Playing on the Margin

The Post-Grad Life: Day Five

Wed, 23 May 2012 02:21:00 -0500

As of Friday, May 18, Karina and I are college graduates and officially “real people” (or so I’ve been told). We tossed our mortar boards high into the air, screamed out of joy, said our tearful goodbyes, then drove over a thousand miles back home to… do what, exactly??? My lazy ass has been glued to the couch for the past twenty four hours. NO SHAME. The TV has remained loyal to USA’s Law and Order SVU marathon for the majority of that time, with the exception of some occasional sports coverage and also Tabitha’s Salon Takeover. I’ve eaten cereal, an egg, some yogurt, and an entire bag of extra butter popcorn. These are the good days.

I realize how lucky I am to have 1. this education and 2. such a relaxing break, so I plan to make the most of my ~~weeks~~, ~~months~~, ~~F this economy~~, time before starting a job. Here are some fun suggestions to stay busy and keep that post-grad crash at bay:

1. Sleeeeep
2. Go out with home friends.
2a. Get your drank on
3. Call/Skype/Text besties from college
4. Do not think about the unemployment rate
4a. Get your drank on
5. Eat some homecooked food
6. Think about all the college-type things you can still do before it’s socially unacceptable in a few months (wear croakies, day drink, dress up in a ridiculous costume, dfmo, etc.)

In short, congrats to the entire class of 2012. Graduation has been equal parts bitter and sweet. Now, the real world beckons! Stay tuned for adulty posts written for mature people with actual responsibilities, like posts examining the economy, healthcare, and our environment.

Jokes, clearly. Keep checking in for articles on meaningless rants, fashion, music, beauty, and our neverending quest towards adulthood. xoxo

In Sort of Defense of The "Grey" Phenomenon

Sun, 06 May 2012 16:46:00 -0500

Hola compadres! Sorry it’s been forever. Like Karina mentioned, we’ve recently been inundated with an overwhelming amount of work. Senioritis is real, and it thrives in high-pressure environments like finals season. Thank goodness the end is near.

Anyway, during one of my frequent study breaks the other night, I read some of the Fifty Shades of Grey hype. Yeah, I know. Look, it was four in the morning and I had/still have twenty pages of writing looming over me.

Some of the reviews were pretty appalling. Why would anyone want to read (better yet, admit to enjoying) a book about an abusive relationship? Not to mention the extremely graphic sex scenes. Like, every ten pages they introduce a new toy, kind of graphic. Grey’s readers have consequentially been called names like lonely, depraved, even sick. Surprisingly, first-time author E. L. James isn’t some free loving, BDSM engaging, twenty-something chick. She’s a middle-aged woman and former TV exec with a husband and two kids. Due to her quite conventional background, Grey’s monumental success has been canonized as “mommy porn.” Yuck.

Well, being the aspiring journalist that I am…

I took it upon myself to procrastinate a little longer and read the first chapter. A friend of mine had emailed me a copy of Book 1 earlier (clearly, the series is making its rounds despite any ostracism). Grey is no Crime and Punishment, but I’ll admit that it’s a fun read. There are tons of unexpected funny moments and the writing is very easy to follow. I ended up reading through Chapter 20 and plan on finishing after finals.

James doesn’t waste any time in showing readers the chemistry between protagonists Christian Grey and ~~Danielle~~ Anastasia Steele. Grey is a gorgeous, young multi-millionaire who isn’t used to hearing “no”. That’s where twenty-two year-old virgin Anastasia comes in. Look, I’d be lying if I said their relationship wasn’t fucked up; it clearly becomes abusive (in my opinion) and Anastasia knows she should run far away from him. But damn, a lot of the sex scenes are h-o-t (more so because they are completely unrealistic: Ana has THREE orgasms the night she loses her virginity?!?!? That is some sci-fi shit right there). I mean, the scenes are really hot. And I’m not lonely, depraved, or even a little sick.

Maya’s article from Feministing.com explains it best:

Maybe, as women have more equality in the real world and create partnerships with men who respect them as equals, socially, professionally, and romantically, they are more willing to explore sexual power play of all kinds… I am in no way surprised that many women, who have been socialized in a culture in which male sexuality is linked to domination and in which women are taught their sexual power comes from being wanted, have fantasies of submission.* Really, I’m not perplexed by this. And I am in no way appalled. I am fully in support of anyone doing whatever (safe, consensual) thing they want to do to get themselves off. Feminists for Orgasms!

Plus, you know, it’s just a book and a harmless way to escape the daily droll of life. No one would ever accuse me of having low self-esteem because I love Legally Blonde and the protagonist goes to extremes to get back with an awful ex. No one would confuse my enjoyment with wanting to act out Elle’s actions. It’s just a movie.

But does Grey go too far at times? In my opinion, yes. However, it is fiction and what’s wrong for me might not be so strange for others. Does it bring up a lot of controversial topics? Yes, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I’d say the book’s biggest problem is just that it’s very poorly written.

I’d encourage my friends (both male and female) to have an open mind and approach Grey with the same seriousness that they would to an episode of Gossip Girl. At the very least, it should certainly incite an interesting and worthwhile dialogue. I’d also tell them to find it online for free and not spend their hard-earned monies.

With all that said, happy reading, dear followers! Let me know in the comments if you think I’m bat-shit crazy or if I’m right on the money. Ashley, out! xoxo

Oh and just for the record, I absolutely hate Twilight.

Karina's Guide to Packing A Dorm Room, Pt. One

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:48:00 -0500

Sorry for a rather massive delay in posting—Ashley and I got swept up in the maelstrom of events and finals and research papers that swirl up around college students in the month of April. As graduating seniors, there are many topics to tackle in our blog, both sappy and silly alike. But today, my friends, I am going to address a most dreaded but necessary topic: cleaning out the dorm room.

I know—if you are anything like me, this sends a shudder down your spine. My room, for one, has usually amassed so many random objects by the end of the school year that even Madonna would balk and say that calling me a “Material Girl” simply doesn’t cut it. Don’t believe me? Check out this picture from my freshman year dorm room, with my roommate, L. You’d be forgiven for seeing more of a semblance to a Where’s Waldo scene than a freshman year dorm.

Admittedly, a low, low point in our messy lives… we gave up cleaning and just threw the clothes on the ground. Who needs a pool when you can swim in clothes, eh?

Most organizational guides will tell you to start way in advance. I know that this is hardly going to happen, as you’re likely getting in deserved and important last hang-out seshs with dear friends and studying for finals until the wee hours of the night. However, if possible, try to do the following steps before your last few days at school:

Don’t book your flight directly after your last exam. Believe me, cramming for a test while cramming storage boxes is a recipe for double disaster.
Amass a collection of large cardboard boxes. No, this isn’t to construct your new home under the nearby bridge post graduation (or is that just a concern of this liberal arts major?), but to use as shipping or storage containers. Go to UHaul to buy good sized ones for $2.25 a pop, or stake out boxes from the recycling rooms in your dorm. Preparing for this is way better than trying to utilize old Costco size cereal boxes (not that, ya know, I ever tried that or anything… maybe)
If you are renting a storage unit, figure it out with a group of friends about a month in advance. Coordination amongst undergrads during finals season is like herding cats—it doesn’t work (leave that to the professionals).
Now, the most feared pre-shipping step: clean your room. Having everything in its right place makes it infinitely easier to organize, ship and store at the end of finals season.

Stay tuned for our next post in this series, when I will go over the key ways to go about actually packing up your dorm room—from one messy chick to another. Until then, good luck with finals and frolicking with friends!

K's Spring/Summer 2012 Ode to Shoes

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:47:41 -0500

As the winter frost recedes to make way for the brighter days of spring, or, in St. Louis’s case, as the nigh-absence of winter makes way for 80 degree weather in the month of March, us lady folk must come to terms with a startling realization: it is time to put away the heavy boots, and allow out tootsies to once again embrace the ever-adorable shoes of spring and summer! I consulted the color overlords to see exactly which shades are in this season (I’m looking at you, Pantone), and have collected a few winners for you right here. In the wise words of Kelly, let’s get some shoes.

Cockatoo (light blue)

Lady Gaga indeed called it last fall: this rather demure color of light blue is taking the consumer markets by storm at the moment. Some great choices include the Qupid Cut-Out Wedges (via UrbanOg), the Cooperative Leather Lace Up Skimmer (via UO), the Pastel Palette Pumps (via Ruche), and the Hey There Leather Heels by Seychelles (via Ruche).

Solar Power (mustard yellow)

Warning: walking away from someone whilst wearing these shoes is likely to result in them spontaneously belting out, “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone.” Tant pis! Check out the adorable Chelsea Crew Cut Out Flat (via LuLu’s), the Shop Till You Lemon Drop Flat (via ModCloth), the Marais Meriwether Yellow Wedges (via Ruche), and the Audrey Brooke Wedges (via DSW).

Starfish (muted beige)

As simple as this color is, you will do anything but fade into the background if you wear one of these shoes: Jeffrey Campbell’s Benched Cut Out Platform (via Need Supply Co.), the Safari Sandal by About Arianne (via Need Supply Co.), Braided Thong Sandal (from Forever 21) and the Bamboo T-Strap Wedges (via UrbanOg).

Tangerine Tango

This color is the last to be described as it is also the big color for Fall fashion (as if you needed another excuse to indulge in these shoes now!) Check out the Cheap Monday Netted Skimmer (via UO), the Jamison Boot by Dolce Vita, Love Loafer in Tangerine (via Ruche) and the Coral Mary Jane (via Ruche).

Stay classy, my friends.

Fiona Apple IS The Hunger Games

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 02:10:00 -0500

Good evening, dear readers. The only bit I wanted to add to Karina’s SXSW post was that in case you hadn’t heard… Fiona. Apple. Was. There. My personal idol performed three new songs to an overjoyed crowd. I’ve added the link to my favorite, “Valentine.” It definitely sounds like a typical Apple song, with strong piano chords that play perfectly to her rich, soothing voice and devastatingly haunting lyrics. I couldn’t help but notice though, that Fiona is looking extra extra skinny these days. I mean, like Katniss around day seven in the games kind of skinny, only without the awesome archery skills and maybe even the will to live. Now that I think about it, maybe Fiona would relate more to Rue. They’re both tiny, sweet, and Fiona seems fidgety enough to jump from tree to tree to avoid other people. I may seem a bit harsh, but it’s all out of concern and love. No matter how talented she is, there’s no doubt about one thing- homegirl NEEDS to eat.

R. Kelly Must Be Psychic

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:08:00 -0500

I was all set to write my follow up to Karina’s SXSW post, when I saw something that could only mean that the ~~conspiracy loonies~~ Mayans were right: Coming Soon to IFC: R. Kelly’s ‘Trapped In The Closet: The Next Installment’. WHAT?!? I was not prepared for this. R. Kelly must have some otherworldly knowledge he’s not sharing with the rest of us. Looks like we’re all going to perish in an explosive, Michael Bay-esque apocalypse, because Kel’s promoting this masterpiece like it’s his last chance to secure VIP status in heaven. The guy may be a freak, but nobody can say he’s not a good businessman.

Check out the link to a SFW preview on our Twitter page.

Monday Music Roundup: SXSW Reverie

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:48:00 -0500

Hullo again, Karina here! As you can gather from Ashley’s post, we just came back from quite awesome respective Spring Breaks in the great States of VA and FL… Still, I admit to feeling ~~really freaking jealous~~ really, er, happy for those lucky enough to have been at SXSW. Thus, for this week’s Monday Music Roundup, I’m highlighting three fantastic artists showcased there that you simply need to take a listen to:

1) fun. with We Are Young (ft. Janelle Monae)

Ladies and gents, this song is an anthem. It was absolutely made to play at festivals, with intoxicated youth basking in the unabashed truth of the bands name, which is, simply, fun. We Are Young ft. Jonelle Monae is their most popular tune at the moment, but I also enthusiastically shove a link on your desktop to their song Some Nights (via SurvivingTheGoldenAge)-it’s a basket full of fantastic. Credit for finding this band song goes to EarplugsNotIncluded (mp3 there, but obviously buy if you like it!).

2) Beirut with Payne’s Bay

I really imagine this being great music to wander about to, from class to class, through the sunshiney rays and blossoming trees… or am I the only one who thinks it’d be really cool to walk around with a trombone-heavy band trailing behind me and a singer repeating “I feel headstrong today”? Oh, come on now, listen to this wonderful tune before giving me judgement face. Credit to the awesome blog Untitled Records for introducing me to the song (mp3 there, but buy it if you like it!).

3) Fang Island with Daisy

You’ve just been transported to the beloved and bygone era of the 80s. You find yourself in charge of band. Not just any band—an epic garage band of your youthful 1980s dreams. You want to rep all the glory of the 80s while still bringing some of the street cred you clearly amassed while chilling in 2012 Brooklyn. Congratulations—you are Fang Island. Listen, enjoy, and listen some more.

Vacation Beauty Essentials

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:52:00 -0500

Hey All! Ashley here. As Karina wrote earlier, we have finally made it through the hell that is midterms and come out alive on the other side (barely though, I must say). I dunno about where you guys are, but over here we’re now enjoying a little holiday called SPRING BREAK 2012!!!!!!!! A bunch of our friends are soaking up some sun (and probably a few venereal diseases) at PCB, while others are lounging poolside on a Caribbean cruise. But Ashley, how did you access WIFI to post this from the cruise??? Well, my friends, that’s because my cheap ass is at home. Fortunately for me though, my bff Nicole feels the same way. So, we’re embarking on an old fashioned road trip to a B&B, courtesy of Groupon (to learn more about me, see: Shit Bougie Black Girls Say). We’ll go to wine tastings, the Shenandoah Mountains, and whatever cute little Southern stores we come across. Aside from packing the car with homemade treats (like slutty brownies), salty snacks, and cheap booze, my fourth most important carry-on will be my beauty case. And even though we’ll only be gone for three days, it’s still important to bring more than the bare minimum. You never know who you’ll run into out in the mountains! I gotsta look good.

I’m bringing my handy-dandy Clarisonic Mia and face wash to buff away the grime and sweat I’ll get from hiking all day. Next, my Trish McEvoy sunscreen or, if I need the extra hydration, Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer (I’ll go deeper into sun care in another post).

While I’m at home I’ve been using my mom’s BareVitamins Prime Time. It is liquid gold and therefore I feel justified in taking it with me. Similarly, I am OBSESSED with Make Up For Ever’s HD Invisible Cover Foundation. It makes my skin look smoove (not a typo) under the fugliest conditions. If necessary, I’ll use another stolen gem from my mother- the BareMinerals powder concealer. After that, I’ll put on a bit of blush so my flushed face won’t be as noticeable of a change when I get tipsy at the wineries.

At last the eyes. I use Sephora’s magical Smoky Kohl Eyeliner in Black, Long Lash Mascara by Laura Mercier, and Ooh La Lift by Benefit. Now it’s time to start the day!

Whoops, I almost forgot about my nighttime regimen. I may end up not using the Roc Nighttime Retinol Cream (you can NEVER start too early) since I’ll be in the sun all day plus I have sensitive skin, but it’ll be good to bring nonetheless. I also can’t go anywhere without some good ol’ acne cream from the drugstore.

The best part about these products is that they can all fit into my small toiletry bag. As high maintenance as I can be with makeup/skincare, I never want to be “that” person who lugs a big bag of products with them everywhere they go. Not cute.

I’ll let you know how the trip goes, and watch out for my upcoming post on How To Pick The Right Sunscreen! xoxo

NYFW Review, cont'd: WTFs and FTWs

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:45:00 -0500

Hey all, Karina here. I recently posted on the most prominent trends of NYFW. Of course, every fashion week is not without it’s WTF moments, and this NYFW is certainly not exempt. From furry gorilla arms to garments with so much leather it would make even the bronze bovines on Wall Street shudder in fear, some fashions left us wanting.

For less, that is. Much less. Here is a Lowlight reel…

1) Jeremy Scott. I’m pretty sure a rainbow vomited somewhere above his design pad and resulted in this collection… On the other hand, I’m pretty sure Nicki Minaj would have a love affair with these.

2) Fur taken too far. For every time the fur trend was pulled off well, there were another five times that had us wondering whether the Bronx Zoo had some missing creatures. Given that these models are size 0, there were an alarming number of Chewbacca wannabes and Gorilla arms walking down the runways… questionable choices, couturiers. Questionable indeed.

3) Marc Jacobs. I’m all for being inspired by the arts, and Lord knows I’m no stranger to period costume… but you might have an issue when every one of your models look like an extra from Les Miserables.

Finally, you have those instances when WTF is, in fact, a FTW. Case in point? Ralph Lauren’s bizarre Playboy-esque outfits are as baller as they are relatively unconventional. This is WTF done right. Love it!

Karina's NYFW Retrospective

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:48:00 -0500

Whew! Finally made it past the valley of boredom and through the land of drudgery that is midterm season to arrive at Spring Break… aka time to go back and check out what I missed of the whirlwind fashion weeks while I was too busy wilting in the library (le sigh).

I’ll attack this retrospective chronologically, hitting up New York Fashion Week first (this happened light years ago, Feb 8-16^th, many apologies for the delay on this sartorial update). Delayed or non, lookout for the following trends for FW2012:

Statement Collars. Prim with an edge is back with a vengeance for another season… *excitement*

Ornate Gold. No silver for us, darlings, this season it’s time to go for the gold.

Leather. Speaking of edgy…

Fur accents. Call the Bronx Zoo, there are furry creatures abounding everywhere this fashion week.

And finally, some dresses. If you know me, you know I do not shy away from OTT as often as might be wise. …what? … No, there is most certainly not a legitimate concern that I might one day drown in my own collection of ruffled items, what are you talking about… so I am all about these gorgeous gowns.

Now I just need an occasion to wear them and a bank to rob in order to afford them. Shouldn’t be too difficult, right?

PS I wouldn’t want to send you to the stores without a thorough checklist…Other trends worth hitting up your radar: tweed, watercolor, whimsical patterns, blanket sweaters, hats,slouchy neck scarves, and 70’s style gear. As for colors, look out for rich blues, yellow, pinks and oranges against a muted black or neutral silhouette.

Miss K's Monday Music Round-Up

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:58:00 -0600

Welcome to Monday, my dears.

*groan*

Oh, I know, I know. Mondays of class are about as interesting as catching a magikarp was to your gameboy-toting self of 10 years ago, and finding yourself smack-dab in midterm season a week before Spring Break doesn’t exactly mitigate this situation. Le sigh.

As a fellow student, however, I feel the need to stop you before you hit up the vending machine for your third 5-Hour Energy of the night. I’m pretty sure that will result in something supernatural occurring to your body and it will likely be less like the development of a Spidey Sense and more like the developments after your last bad experience with Indian food. Let’s try to keep you up with some tunes from around the music blogosphere, instead, mmkay?

1. Beyoncé - End of Time (Wulf & Forever Kid Remix)

The wonderfully aurally inclined folks over at Chubby Beavers recently shared this tune, a remix by two Swedish expats living the dream out in LA. Beware, listening to this song might prompt you to spontaneously hop on your library desk and get lower than you did on the bar tables Saturday night. If you like it, share the appreciation by liking this song over at Beyonce’s remix contest page, here.

2. J. Cole - Visionz of Home (prod. by Elite)

You know a song’s good when the plural noun in the title ends with a z instead of an s. Or, you know, when the rhythm is smooth as whipped whipped butter and the sampling guitar tunes rub you just the right way.

But mostly when it has the z.

(Kudos to HillyDilly music blog for that find, they have the mp3 up there but—d’uh—be sure to buy it if you like it.)

3. Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know

Heads up to tsururadio for this swell pick of the bunch (mp3 link on their site, but again, buy it if it so pleases thee). For some reason all I can think of to describe this is…. upbeat Death Cab for Cutie. That’s a contradiction in terms, I know, but bear with me. I’ll take your nodding of your head right now to be in agreement with me more so than a completely involuntary reaction to this fun song. Thanks.

Over and out. Wishing everyone luck with ye ol’ studies!

Karina

I do hereby decree that our plan be set in full motion. VOILA,...

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 01:00:00 -0600

I do hereby decree that our plan be set in full motion.

VOILA, LE BLOG.

thislookslikefun:

Hellooo

I’m sitting with my friend and partner in procrastination, Karina, discussing the pros and cons (but are there any?) of using zee tumblr to get that elusive j-o-b. I haven’t posted in a while, so here’s something pretty and colorful while we ponder some get-hired-quick concept to blog about.