Feature of the Moment: Treading the Bear Market in Style

Don't mess with these ladies

Leave it to Miuccia Prada to create an ensemble that will leave shivers down your throat. For her Fall collection, Prada portrayed the fierce side of femininity without the 80's influence. Tailored jackets and coats are the main attraction to her show: the top part of the jackets exude masculine strength with wide set shoulders (buff arms) and giant lapels (pulsating pecs, perhaps?). But as it flows downward, there's a transition to a skirt. To add more lady-like features, plunging neck lines and cinched waists are provided.

As for accessories, Prada never fails to supply sturdy animal leathers. Thigh-high leather boots for treading the rough waters of Wall Street, and studded high heels to kick any Madoff wannabe (or thieves who want to snatch your fabulous Prada purse) in the butt!

Color palettes were restrained to the richest of blacks and reds. Somehow the red closely resembled blood. Any reference to the current vampire mania? Or maybe it's a suggestion to brace for some economic hand-to-hand combat. Blood, armor, and weapons. "This is Sparta!"

Editorial of the Moment: Wild Thangs

In homage to the depressingly themed kid movie "Where the Wild Things Are," V magazine showed a fashion editorial that some might say is red herring.

Wild, in all its essence and connotation, has something to do with savagery and survival instincts. This spread, however, only shows half-naked men against perfectly clothed women. Where are the forests? The foliage? The deadly animals? Whether this is an artistic interpretation of wild, or otherwise, is still in question.

Nevertheless, nudity in fashion is not so otherworldly as, say, nudity in television. In a male-driven society, it is typical to see naked women portrayed in media. But as society tries to equalize and balance male vs. female perspectives, I'm sure that male nudity will be considered un-taboo.

But do women really want that?

Fun of the Moment: Music and Lyrics

Abby and I on the Leeds bench

Looking at posts from Trish and Abby, I think a bunch of people already know about Eagle Rock's annual Music Fest. I went to the community event on Saturday, and I have to say that I had a blast. I wasn't supposed to go because my mom said No, but I kept pushing it. After all, that's the only time of year when I see my high school friends! I simply cannot let that pass.

Well, my mom's argument took up most of the time that when my dad said Yes (what a relief), I had to make a quick change. I hurriedly grabbed my jeans and put on an oversized shirt and jacket. I was so much in a hurry that I put on my wingtips without socks! Bad idea.

As soon as I reached Eagle Rock (after a rocky 2 hours on mass transit), my feet hurt. Walking around Colorado Blvd. with scratches all over my feet was the most painful experience. But the agony subsided after meeting with my pals, Abby and Julien. Plus, giving free hugs made it all better. Did I mention that I got hit on? But why does it have to be a guy! At first, he asked for my cellphone. Then, he started introducing himself and asking questions about myself. Anyway, the ironic part is he was my gal pal's ex!

All's well that ends well. Not really. He left grease all over my cellphone. That bastard.

Update of the Moment: Interview Time

My wardrobe...sans the jacket

I know some of you can't wait to hear (or read) what happened to my interview. But before storytelling, I absolutely want to thank Manju, Trish and Jessica for giving me tips on my interview wardrobe. I followed your advice and put together a stylish but not too absurd ensemble: a basic white shirt (I didn't notice the shirt was a bit sheer until it was too late! I hope they didn't see too much of me), a classic black tie (because it was highly recommended), my favorite black skinny jeans (they aren't too rock 'n roll skinny), and--the best part--my gray wingtips! I have to say that I never felt so shabam my whole life. Plus, I stayed conservative with my color palette. No gigawatt orange this time.

Onwards to the story. Frankly, I was very stressed. Not only was I worried because I left home late, but there was traffic! I loathe L.A. traffic especially when I desperately need it to work with me. Fortunately, I live relatively close to the venue, 8th Street, and since downtown is always traffic this is a huge thank you to God!

I reached the location on time and ran swiftly to the office. But before the interview, the receptionist told me to jot down my personal info. Afterwards, she took a picture of me. That was weird especially when the info sheet labeled scholarship recipients as models. I don't know if this organization (a labor union) is trying to put some pretty face forward, but I'll do whatever they want me to do. I'll ride a horse and hula-hoop simultaneously if I had to.

Anyway, there was a panel of "judges" in the interview room. They were representatives from colleges and the union itself. All they wanted to hear was about my life, and how deserving I am of this scholarship. Also, they asked me questions of where I see myself in five years. My answer: in New York working for a marketing/advertising firm, or just be a journalist. In addition, they asked about my hobbies. I couldn't help but mention blogging which is a huge portion of my life (sounds like I don't have a life, huh?). And reading magazines like V, V Man, and Vogue (I forgot 10 Men!). I hope they see the connection:

blogging + magazines + my awesome wardrobe = J'adore la mode!

Or maybe they got the wrong impression that I'm some boring guy in a business major who doesn't have a life and simply wants to earn big bucks. That just sent shivers down my spine.

Right now, I have my fingers crossed. I'm praying that this is God's will. Also, I thank Him for giving me this opportunity. It's not everyday that I get a chance like this. Of all the hundred thousand entries sent, mine was chosen. What're the odds of that happening?

Rant of the Moment: Pushing It Hard

Don't get me wrong, I love exercising. I consider myself a quasi-health nut. Not full-fledged, but the health consciousness is there.

Yesterday, I went to my aerobics class for another round of, uh, exercising. The cardio portion was fun. I did the usual stuff like step-taps and jump ropes. But it got very challenging when I did the sculpting part. Sculpting, for those who don't know, is the use of resistance to tone muscles, to give them definition. In my head, I thought it would be great if I pushed myself to grab heavier weights along the ominous dynaband (pictured). It wasn't horribly bad carrying weights while squatting and lunging. But working the upper back with the dynaband was hell.

I'm the type of person who doesn't give up. Even when I knew I reached my zenith, I pushed myself to finish. But, my body was shaking incessantly. It was bad. You know when your mind and body aren't in sync when your mind says "Finish!" while your body just doesn't cooperate and throws your rhythm off. In the end, I couldn't help but sit down. My vision was blurry, and my body was immensely dehydrated. I gave up. But it taught me a lesson.

Challenging yourself isn't necessarily bad. It's just bad when you don't prepare for it. I am not going blame my instructor for being sadomasochistic because first of all, I should have eaten a proper breakfast! Yes, folks. I know now why they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And second, drinking alot of water is helpful.

Why didn't I heed these words before?