SNAPSHOTS: Gene Kelly

"If Fred Astaire is the Cary Grant of dance, I’m the Marlon Brando."- Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly & Rita Hayworth in Cover Girl

One of my favorite Gene Kelly dances from Cover Girl

 technique* precision* passion *ruggedness

MARILYN MONROE: What you may not have known



As I've said before I am an avid collector of books based on Marilyn Monroe.

Each author has a different angle, a different take on who Marilyn was. In my opinion some of these authors tend to be a bit biased. They focus more on the sensational stories of her life. Unfortunately, her portrayal in these books only scrape the tip of the iceberg. No one will ever really know who Marilyn was, not even those who knew her. She was a changeling in one body. That was the brilliance of this woman. Monroe was a character, one that she could turn on and off. The glamour and sexuality of Marilyn Monroe was created by Ms. Norma Jean herself. While many myths and bios of Marilyn paint her as a schizophrenic, manic, vapid, ditzy,broken and loose mess she was the complete opposite. Marilyn was intelligent, She loved diving into books and writing poetry. She had a deep passion for politics and civil rights. She also created the "dumb blonde" persona many believed to be real.

Dressed for the town...

Today was such a beautiful day, I had to venture out and take it all in.

It's been raining alot and was supposed to snow today as well. That's right...SNOW! Snow isn't so easy to come by in your everyday California city. Since there was still a chill in the air I decided to bundle up in wool.

My Dream Job

As of right now this show is the love of my life, but the bloopers make the show and the actors so much more lovable. Wouldn't you love to have a boss like Michael Scott? Well I know some people who say they already do, and say that it can be stressful sometimes but, I think in general to have a workplace this fun and eventful would be too great.

Band Of The Week: Good Charlotte

Images Via: GC State

I don't even know where to begin. I've been listening to these boys for as long as I can remember. They've never turned their back on their fans and I will never turn my back on them. They are my all time favorite band, and I will always support them.

Great Day To Get Lost

Sitting in mt freezing cold house just staring at the sun outside made me want to just burst. So I decided to get up and take a trip (not too far from home) and look at the beautiful nature. In the process of dong that, I became so lost! But in all honesty I could have cared less at that moment. The day was beautiful, I had good tunes, and enough gas to get me back home. This day just got me ready for the warm weather.

Wishing on Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club... and many more

 If I had to describe the span of my teen years, only a John Hughes film could do it justice.

Heck, I only wish that life were a John Hughes film. If it were I'd end up with my dreamboat teenage dream within an hour and thirty minutes. Just thinking about him, still today, makes me giggly and socially awkward. Ahh, but seriously if you've ever seen one of Hughes' films you can't deny feeling a piece of yourself in one character. Maybe you were as fly as Duckie, goofy like Farmer Ted, hot like Jake Ryan, a rude boy like John Bender or a girl next door like Sam and Andie. Maybe you identified with all of them in some weird schizophrenic fashion. Don't feel bad, it's totally fine. Speaking for myself, I'd say that I was a Sam (Molly Ringwald, Sixteen Candles). You couldn't tell me I was beautiful because my mirror didn't. I could see some pretty features wanting to burst out but my pubescent awkwardness tarnished what little hope I had. Like any teenage girl I picked at myself in the mirror and envied the "IT" girls at school. To my dismay the king of the nerds had the hots for me. That nerd was the only play I could get! It's so petty now, but that was devastating at 16. Oh yeah, and I drooled over my crush as much as possible. But I strictly remember having a blast while crying sick and ditching school. I remember playing air guitar during my lectures and feeling odd for liking the bad boy of the school. I even had a friend ditch me to become cool in middle school like Kenny Fisher (Can't Hardly Wait).

I'm full of nostalgia, you guys should know this by now. While watching Can't Hardly Wait and Pretty & Pink this weekend I couldn't help but think about the impact that John Hughes films have had on us. They truly seem fun and lighthearted, but that is the genius of Hughes, he's got you thinking without even knowing it. There is substance and depth at times that we dare miss because we were sidetracked by Bender's smart assed one liners. There are many things I think WE ALL have taken from watching these films. The list is endless! God bless these films for soothing my soul, even after my teen years. The overall lesson of each is to HOLD ON. Things always get better and always sort themselves out, you just need to wait it out.

New Favorite Song: No Love by Eminem ft. Lil' Wayne

                                                                                                 

-Kenya

New Obsession: Pretty Little Liars

Not only are the books by Sara Shepard amazing, but the Tv show on ABC is too juicy and constantly keeps my attention. Granted if you don't read the books or if you miss an episode or two you will get lost, but all the more reason to just dive into it.

MOTEL ROCKS! New Arrivals!

 

 It's an 80s overload over at Motel! I couldn't be happier. The 80s have been IT for me recently.

I have no idea why, all I know is I'd like a time machine for my birthday damnit! My love for the 40s,50s and 60s will never fade but my recurring 80s cravings takes me over entirely.

Anytime I can find patterns that resemble and outfit Lisa Turtle or "Jem" would wear it's a 'must have' for my wardrobe. Every so often I visit Motel's sight for new sales and products. Motel is notorious for their quality clothing and accurate yet comfy fitting and affordable prices. Shopping at Motel is like going through your mother's vintage trunk. At times, some of their designs may be more modern or vintage inspired but I can guarantee you that you'll become enamored with their selection.

Click on to peep a look at Motel's newest arrivals!

Romeo & Juliet: First sight

Call me corny, call me sappy, but I love this song. Des'ree sings it perfectly and the emotion

that wells up inside me makes feel as though I have what she is singing about. "Kissing you" was apart

of the Romeo & Juliet soundtrack. How beautiful is this song while watching Leo DiCaprio?! It's like having brand new eyes. Ok, maybe not. But anyway soothe yourself and take a listen. This is the only song I could think of to post for Vday. It's completely timeless and classic and I hope to play this at my wedding someday. I know, I know...little girl dreams.

Hope you all had a day filled with affection.

Remember to shower those that you care about with love all year.

Love doesn't pop up once annually, it is consistent.

XOXO,

Tia

SNAPSHOTS: Madonna

                                                                               

If you meet someone and you think they’re perfect, you better run as fast as you can in the other direction. Cause your soulmate is the person that pushes all your buttons, pisses you off on a regular basis, and makes you face your shit. - Madonna

Happy V-Day To All

I hope all of you guys had an enjoyable Valentines day with your loved ones, and that you expressed all of yor feelings to the ones you care about.

Because it's Valentine's  Day and everyone can feel the love in the the air, or maybe Cupid just shot you with a bow and arrow, I decided to post some songs and quotes that might get you more into the spirit.

Twisted Sisterz: UPDATE

Hey guys & dolls!

It's been awhile since Kenya and I have consistently updated or even collaborated anything.

We've been so busy making the next moves in our lives and careers that it has been really hard to keep up on the blog. To make matters more difficult our internet access at home completely malfunctioned. Yesterday we had a technician come to our home and set up WiFi and rest our connection. I was completely ecstatic to hear that we now have WiFi because all my main work is on my laptop. But of course, that is malfunctioning too! Already! Some handyman we have!

Anyway, many things have begun to take place in our worlds and we couldn't be more excited for them!

SNAPSHOTS: Frank Sinatra



"People often remark that I'm pretty lucky. Luck is only important in so far as getting the chance to sell yourself at the right moment. After that, you've got to have talent and know how to use it. "

Frank Sinatra



Are You Too Faced?

Now you can proudly say that you are. 

I have just recently discovered this makeup line, and I have to say that I've fallen in love with it.

I went to Sephora looking for eye shadows this past weekend and found their Classic Eye Beauty Collection. Due to the fact that I'm not rollin' in dough I had to settle with buying one of them.

Which was their Romantic Eye compact, but all of the collection is just amazing, and on sale for only $35.

Natural Eye

"The kit's contents were formulated and hand-selected by Too Faced Creative Director, Jerrod Blandino, to create the most universally flattering eyeshadow look for any woman and for almost any occasion. The pure-pigmented eyeshadow formula blends effortlessly and keeps color intense and in-place all day long. Plus, this perfectly portable palette of must-have neutrals comes with a double-sided brush/sponge wand in the pull-out tray provides easy application."

Naked Eye

"Looking like you rolled out of bed flawless and fabulous is a celebrity secret, and one that careers have been built on! Now, you too can look like you were "born perfect" with this gorgeous collection of naturally nude shadows that will have you looking super neutral yet drop-dead-gorgeous for any occasion. Shhh! Nobody needs to know you didn't wake up that way."

Smoky Eye

"From superstar celebrity clients to soccer moms and sorority girls, it seems like everyone wants smoky eyes and yet no one knows how to create them. So, Too Faced has come to the rescue with the professional-quality Too Faced Smoky Eye Shadow Kit, for any age on any occasion."

 

-Kenya

Snow White, the poison apple and generations under the influence



Snow White has captured millions and billions of hearts since the Grimm brothers concocted her story.

With each reinvention, Snow White manifests into a different creation. Sometimes the story will

be darker, sometimes more lovable or twisted. The versatility and symbolism behind the story allow this classic to be one of a kind.

The Distillers...May you rest in peace

When The Distillers broke up years ago I did not anticipate just how much I'd miss them.

Thank god Brody is still slaying away on her guitar, rock needs more women like her. Unfortunately and fortunately she is currently playing with her new band Spinnerette, along with former Distillers' guitarist Tony Bevilacqua. Since the disbandment of The Distillers, Brody Dalle has changed her tune. She no longer uses the scruff edgy voice that aided each guitar heavy track. Her edge is still there and still rock but she no longer sounds as agressive. I admired her and the band during my adolescence and envied Brody's guts (I once read she was a former bouncer). She could take to both the stage and the guitar with all the gusto in the world.

Love is in the air...Valentine's is near!



Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

Yup! That's right, whether you are ready or not.

For some folks, Vday is a beautiful opportunity to go the extra mile and celebrate love. For others, it is the bane of their existence. Well I'm here to tell all my readers that there are more ways to enjoy Valentines Day when you are single. As odd as it may sound your "love" doesn't have to be an actual love interest.

Kenya (my sister) is my best friend and I would love to treat her for a fun day of adventure. Especially since we both don't have the time to hang out like we used to.

On the other hand, there are also many garments,gifts and activities you can partake in around the bay with your love interest.

Aaliyah Tribute show by Netta Brielle



This evening the Bay Area's own, Netta Brielle, will be performing a tribute to the late and great Aaliyah.

If you have no plans tonight or will be wandering the streets of San Francisco make your way over to catch this beautiful and talented woman sing. It's sure to be an amazing set!
Address: 330 Ritch, San Francisco, CA
tickets are $5 w/RSVP and $10 at the door

XOXO,

Tia

SNAPSHOTS: JAYNE MANSFIELD



"A 41-inch bust and a lot of perseverance will get you more than a cup of coffee - a lot more. I like being a pin-up girl. There's nothing wrong with it. "- Jayne Mansfield

SNAPSHOTS: Kelis...always a boss



On her perception of fashion magazines:

"I don’t give a damn what these white chicks are wearing in the magazines. They’re not setting trends. I’ve always been a trendsetter, and my mom is a bad chick to this day, so I don’t need to see” what’s happening.” I know what I like, and I’m going to put it together how I like it. I love to shop. I can go from H&M to Bergdorf’s-like that."

Her place in the industry and what makes an artist:

My job is to bring you things you don’t know you like yet. There’s a difference between performers and artists. I’m not the greatest singer in the world. I already know that. But I know I’m an innovator. I always say the greatest artists in the world are not the most talented people, they’re the people compelled to bring you something because they don’t know what else to do. They’re the painters who paint not because they can make money but because they cannot stop. Its cliché, and I don’t ever want to take myself too seriously, but at the end of the day, if I’m not moving you in some way, what’s my point? Kelis Was Here? It’s the end of an era. I’ve influenced people enough with what I’m doing now.

On a sidenote: Does that hairstyle look familiar to you? I've said it before and I'll say it again. Kelis was doing the same thing you see many boring starlets of today doing 5-7 years ago. It'd be moronic to say that her career hasn't influenced the current wave of female artists.

Nicki Minaj: SNL



I was never MUCH of a Minaj fan. Don't get me wrong, I'd give her her credit when it was due. The girl has some crazy verses, but I would never consider myself a fan. It was until recently that I understood the marketing and machine of the Minaj empire. While there are certain characteristics borrowed from other female rappers, you could hardly say Minaj is a biter. The truth is some much has been done, it'd be impossible for anyone to be fully orginal. Some traits will always resemble another's. But Nicki gives credit to the female rappers who've paved the way for her and ran down that blazed trail. The music industry hasnt seen a female rapper cross over into the pop-culture world as naturally as Minaj. Her appeal knows no colors, orientation,age, sex or class. After discovering this I had to give her props. But I wasn't yet accepting of HER, HER as an artist. Minaj's new video 'Moment 4 Life' debuted last week and to my suprise I was rather entranced by it. The plot was so sweet and delicate, and very unexpected. Minaj as both Cinderella and The Fairy Godmother make an entertaining yet natural match. Here, her fun image gets to play with the concept of Minaj's "multiple personalities". Nicki Minaj plays Cinderella and her british persona, Martha plays the "Fairy GodMartha"...oh and Drake as her Prince.

HOT ITEMS: House of Harlow 1960



Lately I've been on a shopping spree for jewelry, geometric jewelry in particular. There's something about the way geometric vintage styled jewelry is done, it's never cliche. Nicole Richie launched her own jewelry line, House of Harlow 1960, in 2008. It's been a hit in the fashion world and is fairly affordable for many. I have fallen in love with her jewelry and remain impressed with each collection. The style is simple, laid back yet cutting edge, exotic and tasteful. Richie doesn't just own her own fashion lines because she's famous, she actually knows her stuff. She knows her brand, her style and what works for women. You can purchase House of Harlow on various websites like shopstyle and shopbop.com. These websites sometimes run major sales or offer codes you can enter for discounts. I've been no stranger to these sites, as I've been on my spree.