You Can Be A Journalist Too With Indybay.org

What defines a journalist? One who writes for a traditional news media outlet. One who follows a code of ethics, and adheres to professional and legal issues. It’s great to have these to lean back on, but these factors are not always necessary to have, although don’t get me wrong, they are important. Nevertheless, this website Indybay.org/santacruz is great and local for citizen journalism! Here, this is all about user created media. In fact, this website is part of the San Francisco Bay Area Independent Media Center. Plus, this website caters to many countries, such as Haiti and Egypt.

The individuals who make up this website are comprised of local people who write stories, take pictures, etc. that have not been covered in their traditional news outlets. These specific citizens are concerned about private decisions that have huge impacts, these include issues that deal with marches, police, and environmental issues for example. The website also provides niche genres that deal with gender and sexuality and war and peace.

In addition to giving to providing local residents a chance to write about stories, it also gives aspiring journalists an opportunity to publish their material and work at a local level. You know you can count on this website to find stories that you wouldn’t normally find somewhere else. As long as you have access to internet connection and the basic knowledge of internet skills you can become involved too.

Also, websites like this encourage and allow people to take part in I-reports. People can take pictures of their town and post them onto the website. For example, on the KSBW website, users can upload pictures about the weather or sports on the “Your Photos and Videos” section and can have their say or scenes in local news. I think this is an engaging and entertaining way to give back to your community. So, what are you waiting for? Get on it!

Chanel Resort 2011

Karl Lagerfeld has done it again! Another extraordinary show! This one took place in Saint Tropez. Here are some of my favorite looks. The little dresses are adorable, especially the color combos and the beaded matching necklaces. The encrusted bathing suits are simply gorgeous. (pics via rcfa and wwd)

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Check out this trailer to a short film directed by Karl Lagerfeld. It was an addition to this Cruise Collection. Not only is this man a fashion extraordinaire, but he is a photographer and director as well! This is why Lagerfeld is king.

Simplicity

(peoplestylewatch)

I love these effortlessly cool looks! So simple, so easy to pull together. I feel a craving coming on for a denim collared shirt. Side note: you can easily take this look from day to night as seen here. And, the little peep is so seductive and just enough skin. Very well done, and I'm not talking about steak :)

♥ Rows Of Love ♥

I literally have to get my fingers into these rings. Silver or gold, take your pick. Both polished rings can be found at forever21. I'm really liking this new style of two rings in one. Also, the connector rings that come in names are fun too! Although, it might be difficult to type and take on daily activities that require our hands, which are too many things to name!

Pimped Out To The Maxxxxx

With these gadgets and gizmos that you can travel in/on/with you know that you will be lavishly biting into a slice of luxury. Once in a while I become overwhelmed by the extravagant items this world has to offer. You can have cars, yachts, skateboards, and adapters and as if that's not enough, you can have the best of these items. These are some images that I think are so spectacular that they are subtly persuading you to fix your eyes on them.

Wait, would someone actually drive this diamond decked out machine, or is it just eye candy? I bet you the owner has it in their garage and rarely takes it out, except to car shows that is. It has to be shown off one way or another.

The graffiti themed items Marc Jacobs has designed are wonderful. It's a new style with the old. It's the rebel in him.

As if I didn't want to hop into a Lamborghini car, now I must find a way to jump onto this Lamborghini yacht that is being designed by Mauro Lecchi. Very sleek and futuristic.

Considering the fact that people cannot put their damn iPhones down, you know that iPhones are necessary(at least to some). With these adapters, those technology-crazed people will never have to worry about not getting their Kim Kardashian fix or twitter updates for the day.

(dubmag,todayandtomorrow,designboom, vogue)

Ronaldo, Ronaldo!

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is said to be the most expensive player in history, he is also the most handsome! Do I care about soccer? Not too much. Do I care about Cristiano? Most definitely. He is super young and super successful. With the world cup coming up this summer I can't wait to see him in action. In this issue of Vanity Fair, soccer studs wore nothing but designer briefs, which were splashed with their national flags. Images were shot by Annie Leibovitz. I'm glad the $130 million Cristiano made the cover, I mean how could he not? Will you watch the world cup?

(via: elptalk, vanity fair)

Traveling In Style. ALWAYS

My mother always taught me to travel in style. I never appreciated this little lesson when I was younger. I simply wanted to be comfortable, especially at the airport. So, in my younger years I turned to sweats and comfortable hoodies. As I grew older, I realized that in an airport everyone people watches. Come on, you know you do it too. You've got the sleeper, the reader, and the eater, but you are guaranteed the people watcher. Therefore, turn those long walks from terminal to terminal into a runway, you should give those strangers something good to look at.

There is a glamour factor that secretly embodies all airports. If done right, all eyes will be on you. Can't you imagine all eyes on Victoria Beckham anytime she gracefully walks through the door? Granted, the paparazzi attract more attention. But nevertheless, she looks beyond glamorous every time she travels. If you ask me, I'd say that some of her airport outfits are much cuter than her everyday outfits.

Does Victoria Beckham ever get it wrong? Never, never, never! Always on point. I wonder what this woman wears at home. She must have an amazing collection of pajamas, designer of course! I love it! Take note from Ms. Beckham and dress your best the next time you are at an airport. I'm not telling you to wear heels (good luck with that, trying to catch one flight from another, VB all the power to you) However, I am saying why not dress up, it is so worth it!

Here she is traveling with her little ones and superstar husband. He looks great too! Stylish genes and jeans must run in the family.

Even advertisements, such as Michael Kors and Sean Combs emphasize how important it is to travel looking your best. If you are in a place where you may feel uncomfortable you know that if you are dressed to the nines nothing can stop you and your confidence. What does Victoria Beckham say is the sexiest thing in a woman? Confidence. Just like her outfits, she is right on!

(VB images via vbeckham.ru , advertisements via fashionindie)

So, has packing become just a little more fun now?

Furry Situation

(via:zelfist.com)

Now the issue of fur is a sticky one. If you ask me, I love fur. It exudes luxury and glamour. In fact, anytime I wear fur I feel quite elegant and super sophisticated. There is something about a fur jacket that I simply adore. Clearly, the adjectives are going on and on, but I love fur. The Olsen twins get a lot of crap for wearing fur. PETA classifies them as trolls. You know what I say, you can wear faux fur and you can still look just as good AND you didn't harm any animals in the process. Don't get me wrong though, faux fur can also look extremely cheap and tacky. So choose your jackets or vests wisely.

I love my faux fur jackets but anytime I wear fur at least two people ask me "Is that real?" And how do I reply? A) Well, not anymore! (kidding) or B) No, but it looks real huh? I'll say both just to get different reactions. That's always fun. But my point is, people love fur, real or fake, but mostly real, and it sucks that animals get harmed in the process of making real fur jackets. But, just remember that you can find a fabulous faux fur jacket or vest like these women above and make it look great!

These specific vests are uber chic and so easy to wear. All you need is a great pair of jeans, a basic tank or long sleeve, boots, flats, or heels then throw on that vest and you're good to go! Remember, they serve two purposes: warmth and style, so you can't go wrong. There are all kinds of hues and textures you could pander in. I personally love Ashely Olsen's luxurious vest the best, which comes from Jenni Kayne. So, should you cuddle up with that vest or that special someone? My answer is cuddle up with both!

Art vs. Porn

First things first: Regardless of the fact if you are male or female you must have stopped and looked at this advertisement. Sex sells period. Tom Ford’s advertisements have always been provocative and gone against mainstream. These images are actually quite “clean” compared to some other ones he has put out. You should definitely check them out here. But, this goes into the issue of advertising, and I’m not so focused on that.

When Tom Ford unleashed these advertisements for his fragrance back in 2007, there were two kinds. These specific ones were "not as tame" as the ones featured in magazines and were only showed on the company's website. Nevertheless, they were out in the open, no pun intended. This comes to show that censorship did take place in this situation and that there were certain images that could be viewed on the internet and certain images strictly for magazines.

Some people may argue that these images exploit women and their bodies. In the first photograph she is opening her mouth, and it’s like well what more do you want? There is also no face attached to the bodies so it makes it easier for the viewer not to relate in that manner. In addition, these photographs each possess a lot of power. The woman is using her body to entice the viewer. This fragrance is directed towards men, and what better way to lure men in than to have a sexy image in front of them? Especially those red nails!

Keep in mind that these photographs were taken by the well known and controversial photographer, Terry Richardson. I happen to be a big fan of his work. To me his work is weird, but that’s why I like it. He makes me question and look at things in new ways. He also always makes the people he shoots look so sickly and unhealthy, but he is able to capture raw images and make them look really interesting. At the same time, if you are a fan of his work, you have to appreciate his style and his vision and I do.

So is it creative? I think that it does have some elements of creativity to it because this is so simple and in your face that you can’t miss it, so it is creative in that way. But, I think that it’s not a new and fresh idea and thus it’s kind of just whatever. So if you ask me, I see this argument from both sides. I can't say that these images are beyond incredible, although I definitely do see some artistic value, but I can say that this advertisement did a brilliant job and then some. Look, I'm blogging about it right now, and that is exactly what the company wanted. More power and kudos to Tom Ford. P.S. I wonder how this fragrance did in sales?

Pink Bombs of Deliciousness

via:ultrafragrances

The sparkly light pink bottle and adorable black bow make this the perfect gift. This fragrance is light and soft, just how I like my fragrances! Plus, it's fairly new. Supposedly this perfume enhances positive energy and encourages broader and flexible thinking. Oh reeeeeeally? How can they determine this? Wait a minute, as cheesy as that sounds, I think it's true because I like this scent and I like positive energy along with flexible thinking, so I guess they do go hand in hand. Pretty fascinating to know what your scent says about you!

Behind the Name Lies Another

It's great how hip hop artists always tell you their names at the beginning of their songs, this way you never have to look the song up! At times they even let you know the title of the song, how convenient.

What interests me though are the actual names of these guys. You have to wonder, wait a minute what is Snoop's real name? I get so used to seeing him as Snoop that I never even thought to think about it, let alone imagine him with another name.

My curiosity flourished and I found myself googling other hip hop artists' names in the process. Below is my compilation of real names that I would never associate with these artists. By the way, Snoop Doggy Dogg, his name is...get ready...Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr. Didn't expect that, huh? Or did you?

Akon- Aliuane Badara Thiam (A for Akon?)

Flo Rida -Tramar Dillard (obsessed with his hometown)

Jay Z - Shawn Corey Carter (cute!)

Kid Cudi - Scott Mescudi (clever)

Ludacris - Christopher Brian Bridges (makes sense)

Lupe Fiasco - Wasalu Muhammad Jaco (random!)

Mos Def - Dante Terrell "Beze" Smith (beze...okay)

Ne-Yo -Shaffer Chimere Smith (seriously, shaffer!)

Sean Kingston - Kisean Anderson (representing Jamaica)

Soulja Boy - DeAndre Ramone Way (into the army?)

T.I. - Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. (red dog!!!)

T Pain - Faheem Najm (Ice T inspiration)

Wale - Olubowale Victor Akintimehin (got it!)

Yea, their cool factor just took a plunge down the hip hop whirlwhind. I see now why they change their names. I'll never be able to look at T.I, I mean Clifford the same. I listen to thier music all the time, I might as well know their real names, right? Also, check out this website for more real names. You might be shocked too!

Mi Casa Es Su Casa

I wish this was mi casa. Esta casa es muy hermosa! Es la casa de Kimora Lee Simmons y Russel Simmons. Okay, I'll stop. I absolutely adore French style homes, well anything French related really. I feel like this style of home is ultra-luxe yet comfortable and has that home-y feeling at the same time. Colors of burgandy, loden green, and gold work so well together, almost like it is Christmas year round! This has the feeling of a palace. Is it not gorgeous?

Just look at the entrance, wouldn't you want to come home everyday to this! The ceiling is painted with angels and that staircase...love! I could do without those two huge vases though.

This room reminds me of Marie Antionette. The couches and fluffy pillows.

This room probably acquires dust year round, except for Thanksgiving. But it most definitely serves as a room of art!

(pics via: delux)

Spoken Word Poetry Slam

Just like wearing polka dots and stripes, I've always enjoyed poetry slams. The whole idea of a poetry slam is so empowering for its speakers and listeners. It allows people to dive into the personal lives of poets, all while presenting a venue to create who you are. Poetry slams offer opportunities for people to express themselves freely and confidently with support from audience members. This was a supportive crowd and I'm glad I got to be a part of it. This poetry slam also provided a community of recognition to its students and guest speakers.

Each person spoke about various topics, but the connecting factor was their passion. By simply listening, I got shivers several times and some poets even had me a little teary eyed. This is when you know that the poet has influenced you to feel, because once you feel something you know that the poetry has shook you up and changed your perspective or even solidified your opinion on certain matters. Wow, I’m getting shivers right now just by remembering these poems.

The various ways the speakers presented each had different impacts on me. Some speakers read from their Iphones (Talk about technology at its best!) Others memorized their poems and this was very potent because the eye contact allowed the speaker to connect with his or her audience members. Also, I appreciated the fact that some of these poems intertwined other languages, like Spanish, into their English poems. This gave the poems more authenticity and feeling.

I would have to say that one of my favorite poems was presented by Jacob Tsypkin that dealt with his identity as a Jewish man. The way he fluctuated his voice and changed up his emotions truly was conveyed so well. The energy in this poem was there from the beginning to the end. He mentioned his family, his history, and his current state which all tied beautifully together.

Also, another poem I liked was presented by a woman about women. She told the females in the audience that being a woman means being a goddess, a queen, and a strong individual. She wanted to make sure both males and females understood the meaning of womanhood. I thought this was great, she made so many strong points without being rude to men. In fact, I think that this can be applied to men as well, showing that they can be kings and strong individuals too. But let’s not let those egos get to our head now! Have pride in yourself but also be humble at the same time.

Fash N Style

(pics via:rihanna daily)

Although I would never wear this, I thought the overall idea of this dress/shirt was interesting. Plus, it's Rihanna, so she can basically pull off anything. I can only imagine that her arms would be in pain after holding them out like that for more than a minute. Try it, it actually is more difficult than you think. Anyway, is this outfit plain ugly or creative? I'd say a little bit of both.

Your Guide To Becoming Jersey-fied!

Jersey Shore is obviously popular. As ridiculous as it is, it’s amusing and people keep coming back for more. I just can’t get into this show, however there is another show on the style network called Jerseylicious that I have gotten into. You won’t find fist pumping here, but you will find big hair, and lots of it. This is different from Jersey Shore, it actually has a plot! I decided to give this one a try and I thought okay this isn’t so bad, in fact it’s entertaining and now I’m addicted, watching it every Sunday night. (pics via:myabcshows, newsodrome)

CONFESSION # 1: Although I knew that a group of these people who dress and act alike existed, thanks to visits to New Jersey and Michigan, I had no idea that there was a name for them: guido or guidette. Duh! Also, I truly appreciate this culture. I’m simply so fascinated with it that I thought I would share. After much observation, (actually 5 minutes is all you need) here is my guide to becoming jersey-fied!

GUYS:
*Pluck your eyebrows until they look better than your girls’ eyebrows. Use that thickness to your advantage honey!

*Spike your hair from your left ear all the way to your right ear, from the beginning of your hairline all the way down to the backside of your neck. SO: spike your entire head.

*Make sure your earring bling is nice and huge, allowing others to notice you from at least 20 feet. Pierce both ears.

*Stock up on Ed Hardy T shirts and hats, especially the ones decked out with crystals.

*While your at it, stock up on steroids and such. (such= no idea what they are taking)

GIRLS:
*Tease the hell out of your hair, until it gets big, big, big. Go for a poof, you’ll get that snooki effect.

*Fake bake until you get orange. On top of that, use bronzer too. Don't worry if it doesn't look natural.

*Make sure your eye makeup goes beyond your eyes.

*Mix those animal prints, the more the better. I’m talkin zebra, cheetah, giraffe, snakeskin, yup they all look fabu together!

*While you wear your animal print top, major cleavage is a must. If you got it, flaunt it!

*Wear over the top earrings that flash, but remember to take them off before you get into a fight.

*Make sure to say that you’re the only one with class and that the rest of the people around you are trash.

*Memorize those comebacks to the point where you can shoot ‘em off like they just came naturally to you.

(I know what I’ll be for Halloween next year!)

CONFESSION # 2: I really do love big hair (but not the snooki kind or reference to the 80’s) but the kind that frames your face and is nice and flowy. Overall, I really am captivated by this culture and all its glory, hence this post. Man, this was fun!

P.S. Before Lady Gaga became well…gaga, she was originally a guidette. Now that, I could totally imagine. Maybe she will recreate this look with exaggeration. Knowing her, this is a huge possibility.

The Trench of All Trenches

If you haven't noticed already, there is an abundance of glitter, sparkles, and sequins on this blog. I have a weakness for these kinds of things. This specific trench coat is such a show stopper. It's a dream come true for women who can only imagine a piece like this one. This coat is crafted so well, I mean its Burberry so hello! Final note: not an ounce of tackiness but total elegance.

Sunglasses - Key Word "SUN"

As comedian Larry David puts it "You know who wears sunglasses inside? Blind people and assholes." Yes, that is so true! I will never understand why people wear their sunglasses inside buildings and especially at night. This picture sums it up nicely. Sorry Kanye, I like your beats but your arrogance is out of control. Don't even get me started with your lyrics. Just because, Klondike, Blonde Dyke, and Limelight rhyme it doesn't mean it makes sense to connect them. Want to listen to it? The song is "Stronger" Have Fun!

FURTHER EVIDENCE OF KANYE'S RUDE SELF:

Hilarious! At the end of the day, as much as I "hate" on Kanye, I have to give him props for his music. It's fresh and fun. He doesn't always get it right, but when he gets it right, it is RIGHT!

Designer Weapons

I don't really know how to feel about this, forget that, I really like them! You have to admit, this is creative, maybe creepy. Oh, whatever I can't make up my mind. A case of indecisiveness for me! Anyway, check out this website, designs by Peter Gronquist where you can find these guns and much, much more!

Cool stuff, okay I've made up my mind, in all honesty I really do like them. I can see myself standing tall with an arched back, slowly placing my smooth fingers on the rough grip. My pinky first, followed by my ring finger and then my middle finger. Lastly, my index finger takes the initiative and situates itself on the trigger and... okay now I really want to do this! I'll take the Versace gun thanks! Don't forget the matching heels!

Chanel Tick Tock

More Chanel! I thought this was a clever way to show time. Their watches are polished and sleek, but it would be wonderful if actual clocks like this existed. Hey, maybe I could find something like this on Ebay. But, let's say this clock was real, and I did own it, I don't know if it would last in my household. I would take the 6:00 lipstick and then move on to the 10:00 lipstick and forget to put them all back. Watch out, my lips are on the move! Mu-wah
pic via: beautysnob

Most Expnesive Fendi

So how much is it? $36,600 to be exact. This bag is made of 24K gold python skin. Each of these limited edition bags will contain a gold plaque with a serial number for authenticity on the inside. Also, these bags were designed especially for Fendi's new flagship store opening in Vegas Baby at the MGM Grand City. Do you think that's too much? One thing is for sure though, if I bought that bag I would wear it everyday, regardless of whether or not it matched my outfit. I'll make it match. hehe. pic via: itsamazing.

Shiny Nikes

Not only do I like these Nikes but I love how the logo for Nike has remained the same ever since the beginning. The Nike name comes from the Greek Goddess of Victory. Less is more and the simplicity of this logo has made this one of the most recognized logos around the world. With the variety of Nikes out there, this is one of my favorites. I also love the black and white Nike Blazers. What's great is that shoes like this are supposed to be used for sports like basketball, but rarely do you see nice shoes like this on the courts. The owners have to keep 'em fresh! Swoosh! Which ones do you fancy? pic via:sneaker.com

Tribeca, New York

Judging from the title of this post, you may have thought that this would simply be about Tribeca, New York when in fact I just wanted to admire Olivia Palermo's apartment, probably one of the best in the city.

Don't you just want to sit back, relax, and dive into a magazine of Vogue?

What a great vintage florescent orange Hermes tray decorated with bangles and a shiny gold clutch. Tip: Use your jewelry and other accessories as a showcase.

I saved the best for last. This glorious closet is not actually held in a closet designated space. Instead, Olivia converted one the rooms in her home into this fabulous little boutique, well that's what it seems like, no? So, she has splashes of hats, a variety of necklaces, clutches galore, and those shoes! The zebra printed rug is a nice touch as well. Exquisite Olivia!
pics via: nypost

The City Trailer April 27th!

The City - MTV Shows

Ahh!! I am beyond ecstatic for this new season of The City. The fashion is what really lures me in, especially Oliva Palermo's sophisticated ensembles. Just from the trailer she has amazing outfits, so I can't wait for the actual episodes. This season features Whitney Port's clothing line called "Whitney Eve" but did you know that now she is being sued by former partner/designer Adrianne Baravatto who is claiming that Whitney was supposed to pay her $80,000 a year and that she would receive 25 % of the profits gained from the company. Yikes! I don't know what the future holds for Whitney but I hope everything works out okay for her. She doesn't deserve this. Although, like most celebrtity designers, if she didn't give a helping hand during the fashion process then it makes sense that this fellow designer would be asking for something that she was promised. In the meantime, I wonder if all of this is being captured by the MTV camera crew, sometimes they are just really really good, and let's not forget their oh so manipulating editing skills. Hey, whatever brings the drama right?

These Men Make Me Smile

These men are so dreamy and bonus: well dressed!

Name: Dave Franco

Age: 24
Show: Scrubs
Clothes: Suit-Ermenegildo Zegna, Shirt- Paul Smith

Name: Ben Hollingsworth
Age: 25
Show: The Beautiful Life
Clothes: Suit-Hermès, Shirt-Robert Geller


Name: Hunter Parrish
Age: 22
Show:Weeds
Clothes: Suit-Armani, Tie-Burberry, Belt-Louis Vuitton

via: Details Magazine