Jersey Shore Fans You're Going to LOVE This

Catch up on all the Jersey Shore madness here. Still haven't seen the punch?

We don't condone violence against women, but you can see the punch here.

Want to get your Jersey Shore nickname? Get that here. Mine is Tanny...

Soul Music: John Martyn

True Fashion for 2010: Lipstick

Want a subtle way to update your look without overhauling your wardrobe or draining your bank account? Try one of my personal staples: lipstick.

The brighter the better this season: pinks, purples, tangerines. Work it. Not used to wearing lipstick? Wear it around the house until you forget about it and then rock it in the real world. Accessorize the lips with a clean face, light blush, and mascara'd eyes. Lipstick is the one stop shop for a more glamorous look day or night.

Skittish about picking out the right shade? Afraid to look like Bozo the clown? Then spend the extra money to get a designer shade at a department store. Ask the sales attendant to help you pick one out. Try them all on and make sure you look at yourself outside in the sunlight. It can change the look completely and you want to be sure that you can wear it during the day, otherwise what's the point? Too much color for day? Wear a light layer over lip balm.

Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor in Ms. Understood, $9

Spike Lee Directs Michael Jackson’s “This Is It”

Spike Lee released his official video for Michael Jackson’s posthumous single, “This Is It” over the Christmas holiday. It’s a montage of iconic images of the King of Pop, footage shot in his hometown of Gary, Indiana, and at fan tributes following his death on June 25 (including the Brooklyn street party that Lee through in his honor), and rare clips from live performances. It’s touching, no doubt, but we find ourselves feeling seriously underwhelmed. This is Jackson’s final music video.

Michael Jackson - This Is It - Directed by Spike Lee from 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks on Vimeo.

True Fashion for 2010: Accessorize

I've always been a big proponent of accessories: shoes, bags, jewelry- you name it and my friends will agree that I have a bit of a, ahem, problem. It's no problem to me however, I think of accessories as a quick and cost efficient way to update my wardrobe to be on par with the trends of each and every season and with retailers like Forever21, TopShop, and Zara I know that I can keep up the look without breaking the bank.

So, what better way to update your look for 2010 than with some of the best accessories on the market? Here's a list of the styles and their designers that you are bound to see copied by various retailers worldwide. This way you can craft your own new look for 2010 with a base knowledge of what's hot now and make the trends all your own. Whether you are shopping online, at the mall or in your own closet, enjoy!

...Handbags...
*Fringe* It's back ladies! Embrace it. Or, if you are like me, dig it out of your closet from several seasons back and wear it again with a vengeance.
Ex. Bottega Venetta tie-dye napa leather intrecciato Umbria bag

*Mini bags* Oh, remember the old days of the nearly-bursting-at-the-seams LV Pouchette? You did all you could to get everything in there. Well, now you can do it again with these lovely little handbags in a variety of colors and designs.
Ex. Proenza Schouler fluorescent leather bag with rainbow strap and rope detail
*Long-strap bags* My personal favorite for a music festival, a trip through an overcrowded European city center, or simply out shopping. There's nothing quite like them to keep your hands free and your belongings by your side.
Ex. Derek Lam's Leather Penelope Bauletto bag
*Pouches* Both practical and adorable, pouches have the durability and the functionality to expand when you need them while still looking cute. Get one with a long chain strap and garner double style points.
Ex. Marc Jacobs Leather Dancer knapsack with tassel detail
...Jewelry...
*Bracelets* After several seasons with an obsession with the giant necklace a new trend sweeps the runway: the giant bracelet. Don't store your big necklaces just yet, they are still cool, just don't wear them at the same time.
Ex. The.Well.Set's must have for Spring 2010: Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere horn bracelet

True Fashion for the New Year

As the new year swiftly approaches we are all urged to pause and think, "How can I make myself better in 2010?" With the notion of a clean slate just around the corner gyms offer membership specials urging you to start the new year off right. Our narcissism really bubbles to the surface this time of year and the more narcissistic the better. We are all encouraged to commiserate on what we will try to do to make ourselves better:


"I'm going to drop those 20 lbs." - "I'm going to be healthier." -
"I am going to drink less." - "I am going to exercise more." -
"I am going to quit smoking." - "I am going to stop stressing out."

How many of these resolutions actually come true?

And how often do you find yourself discouraged by your lack of ability to really stick with it and make those big changes to problems that have plagued you for years? I have a resolution that you can stick to: live better. It's that simple. No starvation diets, no ridiculous fad treatments. Just live better. Treat yourself better.

One way I am resolved to do this is in a way that you might say is extremely shallow: look better. I believe that when you take a few extra moments to take care of the way you look it will do wonders for the way you feel; regardless of your weight/height/job/etc.

So, together lets resolve to be better to ourselves in 2010. No more negative talk. Lets resolve to build ourselves up and not tear ourselves down. For me this resolution is parallel to looking better and to feeling better about myself.

There is truly no easier way to do this than to update your look. I know that when I take a moment to dress well that I have more confidence. It's personal maintenance for me.

So, without further ado, I will be spending from now until mid January fleshing out some of the best trends for spring. There's a plethora of subtle, affordable things that you can do to your look to rocket you into a stylish 2010.

Please take them as suggestions, but remember to be yourself and express your own personal style M.O. because, in my opinion, there is nothing more stylish than being yourself.

Picture to left from thesatorialist.com

Merry Christmas to All

Socially Conscious Art is Rad, But Is Global Warming Real? Don't Chastise Me. You Know What People Are Saying...

Pic of the Day: Banksy vs. Global Warming

3:05 pm Monday Dec 21, 2009 by Caroline Stanley

Egad! Four new Banksy paintings have been spotted on the Regents Canal in London’s Camden Town. This time, rather taking down Ikea, the famed undercover street artist is tackling the issue of climate change with spray paint and his signature sarcasm. View more images of these new pieces after the jump.

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Photos by romanyWG via The World’s Best Ever.

Too Good Not to Share: Indie Band Stereotypes

Stereotyping People by Their Favorite Indie Bands

1:04 pm Monday Dec 21, 2009 by Stelios Phili

Inspired by Lauren Leto’s “Stereotyping People By Their Favorite Author,” we realized the incredible potential for a mercilessly judgmental list of indie band stereotypes. It is a common fact that Cormac McCarthy readers are men who don’t eat cream cheese, but what about those who listen to The XX on repeat and The Flaming Lips on hallucinogens? They need labels, too. After the jump, in collaboration with contributor Jeff Luppino-Esposito, we lay down the reckless assumptions.

The XX
Blog enthusiasts who thought wearing a keffiyeha was awesome.

Passion Pit
Bros vaguely interested in listening to music and very interested in having sex with their girlfriend.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Girls who bought checkered sneakers in the 8th grade.

Fleet Foxes
Hopelessly patchy beard growers.

TV On The Radio
Politically-correct hipsters.

Grizzly Bear
People who think that world hunger could be assuaged with four part harmonies.

Micachu and the Shapes
Chicks with bad teeth.

Wavves
Dudes who think low production value is “authentic” and would go down on Todd P.

Steve Aoki
Alts who don’t “get” Hipster Runoff.

Joanna Newsom
People who have considered befriending a squirrel.

Devendra Banhart
People who have considered becoming a squirrel.

Animal Collective
Guys who make “Best of the Year” lists in January based predominantly on “feeling.”

The Antlers
Boys who enjoy crying more than their girlfriend.

Vivian Girls
Girls who purchase a guitar, buy flannel from the Salvation Army, wear glasses that they don’t actually need, and still can’t get the guy.

Vampire Weekend
Bros who try to make out with girls at concerts by relating to them via old Nickelodeon shows. “Remember Pete & Pete??”

Death Cab for Cutie
Girls who quote lyrics as their Facebook status.

Neon Indian
Gorilla Vs. Bear readers.

She & Him
People who hate Ben Gibbard.

Bon Iver
People with self-esteem issues and probably hate Ben Gibbard.

Washed Out
Those who comfortably accept chillwave as a genre.

Memory Tapes
Those who comfortably accept chillwave as a lifestyle.

The Shins
Premature alts who considered Garden State a life-altering viewing experience.

Radiohead
Everyone.

Tegan & Sara
Lesbians and guys who firmly believe that when there are two girls on stage together, there is a 63% chance of them making out.

St. Vincent
Feminists.

Drake
Indie rap fans who thought Tha Carter III was too mainstream.

Ra Ra Riot
Girls who got their boyfriends to watch Me and You and Everyone We Know.

Bat for Lashes
Girls who wear leggings outside of ’80s-themed parties.

Japandroids
Guys who only read Pitchfork for the ratings and haven’t showered in at least two days.

Kimya Dawson
Chicks who are described by their girlfriends as “sweet” and “really nice” when guys ask if their friend is hot.

Girls
Anyone who thinks The Catcher in Rye is the greatest book of all time.

Kid Cudi
Blipsters who still wear neon shoes and smoke pot.

The Flaming Lips
Self-actualized bros who grow pot.

Antony and the Johnsons
Guys who still cry every time they watch Bambi.

Matt and Kim
Closeted Blink-182 enthusiasts.

Here We Go Magic
Guys who are ‘over’ Gizzly Bear.

Phoenix
People who don’t listen to enough music.

Sufjan Stevens
People who believe in two things: Jesus and Juno.

M.I.A.
Girls who don’t understand politics.

Regina Spektor
Girls who don’t understand boys.

Justice
Bros who, at one point in their lives, have tried to grow a mustache.

Arcade Fire
Frequent transcendental experience havers.

Deerhunter
Avid doodlers.

Wilco
Guys who go to concerts to relax.

YACHT
Someone who, if presented with the opportunity to join a cult, would most definitely join that cult.

Ratatat
Boys who think Ocarina of Time is the greatest game ever made.

Patrick Wolf
Gay guys.

CSS
Girls who throw up at every party.

Woods
Indie dudes who wear beanies and you can see the front of their hair pulled back beneath it.

Spoon
Bros who drink shitty beer without ironic intentions.

Dirty Projectors
People who like way too many toppings on their pizza.

RIP Brittany Murphy

Happy Friday: Fishing Bloopers

Best Fishing Bloopers - watch more funny videos

The Newest Burton Flick. Thoughts?

Jerry Saltz on Art’s Triumph: Women Win Slim Majority in Next Whitney Biennial

By: Jerry Saltz of NY Mag
Photo: Jerry L. Thompson

An art-world wall has fallen. The list of the 55 artists to be included in the 2010 Whitney Biennial was made public this morning, and 52 percent of those artists are women. Depending on where you stand, hell has frozen over, or there’s a fissure in the force. (The 2000 Biennial was made up of 36 percent women; in 2008, it was 40 percent.) When I asked curator Francesco Bonami about the unusually high percentage of women artists in his show, he said that he and associate curator, Gary Carrion-Murayari, “didn’t look for women artists. They were just in front of our eyes. It wasn’t conscious at all.” He added that it was “misleading” to think about the upcoming Biennial “in these terms.”

Perhaps. Still, the show will include excellent, newer, below-the-radar artists like performance chaos-creator Aki Sasamoto; Jessica Jackson Hutchins, whose arrangements of objects and ceramics create contradictory cosmic and formal storms; Kate Gilmore, who has been known to smash through Sheetrock walls while wearing party dresses and high heels; and Sharon Hayes, whose 2008 performance of her reading an imaginary letter about love and war on a midtown corner at lunch hour was one of the most moving things I saw that year. Also on hand will be powerful under-knowns Babette Mangolte, Dawn Clements, Suzan Frecon, and Lorraine O’Grady, who has invaded art openings dressed in various guises, addressing issues of race and class.

The inclusion of all the women artists in this cattle call does not mean that the upcoming Biennial will be much better or worse than usual. Art exhibitions should never be about quotas. Still, in all likelihood, Bonami’s 2010 Biennial will prove once and for all that women artists are no better and no worse than their male counterparts. Once this is acknowledged, we’ll be able to get on with the business-as-usual of tearing the Whitney Biennial to shreds. Or not.

Read more: Saltz on Art’s Triumph: Women Win Slim Majority in Next Whitney Biennial --

Join Austin's Thrillist Today

The Thrillist has been around for a while and now it's making its debut in Austin. Sign up for weekly emails about special events, new restaurants, music, shops, etc. It's an email worth reading, trust me, my in box is jam packed and I'm tres selective.

Want to be in the know? Then join The Thrillist here.

Here's a little example of just some of this week's content:

The List

Rock: Ames Bros T-Shirts Available at Creature's Boutique: 1206 S Congress Avenue; South Austin Just arrived in Austin: the L.A. rock poster icons' super soft 100% cotton T's sport colorful designs including cassette tapes, '50s sci-fi robots, an all-over print of an animated bar-fight, and a skull backdrop showcasing a turn-of-the-century portrait of two women about to neck -- just like in Katy Perry's 1902 hit, "I Kissed a Girl and was Put in a Sanitarium".

Pearlescent Skin Care, Austin, Texas

Last Friday I had the pleasure of getting a custom facial from Pearlescent Skin Care owner Sarah Clark. Her quaint skin care headquarters is located off of West Lynn between 5th and 6th street, sharing a space with Bloomingnails Studio. She is equipped with every tool needed to give you a glowing complexion and if her flawless complexion is any indication of how well her products work, then you can count on her to take care of your skin.

Pearlescent Skin Care only uses 98% organic and certified Biodynamic products, which in the skincare world is a growing trend despite the continuing use of abrasive acid peels, Botox injections, etc. Her product line is Eminence and it is all hand made in Hungary and consists of all natural organically grown plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables that are hand picked to show the best of your skin in an environmentally responsible and organic way. For example, I received a mask that is similar to a peel but uses Paprika to bring oxygen to the surface, killing bacteria, while increasing cell turnover and radiance.

Sarah's treatment room was cozy and warm and her kind demeanor and gentle touch made the facial much more than the traditional 'steam and cream.' She even gave me a wonderful arm and neck massage while my mask worked it's magic on my skin. She had the most soothing yet effective touch and it was a pleasure to get a treatment from such a knowledgeable aesthetician.

Sarah has been treating people's skin for about two years and she got her start at Facelogic. She got into the field because she likes to make people feel good and she loves the spa atmosphere. Her enthusiasm for making people look their best while offering top of the line products and treatments shines through in her new independent skin treatment studio. I would encourage you to get a treatment from her soon. Your skin will thank you and she will certainly become a regular stop on you beauty regime.

**Get Your Skin Holiday Ready**
Between now and December 31st, Pearlescent Skin Care is offering an additional $10 off any treatment! Take advantage of this limited time discount today.

Call or email and make an appointment now!

• email: sarah@pearlescentskincare.com
• studio: 512-472-7900
• mobile: 512-608-7194
  
• And while you're at it become a Fan on Facebook
  

You Know, They Say It's the Little Things That Matter

...like kittens...

Daily Dose of Inspiration

Just a few of my favorite recent images from Hedi Slimane Diary.

Hope they stir up some creativity and insipriation for you like they do for me.

Inspired? Then check out more of the lovely "shut up, i love that shirt on you blog."

Happy Holidays

So bad, it's good, pop music for ya Friday night, see you at Pure? jk.

...I love the Imogen Heap sample, it's one of my favorite bands...

Have a Fun Party? Please Wear This.

TopShop Sequin One Shoulder Playsuit, $100

I'm pretty obsessed with this jumper. The sequins, the single shoulder detail, it's just so now. Talk about fashionable. Wear it with a black sash belt and some heeled booties. And add some black hose to make it seasonable appropriate & so you don't look like a hoochy (sp?) mama.

I must say that this is one of the few things I cannot pull off. In my opinion to look good in a jumper you have to be some variation of waif. I am not. So, if you are please, please, please rock this at your next holiday party.

Your friends will be jealous and you will be tres hip-to-the-now. Get it here.

Thanks for This, University of Michigan

GAG me.
I'm sorry. I know this is gross, but it had to be shared!
Don't blame me; blame Perez.

I Don't Care What You Say. I Love This Video.

Flavorpill’s 12 Most Anticipated Albums of 2010

By Judy Berman, Subscribe to Flavorpill here.

January 12

Vampire Weekend – Contra (XL)
Are these Ivy League golden boys immune to the curse of the sophomore slump? We’ll find out early in the new year, when Vampire Weekend trade African-inspired rhythms for an album that keyboard/guitar whiz Rostam Batmanglij describes as full of songs that “would be perfect for driving up the Pacific coast.”
Download “Horchata”
Watch the video for “Cousins”:

January 26

Charlotte Gainsbourg – IRM (Because)
Fresh off of her role in Lars von Trier’s international scandal of a film Antichrist, Gainsbourg teams up with a significantly less controversial collaborator: Beck. Mr. Hansen both produced and wrote for IRM (the French abbreviation for “MRI”), along with chiming in on backing vocals.
Download “IRM”
Watch the video for “Heaven Can Wait” (featuring Beck):

Beach House – Teen Dream (Sub Pop)
So far, Baltimore’s Beach House are on a roll, turning out two flawless albums of atmospheric dream-pop. And we have every reason to believe that Teen Dream, the band’s first full-length for new label Sub Pop, will live up to its predecessors. In a Premature Evaluation, Stereogum offered the following high praise: “At first listen, the songs feel like simple lullabies. There isn’t a shiny facade, really. It’s only after you take your time with it and let the songs sink in that you realize you’ll likely never see the bottom.”
Download “Norway” and “Lover of Mine”

Spoon – Transference (Merge)
Veteran indie rockers Spoon rarely disappoint, which is why we’re counting down the minutes until the release of their seventh album. And, as frontman Britt Daniel told fans on the band’s MySpace blog, something special sets Transference apart: “This is the first record we’ve made without a producer or heavy of any kind, and I don’t know for sure because I’ll never hear this record in the same way that someone who didn’t make it will, but I think you can tell. I can. When I listen to it, I think, hey, that’s how I woulda done it!”
Download “Written in Reverse”

The Magnetic Fields – Realism (Nonesuch)
Magnetic Fields mastermind Stephin Merritt has always been a fan of concepts and tributes. He’s written 69 Love Songs and, most recently, an entire album (2008’s Distortion) inspired by the Jesus and Mary Chain. Now, on his band’s ninth full-length, Merritt is taking his cues from psychedelic ’60s and ’70s pop.

February 9

Hot Chip – One Life Stand (EMI)
Is One Life Stand really Hot Chip’s fourth album? These electro-pop standbys are sure to provide fodder for the sweatiest dance parties of 2009. And their promising new record even features contributions from a bona fide ’70s rock legend: This Heat drummer Charles Hayward.
Stream “One Life Stand” and “Taking It In”

February 9

Massive Attack – Heligoland (Virgin)
Trip-hop trailblazers Massive Attack are back with their fifth album. And if you can think of a high-profile singer in the US or Britain, chances are he or she is contributing guest vocals to a Heligoland track: The record includes appearances by Damon Albarn, TV on the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe, Elbow’s Guy Garvey, Hope Sandoval, and Martina Topley-Bird, among others.

Yeasayer – Odd Blood (Secretly Canadian)
Fans of Animal Collective fell madly in love with Yeasayer’s spiritually inclined 2007 debut, All Hour Cymbals. Now, the band has intimated that it’s changed its sound drastically for the follow up — and the futuristic pop of debut single “Ambling Alp” proves it.
Watch the (NSFW) video for “Ambling Alp”:

February 16

The Game - The R.E.D. Album (Geffen/Interscope)
Like Das Racist, we vociferously disagreed with Sasha Frere-Jones‘ (and Simon Reynolds‘ subsequent) pronouncements that hip-hop is dead. That said, we don’t see many forthcoming records in the genre that genuinely interest us. But perhaps the Game’s fourth album — which features collaborations with both Lil’ Wayne and Gucci Mane — will set a high bar for the rest of the year’s releases. “R.E.D.” is supposed to stand for “rededicated,” after all.

February 23

Xiu Xiu – Dear God, I Hate Myself (Kill Rock Stars)
Of all the reasons we love Xiu Xiu (and there are many), our favorite is that they keep indie rock weird. This album will be the art-damaged experimentalists’ first without the versatile Caralee McElroy, but here’s hoping new addition Angela Seo can pick up the slack. If not, well, hey — at least the cheery-sounding title track was composed on a Nintendo DS.

March 23

Goldfrapp – Head First (Mute)
Goldfrapp pissed off fans and critics alike with their most recent album, last year’s scaled-back Seventh Tree. So will we be hearing the old Goldfrapp, the new Goldfrapp, or something complete different on Head First? The label is selling the new material as optimistic and fantastical, which sounds promising. We’ll get our first hint of whether it’s right on March 8, when the band releases Head First’s lead single, “Rocket.”

May

The Arcade Fire – [TBA] (Merge)
Okay, we don’t actually know anything about this album yet. In fact, it’s still officially a rumor, as no one from the Arcade Fire camp has confirmed it. But we’re hoping that by continuing to talk about it, we’ll force the band to release its first new music since 2007.

So what did we miss? What’s your most anticipated album of 2010?