Hey, It's Ok!

Photo by luana183

Hello there lovelies,

I've seen this type of article popping up in all my favourite fashion magazines late, so I thought I'd put my own spin on it. So, remember, it is completely ok for you:

To check your reflection in windows, toasters and various other shiny surfaces; to like pornography just as much as a man; to sulk like a five-year-old when you fall over and skin your knee (or ass, in my case); to laugh until your sides hurt at cheesy old movies; to have spent all your money mentally before you've actually been paid; to make sure you do your "sexy exercise" (e.g. belly dancing) when your partner is home so they can enjoy it too; to spend far too much time reading books; to be in your twenties and wear t-shirts with messages in rainbow writing; to have no religious beliefs; to spend less than $100 (or even $50) on a whole outfit; to have a crazy crush on a same-sex celebrity; to love yourself unequivocally; to be in a good mood even when you've only got $1.60 left after paying your rent; to have sex with the lights on; to snort a little whenever you laugh; to be immensely cheered up by heart-shaped post-it notes; and, to be a little annoyed when a customer is overly rude to you at work.

Really, it's ok!

Until next time, xo.

The Art of the Female Friendship

Hello there lovelies,

Now before I start, this is most certainly not a how-to piece. If anything, I was hoping there was someone out there who might be able to enlighten me - how exactly do you perfect the art of female friendships? I realised recently that most of my female friends have known me since primary school. In fact, I'm only still friendly with a few girls from my high school days. And, since finishing high school (almost four years ago), I've only made very few female friends, and a seemingly huge pile of female enemies. I've been asking around, and it seems like I'm not the only one encountering this problem. Despite the movies and television shows proclaiming the opposite, it appears that lots of women in their 20's are having trouble befriending each other. I can't help but wonder what the cause of this phenomenon is. I'm guessing that the root of the problem is not that a large percentage of young women are all completely socially inept - so what is the problem? Why do we dislike other women so much quicker than we befriend them? Why do we spend so much time hating on other women, instead of enjoying Sex and the City-style brunches together?

I've probably spent far too much time bemoaning my lack of ability to make female friends to pretty much anyone who'll listen for five minutes, and a fair few of them have given me the same answer when I ask what the problem might be - "They're probably intimidated by you." Now this I really didn't understand until my Dad laid it all out for me.

" I don't get it, why would people be intimidated by me?" I said to him.

"Well," He replied, "You're smart, funny, beautiful and you've got a whole lot going for you. You might not see it that way, but they do."

And that really got me thinking. Is this the key thing that affects that way young women relate to one another? Do we all unknowingly intimidate each other this way? The more I think about it, the more the whole thing makes sense. As individuals, we are very good at seeing the amazing things that other people have, but not so hot at seeing all the wonderful things we have to offer others. I have to admit that other women do scare me a little bit - women who aren't me always seem so cool, confident and put-together, whereas I feel it's blindingly obvious that I'm the shy tomboy who forgot all about that coffee stain when I picked what I'm wearing. I suppose other women do intimidate me a little bit, I just never thought that I could have the same effect on them. But when it comes down to it, women spend so much time feeling like they're all part of a great big competition (to win jobs, beauty, men etc.) that it's no wonder we're all looking at each other like potential enemies rather than potential friends. It's occurred to me many times before that the people most critical of women are other women. I suppose it's little wonder that we're all a little scared of each other. I don't really know how to address this problem myself, but I'm going to try my hardest not to be scared of interacting with other women - no matter how much I'm convinced they're just going to laugh at me, and make fun of my hair. And I'm also going to try my hardest to not close myself off, and discourage other women from approaching me.

In the meantime, if anyone wants to be my friend, there are cupcakes in it for you. Lots of 'em!

Until next time, xo.

Lada Gaga + DJ Elay

Whether or not you like her self-dramatized image, Lady Gaga has an album that sounds like a best of compilation of an artist with at least a decade in the industry. The track Paparazzi is straight up creepy but, like most of her songs, the melody quickly entrenches itself in your head. This remix makes it a bit more danceable (useful). The Fame Kills tour (Gaga + Kanye) will bring screaming 12-year white old girls together with millions of hipsters, who are likely to find that they have a great deal in common with one another.

Horrifying Trends That I Love #3

Hello lovelies,

Here I am with yet another shocking style confession - I love heart-shaped sunglasses.

And what a confusing love this is! I don't know what it is about them, and I am actually yet to purchase a pair. Personally, I think this confession could seriously damage my "street cred". I know that it may be supreme madness for anyone over the age of three to wear these things, and yet I'm itching to get my hands on a pair. I have a sneaking suspicion that this obsession may be due to my seemingly innate love of anything that makes me look stranger than I already do - which, I must add would explain my recent desire for a pair of these sunglasses:

But then, I also think that a pair of strangely-shaped sunglasses (whether hearts, apples, or the various other novelty designs available are your thing) can add interest, and an element of fun to otherwise boring outfits. Besides it would take a fair bit of confidence to whack a pair of these babies onto your face don't you reckon? What's your take? Are heart-shaped sunglasses a little too Lolita for you, or a quirky addition to your wardrobe? Either way I'll be over here in my corner loving the face-love.

Until next time, xo.

Thought For The Day

Hello there lovelies,

I was having the most horrible day today - work was so insanely busy that there was no way I could get all my jobs done, I'd hardly had any sleep, I had no money for coffee, and I knew I had to come home and finish (start) an assignment that is due tomorrow. But then I got this email:

When you don't know what to do next, Stacey, sometimes it's because you've already done more than you give yourself credit for. Hey, you don't want to make that mistake again, huh?

Every single day of your life, Stacey, you've moved mountains. And somehow I don't see this ever changing.

You rock - The Universe

It reminded me that things weren't really that bad - after all, I have a job, a bed to sleep in, enough money to pay my rent, and access to a decent education. It also reminded me to step back, take a breath and smile.

Photo by The Boyfriend

If you want to get inspiring notes from The Universe to make you smile whenever you're having a bad day (or just feel plain awesome when you're having a great day), then head over to TUT's Adventurer's Club, and sign up. It is completely free, and although Mike Dooley who runs the place has written lots of books, and various other things, you're not obligated to buy anything. Pretty sweet deal I think. Anything that makes you smile is completely worth it.

Until next time, xo.

Chip Tha Ripper

Ten days later... Cudi's album hits number four on billboard. Chip Tha Ripper is on several tracks and keeps it going where Cudi's monotone flow tends to drag. Tracks like T.G.I.F, which originally appeared on A KiD named CuDi continue to stand out as some of the best tracks on the album. Chip Tha Ripper's own mixtape has been 'coming soon' for a couple months ... if its anything like Cudi's he can probably expect an offer from Universal/Motown before Christmas. In the meantime heres a siiick freestyle from last year...

A Dose of Style - Leighton Meester

Hello there beautiful readers,

I know the blog entries have been a little light on for the last few weeks, and for that I apologise. I've been working alot and all my university assessment is due in the next few weeks- throw in a severe lack of sleep, The Boyfriend working crazy shifts, and us only having one car to get us both to our completely differently timed work shifts, and you have a recipe for a lack of motivation. I promise I'll be back up to speed in no time (just as soon as I've finished writing essays about psychological research, and lab reports about whether intergroup apologies facilitate forgiveness).

Now, without further ado, onto the style! I'm doing something a little different this week, and focusing on one person. I can't help it, she always looks far too good for me to ignore it. I'm talking about Leighton Meester, a.k.a Blair Warldorf from Gossip Girl - the girl who looks just as fashionable on and off the program.

I love this take on the women's suit deal. Leighton looks comfortable and awesome, which is always a great combination.

As much as I would probably hate this dress on anyone else, I feel that Leighton really rocks this crazy style.

I think I'm going to mug Leighton and steal this outfit. The cool dress, the messy-yet-stylish hairdo, and the bright red shoes all added together make one perfect whole.

Now this is my absolute favourite of Leighton's outfits. The black dress with the cut-outs makes me drool. I want this dress so badly, and despite all the critisism this outfit seemed to get, I think it's amazing.

Until next time, xo.