CURRENT OBSESSION: The Power Femme

I love a good Power Femme. It's a good look and a good attitude.

To me, a PF is a woman who takes her life by the horns and lives her life the way she wants it to be lived. She doesn't let anyone dictate her next earth shattering move. My current favorite Power Femme is Christina Aguilera. She has reinvented herself so many ways and manages to stay on top. I not only lover her AMAZING singing voice, but also that she is always trying to empower woman. You can agree with me or not. If you don't, listen to this song.

Needless to say, I'm sort of a Feminist. I'm not a bra burning and male hating Feminist. Although, I don't think that's the correct way to describe any Feminist because if you believe in equal rights for all genders, then you are technically a Feminist.

Anyway, I questioned my Feminist ways last year as I sat in my Intro to Women's Studies class. I'll take you back with me...

My mind is somewhere else. This crazy weather (cold then hot then cold again) has got me sniffing and wiping my snot-infested nose. And being in the basement of an academic building listening to two professors (that's right. I have TWO professors for one class) rant about post-feminism bullshit is the last place I want to be. At least I've got my good friends sitting behind and next to me. We're obnoxiously loud in class with our laughs--like it's high school all over again.

Professor A is a tiny silver-haired lady with eyes that bug out like a mad African man (dad, is that you?). I've never seen her make eye contact with any of us students. She's always staring at the back wall, forcing me to constantly look back to see if there's anything there. There isn't. Professor B is another tiny lady who is much younger and a little off beat with her nose ring and disheveled short chestnut-colored hair. Both nice.

We're in the middle of discussing Sojourner Truth (I think) when Professor A blurts out (like she always does), "I have a question for you!" Great. We'll never get back on topic. "Why do women wear heels?"

My focus went from my chocolate chip muffin to her. What did she just say? And like she heard my thoughts she repeated, "Whyyyy do women wear heels?!"

I shoved the last piece of my muffin in my mouth, swallowed and raised my hand instantly. I mean, I am the shoe queen. "Well, I don't know about other women but I wear them for personal reasons. I love the extra height, the way I look and the way I feel." Proud of my answer, my focus went right my to my muffin. Are there any crumbs? GOD, I'm hungry.

"Hmm. Interesting." Professor A said. Other girls in class began to answer. Some liked the length it gave their legs and some, actually a lot, responded that they just liked them because they did and never thought about it.

"Well." Professor A began. "Why do you feel the need to wear heels? You should not feel the need to wear heels. It doesn't do anything for you other than make your feet hurt. They are pointless. That's all I wanted to say."

Stop. Did she just? I mean, really. Did I just get chastised for liking heels? Oh. No. My hand shot up. "I mean, it's not like I FEEL the NEED to wear heels. I wear them because I like them. I wear them because they are cute. I wear them because I love shoes. There's no deeper meaning to the reason I wear heels, other than it's for sartorial reasons."I can get a little sassy in class.

Professor A responded, "All right, but don't blame me when you have feet problems in the future." Too late. My arch hurts when I wear flats.

That discussion turned me off for the rest of the semester. Any woman who looks down on heels and ridicules me for my fantastic footwear decisions was dead in my book. I began to think, was I not a Feminist because I believe in wearing heels is a woman's GOD given right? Later in class we got into the discussion of marriage. Let's just say that I got put down because I wanted to have a "traditional" wedding ... 

This is when I realized that being a Feminist wasn't about oppressing the "traditional" aspects of being a woman. To me, being a Feminist means believing in equal rights for women in society. I'm not saying chivalry should die because I truly adore a man who holds the door for me. Seriously. When a man holds the door open for me I look at them like they are my knight in shinning armor. But, I think that a woman should be allowed to feel like she can fulfill her woman-like duties, whatever that may be, without the burden of betraying her fellow Feminist Fatales. Thus, the birth of the Power Femme.

XOXO

Photo: Style.com

What Santa is Bringing Me!

This Christmas I asked Santa for a watch and ALDO booties. And so far, a little elf has told me I'll be getting both!

You see, watches are my secret obsession. What? Secretista has a SECRET obsession? YES! Well, it's not so secret anymore... Over the summer I went to a G-Shock party and had the time of my life looking at all the different watches and ignored the multiple famous faces that surrounded me--it was all about the watches baby! Now that I think about it, I want a G-Shock watch (my 21st Birthday is next month *HINT*HINT*). Anyway (sorry for digressing), I asked the jolly old white-haired man for a thin and elegant watch. I thought it was time I have a watch I can wear with my formal attire. It's a good investment.

Next, I asked Santa baby for the Tureson wedged leather bootie from ALDO Shoes. Santa's (aka my pops) reaction was, "Those are ugly! Do you really want those?" I then responded, "Yes dad. I really want those." Mums-the-word is he sent his little elf, uh my older brother, on a hunt for the booties and the little elf told me that he found them in the mall right near our house--and in my big-foot size! Here's my soon-to-be 10th addition to my ALDO Shoes collection:

Tureson
ALDO Shoes
$130.00

What did you ask Santa for?

xoxo

Elephants in Fashion

Elephants are the greatest animals on Earth. The fashion industry agrees:

Richard Avedon. Dovima with Elephants; August 1955

Karl Lagerfeld's elephant ensemble, Bruce Weber for W magazine.

Keira Knightley feeding an Elephant for June 2007 Vogue.

Free People

April 2008 Harper's Bazaar

Hermes

Now do you understand my obsession with Elephants?

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Secretista

Resident Assistant Fo' Life!

It's no secret I'm a Resident Assistant. And it's also no secret that I love being one! My staff is amazing and my residents are too. There's so much work that goes into this job, but I don't mind putting forth all my OCD-like (haha) energy to complete every single task that's thrown my way. It also doesn't hurt that I get free housing.

That being said, the new semester starts in two weeks! And with a new semester comes a new floor theme. Last semester it was cupcakes; remember? My door tags looked like this. I love sharing the things I love with... anyone, so it was only fitting that my Spring semester floor theme would be magazines! Magazines, j'adore.

My bulletin board.

I created my own magazine though. It's entitled "Second Floor" because that's my floor and also the best floor on campus (hehe). Each resident has a cover page with their name and a couple facts about themselves.

My door tag.

If you ever get the chance to be an RA, do it.

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Secretista
8 days 'til my birthday!!!!!!

Make Cupcakes. Not War.

It's no surprise to anyone who knows me; I am OBSESSED with cupcakes. It's kind of sickening how obsessed I am, but I don't apologize for my love of the perfect accessory. So when I opened the February issue of Teen Vogue and saw an article on having a DIY cupcake party, I knew the editors had me in mind (or, I like to think they did). Simply stated, cupcakes and fashion go hand-in-hand--in my world.

The article states it best. I love not having to share a cupcake, and with my birthday on the way, I'm anticipating how many cupcakes I'll be eating to celebrate the best day on Earth, ever. Of course I believe that sharing is caring, but when it comes to a cupcake, GET YOUR OWN!

Everyone has a different way to eat a cupcake. I lick all the icing off and then I shove the cupcake in my mouth. What do you do?

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Secretista
10 days 'til my birthday!

Clip This!

Mondays are always a drag. I never understand why. May be it's because we all get back from our relaxing weekends and are forced to work; whatever it may be. I recently got a job on campus and today was my first day. In other words, the first time I woke up before noon in two weeks. I just knew today would be blah because I was tired and groggy. So to brighten my day, I wore a big red bow clip--à la Minnie Mouse--in my hair. I love hair clips. Clips with flowers, feathers, and bows are what I adore.

This infatuation with hair clips started as a child. My mother is who I have to thank (Thanks ma). She forcefully made me wear hair clips and sure at first I detested this look because well, mama made me do it! But, the hair clips eventually grew on me and I can't imagine my life without at least one in my hair accessories basket. They also add that extra pop to any outfit.

I hope every one's week was off to a good start.

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Secretista

11 days 'til my birthday!

Delete A Facebook Friend

I'll be the first to admit I love Internet social networks. Plain and simple, I'm a Web 2.0 geek (**waves geek flag**). But I will admit that certain networks like Facebook do have their limits, and when a friend sent me this link and said, "You'll love it." I felt that it was time I shared my secret obsession (which isn't a secret anymore--hah).

Foremost, the social from CNet News reports that Burger King has created a Facebook application entitled "Whopper Sacrifice." This Facebook app will give you a coupon for a free hamburger if you delete 10 people from your friends list!

Secretly, I enjoy deleting people from my Facebook friends list. It's nothing personal. Last year I deleted close to 100 people from my friends list because well, I didn't talk to those people in-person--ever. I know everyone is different and some people enjoy having 1,000+ friends, but I don't. That being said, there are a few type of Facebook friends I do not like (and I may be guilty of being one of them, but no one's perfect):

The "we met one time" friend. That's right, you know what I'm talking about. Sure it's cool we just met and you're probably a really cool person, but uhm, I DON'T KNOW YOU THAT WELL? I'll admit it. I've done this before but it was for networking purposes. I like to stay in touch with other interns I've met, but if we had one intriguing conversation and you add me just because we met ONCE. I'll ignore the request. Or... add you, check out your profile and then delete you (**chuckles**).

The "we go/went to the same school" friend. It's awesome that we go to the same college or that we both went to the same high school, middle school, or whatever. But don't let me add you and then have you not write on my wall or something along those lines. Let's say we did go to the same school, but did we talk? Did we do more than just say hi to each other? DID WE HAVE CLASSES TOGETHER?! Let's catch-up and not be non-communicating Facebook friends. In addition, nothing erks me more than a person who goes to my college and just adds me because we go to the same school. Fool, we've never talked in-person before. Seriously, DO-I-KNOW-YOU?

The "non-communicating" friend. Of course it's hard to keep up with all your friends on Facebook, but Facebook isn't MySpace. I'm not trying to have as many friends as possible. Do NOT add me just so that we're friends. Like I said before, let's communicate; that's what Facebook is for.

What do you guys think?

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Secretista

14 days 'til my birthday!

Stomp Around

As I get older, my style changes (as expected of course). One aspect about my everyday style that has drastically changed is shoes. Never did I think I would enjoy wearing 4-5 inch heels for more than 12 hours.

Half of my shoe rack that's tucked away in my campus closet.

I often wonder where my love for heels began, but I can't seem to figure it out. In high school I loved the "kitten heel." I'd wear them with colored socks and tights. Somewhere between then and now, I endured the thrill of dancing the night away in blister inflicting heels. Seriously, whenever I go out dancing or to a party that involves dancing for a long period of time, I MUST wear heels. I don't take them off because I think dancing in flip flops or socks and a fashionable dress is tacky; that's just me.

I also guess there's just something about a high heel that makes me feel like a supermodel (ha-ha). And because it fulfills this far-fetched dream of mine, I'm obsessed with high-heels.

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Secretista

16 days 'til my birthday!

Peanut M&M Bondage

"We're so spoiled," said a friend of mine last night as we sat in my campus room doing a little art & crafts. What she was referring to as "we" was the United States population. It's winter break and the two of us have made a commitment to working out every day for the next three weeks, sort of. She said, "Here we are complaining about working out for an hour when there are people who pretty much do physical labor for more than 12 hours a day in other countries." And the sad part, it's so true. Sometimes I forget how good I have it as an American.

A bag filled with 48 Peanut M&M's packets.

This makes me feel bad about my next obsession: Peanut M&M's. My love for Peanut M&M's reminds me of my childhood. Growing up, I had a love for these candy-coated creations, hair clips, and Mary-Jane flats. These three things were all things my mom and I bonded over. And so while my young years were filled with curious thoughts as to when I would get my next Peanut M&M's fix or what hair clip and Mary-Jane flat I would wear to church, girls like Long Pross are worried about starting a new life for themselves after being forced into sexual slavery in their tween years; The New York Times reports.

Be grateful for what you have. I am.

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Secretista

18 days 'til my birthday!!

Inspire Me!

The one thing that Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Audrey Hepburn and Gwen Stefani have in common, besides being celebrities, is that they are a couple of my fashion icons. All four of these ladies influence my style in more ways than I can count. I think fashion icons emerge not for us to emulate but for us to admire and channel--through our style. And this my friends, is why I'm obsessed with fashion icons. I just love being inspired (*cough*look at my profile*cough*).

The reason I love all four of these ladies is because each one of them stick/stuck by their personal style. My love for their personal style might also have to do with the fact that one day I want to leave my mark on this world as a woman who stood on her own. Each one of them are different and independent women whose style cannot be replaced.

Who are your fashion icons?

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Secretista

Monday Obsession: Off Days

What a day! Seriously, today was such an off day. My off day got a running start when I missed the train because my normal route to the train station was blocked by the police. Rushing to find altertative routes, I almost got in accident. Keyword: ALMOST. Nevertheless, I was late for my internship. I anticipated that I would only be 5-10 minutes late, but once I arrived at the subway station, the A train took 30 minutes to arrive. Hmm, let me say that again for dramatic affect. THE A TRAIN TOOK THIRTY MINUTES TO ARRIVE! Darn subway system. Anyway, the scene in the closet today reminded me of Santa's workshop; there was non-stop motion. I was so caught up in the work that I didn't even notice that lunch time swooshed by. Sure I was tired by midday, but once I ate, I was energized and ready to hit the racks. Side note: I love being in the closet; today I touched a John Galliano creation *Angels sing* . By the end of the day, I was exhausted and looked forward to my mini-nap on the train ride back. My off day was over (yay!). But wait. Spotted: a white piece of paper on my windshield. What was this? None other than a parking ticket (GRR)! Apparently, by parking with my backside in, I was violating one of the parking rules. Now I have to fork over $15 to the parking garage. Those hooligans! Well at least I looked cute today. And isn't that all that really matters my fellow fashion lovers? Haha.

As you can see, part of my Monday wasn't so great (mainly the commute part), but oh well, off days happen. You live, you learn, and you move on. Tomorrow's another day. How was your Monday?

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Secretista

Monday Obsession: Intuition

We all have it. It's that inner voice that tells us what to do. Sometimes we ignore it and sometimes we listen to it, but most of the time, that little voice a.k.a your intuition is right.

This morning I missed my normal train because I couldn't decide what to wear... sort of. You see, I have what I call a style intuition; I take a look at my closet the night before and then I instantly know what I should wear. However, when the next morning comes, I go against my style intuition and put something else on--only to realize that I don't like it. And guess what I end up wearing? The original outfit I mocked up in my head! So when I start rushing to my destination, I'm constantly saying, "You need to trust your intuition. YOU NEED TO TRUST YOUR INTUITION!"

Sadly, this isn't the first I've ignored my intuition (style or not). For a while I battled with a strong issue of self-doubt, but I guess most of us have at one point, right? It's taken me years to trust that inner voice of mine and although I think I've come a long way from the prepubescent girl who never trusted her own judgement, I still battle with self-doubt every now and then, i.e today. Anyone the same?

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Secretista

P.S. The suggestions on yesterday's post as to what I should do about my little visitors were funny and helpful! I'm not sure what I want to do, but I'd like to kill them. However, these spiders scare me. I can usually kill spiders because during the last school year, my roommate would not kill the creepy crawlies in our room and I was not about to go to bed with a spider or whatever going for a joy crawl in our room, so I had to MAN up. Hmm. Well. I go back to school in about two weeks so I won't have to see them for another 3 months. Let's hope by then their long gone.

Monday Obsession: Cupcakes

...what a surprise, NOT! After work today, I decided to head uptown to Buttercup Bake Shop, and I have to admit, I was a little disappointed. The cake is amazing, but the icing isn't exactly my favorite. It makes me wonder why anyone would want one of their icing shots. Yes, I said ICING SHOTS. The icing is too rich and I found a piece of plastic in the icing of my red velvet cupcake (yikes!). Sadly, that didn't stop me from finishing it (HEY. I paid 6 bucks!), but what's so great about this bake shop is that with at least two cupcakes you get a free drink! Buttercup Bake Shop, you are in last place on my cupcake list.

Besides eatable cupcakes, there's me (unless you're a cannibal)! Today's outfit is little girl and cupcake inspired. Okay lovelies, prepare to use your imagination. In my head, my trapeze dress is the cupcake while my silver sequenced kicks are kind of like the icing on top of the cupcake. I think the shoes add a sweet, pretty, and unique touch to the outfit. What do you think? Anyone else have food inspired outfits?

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Secretista

Monday Obsession: Creatures of Habit

During my senior year of high school, my journalism teacher used to always say, "We're all creatures of habit..." I understood what she meant, but never thought it applied to me--until today.

I do everything, for the most part, the same... everyday. I get out of bed the same (hitting snooze 3 times), and I get dressed the same. In addition, I usually style myself... the same (a dress/skirt or jeans/pants) Why is this? My habits don't stop there either. Down at the cafeteria in the office building, the sandwich maker knows what I want.

"Grilled chicken and lettuce in a whole wheat wrap please," I casually say.
Her response, "Yup, and no pickle right?"
"Right!"

To relate this to fashion, someone once said that you should create a look for yourself and just keep adding pieces that enhance it. Thus, feeding human nature for habits and rituals. I guess having set habits isn't exactly a bad thing. In a way, it kind of defines who you are and gives you character. Wouldn't it be nice to have a signature look? And so I wonder, what's my signature look? My headbands? My dresses? My... smile? Hmm.

What are some of your habits and rituals?

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Secretista

P.S. I had another Crumbs Bake Shop cupcake from the cafeteria. I'm obsessed.

Monday Obsession: Perfection

I am perfect. When I wake up my hair and makeup is already done. All the boys want me and my body figure is perfect. Pssh, I wish. For the most part of my middle school years, I was obsessed with being perfect. I can't exactly trace the reason for this, other than family. My brother is 9 years older than me and while he was in high school getting scolded for his poor performance, I was an impressionable elementary school student. The fights my parents and my brother would get into would scare me, so after hearing my parents scold him day-in and day-out I told myself that I would never receive a bad grade as long as I live; I didn't want to disappoint my parents. I soon learned that it was impossible to maintain a perfect report card while participating in the numerous extracurricular activities I had on my plate, but that didn't stop me from trying. My strive for perfection eventually reached every aspect of my life. I became obsessed with making sure people saw me in a certain way that if I thought I upset someone for whatever reason, I would beat myself up for days. I once told my mom this and she said, "It's because you care too much about others." Could this be true? 'Til this day I sometimes condemn myself for making mistakes, but I'm slowly learning that perfection does not exist and that I have to live and move on. After all, no one's perfect. Right?

Well, this is why I think I love fashion so much; it's fickle. One year something can be "in" and the next, it's "out". Fashion stands for the complete opposite of me. I am far from a fickle person, so having something in my life that balances my slight obsession makes me feel complete! However, I think the best designers create silhouettes and pieces that are everlasting and well, perfect.

Have you ever found yourself obsessing over perfection?

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Secretista

Monday Obsession

My room smells like a 14 year-old boy; my roommate is working on a project for her film class on Axe commercials (they're pretty ridiculous) and she bought Axe and she sprayed--I swear--a little poof, and now, we are both suffocating from the likes of a teenage boy's cheap cologne!

TO ALL MEN: WOMEN DON'T LIKE THE SMELL OF AXE!

Moving on, a couple nights ago I went to Target (parlez vous Target?) and bought a couple things and amongst my 60 dollar plus purchase was a treasured beauty! This treasured beauty was a gold-plated ELEPHANT necklace! You all know that I am obsessed with Elephants and I HAD to buy it. After looking at the necklace, I got to thinking, who would wear it better? Ellie or me?

My pick is Ellie. What's yours?

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Secretista

TV Show Obsession: Desperate Housewives

It wasn't until the 2nd season of Desperate Housewives that I began to tune in. I refused to watch the show the first season because it was all people could talk about:

"DID YOU SEE WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT ON DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES?!"
"NO! I don't watch that stupid show!"

Who knew that I would eventually become an avid follower of the show?! However, during the 2nd season, many began to stop watching! Apparently, the 1st season was more eventful than the 2nd. Oh well, all I know is that I was hooked after the 2nd season premiere.

If you're living in the U.S, then you know that Desperate Housewives premieres tonight! The writer's strike is long and done with and our favorite shows are making their debuts! I'm so excited to see what's in store for Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty! If I didn't love magazines so much, I would try to work in TV. I love TV; I also love love commercials! I don't change the channel, I sit and watch the commercials (most of the time).

ISN'T SHE STUNNING?!

My favorite character is Gabrielle Solis aka Eva Longoria Parker. Gabrielle is a self-centered, kind at heart, stunningly beautiful, high-fashion loving type of gal. I, like Gabrielle, find myself gearing towards the more expensive clothing items; this is something I need to take care of because I can't afford expensive clothing on a student budget! I find myself forgetting to look at the price tags! I hope I don't dig myself deeper into a debt hole that has already started from my student loans. But, back to Gabrielle. She's got the goods and the style. It amazes me how Gabrielle can put on a sleazy outfit and not seem like well, a slut. I think it might have to do with Eva's petite stature. Sometimes, when you've got less curvaciousness (is that a word?) going on, it's easier to wear next-to-nothing and make it seem like you're fully clothed.

When the ladies of Desperate Housewives last left us, a Tornado had hit, a few lives were taken, and new friendships built. What will happen next is anybody's guess!

Desperate Housewives: Tonight @ 9PM!

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Secretista

Monday Obsession

Coming to College with hopes that I might find my future husband (haha!), I thought I would become obsessed with my looks and wear my hair down everyday. Well, the exact opposite happened. I've realized that I don't exactly have time for a man in my life, nor do I care to. Sure, it gets lonely being independent, driven, and self sufficient, but I would feel bad leaving my um, lover (?) in the back burner. Any single ladies agree? Or, do I stand alone on this one?

Okay, well what I'm trying to get at is that I've become obsessed with headbands. I use to wear them on occasion, but recently, I become absolutely obsessed. I wear the same one everyday--only because I haven't gone out to buy more--with my hair twisted up in a banana clip. Of course I'll wear my hair down if I have time or feel like it, but a banana clip and headband is how I like to roll, yo.

Ellie loves the headband too!

I finally got around to writing an article for my school newspaper! I wrote on a topic I brushed over on here last week. Here's a preview of what I wrote:

Actually, Just Google Me

...Okay, so there’s no doubt that we are all guilty of once in a while Googling ourselves and seeing what comes up (heck, I did it just about 5 minutes ago). And if by now you’ve notice things you wouldn’t want other people to find out comes up, why haven’t you changed your name?!—Ha, Okay. But on a serious note, does having our name and access to the internet give our future bosses the right to search our names as well? What if an embarrassing picture from our past surfaces along with the name search? Should we, prospective employees and College students, be judged on that? I think we should; the Internet is all about what we put out there, but then again, what about incidents we can't control? Incidents that might have to do with an article incorrectly written about us. Or, something from our past, i.e. once again, embarrassing pictures....

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Secretista