Get With the Program OPI!

I was originally going to do my blog post on something else, but I was procrastinating on my homework and I came across this....are you ready??? NICKI MINAJ IS GETTING A OPI COLLECTION! Now, normally I don't really like celebrity endorsed products, but ya know, it's Nicki so its okay. I had high expectations, because this is really the closest collection they have to fall yet. But I looked at it and I was not pleased....

It has 6 colors, one of them being a purple shatter "Super Bass Shatter" (JB fans, go for it), but I was again disappointed. Shatter again, really? Kudos to them for coming up with it, but please, move on! We've had this grunge look for too long. We get it, you like to brag.

So the other two colors are "Metallic For Life", and "Save Me". If you haven't noticed these are all a play on Nicki Minaj's songs. Now they're getting funky with that glitter! For "Save Me" it's obviously a glitter coat, but the funky part it the hair thin strips of glitter. I think they're trying to start another trend here but honestly, it doesn't look that great...Now for "Metallic For Life", it stays true to its name with a graphite steel look, and ooh lets see here: square chunks of steel glitter?? Inventive! Now this one actually looks pretty decent(:

So here's the bad part. Its their fall collection right? Then why oh why?, Mother of Polish do they not have a dark color scheme?!? Fall Polish=dark, burgundy, deep, wine colors that's what its all about! So why do they electric neon colors? With of course the exception of "Pink Friday" a more pastel like color. So we have "Did It On Em" nearly the same to "Who The Shrek Are You?" (pic below), ALSO by OPI. Really?

Now, don't get me wrong, I love the polishes themselves, but OPI has been going downhill lately. I feel like they're trying to imitate Chanel's September denim collection with out of season shades, just like Nubar did, shade for shade too! >:( (I have lost all respect for them now), but they should bothknow: You don't play with Chanel.

How do you wear them?

As many of you may know, TOMS have become a popular shoe among Austin teens.  I went around LASA, my school, and took pictures of a few people sporting their TOMS.  This is what I saw!

To buy and find information on TOMS click here



By Elena Cole (The Short One)

Uggs. Worth the money?

Classic shortie Uggs $150.  Picture courtesy of Ugg Boy <3 Ugg Girl [PHOTO//WORLD//TRAVEL] pro on flickr

Uggs.  A brand name associated with comfy boots that break the bank.  Are they worth it?  The classic tall Uggs are $180 and Uggs that are a certain style can be up to $350.  There are so many brands out there that make boots that look exactly like Uggs.  Sure,they aren't all made from real sheepskin and fur and handcrafted in Italy but that doesn't mean they don't keep you looking cute while staying warm.  A brand called Bearpaw makes shoes that look just like Uggs but their prices range from $50-$90, which is much much cheaper.  People that own Uggs, including myself and Elena, find them warm, comfy, and fashionable.  "I think that they were worth the money.  They are over priced though, most people can't afford that," Elena said.  "Next time I go boot shopping I'm definitely looking at other brands that sell products similar to Uggs."  And there are a lot.  Costco sells boots that were made in the same factory as Uggs but they don't say Uggs on them and are much cheaper, Target sells boots that look like Uggs for their reasonable Target prices, Bearpaw, and so many more.
For more information on Uggs click here
For more information on Bearpaws click here

-Audrey

What's up Austin?

Picture courtesy of Flickr

Taylor Swift in Concert.  To see more pictures click here

So much is happening here in Austin in the next week!  This Friday is a big and exciting day for the students of LASA and LBJ.  It's the big McCallum vs. LBJ game!  Before the game there is even a tailgate party.  If you don’t go to LBJ, LASA, or McCallum there is probably a football game going on at your school too.  If not, or you just don’t feel like showing any school spirit, there is a Ne-Yo concert at the Frank Erwin Center.  This weekend is the Texas Book Festival that will feature some really big writers as well as a few that are not as well known.  On Wednesday Taylor Swift is having a concert at the Frank Erwin Center.  Starting on the 20th and lasting until the 27th is the Austin Film Festival.  The Austin Film Festival will have viewings and follow up Q&A's for lots of different shows and movies, including the TV show Bones, the movie Toy Story, and the movie Edward Scissorhands.  There is a little something for everyone, whether you are a sports fan, addicted to music (isn’t everyone?), a total bookworm, or a film fan.

For more information on what’s going on at the Frank Erwin Center click here.

For more information on the Texas Book Festival click here.

For more information on the Austin Film Festival click here.

For more information on your school’s football games visit your school’s website (if you go to LASA, click here)

-Audrey

5 Must Haves For Winter!

If you are looking to stay warm and fashionable this winter, these are five things you must have:

North Face Denali Jacket

North Face, $165.00

Cropped Sweatpants

Aeropostale, $39.50

A Wool Pea coat

Delia's, $79.50

UGG boots

UGG, $180

A French Terry Shirt

Target, $14.99

Pictures By Elena Cole

-Elena Cole (The Short One)

Extension Courses. Which One?

Learn how to make simple, but delicious bruchetta (toasted italian bread topped with a tomatoe&basil salad) in Simple Italian Cooking

Design, make, and strut your designs like these in Fall Fashion 101

If you go to LASA and you (hopefully) didn't skip Forum you know about our upcoming event of ....Extension Courses! If you paid attention, there are many courses related with food, fashion, and music. For food we have "Simple Italian Cooking"(there is a fee of $2) where you learn how to make the food, so you can shake some up whenever you want! For fashion, we have a pretty obvious one here, Fall Fashion 101, a course on the new upcoming fall fashions to keep in style. They'll also have a red carpet fashion runway part of the class where you cant strut your stuff and your new designs. For music, we have a somewhat odd one, Beatboxing class, or listed as "booo bah skee bahh skadoosh", I'm serious, that's what it says. It's all bout beatboxing, and how to do it with class, and not fake spitting noises. For more Italian Recipes to bring to class, click here.

What town? A Town!

On Burnet Rd. a new boutique opened this past year.  It's called A Town, Austin Lifestyle Store.  A Town has tons of cute accessories, clothes, and decorations for your home, for affordable prices.  A Town is owned locally by two other Austin boutiques, Blue Elephant, and the Beauty Store and Spa.  Check out pics of some of their things below:

These are some of the decorations they have for your home!

They sell these cute hair tie ribbons that don't kink your hair when you take them out.

The sign says all! The store has great sales on their clothes where you can get everything for such a reasonable price!

Most of their earrings and clips (like the ones above) can be bought for $5-$6!

Their necklaces, like the ones above, are only $10!

For more information, click here to read a review by the Austin Chronicle!

-Audrey

Fire Relief Concert!

Photo Posted by Lou Angeli Digital on Flickr

As many of you probably know, Texas is in a huge drought, and has been experiencing many wildfires lately.  A couple of weeks back, this was all over the news with the big Bastrop fire, but seems to be out of the news feed.  Although it may seem like we are back to normal and don’t have to worry about the fires, we are actually still seeing more fires.  According to Texas Forest Service, there were eight new fires yesterday that they had to respond to, covering twenty-one acres.  Over the past week they have responded to fifty fires that covered 1,543 acres of land.  In many of these fires, homes have been damaged and lost as well as schools and entire communities.  In order to try and help people get back on their feet and restore their community, there will be a Fire Relief Concert.  This event will be held at the Frank Erwin Center on October 17^th at 6:30.  Many great musicians like George Straight, Willie Nelson, The Dixie Chicks, Lyle Lovett and Asleep at the Wheel will be performing.  Damages from the fire are estimated to reach $250 million, so come out and support the cause.  This is a wonderful chance to enjoy yourself and see great musicians while helping your community out at the same time.
For more information on the concert click here
-Elena Cole (the short one)

Get Suited Up For Winter! How to find your perfect coat

I'll be analyzing the pros and cons of a parka, peacoat, trenchcoat, blazer, North Face Denali jacket, and a leather bomber. It'll help you choose what to buy for the cold winter seasons and keep in style.

PARKA
Pros: Ridiculously warm, usually comes with a cute fur lined hood, and its okay to wear on the rainy days too.
Cons: Can get stuffy in there, and if you're not careful, you could end up looking like a marshmallow.

PEACOAT

Pros: Classically beautiful and will always be a staple in anyone's wardrobe, forever fashionable, and instantly slims down one's figure.

Cons: Easily dirtied, dry cleaning is a necessity, and when buying a quality coat, prices can get up to the $300 range.

TRENCH
Pros: Very slimming, good for rainy days, spices up a drab outfit by adding a proper British feel.
Cons: If not worn or fitted properly, can make you look frumpy

BLAZER
Pros: Sharp/posh looking, if you're going for the prep casual, but classy, look this is a must have, instantly gives any outfit the "clean crisp look"

Cons: Dry cleaning is needed if you buy a silk lining or velvet blazer, infamous for its tricky fitting around the stomach.

NORTH FACE DENALI JACKET

Pros: Warm in any weather, you can wear it with most athletic and super casual "I-was-late-to-the-bus-so-I-put-on-random-shirts-and-sweatpants" look.

Cons: The fur can get really frazzled, and you can't wear it with more dressier tops.

LEATHER BOMBER

Pros: You will look like a complete badass 24/7 with this on.

Cons: Hard to clean leather, and you have to pay close attention to accessorizing with this.

Hope that was useful to you guys! Comment below if you have any suggestions if you want any more fashion guides like this! Click here for some prime Peacoat and tempting Trenchcoat pics!

~ Jiyoon (:

Yet again, the Austin Adele concert is canceled.

Photo posted by Beacon Radio on Flickr

Adele is a very popular British singer and songwriter.  Her first album, reached number one and obtained 4X platinum status in the UK.  This star popped out of nowhere and has now released her second album which has continued to reach number one.  Adele also one the Grammy award for Best New Artist at the 2009 Grammy’s and has definitely proven this one.

Many Austin Adele fans have been looking forward to the Adele concert tonight. Earlier this summer, Adele had to postpone the concert from the original June 12^th at Stubbs to tonight’s date.  Yesterday, only one day before the night of the show, she was announced that the show was canceled.  Originally, she canceled her show due to laryngitis, but is now says she has a vocal cord hemorrhage and will not be able to perform the later date like planned.  Unlike the last time, she will not be rescheduling her performance and her Austin fans will not see her perform.  Many people are wondering if they will be able to get a refund for their tickets.  The answer is yes!  If you bought your tickets directly, and not through a scalper, then you can receive a full refund.

For more information on the cancellations, click HERE

-Elena Cole (The Short One)

Food Row

Take a drive down Burnet Rd. and you'll see tons of great local restaurants.  Stop and grab a bite at:

Phil's Ice House

Where you can eat burgers, sweet potato fries, and Frito pie

And right next door you can get some desert at...

Amy's Ice Cream

Don't feel like Ice Cream?

A few buildings down is...

Hey Cupcake!

Where you can get delicious cupcakes and even have them fill your cupcake with whipped cream!

If you want a classic lunch of a sandwich then visit...

Thundercloud Subs

Like Subway only better and local!

Want breakfast all day? Stop by...

Austin Diner

Want to catch up with friends over coffee or gelato?

Monkey Nest Cafe is the place to be!

Want to get a taste of the Mediterranean?

Come by...

Sarah's Mediterranean Grill and Market

Or do you want a twist on the classic tex-mex taco? Stop by...

Torchy's Tacos for tacos as unique as Austin itself!

Photos and photo essay by Audrey Halbrook

Seeing Green

Green is back everyone! I've looked at OPI, Essie, Orly, and Zoya with their new fall collections and they all have one thing in common, dark greens. I'm predicting a big jump to dark green polishes in the nail polish world. Dark green polish has had a infamous reputation for making your skin look "sickly", in comparison with your nails. But with these cute colors, I'm sure we'll make it work.
 For OPI in their fairly new "Texas" line, we have "Dont Mess With OPI" in a striking dark foresty green, an almost tree  like shade.
For Orly, we have "Lucky Duck", my personal favorite, in a true dark Jade color from their "Birds of A Feather" collection.
Then for Essie we have a nearly swamp like green color, with murky undertones of charcol gray. This is from their fall collection, centering on classic handbag/clutch colors, hence the name "Power Clutch".
And lastly we have a brand which for many of you is a first. It's called Zoya, and free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) , camphor, and are vegan friendly. Our color we have here is from their "Smoke" collection entitled "Dree", and is a muted darker version of a spring green. Click here for more information on this enviromentally friendly brand of polishes.

~ Jiyoon (:

                                              

3 Leads for My Opinion Paper

Lead: Why OPI Is Better Than The Rest

Lead 1: Startling Statement

There are harmful chemicals, (DBP, Formaldehyde, and Toluene) found in most nail polish products and closely linked with cancer, birth defects and asthma, and they’re found in most nail polish brands that you have today. Possibly even on you’re nails right now as you read this.

Lead 2: Question/Startling

Did you know that OPI is one of the few well known and affordable nail polishes that are formaldehyde, toluene and DBP free? These are unhealthy chemicals found in many polishes, but many people do not know about this alarming health issue.

Lead 3: Contrast & Compare/Question

OPI nail polish sits on a shelf, without any buyers, while just next door other cheaper nail polish brands such as NYC and Sally Hansen are flying off the shelves. NYC and Sally Hansen, are on the cheaper end in the world of polish, costing $1~$2, while OPI is around $8. But does the savings outweigh the health issues?

Thanks!,

Jiyoon <3

Please Vote On Which Lead You Like The Best

3 Opinion Leads:

Startling Statement:

Did you know that about 12.7 million tons of textiles were generated in 2009, or 5.2 percent of total municipal solid waste generation.  Well, it’s true, we waste a lot of material and harm our environment by always buying and throwing away clothes, when we could be trading and re-selling our old clothes.  Two very popular consignment stores in Austin are Buffalo Exchange and Plato’s Closet which both buy and sell used clothes locally.  I however think that Buffalo exchange is much better run and offers more programs to help in the community.

Question:

Did you know that Buffalo Exchange offers many programs other that buying, selling, and trading clothes in the community?  Buffalo Exchange raised nearly $35,000 to save Wildlife habitat at their Earth day dollar sale in April of 2011, and has raised over $345,000 for environmental causes since 1997. Buffalo Exchange collected 1,075 used furs for their Coats For Clubs winter 2010-11 drive.  Think about this when you are choosing whether to shop at Buffalo exchange or Plato’s closet.  Buffalo Exchange just does so much more.


Contrast and Compare:

When buffalo exchange started, it was a small 450 square foot store in Arizona.   Now the company has expanded to 43 stores in 15 states.   Through this, the company has stayed an independent and privately held company, so you can guarantee care as if you were at home.  Plato’s closet is a wide-spread company, so each shop is privately owned, so you can’t guarantee the same policies, quality and service at every store.

-Elena Cole (The Short One)

Opinion Leads: Why Local Food is Better

Hey guys!  Check out my leads below and tell me which one you like best! Thanks!

Narrative:
Cars honk as people drive in to the parking lot of P. Terry’s.  The line of cars waiting for the drive through wraps around the entire building.  Inside people wait in long lines to get a burger and fresh squeezed lemonade.  People keep coming.  Whether it’s lunch time, dinner, or just a midday snack, P.Terry’s always has people in it.  Waiting in line and getting a bite of some local Austin goodness.  It’s more of a rush than the nearest McDonald’s has seen in years.  And only the people of Austin know why.

Startling Statement:
A farmer puts a foreclosure sign in his yard.  Business has been slow.  People are not buying enough local foods.  Instead they rush to Costco and grab the biggest batch of produce that they can find.  Leaving farmers like him, struggling to support their families.  People drive past the local restaurant that’s always empty not even noticing the for sale sign in the front window or the fact that all the lights are off.  Instead they stop nearby at a nation wide chain.  Little do they know that their business could have helped keep that restaurant open.

Compare/Question:
One family sits eating vegetables that they bought in the frozen food aisle.  Another family sits eating fresh produce from the farmers market.  Both have spent the same amount of money.  But one family is getting more nutrition than the other.  That same family is helping a farmer put food on the table for his family.  Can you guess which one?

-Audrey