Eloise

US versus UK Magazine Covers: January 2012

2012-01-25T00:29:00.001-06:00

1. VOGUE

Vogue US: Vogue has been doing quite a lot of ocean, seaside covers, haven't they? Just last month had Charlize Theron emerging from the water. Obviously I love it, but that's a lot of repetition. Meryl Streep looks lovely by the water. The cover in general is very elegant.

Vogue UK: I am blown away by this cover. The blue, red hair and gold looks so well together, the quality of the photo is sultry and dreamy, and Florence's eyes and makeup look perfect-- I just can't get over it! Mario Testino does it again. The way her body is positioned makes my eyes go straight to her eyes and hair, then down to her low-cut dress which is very Florence-esque. I'm not a fan of magazines putting celebrities in outfits that are totally not their style. It just feels so fake. So good job British Vogue!

WINNER: Vogue UK.

2. COSMOPOLITAN

Cosmo US: I find this cover to be pretty unflattering for Scarlett Johansson. That purple lingerie is so unforgivingly skin tight, and Scarlett is a full-figured woman, with an especially muscular upper body. That with the mess of red hair (I prefer her as a blonde), and her strange half smile, I'm just not a fan. Also, the shade of pink makes me gag just a bit. I understand Cosmo is supposed to cater with a certain demographic with their design and color scheme, but I'm not sure if that's a good enough excuse...

Cosmo UK: Better, but pretty crowded. There are a lot of dominating lead lines, and the fact that they all are different fonts doesn't save it. I do like the how they used varying shades of pink in the color scheme, in comparison to say, hot pink and deep purple.

WINNER: Cosmo UK.

3. GQ

GQ US: Love GQ. Love Matt Damon. But he looks like an extra on Saved By The Bell. The straightforward grin, preppy polo, clean-shaven face, hand on the hip... That being said, it's clean, bright and a classic GQ cover.

GQ UK: In comparison to the left photo, this one has a very scruffy, manly-looking Daniel Craig haunting the camera with his intense blue eyes with dusk brewing in the background. I would absolutely love this cover if the text wasn't all up in my face. So much BOLDING-- it's very distracting. If they just cut out half of the words there, chose a new consistent font besides arial bold or whatever it is, we might have a winning cover on our hands.

WINNER: GQ US.

4. GLAMOUR

Glamour US: Ohmigod the Kardashiansss!! Bleh. Actually this cover is pretty nicely designed. It's designed differently for the New Year, or at least it deviates a bit from their normal layout. Three people on the cover, the dominating lead line is centered with consistent sans serif but still varying in boldness and color. It's these great little details. And those Kardashians are just so damn photogenic.

Glamour UK: I don't know who Tulisa is, but she is so pretty! And what a great cover by Glamour UK. Usually they are pretty spotty in performance (or at least in my meaningless opinion), but the orange and blue is a beautiful combination, there is ONE dominating lead line, and everything else is nice and small. Plus, I love her outfit.

WINNER: This is difficult. They are both really great, but I'll have to give it to the Kardashians.

5. INSTYLE

InStyle US: Really, very cute. Perfect for January with the super cozy sweater. It's quite vertical with the three columns: text, Jennifer Garner, text, but it still works.

InStyle UK: Reprint from InStyle November 2011 issue. Lame.

WINNER: InStyle US.

6. ELLE

Elle US: Lots of text, lots of boldness. However, a classic outfit (black and white is always a favorite with me), and CUTE shag haircut on Katherine Heigl.

Elle UK: This magazine blows it out of the water--again. It's sad to say, but they design like a men's magazine design. Nothing ever boring or watered/dumbed down for the female audience. It's beautiful, edgy, high fashion, artsy, but mainly just cool-looking. (A great technical term, I know.) They know placement of text, minimalism, color schemes, fonts, balance, etc. I would love to work for them someday... They know that simply "GAGA" is all people need. I love the netting eye mask (reminiscent of Kirsten Dunst's black mask from Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette), bright exposure, choppy hair and yellow, light green, and blue together. Very electric.

WINNER: Elle UK.

7. ESQUIRE

Esquire US: I like it. Clever. It's a creative taken on their standard "wall of words" with George sitting down on some steps. I wonder how they get his shadow to translate ONTO the text and large words. That is a photoshop skill I must learn.

Esquire UK: It's good, but that sequined blazer is really throwing me off. Maybe it's the not great quality of the photo, but I can't help thinking of cheapness. And I'm sure it's something designer and worth more than my car. One element I really enjoy here is the arrow pointing to his right shoulder-- it's small and hard to see, but I think it's an element Esquire UK could really take advantage of. And perhaps I say that because the rest of their redesign really resembles GQ US.

WINNER: Esquire US.

8. HARPER'S BAZAAR

Harper's Bazaar US: HB did one of those issues where it counts for two months: so this issue was also last month and January as well. I believe last time I put the subscriber's cover (whoops), so this is the newsstand version. Of course I like the other one better... because the word fashion is in 100pt font like it is every month.

Harper's Bazaar UK: I'm not a fan of Rosie Huntington-Whitley, but I love this cover. Even though the cover has more text than Harper's Bazaar UK usually has, it's done right. It's spread out and most of it is super thin. I can still see Rosie's body perfectly and I'm not distracted. It just looks beautifully clean.

WINNER: Harper's Bazaar UK.

9. MARIE CLAIRE

Marie Claire US: People really like to take REALLY CLOSE pictures of Angelina Jolie's face. For some reason the world is obsessed with her and Brad Pitt (who went to my college, nbd.), maybe because they are both beautiful. I really love this cover because honestly, Angelina is genuinely, naturally beautiful-- and we can see that. We don't need flashy outfits or obvious photoshopping. I envy her hair and especially her eyes. And like I said up in the Glamour UK one, blue and orange is my favorite.

Marie Claire UK: Apparently Kelly Rowland is extremely popular in Britain. I think she is a judge on the X Factor over there. I wonder if they know that that fame did not translate over in the states... Lukewarm cover for me. Lots of grey, and for some reason the serif font is just not working for me here, or maybe any women's magazine. Not sure why. I need to look into that.

WINNER: Marie Claire US.

FINAL COUNT:

US: 5

UK: 4

'twas close, and I had some trouble on some of them...

Here is my favorite for this month, shot by Mario Testino of course. And seriously... just check out these photos, they are gorgeous. What a beautiful concept calling the piece "Siren Song" and dressing her in these transparent, light gowns.

(click to enlarge)

would you like to go to the seaside?

2012-01-10T19:54:00.000-06:00

Of course you all know about my love for Keane, so it only makes sense that I start off this post with a graphic based on the lyrics to their b-side song, "Fly to Me." (Such a beautiful song. Please give it a listen!) I've recently been thinking about how much I want to go to the seaside. Not the whole honeymoon-style Mexico beach or California sun. No tourists and all that fuss. But the moody, romantic, dark, lovely cliffs and rocky beaches in England, Scotland, Ireland, etc.

Trust me, I'm not wedding-obsessed like some people my age, but I would love to get proposed to on a Scottish seaside, like in the photo above. On a windy, misty day, wrapped in a trench coat. Some people are California babes, or love the Caribbean scenery. But I love a moody seaside, I just think it's beautiful.

You know, Amalfi Coast, Italy wouldn't be so bad either.

Bamburgh Castle, UK 5:20am. Lovely photo by Floydian.

Beachy Head, Sussex, UK

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland.

These are some beautiful photos of Co Claire Pier in Ireland, shot by Sara Lynn. Look at those beautiful colors, I am just dying to go.

Some other influences on my yearning for the sea was the very simple but lovely song by The Kooks called, very appropriately, Seaside. The photo above is of the ocean by Brighton, UK, which is where The Kooks are from. So I can only guess this song was written about the Brighton shore.

The spring Burberry ads were also shot on the beautiful Brighton pebble beach, which of course, only increased my infatuation. Burberry + Brighton + seaside = happiness.

Then lastly, Atonement. Horribly heart-wrenching movie, but done in such a gorgeous way. This is from the end of the movie, where, if the story had gone another way, James McAvoy and Kiera Knightley would be together, happy forever, running and playing at Redcar beach. That's incredibly vague, but I don't want to give the movie away! Anyway, this scene was powerful and beautiful. This movie is what really made me think the seaside is a wonderfully romantic place.

Finally, Le Mont Saint Michel in France. (Or the Tangled castle as I like to think of it.)
Wouldn't mind living there!

US versus UK Magazine Covers: December 2011

2011-12-30T19:16:00.000-06:00

I've stooped to a new low, not getting this December post out until January. And you all have probably seen all of the January covers if you love magazines/fashion like me. So epic fail for me. I'm home now for winter break, away from my lovely college town. It hasn't been too terrible, but the lack of internet service has certainly dampened my spirits. (One of my pathetic excuses as to why this is so late). So here I am at the library using their free wifi.

Anyway, hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year's! I started this blog exactly one year ago yesterday-- and it's been a great year with Eloise. I've made many amazing blog friends and have become so inspired by what I've seen and read from the blog world. Don't forget to leave feedback or contact me if there is something you'd love for me to blog about or anything at all. I'm always looking for more ideas!

Love, Raquel.

1. VOGUE

Vogue US: This cover reminds me of the end of The Little Mermaid, when Ariel emerges from the water all slow-like. I love how fresh this cover is, and Charlize Theron looks sexy and beautiful. Perfect hair- all over one shoulder, dress and look.

Vogue UK: Interesting outfit with the rainbow pants and balloons. I'm not sure what to think about the font chosen for "Celebrate!" but I like the overall concept here. Gisele is a bombshell, as usual, and a good model to use for any kind of celebration cover.

WINNER: Vogue US for me. Though both are very nice.

2. COSMOPOLITAN

Cosmo US: Apparently this is the first women’s (non-music) magazine that Adele has graced the cover of where her body is actually shown and accentuated. Usually it’s just her face and hair, a profile of her face, or other things of that nature. And Adele looks great—a proper red-headed bombshell. I’m a huge fan of hers—and I saw her in a video interview without the teased hair and eye makeup, and she is seriously gorgeous, naturally. Besides the hot pink, which makes me want to die, it’s a good, standard Cosmo cover.

Cosmo UK: Such a cute pose from Jessie J, killer outfit, and I much prefer the white background. I’m really taken with the “sexy hair” leadline font too. I can’t get over her adorable wardrobe. The polka dot top and gold pants would be so cute for a party, even with the gold ears, why not? Jessie J’s body is rocking in it too. The one thing I don’t love the shimmering “1” in the “men’s no. 1 sex fear.” It kind of cheapens the cover to me a little.

WINNER: I am so taken with Jessie J with the white background, I’m going to have to go with Cosmo UK. But talk about domination of British female music artists.

3. GQ

GQ US: This month I believe GQ did a couple different covers: Jay-Z, Jimmy Fallon/Justin Timberlake, Michael Fassbender and Mila Kunis (who is a girl, so I'm not sure why she was included in the Men of the Year issue). With the subscription I got the humorous cover with Jimmy/Justin, and I really enjoyed it! I love how simple GQ's covers are, this one is no exception. Jay-Z looks incredibly sharp-- dressed to the T in true GQ style. The tie clip? So GQ. Even though there are quite a few lead lines on the cover, the sizes are varied, and have alternating colors and fonts. Beautiful.

GQ UK: Mess less attracted to this cover than the US. There is something old, almost 90s about this cover. There is too much boldness happening on the right side and bottom, and having only Johnny Depp's face (looking totally normal, no cool hair or glasses), is a little bit boring.

WINNER: GQ US.

4. GLAMOUR

Glamour US: Very nice, very nice. I've gotten much more fond of Glamour over this holiday season. Not for any reason in particular-- but after spending some time digging through my old magazines, I've realized Glamour is great just as a fun read on all things women. Fashion, beauty, celebs- all the women's magazine cliches you can think of. But at the same time it makes me feel good and upbeat about myself, unlike Cosmo, who just make me feel like I need to find a boyfriend NOW, and find all kinds of ways to please him... no.

Glamour UK: I know Kristen Stewart must be photoshopped beyond belief right now, (it just looks too smooth and perfect), but it isn't really a bad job. She looks really sultry and stunning here. I don't know why her other hand is on her crotch, but it doesn't really matter much.

WINNER: I really like both covers here. But I can't kid myself, Glamour US just slightly pulls ahead with the little details: the cute "Going Out?" font, the border under Jennifer's name, etc.

5. INSTYLE

InStyle US: Amy Adams EYES. So pretty. Really nice, signature simple cover by InStyle. There are a lot of bold, all caps type happening here, but it's not too horrible.

InStyle UK: Lots of murky gold on this cover. I'm sure it's supposed to be corresponding with Cheryl Cole's hair color, but to be honest, her hair color isn't that great. It's close to her skin tone so the gold font color blends in with her skin, I can barely read it. I do like the sparse lead lines though.

WINNER: InStyle US.

6. ELLE

Elle US: A little bit picky, but the headline: Elle is a little too close to the other lead lines “Holiday Style” and “Jessica Biel”... too close for comfort. Not to mention Jessica just looks awkward. What is she even promoting being in this magazine, does she have a movie coming out? Her hair and make up looks good though. Spot-on job beauty crew.

Elle UK: Michelle Williams. Is. Adorable. She seems so dainty and quaint I can’t even imagine her being Marilyn Monroe in her new movie, but apparently she is already nominated for something? I really need to see it. Elle UK is amazing, and this minimalist, slightly over-exposed cover is cool and artistic while still working for a large demographic.

WINNER: Elle UK.

7. ESQUIRE

Esquire US: A very serious cover for Esquire this month, and using a non-celebrity too, just is pretty gutsy (when you consider newsstand sells, where the celebrity is usually what catches the eye of people who pass by.) But I like it. It's refreshing, meaningful while still keeping the integrity of who Esquire is. It's classy, still has their signature "wall of words" EIC David Granger spoke about at my campus a few months ago, and the lighting keeps it edgy.

Esquire UK: I did it again. I freaking did it again. Used the wrong cover for the wrong month because I keep getting behind on these posts. Yes, this is the November cover, I'm very sorry. Anyway, here is Daisy Lowe looking pretty scandalous. Scandalous enough that I cannot work on this post during a lecture or else people behind me will be pretty startled to say the least. I do really like the vintage quality this cover has with the exposure lighting. The colors are great too-- I love that about their redesign. But I don't know, it's just too porno for me. Maybe I'm too conservative, growing up in the Midwest, but the bicycle prop, the shirt that's not even a shirt, and Daisy's expression... I love Daisy Lowe too, but the hair and lipstick is just not working for me. Maybe I don't know what's sexy anymore, who knows. Maybe it's because I'm not a dude.

WINNER: Esquire US. Going the conservative route today.

8. HARPER'S BAZAAR

Harper's Bazaar US: Really cool cover. Madonna looks 7 feet tall, and the all-black with the tilted hat is just too cool. I'm not sure who the other girl is (her daughter?), but I just love the concept here. The light streaming in and the lack of lead lines is perfect.

Harper's Bazaar UK: A supermodel reunion. Yes, they've proved they all still have killer legs, etc, but otherwise the cover is nothing too special. However, it does seem like red, white and black is the popular color combination this month.

WINNER: Harper's Bazaar US. It's just too dynamic to pass up.

9. MARIE CLAIRE

Maire Claire US: Oh, I just can't get enough of the Kardashians... (I can.) But Kim's hair on this cover is EXACTLY what I would love my hair to look like every day. The inside of the magazine assures me it can happen in 7 minutes, just with a blowdryer and volumizing mousse. It's such a lie. Despite my bitterness, this is a beautiful cover with the cascading hair and ominous ring around her finger. I love the white with dark blue- a really nice color combo for winter.

Marie Claire UK: I know this is a subscriber's cover (which is usually a lot cooler than the newsstand cover), but the internet failed me again! Couldn't find a good quality UK version photo to use. So I'm slightly cheating for the UK, but hey, I'm an anglophile. I'm loving all the empty space, with SJParker all shifted to one side of the cover. Exactly the kind of design I really love.

WINNER: Marie Claire UK. Hehe, I cheat.

FINAL:

US: 6

UK: 3

Good job America! Freedom! Hot dogs! Etc.

Here is my favorite this month. I wasn't sure between this one and Harper's Bazaar US, but just check out the shoot by photographer Annie Leibovitz. Wow. Absolutely stunning photos. Charlize looks like a nymph or sea goddess.

December Nights

2011-12-11T19:31:00.001-06:00

Since I've been such a bad blogger lately, I thought I would treat you all to my "favorites" this December-- also how I'll be spending my time during winter break. College finals are kicking my butt right now, so this is what I'm looking forward to. Also, if any of you guys get bored during Christmas break, look up some of this stuff!

Christmas is the most magical time of year, obviously, and I hope all you wonderful people have a fantastic holiday season. More varied posts are coming your way with the new year (hopefully!), but in the meantime... MERRY CHRISTMAS!

{THE HUNGER GAMES}

I'm sure you all have heard about the Hunger Games phenomenon happening right now. There is huge buzz around these books, and especially the movie in production starring Jennifer Lawrence. I'm not even going to try to attempt to summarize the story, it sounds ridiculous to be honest. But trust me, I read the first book in 3 days. It's an amazing story and so well written. I'm waiting to read the 2nd and 3rd book until after finals... and it's been really hard. It has drama, romance, is so thrilling-- and just look at the eye candy we have to look forward to in the movie...

Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson.

Katniss and Gale.

Peeta. Really looking forward to seeing him...

Collection of Hunger Games posters... other stars in the movie include Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, and Stanley Tucci.

Full (younger) cast of The Hunger Games.

Hello.

{MICHAEL BUBLE, CHRISTMAS}

If you haven't listened to this CD yet, you haven't experienced the true joy of Christmas. Please... indulge. I've listened to the whole thing a thousand times, and that started back in November.

beautiful cover of "all I want for Christmas is you."

one of my absolute favorites- and an original song: "cold december night."

{MISFITS}

Seriously, my favorite TV show-- and it isn't even aired in the United States. It's a very brash, edgy British drama/sci-fi/comedy. If it was aired in the US it would probably be pushed aside onto Showtime or HBO since it's a bit raunchy. The dry British humor on Misfits is absolutely hilarious.

It's currently on their 3rd season and lucky for you Yanks out their-- the first two seasons are on Hulu!

A freak storm gives these delinquents super powers, but the last thing (most) of them want to be are heroes. It's hilarious, sometimes scary, but always incredible. Check it out.

{SET FIRE TO THE RAIN, ADELE}

I'm just obsessed with this song currently. Everyone is crazy for Adele, and this is one mainstream(ish) artist who absolutely deserves the limelight. I hope she stays around for a really long time.

"Set Fire to the Rain" was one of my favorites when the album first came out, just because it sounded really cool. Now I'm actually listening to the words, and it's really powerful, emotional and meaningful to me now. I could just see (or hear) it playing in some of the most dramatic relationship moments in my life, it's incredible.

I usually don't like fanmade music videos, but this one was actually really great-- even though that's not really Adele, the dancers work so well with the music. This song is best listened to really really loud I feel. Try it out.

{CHRISTMAS MOVIES}

And above you can see the movies I watch every Christmas, or else it doesn't feel like Christmas to me. Everyone has their personal favorites, and I'd love to hear about yours. The longest running one on my list is The Muppets Christmas Carol. Absolutely love it.

So these are the things that are occupying my thoughts this Christmas season. And after successfully bombing my French final today, I am even more impatient for Christmas break and celebrating the holidays at home. Merry Christmas!

US versus UK Magazine Covers: November 2011

2011-11-19T00:09:00.001-06:00

1. VOGUE

Vogue US: Although I know nothing about Rooney Mara, exceptas the breakout star in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I love the look she issporting here: asymmetrical hair with the angular pose and soft, beautifulsmoky eye make-up. Vogue was also very clever using an edgy dress with anoutlining of a dragon on the back, as if it was a tattoo. Very nice.

Vogue UK: I really love, what appears to be, a beautifulclear blue sky as the background, but I can barely tell that is Rihanna. Shelooks edgy and editorial while showing off her great body, but with her facetilted up and the blonde wig she is a little bit unrecognizable. Of course, itsays her name in gigantic letters on the bottom of the cover, so it may notbother some people. Plus, I like the smaller and more spaced out text on thisone better than the slight overcrowding on Vogue US.

WINNER: Vogue US. There is just something more impactfulabout a close-up shot where you can see the eyes and expression clearly.

2. COSMOPOLITAN

Cosmopolitan US: I love Nicki’s look here. She doesn’t lookcrazy or wearing some kind of ridiculous costume. It’s minimalist, shows herreal beauty, and her bangin’ body still looks great in a very “Nicki” dress.Reminds me of batman actually (or I suppose batgirl?). While Cosmo’s covergirlsusually aren’t styled in anything besides generic outfits, this cover hascharacter.

Cosmopolitan UK: I’m very confused with Kelly’s styling. Ashort preppy blazer, with a lingerie bra and rubber-looking booty shorts. Herbody looks amazing, of course, but this cover is also OVERLOADED with leadlines, I can barely breathe.

WINNER: Cosmo US. A clean and sharp cover.

3. GQ

GQ US: GQ had quite the challenge this month. They did a“Survivors” issue: showing the music artists they believe will (or alreadyhave) survive and thrive throughout the decades. Well, that means they havemusicians from multiple genres and multiple styles all in theirmagazine—including the cover. And what an odd combination—Eminem, KeithRichards and Lil’ Wayne. (Though I’m not sure why they did Eminem AND Lil’Wayne since they are the same genre… but they are both incredibly famous, sothat explains it.) Anyway, to make the cover make sense, GQ decided to dressthem in a white and dark blue color palette. See, that’s what’s tricky withmultiple people on the cover, how do you make it work? Because this cover lookslike a really weird family portrait.

GQ UK: So, since I’m an idiot, I accidentally switched thecover of this month with last month. This month was supposed to be the KristenStewart cover I posted about last month and vise versa. Sorry! I’ll just carryon and compare these two. Ok, so I love this cover. It’s actually a series withmultiple covers: Bradley Cooper and Hugh Laurie are also included. I chose toshow the Mario Testino because he rarely gets the amount of recognition hedeserves! He creates so many amazing photos for Vogue and great fashionphotography. I love the quality of the cover photos with bright lighting andslight exposure.

WINNER: GQ UK. Look how snazzy Mario looks!

4. GLAMOUR

Glamour US: I do not love this styling. KirstenStewart looks so out of place wearing those clothes, not to mention boring. It doesn’thelp that the colors around her face and body are the most obnoxious shades ofpink/purple. Could also use more white space—more lead line overload.

Glamour UK: This magazine usually does not impress me, but Ilove the 1960s glamour styling... she looks like a proper British bird! Ireally enjoy it when the cover look is themed. Not all the time, but sometimeswhen it works. The color combination of a more acceptable shade of pink with alight “Tiffany’s blue” compliments each other fantastically.

WINNER: Glamour UK. That looks suits Amanda Seyfried sowell.

5. InStyle

InStyle US: This is the second time Gwen Stefani has beenhorizontal on a magazine cover this past year. Interesting. Anyway she looks soglamorous here, I love it! This styling is just perfect for her… the lipstick,the hair, and the color compliments her so well.

InStyle UK: I love Rosamund Pike. She is just the perfectEnglish rose to me! I love this natural look here, the white and soft colors.It’s minimal, pretty and flawless.

WINNER: InStyle really impressed me this month. Usually theyare quite bland, but each magazine really looks fantastic, making this veryhard for me to choose. I think I might have to pick InStyle US. The colors andGwen’s look is just perfect.

6. ELLE

Elle US: Does Jennifer Aniston look a little alien-ish toyou? And her hair is too perfect, too straight. And she is soooo skinny! And holy lord,look how much text there is on this cover. I mean, there is still white spaceand breathing room, but only because they are making the text so small but inall caps and so close together. If they are going to make it so unreadable, whyeven write it?

Elle UK: Can Emma Watson do no wrong? She has such strongfeatures and youthful demeanor; it makes her so versatile for magazine shoots.She can be bubbly and commercial or edgy and editorial. I envy her. Elle did avery youthful and fun styling here, and just look at that make up. Flawless.

WINNER: Elle UK.

7. ESQUIRE

Esquire US: It’s Esquire’s annual “Sexiest Woman Alive”issue. I’m not going to say I was a little disappointed when I saw it wasRihanna on the cover… but yes, I was a little bit. I don’t know, I just feellike I see her EVERYWHERE, hear her EVERYWHERE, I’m just getting a littletired. Plus her songs and live shows all revolve around sex, so I can’t helpbut feel it’s almost cliché that she received this title. Regardless, I’m not abig fan of her pose here, all crunched up, looking moodily into the camera, butthen again I am not Esquire’s target market (since I am a female…), so maybethis works for some people. But I do love the signature “wall of words” behindher. It’s what I love about Esquire.

Esquire UK: A very sharp cover! I know it doesn’t have thehighest resolution like the photo on the left, but at least I found a pictureof the newsstand cover at all! (If you’ve been following these posts, you knowI usually have a lot of trouble finding it…) I can just imagine looking at themagazine stand and seeing this bright orange cover catching my eye.

WINNER: Even though I don’t agree with some things about the“Sexiest Woman Alive” cover, it is more engaging than UK. Not just Rihanna’s nakedbody but the text and photo quality.

8. HARPER'S BAZAAR

Harper’s Bazaar US: I am pleasantly surprised. Even thoughthe font is still way too big, the quantity of the text has gone down, so I’mhappy. Usually the covergirl is trapped behind the words. Though Beyoncé looksbeautiful, there are just a lot of gold tones happening here.

Harper’s Bazaar UK: The eyes. That black eye liner. UsuallyHB UK churns out fantastic, edgy covers, but there is nothing happening on thiscover except that black eyeliner. It just does not compliment Kate Winslet orenhance her natural beauty. It’s just so damn distracting.

WINNER: Never thought it would happen—Harper’s Bazaar US.

9. MARIE CLAIRE

Marie Claire US: Usually Katie Holmes annoys the hell out ofme, but she looks fantastic here. I love jacket and the pushed up sleeves andcollar. Its rock ‘n roll while still feminine. She has such strong cheekbones,the contouring and hair over the shoulder just works. Plus, what a beautifulred color. She just looks so pretty.

Marie Claire UK: When I saw this cover I thought I messed upagain and switched up the covers from last month. But no, it’s a reprint fromMarie Claire US’s cover from last month. Boo.

WINNER: Marie Claire US.

FINAL SCORE:

US: 6

UK: 3

go america.

However, my favorite from this month is not from the US. Is it even surprising that I choose...

...Emma Watson's Elle UK cover? I can't help it. Just look at the rest of her photo shoot--it's so fun and beautiful! From this I realized 1. Elle UK is brilliant. 2. Emma Watson is the cutest thing alive... and I want bunny ears.

Which is your favorite for the month?

Eight Albums I Love-- Beginning to End.

2011-10-31T21:29:00.003-05:00

Saying that you love music doesn't really mean much. Everyone likes music, in some form or another. I am no music critic and have no merits to my name to judge a melody, but I love music. Before deciding to study magazine design and journalism, I spent a good amount of time planning to go to a private school to study sound engineering so I could mix CDs and maybe one day be a music producer. I used to play guitar (I'm no musician, don't get confused), and listen to music every free moment I had-- that, I still do.

I did a lot of musical exploration to find out what I liked, and while the occasional mainstream pop song will sneak it's way onto my iPod, it's really filled with Brit bands, indie tracks and alternative/pop songs. Genres often are meaningless as well, since those labels are simply attributed by the listener, but hopefully you can get a sense of what I listen to. I need a catchy melody, an amazing chorus.

Don't you love that feeling when you're listening to a song for the first time, and something just clicks in you-- and you're hooked. To this song, this band, this record. You listen to each track... and it just works. The whole thing just works. Well, this has happened to me a couple times, so I thought I would share these albums-- the albums where you love EVERY single song and will happily sit down and listen to it on repeat for weeks on end. Those albums you never delete off your iPod or iTunes. Basically, the ones with no fault in your eyes. Well here are mine, and if anything, hopefully you can find some great new music today!

1. Under the Iron Sea- Keane

You all have already heard me rave about this album. Every song is perfection. You can tell when you listen through it how much emotion the band was going through and feeling. If you don't know the history of the band, just read the lead line on live magazine: "How pop's favourite public schoolboys went from five million albums to rehab--and back again." I really am fascinated by this band. "Under the Iron Sea" never loses my interest. And Tom Chaplin's voice is SO AMAZING words can not even describe. (They are working on a new album now. I'm dying inside, you have no idea.)

Here is Keane at O2 Arena in London performing "A Bad Dream." Their live performances will give you goosebumps, I swear to you.

2. Continuum - John Mayer

Please refrain from judgment on liking this John Mayer album! With him I feel like you love him or you hate him, but honestly I haven't listened to anything he has done EXCEPT for this one album, strangely enough. I admit, his personal life has kind of gotten in the way of his musical career, or at least to be taken seriously. But this album is fantastic, chill, relaxing, and great study music. And for some reason it always reminds me of New York City. Perhaps I listened to it the last time I was in NY, I can't remember.

One of my best friends saw him live last year and said he was pretty amazing... but take a look for yourself. I think he is a great musician. Here is "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room."

3 & 4. Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not & Favourite Worst Nightmare - Arctic Monkeys

The Arctic Monkeys were a huge influence on me when I started becoming obsessed with British culture. Alex Turner's Sheffield accent, the culture-infused lyrics, and style of playing I had never heard before. The songs on their first two albums are so sing-able, you can't help but sing in that same accent, sort of embarrassingly enough... I'm hooked on the Arctic Monkeys-- not so much now with their last two albums. They changed up their style so much, I admit I'm disinterested. I tried so hard on their third album "Humbug," but I'm not sure I can go on. But I will never abandon their first two albums. Alex Turner is a true genius.

I saw them live last year in Lawrence, Kansas of all places, in this little venue, but the crowd was nuts for them-- one of the best concerts I have ever been to, honestly. I don't like to brag, but I was indeed in the front row, and yes, Alex made eye contact with me. I died and went to heaven. Though I wish the band was a little more open, but I fully know they aren't a big bantering, silly bunch. They are the proud British type, but I love that about them. Listen for when Alex says, "who set that up?" during their performance of "Brianstorm."

5. Costello Music, The Fratellis

Just like my weird obsession with England, I also have a very/almost equal weirdness with Scotland, partly fueled when I discovered The Fratellis many years ago. Their music is so FUN, so upbeat and rocking. When I listen, I feel like I'm in a Scottish pub, singing with friends. Though much like the Arctic Monkeys later albums, The Fratellis sophomore album disappointed me unfortunately, and now the band is on a hiatus for the moment, but good news! Jon Fratelli, the frontman, has started up a solo career! So google that now.

Here are The Fratellis performing "Baby Fratelli" in a music video that backs up the Simon Pegg/Nick Frost film "Hot Fuzz." Why did I pick this? Because "Hot Fuzz" is BRILLIANT. Please do yourself a favor and watch this hysterical movie. And this song embodies The Fratellis spirit so well.

6. Inside In/Inside Out, The Kooks

What can I say about The Kooks? They are for sure, the first modern British band I feel in love with. I think if I had to, I would blame them for turning me into an Anglophile. Their first album, Inside In/Inside Out absolutely exploded in the UK. I don't remember how I discovered them, but after their next album came out (named Konk, which is very very good still), I bought band merchandise for the first time online, and became properly obsessed. Their first album is so raw, it's not musical perfection: all cleaned up, digitized, etc. It's like a live performance, but done in the most amazing way. It's hard to explain. It's true British music, guitar riffs are fantastic and rough, it's just true talent. Plus, their style had, and still has a huge influence on me. I wore skinny jeans, a loose shirt and a cardigan with the sleeves pushed up for like a year straight in high school, modeled after Luke Pritchard.

I saw them live in 2008 (oh my god, that long ago??) after Konk came out, in Kansas City, but they weren't even headlining. They were the intro act to Death Cab For Cutie, but honestly their hour long performance was more rocking, more exciting, captured everyone's attention better than the other bands, including Death Cab. To be honest, I remember people cheering more crazily for The Kooks than Death Cab. A guy in front of me turned around and said, "What is this? It sounds like people are more excited for The Kooks then Death Cab!" To which I responded: "That's why I'm here!" Their live performance was phenomenal. SO MUCH energy, they sounded perfectly true to their albums, only BETTER.

The Kooks "Naive" at Radio 1's Big Weekend. (ps. their new album just came out. Still have to buy it, I heard it's a slight departure from their other stuff, so we will see what happens...)

7. Wolfgang Amadeus, Phoenix

Phoenix is a very odd little French band that has captured my heart. I knew about them before the 1901 craze, I liked that single from "Wolfgang Amadeus" as well as Lisztomania, but the rest of the album I kind of blew off as boring and moved on with life. Well then 1901 became this HUGE success (I want to say in 2009?), then just this year, yes 2011, my friends at work would not stop talking about Phoenix, as they are huge fans, so I listened through it, song by song. There it is, I was done. Loved them. Loved the album. And little did I know, not only were they asked to perform THREE songs on Saturday Night Live (only the fourth band in the history of SNL to be asked to do that, along with Paul McCartney, U2 and Coldplay), but they won a Grammy for Best Alternative Album in 2010. I know with a first listen people will only be drawn to 1901 and Lisztomania, but trust me. Give it time, you will fall in love.

In other news, frontman Thomas Mars just married long-time girlfriend, filmmaker Sophia Coppola, with which they already have two kids together. Now, will they be the most talented offspring ever? Yes. Here is Phoenix on Letterman. Brilliant performance.

(More fun facts: Thomas Mars is not his real name. Don't know what it is. Also, he wears the same shirt for every performance, and he has a lot of them. In Rolling Stone, he said he has "not quite three digits, but close."

8. Little Voice, Sara Bareilles

Gorgeous Sara Bareilles. Loved her since "Love Song" came out, but now that that has been seriously overplayed, her new album is also VERY excellent. I feel like Sara Bareilles gets written off a lot as just another female singer/songwriter without the glitz and glamour of Katy Perry or Lady Gaga. But that's why I love her and her debut album-- it's pure talent. She can write this perfect melody, sing it with passion, and I feel like I can relate to a lot of what she writes. I'm a sucker for the piano too. (maybe that's a reason for why I love Keane so much?) She creates GREAT songs, simply with the piano.

Some of her songs make me feel like I'm walking this beautiful field in an English countryside for some reason.. and who wouldn't want to feel that? Here she is performing one of her most beautiful songs, "Gravity"

I hope you guys check out some of these albums-- I know they won't work for everyone, but hopefully at least one of them did! But I'm always open for new, great music too. What are your "perfect" albums you've loved from beginning to end?

-Raquel

Honorable Mention:

The Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation-- The Wombats

Alphabetical-- Phoenix

Hopes and Fears-- Keane

Alright, Still-- Lily Allen

Sigh No More-- Mumford and Sons

These Streets-- Paolo Nutini

Kaleidoscope Heart-- Sara Bareilles

US versus UK Magazine Covers: October 2011

2011-10-20T01:35:00.003-05:00

1. VOGUE

Vogue US: Hello Michelle Williams breasts! Here she is, dressed as Marilyn Monroe to promote her new movie, My Week With Marilyn. It's interesting that Vogue decided she should stay in her movie character for the shoot, but when you think about it, it makes sense since she is bombshell Marilyn Monroe. Though I personally don't think she looks very much like her, it isn't really about that. I'm excited to see the movie. For the cover, I wonder if there weren't any other more striking, dramatic shots they could have used. And I think they could have gotten away with it too, since she is dressed in character.

Vogue UK: I love this photo of Adele. I love that her flowing, bombshell-diva hair is the backdrop for the leading lines. She does look a tad bit photoshopped and unnatural, and all I see of Adele nowadays is her with pounds of make-up and false lashes. I'd love to see a more natural look on her someday. Orange and navy was a great idea for a color combination though.

WINNER: Vogue UK. I mean, wow, what an impact cover of Adele. However, I have taken a peak at Michelle William's editorial shots, and they're fantastic.

2. COSMOPOLITAN

Cosmopolitan US: Sometimes I forget how much Cosmo is about sex... I mean the word "SEX" is quite big on both covers. Minka looks very natural and pretty, though not really modeling any designer creation as far as I can tell. I could just pick up an XS yellow tank top at Old Navy. Also, the cover is a bit summery for an October shoot.

Cosmopolitan UK: Usually it's the US covers that have overcrowding lead lines, but here, this text is very overpowering. Plus, the interesting victorian-style bodysuit Fearne has on is also very busy. Though I do like the bright lighting and edgy feel to the cover.

WINNER: Cosmo US. It's just a little less complicated.

3. GQ

GQ US: WHAT a beautiful cover. Seriously, Leo looks so classy and elegant, the styling is perfection, the colors are classic, and there are just the right amount of lead lines. He doesn't look photoshopped and there are great textures there: I'm officially in love.

GQ UK: Surprisingly, Kirsten looks elegant, sexy and beautifully retro here instead of painfully awkward like usual. Great styling and photography. I love how GQ is behind her head like a pillow, and how modern the slim, slick, sans serif "bite me" looks in comparison to the bold fonts. It's the little details. I'm in love with the black swimsuit (undergarments?) Kirsten is wearing here.

WINNER: Really a great job by both GQ's. Seriously, this magazine is really impressing me lately. If I had to choose one thought, I think I'd go with GQ US, because there is a little too much boldness and wideness happening on UK's fonts. And Leo looks so damn sharp, I can't help myself.

4. GLAMOUR

Glamour US: Three beautiful, vibrant, shining (and most importantly, very famous) faces gracing the cover of Glamour. However, there is something about this that says "family portrait." Maybe it's the levels: Demi standing (or sitting on some kind of riser), Jennifer sitting below her, and Alicia kneeling. Also the matching white tees. And it feel's a little 90's, doesn't it? I'm not sure, there is something just not modern about it.

Glamour UK: No matter what any of these magazines or make-up people do, Britney never looks quite put together. Her face, hair, body, clothing, in so many photos I just feel like they could have done so much more to make her look 100% fantastic. While the girls on the left look so young and fresh, Britney (who may or may not be younger than all three of them), looks worn down and her make-up looks more morning-after then rocker chick. Her hair looks a bit ratty and teased. The lead line: "WOW! Look at Britney" does not quite match with the photo.

WINNER: Glamour US. A bit to posey, but still fresh.

5. INSTYLE

InStyle US: I'm honestly surprised Katy Perry is on the cover of InStyle. She doesn't really seem to fit with the magazine's main demographic, but maybe that's just me. I'm not a fan of the dress, how wig-ish the pink wig looks, and the purple with pink color combination with the red lip. Nothing really seems to match or add up here.

InStyle UK: An interesting concept here... the sequined headline, matching the bright gold sequin dress. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it, I wish I could see it with just a black background, but it's very fun. I'm game for it. Diane Kruger looks AMAZING here, so bright and like a true model.

WINNER: InStyle UK. While nothing matches on US, UK is matching perfectly. Plus, Diana Kruger might be my style hero. Her and Joshua Jackson? Cutest thing ever. Check out their style here.

6. ELLE

Elle US: Haha, isn't this hilarious? They are both doing the exact same pose, mirrored! But the poses say very different things. Elle US is more coyish, check-me-out kind of pose. Elle UK is more high fashion, model, I-know-my-angles-and-the-shape-of-my-body kind of pose. But all I can say about Elle's styling this month is that I HATE IT. Maybe only because it is nothing and no where near what my own personal style is. But, yes, the Victoria's Secret models covered this month's Elle, so there were many cover options... this is just one.

Elle UK: Fantastic as usual. Agyness looks like a confident, striking woman with super-awesome hair. The transitioning background rose color adds so much more impact than a solid color or white. And they always put JUST the right amount of lead lines, just delicately placed here and there. The thin sans serif is so modern and clean, and I really like her elbow tucked behind the E in Elle. Once again, it's these little details that truly make a difference.

WINNER: Elle UK. Elle US makes me want to run for the hills. Elle UK makes me want to buy the magazine and look at more beautiful shots like the cover.

7. ESQUIRE

Esquire US: I had the marvelous pleasure of hearing Esquire's editor-in-chief, David Granger, speak at my university two weeks ago or so. He was a very sharply-dressed, confident and humorous man. He showed us many of Esquire's past covers with their self-proclaimed "wall of words" which I have always adored. Here, the wall of words has been blown off the wall by an explosion. I'm not going to say, like I did last month, that Esquire is losing a bit of its class... but there is just something that isn't there anymore. It had such a classy, debonair yet fun and edgy style going for it. Now, I'm not sure.

Esquire UK: I am livid I cannot find the newsstand cover of the newly redesigned Esquire UK EVER, ANYWHERE. If you try and google it, there might be a tiny photo of it somewhere, it's red and looks like an actual cover. Anyway, here is Colin Farrell buying worms to go fishing I think? I like the photo quality, the vintage feel, and the very simple, black headline. Nice and minimalist.

WINNER: Esquire UK. What a contrast-- something so in-your-face compared with something so incredibly simple.

8. HARPER'S BAZAAR

Harper's Bazaar US: Okay, one thing I do appreciate here, is HB US doing something creative and slightly edgy for their cover, when normally they never do. Apparently this is Lady Gaga with no make up, but I'm not sure why she looks so strange with her mouth open. Plus, the usual GIGANTIC text overpowering my life.

Harper's Bazaar UK: I. Am. In. Love. With. This. Cover. How could I not, it's the British issue for god's sake! First of all Alexa Chung is my true hero, and the '60s British mod look is one of my favorite styles of all time-- and Alexa looks perfect in it. The lighting is so warm and inviting, the make up and natural hair is divine, and the lead lines are perfection. "the British issue" is just the right size and in a perfect place for people to pay attention to it.

WINNER: Harper's Bazaar UK.

9. MARIE CLAIRE

Marie Claire US: Oh no. Two of my absolute favorite celebrities/actresses here. Reese Witherspoon looks so perfect here-- the messy hair, smokey eye and light pink lace top all just goes together so well. The vintage quality and lighting to the photo, plus the color combination of that wonderful shade of pink, plus white and black is great.

Marie Claire UK: I love Keira. Both magazines have similar color palettes also, which is interesting. I think this cover is way too text heavy on the left side, making it very unbalanced. Plus Keira may be at an awkward length away from the camera. I feel like they could have zoomed in more to her face, or zoomed out to show her body to make the photo more interesting.

WINNER: Marie Claire US. Reese wins this time with her perfect hair.

TIME TO TALLY UP THE SCORES:

US: 4

UK: 5

And it goes to the British, same score as last month! I loved writing about this month's covers. Most were really impressive, had really great people who I look up to on them, and I was entertained by how similar some magazines were to their British or American counterparts: Elle with the similar poses, Harper's Bazaar with the close ups, and Marie Claire's similar color palettes.

Anyway, here is my favorite for the month:

...and the marvelous editorial. Love the black and white shots.

So perfect. Ugh, I just love it too much, take me to London now! Do you have a favorite for the month?

--Raquel x

New York Fashion Week: favorite trends

2011-10-08T00:37:00.000-05:00

New York Fashion Week (Spring 2012) has come and gone, and now that I've gotten over my depression that I wasn't there for it, I can safely do a post about some of my favorite NYFW trends. With the help of Refinery29, Harper's Bazaar and Elle, I've complied some great looks. All that's left to be seen is what will actually translate down to us normal folk.

Firstly, some trends I didn't exactly love were sporty mesh, crazy fluorescent pattern on pattern on pattern, and florals. I mean, it's the classic spring look- florals- so I feel like that's always in style. All I can think of is in the movie The Devil Wears Prada when they are in the editors meeting and Meryl Streep says, "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking..."

Anyway, here we go!

photo collection via Refinery29.

I'm especially fond of the orange trend and short suit. Masculine, but sexy! (My two favorite things!)

I'll eventually get around to doing London Fashion Week trends... the life of a journalism student is unforgiving!

Which trends are your favorite?

US versus UK Magazine Covers: September 2011

2011-09-15T00:28:00.000-05:00

1. VOGUE

Vogue US: I read somewhere online that Vogue did a very safe cover for their September issue by using Kate Moss. I'm not entirely sure if I agree. If using Kate Moss as a cover girl has become the boring norm, then something is wrong with the world. Lovely dramatic dress and great colors.

Vogue UK: I adore this cover. It's so edgy and dramatic with the flashy dress and visible movement. So for this showdown, it's flowy versus flashy. The only thing that kind of bothers me is that I'm not a huge fan of her face replacing the "G" in VOGUE and being hidden behind it.

WINNER: Vogue UK. It has such a greater impact for me personally, but they are both really great.

2. COSMOPOLITAN

Cosmopolitan US: What did Dianna Agron do to her hair?? How sad... She looks 20 years older with that hair, I can barely recognize her. Other than that, an OK cover.

Cosmopolitan UK: What... is Fergie doing? The arms? If that is a dance move, it is a very interesting one. She looks very bright and radiant, though. The movement she is creating I would normally say makes the cover more exciting... but not if I'm feeling awkward looking at it.

WINNER: Cosmopolitan US. Not just because of Ferg's awkward arms, but it looks cleaner with less crowded text.

3. GQ

GQ US: I finally got my GQ in the mail this month! And it truly is lovely, GQ is an amazing magazine with some really fantastic designs. Also, when I left this magazine out on my dresser the other day my roommate from California saw it and told me she went to school with Mark Sanchez! (I had no idea who he was, but the football helps). Anyway, good cover except I think the green may be too green. Like St. Patrick's Day green.

GQ UK: A majority of the text on this cover is very bolded and thick. It's kind of weighing it down for me. I mean, Bar looks fantastic, but the text-to-photo-impact ratio is just too close for comfort. I need something to dominate this cover.

WINNER: GQ US. Just a fresh, great impact cover.

4. GLAMOUR

Glamour US: many many months in a row have passed with Rihanna gracing at least one cover. I'm not sure what this intense fascination the magazine world is having with her, but I'm not a fan of her personal style myself... Still, a nice, bright cover.

Glamour UK: I actually saw this magazine just today in the bookstore, and it's tiny! A mini-magazine. Like Teen Vogue size-ish, if that gives you some reference. I really like the orange color with that shade of blue, but there is something about the dress + her pose + her hair that is giving off a gothic middle schooler vibe to me. She kind of looks like a kid, to me anyway. I'm not sure...

WINNER: Both have a little too many lead lines here; it's looking a little crowded. But Glamour US kind of has the whole package for me here, more than UK.

5. INSTYLE

InStyle US: Stars are apparently a trend that is happening now. This cover and Anne Hatheway's below both have stars. I like the cover, especially the dress which is so glitz and glam like Beyonce, but I think the added stars sprinkled on the cover are a little unnecessary. It looks kind of kiddish to me.

InStyle UK: With Freida lying down on the ground at that angle with a black lacy dress on, and her expression, it's all a little to vampish for me. At least try and do something exciting with the hair or make-up.

WINNER: InStyle US, despite the scattered stars.

6. ELLE

Elle US: For their very important September cover, Elle decided to go with actress, singer, cookbook-writer Gwyneth Paltrow. The decided to do a VERY minimalist wardrobe, very classic and simple. I usually LOVE this sort of thing, because I think that is close to my personal style, but is it a little too simple for a September cover, which is supposed to be the guidebook of fashion trends for the year? I peeked at the editorial, and the rest of her wardrobe is very simple and more artistic photographs. Maybe it would be better if the backdrop wasn't so au natural as well.

Elle UK: Adore this cover. I'm a huge Kirsten Dunst fan, I love her blonde hair and her whole look. The flowers are very editorial-esque. Also, less bold, skinny, bold, unreadable lead lines that make me cringe on US.

WINNER: Elle UK.

7. ESQUIRE

Esquire US: I'm getting kind of worried. Esquire is losing it's edge, it's powerhouse covers that commanded men's magazine. Two Ryan Gosling's? Though it might be a teenage girl's dream, it isn't mine. Just strange... However, I do like the font used for Ryan's name.

Esquire UK: Okay, for some reason it's impossible to find the newsstand cover of Esquire UK anywhere! But if you can just peek at the small photo to the right, the bright blue cover with the darker blue circle filled with text, I believe that's it. I love the close frame on Daniel Craig and the bold colors.

WINNER: Esquire UK: sorry you can't see it better!

8. HARPER'S BAZAAR

Harper's Bazaar US: Gigantic text, saying basically the same stuff as always, every month. Other then that, Lea actually looks very nice. A very quality photo.

Harper's Bazaar UK: Looking so fierce, so edgy, so Beyonce-- this cover is perfection. Very high fashion, like usual, with small text that actually changes every month.

WINNER: Harper's Bazaar UK.

9. MARIE CLAIRE

Marie Claire US: Great colors with fun boxes, circles, and shapes. However, I don't know if it's Sarah Jessica Parker aging, but the eye make-up just does no favors.

Marie Claire UK: I did read an article about this cover somewhere, how some people hate it because of the dress with the stars all over it. Someone said it reminded them of pajamas, nothing fashionable at all. Actually, I kind of like it! In fact, I LOVE this cover! Anne's make-up is perfection, she looks so naturally pretty, especially with her light brown hair. I love pink as the accent color (and I don't say that very often). It's just beautiful.

WINNER: Marie Claire UK. In love!

FINAL TALLY:

US: 4

UK: 5

And here we go, my favorite of the month:

Vogue UK's editorial was Arizona Muse and Freja Beha Erichsen working together to star in an Old Master- inspired shoot, photographed by Mario Testino.

A very interesting editorial, that's for sure. Which magazine had your favorite, all-important, September issue?

Andy Samberg Goes Tennis in The New York Times Magazine.

2011-09-13T11:20:00.001-05:00

Andy Samberg as John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg c.1980... in the video below, it's described as the most
important picture. "That glare into the camera. That they just hated that picture."

I really enjoy watching tennis, and playing occasionally, though I'm truly terrible. I also enjoy the comedic antics of Andy Samberg-- so when I saw a link to this editorial on twitter, I was delighted with what I saw! I know the US Open just ended yesterday with Djokovic winning (though I am a huge Nadal fan...) but why not reminisce? Here we have Samberg literally portraying tennis greats, each with their own different styles and fashion tastes. (I also added some original photos to compare.)

These appeared in The New York Times Magazine and were created by photographer Walter Iooss Jr.

Samberg as a very hairy Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi (with his amazing mullet & loud outfit.)

Andy re-enacting McEnroe from Wimbledon 1980. I love this photograph.

As Bjorn Borg, the former #1 Swedish great.

Jimmy Connors, with the signature fist pump, and McEnroe again. (I think they included many McEnroe's because he really portrayed him and his look the best. He really looks like McEnroe!)

I really think these photos are hilarious and such a brilliant idea.

Below is a video of the making of this editorial:

Another tennis post to come...

-Raquel x

My Short Editorial on Guys.

2011-08-29T11:36:00.007-05:00

I always swore to myself I'd never turn Eloise into my own personal diary, but sometimes things happen in life that you feel obligated to share with others. Not to receive attention of any kind, but to let other people know perhaps what they are experiencing, I'm experiencing too.

Something I've been wondering lately is, why is it that {some} guys always want to be in control? They never want to admit that they might actually like someone. They must always be more macho and strong compared to the weak, emotionally-unstable women. God forbid someone finds out they have real feelings for a girl.

Why assume just because a girl and a guy had a conversation that she is IN LOVE with him, and obviously desperate for a relationship? Why lie and tell others she asked for his phone number, desperately, when it was actually the other way around?

All I'm wondering is... why do young men assume all young women are desperate?

Much like Emma Stone declared {what many girls were asking themselves} in Easy A, why is my life not an 80's movie?

But what can a girl do, dealing with "men" like this? It's hard to go on hoping there is something better out there. Still, me being "a dreamer" I suppose, will continue watching romantic movies, listening to cute songs, and looking at beautiful, romantic photos, wishing and hoping of a better outcome with more mature and (this being Eloise, preferably British) men.

Can you tell I've been watching a lot of Sex and the City?

Sorry for the personal spillage here, it won't happen often.

Happy Monday,

Raquel x

The Very Whimsical Peter Pan Collar

2011-08-27T22:32:00.000-05:00

Just a short post on a trend I'm currently infatuated with: the peter pan collar. While doing some research on the subject I came across fashionpreserve.blogspot.com 's tidbit on it...

"Online sources are scant as regards the precise origin of the term, but it's safe to say that this style had its heyday among girls and teens in the 1950s, when, worn peeking over the neckline of a cardigan, possibly with a set of starter pearls, it was emblematic of chaste good grooming."

While the current interpretation of the collar does give off a sort of "good girl"vibe, it's also just whimsical and fun. To me, it's another interpretation of a menswear item (oxford shirt) by us girls. We rounded up the edges, making it soft and feminine while keeping the look classy and refined. And doesn't it just compliment the face so well? At first reserved for the indie-cool fashionable girls like Alexa Chung and Carey Mulligan, peter pan collars have now entered the fashion world, invading runways, clothing lines, and our favorite celebrities.

Emma Watson sporting a version of the PP collar with a tight-fitting
long-sleeved dress.

Though I'm not a fan of the fake-looking tan and smirk, Ashley Tisdale's
minimal collared ASOS dress is a favorite of mine.

Alexa Chung, pioneering the fashion world as usual, with
this awesome ensemble topped with the rounded collar.

Carey Mulligan with her lace, collared top.

Peter pan collars on the runway. (Love the first look!)

Red ASOS collared dress.

Above are some great interpretations of the PP Collar.
I love them all! Getting that whimsical feeling yet?

-Raquel

US versus UK: Magazine Covers, August 2011

2011-08-16T00:08:00.000-05:00

What's this? You forgot Eloise even existed? Ahh, I almost did for a moment too, things have been unbelievably busy. I'm so late on this August magazine post that I'm sure you have all seen these covers by now. But if not, here they are for you. Compared and put to the test, hopefully paired with some insightful comments from yours truly. Design contest--- GO!

1. VOGUE

Vogue US: I absolutely adore the Burberry coat, and I'm so glad Vogue decided to use it in the cover photo. However, Sarah Jessica Parker looks a little too posed for me. As if she is standing with friends in a facebook picture. I like a little more movement, or the illusion of movement in a cover photo, as if she was captured in a moment. I know it's not fair to ask our actresses and celebrities to ALSO be models, but unfortunately (or fortunately depending how you look at it), it's a part of the job.

Vogue UK: The first thing I notice is the "G" is gone from Vogue. I know her head is right there, so it shouldn't matter, but for some reason it does to me. Like Vogue US's, I think I might prefer all of the text to be behind the head, having Kate pop out a bit.

WINNER: Vogue UK just has wonderfully soft, beautiful atmosphere made up, and Kate Moss looks absolutely perfect with her hair, make up, and dress. I just feel more invited to look inside with the gorgeous colors!

2. COSMOPOLITAN

Cosmopolitan US: Another sultry cover of Kim Kardashian.. yawn. The thing about this cover is on the magazine stand it was actually pretty dark and overly shadowed. (Also I'm very intrigued on the article about "How to Outsmart a Bitch." Interesting..)

Cosmopolitan UK: Wearing the exact same outfit as Cosmopolitan from July. Surely it's a reprint, but they smartly used a different photo from the shoot. It just seems very busy with the print along with a ton of teasers of varying fonts.

WINNER: Cosmopolitan US. Simplicity is always better than a busybody cover.

3. GQ

GQ US: GQ always manages to work props seamlessly into a photograph and give it a lot of great visual interest. Mila Kunis looks very sexy, but also cute instead of sleazy. She looks radiant, fresh and young-- which I think appeals to male and female readers (if it's not just me...).

GQ UK: Ominous-looking Charlie Sheen. I know it's meant to look like a noir 1950's film or something, but now Sheen just gives me the creeps. Design-wise the heavy, thick block text just weighs it all down-- as if Charlie didn't hinder it enough.

WINNER: GQ US. Would you rather read and see pictures of cute, bubbly Mila Kunis? Or creepy, dark, heavy-hearted photos of Charlie Sheen? Polar opposites.

4. GLAMOUR

Glamour US: Heidi Klum looks so young and vibrant! Glamour is great with bright cover photos that make me want to look inside and find out what they did to the cover model to make her look so great! Just a wonderful, clean-cut cover.

Glamour UK: What... is that dress? Jessie J even looks a little sickly in the face, especially compared to Heidi. The wild dress, the huge earrings, the blunt bangs and haircut is all just too much.

WINNER: Glamour US. Klum altogether has a more appealing and inviting look.

5. INSTYLE

InStyle US: When I was looking this cover over I initially thought it was quite pleasant! And it still is, I mean I really like the one shoulder dress, but then I saw her teaser line "Katie Holmes" was on her hair. Now I can't NOT notice it.

InStyle UK: Nicole Scherzinger looks pretty uh-mazing. Really great monochromatic styling- professional while maintaining a high fashion edge. I think her hair and make-up are so perfect for this look. An interesting choice with the light purple accent color, but it so works since it goes with her style and look. It's so minimal in the best way!

WINNER: InStyle UK. It makes such a greater impact.

6. ELLE

Elle US: There is just something great about natural light in a cover photo that seriously brightens it up. (Even though in reality it might not have been completely natural lighting, but it looks real enough to me.) A very romantic-looking moment captured between them, like a modern fairytale. (Obsessed with her hair by the way!)

Elle UK: There are the stars again, just like Jessie J's dress. However, these stars look less obnoxious and much more flattering, whimsical, and fashionable. I am absolutely in love with Lily Allen and she always does a good job with modeling for magazines. I adore the vintage look with her big, curly hair, dark eyebrows, and big eyes.

WINNER: Really hard one this time! After sitting here for 10 minutes I think I'll go with Elle US. I can't get over the warm lighting and atmosphere the photo puts me in.

7. ESQUIRE

Esquire US: Messy, messy, messy. Yes, they made it into a joke, what with the "When is this cover due?" etc, but it's a little too lacking in effort for me. I mean, I'm totally OK with designs with handwritten font because it's fun and different from the norm, so maybe it's this selected type that makes it a little too sloppy.

Esquire UK: Firstly, what is that line going down her chest? Is that just a crease in her skin, or part of the dress? I'm loving the design-- the bright, bold, modernized 60s look going on here, but so far these girl cover models all look like they are trying way too hard. Take a peak at their June issue. Nothing is natural about what's happening here!

WINNER: Esquire UK, because it simply looks more put together and the design is easier on the eyes.

8. HARPER'S BAZAAR

Harper's Bazaar US: GIGANTIC TEXT! Truly a cover for blind people. If it got any bigger I wouldn't even be able to see Anne Hathaway. When will they realize? And they never have the cover model DO anything interesting! Just stand there and smile.

Harper's Bazaar UK: Fantastic as usual, blowing US out of the water. Truly a fashion photography shot. Text is sparse, never over-powering, and now we can focus on Emma Watson's pretty face!

WINNER: Harper's Bazaar UK o' course!

9. MARIE CLAIRE

Marie Claire US: A very smooth, sleek cover for Marie Claire. I love how bright it is and the deep dark shadow behind her to make Olivia really pop off of the page. Lovely tiny text and big fonts for important points only!

Marie Claire UK: What a really fun and different cover! Though I'm not crazy for such a shockingly vibrant pink/purple accent color, (a little too reminiscent of the 80's for me), it's still very fun and fresh.

WINNER: I think I'll go the unconventional route and pick Marie Claire UK! Side by side, UK is just more inviting for me. Audrey looks very friendly while Olivia looks a little more intimidating.

FINAL TALLY:

US: 4

UK: 5

Lovely! Though none of them I absolutely fell in love with, here is more favorite of the month:

Okay, not the most interesting cover story photos ever, but I did love her GQ cover shot.

Which is your favorite for the month?

The Rock 'n' Roll Comeback of Denim Jackets.

2011-07-25T23:47:00.004-05:00

As modeled by Jake Gyllenhaal.

Okay, lets talk about the "bad ass-ery" of the denim jacket. See, I first developed this obsession when I rekindled my love with The Strokes and watched the music video for "Someday". It's full of "behind the scenes" footage (hanging out in a bar, drinking and smoking- activities you would expect rock stars like The Strokes to participate in), as well as an episode of Family Feud with some pretty hilarious dialogue. ALSO, there was a lot of denim jacket-wearing going on. (By Julian Casablancas & Nick Valensi, specifically.) Now, Julian Casablancas is the definition of a rock star to me. He looks like he never gives a damn, has amazing musical talent, a perfect shaggy haircut, and great personal style. So why would we not want to be like him? He always looks careless and confident: words I now associate with the denim jacket.

However, before I realized how awesome the denim jacket is, I did not associate them with great things. I thought of the jean jackets of the 80s-90s, with patches and baggy sleeves, uncomfortable, and difficult to move my arms in. But now I've realized that during the past 11 years that I've ignored them, they have reinvented themselves. Slim-fitted, flattering, with a variety of shades and distressing, and full of unique quirks. After seeing the Strokes video I wanted a denim jacket. After seeing the J. Crew jacket below (the PERFECT female version of a rocker's jacket) I am dying for one.

J. Crew denim jacket: special due to the sleeves and diagonal angling of the pockets.

A Gap ad for their jacket, with plenty of distressing. Love the idea of adding
small buttons to it.

Some girl denim jacket street style...

And guy denim style. Adam Levine's jackets totally defines his new style and status after helping The Voice explode onto the reality music show scene. The perfect way to look put together and classy, yet still be a rock music star. (The black jeans & shoes were a perfect choice). Also the layering on the right photo is very interesting. An original choice to wear it with a shirt and tie.

Plenty of celebrities have used denim jackets in their personal style. So many different styles to chose from! Included are Brandon Flowers of The Killers, Nicole Richie, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West with Amber Rose, Keira Knightley, and Miranda Kerr.

Love the discoloring and patches on this jacket. Reminds me of 1950's greaser style.

Hello handsome! British musician and Burberry model George Craig Wearing his own dark-denim, clean-cut jacket with perhaps nothing underneath?... Just like Adam Levine, dark bottom half to the outfit is perfect.

Lovely jacket made by Amsterdam couture fashion brand, Scotch & Soda. The layering is fantastic.

And in my small tribute to the end of Harry Potter, (Yes, I am a big fan),
here is Malfoy (aka Tom Felton) in a denim jacket, matched with a band tee.

So, what makes a denim jacket successful? What makes it look totally rocker/rock 'n' roll? Because we want to avoid looking like an 80s/90s jean nightmare. Well, looking back at these wonderful photos in the post what do a lot of them have in common?

1) The collar is raised. It's "popped." Even if it's not completely UP, it has movement, it isn't stiff.
2) The sleeves are rolled up or pushed up, in a dishevelled way. Kind of like when you try to give yourself a bedhead/beachy hair style, nothing should look too forced.
3) The jacket fits properly. You should be able to button it up all the way, halfway button it, no buttons, every combination possible. Like all clothes, it should feel right.
4) It has character. Add buttons or patches, get a jacket with diagonal pockets like the J. Crew one, or super distressed like the Scotch & Soda one. Get a really dark one like George Craig's, or a light one like Keira Knightley. It all depends on what you like and your own personal style.
5) Layer it over things or under things, even clothes you wouldn't expect. Such as a dress shirt, band tee, dress, or windbreaker like Brandon Flowers. Or wear a winter peacoat over it like Kanye West.
6) And of course, be careful what you wear on the bottom of the outfit. We all know the horrors of jean on jean. If they are the same shade or close but not quite the same, you are choosing the wrong thing to wear. Follow Adam's and George's lead-- wear black jeans underneath with black oxfords or sneaks, follow what the musicians do. It just has to contrast heavily in color/shade from top to bottom. Look at Justin Timberlake, Brandon Flowers, and the Gap ad. One half of the outfit is light, the other is dark- simple as that.

To me, the denim jacket is associated with confidence, a worry-free, chill attitude, and dare I say swagger? All things people admire in their favorite musicians and rockers who wear the jean jacket so well.

Never be afraid to find your own version of your perfect jean jacket, and wear the hell out of it.

So long from me & and The Strokes! x

UPDATE: One of my favorite blogs, Unabashedly Prep, just did a post on the denim jacket this morning! Check it out..

US versus UK: Magazine Covers, July 2011

2011-07-15T23:03:00.000-05:00

Sorry this is so late in July! I always tell myself it needs to be done before the end of the first week of the month, but I failed this time. Enjoy the compiled covers!

1. VOGUE

Vogue US: The associate publisher of the magazine I'm interning at has a subscription to Vogue, and when he brought this Emma Watson issue in, we both spent a good amount of time admiring how FANTASTIC Emma Watson looks. We gushed, looked through the editorial, and pretty much concurred that we love her and this cover. She honestly is a model, isn't she? There are so many different textures and complementing colors. It's just so bright and vibrant!

Vogue UK: Also a very bright cover with lots of texture. However, I'm just never a fan of a straight-forward face for a cover, unless there is something extraordinary with the wardrobe, make-up, or hair. I still love the colors- bright gold, for summer.

WINNER: Vogue US. Emma looks incredibly beautiful. Everything about it is just stunning!

2. COSMOPOLITAN

Cosmopolitan US: Is anyone else kind of over the red hair? I thought it was a really great temporary thing for Rihanna to do, but I'm not sure about it now... But regardless, she is a bombshell. For me, this cover might be too dominant of red, purples and pinks. It sticks entirely to that side of the color wheel-- and also reminds of 80s/90s Barbie sets for some reason. And yes, I've seen Rihanna in ethnic fashion a hundred times now.

Cosmopolitan UK: Oh, here we go. Look familiar? It's Cosmopolitan US's cover from last month except with different background and text colors.

WINNER: Like always, I'm never a fan of a reprint. Who is? By default, Cosmo US wins, though I don't love either of them.

3. GQ

GQ US: Like I said in my super-special GQ post, GQ recently won SPD's Magazine of the Year award, and I mentioned how I now have very high expectations for them. Now, though it's nothing ground-breaking, this is a really solid, clean, classic cover. Even his outfit is so simplistically sleek. It's all American color-coordinated and what not with it being July (Independence day, of course), and him being "Captain America". It's just perfect without being in your face AMERICA! You know what I mean?

GQ UK: Apparently Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is the new hottest thing on the face of the planet, so British GQ took that perspective of her and ran with it. This is a very sexual cover- but from their past issues I can sense that's what they're good at and comfortable doing. I mean, the angle of the photo, the silk dress in between the thighs, where the eye immediately goes.. Personally, I prefer the Rosie from the Fall 2008 Burberry ads-- with the beautiful black and white, moody photographs. It may not have been "sexy", but they were (and she was) just beautiful.

WINNER: Both of these covers, I think, are extremely successful. Design-wise, how eye-catching they are, two beautiful people... I mean, how vibrant are these photos? I can't decide! I suppose I'll go with GQ UK- it's just more dynamic, angular, and intriguing I guess I should say. It isn't the magazine "norm" by any means.

4. GLAMOUR

Glamour US: It's really really hard to make Blake Lively look bad EVER. So why do I get the feeling that she has been photoshopped or altered in same way? Not even her body, but her face. It looks like unnatural and plastic... and maybe it's the make-up, but her eyes seem really small. Then you look at her legs and forget all about it... because I want legs like that.

Glamour UK: Oh Adele, it's about time they put you on a women's fashion magazine cover! She's covered Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, Q Magazine, and other music periodicals (as she rightly should), but she is a talented musician and a powerful woman, not to mention ridiculously popular and well-known. A lot of women probably want to read about her and get to known the woman behind that powerhouse voice! No one cares that she isn't a size 2, put that woman on more goddamn covers!

WINNER: Anyway, back to the actual magazines. Glamour US takes it again. The fonts, the colors, the vibrancy- it all just works. Glamour UK is, much like Cosmo US, too dominant in the pink color palette for my taste. And I think some more playful fonts could take it up a level!

5. INSTYLE

InStyle US: What. Is. Up. With. Eva's. Face. Can we discuss this please? She looks old... the cheekbones, the mouth... it's just not natural. And who did her hair? There is nothing desirable about that! And the Easter colors with the rainbow "SUMMER!"? What a crash and burn cover for me.

InStyle UK: Huge Daisy Lowe fan. I love her personal style and especially her HAIR. She has this rocker chick hair cut and just rocks those bangs better than ANYONE. I think this is a great cover-- the bright gold is very summer, and complements her red dress and lipstick very well. It's just pleasant to look at, you know? Unlike another cover I could mention... It's bright, fun, minimalistic, and I would grab it in an instant!

WINNER: InStyle UK. Is this even a question? Just look at them side by side.

6. ELLE

Elle US: Don't you just kind of want to be best friends with Emma Stone? I do. She's gorgeous, hilarious, talented, and has an emerging sense of style. When I look at this cover it just exudes warmth. Perhaps it's the beach background (right?), the bright sunshine dress combined with her golden hair, but it's just lovely. So summer and so friendly!

Elle UK: Here's Rosie again, in a very differently-styled shoot, going more into the high fashion route. Still playing on her sex appeal (with the no undershirt thing), but is still classy. I don't know about you, but I feel like this look has been done a lot, especially for magazine covers. Maybe I'm imagining it, but the blazer + cleavage thing is getting a little old for me. Still, it's sexy in a menswear way, and the peachy tones are lovely.

WINNER: Elle US for me. I just get this happy vibe when I look at it, and surprisingly Elle UK has a lot of text just floating around, all over Rosie... I keep wanting to just brush it off of her.

7. ESQUIRE

Esquire US: Apparently, Esquire did a June/July cover last month... so no new cover for us. I didn't realize magazines could do that, and I'm surprised Esquire did, considering their readership must be very high and people expect a new mag each month. But I suppose they are busy preparing for spring. Here is their cover last month. Yup, still that horrid Bradley Cooper one.

Esquire UK: Here we go, delving deeper into the Esquire UK redesign. Just like they promised, it's brighter, more sleek, and action-packed. I think they are doing well so far, though I'll need to do a Barnes & Noble run soon and actually flip through it myself. I'm enjoying that low opacity orange circle, arrows, (mankles?) and the speech box. Little icons like that make it more fun, I think.

WINNER: Even if this wasn't by default, Esquire UK would still win if stacked up against US's June cover. For obvious reasons.

8. HARPER'S BAZAAR

Harper's Bazaar US: Why are all these US covers taking a summer break while the UK ones are not? Is there something I'm missing? Here's a look back at the June/July Britney Spears cover.

Harper's Bazaar UK: Lovely cover, as usual. Harper's Bazaar UK just knows their stuff, they are very impressive. Month after month, beautiful covers are produced with amazing photography and minimal text, which is just the best. I love the striped hat, kohl-rimmed eyes, and sunshine just peeping through.

WINNER: UK, of course.

9. MARIE CLAIRE

Marie Claire US: I've noticed Marie Claire is very good at keeping cover looks simple and classic. I think it really appeals to the MC demographic and will appeal to more people. On that note, Jennifer Aniston is doing the whole blazer with no undershirt (à la Rosie, three magazines up), or pants for that matter! But I think it's a great look for her since she looks amazing at her age, and the whole look just seems playful and fun. As always, love the fonts and the orange accent color.

Marie Claire UK: Check out last month's cover again. I mentioned how the Olivia Palermo cover had a weird dull quality to it, and I thought it was because the background was grey. But look! It's back again. It's like a strange photo filter was used on it, perhaps to make it look more vintage-y? Jennifer Lawrence looks great, but there MC goes again, cutting off the top of the head an uncomfortable amount...

WINNER: Marie Claire US. It's clean and classic, while the UK one seems muddled down in comparison.

Final score for this month of July:

US: 5
UK: 4

Another close one, but the US inched forward this time, despite the no-shows of Esquire and Harper's Bazaar.
And here is my personal favorite for the month, plus the full editorial!

Yup, it's America's, Britain's, Hollywood's... um, basically the World's favorite Harry Potter/new fashionista favorite, Emma Watson. It would be a sin if I didn't chose this as my favorite! It's stunning.

Which one is your favorite?

A 1950's Summer & Shopping in the Men's Department.

2011-07-13T23:26:00.001-05:00

I would really like to do more outfit posts, but the very nice camera I got for my birthday had the worst battery life I've ever seen. So I had to return it and have yet to buy a new one. So here are the shottiest (apparently not a word according to my Mac...) photos I could have taken: using my PhotoBooth program. It bothers me horribly, but I had no choice! And I was so excited about my new shirt, I had to do a post about it!

What amazing things you can find in the Men's section, as long as you are into the whole oversized, menswear look- which I am. This short-sleeved, gingham button-up was on sale at the Gap and I fell in love. All it took was some careful sleeve rolling, a sloppy tuck in, and I have the perfect, comfortable summer shirt. That's one thing I've learned since getting serious about personal style-- you have to make the clothes work for you, you don't have to buy something as-is and have to deal with the unhappiness of not liking some detail(s) about it. A little rolling, tucking, tailoring, sewing, and you can end up loving a garment MUCH more than the original version.

If I left this shirt as it originally was on the hanger, I would look like a girl drowned in a nerdy button-up- one meant to be worn under a sweater vest by a "nerd." But I really love it! It can be casual, fit beneath a blazer, etc. And there is this unexplainable confidence one gets when they rock a men's garment-- and love it!

University student = Me being broke. But style can be cheap! You just have to search a little harder. I fancy this outfit to be a boyish 1950's summer look: the pattern, sleeves, sunglasses, etc. For some reason my summer outfits kind of revolve around tucked in button-ups, and other 1950'sish things. So, I suppose this is a typical July outfit for me!

And here is my original inspiration photo for the look. Found it on a tumblr and just loved the gingham, so I kept an eye out for one while shopping, and I just so happened to find one in the men's department. But you can always make things work!

P.S. My great friend Katie just started a fashion/style blog called "Little Black Blog". Isn't that the cutest name? She's a very classic, stylish girl and I know her blog will grow into something great. Check it out!

The Classic Ten: Summary

2011-07-05T22:27:00.000-05:00

The Classic Ten series has finally been concluded! I just realized it would probably be a good idea to compile all of the ideas together to refresh our memories on these ten essential things. Once again, to remind everyone how this idea came about: these posts were inspired by the book The Classic Ten by Nancy Macdonell Smith. (Yes, it has taken me about six months to put it all together. Yes, the book was very overdue from the library.. Shhh...) I obviously highly recommend everyone to read this book. I learned so much about the history of each classic piece, so much more than I could post on this blog!

But here we go... The classic ten: ten wardrobe pieces EVERY woman should have to be a classy, modern lady- one who will never go out of style. Then, at the end of the list I've added a couple of other wonderful clothing staples I think really do belong to the "classic" list now. So I supposed this is an Eloise-updated version! (click the name to be linked back to the original posts.)

1. The Suit

"A good suit is a triumph of structure and planning and a paean to the judicious use of artifice. It can make you look taller, thinner, more powerful, and more assured than you really are."

-Nancy MacDonell Smith from The Classic Ten

2. Jeans

"Blue denim is America's gift to the world."

-Charles James

3. The Little Black Dress

"Women who wear black lead colorful lives."

-Neiman Marcus ad

4. The White Shirt

"A white-shirt woman is a busy, inspired person... I think of Kate Hepburn as a white-shirt woman. I think of Audrey Hepburn. Mrs. Vreeland and Jackie O., definitely. Marilyn Monroe, definitely not.

-Issac Mizrahi

5. The Cashmere Sweater

"The black cashmere turtleneck is a perfect garment."

-David Mamet

6. High Heels

"I don't know who invented the high heel but women owe him a lot."

-Marilyn Monroe

7. Pearls

"Pearls give a gloss, a certain refinement, even if you're just a trashy girl."

-Manolo Blahnik

8. Lipstick

"Darling," she instructed me, "would you reach in that drawer there and give me my purse. A girl doesn't read this sort of thing without her lipstick."

-Truman Capote

9. The Trench Coat

"Put on a trench, you're suddenly Audrey Hepburn walking along the Seine-- even if
you've got red hair and you're five one."

-- Michael Kors

10. Sneakers

"There is a spiritual virtue and value that are implied by shoes like that. You can't slink like you can in a stiletto, so it represents a new form of femininity. It implies a new kind of strength."

-Anne Hollander

And here are the four I think could be added to the classic list-- at least for the modern classy lady...

11. The Blazer
A sexy menswear staple, cute layering option, and can make an outfit look put-together, just by tossing one over a tee shirt and jeans.

12. Flats
Let's be real. Nothing is more classic nowadays then ballet flats. Black- to match with anything while still looking undeniably chic. (Loafers too- another personal favorite option of mine.)

13. The Striped Shirt
Made famous by Coco Chanel (of course), the striped shirt is, at the same time, nautical, French and classic.

14. The Denim Jacket
The jean jacket is a new discovery for me. I'm planning on doing a post for it later, but currently I'm obsessed with this piece of clothing. It's so rock-n-roll. Will explain later. Just trust me on this, and get a badass denim jacket.

And the series is now officially concluded! What do you think? Do you agree with the classic ten? (or fourteen.. with my added ones?) What else would you add?

The Top Ten Award

2011-06-28T19:34:00.000-05:00

Thank you Alexis of Dolly Rocker Girl for awarding me the Top Ten Award! I am always so honored and surprised when another blogger acknowledges my existence in any way, let alone with an award! What this means is that I can list my top ten cosmetic products that I use and love-- and would recommend to my readers!

Now, I should explain a few things before unleashing this list. I don't wear a ton of make-up and I'm pretty minimalist about it. I don't own a lot of products. So what I use, I use because it WORKS for me, consistently! So that might be a comforting thought if you consider trying one of these things out. And as you can see, only about five are actual "cosmetics." Well, that's because, as I mentioned, I don't own a lot of make-up. But I spend as much, if not more money, on hair products as well as other things. Also, I am a college student and live on a TIGHT budget. So 90% of these products are drug store ready! But enough of me, go ahead and see for yourself!

1. Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara: I am obsessed with mascara. If I had to chose only one make-up product to live with for the rest of my life, I would chose mascara. Let me explain, I am half Korean, so my eyelashes naturally jut downwards.. they have absolutely no curl. So my top priority everyday when I put on my make-up is to get them up and widen my eyes. It always has been. So I have tried SO MANY mascaras. It's my drugstore guilty pleasure; I can't help but walk through the cosmetics aisle and battle within myself if I should try out this or that new mascara. Anyway, the Colossal mascara is my most successful find so far. There is a huge brush, the waterproof version (which I always get in any mascara because it actually keeps my eyelashes UP, no matter the weather) always keeps the lashes curled, and just makes the lashes dramatic and bold.

2. Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo: For those of you who may not know, dry shampoo is what you spray in "day-old" hair to soak up any oil, give it a fresh feel, and basically cleans it up and makes it smell nice-- so you don't have to clean your hair everyday! The invention is genius, I think. What I love about Rockaholic is that is also gives you texture- so you get that great bedhead, messy look... and it also makes your hair ideal to do an updo or messy bun without it all falling out because it's too slick. It smells lovely and is all together so convenient. Whenever I backpack across Europe someday, I'll be bringing a couple cans of this!

3. Vera Wang's Princess: I'm not a big perfume wearer, unfortunately. I know Coco Chanel would be very disappointed in me.. (she's quoted with saying, "a woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future.") which actually kind of depresses me now. But my sister bought Princess and I thought it really was divine. Not to mention, I loved the advertisements for them with Camilla Belle. First, she is gorgeous and it literally made me want to buy the perfume. As if I used this perfume I would join the fairytale, fantastical world of Vera Wang! (And the cap, which is a crown, is actually a ring too!)

4. BareMinerals: The whole BareMinerals set is what I use for my foundation/concealer/bronzer! It really is so brilliant. There is the base mineral foundation for your whole face, then "mineral veil" to set it and give your skin some glow, then "warmth" for a healthy bronzer. (That's what's included in the package, but they have plenty more extra products.) Initially I got it because I was having some acne problems and wanted something guaranteed healthy for my skin, and it really works like a charm! It comes with handy brushes to use for different sections, makes your face look dreamy, feels so light all the time, and makes your skin glow. Plus, the product lasts a long time! I would highly recommend this to take care of all foundation needs!

5. Dove Damage Therapy Hairspray: My newest find in hair care. I use hairspray almost everyday because whether I give my hair some curl, wave, or straighten it, I need it to STAY that way! So at first I used Pantene Pro-V but it was too harsh, then Aussie but it just smelled horrendous. I don't love the actual smell of hairspray, which is always a problem because it lingers in my hair, obviously. So I was lucky to randomly select and fall in love with Dove's Hairspray. It actually smells GOOD and light, and the "extra hold" version gets a good hold without turning your hair into a rock! I use it everyday and love it.

6. Clean & Clear 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser: As I previously mentioned, I used to have some acne flare-ups a couple of months ago, and tried so many products. I even bought Pro-Activ, the whole expensive package and I was sure it would work, what with it's celebrity endorsements and TV testimonials... Well, they LIED!! I used it for three and a half entire months, and nothing changed. It only wasted my money, time, and emotional energy. So I decided to give Clean & Clear a try. I used their products exclusively, (the cleanser, deep cleansing astringent, dual action moisturizer, and persa-gel 10), and my skin quickly became entirely acne-free. It was absolutely amazing. Now, I am clear-skinned and now only need to use the cleanser for my twice-a-day face washes in the morning and night, moisturizer, and persa-gel when I have trouble spots before I sleep. Have acne or pimple problems? USE CLEAN & CLEAR.

7. Spin Pins: The most wonderful hair invention since the bobby pin. Basically you want to make your hair into a bun. Sleek bun? Sure. Messy bun? Can do. High bun? Low bun? Yes and yes. All you have to do is grab your hair like you would put it in a ponytail, twist the hair, then spin your hair into a bun. Take one Spin Pin and twist it up into the bun. Take the other and twist it down into the bun. Voila. It's so genius, and a really cute hair option when you want to just throw it up and get it out of your face. Ideal for day 2 hair when it has some texture and it will all stay up. No longer do I need 10 bobby pins for a cute bun... just 2 spin pins!

8. Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner: I have a set make-up routine for everyday, but when I want to be all fancy or am going out at night, this is the eyeliner I use. The end is soooo slim and you can really be very precise with your line. It's incredibly helpful. Doing a winged end or cat eyeliner is so easy with this- and it stays on very well!

9. Maybelline Define-a-Line (in Chestnut Brown): This is my every day eyeliner. I LOVE IT. I have brown-black eyes, and my hair is dark, so I needed something to define my eyes that wasn't black- which would be way too harsh for everyday wear. This eyeliner literally just glides on, so easily. And the lighter brown shade really makes my eyes look so big- better than any other eyeliner I've ever used. I only put it on my top lash line and it really just opens up the eye. If you have dark hair and dark eyes, please use this. You will not regret it.

10. CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara: This is the mascara I am currently using. At first I wasn't sure about it because it clumps up a bit and the brush was a little strange with it's short bristles, but it stays on throughout the entire day, and gives my lashes this flirty curve to it! It's kind of amazing actually. My lashes expanded and I really do get tons of volume, but it looks natural- not like I obviously used an eyelash curler and piled the mascara on.

There you have it! Hope that wasn't too exhausting to read. Now, I'm supposed to list ten bloggers who win the award as well, but I'm a relatively new blogger and only have a handful of true blog friendships... so unfortunately I'll have to pass on it. But it's a free country! Go ahead and blog your Top Ten and I'd be happy to take a look. If you have any questions on these products let me know!

-Raquel x

GQ is SPD's Magazine of the Year & Esquire UK's Redesign

2011-06-19T19:08:00.001-05:00

There are two new occurrences happening right now in the men's magazine world. Of course I am very intrigued by it all, since I love men's fashion and publications. And they are correlated with each other in an interesting way... Firstly, GQ recently won SPD's Magazine of the Year award. Across the pond, Esquire UK has gone through an overhaul- complete with a new look, new size and new Editor-In-Chief.

January through December, here are GQ's 2010 covers. If you're wondering why
there are more than 12 covers here, it's because in August they had a tri-cover
(Paul Rudd, Zach Galifianakis, and Tracy Morgan.)

Regular readers of Eloise probably already know that I am a big Esquire fan. I love the graphic design, amazing type, snarky writers, etc. So I've never given GQ a real chance. Honestly, I've only flipped through a couple issues a few times. But now they have won SPD's most impressive award: Magazine of the Year. According to SPD's website, GQ has actually done consistently well with these awards with this being the third Gold award for Magazine of the Year for GQ. The other finalists for this top award included: Wired, More, W, and Bloomberg Businessweek. (a.k.a. Really good company!) So, it looks like I'll have to pay a lot more attention to GQ.

On another note with GQ, I actually do visit their website a lot more than Esquire's. They keep their online content really up-to-date, with plenty of things to look at and amazing photography. I'm excited to delve into the world of Gentlemen's Quarterly.

NEXT, we have...

Esquire UK and their redesign. I went into Barnes & Noble to look through it myself,
and there a few things I thought about it.

1. I read through the (new) Editor's letter, and Alex Bilmes seems like a really cool, funny guy... a really great writer. He seems to realize he is the outside man coming in (he did come from British GQ as the features editor), but is prepared to try his best and take Esquire in a new direction.

2. It's bigger. Literally the size of the magazine has enlarged. I don't know how I feel about this.. it's heavier, the pages seem more bendable, and altogether a bit inconvenient. Esquire and GQ US are more compact, light and carry-able.

3. Their "Ask a Style Expert" section (I can't figure out/find what the columnist's name is), is pointless. Esquire US's advice person is snarky but smart and clever with his answers. UK's new writer is just plain mean, malicious, tries too hard in his answers, and sometimes doesn't even answer the submitter's question at all.

4. Some pages are wonderfully designed. It's definitely more brighter & bolder (which is what they wanted to do), and I love the use of low-opacity colorful boxes. Makes things lighter and more fresh. Also with font choices things seem more digitized, like it could be made for online content as well.

5. They promise "more sports, girls, humor, fashion, culture, sex, tech and food." It seems as if they are delivering on that so far, but check it out for yourself. These are from maketheman.com, and enables us to compare the old to the new design:

VS.

Here are some more great designs from their June issue:

I found some interesting online conversation about this redesign as I was researching this post. Some people feel like Esquire UK looks a little too much like GQ US now. Here are some comments I found most-intriguing on magculture.com's post on it:

"Oh. Oh dear. One of my favourite UK magazines, one that differentiated itself from the competition by treating its readers as adults, has now reverted back to nineties ladism. If I wanted to read about boobs and pasties, I’d be one of the eight people who subscribes to Nuts."

"Completely lost it’s identity, and dumbed down, I thought the market for mens magazines was getting more mature, obviously mistaken"

"Jesus, the insides look exactly like American GQ, even the photography."

I wouldn't say it looks exactly like American GQ. There are differences, but this is Esquire UK's first go at their redesign. I think they have time to find their footing and discover their own unique style. Plus, even if they were drawing inspiration from GQ, it's a little understandable considering their recent Best Magazine win. Plus, British Esquire's July cover looks very original... but more about that on my next US versus UK magazine cover post!

What do you think of Esquire UK's redesign?