And Instagram. Because, let’s face it – I probably would never have posted again if it weren’t for the awesome faux-hipster feeling that Instagram gives me. I mean, just look at that photo – the lighting…the coolness…the everything. Swoon. And yes, I am aware that I’m super behind on this technology but to that I say, Shut up, iPhone users.

Aside from my disgusting obsession with a non-tangible mobile phone app, it’s (nearly, kinda sorta) spring and as cliche as it sounds, prints (especially florals) are all over the place. In fact, the best use of floral pattern I’ve seen has been on pants. This is coming from the girl who took 6 months to buy a pair of non-denim colored jeans.

So click through, like some things, don’t like them. Doesn’t matter to me. I’m too busy Instagraming my life.

[Everything in the photo minus the shoes is from Target. I'm a bit of a groupie. Clockwise from top: Target watercolor dress, $20ish; Tucker for Target dress, also $20ish; Vera Wang for Target Shoes, let's say also $20ish; Jason Wu for Target skirt, $30 - oh yeah, I caved and bought one. It was on sale and I don't really have any commitment to my morals. Sue me].

Warehouse Drop Waist Floral Dress.  
I don’t have $100 for a dress – well, I could…if I stopped eating. But that’s not the point.  The point is that I don’t, but if I did, I’d buy this dress.  Flirty, feminine, and oh-so-20s.
Buy it here.

Asos Ankle Grazer Trouser.  
For some reason I’m only okay with the floral print in a trouser cut.  Don’t ever put it on a jean.
Buy It.

Cosano.  
Flowers in purse form.
By aldo. And on sale.

High-Low Floral Dress.  
The print is less severe then most.  And the high-low cut of the hem is (too?) on trend.
Forever 21.

Jarlo Bright Floral Dress.  
I love this dress.  And, more importantly, I love Asos.

Merona Women’s Long-Sleeve Front Tie Blouse.  
This would be great with a pencil skirt or jeans.  Go Target. (and yeah. It’s in a plus size)

River Island Tropical Floral Skirt.  
A uniquely awesome pencil skirt.
Buy it.

You can read more of Simerjeet’s fashion observations at her blog.

Spring is here and bright colors are everywhere. Neon color has dominated the runway and created a surge among the fashion street dwellers. Even though this color is so popular, a lot of us are afraid to try it. It’s quite simple to take on a trend if you stick to a few simple rules.

Here are 5 quick rules to follow when adopting this trend!

1. Don’t overcrowd by piling accessories. These colors can stand on their own.

2. Not sure about a neon dress or neon pants? Don’t worry! Try a hint of neon in accessories (bangles, belts and bags) to embrace the spring.

3. Go monochromatic.

4. Try this color in interesting cuts and shapes to add extra drama.

5. There are gorgeous shoes (flats and heels) in neon colors if you’re not sure about going head to toe with this color.

Photos: 1; 2; 3; Viola Davis

At some point basing titles of posts on rap songs is going to get old. Until then, I’m trying to bang out as many ridiculous references as I can. The title of this post alludes to the classic song, “Rack City” by Tyga. This is also post number one hundred on my blog. Or as Tyga, and now I, say, one hundid. Did I mention that it’s awesome that people read this and take me seriously?!

I’m pretty sure that I’ve already done a post on stripes and if I really cared, I’d probably gone back through my one hundred posts (yay!) to figure it out. But let’s face it, I’m lazy and stripes deserve more than one post, damn it.

Stripes are beyond time and reason and unique color combinations just make them even trendier. I’m on this neon color kick so anything with neon stripes makes me want to empty my bank account. Particularly I’m a fan of the big color blocks separated by thin stripes but honestly, any variation of horizontal stripes scream classy. And polished. And just all around awesome.

So here’s to you stripes. Thanks for keeping me symmetrical.

Sometime in November, I picked up Mindy Kaling’s new book, Is everyone hanging out without me (and other concerns).  I love Mindy Kaling and since she’s a Boston girl and a Brown Girl, I felt like it was almost my duty to pick up the book, if for nothing more than in an effort to support her.

I must say, I’m pretty glad I picked it up. The book, from start to finish, is hilarious. Mindy does an amazing job of painting a picture of growing up Indian in the United States while making sure that being Indian isn’t the defining quality. She talks about being chubby, a stubborn nerd, and a very un-athletic youth. She talks about her years at Dartmouth (as a cool kid), and then the struggles and triumphs she faced in the world of Hollywood. The book spoke to me in so many ways, because, well I was chubby, a stubborn nerd, and despite my desire to be an athlete, I was far from one (so, so, far from one).

Mindy talks about dating, best friends, the difference between a man and a boy, and most of all, how to be comfortable with yourself. Mindy paints an amazing picture of life we lead as Brown Girls here in the United States.

Now, you’re probably thinking, man is this book only for Indian girls between the ages of 17-35? No way man! I think this book, speaks to pretty much any young women and anyone who has a sense of humor. I can attest to this as when my husband picked up the book, he started laughing after page three. Seriously, he did.

In addition, I think this book makes a great present for any Indian parent who raising an ABCD or Asian-Indian American child. Why you ask? Well, as I said before Mindy, through laughter paints a really relatable picture of what its like growing up as an Asian-Indian American woman. For any parent, especially and Indian parent that perhaps grew up in India, its pretty helpful to have an idea of what the heck you kid might go through.

Also, it probably will give you several cool points if your child should be a young tween or teen.

Basically, I think Mindy’s book deserves rock start status. It’s funny, down to earth, relatable, and most of all doesn’t pretend to give you any advice. Mindy’s tone is, “Hey I did this, it might work for you. If not, cool, keep trying, you’re awesome.” Again, at least I like to think this is what she would say.

And so my friends, that is my review of the lovely Ms. Mindy Kaling’s book. Check out my story about how I met Mindy Kaling, and how she thought my outfit was cool!

I found myself thinking about pumpkin pies, crunchy leaves, hay rides, apple picking, and my favorite long sleeve button down shirt a lot this week. Fall is such a beautiful season that brings the perfect balance of warm colors and cool weather. With it, comes what I believe is one of the most “age-proof” holidays of the year.

As you grow a year older, Halloween becomes a different experience. You’re either dressing up as your favorite Disney princess and holding mom or dad’s hand as you parade around the street, or you’ve reached the “too cool to care about anything” phase in middle school where you go trick or treating with your pillowcase and some friends but still have to check in with mom every hour and make your curfew, or you’re in high school where you spend half the night handing out candy and gushing at the little ones and the other half either wishing you hadn’t saved studying for the last minute or meeting up with friends. You could be in college where you absolutely have to attend that crazy Halloween party, or you’re old enough to go to the local bar and order that special Halloween concoction with some friends. Eventually you’ve reached the point where you may be holding a little one’s hands carefully examining every piece of candy to ensure its safe to consume. Regardless of your age, dressing up is an essential part of the experience.

I have compiled a list of costumes and themes that I believe are classy but cute for just about any age.  Classy is the key here. I find it ironic that the adult costumes cost so much more and cover so much less than that pumpkin suit I wore some time ago.

Halloween is a time to get creative. As a strapped for cash college student, do it yourself costumes are my favorites. (And I am not talking about being an Indian princess who I am sure every BrownGirl dressed up as at some point…or multiple points, in her life)

• Greek Gods and Goddesses
• The Flintstones
• 90’s bands: Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, N*SYNC
• Cops and Robbers
• Power Rangers
• Cats
• Candy bars
• Deck of cards (Queen of hearts, King of Diamonds, etc.)
• Scooby Doo
• Super Mario Brothers
• Angels and Devils
• Condiments (Salt, Pepper, Ketchup, Mustard, etc.)
• Breakfast cereal characters (Trix bunny, Tony the Tiger- Frosted Flakes, Buzz- Honey Nut Cheerios)
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

You can never go wrong with decades.

• 1920s: Feathered Boas, Flapper dresses, hats, and pearls
• 1960s: Flower power, bright colored psychedelic prints, bellbottoms, peace necklaces, fringe, vests
• 1980s: Sweatshirts off the shoulders, electric colors, bright eyeshadows, leggings, side ponytails

Did  you have some crazy or creative costumes in the past? Send in your pictures to staff@browngirlmagazine.com to share your ideas with the BG community!

I took on a monumental task this week.

Herculean, if you will.

I decided, because I’m a pretty nice person on (only) Wednesdays – well, most Wednesdays – that I would, for you dear dear reader, summarize New York Spring 2011 Fashion Week.  Well, while I was caught up in my Gossip Girl/30 Rock marathons, I failed to keep up with the shows (they’re posted online at style.com).  But hey, how many shows could there be, right? I could totally catch up.  Give me an hour or two at work, an hour or two on Saturday.  Done and done.

I was wrong.

There was a ridiculous amount of shows. And try my best, I and my 6 year old laptop could not handle each show.  And, I realized, why should it? Yes, every collection will have a great piece, something to “discover” or to be worn all over the red carpets.  I won’t front, I absolutely enjoy being the first to stumble upon an amazing piece, but there’s a limit to looking at clothes.  Or so I’ve come to realize.  What I gained the most pleasure out of was seeing the shows of designers that I loved: Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, L’Wren Scott, etc.  So, while I am posting pictures of great clothes from great designers (yes, in photo gallery style! What the what?), don’t be dissuaded from checking out your favorite designers.

Check out the complete gallery at Simerjeet’s blog: http://fashionrehab.onsugar.com/best-New-York-Spring-Fashion-Week-2011-11101215

3.1 Philip Lim Wow oh wow. I love this coat. I'm on an awesome quest to find a great trench coat and this one is envy-worthy.

Alice + Olivia Fun, colorful, and oh-so lady-like. Also, I'm currently leaning toward liking these cape-type coats. This one's made of lace. Plus.

Altuzarra This dress is so different and so chic at the same time. White is definitely the color next spring.

Anna Sui I only picked this because I like the fringe. And I usually hate fringe. So very very much. Also, the print blows my mind.

In honor of H&M’s abundant awesome-ness and the upcoming fall season, I bought THE most fantastic satin skirt from H&M.  It’s beautiful.  I love it more than I love anything.  Well for right now at least.  It was $30.  Esh.  Slightly steep.  But to convince myself I NEEDED it, I decided to do three different outfits around it.  And of course, I took pictures.  So enjoy my awkwardness and guess what! Now I’m awkward in a tree! Dreams do come true.

Hat: Target $16

Tank: Kohls.  It had a necklace attached to it.  And I thought: a necklace and a tank top? For the price of one? Get out of here.  And then I bought it.  Too bad I don’t remember the price.

Purse: target.  I’ve had it for years – it’s freaking reversible (see next pic for the other side of it)

Shoes: Shiek shoes (shiekshoes.com) $10

Faux Fur: Forever 21 – so I’m guess less than $20

Shirt: Nordstrom $14

Gloves: Vera Wang for Kohls $20

Shoes: Guess $60

Purse: Target (reverse side of the one above)

Attitude: Priceless (Yes. I had to go there. How could I resist?)

Sweater: H&M $30

Tank: Nordstrom $5

Belt: My dad.  Shout out to the parentals!

Purse: Can’t remember where but it was $10

Tights: Lion’s Den $14 (Yes. This is an adult store.  Whatev. They have good deals)

***You can find more of Simerjeet’s Beauty and Style advice at http://fashionrehab.onsugar.com/

Directed by: Nina Paley, Sita Sings the Blues. 2009. 82 min

I’m not usually a fan of animation. If Pixar is not involved, I generally don’t give it another glance because I tend to automatically associate animation with the child-orientated cartoons that my 22-year old brain has deceivingly convinced itself of not enjoying anymore. However, I came across Sita Sings the Blues in a film class of mine about a year ago. This feature length animation depicts the ancient Hindu epic, Ramayan, and being the horrible barely-practicing Hindu that I am, I felt the slightest bit guilty for not being entirely familiar with the source material. But this article really isn’t about my insecurities – it’s about the incredibly creative and humorous interpretation of Nina Paley’s version of Ramayan.

The film employs several different animation styles (including rotoscope and silhouette) to weave the tale of Sita and Ram while also incorporating Paley’s own personal narrative – the motivation for the film. Paley is neither Hindu nor of Indian descent (more on that later), yet she spent some time in India following her husband who took a job there. In the process of visiting New York, she discovered him to have sneakily and abruptly divorced her. As a consequence and a coping method, as much art comes to be, she used Ramayan as a way to create a film that expressed her own interpretation as it related to her life. And so much of the film, despite expectations of accuracy to the sources material, presents a personal and highly original piece of work.

The story of Ram and Sita — a long and complicated tale, boiled down to love, kidnapping, loyalty, and particularly in this version, womanhood –  is presented through the narration of three silhouetted figures. Much of their commentary has a contemporary sass and humor – largely credited to the voice actors who participated in a mostly unscripted and opinionated discussion. Some of the best laugh out loud (not to be mistaken for the average fake, text filler, lols, but the real thing) moments are due to the organic and relatable  conversation that the narrators provide for the film. These shadow puppets are not only aligned with traditional Indian shadow puppetry, but their discussion is a reflection of the strong history of oral culture in India – that is the tradition of passing down stories from generation to generation.

Another creative feature of this animation ties directly into the title – Sita Sings the Blues. Literally, a story of Sita ‘singing’ the blues (which is really the voice of late 30s jazz singer, Annette Hanshaw) is interwoven into the rest of the tale. It’s particularly interesting to see the singing and dancing, which directly aligns with Bollywood style (and is a common feature of animations as well), and yet Paley utilizes the voice and music of an old-fashioned American female blues singer. (The rest of the music in the film is used in the background throughout and is in Indian style.)

As I mentioned earlier, there were critiques about this film. Among the complaints, conservative Hindus and left-wing academics both, questioned Paley’s ability to portray such a sacred text and conservative Hindu groups in particular, were offended by the Sita slanted interpretation in which Paley chose to tell the story. And academics were more concerned with the fact that Paley as a white woman was attempting to represent a subject, which in their opinion, she had no authority to represent. Ultimately, in a case like this, where there is a person who creates art from a source material outside of their own culture, and furthermore when said source material holds a great amount of cultural weight and notoriety, opposition seems inevitable. Personally, I think Nina Paley has done a terrific job of writing, directing, and animating this film. Maybe my love would slightly be diminished if I was more familiar with the Ramayana and felt that this work was somehow blasphemous to the original, however I have to argue against this idea of cultural possessiveness. That is, we are obviously living in a globalized world where art, along with everything else, is becoming easily accessible to everyone with free time and an internet connection. Immigration, outsourcing, travel, tourism – all of these trends have become reality of our world, and are complicit, contributing factors in the creation of this film. I’d say it’s definitely a good thing – just don’t use pop culture or one person’s perspective as a cheat sheet guide to literature, religion, history, etc.

It’s a niche film, but visually stimulating, quirky, and thoroughly entertaining. And a bonus – it’s free! The whole movie is available on YouTube, and according to Paley’s website for the film, she has released all copyright claims to advocate a “shared culture,” where art is distributed to the community and made accessible to all.

My definition of being productive over the summer entails catching up on movies and books that I did not have the opportunity to enjoy throughout the school year. While I started out watching some quality academy award winning movies, I quickly succumbed to the power of what we all know as “chick flicks”. Whether or not you admit it, chick flicks are every girl’s guilty pleasure (and I’m sure some guys watch them too!).

Chick flicks are often labled as sappy, boring, melodramatic, silly, or cliché. While this may apply to some of them, I find that others tell valuable stories. Regardless of the quality of the film, there are a few key elements that make up the quintessential chick flick.

• Romance, no matter the level of cheesiness, is always necessary!
•  An attractive, and more importantly, a sensitive male makes us weak at the knees.
• Even if it is the most cliché conversation, relationship, or plot there has to be something that makes us cry.
• Strong, empowered females are always a plus.
• A  female bonding situation with friends or family certainly adds to the emotional appeal.  

The next time you’re in the mood for a girl’s night, or you need some inspiration for cute outfits, or you just want to watch an adorable love story even though you know exactly what’s going to happen, then check out one of these films. Feel free to add to the list by commenting below. Grab some popcorn, and chocolate, a couple friends, some nail polish, and a couch, and you’re ready to go!

• A Walk To Remember
• How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days
• The Secret Life of Bees
• The Proposal
• Confessions of a Shopaholic
• My Sister’s Keeper
• Love Story
• Notting Hill
• The Notebook
• Miss Congeniality
• Falling Up
• Valentine’s Day
• Letters to Juliet
• Dear John
• Legally Blonde
• She’s All That
• 27 Dresses
• The Ugly Truth
• 500 Days of Summer
• Bride Wars
• Leap Year

1. Study Abroad.

2.Expand your wardrobe. Toss those jeans and tshirts to the back of your closet, and enjoy your new career with a whole new look.

3. Document your experiences. Videos, pictures, notebooks, doesn’t matter! Just a way to remember your experiences.

4. Go to Las Vegas/take a road trip with your closest friends.

5. Get in touch with your cultural side.

6. Learn to bake your favorite dessert.

7. Buy a car – with your own money; start a savings account.

8. Read a book from the NY times best sellers list.

9. Learn to cook a gourmet meal.

10. Explore different cultures/religions.

11. Volunteer.

12. Find new restaurants/lounges/clubs to try.

13. Skydive.

14. Learn to make cocktails.

15. Take a class for a hobby you enjoy: dancing, photography, cooking, etc.

16. Date!

17. Decorate/Redecorate your apt.

18. Go to a concert.

19. Go snowboarding/learn winter sports.

20. Work hard, play harder.