After a few lackluster posts (I’m admitting it.  They have been very ‘meh’ since fashion week wrapped), I’m back to fighting form.  Not to say that this post is going to be awesome – don’t let my use of positive language let you come to that conclusion.  In fact, it’ll be mediocre at best.  I’ll just feel better about it. And really, that’s kind of all that matters.

Anyway, whilst traveling to the nation’s capital (That’s Washington, D.C. you poorly educated Americans, you) to attend the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear (hosted by the supremely smart and dashing Jon Stewart.  This was an unnecessary parenthetical.  Or was it?) I contemplated what one wears to a political rally.  Nothing I have ever read has ever discussed this obvious fashion dilemma.  So I thought about what people, historically, would have worn.  And no offense right to assemble, but I’m not a girl that does slogan t shirts.  I like t shirts, don’t get me wrong.  But i don’t necessarily invest in ones with messages (unless you count the Ninja Turtles as a message.  They are highly regarded in some circles).  So I had two that I was debating between and my criteria was this: comfort, cool nonchalance, and as always as always, let’s be different here.  I’m proud to say that no one was wearing anything close to what i was wearing.  Mission accomplished.  (Plus I got to incorporate the gun necklace.  There’s success if I’ve ever seen it).

I rocked the “America” Dress, appropriately. vintage, $40ish.

Jacket, Forever 21, $16

Socks, American Apparel, $16

Boots, Nordstrom, $60

Scarf, Target, $7

Bag, Mulberry for Target, $30

Sweet Poster, Megan Znidarsic (Thanks!)

Other options: Button down, black jeans, boots, and jacket. Or hey do like the girl next to me, sweatshirt it up.  Because honestly, this is one area where there’s no fast and furious (I don’t know that “fast and furious” applies here but I’m using it anyway) rules.  Number one: you should always be comfortable.  This goes for anything that you’re wearing, EVER.  If you don’t feel comfortable you won’t look good. PERIOD.  (I wonder how many definitives I can use to get this message across…).  That goes for shoes too.  I’m the master of wearing stilettos to the mall.  That doesn’t mean I should. Similarly, wearing heels to something where you’ll be walking and on your feet for hours may not work for you.  Finally, think about temperature.  Layers are usually your best friend.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t wear your “Love not War” t shirt (or whatever else the kids are saying these days) – that’s the utter beauty of a rally.  You can wear what you want and I’m pretty sure someone there will be wearing a lot worse (like say a diaper.  and a sombrero.  Together).   Really it’s about civil discourse and, oh I don’t know, exercising your basic first amendment rights (after you’ve gotten proper permits and bypassed all of the proper red tape of course). There is nothing sexier then people who can intelligently speak their minds.  No matter what you’re wearing.  And while I’m hanging out on this soapbox, I want to remind people to vote.  You can’t complain about who’s running the country if you don’t (I’m pretty sure that’s being worked into the Constitution somewhere). Also, it’s cool to vote.  Unless of course you’re me.  And you have the crazy idea that the people that we elect are worthless and maybe we need to rethink some things.  Also unless you’re me and voting would just max you out on cool points.  And then where would I be?

Finally don’t forget awesome awesome signs.  Say something, don’t say something, just be fucking hilarious (required criteria of signs)

*The person who said this, for their own safety, shall remain nameless.  Mostly because they’re stupid.

(In case you were wondering why I didn’t do a halloween costume post, it’s because i HATE Halloween.  Here’s a descending numerical list why:

3.  I hate that girls feel the need to dress extremely slutty and crass.  Why? Why? Why? You’re better than that.

2.  I hate wearing a costume all night long.  Remember that thing about being comfortable? Well i feel the opposite of that in a costume.

1.  It’s dumb.  Nothing about Halloween is fun.  You can’t find a cab, you can’t go somewhere without it being ridiculously crowded.  It’s a lame excuse to have no inhibitions.  You’re going to regret it in the morning, definitely going to regret it in the morning.)

You can read more of Simerjeet’s posts on her blog at http://fashionrehab.onsugar.com/.

]]> http://browngirlmagazine.com/2010/11/wait-does-or-doesnt-the-national-mall-have-a-hm/feed/ 1 http://browngirlmagazine.com/2010/09/i-just-might-be-sick-of-clothes-after-this-week-what-the-what/ http://browngirlmagazine.com/2010/09/i-just-might-be-sick-of-clothes-after-this-week-what-the-what/#comments Fri, 01 Oct 2010 03:06:47 +0000 browngirlmag http://browngirlmagazine.com/?p=2163 by Simerjeet Sahota – Ohio State University Graduate

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.

It’s time for class and you’re already late! What to do, what to do? How to look super-chic with only five minutes to get out the door? Well just grab a fabulous accessory or two or three to look like the true Brown Girl fashionista that you are!

1. Throw on a pair of classic (or not-so classic) aviator sunglasses to block out the sun while walking around campus.

Aviator Sunglasses $11.00

Plastic Aviators $12.99

2. Only got a minute to get dressed? Wear a pair of chandelier earrings and instantly look well put together!

Mia Dangling Bead Earrings $4.80

Cicely Earrings $12.90

Beaded Chandelier Earrings $7.99

3. Stay cool and rock some fierce footwear while trekking from building to building in the heat.

Fume 57 Cut Out Bootie $27.50

Magdalena Platforms $59.99

4. There’s no easier way to look chic than an armful of pretty bangles!

Athena Metal Bangles $5.80

Square Cut Out Bangles $9.99

5. Got a bad hair day? What could be more necessary than a funky straw hat to cover up that uncooperative head of hair?k

Asymmetrical Straw Cloche $34.00

Banded Fedora $11.50

6. Breathe some life into a boring outfit with a glamorous jeweled necklace.

Faceted Collar Necklace $80.00

Asymetric Coral Necklace $39.99

7. Keep your essentials organized and handy in a bright clutch.

Mazzarone Clutch $29.98

Oversized Pleated Clutch $34.95

Round Bottom Clutch $14.94

8.   Haven’t had time to get that haircut before school starting? Help your awkward bangs out by channeling Blair Waldorf and wearing a fun headband.

Neon Splatter Feather Headband $17.99

Flower Bow Headband $4.80

So, the New Year’s Resolutions didn’t work out so well, did they? Well, now that school’s out for the summer, it’s the perfect time to get back to basics, and make the most of your off-time.

Choose 3-5 promises to make to yourself this summer, stick with your promises, and get ready to meet a sophisticated, fresh and fabulous new you by August!

I promise to:

1) Spend LESS time on Facebook /Twitter/MySpace and get myself out and about! ***

Do I even need to explain this? You know what I’m talking about! Stop unconsciously typing the above web-addresses as soon as you hit your home page (sometimes without thinking), and replace your internet time with the activities below.

2) Finish a book.

Not only does reading a book take your mind off of possible stresses of the day, but it also expands your thinking, improves your memory, and helps you focus better.  I’m not saying pick up Plato’s Republic and read it inside out to get these benefits. Pick a book that you know you’ll enjoy and reap the rewards. Start a book club with your friends and get together each, if that’s the motivation you need. Pick up some yummy treats and have discussions about the latest chapters you’ve read.

Brown Girl Reading List Suggestions:

• Twilight (perfect to read with your girl friends!)
• Angels and Demons (a mind-capturing read)
• He’s Just Not That Into You (also a super fun-read with your friends for those girls’ nights!)
• Pride and Prejudice (for you heartless romantics)

3) Buy a CD or download a song I normally would not buy/ download.

4) Spend some time on creating a unique-to-me playlist that I can jam out to anywhere. I can finally create playlist to work out to, study to, sleep to. Check out the Brown Girl Summer Playlist!

5) Get a haircut and/or try a completely new hair-style.  I won’t be scared. After all I have all summer to grow it out and change it up!

6) Find a style that I like .

Don’t go out and buy those clothes that you see on everyone else. Go out and find a style that you like, not that the world likes. Spend some time to build your own personalized wardrobe. Start with the basics and then get creative! Go to different stores. Try on different ensembles. Play with colors and styles until you find the one that makes you go “OH MY” (in a good way) when you look in that mirror.  Fashion trends will come and go, but personal style stays forever. Find out what your personal style is and strut it!

7) Express myself through art.

Bust out with a smock and that beret you immediately bought two years ago when they were in style for 30 seconds. Find an easel and some colors and paint away, Picasso. If painting’s not your thing, try sketching, photography, pottery, or even writing. Find a place where you can relax and have at it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what inspires you and what you end up with.

Have a girl’s night out.

Always the cure to every problem. If going out isn’t your thing, grab some dessert, your favorite magazines, and pop-in “Bride Wars” or any other uber-girly movie with cute clothes and beautiful men.

9) Learn how to play an instrument.

If I can’t find a nice and decent boy to serenade me with his guitar, I’ll do it myself! Excuse me, while I fetch my guitar… okay so I don’t have one yet. But I’ll make sure to find one and learn a few chords to my favorite song!

10) Learn a new dance.

No, not the “Soulja-boy” or the “Stanky-leg” (you may do that on your own time after summer).  Look into salsa, hip-hop, line-dancing, or even classical Indian dance. There’s often free promotional classes offered at gyms or rec centers, especially at the beginning of the summer when schools let out. You don’t have to be good enough to perform on “Dancing with the Stars”, but at least you’ll have the secret satisfaction of knowing that you learned how to shake it (and got a fab workout in!)

11) Watch the news.

It’s time to stop hiding in our own little worlds and look at what is really going on out there. This year is ESPECIALLY a year we’ll want to talk about later.  An African-American man became president. A low budget Bollywood film won the Oscars. An underdog football team made it to the Superbowl, (for you sporty girls).  An economic recession has furiously impacted the entire world.  The time to be up-to-date with the headlines is now. You’ll learn many interesting things and knowledge on current events is an impressive quality through anyone’s eyes!

12) Go to a musical, a play, or a concert.

Find out where your cultural passion lies. You’ll see that it’s so much more exhilarating and energetic to view a live performance than it is to go to a movie or watch a music video at home.  At the same time it’s a great bonding activity to share with your friends, family, and an absolutely great date idea!  Plus, the fancier performances give you an excuse to dress to the nines and look even more beautiful!

13) Engage in a community service project.

You’d be surprised how many non-profit organizations look for volunteers to help over the summer. Whether its for a couple of weeks or a day, any amount of work makes a difference in someone’s life.  Volunteer at a soup kitchen, visit a children’s shelter, help build a house or paint a fence. You may even do something simple like clean your closet and gather up items for donations. A little time goes a long way!

14) Drink more water , take vitamins, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

When you’re on your way to the new you, don’t forget that the scorching hot weather tends to make you dehydrated and fatigued. You need all the energy you can get if you want to accomplish these endeavors! Besides water plays a huge role in keeping you from getting sick, clearing up your skin, and detoxifiying your body. Even though you’re brown, sunscreen can go a long way…

*** The first promise is a prerequisite to your entire summer makeover, no exceptions granted!

by Survam Patel

1.       Guys want honesty, not silence! Contrary to popular female belief, it should NOT be expected that a guy can read your mind. So, be straightforward and tell him what’s on your mind. If you want him to do something, don’t throw out some subtle hints. Grow a pair and tell him to his face…nicely!

2.       Guys want a woman that chooses them, and does not need them. They prefer an independent woman with her own set of goals, friends, and interests because having an insecure girl that is dependent and takes up all his free time gets to be a drag real quick.

3.       Guys want fidelity. Well so do girls – I mean who wouldn’t want some trust. All things that are worth having don’t come easy so when the going gets rough, don’t catch a case of the ‘roaming eye’ but work on the relationship!

4.       Guys want acknowledgment. It seems to be happening more often than not these days, but the failure to acknowledge him for his accomplishments, or seemingly trivial acts of kindness, are going more and more unnoticed, leaving the guy feeling inadequate. Women say chivalry is dead, but guess who killed it?

5.       Guys want open communication. Being a great listener, as well as a chatterbox, is just as important to a strong relationship. You can’t expect him to listen to you explain about how naïve your parents are, or how you can’t believe one of your friends did something ‘like omg wtf’ and then chastise him for wasting your time because you had to listen to him sound off about his favorite video game or sport team. It’s a two way street woman!

6.       Guys just want to have a little fun (no pun intended). All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!  Who would want to be in a relationship that involves awkward silences, arguing, and eventually making up just to do it all over again? Try and partake in his interests so you guys can do something fun together, even if it means picking up that awkwardly contorted Xbox 360 controller and figuring out how the hell to play Halo, or even by learning the player’s names and positions on his favorite team and spewing them out during the next game. He will definitely be surprised, notice it and BAM – you just got yourself a new shopping partner!

7.       Guys want a girl who can work the family. I am a little biased on this since this is more of what I want, but I am pretty sure most guys would agree that it wouldn’t hurt if the girl could work everyone in the immediate family. Just think about it – no more having to explain why you guys are spending so much time (and money) on each other because they will like the girl and accept her more easily! So do your homework and especially figure out what his parents want to see in a girl, and even if just for a day, just mold yourself to fit that description. It will definitely get you a free IOU card from him.

8.       Guys want a girl with financial responsibility. With our economy in shambles, having two sources of income is becoming the norm to sustain the desired quality of life. Yes, I know this article is about relationships and not marriage, but I am just saying that guys want a girl who will have a stable future and isn’t dependent on him for a source of income. This touches on rule number 2 of guys wanting an independent girl. There is no shame in wanting to marry someone financially well off (I would shack up with a female doctor in a heartbeat), but make sure you have something to bring to the table as well.

9.       Guys want a friend. First and foremost a girl should always be a friend, because it is when guys can be the most laid back and open, which is what girls want in the first place. Try and find time to spend regular time together, whether it may be on catching up on some similar shows you watch, movies, dinner, walks, sports, or just plain old chatting it up. My personal favorite is going to a local mellow bar and relaxing with a few drinks. That’s right. You don’t need 7+ people with you every time you go out drinking. So, always think twice and try to place your criticism and condescending remarks on the backburner (whether it is well deserved or not) and try and be that friend you were when you first met the fella!

10.   Guys want a good looking girl. You thought I would leave it out didn’t you?! If I did, and some of you girls took this article seriously, then you all would be in those gauchos that make your legs look like elephant trunks and threading would be a phrase from the past. BUT I have polled a sample population (grand total of 3 guys) in steady relationships (over 2 years) and they have said that if most of 1- 9 is there, then the girl is mind numbingly beautiful to them already. So out of all 10, this is the one you would have to worry about the least!

Now girls, do you agree with Survam? It’s your turn to sound off. What do women want in their guy?

****************************************************

Survam Patel – Survam Patel half-assed his undergrad at the University of Texas at Austin and is currently one of the laziest 2^nd year pharmacy students that the University of Houston has seen in over a decade. When he isn’t tied down with school he enjoys cooking Indian food (as long as it has meat), watching Texas/Texans football, grilling, music hunting, floating the river, receiving noise complaints, pissing excellence, and watching an array of TV shows he keeps up with (none that have to do with gossip of any kind). He is OCD of sorts in that he ALWAYS has to use his turn signal (even for the most menial of turns), keep his room and bathroom absurdly organized, spell correctly at all times, and check his Gmail at least 5 times a day. He is also the only Survam you will ever meet.

Photograph by Thuy Ly.

by ‘Anonymous’

I have been staring at my computer screen for about an hour now, trying to put off the article I had told myself I’d write a long time ago. I was hoping that by writing this, it would purge me of all my negative thoughts- a sort of inner cleansing that would leave me ready to take on my weaknesses and become a better person.

Right now, I honestly don’t want to talk about this. It’s embarrassing. Pathetic. Weird. Just plain dumb. Okay, I’ll just come out and say it. I am almost 23 years old and I have never really been kissed. Yep, just like Drew Barrymore in the movie with the same title. But, this isn’t some Hollywood plot line made up to draw audience fascination. This is reality. My reality.

You might be wondering what exactly is wrong with me. I mean how can a normal 22 year old girl go through a normal American childhood, grow up, and not ever really date anyone? Honestly, I don’t know the answer to this question. Trust me, it bothers me everyday. I’ve wasted countless hours of worrying, thinking to myself:

“What’s wrong with me?”

“Can no one be attracted to me?”

“Should I just enlist myself in a nunnery?”

With a new year in full swing, I am adamant to get to the root of my problem, fix it, and then move on. Hopefully, with a Michael Vartan.

How did this all start? The only thing I can truly attribute my dismal situation to is my prudishness in high school and my over all lack of self-confidence. Till now. In high school, I sort of, kind of shied away from boys in general. I blame this on my conservative Indian roots (it’s much easier to play the blame game than actually just blame myself). I knew I wasn’t allowed to date. So, I think in general I avoided boys. Stupid move. This avoidance led me to believe I couldn’t talk to boys, that I had to only be friends with girls. This led to my unrealistic fantasies where I would be one day swept off my feet by a boy I have never talked to, ever. Yeah, I know. I was ridiculous.

Enter college. When I look back at those four years, I’d like to say, all the guys I met were sheer losers. I would even venture to say, my lack of dates was because, well I wasn’t attractive. Boys just didn’t see me. Did I mention that guys were losers? Oh, and there was all that studying. How could I possibly have time for boys when I had to make those grades.

Now I see the fallacy in my thinking. It was my lack of confidence, shyness, and negative thinking that brought me down this road of a kiss-less existence. Right now, I’m thinking it’s 80% my fault and 20% fate (just to make myself feel better about the situation).

Regardless, I refuse to turn 24 and remain never been kissed. Don’t worry, I won’t turn into some kissing psycho, throwing myself at guys left and right. I will take the higher, much classier road. My first step in this wonderful plan is to learn to love myself. I am an intelligent, beautiful person. Who wouldn’t want to kiss me? Second, I will learn to put myself out there more. For a change, I will not hide in the shadows. Instead, I will take risks and not be afraid to be noticed, especially by the opposite sex.

Who knows if this plan will actually work? But, I have no other choice than to try!

Darshana, our Design Correspondent

by Pooja Patel with Darshana Magan

Have you been thinking about decorating your room, but keep putting it off because of the slumping economy? With these great tips from Darshana Magan, our Design Correspondent, you can decorate with little impact on your wallet!

Darshana dropped in to give us great advice on decorating small spaces, like your dormroom or apartment, on a budget. Her advice is simple yet effective.

*******************************************************************************************************

Style Tips:

1)      Don’t be afraid to use color.

2)      Add personality, not clutter.

3)      Make it personal and homey.

4)      Simplicity equals success.

Using Color:

Darshana's re-decorated room.

• A fun way to add color to your room is to create it yourself. Grab a couple of canvases and some cheap brushes and release your inner Michelangelo! Anyone can do it!

• If painting isn’t your game, you can always add color by using art pieces and framing them. Some examples are: postcards, scrapbook paper, handmade paper, posters, or some of your own photography. Try TJ Maxx, Marshall’s or Target for some cute, inexpensive frames.

• Wall art isn’t the only way to add color. Use your bedding to give your room that extra zing. However, if you choose to go bold with bedding, keep accessories down to a minimum. Too much color is overwhelming to the eye. I prefer neutral bedding and bringing in color through throw pillows and accessories. Check out these websites to get great deals on pillows, rugs, bedding, and more:

Urban Outfitters

Target

Add Personality, Not Clutter:

Working with a color palette that fits your personality, is very important.  The Target link above has this nifty tool that lets you choose your bedding color palette.

If you are going neutral (brown, creams, and greys) then you will more than likely bring in color through one toss pillow, a throw at the end of your bed, curtains, knick knacks, vases, picture frames and maybe even a rug. Remember that lively patterns are great for small spaces, because you only need a modest amount to make a big impact!

This color palette flows well. This would be a jewel tone palette.

Because this is a small space you may want to get a maximum of three frames, and maybe an actual corkboard where you can use some pieces of scrap book paper, or cut out alphabet letters to personalize it.

3) Make it personal and homey:

- This is simply done by adding photographs of loved ones, family members, and friends! Add your personal touch by adding humor, personal quotes, and life to the room. Stack your favorite books on the night stand next to your bed. Bring the outside in by adding a small plant and putting it in nice pottery.

Simple, yet elegant frames can easily add color to your room.

Simplicity equals Success:

1) Check out an Ikea store if you have one around you. It is an ideal one-stop shopping for all your decorating needs. It’s even great for finding storage containers on the cheap!

2) I find myself browsing Target.com all the time. This place has it all! You can get simple and unique items for clearance prices.

3) Bedding and accessories can always be found on sale at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Burlington Coat Factory, Overstock.com and Pier 1 Imports. For more quirky items check out Urban Outfitters, your local thrift store, West Elm or EBAY!

]]> http://browngirlmagazine.com/2009/02/decorate-your-space-big-on-impact-small-on-cash/feed/ 3 http://browngirlmagazine.com/2009/02/20-things-to-do-in-your-20s/ http://browngirlmagazine.com/2009/02/20-things-to-do-in-your-20s/#comments Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:48:00 +0000 browngirlmag http://browngirlmagazine.com/?p=737 by Shruti Purohit

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.

You can check out their hilarious submission here!

Keep an eye out for them on Oscar night this Sunday. The duo will be interviewing the stars as they come down the red carpet.

Age: 21
Height: 5’9
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Major: Marketing/Pre Dentistry
Future plans: I plan on finding a Sugar Momma to take care of me while I raise our children. If that doesn’t work out then hopefully I’ll be a dentist by day, rapper by night.
Hobbies: Playing basketball, football, running, canoeing, sleeping, bubble baths while sipping on peach tea, making fun of my close friends and making them feel bad about themselves.
Best Joke: Knock knock!

Who’s there?

Orange.

Orange who?

Orange you glad to get to know me with this excerpt!
Turn Ons: Intelligence, style, pretty eyes, nice smile, and a sense of humor.
Turn Offs: Ignorance, hair in odd places, lack of personality, weird smells, brown girls (just kidding hehe)

If you know someone who would make a great Brown Boy, email us his picture and some information about him to brownboy@browngirlmagazine.com.