Cyber Stalker

Why we like: Today hasn’t been just your average “bad day” where you’re tampon exceeded its ‘soak limit’ and you leak all over your office chair. This bad day was much more dramatic and filled with way more gore. Well orchestrated from start to finish, there wasn’t a single component that went according to plan. Mom’s boyfriend polished off all the berries for my daily yogurt, granola and berry breakfast. I straightened my locks after Dear Franky Flowers reports humidity on Breakfast Television. Forgot more than a handful of work-related deadlines. Fought with my Father…then the boyfriend. And following both feuds, I stained my new sundress with blood after picking a hangnail on my thumb. Yes, it’s like a massive Mac truck was gunning it down the freeway, and took me by behind.  Gorey enough? The only glimmer of light, was my fresh new finding of the week – yes ladies, eatPES is the remedy for any ghastly, dreadful, horrifying day. 

What you’ll find there: Ingenius and unpredictable animated films that keep you interested and amused from intro to outro. Whether you are enduring a painful day or a stressful week, or you’re one of those perfect bitches that get everything right – eatPES takes your mind off everything and soothes the soul with a smile, or two.  

Where in the world: Big Hint. Ian Ziering and Tori Spelling. 90210. 

In a nutshell: A quick mental-relief remedy to be used in conjunction with other related tasks such as Yoga, meditation and deep breathing.  Give your anxiety a vacation and watch pointless videos of human skateboarding, spaghetti made from childhood craft materials and lazyboy chair porn. Go on, show off those pearly whites.

http://www.eatpes.com

Why we like: Nowadays everyone (in the street fashion blogosphere) aspires to be The Sartorialist. No offence to my SDTC style scouting scavengers, but t’is true. Their street fashion photography is vindictive of iconic fashion editorial, thus making complete sense of their lofty leadership ways and the astounding blog population of followers. Hey, at least we all have good taste! And although each makes reference to another in their blogroll – it’s becoming increasingly difficult to sift through the duds to find the “diamond in the rough.” As privileged as we all are for this global fashion access pass, it’s about time to stop reinventing the wheel and provide us street style bloggers with something fundamentally different than all the others. Borderline…you are the ‘party’ in my ‘dress’, the ‘glad’ in my ‘sandals’ and the ‘street’ in my ‘style.’ 

What you’ll find there: User-submitted, global street fashion from destinations including NYC, Norway, Israel, Iceland and more. Plus, the fashion editorials are captivating which celebrate eclectic and nostalgic fashion and young trend-setting innovators. Check out the article, Street Clash for a look at feuding fads between one major city and another.

Where in the world: Unless my research fails me, Borderline seems to be placeless.  

In a nutshell: An arena to represent your neighborhood or community and the street style within. Or, a place to gawk at others; making comparisons, judgments and most importantly, finding ways to adjust your wardrobe to be Parisian posh, Icelandic cool or oh-so-lovely Londonesque.

Why we like: Allow me to enunciate my dream man; choco brown shag, dark wash Matix jeans, dirty Stüssy tee (off the floor preferably), és kicks and a scrumptiously bent Crooks and Castles cap. He might even have the latest edition of Color magazine in his WeSC backpack if he so chooses. This may sound like a lethal case of label fetishism – but I’ve got a skater itch that just won’t quit! To my dismay, I’ve never dated ‘the type’ longer than a week. Skateboard culture is beyond alluring to me (and I know I’m not alone) – yet the electric draw that pulls me in, is completely one-sided. Every “inconvenient” stroll past Adrift feels as painfully rejecting as the last. Those scrupulous dudes haven’t an appetite for a gal like myself. Think an Iron Chef judge is particular? Think again – a skater’s palette is even more finicky! So imagine my delight upon an invitation to Patrick O’Dell’s To All My Friends gallery opening at STUDIO Gallery.   

What you’ll find there: A wholehearted uninhibited jolt into skateboard culture. Whether it’s gore, sex or completely aesthetic – the footage is raw and intimate. Without O’Dell, I never would have gotten so close.  

Where in the world: N.Y.C. 

In a nutshell: Besides reading issues of Thrasher – it’s my only chance to get close to my ramp roaring prey. As lackluster as the site is, O’Dell’s photography is captivating and genuine. It reels you in to the clandestine places and privileged places that he’s been. Lacking a board, I’ll have to find out how he became so enmeshed in a world that I’d die to be a part of. 

www.patrickodell.com 

Roll in to Studio Gallery with your compadres for a closer look.  Runs till July 22.
http://www.studio.to/patrickodell.html 

Why we like:  I said give me two pair cause I need two pair. I heard his southern twang from a distance – it continued… I like the all white high top strap with the gum bottom.

The song was familiar, yet the sentiment felt foreign. An alien emotion had held my selective taste captive. The room spun and patches of bright colored leather became hazy as I noticed every Creative Reaction on the wall, low top Dunks on display and Jordan’s in the case. I sat momentarily on the leather “try on” bench as I gathered my bearings. There was no bandage faced lyricist insight – this was the moment when I had first brought my sneaker fetish into fruition. How shall I lace em’? Which New Era hat matches best? Do I save the box, or should I chuck it? As the options raced through my mind, I thanked the heavens above for Sneaker Freaker magazine.  Here, I could come together with fellow running shoe comrades and pledge allegiance to our collectable kicks. 

What you’ll find there: One of the most addictive elements of this hobby of mine is the “must have it first” mentality. And although I am still earnestly contemplating my first pair, I’m hooked on the new releases that are announced each week. Plus, I can chit chat with fellow freakers, read exclusive articles and find out where to cop my next pair.  

Where in the world:  Despite the heat dem’ Aussie’s rock fresh kicks too – sandals aren’t their only mode of footwear.   

In a nutshell: A place where sneaker enthusiasts unite together and freak out together. Caution: If you hear Nelly softly rhymin’ in the distance, you’re officially hooked too!

http://www.sneakerfreaker.com 

Why we like: Ever wonder why television stations like Much Music and MTV play more reality shows and movies than actual music? I’ve got a theory, and although I may be entirely off kilter, I’m willing to share my thoughts and take the risk. Music videos, as we know, are commercials for both the artist and the in-your-face products within it. This formula was indeed a luminous initiative years ago when the Einstein of Music Videos invented the concept, but aside from a few modern innovators, the scheme has gone unchanged.  Each time I see Rhianna with her Blackberry, 50 Cent ridin’ in an XYZ Class Mercedez or Ashlee Simpson in a fresh pair of Converse kicks – I’m slitting my wrists waiting for a change. Thankfully Lily Allen joined forced with Fafi for her Oh My God video, and So Me created award-winning music videos for Kanye West, Justice and DJ Medhi – but these decadent explorations are few and far between. Zune Arts is on my wavelength – let’s all support the cause and their campaign! 

What you’ll find there: Zune Arts is a platform for under the radar, yet extremely talented artists from around the world to create short music videos for buzz-worthy indie bands from the electro/ alternative scene. Zune Arts is setting the standard for how music videos should be done, if commercialism wasn’t the driving force of our society. Rather than blatant product placement, these music videos bring support to other streams of art as they coincide in one complete vision. Be sure to check out the Chromeo, Lily Allen and Santogold videos. to name a few. 

Where in the world:  Owned my Microsoft, Zune Arts is from the U.S.A, but artists are from all over the world sharing their ideas and building upon the foundation of the space. 

In a nutshell: A place to get inspired, and watch the artistic interpretation of your favorite upcoming dj, band or songstress’s music video. So stop watching re-runs of Tila Tequila and check Zune Arts out – it doesn’t disappoint!

http://www.zune-arts.com/ 

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade™  

Why we like: When panache and affordability unite, it often comes with a cost. Just like the rest of us, I can probably spend my entire paycheck at Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel and/or H&M – but even with functional basics and cutting-edge party wear, you gotta make it your own! I’m afraid to admit that ‘the standard’ = party dress, black tights, ballet flats, dangling heart pendant and perhaps even a headband emulates the ‘Lauren Conrad wannabe’ uniform – a look that only works in The Hills. If I’ve remorsefully singled you out, or have peeked your interest in sprinkling a little individuality on your look, then join myself and others as we glam-up a storm at Etsy- the all day, everyday online craft show. 

What you’ll find there: A vast collection of online shops, selling wicked jewellery, purses, clutches, belts and hair accessories.  Check out my list of ‘must haves’:

• Primitive Fairy Cameo Pendant
• Large Crochet Flower Headband
• Peacock Hair Clip
• Hot Purple Recycled Leather Bag 
  

Plus, you can also find très unique housewares, furniture, ceramics and anything else your little handmade heart desires:

• Uterus Pin Cushion
• Blythe Doll Clothes
• Doodle Series Cup & Saucer
• Vintage Black Hollywood French Chairs
  

Where in the world: The Head Office crew thrives in Brooklyn, but there are over 10,000 online boutiques and designers from around the world. 

In a nutshell: If you’re crafty you can open shop at Etsy, and fund your bead addiction. Otherwise, dabble in some originality, or perhaps bathe in it  – your image will thank you.

http://www.etsy.com 

Why we like:  Blogs are like bunnies.  It’s not a peculiar comparison, when you get down to the nitty gritty. Bunnies are super cute, breed super fast and excrete super often. Take note of these key features, if considering one as a pet. My ex-bunny, Cypress, transpired into a classified posting once I realized these characteristics. Now consider the same if you plan to take on ‘blogging’ as a newfound hobby – you won’t secure readership with a flashy design and lackluster content. Your Bad Mea Culpa, however, surpasses the Cyber Stalker Standards with ease.  If by only perusing over a few entries, you feel as though you must a) meet b) get to know, and c) be just like the author of the blog, then the author has achieved its fundamental purpose. 

What you’ll find there: Arrogance is often a reason for flattery – this statement holds true between myself and Your Bad Mea Culpa.  The author is rad because she is just like myself. Her sincere yet cheeky commentary on beauty, fashion, music, parties and travel is too cool to handle. Plus, she shares my obnoxious adoration for the ‘Show Me Love Songstress,’ Robyn!   

Where in the world: Toronto 

In a nutshell: Attention Your Bad Mea Culpa, your fan club awaits… 

http://yourbadmeaculpa.com/ 

Why we like: Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland has been identified as both children’s story and a psychedelic drug lord’s fantasy. If you look beyond the delightful bunny, clever mad hatter and the charming twins, tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum – you’ll find that the fable is nothing more than a commentary on one’s audacious retreat to Montreal. This past weekend was my first visit to Montreal aka. Wonderland, and although the White Rabbit was nowhere in sight, there was not a shortage of taboo fashion trends, rampant stimulants, and oddball characters.  

If a consult with the Disney flick doesn’t appease your fix, and a spontaneous road trip is implausible with your schedule, than I highly suggest you visit The Friend Attack.   

What you’ll find there: Eccentricity runs from the taps in this joint. There’s no stopping anyone from being poles apart – you can grow a frizzy rat-tail if you want to or even adorn yourself with construction signage. The site documents more than just unconventional Montreal street fashion, but the parties you missed out on and the backstage thrills you weren’t invited to. 

Where in the world: Montreal – where the eff else?!  

In a nutshell: A snapshot of my weekend. A portrait of the delightful Montrealers along the way. A fluorescent attack on the senses – throw you’re shades on… don’t say I didn’t warned ya!

http://www.thefriendattack.com

Why we like: Could you eagerly watch a five minute documentary on Persian kittens and feel that time was well spent? What if the interval that followed uncovered the parallels of Reggae and Punk music? If you qualify as an individual with a broad spectrum of tastes, and a short attention span – VBS.TV has a newly defined attitude towards television and I suggest you take a look. Stimulate your palette with a broad array of short documentary films that will evoke a concoction of emotions – if your heart gushes, tears flow, your I.Q. rises (or falls) and/or you soaked your pants like in grade school you’ll instantly become addicted to this online Oxy cotton-like broadcast network.  

What you’ll find there:  An eclectic selection of TV stations – indifferent to similar streamers such as YouTube. Here you can tune into your favorites to watch and re-watch in whatever order you choose, as many times as you choose.   There’s The Cute Show, Vice Kills Jamaica, Adidas Films and Balls Deep – to name a few.  Titles intrigue ya?  

Where in the world:  Mos Def said it best, “Nickname Bucktown cuz we grown to outburst.” Otherwise known as Brooklyn, for you plain folk. 

In a nutshell: An intelligent mix of global and local coverage on politics, music, travel and pop culture that will redefine your areas of interest on the Internet. Whether you enjoy issues underground or above ground – you’ll find a channel that’s right up your ally!  

http://www.vbs.tv/

Why we like: The Roloff family started it all – the ‘midget craze’! Perhaps my terminology is politically incorrect, but whether you dub this portion of society ‘little people,’ ‘dwarves,’ ‘midgets’ or just straight up short – gone are the days of “singling out the small” as per freak shows of the past. Our culture idolizes these miniature icons. There’s Verne Troyer who starred as Mini Me in the Austin Power films, Jason Acuña aka. Wee Man both professional skateboarder and notorious Jackass celebrity and TLC’s Little People Big World (which is worth mentioning twice). Please note she does the city: it’s BIG to be small! Animal wise, the trend has increasingly pointed in this direction. Just when poodles weren’t small or yappy enough, we made them tea-cup sized. And now, we’ve bred miniature horses to spawn the latest genetic phenomenon - Thumbelina, the world’s smallest horse. 

What you’ll find there: It almost seems cult-driven, but Thumbelina has a vast fan base that just won’t quit.  Stream videos of her tv appearances, buy merchandise, read her bio and press releases or donate to Thumbelina’s Charitable Donation for kids. Not only is she completely adorable, but she’s worked through her disability to inspire others. Plus, she’s on tour in a suburban town near you. 

Where in the world: Thumbelina was born on May 1st, 2001 on Goose Creek Farms in St. Louis, MO. 

In a nutshell: Thumbelina may be abnormally small, but she’s got a heart of a champion! 

http://www.worldssmallesthorse.com