SNAPSHOTS: Pier Angeli & James Dean



"He wanted me to love him unconditionally, but Jimmy was not able to love someone else in return . . . it was the troubled boy that wanted to be loved very badly. I loved Jimmy as I have loved no one else in my life, but I could not give him the enormous amount that he needed. Loving Jimmy was something that could empty a person." -Pier Angeli

" I have loved one person in my whole life, and that was James Dean"- Pier Angeli

HOT ITEM: Alexander McQueen Skull Pump



Yowza! If I was only a few thousand richer I would gladly use my funds to splurge on this shoe. This beautiful pump will set you back $1245 unless you head to Zappos.com and purchase them on sale for about $871.50. While I consider that somewhat of a deal, I just can't do it! Looking is always free though! The collection for the skull pump comes in various colorways such as navy, beige, snakeskin and many more. Out of all of them this is by far my favorite. I love the sewn in wing detail on the sides. It is true McQueen and adds a splash of biker chic in a sophisticated way. Such a clash of styles!

Wednesday Addams...an alter ego



I could empathize with Wednesday Addams' dry disposition all too well when I was younger. I was way too cynical and mature for my age. The good side is, I wasn't as morbid. All the same, I love the character especially played by Christina Ricci.

XOXO

LOVE THIS



A damn good motto...

 

Today pretty much rocked and blew at the same time. How in the heck is that possible?

Well, allow me to divulge. I'm currently at a crossroads. Many post grads can empathize with my situation: where do I go from here? That's exactly what I wonder every day. Being in your 20s means you want results and you want them now damnit! Unfortunately things don't always pan out that way, sometimes you just have to wait. After all everyone and their mom says good things happen to those who wait. I have a SEVERE problem with this. I consider myself a "get em' girl", everything I want I work damn hard for. I practically have tunnel vision for it until I get it. Granted sometimes it means being a bear/workaholic and hibernating into my work but it always pays off. My problem is I can't just stand by and wait for other people to make decisions on me. I've been interviewing at various TV stations and publications. Things seem so far so good. I may be on a good track, but the waiting is killing me! Do I have the position...do I not? It's important for me to be proactive in chasing my dream. If I slack I know I'll get comfortable in a job I have NO interest in and pushed around by all sorts of people. I can deal with authority, but it would be way too difficult dealing with it at a Target. I'm ready to pour myself into my work, not having to sometimes stifle my opinion or suggestions because I'm not a boss. One minute I'm told to speak up, that's what leaders do and the next I'm being shushed because I should just agree. Uhhh what? Is this a rat race? Am I going nowhere? So in a nutshell, I'm going for it. I'm going to do what I truly want to do. My career will be what I want it to be. I'd rather stress over something I hold a passion for than never feel it because I never pursued my goals. It's about how I'll feel about myself later in life. What is most fulfilling? Like many femme fatales in classic film noirs I'll spearhead towards my dream and work the different routes to it. It may be hard, but I've proven myself to MYSELF. It'd be much better to be damned for doing than dead with regrets. With this mindset how can you lose?

SNAPSHOTS: Johnny Depp as Crybaby Walker

WHERE ON EARTH CAN I GET ONE OF THESE?

Ain't this the truth?

James Dean, Paul Newman and Marlon Brando

Am I going to start teaching classes on how to be classic?

SNAPSHOTS: Dr. Martin Luther King/Civil Rights Movement

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."- MLK

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree."- MLK

“We have been repeatedly faced with a cruel irony of watching Negro and white boys on TV screens as they kill and die together for a nation that has been unable to seat them together in the same school room.” – MLK, Why I Am Opposed to the War in Vietnam

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” – MLK, Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech

"As my sufferings mounted I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation -- either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course."- MLK

Dr. King wants the same thing I want. Freedom.

Malcolm X, Source unknown

“I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.” – MLK, Letter from Birmingham Jail

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."-MLK

“The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and, therefore, brothers." – MLK, Strength to Love

"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."-MLK

"Let no man pull you low enough to hate him".-MLK

"Only in the darkness can you see the stars."-MLK

Dr. King, we salute all your optimism, faith, love, perseverance and sacrifice on this day. At times I think about what you would say if you could see us now. Would you feel happy? Proud? Disappointed? Bittersweet? There are things we can all be proud of, but there are still many things to be ashamed of. Our work and our struggle hasn't ended because the full dream of PEACE and FREEDOM hasn't been achieved. When looking at the world we can't say that we are there, but we have made large strides to get there. It seems as though with each step forward we sometimes take 3 back. Looking back on this era, it almost seems as though it was better. Not better all around, better because people believed. My grandma told me this years ago before she passed. She said it was better because they were passionate about making a difference and would die for the opportunities we presently have. Why do we take what we are blessed to have for granted? Why do we spit in our ancestors face? Be responsible and dignified: vote, go to school and apply yourself, be kind to each other and try to empathize with one another. We should be building each other up, not breaking each other down.

 Thank you Dr. King for being a martyr of peace and equality.

XOXO,
Tia

it's been too long...

There's been very few modern day people/artist who fully inspire me.Our current day media is overflowing with socialites, reality stars and half talented entertainers who have an uncanny lucky streak. But for as long as we make them trending topics on Twitter and Google, they will still be around.They scheme to find better ways to stay in the public eye and usually this means a scandal must follow...not a display of true talent. Talent is scarce these days. Maybe it isn't, maybe it's just what people tire of. People seem more interested in paparazzi and the next reality craze.In music we see pretty much half-assed stars making moves currently. Despite what makes more noise and earns more views, I deep down refuse to believe that western society no longer believes in truly being entertained. If this is so then why do we consistently mourn the loss of great artists from the past? Because they were great during their time on earth and their legacy while here was strong enough to impact us after their death. A great person can impact you even if you've never known them (crazy huh?). Aaliyah is no exception. Every year I wonder what she would've accomplished had she still been alive. No doubt she'd be making moves in a subtle yet gigantic way like the true lady she was. 

Great Novels

John Green is an amazing author. All of his novels are relatable. I can read them repeatedly and never feel like it's repetitive because there are always little clues that I missed the last time I read it.My favorite book of his that I've read is Looking For Alaska The only other author that I have discovered that can write novels for teenagers so well is Meg Cabot. My favorite book of hers is How To Be Popular, and just recently I discovered Deb Calettti who also has some pretty juicy books. The biggest reason that I will always love these books is because of the great quotes in them, they made me stop and think about myself. Out of all of these authors John Green has the best quotes so I decided to put together a handful of quotes from a couple of his books

Band of The Week: Paramore

 image via:Paramore

Paramore is a phenomenal band. When music started going completely downhill for my taste, Paramore was always there to give me hope that music could go back on the right track. I hope that the band won't completely split or just disappear all together since Josh and Zach Farro left the band. But to make this short since I can;t say Paramore is great 10 times without sounding repetitive, Paramore is just awesome.

Hello Sunny Skies

 

 

Today marked the end of finals for my first semester classes Junior year. Surprisingly leaving school today I literally walked out with a smile on my face and carried it all the way driving home too. The music on the radio that played while I was driving helped a lot to it just feels like this huge black cloud moved from over my head and I love it. One of the songs that played on the radio was The Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine and I tell you I must have looked like a goober cheesing and dancing in the car but it was the greatest feeling.

  

                                                                                                                                       -Kenya

Elizabeth Taylor by Derreck Jackson

About a week ago my best friend Robyn and I exchanged our belated holiday gifts. I damn near almost screamed when I saw this piece of artwork. It's hard to believe it's mine. The drawing was done in charcoal by her boyfriend Derreck Jackson. Robyn showed me a picture of this particular drawing once Derreck had finished it months ago and I remember secretly wanting it or something like it. Now I do! One of the best gifts I've ever received. The drawing has already changed the energy in my room, I love it. Derreck is amazing at what he does and his skills are sure to continue to flourish! To look at more of his work or contact him for any inquiries click here.

XOXO,

Tia

Quick & cheap accessory finds!

Just a quick post to end the day! I hit up Charlotte Russe to replenish some of my accessory stock and was not disappointed at all! There were plenty of deals and and really great items to choose from. I couldn't have prayed for a better deal for my credit card. My absolute favorite was this pyramid studded headband which was only $2.

Charlotte Russe carries alot of vintage inspired jewelry. I'm always complimented on the earrings I purchase from here. So when I spotted these tri rose/gem earrings I squealed and immediately snatched them!

  Snake rhinestone encrusted earrings. A steal for $3! I've been really inspired by Cleopatra lately so this will go perfect with any Egyptian-esque ensembles.

 

I live for this ring! It's a little hard to see the detail but it is a golden peacock with blue and orange feathers. This I purchased from another store but it was an absolute must have for me. Like the snake earrings this runs in the category of  Egyptian/Cleopatra inspired fashion.

An amazing day of shopping with little damage to my wallet! On average accessories can cause major damage for no reason! Shop smart because these tiny details are supposed to enhance your look not be the  look! I'd rather pay more for my clothing than for jewelry I'll wear every so often. There's nothing like precious yet timeless pieces from an actual jeweler or Tiffany's, but for a quick fit cheap is the way for me.

xoxo,

Tia

SNAPSHOTS: Rita Hayworth

"After all, a girl is... well, a girl. It`s nice to be told you`re successful at it."

SNAPSHOTS: Marilyn Monroe & Jane Russell

break time on the set of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Why we love...

 

RYAN GOSLING

How many of us would love a Xmas present like this? Yeah, I thought so. Besides being one the most hunky promising stars of our generation there are many other reasons why I carry a soft spot for Ryan Gosling in my heart. Let me count the ways:

1. The Notebook

Nuff' said. Ryan is the reason many men can't stand him yet respect him. He single handedly showed you how to love a girl in this film and had many of us turning to our boyfriends and shaking our heads. Tisk tisk, take notes fellas.

Twisted Sisterz go shopping!

This last weekend I ventured to Berkeley to do a little damage to my credit cards with my Mom and Kenya. I mainly needed hats for winter so we hit up Berkeley Hats. I loved this store, they had every hat you could think of and more. I had a blast trying on various styles and pondering what to include to my wardrobe.

Best Coast: sounds of summer

 

Oh how I miss the stifling warm days of summer. I demand them right now! Waking up to scrape ice off my windshield every morning  is not the business and makes me a little late to my destination. Holy smokes it's been cold,  and being a cold Californian is the saddest thing, we are in no way immune to it. My uncle (from Michigan) came to visit one winter and walked around in a short sleeve polo (I know he's crazy!). To him this was the California weather he dreams of. I knew he was officially off his rocker when he declared it beach weather. Anyway whenever a rainy, cold day hits me I tend to listen to music that reminds me of summer. Best Coast is the perfect remedy to your dreary winter days. The band's surf rock taps into your sense memory and brings you to a time and place where you felt just as warm on the inside as you did out. Their full length album Crazy for you is loaded with feel good tunes laced with a signature Cali laid back style. I also adore the tempo and lyrics of their records as they remind me a bit of  50s girl groups, The Shangri-las or The Angels. Don't believe me? Check them out for yourself:

 When I'm With You

My personal favorite, Boyfriend

 till we meet again summer :(

<3, Tia

Band/Artist of the Week: Jojo

Jojo aka Joanna Levesque was one of my favorite singers when I was growing up. I would always make my dad play her CD in the car and then I'd tell him I wanted to be a singer like her and he'd smile and agree. I think Jojo is a great role model for younger girls she's not too racy and she has a few songs that are very inspirational like Exception  and Note To God which were on her 2nd studio album The High Road. Her voice is amazing and she's a good actress, but unfortunately she had trouble with her record label but her 3rd studio album is scheduled to come out this year so I'm pretty excited.





Song: Too Little Too Late
Album: The High Road






Song: In The Dark
Album: Can't Take That Away From Me

-Kenya

New Years

The new year has officially started!

And I couldn't be more excited, but along with the New Year comes New Years resolutions. To be honest I have no idea what I want mine to be. I know that I should find ways to better myself, others, the planet etc. but I don't know the steps to get there or how to make sure I stick to it. So I've decided to make a list.

1. Lose more weight and get in shape (I think that's everybodys)
2. Do more good deeds like maybe feed the homeless at a shelter or something
3. Don't hold in my emotions
4. Pick better friends and get closer to the good ones I have now
5. Find a productive outlet for my extra time(which is A LOT)
6. Be there for my family more
7. Oh and the one I need most. Keep my room clean

New Years Quotes 

• "New Year's Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual."- Mark Twain 
• "The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!" -Edward Payson Powell

• "Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us."- Hal Borland

I hope  you guys have a lovely year

-Kenya