Monday, January 27, 2014

Pop culture stars to think of when you feel worthless

Before I start this article, I just want to remind you that you, contrary to your possible beliefs if this article pertains to you, are not worthless. Not even a little bit. When I feel down and out, I am especially bad at reminding myself of who I am and why I rule. Personally, I am far too over-emotional and flaunt it 24/7 (unknowingly). Most days, I will sit myself down and listen to a playlist of songs that let me indulge in my loss of self-worth, which while probably unhealthy, allows me to let out the hormonal breakdowns that I prefer to keep to myself. In any case, it's so incredibly important to never stop telling yourself how amazing you are (after the hormonal breakdowns). I sound like a bad motivational speaker (mostly because I am), but it's so true. If you have trouble, it can hugely help to channel others whose confidence levels skyrocket, and additionally, are great to remind yourself of when you feel like crap. Whether it is over a dumb crush who was never worth your time in the first place, an unreasonable friend, or bad grades (which don't define you), these lovely ladies may be able to help:

Elle Woods



From the movie Legally Blonde, Reese Witherspoon plays Elle Woods, a native Californian sorority girl who loses boyfriend Warner Huntington III at the start of the movie because he claims that "If I want to be a Senator, I need to marry a Jackie, not a Marilyn." I can never tell what's worse: the fact that he's dumping her for some snot-drenched yet clean cut politician image, or how he illustrates his non-existent gentlemanliness when he insists on giving her a ride home after the wretched dump because she'll ruin her shoes. Being the motivated gal she is, Elle applies to Harvard Law, where Warner is attending the following year, in order to win him back by proving that she can be "serious", too. But, after finding out he left her for some "horrible preppy girl", Vivian, Elle leaves behind her valley-girl self to become the best law student in her class- not for Warner, but rather, herself. Additionally, she becomes most determined while in a playboy bunny costume. If that doesn't scream self-worth, I don't know what does.
Essentially, Elle's poise carries her into a life of independence where she has no need to prove herself to some pretentious jack-ass who was more or less a waste of time. What really adds to her raw confidence is the way she is able to be the bigger person in comparison to the condescending preps of Harvard, who act like bitchy high school girls. In the end, Elle can show you how to rise to the top without needing to prove yourself to people who don't deserve your awesome self.

Cher Horowitz




From Clueless, not the singer (sorry baby). Cher is positively fabulous is every single way and so are you. So go ahead, wear the plaid skirt suit! Bring your fluffy pen and set up your teachers together so you can make them happy and get an A for the semester! Then ride around with your BFF in your white jeep and purple clogs. Jokes- but Cher is still the coolest cat- she and Dionne are aware of their social status, but even then manage to come across less as demeaning and more as someone who you want to spend eternity with and steal their clothes. After all, Clueless was one of the ultimate fashion movie of the 90's. After watching it the other day for the umpteenth time I had an immediate urge to apply fake French tips and break out the white knee socks/matching platforms dynamic duo. And lots of nude lipliner.
What's great about her character is that she is so able to come to terms with herself in the end of the flick and become the sweetest thing since honey from her days of hyper focusing on high school drama and image. And style-wise, her mid-90's prepster/cali look is fresh and addicting. I highly recommend it when in need for a boost of any kind.

Marina and the Diamonds



Marina is generally my go-to artists when I am in the mood for a bubblegum pop teen angst feel. Without being moody and annoying, her songs range from a cocky yet cool to sappy and emotional with eloquence. Her first album, The Family Jewels, include some really great "working-girl" and "I'm smart and successful so suck it" type genre. This is found in songs like "Are You Satisfied?" and "Oh No!" which make me feel like I'm walking down 7th ave in 10 inch pumps, a blazer sharp as knives and hot pink lipstick for a day of slitting throats, blowing kisses, and getting down to business. Other songs like "Girls" and "Seventeen" have a very girl power attitude while being just the right amount of in your face feminism.
Songs on her second album, Electra Heart, is almost perfect for the boy that got away, and will remind you why he was never worth you in the first place. With songs such as "Hypocrates", "Power & Control" and "State of Dreaming" will force you to jump around your room in pink PJ's, even if mascara is running down your face. But, never fear, if you need to go through the "wallowing in self-pity" stage, turn to "Lies", "Starring Role" or "Fear and Loathing", turn off your lights, and stare at your ceiling for a little bit. CAUTION: only do this if you can remember that you shouldn't limit yourself to this stage, as it is not progressive and should only last for a short period of time.
Basically, Marina is cute, sassy and confident. She will bring out the Lolita you have always dreamt of while also making you consider dying your hair bleach-blonde or powder pink just because you can.

Torrance Shipman



Apparently I cant get over the 90's or the 00's- or California in the 90's and 00's... Either way, the show must go on! Bring it On is a huge favorite, and has been for years of mine. The protagonist, Torrance (played by the beloved Kirsten Dunst), is a spunky and determined cheer leader who is put through obstacles on obstacles preventing her team of which she is newly captaining from winning the cheer championships. Even with her bitchy teammates and college-aged ass of a boyfriend, Torrance puts together a new squad, including former (punk bad ass) gymnast whose last resort for anything gymnastics-related was joining the schools cheer team after moving to Cali. Dunst plays this character so well that it makes you want to put on a miniskirt and dance to U.G.L.Y in your backyard. Her spirit and motivation is unbe-freaking-leivably inspiring- especially if you're into the 2000's trends, this movie is perfect.

Miranda Priestly



Last but not least- how could I not? Miranda is the boss, the ultimatum, and one of the best people to bring out your classy inner bitch. Meryl Streep illustrates this powerful editor in chief of American Vogue who is a silently terrifying and well worshiped diva. If you watch this movie, I promise you will finish with your pursed lips and glaring eyes horribly perfected. She will no doubt inspire you to tell whoever is making your feel crappy that "Details of your incompetence do not interest me", because they are not worth you or your time. Let out an eye roll every now and then, strut down every hall and sidewalk to the beat of your drum, and do NOT let anyone cross you. Ever. Make people worship you at your feet, while looking like you are the most fabulous thing they have ever seen, you stunner.
But in all seriousness, Miranda exudes confidence, and if you haven't seen The Devil Wears Prada, I truly recommend taking the time to watch it. It's a fast-paced, fashionable drama about Andy Sachs, journalist who takes on an assistant job to Miranda Priestly- and rocks it with grace and intelligence. In the end, if you need to let out your inner boss-bad-ass, Miranda is probably one of your best options.

In all seriousness, I hope you take these awesome women into account when you feel like crap. It's to worth it.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

My first day on the job

What am I doing here?
I have tried so many times to set up a blog where I write long, meaningful posts and keep up with it while being some sort of inspiration to others in order to develop a sense of "Yes, look at you! Look at what you've done, Ava! GOLD STAR." Basically, I sucked at it so much that they all failed. Yes, I mean that I had many attempts. But at the moment, I have been able to keep up with my personal tumblr for about two years now, which is great, but she's not something I can call a true "blog", just a "tumblr". 

Here, I hope to fulfill what I had yet to during 2011. My ultimate goal for what this blog will become is a fashion, beauty, and music blog. The general gist is that it will be somewhat of an inspiration for style and attitude. 

About me:
A huge trigger for creating this blog has been my current internship, lasting the duration of this January (2014). I have been working at an outerwear company called Herman Kay which creates coats for many huge industries like Michael Kors, BCBG, Anne Klein, London Fog, Diane Von Furstenberg, and a few more which I can't remember. The people with whom I work with know well that I want to work in layout and copyright for fashion media/magazines, and strongly recommended I start a blog to aid in developing layout and ascetic skills while also keeping up with trends. 
I am in high school right now. It's shit.
One of my biggest influences and inspirations for starting my own blog is a role taken on my the perfect Tavi Gevinson. I have such an unbelievable amount of respect for that girl. The Style Rookie: Tavi Gevinson's blog
Something I am very interested is makeup, so you may be seeing videos or pictures of looks I have come up with, probably being followed by the inspiration for that look. 

As for posting, I will try to post at least once a week, probably on sundays. 

Have a lovely week, and I hope to talk again soon.