A Girl's Girl

A buzzword that has been decorated across the Twitter decks of celebrities and even Beyoncé’s block-lettered background for her performance during the MTV Video Music Awards, the word ‘feminism’ has garnered a trendiness all its own.

In a whirl of non-fiction spun around a slew of fictional social rebels, the sit-com “Girls” has been referred to as the realistic take on “Sex and the City”. With a gleaming needle of counter hegemony, Lena Dunham asserts herself as the creative seamstress responsible for threading the controversial television episodes together.

If situational comedies were founded upon the idea of recreating reality for the masses, then Dunham is the writer to remind us of just that. In an article from Elle Magazine, Virginia Vitzthum writes, “Among Dunham's gifts to womankind is her frontline example that some asshole may call you undesirable or worse, and it won't kill you. Your version matters more.” Referring to Dunham’s insistence on honesty in an era of hyperbolic airbrushing, the show “Girls” features Dunham’s character in nude scenes that rival the mainstream women whose idealistic bodies dominate television.

Photo courtesy of thetimes.co.uk.

One size does not fit all and “Girls” reminds audiences of this in the unabashed platform that HBO and three seasons worth of sexual health righteousness will allow. While the upfront stylings that take place on screen in “Girls”, such as the testing of sexually transmitted infections and overt discussions of body awareness are a pivotal ingredient for a good Friday night in with your own misfit friends, critics have something to say about the deviance of this sit-com.

On his SiruisXM radio show in 2013, Howard Stern said of the sit-com, “It's a little fat girl who kinda looks like Jonah Hill and she keeps taking her clothes off and it kind of feels like rape. She seems -- it's like -- I don't want to see that." Met with much backlash, Stern eventually issued a public apology after the public accused him of delusion over the realistic image of the American woman.

At the tip of the messy multitude of pens with chewed up caps that spew the script Dunham writes for herself and her cast mates, is the promotion of learning in media that has yet to take place. By affirming the average woman’s body and doing it in a way that weaves satire and comedy into the lot, HBO has allowed audiences the re-birth of our favorite New York City socialites. Trading Carrie Bradshaw’s closet for Hannah Horvath’s love for expletives, audiences are already exposed to a more honest viewing experience.

Mixing in the need for appreciation versus tolerance for the American woman makes Dunham more of a feminist than any of her star-studded Hollywood colleagues. Because, according to Dunham’s scrawlings, gender equity is not a topic to be covered up so easily with a glittery illusion. It is an issue worth talking about and talking about fairly.

Watch Lena Dunham in an interview with Good Morning America as she translates her sit-com hilarity into her new book, Not That Kind of Girl.

Refusing to Rest on Royalty

Though the accessories and gadgets in Hollywood have shifted since the age of the silver screen, the sought-after celebrities that occupy stardom in 90210 have yet to experience a shift. With international shipping-and-handling of a more angst-driven type, the teen singer-songwriter, Lorde, is defining her own status of celebrity in the star-studded zip code.

Whether you draw parallels between the blonde bombshells from then and now or the slick and shimmering fashions that have ever walked the red carpet, most of the stars we follow for their image and not their intellect. With lyrics written to linger on her listener’s ear, the “Royals” singer is playing a melody meant for depth and analysis—a true anomaly compared to many a “Queen of Pop” that she shares the stage with.

Rolling Stone, January 2014 cover

“I think the thing that people relate to about me is that I—you know—I kind of try not to fall into your typical traps of song writing,” Lorde said in an interview with Studio Q. 

Peering in on the lives of celebrities, one might find the images, air and behaviors that belong to them indicative of what our society deems a “stereotype”. For the American pop star, the subconscious associations bring to mind a slew of all-too-expensive objects and all-too-chiseled body types. It is a stereotype unfitting of 17-year-old Lorde’s gothic stylings.

In Lorde's cover story in the January 2014 issue of Rolling Stone, Tavi Gevinson, editor of Rookie said: "Everyone talks about Ella [Lorde] as the anti-Miley because she dresses like a witch and she doesn't twerk. But it's more nuanced than that. She sings about partying, she curses like a sailor and her songs aren't completely asexual. She reflects an intelligence in girls our age, and normalizes it." 

Certainly for the celebrity culture that has proven a steady market in America, there is what Patricia Divine of University of Wisconsin at Madison calls, “inevitability of prejudice”. As consumers, we tend towards the stereotype that the unintelligence that celebrities have is more than redeemed with their unshakeable choruses and good looks. The type of pop star that Lorde proves to be helps us to marry the all-too-familiar “cool factor” with the keen factor, which she carries from her image and into her work in the recording studio.

For this Aussie, the American Dream of fame and stardom does not come at the cost of incapability. It comes with a dark lipstain, a shattered celebrity stereotype and lyrics with a clever likability factor all their own.

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Everything you didn't expect to love this July

If you’re a teenage girl with a Twitter account, you’ve probably beaten me to the following announcement: July is coming to a close. In the last month, the world met some royal and some not-so-royal infants—Amanda Bynes included. Many people also ditched their knock-off Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses for a newer trend. Whatever it may be, a lot has taken place in July and some of the things you enjoyed most about July probably took you by surprise.

 

Media

Now, in media, there’s this term known as ‘guilty pleasure’. If that term wasn’t rubbish before, than it certainly is after July 2013. In print, television, and music, media consumers of every taste have been served content that is just too damn good to be ashamed of. First up, like a love struck Ron Weasley, we all stared as W Magazine placed their June/July issue on stands donning a much more matured version of Hermoine Granger actress, Emma Watson. Elegant and regal on the cover, Watson portrays herself not only capable of being a partner in mystical adventures, but also as a partner in our daydream love affairs. In her feature, the 23-year-old English student of Brown University talks on transforming her acting career into adulthood sans wand.

In the television world, on a channel of our acened adolescence, MTV began airing Rivals II. Featuring grudge-bearing duos from Real World seasons past, Rivals II stands as a reminder of the reality television that first brought our gawky teenage souls the utmost happiness. Maternity leave for Snooki could not have come at a better time. Reality TV looks much better on these seasoned Real World-ers competing every Wednesday night through obstacles and hormones in the tropics of Thailand for a share of $350,000.

Of the many tales you’ve heard after your friends’ 21^st birthday parties, nothing can quite compare to that of Selena Gomez. The Disney-born star rang in her 21^st birthday by debuting her first solo pop album. An album infused with bass and fast-paced rhythm, Gomez now faces nightlife with her proper ID as well as her own soundtrack to play at the club. After coming into acceptance that it isn’t Rihanna’s accented voice coming through the speakers to this edgy and raspy album, you may have momentarily tuned out. Yet, more and more music patrons are joining the 'Selentourage' after hearing the praised tracks such as, “Birthday”, and “Slow Down”.

News

Ignited were the newsrooms this July. So much so, that our news stations made non-American events, American. Early in the month, we watched as Vice President Joe Biden scrubbed clean his already undamaged reputation. Biden’s agenda last month included meeting India’s prime minister and speaking on furthering gender equality in a modern state. What caught our attention, though, was the alter ego of Joe Biden’s. An alter ego that we can deem as the over-achiever with the Oval Office in mind for 2016. His preferred pieces of decor include portraits of Jefferson and Adams, both of whom were Vice Presidents before becoming President. Is it endearing or is it embarrassing? Could he be compared to the teacher’s pet or deemed “Most Likely to Succeed”? No one can say certainly, but he has our attention in any case.

Rivaling the political scandals and social justice travesty in America was an unnamed child with an instant net worth much more than his bald head will ever understand. George Alexander Louis, the royal baby, solicited a welcoming crowd of thousands of people and reporters alike. Like a secret society, Buckingham Palace holds the public’s attention without so much as a sneeze from the guards. Reporter Catherine Mayer of Time Magazine in London offers that the royal family will always cause a stir amongst nations because of the mystery they hold. Months from now, the gawking will ensue as we refresh our Twitter feeds to find out if Prince George is a fussy sleeper, or if his first set of teeth comes in on time.

Style

With the majority of summer behind us, two super brands are switching things up to test how passive summer has made you. No stranger to your credit cards, Nike and Ray Ban have taken their most sought after products and made them all the more desirable. Known for athletic gear to help you rival any lift, run or match, Nike presents Flyknits athletic footwear. Born from the idea of acting as a “second skin”, the Flyknit trainer comes as the newest craze for runners and cross trainers seeking support (arch, ankle, etc.). If your pair of Nike Frees aren’t already deep in your closet, go for a sweat in the Flyknit. After all, it’s a lot less intimidating and much cheaper than a personal trainer.

Quite opposite from footwear, Ray Bans has long been trusted to fit the most stylish of sunglasses upon our suntanned noses. Similar to the aviator phase that stuck around long past its welcome, the classic Wayfarer style from Ray Ban is finally on its way out. A round sunglass lens, for men and for women, is taking over for the Wayfarer as of last month. Hot off the conveyor belt, Ray Ban’s Clubmaster sunglass is the perfect example of this new eyewear trend. With a wide frame on top and smaller, rounded lenses, this look is the perfect middleground between kiddie glasses and the safety goggles look that your parents might take part in. Without looking like a Willy Wonka, the round lens exudes a youthful, in-the-now appearance.

No matter if you’ve taken in your fair share of vitamin D or your fair share of Emergen-C to cure that hangover after a night out, summer has made you unaware. And if the past month’s happenings didn’t shake you awake from your summer slumber, perhaps a little shade and water will do well for you. 

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Counterclockwise: Evidence that the '90s Never Left

People who ask whether you’d rather live in the 1970’s or the 1950’s in a friendly game of “Would You Rather” cannot be trusted. It’s a trick question. The best choice, of course, would be to live amongst the pop and denim ridden times of the 1990’s.

For the last 14 years, I’ve shared a personal mantra with those who care (and those who do not): if you weren’t a youth in the ‘90s, then you did something wrong. Lately, however, this mantra has been challenged. Although green slime, Jennifer Aniston’s signature haircut, and tomigachis all peaked in the ‘90s, recent popular culture trends are suggesting that perhaps traces of the ‘90s never left in the first place.

Push Twitter and Kim Kardashian aside and read on to discover the most prominent traces of the ‘90s in today’s culture…

1. Apparel, threads, gear

Although American culture may never be forgiven for trends like Heely’s roller shoes or skorts, there are plenty of styles that were born in the ‘90s and still thrive today. In regards to footwear, high-top shoes have held a strong presence throughout the last 23 years. Unlike the high-top haircut most famously donned by The Fresh Prince himself, high-top shoes like Converse and Nike’s have changed little in looks, and are still recognized as acceptable street wear for weekenders and rebellions alike.

It would be remiss not to acknowledge the Jelly Bean shoes that could be seen on girls playing hopscotch in the neighborhood or women linking arms with their boyfriends, most likely talking about how relatable Alanis Morriesette’s music is. While the transparent, and vibrant Jelly Bean sandals are less of a go-to trend than they were before, they still make good footwear for cooling down by the pool or walking along the beach and letting everyone know you’re stylish with only so much as a pop of the foot.

In addition to shoes, are some noteworthy trends taking a stand in streetwear that are as attached to the '90s as the Clinton scandal. Fitted, lacey, or loose, belly shirts are back and causing us all to question how this garment can make the area of the mid-drift between the belly button and upper ribcage look attractive. And if ever baring your belly gets to be cold, wrapping a sweatshirt or patterned flannel around your waist is not reminiscent of soccer-mom-chic. Guys too can sport a tee with an around-the-waist sweater for a casual day out. Nothing demonstrates your level of preparedness or capability of being street savvy quite like this trend will.
 

2. Slang

Call it what you will—shortened language, jargon, lingo—we’re all sloths when it comes to language and we seem to be content with this. Admittedly, the American shorthand language took a hard bite to the cheek with texting language. Nonetheless, a handful of phrases from the '90s are still thrown around in daily dialogue. 

When you’re recounting last Friday night’s events with friends, you probably use either the words “wicked” or “hella” in order to build excitement. If you’re on the phone with your significant other while they fumble with what movie to get at a Red Box location, perhaps you’ll suggest they get a “chick-flick”. Should you find yourself at a lack luster party and come up with an excuse to “bounce” (noun; meaning ‘to leave, or to exit’).

So which is it that came first, LOL or “whassup”? Neither. It was laziness that came first, and it’s a continually practiced trend that we pride ourselves in even today.

3. Drive-in Theatres

For every four media-hungry souls who illegally downloads films in the 2000’s, there was an equally media-hungry soul parked just outside the drive-in theatre in the 1990’s who didn't pay their admittance fee. As a leisure activity that boomed in the '50s, the drive-in was first viewed as an occassion worthy of dressing up for. Despite the closing of several hundred drive-in theatres since as early as 1960, watching a movie from outside the back of an SUV with a fist full of candy remains superior to the seat in front of the kicking toddler at the cinema.

Just as it was 20 years ago, the drive-in is fit for an entertaining time on warm weathered nights. A little more worn now, the drive-ins rarely use radio transmitting for sound anymore. One advantage, though, is that the lull in business has urged the lowering of entry fees, and showing of newer films. So lace on your converse, and re-charge with a double feature under the stars.

4. Justin Timberlake

In our younger years, it might have taken us a second to spot Justin amongst his fellow hair-bleached boy band members from ‘N SYNC. Yet, with one of the more successful going rogue stories, Justin has become all the more recognizable for his solo work. Even after the band’s separation in 2002, Justin has seemed to produce music and films in synchronization with what the audiences want.

Recognized in the ‘90s with his bandmates for a diamond-selling album and a knack for making teenage girls throw scrunchies and other garments on stage, Justin continued a steady role in the limelight well after boy bands took a hiatus from popular culture. Now, Justin has been decorated with awards not only for his music, but he was given an Emmy for his guest appearances on Saturday Night Live in 2009 and 2011, and has proven himself worthy of the bold, rugged male lead in several movies over the last 10 years. As a double threat, we just haven’t been able to get rid of him in any decade, nor do we want to.

The ‘90s was a time for the best of the cartoons, too much clothing made from Lycra, and a varied mix of faces in Hollywood to fawn over. That being said, you may have also been too young, maybe too awkward of a pre-teen, to enjoy it all at the time. Never fear, because some of the best traces from that decade remain today for our post-puberty enjoyment. 

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