strong></em><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">. They all go for 22 British pounds, which is only 35 USD. I hope they are as comfortable as they look.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7siZcO95VGU/Ty9Bf-M5BYI/AAAAAAAAACo/slEX9DrH3ME/s1600/Brantano+-+Red+Level+coral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7siZcO95VGU/Ty9Bf-M5BYI/AAAAAAAAACo/slEX9DrH3ME/s320/Brantano+-+Red+Level+coral.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZ1vK93qtKw/Ty9BgIVjy1I/AAAAAAAAACw/SVgYv6GhQzs/s1600/Brantano+-+Red+Level+nude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZ1vK93qtKw/Ty9BgIVjy1I/AAAAAAAAACw/SVgYv6GhQzs/s320/Brantano+-+Red+Level+nude.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">These </span><a data-mce-href="http://bit.ly/wrePGN" href="http://bit.ly/wrePGN" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank"><strong><em>bubble gum</em> <em>pink patent pumps</em></strong></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">, only 2.75 inches tall, are extremely girly and flirty (Doesn't it remind you of the</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://blog.80millionmoviesfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/mean-girls-2.jpg" href="http://blog.80millionmoviesfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/mean-girls-2.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Mean Girls wardrobe</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">??).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iDhlWDXBrM/Ty9BgVHPwYI/AAAAAAAAAC4/hoEewuLMCnU/s1600/Brantano+-+Red+Level+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iDhlWDXBrM/Ty9BgVHPwYI/AAAAAAAAAC4/hoEewuLMCnU/s320/Brantano+-+Red+Level+pink.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Brantano also carries Hush Puppies, the US brand that was well-known in the 60s and experienced a surge of popularity again in the mid-90s. Of course, the store also stocks on shoes for sports and other occasions, as well as for <a data-mce-href="http://bit.ly/zmM6nm" href="http://bit.ly/zmM6nm" target="_blank">men</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://bit.ly/xyfc1f" href="http://bit.ly/xyfc1f" target="_blank">kids</a>.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dArOY9_HNj4/Ty9BfLigQ0I/AAAAAAAAACQ/hEA7XmL7rCg/s1600/Brantano+-+Hush+puppies+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dArOY9_HNj4/Ty9BfLigQ0I/AAAAAAAAACQ/hEA7XmL7rCg/s320/Brantano+-+Hush+puppies+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wT1Yw-VzW4c/Ty9BfVzqXkI/AAAAAAAAACY/lyJow4Rhrok/s1600/Brantano+-+Hush+puppies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wT1Yw-VzW4c/Ty9BfVzqXkI/AAAAAAAAACY/lyJow4Rhrok/s320/Brantano+-+Hush+puppies+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVR7EQSgoHA/Ty9BfjuMwRI/AAAAAAAAACg/bcrjoh_ZjCY/s1600/Brantano+-+Hush+puppies+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVR7EQSgoHA/Ty9BfjuMwRI/AAAAAAAAACg/bcrjoh_ZjCY/s320/Brantano+-+Hush+puppies+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-76228401143985778042012-01-28T23:27:00.000-05:002012-01-28T23:27:02.004-05:00Are fashion interns the new assistants?<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I started my first week as a fashion intern this week. I'm actually working two internships, two days a week each. For the many fashion interns in NYC who can totally relate to my experience (e.g. the girls over at <a data-mce-href="http://the-eternal-intern.blogspot.com/" href="http://the-eternal-intern.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Eternal Intern</a>), it's exactly how I imagined it to be.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
Articles about internships being the new entry-level jobs have surfaced <a data-mce-href="http://articles.cnn.com/2010-12-07/living/internship.new.entry.level.job_1_current-internship-job-market-entry-level-job?_s=PM:LIVING" href="http://articles.cnn.com/2010-12-07/living/internship.new.entry.level.job_1_current-internship-job-market-entry-level-job?_s=PM:LIVING" target="_blank">CNN</a> and the <a data-mce-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/13/are-internships-the-new-e_n_793948.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/13/are-internships-the-new-e_n_793948.html" target="_blank">Huffington</a> for more than a year now; and I'm experiencing this reality for myself as I'm preparing to graduate in May. It's very apt that my internship closely resembles Andy's junior assistantship in The Devil Wears Prada a great deal (one of my most two favorite movies of all time besides Mean Girls). Of course, my supervisors and co-workers are way nicer than Miranda and Emily.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">With all the hard work, the thing that comforts me is the fact that my contribution is needed and appreciated. Without interns, work in these places would pile up and they won't be able to run properly. Also, there's the hope that sticking it out now will help get me places.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">To end on a light note, here's a humorous bonus chart to illustrate life as a fashion intern.</div><div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-mce-style="width: 501px;" id="attachment_1204" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10px; padding-top: 4px; width: 501px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/are-fashion-interns-the-new-assistants/fashion-intern/" href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/are-fashion-interns-the-new-assistants/fashion-intern/" rel="attachment wp-att-1204"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-1204" data-mce-src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/fashion-intern.jpg" height="526" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/fashion-intern.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fashion Intern notepad" width="491" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 0px;">Life as a fashion intern</dd></dl></div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-68962450752917464822012-01-25T21:15:00.000-05:002012-01-25T21:15:03.739-05:00Confession of a new tote bag lover<div class="mceTemp" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
<dl class="wp-caption alignright" data-mce-style="width: 290px;" id="" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center; width: 290px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><br />
<img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41zMjYqwSxL._SX280_.jpg" height="304" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41zMjYqwSxL._SX280_.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marks & Spencer tote bag" width="280" /></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 0px;">Marks & Spencer Erin Eco Shopper</dd></dl></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Almost four years ago (August 2008) I came to visit London. While shopping at <em><strong>Marks & Spencer</strong></em>, I bought this canvas tote bag for only £5. I wasn't able to fully appreciate the versatility and convenience of this tote due to living on campus and never carrying around more than 5 small items, I gave the tote to my friend.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">However, last week, I found myself scrambling for a tote bag because I was going to Philly for the weekend and didn't have any appropriate-size container to pack my stuff. In a moment of desperation, I recalled this tote bag I had parted with years ago. I didn't even remember which store I got it from until now - after stumbling on it while doing searches online.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The appeal of tote bags is their <strong><em>stylish simplicity</em></strong> and <strong><em>lightness</em></strong>, allowing the user to carry some weighty items at ease. A tote bag should be sturdy and is ideally made of <strong><em>canvas</em></strong> or polyester/vinyl rather than leather. Although, leather details like buckle or shoulder straps are best at giving the bag security and visual intrigue.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">After hours of browsing Polyvore and Google, I present to you two collections of Affordable tote bags and Popular tote bags. The latter includes the insanely popular <strong><em>Longchamp's "Le Pliage"</em></strong> [foldable] tote, Bloomingdale's "<em><strong>Big Canvas Tote</strong></em>" (a word play on its signature Little Brown [shopping] Bag) and Burberry's signature print tote.</div><div data-mce-style="position: relative; width: 500px; height: 500px;" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; height: 500px; line-height: 19px; position: relative; width: 500px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/affordable_tote_bags/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42785021" href="http://www.polyvore.com/affordable_tote_bags/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42785021"><img alt="Affordable tote bags" border="0" data-mce-src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42785021/id/kk3RiVIlR421inYtam3Tkw/size/x.jpg" height="500" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42785021/id/kk3RiVIlR421inYtam3Tkw/size/x.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Affordable tote bags" width="500" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><small><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/affordable_tote_bags/set?.embedder=1167374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=42785021" href="http://www.polyvore.com/affordable_tote_bags/set?.embedder=1167374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=42785021">Affordable tote bags</a> ($50 and under)</small></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><small><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=41746845" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=41746845" rel="nofollow">Abercrombie Fitch leather tote</a>, $20<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=49138900" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=49138900" rel="nofollow">Forever 21 striped tote</a>, $13<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=49631834" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=49631834" rel="nofollow">Tote handbag</a>, $42<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=49701699" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=49701699" rel="nofollow">Magid straw tote</a>, $33<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=45788636" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=45788636" rel="nofollow">Old Navy canvas tote bag</a>, $33<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42572718" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42572718" rel="nofollow">Call it SPRING tote handbag</a>, $9<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=49114566" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=49114566" rel="nofollow">Beach tote</a>, $50<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48726597" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48726597" rel="nofollow">Mango logo tote bag</a>, £30</small></div><div data-mce-style="position: relative; width: 500px; height: 500px;" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; height: 500px; line-height: 19px; position: relative; width: 500px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/popular_tote_bags/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42785183" href="http://www.polyvore.com/popular_tote_bags/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42785183"><img alt="Popular tote bags" border="0" data-mce-src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42785183/id/04GNsxWkRquvwICJLkgxkg/size/x.jpg" height="500" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42785183/id/04GNsxWkRquvwICJLkgxkg/size/x.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Popular tote bags" width="500" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><small><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/popular_tote_bags/set?.embedder=1167374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=42785183" href="http://www.polyvore.com/popular_tote_bags/set?.embedder=1167374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=42785183">Popular tote bags</a> </small></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><small><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48790708" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48790708" rel="nofollow">Rebecca Minkoff striped tote</a>, $195<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48001916" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48001916" rel="nofollow">Banana Republic leather tote bag</a>, $150<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=40251291" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=40251291" rel="nofollow">Brown tote bag</a>, $35<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48539635" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48539635" rel="nofollow">Longchamp tote</a>, $145<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48683131" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48683131" rel="nofollow">Juicy Couture beach tote</a>, $248<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46508137" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46508137" rel="nofollow">Canvas tote</a>, $38<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=38956697" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=38956697" rel="nofollow">Burberry handbag</a>, $695<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48534954" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48534954" rel="nofollow">MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors handbag</a>, $168</small></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><small><br />
</small></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">What's your favorite tote/handbag?</div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-8625905355493152782012-01-20T19:48:00.000-05:002012-01-27T19:56:19.122-05:00Store of the day: Muji lifestyle brand<div class="mceTemp" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
<dl class="wp-caption alignleft" data-mce-style="width: 650px;" id="" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center; width: 650px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2278/2284886630_cb4fb4716c_z.jpg" height="360" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2278/2284886630_cb4fb4716c_z.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Muji store SoHo" width="640" /></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 0px;">Muji store SoHo</dd></dl></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
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I was introduced to Muji (SoHo) by my friend who went there to buy pens. At first, I was quite intrigued that there is a store dedicated to stationery. However, Muji is much more than that.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
My first impression of the place was a very "zen" atmosphere. Ambiance music in the background and a lingering smell of ginger make you feel like you were at a spa. The space was brightly lit (unlike the dark, say, Abercrombie & Fitch) and opened up with earthy tones. Like the general atmosphere of SoHo, the store was crowded but nevertheless peaceful.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
Stationery constitutes only a fraction of what this lifestyle store carries. I was very impressed with the fashion items, which range from knit capes, cotton shirts, sweaters, to boots, gloves, and handbags. Prices range from $20 to $200. Black, grey and camel are the dominant colors of these effortlessly cool items.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/muji_clothes/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42532379" href="http://www.polyvore.com/muji_clothes/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42532379"><img alt="Muji clothes" border="0" data-mce-src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42532379/id/uuFZfPq2RaGvw14QhL6tsw/size/x.jpg" height="500" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42532379/id/uuFZfPq2RaGvw14QhL6tsw/size/x.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Muji clothes" width="500" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><small><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/muji_clothes/set?.embedder=1167374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=42532379" href="http://www.polyvore.com/muji_clothes/set?.embedder=1167374&amp;.svc=copypaste&amp;id=42532379">Muji clothes</a> </small></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46960004" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46960004" rel="nofollow">Muji cape poncho</a>, $80 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46958805" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46958805" rel="nofollow">Muji ribbed tight</a>, $12 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46959491" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46959491" rel="nofollow">Muji foldable bag</a>, $41 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=47313424" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=47313424" rel="nofollow">Muji tote hand bag</a>, $49</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46959312" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46959312" rel="nofollow">Muji wool glove</a>, $21 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=44838998" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=44838998" rel="nofollow">Muji glove</a>, $25 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46960037" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46960037" rel="nofollow">Muji wool beanie hat</a>, $21 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46959575" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46959575" rel="nofollow">Vancan Abaca Tote Bag</a>, $32</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Founded in Japan in 1980, Muji's major concepts include simplicity ("through a complexity of thought and design"), recycling (eliminating waste) and a no-brand policy. The thoughtfulness shows through clever products like the gloves with special fabric on the index and thumb areas, allowing wearers to use touch screens. I highly encourage you to check out <a data-mce-href="http://muji.simplehelix.com/store" href="http://muji.simplehelix.com/store" target="_blank">Muji's online store</a> and see what it's about, even though it doesn't carry as much apparel as the store.</div><div data-mce-style="position: relative; width: 500px; height: 500px;" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; height: 500px; line-height: 19px; position: relative; width: 500px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/muji_home/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42532981" href="http://www.polyvore.com/muji_home/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42532981"><img alt="Muji home" border="0" data-mce-src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42532981/id/qsDr2SorQ-SpRmp7jvTDcA/size/x.jpg" height="500" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42532981/id/qsDr2SorQ-SpRmp7jvTDcA/size/x.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Muji home" width="500" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><small><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/muji_home/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42532981" href="http://www.polyvore.com/muji_home/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42532981">Muji home</a> </small></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46960524" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46960524" rel="nofollow">Acrylic Mug Cup - White</a>, $13 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46959825" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46959825" rel="nofollow">Portable Cheek Brush</a>, $20 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46957814" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46957814" rel="nofollow">Recycled Paper Note - Dark Grey B5</a>, $3.95</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=27065544" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=27065544" rel="nofollow">Aluminum Hexagonal Ballpoint Pen</a>, $8.25 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=47021191" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=47021191" rel="nofollow">Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen</a>, $3.75 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/linen_shoes/shop?query=linen+shoes" href="http://www.polyvore.com/linen_shoes/shop?query=linen+shoes" target="_blank">Linen shoes rack</a>, $34</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46959816" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46959816" rel="nofollow">Old Glass Set</a>, $4.95 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46958775" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46958775" rel="nofollow">Fregrance Candle Rose</a>, $5.75 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46958194" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46958194" rel="nofollow">Free Pad B5 - 80 Sheets</a>, $1.25</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46960064" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46960064" rel="nofollow">Washed W Gauze Duvet Cover</a>, $100 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46957966" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46957966" rel="nofollow">Wooden Soup Bowl L</a>, $17 <a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46959780" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46959780" rel="nofollow">Bouli Square Basket Large</a>, $44</div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-65476678021162177702012-01-14T22:39:00.001-05:002012-01-17T14:09:39.114-05:00Winter accessories: Berets and scarves<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The other day, which was very cold, I dropped by SoHo today on the way back from checking out some apartments in Queens. It was a miserably cold (windy) day and yet, SoHo was bustling with shoppers. I stumbled upon<a data-mce-href="http://ny.racked.com/archives/2011/01/13/brandy_melville_hearts_soho.php" href="http://ny.racked.com/archives/2011/01/13/brandy_melville_hearts_soho.php" target="_blank"> Brandy Melville,</a> which I had loved since visiting the Westwood store over summer.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The temperature is about 20 degrees lower than what I'm used to in SoCal. However, I felt that I had adequate preparation for dealing with this weather. I'd snatched two coats from Foreign Exchange on Black Friday for only $63 (The store had a buy-one-get-one promotion). This <a data-mce-href="http://www.feshop.net/eshop/product.php?productid=21565&cat=1432&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=3" href="http://www.feshop.net/eshop/product.php?productid=21565&cat=1432&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=3" target="_blank">cropped wool jacket</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://www.feshop.net/eshop/product.php?productid=21477&cat=1432&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=3#" href="http://www.feshop.net/eshop/product.php?productid=21477&cat=1432&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=3#" target="_blank">navy pea coat</a> are some of my smartest buys recently.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Even though the cold is bearable, the wind sometimes pushes it over the top. That is why there's a need for scarves and berets to cover my neck and ears. I like matching my beret and scarf. (I actually bought a knockoff of that Burberry scarf from Chinatown when I was in NYC two years ago).</div><div data-mce-style="position: relative; width: 500px; height: 500px;" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; height: 500px; line-height: 19px; position: relative; width: 500px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/winter_accessories/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42248620" href="http://www.polyvore.com/winter_accessories/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42248620"><img alt="Winter accessories" border="0" class="aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42248620/id/Dq0ffio-4RGN0S30v7fRkQ/size/x.jpg" data-mce-style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0;" height="500" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42248620/id/Dq0ffio-4RGN0S30v7fRkQ/size/x.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Winter accessories" width="500" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><small><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/winter_accessories/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42248620" href="http://www.polyvore.com/winter_accessories/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42248620">Winter accessories</a></small></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46721993" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46721993" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46721993.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46721993.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Sequin hat" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=47169367" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=47169367" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/47169367.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/47169367.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Burberry fringe scarve" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46724223" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46724223" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46724223.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46724223.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Friis Company acrylic scarve" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=45425557" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=45425557" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/45425557.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/45425557.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Miss Selfridge grey shawl" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48677287" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48677287" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48677287.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48677287.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="TopShop cream shawl" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48970068" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=48970068" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48970068.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48970068.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Vince Camuto slouch beret" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=41643455" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=41643455" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/41643455.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/41643455.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Cable hat" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42111497" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42111497" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/42111497.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/42111497.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Monsoon acrylic hat" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46904294" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46904294" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46904294.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46904294.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Woolrich acrylic hat" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Of course boots are staple for New York. There're so many to choose from, with different lengths, heels, styles and materials. You have knee high boots, booties, ankle boots, leather boots, suede boots, combat boots, lace-up boots, etc. My personal favorites are flat suede knee highs, although they tend to wear out on the heels.</div><div data-mce-style="position: relative; width: 500px; height: 500px;" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; height: 500px; line-height: 19px; position: relative; width: 500px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/boots/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42248924" href="http://www.polyvore.com/boots/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42248924"><img alt="Boots" border="0" class="aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42248924/id/bLVegCg-4RGiF-LxprhqhA/size/x.jpg" data-mce-style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0;" height="500" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42248924/id/bLVegCg-4RGiF-LxprhqhA/size/x.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Boots" width="500" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><small><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/boots/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42248924" href="http://www.polyvore.com/boots/set?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=42248924">Boots</a></small></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46186809" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46186809" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46186809.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46186809.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="TopShop leather shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=43600724" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=43600724" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/43600724.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/43600724.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Michael Antonio slouchy boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=41203831" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=41203831" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/41203831.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/41203831.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Wet Seal faux suede slouch boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=43431674" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=43431674" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/43431674.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/43431674.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="All Saints lace up military boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=44275011" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=44275011" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/44275011.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/44275011.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Steve Madden leather lace up boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46463407" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=46463407" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46463407.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46463407.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Isabel Marant cut out booties" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=38183915" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1167374&.svc=copypaste&id=38183915" rel="nofollow"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/38183915.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/38183915.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Zara flat lace up booties" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div><div style="padding-top: 16px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><small><br style="display: none;" /></small></div></div></div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2539761771465743679.post-91156760768385004622012-01-06T03:24:00.000-05:002012-01-06T03:24:39.709-05:00On a colorful note: Happy 2012<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">It's been warm in SoCal lately so my boyfriend and I decided to spend the afternoon at the beach. Little did we know, Malibu was surrounded with fog and chilly air as usual. To look on the bright side, I spotted a group of youths with inspiring fashion. One girl had green jeans with matching sneakers, and a dark teal leopard print top. Another guy was wearing a casual but bright turquoise hoodie with shorts.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">This makes me think of the trend with colorful jeans and neon shades. It's usually associated with hipsters and alternative dressers. In my opinion, if someone can pull of colorful jeans, they must have some sense of style. So I'm often impressed when I see such creative outfits.</div><div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-mce-style="width: 538px;" id="" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10px; padding-top: 4px; width: 538px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img alt="" class=" " data-mce-src="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2011/stylewatch/trends/110502/anna-kendrick-660.jpg" height="396" src="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2011/stylewatch/trends/110502/anna-kendrick-660.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="528" /></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 0px;">Colorful jeans on People</dd></dl></div><div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-mce-style="width: 293px;" id="" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10px; padding-top: 4px; width: 293px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://www.bestylish.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Fotolia_20242291_XS.jpg" height="424" src="http://www.bestylish.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Fotolia_20242291_XS.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="283" /></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 0px;">Turquoise hoodie</dd></dl></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Check out this article on <a data-mce-href="http://www.bestylish.org/blog/index.php/style-advice/what-hoodie-colors-to-choose" href="http://www.bestylish.org/blog/index.php/style-advice/what-hoodie-colors-to-choose">what hoodie colors to choose</a>.</div><div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-mce-style="width: 624px;" id="attachment_1157" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10px; padding-top: 4px; width: 624px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2012/01/01/on-a-colorful-note-happy-new-year/jan-1-el-matador-1/" href="http://myfashionhub.wordpress.com/2012/01/01/on-a-colorful-note-happy-new-year/jan-1-el-matador-1/" rel="attachment wp-att-1157"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-1157" data-mce-src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/jan-1-el-matador-1.jpg" height="408" src="http://myfashionhub.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/jan-1-el-matador-1.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Jan 1 - El Matador 1" width="614" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 0px;">Bonus: My bf and I at El Matador beach</dd></dl></div>Nessa Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973124432383345449noreply@blogger.com0