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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A Bouffant Silhouette Behind the ‘Tonight Show' Desk

Spanning several decades and a slew of networks, the figures behind the wooden desks of late night television have touted raspy voices and well-kempt, combed-over hair while detailing the latest in news and popular culture for the masses. It was a silhouette solidified in American media facets—the informed, polished American man—but with her beehive hair and string of pearls, Joan Rivers became the first woman to break into the boy’s club of late night with just as much crass and intrigue as the rest.

In 1965, when Rivers first appeared on ‘The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson’, the American ideology of television front liners hardly included the female voice, let alone her opinion and individualism. In contemporary sociology, the term ‘ideology’ encompasses the images and standards to which individuals and groups make sense of what they encounter in a culture. What this indicated for Joan Rivers and her unabashed one-liners was that the American audience was left to re-think the ideology of the worthy faces of television, as Rivers would soon chalk 80 guest-hosting gigs next to the man she deemed her mentor, Johnny Carson, on ‘The Tonight Show’.

Joan Rivers and Johnny Carson during Rivers' second appearance on 'The Tonight Show' in the '60s.
Wenn Photos/ Newscom

"Johnny was the one person who said, 'Yes, she has talent; yes, she is funny.' He was the first person in power who respected what I was doing and realized what I could become,” Rivers said in an interview with People Magazine in 1991. What is important to note about the mentor-mentee relationship of Carsons’ and Rivers’ is not that this man and woman duo made late night television a laugh-loaded and honest viewing experience, but that Carson—the power holder for the show—had welcomed the change.

With a considerably modest beginning, the dirty dialogues from Rivers lent greatly to the ideology of able and quick-witted women. Rivers stunned Carson and the masses with innumerable insults and star-studded slurs in order to ultimately stir the ideology of hegemony in America.

Hegemony, which works to frame and promote the identities, values and normative actions of a culture’s power holders, is in itself an exclusive concept. Exclusivity, however, was not a deterrent for Joan Rivers and her pathway for a career in comedy. Rather, exclusivity of women was an opportunity she felt was befitting of her talent.

Now, the archetypal male in media and the hegemonic role in which he fits remains challenged by today’s femme forerunners. But if not for Rivers’ pioneering footsteps and cheeky choice for words, the non-gendered silhouette of media platforms today may not have transitioned into the state it has, though there are plenty more screens befitting of the modern maven—’60s bouffant not required.

Watch Joan Rivers on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, 1986

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The 'It' Factor

Like the young-hearted 40-somethings who never wish to grow up, Alexa Chung is the “It” girl who never wished to be.

Up until now, Chung has been the spit-fire VJ giving you music updates with a raspy British accent, and the model convincing you that there is ease in trendiness without uttering a single accented word. Now, she has taken to ink and quill—rather, some lengthy emails to her publisher—to let her style evolution and love of ‘selfies’ come forth.  

Photo by Kyle Thonburg

Offering up advice about the self-portrait science, Chung says, “There are two ways to compose this shot: you can either hide your face behind the camera or, if you’re having a good day, peek out from behind it – but for God’s sake, please don’t look directly into the lens.” Taking part in the ‘selfie’ movement means you have maintained relevance, but taking a non-incriminating selfie helps people to take you seriously. The last tip, Chung rattles off, is to rid of the evidence. Having someone thumb across photos that never saw the likes of Instagram is an embarrassing conversation everyone should avoid.

Photo by Kyle Thornburg

Wrapped in a pink, textured armor, the book’s exterior is a prelude to the highbrow, vintage scrapbook that awaits you in the pages. If there were ever a chronology of book layouts that were acceptable with age (i.e. picture book, photo essays, novels), well, Chung has gone and scribbled all over this unwritten rule. With her own illustrations and photographs, this fashion bible marries tomboy with femme fatal in the most seamless manner.

In a culture where we consume everything, or nothing, reading memoirs of public figures is often the telling sign that you have reached the end of your celebrity crush. The same cannot be said regarding Alexa Chung’s “It”. Covering all of the essential topics, Chung will be a shoe-in for your next famed infatuation before you have finished reading from pink cover to pink cover.

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Watch Andrew Bevan, of Teen Vogue, talk with Alexa Chung about the release of her new book in the online series, "Breakfast with Bevan".

Cutting it close: Tips for the smoothest shave

You will feel Nivea's Post Shave Balm working away at
dehydration after a close shave. Photo by Kyle Thornburg.

While going to the local barber is enough to transport you to a time of radio hits and not-so-instant messaging, the barbershop requires some free time if you take small talk into account. For the impromptu dates and late notice interviews, barbershop-smooth shaves do not have to be an outsourced job. Take matters into your own hands.

Pre-shave 

A good shave starts before you have even picked up your razor of choice. Taking a hot shower, or merely washing your face with warm water before you begin shaving will soften up your bristly 5 o’clock shadow.

So-long Stubble 

During your shave, switch the faucet from warm to cold water. Contrary to the comfort of warm water shaving, cold water will keep your pores closed and reveal more of your stubble for a longer lasting shave. If you have doubts about this tip, refer your attention to this article, “The Case for Cold Water Shaving” on theartofmanliness.com, which debunks the water temperature debate. Perhaps the most convincing argument resides in the black and white photographs of U.S. soldiers shaving with snow run-off, and not a hint of razor burn afterwards. After all, if there were ever a civilian battle to be fought, it is against red razor burn.

Pay homage to the shaves of yesteryear,
with a bold aftershave, like Chanel's
Allure. Photo by Kyle Thornburg.

While we have battle on the mind, it might be an optimal time to talk about going rogue, soldier. It’s time to abandon the common man’s go-with-the-grain shaving approach. The first time you shave, shaving with the direction of your facial hair will help rid of most of your longer hair growth. Afterwards, shave once more against the grain, remembering to pull your skin taut with each stroke, and you will notice how much smoother your face is.

Reach for Neutrogena's Post Shave Lotion
when your razor burn worries are low.
Photo by Kyle Thornburg.

Aftermath 

Before your face has dried completely, apply an after-shave moisturizer. If you feel a higher level of irritation after your shave, try something like the Nivea post-shave balm. A dime-sized portion goes a long way, and will keep your face hydrated. With less irritation, you might try the Neutrogena post shave lotion, or a more classic aftershave, like Chanel’s “Allure”.

Whichever products you choose, be sure not to use blend two or more scented products. You want to revive the barbershop smoothness with your shave, without smelling like potpourri at dinner or in your potential new workplace.

Being your own barber is a convenience that our suave founding fathers of style weren’t afforded. Try your own at these techniques, and you might find that 5 o’clock shadow arrives fashionably late from here on out. 

For a quick, step-by-step guide to getting a close shave, check out this article at Esquire.com.

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From Catwalk to Closet: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014

If you don’t live in an urban jungle, it’s likely that you resonate more with the soundtrack of fashion shows than the fashion itself. Season to season, art walks down runways backed by twinkling flash-photographers with a cool factor that would not translate well outside of the city. That is until Burberry Prorsum took to catwalks with a Fall 2014 ensemble of ease.

Ripe with artfulness and wear-ability, as described in this review on Reckless Animals, this line was made for the young urban dweller no matter the amount of skyscrapers—or the lack thereof—that surround you. From olive-toned capes to full-bodied trenches, Burberry’s menswear begs to be worn on the back of free spirits with a not-so-free itinerary.

Three looks from the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014 menswear collection.
Photos courtesy of recklessanimals.wordpress.com.

As a 20-something living in Colorado, the neighborhood name brands include the likes of North Face and Columbia. While I’ve trusted them both to get me to the bus stop with a normal body temperature, the spring and fall allow for comfort without resembling your favorite marshmallow dessert.

This fall, Burberry will walk much further than the stretches of the runway. Forego your classic denim jacket a time or two this fall and mix in the layered capes and collars of Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014. 

Complete Slideshow

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Creating Cardio Outside of the Gym this Winter

Wintertime prompts some adjustments in the way you conduct your day. Where there’s snow, it’s likely that your snow shovel is within plain view upon walking into your garage. Where there’s freezing temperatures, you wouldn’t dare drive without gloves for fear of frostbitten fingers. Unless you’re located in fair weather regions, the frigid season also brings out some creativity when it comes to getting in the proper amount of exercise.

The start to 2014 is as good a time as any to be loyal to your gym membership, but before you get your limbs tangled into knots with dumbbells, take to the outdoors.

According to Active.com, snow-surfaces and icy obstacles might put your personal trainer’s workout to shame. Amongst the seasonal sports to take part in during winter, snowboarding and downhill skiing burn 429 and 432 calories per hour, respectively. Topping that with 468 calories burned per hour, is sledding. That’s right, the activity of your snowsuit-wearing childhood is enough to burn off any amount of hot chocolate, so don’t feel guilty about the extra marshmallows.

Just before the festivities of Christmastime, my family and I packed our lunches and our ski gear for a day at Powderhorn Resort atop the Colorado Mesa. Legs quivering, and heart racing, the end of a ski run will make you aware of neglected muscle groups without the machinery of your local gym. “[Skiing is] a great all-round way to keep both the body and the mind healthy and fit for anyone willing to give it a try,” according to Fitday.com.

Take the hesitation out of working out in the winter and roll it down a snowy hillside. Cold weather will not be the villain in achieving your fitness resolutions. Take your cardio to creative limits this season, but don’t forget your extra pair of socks. 

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