popculturegrrl

So here’s my usual Sunday “things I’m into” post. But with a little more writing since I have neglected the blog the past week. Last night my boyfriend and went to see Avatar in 3D. It was amazing. So visually stunning. The plot was a bit recycled from like 80 other movies and pretty predictable, but over it was still really good. I highly recommend that everyone go see it! And now I am so excited for Alice in Wonderland in 3D as well. We saw a preview (in 3D) before the movie started and it was incredible. I love that Johnny Depp is the Mad Hatter. Such a great role for him. The best part of the preview was the Cheshire Cat’s face leaping out at the screen. So good. So, in anticipation of the movie, I am reading Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass, And What She Saw There. The actual novel, not the children’s book. Even though the movie is actually set some years after Alice as been to Wonderland and she is back because the Red Queen has taken over, I still think it will be fun to read. The SyFy channel actually did a similar “in the future” thing with a show called Alice. Visually it was great, the storyline was okay but just took a while to get moving.

Illinois readers: Don’t forget to VOTE! This Tuesday, Feb. 2nd!

Okay, on to my list!

Lost is BACK!! Last season. I have a feeling it’s gonna be even more confusing than ever. Oh, and I need this mug.

Tretorn rain/snow boots. I just bought a pair and love them. They keep my feet warm and dry and don’t cut off my circulation. Check them out at Piperlime . I got them somewhere else–and the sizing is a wee bit messed up. Mine are a bit big, but they get the job done.

Chanel temporary body art. Designed by Chanel Creative Director Peter Phillips. They will be available on the Chanel Web site in mid-Feb and sell for $75 for a pack of 55 designs. So good. 

All things David Bowie. I have always loved him. But lately getting more into his music. Yes, he really has two different color eyes.

Season 2 of RuPaul’s Drag Race on Logo. Such a great show. I hope Nina Flowers from season 1 makes an appearance. Girl was FLAWLESS. As is RuPaul. You better WORK!

I am assuming that on Wednesday there will be some sort of post about Lost. So don’t check on Wednesday if you don’t want to be spoiled!

xoxo

As promised, here are a list of television shows with a brief summary of why I like them. Yes, my mission is to make everyone watch as much tv as I do…maybe more…(insert mad scientist evil laugh). muawahahahaha

• Modern Family (ABC). This half hour sitcom is hysterical. It is about three generations of one family, which includes a gay son who just adopted a baby girl with his partner. Cam and Mitchell are my favorite. With Manny (step-son of the character that Ed O’Neill plays) as a close second. The show is perfect as a half hour because it’s funny without it dragging on. And so far, while some of the humor and scenes are awkward and uncomfortable, it’s not nearly as bad as some other shows on tv, that I believe have jumped the shark. *coughtheofficecough*Anyways, its worth a watch, and I don’t think its one of those shows you have to start from the beginning. It’s pretty easy to follow.

• Fringe (Fox). I know. Fringe is not new. But this is the second season, and I fear it may be the last if rating don’t go up. This show is another one from the great mind of JJ Abrams (Lost, Alias, FlashForward…) and follows FBI Agent Olivia Dunham (played by the gorgeous Anna Torv) and her team, which consists of Walter Bishop and his son, Peter (played by Joshua Jackson, YES PACEY) and her FBI Director Broyles and another agent Astrid. They delve into the world of pseudoscience and it’s awesome and hilarious and scary.This includes mind control, hybrid human/animals, bald men referred to as “the observers,”and a parallel universe currently run by Walter Bishop’s former partner, William Bell (Leonard Nimoy). And just like Lost and the like, this show also has hidden clues (although not as time consuming). And we find out each week, that prior to Walter’s long stint in St. Anne Asylum, he apparently was involved in most of the things the team investigates, including weird tests on Olivia as a child. And remember…there is more than one of everything. This show you for sure need to watch in order. So add the dvds to your Netflix queue people!

• Human Target (Fox). This show just started, but I’m already hooked. Its based on a comic book, so don’t expect it to be too realistic. This show follows the lives of three men who are independently contractors in saving people’s lives. And Mark Valley as Christopher Chance is awesome. In the pilot, he is shirtless. And dang, he has some NIIIIICE abs. But that’s not the only reason to watch. The dialogue is funny and the show is action packed with twists and turns. What more could you want?!

• Castle (ABC). Again, not a new show, but what started as a mid-season replacement, turned into a hilarious modern-day ‘Murder She Wrote.’ Only instead of Jessica Fletcher we get Rick Castle (Nathan Fillion), writer of the famous Derek Storm novels and the new Nikki Heat. The whole premise of this show is that Castle decides to shadow a homicide detective, Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) for a new novel. She becomes his inspiration for Nikki Heat and even after the book is published hilarity ensues. Similar to MSW, Rick is very adept at helping the NYPD help solve crimes and think outside the box. And Nathan Fillion plays the smarmy but charming and lovable character very well. His chemistry with Stana is great as is the rest of the cast. Its out on DVD, so also add those to the list. It’s worth it, I promise. Plus, Castle’s mother is played by Susan Sullivan (Kitty Montgomery on Dharma and Greg).

• The Good Wife (CBS).  I usually don’t get into law shows. Not sure why. But this law show is great. And not just because it involves Mr. Big and Gram from Dawson’s Creek. Juliana Margoulis is great in her role and the storylines, while slightly unbelievable, are good. The show follows Alica Florrick as a new junior associate despite her extensive background as she begins work again, only to discover she is vying for the position against another junior associate (fresh out of law school), Carey, played by Logan Huntzberger for all you Gilmore Girls fans. She decided to go back to work after her husband the former Cook County State’s Attorney, Peter, (Mr. Big), was arrested and charged with all sorts of bad things including having a multitude of affairs with lots and lots and lots of women, including prostitutes. The show follows Alicia’s climb back into the corporate world as well as raising two teenagers, and keeping composure in the wake of her husband’s scandal. However, we come to learn that Peter was probably set up (his kids realize that some of the photos were photo shopped and videos faked), the firm’s PI is totally working as a double agent to help Peter take down the newest attorney and clear his name, and that one of the partners, Will Gardner, is probably in love with Alicia, but also sort of a sleaze. Oh, and all this is totally going on behind Alicia’s back. And Christine Baranski also stars and is fabulous.

So this is it for the main shows I want to push. I also still watch Ugly Betty, 24, Heroes, Parks and Recreation, 30Rock Lost and Gossip Girl. And plan to add Life Unexpected and The Deep End. Oh, and clearly I love Glee. And have mixed feelings about FlashFoward. For more information on all these delightful shows…just take a gander on Google or IMDB. Oh, and also, one more thing, I don’t get HBO or Showtime, which is why I didn’t talk about True Blood etc. But I do love it. And Dexter. Although am way behind on Dexter. Add it to the pile! haha

Hope you enjoyed! Perhaps some book summaries coming soooooon.

xoxo

Golden Globes and 24 tonight! And more 24 tomorrow! Oh My! Can’t wait to see what the celebs wear.

Stuff I’m into this week…

Doing what I can to help the people of Haiti.  Click on the above image to see what you can do to help. Every little bit counts.

Dan Brown’s newest book: The Lost Symbol

JACK IS BACK! 24…New York style!!

Alice in Wonderland nail polish by OPI. Movie is out in March! Can’t wait!

Great album.

Peace racerback tank by Wild Fox Couture.

xoxo

Coughing. Ugh. Finally succumbed to the winter cold that’s going around. Tomorrow or later today I may hit up either the CVS Minute Clinic or Walgreens Take Care Clinic. I wish they were closer…but the closest ones are a bus ride away (well actually I could walk if I didn’t actually feel like crap…which, you know, would totally defeat the purpose.

Anyways, so what better way to cure a cold then watch trashy reality tv, right? Yes, I am aware that I do that anyways, but this time its okay. ahaha Firstly, The Bad Girls Club. The other night, I went to dinner with my friend Meredith at the Chicago Diner (delicious vegan and vegetarian food), and she told me that she tried watching it…and didn’t understand the point. So I tried to explain. And of course I couldn’t because of course the show has no point. It’s like The Real World, but all women. Women who are apparently “bad girls” because they sleep around, get into fights, drink copious amounts of alcohol, like to out scream each other, cause unnecessary drama and walk around in their underwear.But really, there is no point. Oh and Oxygen totally banks on it by making clothing and such for us crazed fans. Oh yes…

You too can be a baaaaad girl! haha According to the Web site…this stuff is in high demand.You also can get yoga pants that say “sassy” and “cranky” on the ass. Trashy. In any form. Unless the back says the name of a college or university…I think those type of things are a fashion NO. Sorry Juicy Couture lovers.

So, the um, “moral,” of my blog today is that it’s totally okay for you to watch trashy tv. Yes, people may judge you, but if I have learned anything from these delightful famewhores, is that I don’t give a F*ck what others thing, and I’m gonna be me regardless. Take it or leave it.

Other trashtastic shows you may want to check out (that are on television currently) are: Secrets of Aspen (VH1), any of the Real Housewives…(Bravo), Celebrity Rehab (VH1), The Entertainer Finds Love in His Basement (VH1, that is not the name of the show, but you get the drift. The Entertainer was on such shows as I love New York and I Love Money), Tough Love (VH1), Keeping Up With the Kardashians (E!), Jersey Shore (MTV), and lots of others that I probably don’t even know about. So, let me know if there are ones I should add to the list! LONG LIVE FAMEWHORES! Hmmm should the Bachelor be added to this list? On The Wings of Love. HA. That sounds like a bad VH1 show right there. Seriously.

xoxo

2010 is all about do-it-yourself (DIY), being green, and thinking positive. One major fashion trend for 2010 is studs. It seems like the whole glam rock look is back. Along with punk rock. Long live Sid and Nancy. And Punk 77.  I kind of love the way people dressed then. Just not sure I can pull it off. But using it for inspiration is key.

Anyways, studs. When done right, they can look amazing. I love them on leather (fake of course) jackets, denim jackets (especially white), shoes, jewelery, and bags. I’m mot sure I can pull off the leather jacket but am thinking for the spring I kind of want a white studded denim jacket or vest. Yes, sounds kind of teeny bopper-ish, but paired with the right thing (cute summer dress) it can look fine and mature. haha But first, I want to start with something small. I’m trying to get crafty and into more DIY accessories for myself. I am thinking of starting with bags and headbands. I really want a studded messenger bag. These are my favorite kind of studs. I like the antique look of them. I think the square ones would look best on a bag. The round could work on jackets or even jeans. Lining the pockets is what I am imagining.

As for going green, a few things I am planning to do to reduce my carbon footprint: take public transportation but try and walk when ever I can, always carry a tote or canvas bag in my purse for shopping instead of using plastic bags, turn off lights and unplug everything when not in use, and find a recycling center in my neighborhood. That’s the one thing that sucks about living in an apartment building in the city. No blue bins. Well, I think some places to at least. In any case, I need to recycle and look into this. And bring my plastic bags into Walgreens. I have so many it’s getting ridiculous. I do use them when I clean my cat’s litter. I bet there is a more eco-friendly way to do that as well.

I need this shirt!!

 And finally, being more positive. I think its http://popculturegrrl.today.com/wp-admin/post-new.phpgood for your health. Focus on the positives and not the negatives. I think in the long run I, and well everyone, will be much better off. And happy. Sometimes I think its important that we all take an attitude check. Power of positive thinking everyone!!

Alrighty, so to keep in line with more popculture things, I’m planning a post about Tiger Woods. Has everyone seen that Vanity Fair cover? That Annie Leibovitz did? Um, no. Sorry but he just doesn’t do it for me.

More soon! xoxo

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a great celebration. My bf and I went over to my sister’s and we played with my niece, ate Indian food and played the game Apples to Apples. It was fun and cheap. And cozy. No trying to fight for a cab in 2 degree weather. I think that’s what I hate most about New Year’s in the city, no cabs! One year, I remember sharing a cab with like 7 other people. The cab driver was not pleased. Oh well. Anyways, so one of my New Year’s resolutions is to blog more. I was thinking I would try everyday, but really, I’m not that interesting, and if I’m going to post popculture and fashion stuff, I want it to be good. Not just because I need to post. So maybe every other or every three days or something. Lets hope I can stick to that. And my other resolutions, which involve eating healthy and getting fit (luckily I got a Wii/WiiFit for Hanukkah!), not letting people get to me, not letting people walk all over me, not putting people first who wouldn’t do the same for me, being on time, and saving money. Among others. I think those are good ones. I know that sounds bitchy, the not putting people first thing, but I feel like I always try to make others happy, and it’s time I concentrate on myself. I wanted to put “get a job” on my list, but I know that will happen. I am thinking positive. It’s a tough market out there, but something will come may way. I can feel it. And hopefully it will be sooner than later. Guess I should try and enjoy my unemployment, huh?!

Anywho, lots and lots of sales going on. Which, I have been good and only looked. Saks is having an AMAZING shoe sale. Like if I was somehow independently wealthy, there are like 5 pairs of shoes I would snap up. I mean like Pradas are a pretty good deal. If you are rich ahaha. There is a pair of Candelas that I may have to buy. Very vintage Victorian-era looking. Sounds ugly, I know, but they aren’t. I also found the best pair of boots at Akira Shoes, but they were way too pricey for me at the moment. But I fell in love. Maybe they will go on sale soon.  And cute studded Jeffrey Campbell wedges, that I think are a little over-the-top, but also kind of awesome. I totally want these studded heels as well! Ah! Too many shoes!!

I’m going to step away from the shoes and move on to books. Off to go use my Barnes and Noble gift card!!

xoxo

SO I am getting tired of using song titles and lyrics as my titles. So I am trying my hand at creativity. I am sure I will be back to the usual by the next post.

Anways…so my newest blog obsession at the moment: Sea of Shoes. OMFG this girl is one amazing fashionista. I can’t stand it (in a good way). Her mother also has a blog called Atlantis Home. Together, they have the most incredible collection of shoes I have ever seen. I am so jealous! Such awesome shoes. It makes me want to run right out to Neimans and Barneys and feed my addiction, sadly, I do not make enough money to get myself a pair of $895 Miu Miu shoes, but still, a girl can dream. However, I am for sure going to be hitting up sales at all those stores. They have taught me that wearing past seasons, totally okay. And their clothes? Good lord. Amazing as well. And they wear things twice. And go thrifting. And sell stuff online. I want to be them! And their house? Beyond words. I want Judy (the mother) to come and decorate my apartment. Its flawless, simply flawless.

I have this great post that I will (hopefully) post tomorrow. But it involves an art project. Yes. Art.Project. Pretty much, if there is one thing I love almost as I love television, its collages. So starting tomorrow, every so often (hey, I do have a life haha) I am going to make some sort of fabulous fashion collage and then scan it to show you my picks. Tomorrow will be shoes. The new YSL shoes available for pre-order at Nordstrom, are amazing. I am in love. So that is my project for tomorrow night while I watch more True Blood. Okay, well maybe before I settle in for the night to watch True Blood. Obviously, that show needs my full attention. The next one after shoes will will probably be my favs from NY fashion week and then bags/purses, accessories, you get the jist.

And speaking of Vampires..the new CW show, the Vampire Diaries was on tonight. It was slow to start, but I enjoyed it. It’s kind of a super cheesy cross between Dawson’s Creek and Twilight. If you can get cheesier than those things. But the boys on that show, Stefan and his deliciously sexy brother Damon, aka Boone from Lost are pretty to look at. I am curious about the book series. I’ll add them to my list.

Other shows…Melrose Place 2.0. Um, yeah. Not so sure I am on board with this one. I was more interested in the adult story lines (Michael Mancini!) and who he is married too…my sister thinks Jane, since that actress also is returning. I just can’t really figure out what the show wants. I feel like its trying to hard to be edgy and should just be soap-y. However, nothing will ever compare to the original. I watched that show until the bitter end. Oh Peter and Amanda, how I miss you. And nothing, NOTHING, will ever be as awesome as Dr. Kimberly Shaw ripping off her wig. Classic.

Shows returning that I am excited for: Fringe, Gossip Girl and Castle. And Ugly Betty. I hope they make this season great. Especially since there are some really good guest stars. New shows: Modern Family, FlashForward and V. And sort of Cougar Town and Community. Yes I watch way too much tv. Thank heaven for DVRs. ahaha And I don’t feel guilty about it. Probably because I do actually do other stuff (hello, president of Chicago NOW people!) so then it makes it all okay.

This weekend is busy wedding Saturday and shower Sunday. Not to mention that at some point I need to do my nails and go to Kinkos. I am excited to wear my Betsy Johnson dress to the wedding Sunday. And I got really awesome shoes on mega sale at DSW.

Alrighty, back to Project Runway. I need to learn to sew. Anyone know a good place to learn? Can I teach myself? I was pretty much a disaster in Home Ec in 7th grade, but I think I have matured since then. Plus, I thought learning how to cook and sew at school was lame. I mean really, a patchwork pillow? Who needs that? I wanted to take music class and make things out of clay. ha typical.

So get excited for my fashion art projects! I am! Mostly because I get to look at pretty shoes while I do it. Its all about metallic for fall 09. Get ready for some glamour and glitz!

kisses.

Hello! So currently watching the Cubs, wishing it was winter, and trying to not be depressed about my current situation about still not having a job, despite lots of luck in the actual getting-an-interview department. Ho hum. Sometimes I just I do try to smile through the pain. I feel that’s a good solution, right? Gawd, I am so self-deprecating these days. But really, something good has to happen to me, right? Something has to work out. Pretty please with sugar on top?

Anywho, so yeah, to keep myself out of a funk that could be very very bad for my well-being, I am still trying to find that outlet through writing and art and the like. I decided that for real, no really, I am going to start my teen book series. And clean my apartment, which includes hanging up all my pictures and getting new ones, etc. I have this idea to cover the space around one closet door that has the mirror with postcards of famous people who I love. Right now, I have Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean. I need more before I can actually start hanging them up so it doesn’t look that weird. I am thinking I need some more musicians and of course more Audrey and Marilyn, because why not? Now, I just need to start collecting. Luckily, Beyond the Wall has tons…so I will have a plethora to choose from. I should also probably figure out just how many I actually need. But ehhhhh, I’m too lazy.

This afternoon after I actually tear myself away from the computer, I am going to go to this vintage store by my apartment called Haystack (get it, like finding a needle in a Haystack is like a great find, yes I know you are all smart enough to figure this out) and then maybe go to Land of the Lost. I don’t really want clothes (well yeah who am I kidding I always want clothes) but just things you know, like fun vintage-y stuff I can place around my house so people will be like OMG her apartment has the COOLEST stuff. You know, like an old typewriter, a dinette set, and maybe some whimsical salt-and-pepper shakers.

Tonight Mike and I are babysitting for Kourtnie while my sister and her husband celebrate their one-year anniversary at the James Hotel, where they got married. Kourtnie will be with them, so we will be at the hotel. I am excited because I love that place, and because I want some cheesecake lollies like nobodies business. Those things are amazing. Chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick, yes please!

Last night Melissa and I worked on stuffing enveloped for letters for possible silent auction donors and had sushi from Matsuya. Yummm. I am addicted to the crazy horse roll. It’s yellow tail and tuna with bib lettuce, mayo and cucumbers, and is GIANT. But under $8. So you get a lot of food for cheap. And its just over all delcious. They are are a great sushi place for general sushi. Rise and Sushi X are my favorite for “trendy” sushi.

Alrighty, well enough about that. Let me know what you all think about my little postcard project. What kinds of projects has everyone been working on over the summer?

ta ta,

pcg xoxo

So…fashion. These are some of the folks that for me, are inspiration. Yes, I know, a few of them are often on the worst dress lists (and sometimes are generally train wrecks)…but hey, at least they are getting noticed and taking risks! Below are some pictures but here is a longer list of my favorite fashionistas: Coco Chanel, Chloe Sevigney, Cory Kennedy , Mischa Barton, Kate Winslet, Audrey Kitching , Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Edie Sedgewick, Hanna Beth , Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson…so many! I don’t necessarily copy their looks, but sort of mix and match what I like from them and make it into my own personal style. And like I said, I want to take more risks. There is a flowered shorts-jumpsuit in the window of Buffalo Exchange that I want. I have to try it on first though because well, you know, jumpsuits aren’t always the most flattering BUT this one may work since its loose and doesn’t look crazy. I also saw a pair of purple heels in the window of the Nine West store down at Clark and Diversey that I really need. I saw them from the window of the bus and was instantly in love! And my must-have for fall, which I am not actually going to get…considering it’s $600 BUT it’s the Tory Burch studded purse. Its gorgeous. Sigh. To have unlimited funds.

Edie Sedgewick (with Andy Warhol)

Coco Chanel

Chloe Sevigny, Blake Lively, Evan Rachel Wood, Lucy Liu

Chloe S.

For the next post I may do my art inspirations or designers. See, there is more to me than tv! haha Just bought the book Julie & Julia. Can’t wait to read! Finished The Color Purple, such an amazing and powerful book. But now I feel like I need to read something light-hearted. I have a huge stack of books to get through…but always love suggestions!

xoxo