Fantastic!

I have finished all but one of my finals. I have had three interviews in the past two days. and I have finally completed all of my Christmas shopping. It's truly fantastic. I love Christmas.

I get to fly home for the holidays on Saturday and I'm really really excited. The bad news is that its the Saturday before Christmas. So I will pack light, bring a good book, make sure my hardy iPod, Jack - the Pumpkin King, is charged and pray that there's no small children seated around me.

I always loved the idea of flying. I love the take off, when you're careening down the runway and then, for just a brief second, you experience that moment of weightlessness and pause before you're up in the air. But I fly so often now that it just becomes such a hassle. I've been flying since before I could remember and somehow I've managed to blind myself with love for something that I do so often, and then I'm going through security and remembering why it sorta sucks to have to take a plane and why Holiday travel is the worst. So, from a fellow traveler who knows what it's like, I wish you all happy and safe flights and good memories, because travel is glamorous in retrospect and that's what it will be when we are done.

Showoff Shoulder

I will not be appeased until my shoulders are adorned and embellished with all sorts of tomfoolery. Not even the Rapscallion by Samantha Pleet Souvenier Jacket from Urban Outfitters will dissuade me. It must stem from my never-ending quest to don the oft-disputed and highly controversial jacket of the Killers frontman, Brandon Flowers - of whom you know I am a fan [of both the jacket and the band].

Revel in my discoveries and consider which you like best, if any at all. Fashion is judged by opinion and it is acknowledged that we all like what we like - nothing more to it.

Balmain Spring 2010 RTW

RM by Rouland Mouret Spring 2010 RTW

Brandon Flowers' Feathered Jacket

~Ferdinando

12/16 UPDATE:

Right, so I know what you're thinking, this girl is partly, if not wholly, insane and obsessed. Well, yes, but I'm almost sure I can't be blamed.

Another fab - and significantly cheaper - shoulder model that mimics feather epaulettes are sold by fellow blogger Makemi - A Girl and A Glue Gun. I find them to be more than adequately charming. And for $25 no less. Sometimes a girl just can't be swayed, and for times like that, there's google.

pick it up it's alive

VAN DER GLAS

Polly van der Glas has found a new use for your fallen out teeth and freshly snipped hair. Jewelry, of course. I know what your thinking, "By god, why didn't I think of that?"

Hailing from Melbourne, the artists' confections include sterling silver rings, like the one above, with human teeth embedded on the band and necklaces featuring a braid of human hair dangling from a silver pendant.

Now, I must admit, I was quite disgusted at first. And confused. Where did these materials come from? Kind of sketch don't you think?

Well the teeth and hair are either locally donated or sourced from China or India, so really, its not sketch at all.

So I warmed up to the idea of wearing human parts on my body. The pieces are beautiful, in a disturbing kind of way. They're almost like a kind of ode to the beauty of the human being.

For the kid that rocks only the strange, I highly recommend picking one up.

While you're there, I suggest donating a few teeth, so someone else can rock you on their pointer.

vanderglas.com.au

-Francois

With A Child-Like Sense of Wonder

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to report that Disney has done it again. In the same fashion as their classics (Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Aladdin, etc.) Disney has recently released The Princess and the Frog to some pretty fantastic reviews.

Yesterday, myself and the lovely Ferdinando, made the decision to chance the freezing cold temperature that has fallen over NYC and go see a movie. Making the decision, the normal debate began over which movie to see. Originally, our choices were all very depressing and morbid, but after watching the trailers, our inner-child spoke to us and basically screamed that we need to go see The Princess and The Frog. Long story short, our inner-child was not disappointed.

Being a New Orleans native, this movie brought me right back to my childhood. It is very much a Disney movie, but that's what I loved about it. It was a story about a princess who must overcome an obstacle in order to fulfill her dreams, and along the way ends up falling for a prince. I know, happens everyday. Between the upbeat Jazz-styled music and the 2D animation, this movie was highly enjoyable. Therefore I am passing this along to you, a very strong recommendation to spend the money and go see it. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

~Hans

Chester French 'She Loves Everybody'

~Ferdinando

Matt Helders sings Last Christmas and Ferdinando Cries about Winter

Bonjour, mes amis!

I took one semester of French and while I adored the language, I came to the very startling conclusion that I am not a linguiphile. I should stick with English, my native tongue, and the little bit of high school Spanish I recall. On second thought, I've always been fine with just English.

It is bloody chilly right now in the N-Y-C and I strongly dislike it. I grew up with warmer winters than this, but it does bring a fantastic feeling of Christmas to the city, doesn't it?

Speaking of Christmas, The Killers have released a new Christmas single, which is always fantastic. It's called ¡Happy Birthday Guadalupe! and clicking on that link gets you to Amazon.com where songs are still $.99 [as opposed to iTunes which has increased their prices]. If you have a -cough cough- significantly cheaper way to get music, I beseech you to hold off on this song because all proceeds from the Killers' Christmas songs are donated to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa. Just an idea.

Last night, I hit up the Arctic Monkeys [yes again] here in NYC at Terminal 5 and I must say I was doubly impressed by their connection to a NY crowd. If anyone has a chance to check them out in the city, I recommend it over other cities. They seem to have a different feel for the crowd and an old love for playing here. Matt Helders came down from his pedestal on the drums and sang "Last Christmas" for us folk. It was brilliant. Okay, just found it on youtube. Thanks to whoever posted it because my camera died. Brilliant!



Haha this cracks me up. At least I'm not the only one in the Christmas mood. 5th Avenue is decked to the nines and full of tourists and Manhattanites shopping excessively and the streets are rimmed in lights. I loove Christmas, even if winter isn't exactly my cup of tea. Hopefully it's very warm tea to keep you warm at night.

Au Revoir!
~Ferdinando

Sex and the City 2 Poster

I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little disappointed in it. I can't wait for the film, but the poster doesn't make me want to see it.

In the US, the release date is May 28th 2010. Not long to go to figure out just what SJP is doing in Morocco, where some of the filming took place. Looks like the ladies are stepping way out of their comfort zone.

-Ferdinando

Who Say's I Can't Get Stoned?

Since apparently I am slacking on my blog updates, I am finally writing this based on a show I saw two weeks ago.

Two weeks ago, we were given a tip that John Mayer was giving a secret show in the Brooklyn. So myself and my roommate (who is in love with him) made the trek out there at 5 o'clock in the morning and stood in line in the cold for 4 hours before being given free passes into this event.

One of my best friends (not one of my fellow contributors) has been a massive John Mayer fan for as long as I've known her and because of her love of him, I began to appreciate the sexiness that is his music.

I went into the concert expecting a good show but what I wasn't expecting was his amazing stage pressence. Like everyone else, I've read of his exploits with woman and the rumors of his douche bag-ness, and came to the conclusion that he was an awesome musician but not a very nice guy. But when you watch the man on stage you are able to forgive him for his sins. Amongst fantastic, heartstopping performances of songs like Belief (my personal favorite), Crossroads, Who Say's I Can't Get Stoned (one of my new all-time favorite songs), etc. he talked of his tabloid self, making comments about (and I'm paraphrasing here) how he didn't know that it was such a crime to want to get to know a girl. Why is he unable to approach a cute girl, there are so many of them, and how it shouldn't be such a sin to want to get to know as many cute girls as possible. During this discussion, he had them turn up the house lights and started pointing out cute girls in the audience. I don't know how hearing this second hand will sound (I can only picture him saying it) but he came across as ridiculously charming and completely comprehensible when he put it like that.

In my opinion, I think it's a shame that he "equate(s) dating a woman with punishment, shame, guilt, disappointment, reproach, reprimand, persecution. It's a nightmare. It's crazy to (him) that in (his) head, that being 32 and dating women is going to get (him) in trouble. (He) can't even explain to you how terrible that feels" (New York Times). Like I said about Rob and Kristen, just let him be. People should lead their lives how they wish to. As John so eloquently put (again paraphrasing) at the end of your life, you'll be the only one in that coffin. So why should anyone give a shit? They won't be laying on top of you.

Now that I am off my soap box, I must tell you all how amazing this show was. I've seen my share of concerts but this one...was almost indescribable. I've never seen anyone interact so much with an audience. He literally was taking people's cameras and leaning down to take pictures with them. At his show, you were able to feel how much he loved performing. You could see how he enjoyed being on that stage and it wasn't in a vanity sense, it was purely for his love of music. While watching him, all I kept thinking was how much I wanted to be onstage belting out songs with him (the problem with that is, I don't have a musical bone in my body). It reminded me of how important passion was in your choosen career. And how when you REALLY love something, everyone around you can feel and wants a piece of it. I suppose that passion/love can be directed at a person, but I've never felt that way about a person (except Johnny Depp, but I don't know how much of chance I've got with him...) For me, my passion is directed towards movies and books.

Holy crap, I went on quite a ramble didn't I? Well it's over now, so if anyone is still reading, you can breath easy now. lol.

~Hans

PS this is one of the many pictures I took this night. I think it's pretty cool.

"Who says I can’t be free? From all of the things that I used to be. Re-write my history. Who says I can’t be free?"

dimelo, dimelo

its the first snow of the season.

goodbye long days amongst the trees, under the sun.

dreaming.

oh, hello winter.

- Francois

"...I hardly think I'm Sid Vicious"

"Noooo, I'm Sid."

"..Oh, so I'm Nancy."

- (500) Days of Summer

You guys have to see this. It's a fantastic portrayal of Sid and Nancy from the stars of (500) Days of Summer, Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It was even directed by the director of (500) Days of Summer, Marc Webb.

This short is part of a series of online shorts from Mean Magazine called CineMash, in which different stars portray their favorite scenes from classic movies.

As stated in (500) Days of Summer - if you saw the movie...which you should...or the trailer - Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Nancy and Zooey Deshanel is Sid. The role reversals are hilarious and I commend JGD for getting me to not only be able to take him seriously but to also sympathize with him as Nancy (say what?!) And does anyone else think ZD looks vaguely like Jared Leto? Something about the eyes..?

Sadly, blogger isn't letting me embed the video, so just click here. Before I go though, I can't tell a lie. I sorta stole this from Hans, but she never posted it, so I am. Too great to pass up. Sorry Hans! But credit is due where credit is due. She's the genius that discovered it.

~Ferdinando

High Drama

requires dramatic pieces.

Plus the capelet is removable!

fancy that, Modcloth has done it again.

~Ferdinando

Happy Thanksgiving!

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -JFK

~Ferdinando

Find Courage In a Change of Scene

Sometimes the best nights you have with your friends are unplanned group hangouts. Someone puts on some music and soon you realize you would all rather stay in. A few friends are laughing on the couch, a few are dancing in front of the stereo, and others are eating whatever they can find appetizing in the fridge. You call other people to swing by and you have turned a night like any other into a shiny new night of fun. Great music, great friends, a great time.

It sort of feels like that when you listen to Little Joy’s debut album. Made up of the Strokes’ Fabrizio Moretti, Los Hermanos’ Rodrigo Amarante, and Binki Shapiro, Little Joy was created. While this album probably won’t change your life, it is certainly a very enjoyable listen. Like old friends, on the beach, in the bar, at the apartment, just hanging out.

I saw them live last night when they opened for Devendra Banhart and the Grogs and I was instantly smitten. You’d think, being a fan of the Strokes like I am, I would have run out and tested Little Joy when their album was released November 4, 2008, a full year ago, but somehow this gem of an album passed me up. So it was even more comfortable to hear them and realize I already knew, I just hadn’t found out yet.

Track to Check Out: Brand New Start

~Ferdinando

Do it Like They Do it in Mexico

The Mariachi Bowtie

is my latest obsession.

Above, Juan Son shows us

how its done.

-Francois

I Figured As Long As I Was Going To Hell, I Might As Well Do It Thoroughly...

So I'm just going to get straight to the point on this one.

Like so many other girls in the world, me and my fellow compadres, are completely and utterly obsessed with the Twilight series (cue eyeroll). Yes, it is cliche, but in our defense we began reading these books before there was even talk of a movie adaption.

I'm not going to bother summarizing the plot because, I'm sure, you've all read it somewhere else (and I know when I'm reading articles about Twilight, I tend to just skip over that part). As you all know, Twilight has taken the world by storm. The fans of the series are, now, completely obsessed with the films stars, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's, love lives to the point where even I am getting tired of seeing Rob's face on the cover tabloids (and I'm never one to complain about staring at beautiful man). In my opinion, leave them alone. If they are together, then they are together. If not then just let them be. OK. Tabloid rant over.

The reason I am discussing Twilight now is because we are almost a week away from the release of New Moon and I am mad excited for it. Myself and the other two ladies, who so eloquently contribute to this blog, have managed to nab some tickets to an advanced screening of it. Unfortunately, the screening still isn't until next week, but, I'm not gonna complain.

Anyway. To all you anti-Twilight people out there, here's some advice: Give it a chance. No the movie does not count as giving the series a chance, try reading the book. And if you are going to follow my advice (which I doubt because most people that are anti-Twilight are just trying to be "individuals". And in my opinion, deciding to not like something because it's popular does not make you an individual, it makes you appear ignorant, because more than likely you haven't even attempted to like it) give it a couple of chapters. Don't just read the first page and decide "this is stupid," actually give it a chance. Let yourself forget how big it has become and just slip into watching Bella fall in love with Edward.

Until Next Time,

~Hans

“All the past we leave behind,We debouch upon a newer mightier world, varied world,Fresh and strong the world we seize, world of labor and the march,Pioneers! O pioneers!”
-Walt Whitman

As a generation we are still waiting for our united revolution. We might be waiting forever. But that’s not exactly a bad thing. What if our cause is to change the world? Not the whole world, necessarily, but someone’s world. That’s better than nothing.

I’m actually a huge fan of ethical shopping. Being able to buy something that actually lends itself to the world around you is a beautiful thing. Two of my favorite organizations are TOMS shoes and the Yellow Bird Project. I don’t even think I need to lend much in terms of words to either of these causes; they sort of explain themselves. I guess you should just know that I support them both and simply want to tell someone about it. So I tell you guys.

TOMS shoes

I’m sure you have all heard of TOMS at this point, especially after those commercials that were airing over the past year. I personally first heard about TOMS when I was participating in a Displace Me event to garner attention for Invisible Children and when that long-forgotten face first told me of the idea, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it felt right. The premise is easy, “With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about.”

Yellow Bird Project

The Yellow Bird Project can be just another band shirt in about the same way TOMS can be just another pair of shoes. So whether you like your music with a cause or its just cool to buy a shirt designed by your favorite band, this Montreal-based, non-profit initiative deserves a chance. Artists included: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Devendra Banhart, King Creosote, Wolfmother, New Pornographers, Of Montreal, Joseph Arthur, My Brightest Diamond, Stars, Hayden, Rilo Kiley, Holly Throsby, Au Revoir Simone, The Shins, Wolf Parade, and more...
I think its worth checking out

~Ferdinando

Like a Lady

(The Sartorialist)
We've all heard of the concept of stealing your boyfriend's clothes. The way the looser fit drapes on the body makes for a much more definitive statement than any breathe-restricting slag piece. Think about it. There's something innately sexy about a woman in a man's white button-down. The way it wraps around her midriff at an instant of wind, or slightly hangs off at the neck, exposing her collar bone. The old "Give 'em a taste, but not too much." Not putting it all out there, but just enough. The truly remarkable Coco Chanel based her entire life's work on this idea--women can in fact cover their breasts, legs, and asses, and still look ( as Hans phrases it) DAMN GOOD.


(Diane Keaton in Annie Hall)

And just realize, the democracy! We can wear ANYTHING! Any limit there might have been is gone: we're gender-bending in everyday life. It really is a luxury reserved for women. And why, oh why, would you pass it up?

White shirt, Patterson J. Kincaid. Trouser, Current/Elliot. Shoes, 3.1 Phillip Lim.


-Francois

Rupert Grint's Phone Number!

Through my very intricate web of intrige and corruption I have discovered what many-a-girl seeks. Rupert Grint's phone number. I know, I know. How can it be? Well, I found it on a slip of paper in an apartment that where he only recently tread.
You think I joke?

Well here it is:
1-800-this-is-not-rupert-grint

So sneaky it's obvious.
No prank calls now.

Ferdinando

Sugar Sugar

For those of you who enjoy short film, I found this treasure when I was 13 and my adoration remains the same.

Wholey Moses



-Francois

My Life Is Average...

Today, my mom got a call from my little brothers elementary school. His kindergarten teacher went around the circle and asked him what they wanted to be when they grew up. He answered “Happy.” The teacher then responded “No…you don’t understand the question.” My litle brother fired back with “Well, you don’t understand life.” I now have no doubt we are related. MLIA

Wet-look Leggings

If I had one fashion faux pas that I absolutely loathe, its the trend of replacing sleek and chic jeans with frumpy leggings. Henry David Thoreau said "Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new." I am crossing my fingers that we will all look in the mirror before we leave our apartments, houses, dorms and realize the very imminent trend of wearing leggings as pants should die before we leave the front door.

It is my honest belief that not even long-legged models could pull off the look, so the rest of us are goners if we choose to follow it. But while my half-mad rantings may appear to be directed at leggings in general, I do declare that this is not so. The inspiration for my rant came from shopping net-a-porter.com. I happened to stumble upon the gorgeous Kova & T wet-look leggings in gray, below.

Aren't they gorgeous? It did flicker in my mind, however, that some girl out in the world today will see these slick leggings and decide that all she needs to match them with are a short shirt, barely grazing the top of the leggings. This saddens me, my friends, because that would break the mystique of the leggings, that would distract, and nothing this chic needs to be distracted from. Once again, see below:

This is how net-a-porter.com suggests you wear them, and I quote, "with an exaggerated silhouette with a billowing T-shirt for effortless downtown cool. Shown here with a Vivienne Westwood Anglomania T-shirt and Yves Saint Laurent sandals." At least I'm not the only sane one in the world. I mean, they didn't come right out and say "Leggings Aren't Pants" but they might as well have.

I personally would keep it simple, throw on a black t-shirt dress and heels and I suddenly am, as net-a-porter so kindly puts it, "downtown cool," which is the best kind of cool. Word.

So if you ever find yourself being tempted in the slightest by the masses and you think you may look fine wearing leggings out, just do this simple trick. Throw together your outfit and if you love what you look like, take off the leggings. If you wouldn't leave without the leggings, you shouldn't leave with the leggings. Trust me...please.

~Ferdinando

Pretty Grunge.

"I'm gonna wake pretty soon, in the middle of a Sunday afternoon, just dreaming..."

From Teen Vogue:

On Ian: Burberry Prorsum sweater. Dsquared2 pants. On Louise: Opening Ceremony cardigan, $265. DKNY Jeans dress, $69. Necklaces, from top: Pamela Love Jewelry, $215. Beads of Paradise, $35. Ilse Jacobsen boots, $189

From Teen Vogue:

Ian wears an A.P.C. sweater.

Coming Soon shirt, $450. Topman pants, $80. Clare Tough hat, $430. Louise wears a D&G jacket.

Ralph Lauren Olympic Collection sweater, $398.

Lauren Moffatt dress, $414. The Elder Statesman hat, $235.

~Ferdinando

DEVILISHLY CHARMING

Alex and Chloe is nothing new on the radar. Every good hipster has been well acquainted with their kitschy jewelry and smoldering t-shirts. But recently, the company known for their paper clip pendants and quirky "chill pill" charms is now featuring new pieces by Brian Lichtenberg. I've already fantasized about entering a smokey speak-easy in the black number below. There's no turning back now. There are people awaiting that entrance.

www.AlexandChloe.com

-Francois

Is a Giant, Ass Panda Worth Getting Knifed Over?

Sorry, my dears, for my extended absence, school and life have gotten in my way.

In this installment, I'm feeling the need to discuss one of my new favorite movies, Adventureland. I know, I know, it's already out on dvd, so I'm a little late in promoting it but I just watched it again and now I want to share.

Adventureland is a "coming of age" story set in 1987. Our antagonist in this film is James Brennan, I recent college grad whose summer plans go awry causing him to get a job at the local, crappy amusement park, Adventureland. James, of course, is a romantic and falls for Em, a girl who isn't quite unattached. Watching the carnies smoke excessive amounts of pot while working at an amusement park, guarantee's a chuckle. (Honestly this kind of movies usually aren't my favorites, but, for some unknown reason, I really enjoy this one)

The movie stars Jessie Eisenberg(he's absolutely adorable in this), Kristen Stewart (who, shockingly, I enjoy watching in this movie), Ryan Renolds(he even looks hot in the 80s get up), Bill Hader (who sports a ridiculous mustache) amongst other comedic talents, both young and old. So my recommendation is check it out, if you haven't already.

~Hans

PS. Happy Birthday, Francois!

How to Work a Tux

I stumbled across an old spread for GQ magazine on How to Buy a Tux featuring Brandon Flowers. My god, man, he can work a suit. I swoon.

~Ferdinando

STYLE ICON

A Clockwork Orange

I've been away. I know it. And for this I apologize profusely.
Fear not, my absence has not been in anger, indifference, or foolishness (well..a little foolishness). I was out doing exactly what you would expect from a New Yorker named Francois: lush debauchery. From my vast adventures in lush debauchery, I've returned with new stories, new mantras, and of course what makes it all memorable: a new style. Every true menace to society must obtain his or her own style of dress so as to distinguish his or her self from other fighters of morality. Step in...Alex DeLarge.



A hoodlum in vogue. Alex DeLarge-the true sense of that phrase. Go put together your own signature and indulge in the ultraviolent. Don't hurt yourself.


-Francois

Vampire Weekend

Welcome back, Vampire Weekend. I have missed you so. You have changed your sound slightly. But only barely. Still recognizable, still you. Seems to me like you have widened your influences. I want to hear the rest of the album. I don't want to wait till January 12, 2010 to see if you still got it. Until then, I'll listen to Horchata. Your new song, released to download for free (that's a link - click on it) on your website from October 6th, will be given a chance beside my other new downloads and we'll see if it brings me in. If you ever get back from the West Coast to which you have abandoned me, I may even come visit you at a show.

Until then, here are the Vampire Weekend 'Horchata' lyrics to distract me.

In December drinking horchata

I'd look psychotic in a balaclava

Winter's cold is too much to handle

Pincher crabs that pinch at your sandals

(Whoaaaaa ooooh)

In December drinking horchata

Look down your glasses at that Aranciata

With lips and teeth to ask how my day went

Boots and fists to pound on the pavement

Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten

Chairs to sit and sidewalks to walk on

(Whoaaaaaa ooooh)

You'd remember drinkin horchata

You'd still enjoy it with your foot on masada

Winter's cold is too much to handle

Pincher crabs that pinch at your sandals

Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten

Chairs to sit and sidewalks to walk on

Ooh you had it but oh no you lost it

Lookin back you shouldn't have fought it

In December, drinkin horchata

I'd look psychotic in a balaclava

Winter's cold is too much to handle

Pincher crabs that pinch at your sandals

Years go by and hearts start to harden

Those palms and firs that grew in your garden

Falling down and nearing the rose beds

The roots are shooting up through the tool shed

Those lips and teeth that asked how my day went

Are shouting up through cracks in the pavement

Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten

Chairs to sit and sidewalks to walk on

Oh you had it but oh no you lost it

You understood so you shouldn't have fought it

Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten

Chairs to sit and sidewalks to walk on

Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten

Chairs to sit and sidewalks to walk on

~Ferdinando

Fantastic.

Me and Orson Welles



The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus




I can't wait. I didn't want you to either. So I'm up when I should be asleep.
Night all.
~Ferdinando

Chace Crawford - Interview Magazine

I've always found Chace Crawford to be a very attractive guy and personal experience from across the street will tell you that those cheekbones are not exaggerated, but what I find most attractive about him is the natural energy he has.

Chace Crawford does not perforate the media. Thank god. I can literally go weeks without hearing about him and I am never forced to feign interest in some trashy drama that surrounds him. But that doesn't make him any less relevant to today's culture. Just because he isn't on every news channel I turn on doesn't mean that he is without merit. It just means that he wants his talent to speak for itself. But that just leaves us wanting for more, wanting to see more of Chace, not the Gossip Girl side of him.

He has a piece in Interview magazine that I highly recommend. It is here that you can truly see a side of him that so many young stars are lacking - real charisma.

I know a lot of you probably don't know what to think of him. But that's only because we haven't yet had the opportunity to see his talent play out on screen. Opportunity will arise this year thought when Footloose and a smaller film, Twelve, which have release dates in 2010, reveal something of substance for us to work with - therefore it will only be a matter of time before a real consensus is come to.

Until then, I don't think it's a crime to admire a man that is probably prettier than many girls you know. I go for the rugged type personally, but I wouldn't dare disregard him based on looks alone. That would be vain...


"I want to keep to myself. I don’t want to be out there. You have to keep some kind of control over who you are."
-Chace Crawford


~Ferdinando

Being Dashed

It's been a very busy month.

I've been struggling to finish a screenplay I need to write and fit that in around my busy school schedule. That means later nights, earlier mornings, and the intense drive to eat, sleep, breathe the characters and storyline. It's an interesting predicimate, making it hard to write in a blog when you just spent hours writing in a screenplay.

This week however, was pretty mellow in regards to writing, just because it got to the point that my time was so filled up. I hit Philadelphia with a group of friends to see the Arctic Monkeys at the Electric Ballroom. Crazy night, to say the least. It was one of the wildest shows I've been to, but I've been to quite a few. In fact, about halfway into the set a certain band member's model-host girlfriend, who had been standing behind me, spotted a girl who had collapsed in the crowd. This led to security officials dragging her out while the crowd raged on unnoticing. Also, the former writer band member of Panic At The Disco was there. Apparently he's a fan of the Like, who opened for the Arctic Monkeys.


Afterwards, we all piled into an open late diner and on our way out, for some strange reason, the whole diner joined in a huge discussion of what we should do next in the night. What a strange town Philly is. Much nicer than New Yorkers, who wouldn't have even glanced up when we exited the diner. Very interesting night.


Rapid change of topic:
Lately I've been obsessively listening to the Beatles. My sister gave me her Beatles Anthology CDs which reinvigorated my love for them, but it also got me thinking. I began thinking about the level of fame they achieved at such a young age. By the time they were 20-23 they had literally taken the world. They were so young to be LEGENDS, but that's what they were.

I wonder what effect that really had on them.

~Ferdinando

On the Street with the Sartorialist

Yesterday was a really great day for me. Instead of slaving away in classes while both the sunlight and my youth seeped away, I took advantage of the beautiful weather and spent it exactly how I wanted. On a whim, a friend and I went to the last summer episode of It’s On with Alexa Chung! and then bounded over to Alice’s Tea Cup for a late lunch in the Upper West Side. Yes, we bounded. After that we attended a book signing at Barneys on Madison and 60th with Scott Schuman. Now if you don’t recognize his name, you shouldn’t worry, it could be that you know him less for his name and more for his fashion blog, The Sartorialist. I picked up a copy of his book, which I recommend if you’re a fan of his blog. Just something to get inspiration from on one of those days when you “have nothing to wear.” I’ve been in that mindset for a little bit of time now and being on a college student’s budget requires you to find new ways to look at your old clothes.

After that a group of friends and I went to dinner at a cheap Mexican restaurant before hitting New York’s favorite basement bar – the sorta place where the most eclectic group of people hang for that college dive atmosphere. Seriously, there are the Suits, Frat Boys, Hipsters, and others. You can’t stick out here – it’s the dirtiest, cheapest, most fun way to spend a night.

I swear I had a point to this blog. I also swear that one day I’ll actually begin a blog and finish it without you wondering what my point is. My intention when beginning today was to talk about the Sartorialist and his affinity for seeing beauty in the mundane. No, that’s not right. He simply sees beauty. Because his blog is not about fashion – though fashion is an obvious outcome within his pictures- rather the shots he takes are about inspiration. Inspiration from what’s right outside our front door.

So go inspire.

~Ferdinando

A Fellow Blogger

Hello, my lovely readers!

I apologize for our extended absence, we've been busy getting back into the swing that is college life.

We recently embarked on a journey to the MTV VMA's that were held on Sunday night, here in Manhattan. But this post does not have to do with the scandal's and drama's that, I'm sure, you have all at least heard about. I'm here to discuss someone else that was in attendance at Sunday's festivities...

I'm sure that if you follow our blog, you also follow others. One of my favorites is none other than, Perez Hilton. As cliche as it might sound, I find his blog to be addicting and check it on an almost daily basis.

The self proclaimed "Queen of all Media" posts the latest celebrity gossip, almost, as soon as it happens. Between his "additions" to the photos and the nicknames he gives certain celebrities, Perez acknowledges that his site is "Hollywood's Most Hated Website" and yet we can't seem to get enough of it.

Perez started his site five years ago and, now, rakes in 10 and a half million readers a day! For being the most hates Hollywood website, the fans certainly love it. While Perez has caused quite a stir amongst the Hollywood elite, he is very proud of the fact that he only blogs the truth and with his telling of celebrity exploits he, usually, finds a way to get a chuckle out of the reader.

So if you are ever just poking around on the internet, I recommend checking out perezhilton.com or his fashion blog cocoperez.com (of course, only do this if you are in need of a new addiction...)

~Hans

PS this picture was not taken by me, I found it on perezhilton.com

when Johnny Depp is right, he's right

“There's a drive in me that won't allow me to do certain things that are easy.”
-Johnny Depp

I would rather try and fail than never try at all.
Even better, I would rather try and succeed.

But not trying is never an option.

~Ferdinando

Hollister in Manhattan?

New Yorkers will never be silenced.

The Killing Nazi Business...

As Lt. Aldo Raine (played by Brad Pitt) so eloquently puts it "business is a-boomin."

Quentin Tarantino's latest cinematic adventure Inglourious Basterds is said to be his greatest film since 1994's Pulp Fiction, and in my opinion who ever says this, speaks the truth. Basterds is about (I don't know why I'm bothering to describe it, I'm sure everyone has seen the trailer and gets the jist of it, but nonetheless, I'm going to inform you all anyway...) a group of Jewish-American soldiers who are dropped into Nazi occupied France with the simple directions of killing Nazi's and to take no prisoners.

What the trailer fails to delve into, is the film's other plot line. That of the Jewish girl who's family is murdered by the Nazi's and her plan to, also, take down the main contenders of the Nazi party (ie Hitler and his successors).

I have no intention of ruining the movie for all of you, yet I feel I must warn any history buffs out there, Tarantino definitely takes artisitc license with this one. That is all I shall say about the plot.

Basterds is a highly entertaining movie and I recommend it to you now (unless, of course, you cannot stomache the sight of blood. If thats the case, be prepared to feel queasy). Roger Ebert describes the movie as "a big, bold, audacious war movie that will annoy some, startle others and demonstrate once again that he’s the real thing, a director of quixotic delights." I don't think I can say it any better, so I will leave you all here.

~Hans

OH! And Ferdinando, my dear, was that last post published because someone is feeling a bit guilty about a shopping addiction??

One Week of Danger

I’m going to say what shouldn’t be said. Youth and Beauty are fleeting. So, take heed, my friends. Go be both brave and stupid. Remember, being smart is not always the best choice. Live paycheck to paycheck and take that chance. I'm reminding you as I remind myself. This is your only chance. Fortune beckons.

"But I don't want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin. "

- Brave New World, Aldous Huxley

~Ferdinando

American Ingenuity, Marc Jabobs!

"I was thinking about the good old days in New York, when getting dressed up was such a joy."

-Marc Jacobs

Being that Marc Jacobs created a Fall '09 line that paid homage to the great City of the 80's, I will pay homage to Marc Jacobs. I partly do this in respect for my close friend, whose close encounter with her favorite designer left her faint. Star struck? Hell no, we're New Yorkers! Designer-dazzled? You betcha.

~Ferdinando

Alexa Chung, I freaking love it

So right now, I’m sorta obsessed with Alexa Chung. She is probably the only celeb-type that has earned my envy, let alone capable of getting me to admit it. I’m addicted to her show and I turn practically green when I consider her effortless style. All this makes her enviability level sky-high! [defined: ability to be envied]. Oh, let me count the ways...

She is one who captured herself a Monkey. And oh! how that Monkey sings and writes. That, my friends, is a success in itself, even if Alexa + Alex = a little matchy-matchy.

She’s has a great job just being her own charming self and interviewing celebs.

Half Chinese, Half British = She is stunning. Not in an overwhelming way, but combined with her next quality…

…her quirkiness makes her seem like someone you actually could be friends with.

Basically, I am jealous of her. And for someone that never considered themselves a jealous person, this is a tricky thing to admit. But she is so refreshingly different from all the same celebs who take themselves too seriously. I freaking love it. :)

~Ferdinando

The Year of the Flood

Ah, Hans! She certainly knows how to chill my blood properly – and in the best way possible. I think that our love of the grim may be beginning to show. You’d think that to best not deter the faint at heart a more appropriate post would be more cheery, but my latest obsession is gloomy still. Still, how surprised you would be if you saw Hans, Francois, or I...we are farther from the dark characters you may envision.

If you have ever read a book by Margaret Atwood you know that her vision tends to look toward society and remark upon the broken pieces, the cracks, if you will. I first was introduced to her through a high school English course where essays reigned supreme. I know what you’re thinking – not a school book! But hold still! her books are an interesting combination of a story that mainstream society can read and not scream over and intellectual enough where book nerds [like myself] can enjoy without throwing it across the room.

I personally would recommend Oryx and Crake for the first read. It is a little intense but well worth it. Then if you need a boost to your feminist side then I would recommend Handmaid’s Tale. That’s the one that pulled me in. My next choice is going to be Cat’s Eye, which is currently in my Amazon cart. What I really would like to mention, though, is an upcoming book of hers, The Year of the Flood, which is going to be released this September. This is going to be a companion novel with Oryx and Crake, though it will delve more into a religious extremist view of some characters in the story. Honestly though, I can’t wait to get my hands on another one of her books. I recommend them to one and all.



Warning: loss of hope in humanity can be an unfortunate side-effect. Good luck.

~Ferdinando