JcPenney Sends A Terrible Message To Girls

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding JcPenney's "I'm Too Pretty to Do Homework" t-shirt recently and rightfully so. Not only as a feminist am I horrified but as a woman we should all be appalled. As The Gloss points out, the bottom half of the shirt says "my brother has to do it for me," which implies we need a man to do our work. Girls shouldn't be taught to use their looks to get by in life or rely on a man for anything.

I recently watched the amazing documentary Waiting for Superman about our failed education system here in America. There are families who are doing everything they can to get their children the best education because it is so valuable. They work 2-3 jobs to earn enough money to send them to non-public schools, they take 2 hour commutes to get to these schools and they enter their kid's into lotteries for charter schools in hopes of getting in because space is so limited. Let's not undermine the value of a great education with the message on this shirt.

We need to focus on positive affirmations for our young girls and build their confidence and self-worth. As the National Center of Education Statistics points out girls have the same science and math proficiency as boys at age 9 but it drops around age 13. Why? They don't have a positive view of the subjects. Girls don't have the mindset that they can be a scientist who cures cancer. They should because they can. We can be anything we want to be so we need to start encouraging our girls to dream big!

I'd rather wear a shirt that says "I do my homework because I want a career for myself." What are your feelings about this shirt?

You Can Get Anything Delivered In New York, Including Brownies!

I have to admit that I'm guilty of ordering late night snacks or cravings. In Manhattan you can get practically anything delivered! Now Ruth's Brownie Kitchen is offering to ship you freshly made brownies or any of their gourmet baked goods. They offer gluten free products to accommodate special dietary needs. The peanut butter swirl cake brownies sound delicious!

Get the deal here: 50% off Brownies, Cookies & More Delivered to You!

My New Camera + Haircut!

HOORAY! I finally got a new digital camera so I'm no longer a bad blogger! I used the money I received from my birthday to purchase Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 in Gold. It's not a fancy DSLR but it will get the job done.

It says it's "gold" but it looks like a blush pink to me. Do you agree?

Sexy backside

Posing with my new haircut!

What camera do you use?

Happy Birthday Michael Jackson!

Today would have been the King of Pop's 53rd birthday. So sad! He gave us great music since the age of 6. No matter your opinions of his personal life, he was a great artist who has influenced so many of our generation.

I remember I was on a school trip in Hong Kong when I found out about his death. They were showing pictures of him on the news but it wasn't in English but I could tell it wasn't good news. When the group sat down for breakfast our professor told us, we were all devastated. We were all solemn for the rest of the day.

One of the very first tapes (yes before CDs people!) I owned was of Michal Jackson's "Black or White." I still love the message and Macaulay Culkin rapping to this day:



What was your favorite MJ song?

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Best & Worst Dressed at the MTV Video Music Awards

For those who didn't watch the VMA's this year, Beyonce is pregnant! After her performance of "Love on Top" she rubbed her belly and the cameras shot to Jay Z who was sporting a proud papa smile. It was a great moment. Lady Gaga showed up as her alter ego "Jo Calderone." Just when I don't think she can surprise me anymore, she does. I liked her opening performance but kind of wished she changed into a lady after because she stayed in that Jo character the whole night, which was weird. There was no host this year and so the stars took it upon themselves to make several outfit changes. Here are my picks for Best and Worst Dressed:

Best Dressed: Beyonce. The lady of the night who wore an orange Lanvin Grecian gown on the red carpet and a sparkly Dolce & Gabbana suit during her performance. 

Black was very popular. Selena Gomez showed off a goth side in this Julien MacDonald mullet dress. If she expects to keep dating the Biebz, she can't look so grown up!

My girl Adele was there to show these "performers" what a real singer sounds like. I just wish she hadn't worn the black tights with the all black look. Great makeup and hair as always!

Britney actually looked classy.

Why?

Worst Dressed: Nicki Minaj. I usually love her eccentric style but this is just insane.

Deena from the Jersey Shore looked awful in this candy striped sequin number. What's going on with that blonde hair?!

Miley looked out of place.

 

Katy Perry who made 4 outfit changes and looked ridiculous trying to balance this Dior cube on her head.

I usually think Zoe Saldana looks gorgeous but she looked off last night. Her makeup made her look like she had heavy bags. Not your best Zoe.

Who were your picks for Best and Worst Dressed of the night?

Images via MTV

Great Reads of the Week: Hurricane Edition

Hurricane Irene is expected to hit the East Coast this weekend so here's some reading while we are trapped in our apartments:

- Happy Birthday The Style and Beauty Doctor who turned 30 and shares 30 things she learned.

- LoveBrownSugar honors Aaliyah by discussing 4 style lessons she taught her.

- The Citizen Rosebud talks about the power of a self-portrait - she's so badass!

- Dress With Courage addresses cyber bullies - go girl!

What are your plans this weekend? Stay safe East Coasters!

Original image via We Heart It

Visual FBFF: It's All In The Details

This week's FBFF post is sponsored by Ashley Getting Dressed. We're doing an up close and personal look at a favorite clothing item. I chose this Ann Taylor Loft blouse I got for 30% off and recently studded during a DIY party with some bloggers. This post is late today because I finally got a new camera and wanted to use it to capture the details!

It's 100% Polyester but feels like a silk crepe. It's very light weight and breathable. It's on the longer side so I like to wear it with jeggings. I was attracted to this blouse because of the blush color.

It has a front pocket.

There's a rounded hem at the bottom.

Recently I studded the cuffs on the sleeves to give it some more edge.

My favorite part is the exposed zipper on the back.

What item in your wardrobe has great details?

Check out the rest of the FBFF posts here!

Shoe Porn: Miu Miu Gets Sparkly!

 

The September issues are out and they are all featuring Miu Miu's glittertastic heels. I can't stop drooling... would love to have a pair of these on my feet!

What do you think? What shoes are you coveting for fall?

Images via Net-A-Porter, Saks

How To Avoid Deodorant Stains

so sexy

I think everyone woman dreads deodorant stains. However, it is a necessity so what's a girl to do? I don't believe an actual "goes on clear" kind exists. They all turn into a white residue once applied. So here are my tips:

• Put your garment (top/dress) on first then apply deodorant underneath to avoid ruining your garment.
• Keep your arms in the air approximately 30 seconds after applying so that it has time to dry. This is especially helpful if you are wearing something sleeveless because it will help keep it from melting into your arm holes (gross!).
• And if you do end up getting those white marks on your garment, wipe them off with a damp wash cloth before leaving the house.

Hope these were helpful. What other tips can you add?

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Dreaming of Leather Shorts

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A trend that I NEVER thought I'd want to wear is leather shorts, or leather in general. But that's what bloggers can do to you! I've seen them styled in really cute ways that has me reconsidering. They do make sense for my style because I like masculine mixed with feminine. Here are some examples:

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I'll take all of this!

I want Monroe's legs!

Fashion Steele rocked a pair from Loehmann's!

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I really like the contrast of denim with leather.

Poised in Pose works it in heels.

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Brooklyn Blonde shows a work appropriate look.

Still not so sure I can pull them off but I can still dream, right? Would you wear leather shorts?

My Hair Doesn't Like Goody's New Invention

I really enjoyed using Goody's Spin Pins. It held the weight of my hair although some of my layers flared out, it did it's job. So when Goody released their next hair invention, their Modern Updo Pin, I was eager to try. It looks like this:

The box demonstrated 3 hairstyles you could try:

I didn't find the instructions helpful so I found some YouTube tutorials. This one was the best:



Even after all that, my hair just didn't want to stay put. I'm not sure if it's the texture of my hair or the pin itself. Did anyone else have trouble using it?

Blogger's Night Out

A couple of bloggers came together to create Blogger's Night Out on September 9th in New York. I think this is such an awesome idea and I recommend if you are able to come to RSVP now! It is always great to meet bloggers in person. I have made many great friends through the blogging community.

Thanks to Lynzy from Sparkling Footsteps, Christine from The View From 5 ft 2, Marissa from Style Cusp, Caitlin from Style Within Reach, Kendall from Kendall Donaldson, Erika from Style Activist for organizing the event.

For more information follow them on Twitter @bloggernightout and check out the Facebook page!

Will you be attending? Let's meet up!

Great Reads of the Week

Here's a list of posts I enjoyed reading this week:

- Gorgeous in Grey gives her review of the movie "The Help."

- Each week Dress With Courage inspires me with her openness and this week is no different!

- Midtown Girl shares her 10 must-have fall fashions for city girls - I need to get shopping!

- Bright Lights, My City lists 8 guys every girl should sleep with. Do you agree?

- Miss Vinyl Ahoy talks about her distaste for fashion magazines.

What are your weekend plans?

Image via We Heart It

Nail Art Tutorial: Cherries!

During our last visual FBFF post, I was inspired by Style Eyes Fashion Blog to do cherry nails. I think it's a great summer manicure. Here's my tutorial:

Step 1: Start with a nude base color. You can choose a different color. I went with OPI's "Samoan Sand," which is the perfect nude color (in my opinion). I was very tempted to leave them as is because it was the perfect mannequin looking nails!

Step 2: Apply two dots in the red color so that they connect. I just used the tip of the brush, you could get more specific with details using a nail art pen.

Step 3: Use your green color (pen or precision brush) to draw the stems.

Step 4: Voila! You can be more creative but I liked minimal cherries.

Items used:
- O.P.I's "Samoan Sand"
- China Glaze's "Hey Sailor"
- Milani Nail Art precision brush in "Green Sketch"
And Sally Hansen top coat

Will you give this manicure a try?

FBFF: You May Say I'm A Dreamer

This month Katy has been inspired by bloggers who quit their day job and start on the path to self-employment doing what they love to do. If you haven't read Sally from Already Pretty's post on this rush over and do it now. We all have dreams, goals, aspirations. Putting them down on paper is often the first step to realizing those dreams.

1. Fess up - if you could do anything professionally what would it be? 
I grew up wanting to be an editor at Elle magazine. I've always had an opinion about fashion, I would "kindly" tell my family members and friends what they should or shouldn't be wearing. That is why I studied fashion in college. However, dreams can shift and change. I think Conan O'Brien is a good example of this. He dreamed of hosting the Tonight Show for 20 years but unfortunately things to work out but he got to do a dream he never knew he had, his road tour. My new dream wasn't in existence 5 years ago. The publishing industry was crumbling when I graduated in 2009. However, the digital media space was every expanding. Twitter wasn't around when I was in college (and Facebook was just for college kids!) so I decided to go back to school and take some classes at NYU on the subject. It has been a thrill! Now my professional goal would be working with great, passionate people and tweeting (lol!).

2. What draws you to this? 
I've always been drawn to fashion because it's a form of self-expression. I also have a keen eye to say "in" or "out." I think those skills can be attributed to social media. Twitter is a great way to express yourself but you also need an editor mentality to limit your tweet to 140 characters. I also love the connections you can make on Twitter!

3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal? 
Oh man, I've dreamed about this for a long time. I even created my own fashion magazine when I was in middle school. My new digital media dream sprung up about two years ago.

4. What's holding you back from going all in? 
I feel that I have gone all in. I am freelancing as a social media consultant until I get a position with a larger agency. Unfortunately, I feel it's out of my hands with the economy. For now, all I can do is keep doing what I love and gain as much experience as I can.

5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest... what's one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream?
Just keep being passionate!

What are your dreams/aspirations?

Don't forget to stop by ModlyChic to read all the other FBFF answers this week!   

Image via We Heart It

24 Blogazine Launch Event

Some of us bloggers from the NYC Meetup Group attended the 24 Blogazine launch event in the Lower East Side. The magazine focuses on young women and hopes to inspire and empower them. The event also helped raise money for PCOS, which the founder suffers from. Vanessa looked stunning in a donated Marc Bouwer gown:

There were delicious cupcakes

There were especially designed t-shirts for the cause

There was hand painted jewelry from YN Designs

The whole gang!

Any recent companies/projects inspire you?

Images thanks to Janique