Sunday, August 25, 2013

Style Crush: Lily Collins

Lily Collins, a rising star in Hollywood, has found her niche on the red carpet. When I saw Lily rock a palm tree print skirt at the Teen Choice Awards, I instantly put her on my style radar. She has since impressed me with her countless, polished looks at the global premieres of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Lily's formerly demure style has grown edgier lately, with her love of crop tops and high-low skirts.
Lilly in Fausto Puglisi at the Teen Choice Awards 
Lily in Fausto Puglisi at the Teen Choice Awards
  Lily wears a Paper London crop top an Halston Heritage fishtail skirt at the Berlin premiere of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
Lilly wears a Houghton top and skirt at the Madrid premiere of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones  
Lily wears a Houghton top and skirt at the Madrid premiere of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
Lilly wears Cushnie Et Ochs at the Los Angeles premiere of The Lost Instruments: City of Bones 
Lilly wears Cushnie Et Ochs at the Los Angeles premiere of The Lost Instruments: City of Bones

RebeccaFashSignature

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Macklemore's Same Love: The Atypical Summer Hit

When my brother first turned up the radio and told me to pay attention to Macklemore's "Same Love," I nodded my head along to the rhythm of the song until it finally hit me. This rapper was actually talking about something besides sex, money, and fame; he was rapping a pro-gay message. These unexpected lyrics have given me my favorite song of the summer, and here's why you should love it too:

1. An unusual combination.

Even Macklemore is first to admit that rap and pro-gay messages don't typically mix. "If I was gay, I would think hip-hop hates me. Have you read the YouTube comments lately?" People toss around the word "gay," regularly, using it with a negative connotation. As "Same Love" says, we've been desensitized.

2. It calls us out for stereotyping.

At the beginning of the song, Macklemore talks about a math equation he used to determine whether or not he was gay based on preconceived notions. As a kid, he associated being gay with being able to draw, having a gay relative, and keeping his room neat. He thought he might be gay, just because he had characteristics he associated with being gay. On the other hand, he played little league, part of the "straight stereotype."

3. The acknowledgement that we can't change who we are.

In "Same Love's" chorus, a female singer (Mary Lambert) literally says that she can't change even if she wanted to. But why would she want to change who she is? She couldn't, even if she tried.

4. Looking at our history of oppression.

Macklemore raps that hate is behind denying gay marriage. He goes on to say this is the same hate that was behind the oppression of religions and races. We are denying people the right to marry by calling them the lesser.

"A word rooted in hate, yet our genre still ignores it."

"Same Love" carries a strong, important message in the unexpected form of a rap song. Macklemore has gay uncles, who he believes should have the right to marry just like any other American. In this song, he stands up for his family and what he believes in, putting himself out there to receive public criticism. Controversy and insightful lyrics have definitely made "Same Love" a hit.






"No freedom till we're equal, damn right I support it"

Note: This article also appeared on the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-shinners/macklemores-same-love-the_b_3793275.html

RebeccaFashSignature

Sunday, August 18, 2013

My BaubleBar Obsession

Image

From left to right: Double Chiclet Strand, Pomegranate Marquise Fringe Collar, Mint Wana Bib, Mystery Makeover, Gold Multi Mini Triad Pendant

Confession: when statement necklaces first started trending, I completely avoided them. I thought I was too petite and that an oversized necklace would overwhelm me. Boy, was I wrong! Statement necklaces are my latest trend obsession. I love wearing them to dress up a casual outfit or to polish off a collared shirt.

After stalking the BaubleBar website (and twitter and instagram...) for way too long, I finally purchased my first baubles. Thanks to my new Spiked Quad Stand, I am completely hooked. My purchase may have been long overdue, but I plan on wearing my baubles often to make up for it!

BaubleBarObsess1

BaubleBarObsess2

RebeccaFashSignature

Mani Moment: Nail Art with Revlon Neon

Image

When I first saw Revlon Neon in CVS, I knew I had to have it. This double sided brush just screams nail art! I opted for a chevron style mani, which I shaped using scotch tape.

Get the look:

You'll need a base coat, top coat, any revlon neon nail art set, and scotch or masking tape.

Image

Step 1. After applying your base coat, use the white brush to completely paint your nails.

Image

Step 2. Once the white polish is completely dry, cut off small pieces of tape. Then, put 2 pieces of tape over your first nail, forming an upside down triangle shape, and apply the neon nail polish.

Image

I find taping one nail at a time makes it easier to get the shape right.

Image

Ultimately, I found this nail polish fun and easy to use. I can't wait to try out more designs!

RebeccaFashSignature
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...