My Latest Fall Obsessions

Posted in Fashion, Pop Culture by msiwak

Hi everyone! It’s been a crazy, hectic fall semester full of homework, keeping up with the election news (ugh, so overwhelming), job applications and my senior seminar research study, which is why I haven’t posted as much. But, I’m back now! Yay! (I choose to believe you, my loyal readers, are just as thrilled to be reading this as I am to get to write this.)

With the fall season, in between the serious news and workload, there’s been plenty of new pop culture to immerse oneself in.

1. Netflix’s new show, “The Crown.”

As of this past Sunday, November 6, I began binge-watching the latest Netflix original series, titled “The Crown” and chronicling the early days of the marriage of Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) and Prince Philip (Matt Smith). May I just say, in my opinion, it is one of the best dramatic series that Netflix has created. It very much resembles the British shows that I became so fond of last year while I was abroad. While I’m only four episodes in (no spoilers please!), I’ve become hooked, as the storytelling is well-done at expressing the Royal Family “as Kardashians,” as the stars jokingly referred to it during talk shows and press interviews. Now enjoy some of my random thoughts that crossed my mind while watching:

Is there a certain quota of Matt Smith’s bum shots to include per episode?
Is it [the bum shots of Matt Smith as Prince Philip] historically accurate??
Time to pull up Wikipedia for a historical timeline and family tree…
Oh no, I can relate to such bad fog over London! 😦

2. Netflix’s acquisition of one of my favorite BBC shows, “Doctor Foster.”

While abroad in London (one year ago *insert sobs here*) and taking classes in British media, I began watching a new series called “Doctor Foster,” a five-part story of British GP Gemma Foster living a happily married life as a wife and mum until discovering a single blonde hair on her husband Simon’s scarf. The show tells the story of a woman finding out about her husband’s infidelity and the lengths she goes to find the truth. Such a powerful story courtesy of the Beeb, and I truly recommend you all to watch it. Truly brilliant, and it’s such a shame it is a British show because I have absolutely no clue how I’ll be able to watch the second series (now filming) when it starts airing.

3. Kenzo X H&M collaboration

Upon the release of H&M’s latest designer collab (remember how genius the Balmain one was a year ago??) with Kenzo, I immediately went to the lookbook and was instantly obsessed. Knowing I couldn’t get it all because most of it was sold out was sad, but I chose an adorable off-the-shoulder printed floral blouse and I cannot wait for it to arrive later this week, because I have already planned outfits around it. (Too much?)

4. Gagged Chokers

Created by Broadway’s Princess Jasmine (Courtney Reed), a new business venture has emerged and created handmade, unique chokers for the cool girls. And they made a Broadway collection. Seemed like a no-brainer to me. After careful consideration of what was in stock and various styles, I chose the Memory choker: a leopard-print (alternating with a plain gold) choker inspired and named from the Broadway revival of “Cats.” It was the appropriate mix of edgy, trendy and cute, and once again I have outfits planned well in advance to match. (Is that too much?)

5. “The Magnolia Story” book

I just started this weekend “The Magnolia Story” of Chip and Joanna Gaines from the HGTV hit “Fixer Upper.” While I’m only on chapter one and two, I’ve instantly become transfixed by the humor and cuteness of real-life home decor couple Chip and Joanna Gaines. I start thinking, “Aww! They are so cute!! ❤ *melting into a pile on the floor*)

6. My calming mechanisms

The one thing that can always calm me down after a stressful day: HGTV. Watching any HGTV show never fails to calm down my nervous energy brought on by the amount of stress I’ve been feeling as a senior in my last semester of college ever. So, sometimes it helps to calm down and de-stress, which this blog is also helping.

7. The tear-jerking dramedy on NBC, “This is Us.”

Ever since binging the first episode, I was hooked on this new show (which clearly the rest of the world was too, as it was picked up for a full season hours after the pilot aired.) It’s so well-written and does such a great job at telling human stories, interwoven with the perfect sprinkle of humor. The one downer: I. CAN’T. STOP. SOBBING. Literally, this show has (on average) reduced to me to tears at least twice an episode. The only show where my emotions can play tennis, and alternate between laughing and ugly crying every few minutes. Kleenex, you should get on this– I smell a perfect corporate sponsorship opportunity here.

8. Niall Horan’s new single, “This Town.”

I know Directioners, this may seem like a tragedy that the day long feared as arrived— the 1D boys’ solo projects. Which for me, signifies the end to a 1D era. But, Horan’s debut single is so different, but I love it. More reminiscent of Ed Sheeran’s ballads, it’s so beautiful and I love listening to it… Sometimes on repeat. (No judgment, please.)

screen-shot-2016-11-07-at-5-43-52-pm

9. Little Mix’s new single, “Shout Out to My Ex.”

Shortly after Horan’s single another UK-based single was released, this time X Factor winning girl band Little Mix. And while you immediately start debating whether or not this was meant as member Perrie’s ex (and 1D’s ex-member) Zayn and his rather quick turnaround of a relationship with model Gigi Hadid, I’m over here jamming out this smash hit. So fun, and pure Little Mix, which is perfect, rumors aside of who it is based on with the title “shout out to my ex.”

10. I’d be crazy if I didn’t include the upcoming Netflix “Gilmore Girls” revival…

Yes, I am so excited to see where literally every character from my favorite adolescent television show has ended up. And before you even ask what team I am— I’m Team Right Guy at the Right Time for Rory! (They were all great prospects for the time they were together, I think everyone can agree on that.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGGNNSmGDpU

Those are some of my obsessions this fall season! Go check them out yourself, and let me know your thoughts!

And make sure to VOTE tomorrow! Whatever side you choose, remember that it’s YOUR voice and you have the chance to make YOUR voice heard and count, because everyone’s voice matters.

19Sep2016

Emmys 2016 Red Carpet Review

Posted in Fashion, Pop Culture by msiwak

As tonight is the Emmy Awards, that means my red carpet fashion review is back! Ready? Here we go!

Priyanka Chopra (Star of my latest Netflix binge/ television obsession: Quantico) looks fab in her long, one shoulder dress. Looks elegant and I have nothing else to say–except WILL ALEX AND RYAN ACTUALLY END UP TOGETHER THIS SEASON? (Sorry, I just had to get that out.)

I can honestly say I’ve never seen a Zac Posen dress like Emily Ratajkowski’s, but I’m not mad at it– it looks gorgeous (as always, Mr. Posen) and elegant and regal, but still edgy. (Just confused why she’s there.)

Okay, so when I went to the British Fashion Awards last fall, I saw Gwendoline Christie accept her style icon award and definitely noticed how tall she is (me, I have the opposite problem), but here–you almost don’t realize how tall she is, just how gorgeous and glam her dress is. So, bravo.

The Netflix show is Stranger Things sweeping the nation, as is the child actors who star in it. And their wardrobe choices are fab. The boys look great in their interesting blazers. (That middle blazer, though?!?) Love. And young Millie wearing such a gorgeous Valentino red dress… Um, so is it to early to call Best Dressed yet??

Sophie Turner is wearing a stunning Valentino lace dress. Simplistic yet elegant. Stunning. And that picture— BLING. Sorry, I got a bit distracted by her ring. Very shiny.

I love this Alexander Wang dress on Tatiana Maslany. It’s long and elegant (especially paired with her hair and earrings), but the cutouts add just the perfect amount of edginess that I love.

Everyone has been praising this Monique Lhullier look on Sarah Hyland… Okay, brutal honesty time. I like the top: stunning. elegant. I like the idea of pants. I like the tailoring. I like her hair. Stunning. It’s just putting all that together looks a little disjointed to me and I’m not liking the combination of the stunning pieces. They just don’t really flow together– the colors seem mismatched.

Love Ellie Kemper in Jenny Packham. Stunning. Glam. And I love her hairdo–so classic.

Tori Kelly is classic Old Hollywood and looks great. STUNNING.

Emilia Clarke looks so breathtakingly stunning in Versace– I’m just not sure what I think of the nude color…

Wow, I love Zuhair Murad, and Kristen Bell’s gown looks impeccable. Very princessy, very glam and very unique.

Oh, I don’t even know what to think about Anna Chulmsky. That bad, that it’s rendered me speechless– in a bad way. Yikes. This does look like your grandparents’ sofa: the fabric, the color: blech.

Rami Malek looks very dapper in Dior Homme or as Tim Gunn says, “sartorially correct.”

Kerry Washington in “baby bump chic” and looks just as chic as ever. Her dress is gorgeous. And even with minimal/natural makeup, she’s still flawless.

Love this Marchesa dress on Viola Davis. The color and details looks AHMAZING. Gorge. And PLEASE DON’T LET ANY OF THE KEATING FIVE + ANNALISE DIE THIS SEASON. (Sorry, that just came out.)

Shiri Appleby of Unreal (love the show!) looks ahmazing and so glam in this sparkly blue gown. Stunning. Love it.

Claire Danes look stunning in this very sparkly gold dress. But is it me or did she try to match her dress to her hair? Just a little bit?

I think Sarah Paulson’s Prada dress HAS TO be my favorite gown on the red carpet. It’s just stunning. Utterly gorgeous.

Okay, time to watch the show! What were your favorite red carpet looks of the night? And who are you rooting for?

30Jul2016

What’s all the fuss about? Reviewing the Kylie Lip Kit.

Posted in Beauty Trends, Miranda Tries New Things, Pop Culture by msiwak

So, for almost a year, the beauty and pop culture sphere (which I frequently follow, almost religiously) have been abuzz with news of the mystical Kylie Jenner Lip Kit, how to get it, how it’s amazing– and at last, I was able to purchase one of these now-famous kits, and so, I thought I’d review my first experiences with the kit.

Off the bat, getting my Kylie Lip Kit in the mail, I felt instantly cooler, like all the teens of the world would definitely approve of my newfound coolness.

Color: So, after careful research, I purchased the Koko K lip kit (which comes with a lipliner and matte lipstick). I chose Koko (named for Khloe Kardashian, Kylie’s half-sister) because the nude-pink color would look best on fair/pale skin (aka me).

It’s here! It arrived!

Within the well-known design of the KLK box, I opened it up to find my lipstick (looking more like a lip gloss) and matching lip liner.

The application:

Time to try it out!

As Kylie indicated on the box, “for the best result, fill in your lips with the lip liner then top with one coat of Matte Liquid Lipstick.”

Lips filled in with Koko K liner

The liner is barely visible and appears to lose its sharpness after just one use. So, what happens when it runs low? Is there a mechanism to sharpen it? Or do you just have to buy more?

I go to apply the lipstick, as I open it, I notice how good it smells. It smells like a fruity Lip Smacker (makes me miss my childhood!) and goes on easily and really fast.

At first, the lipstick is really glossy.

But very quickly, the lipstick becomes more matte-looking and dries just as fast. Woah. Immediately, I really like the color, it’s a cute nude-pink color that pops a bit against my skin, more than a completely nude color would, which I like.

After some ten minutes, I notice how it doesn’t seem to be coming off at all– let’s see how it holds up when I test how well it lasts going about my regular day.

Ta Da!

As I looked in the mirror, I noticed how it looks good when my mouth is closed, but not so much when you open your mouth or smile (that’s when you can see cracks). I mean, I don’t think Kylie ever smiles wearing her KLK, so I guess that makes sense…But, it still smells good while I’m wearing it, so there’s that.

And to all my fellow pale girls: Koko K is the perfect shade for my super fair skin tone. (Finally! A shade for us ghostly pale people that looks perfect!

BEFORE

AFTER

Wearing it all day:

Side effect of wearing a Kylie Lip Kit: you can’t stop taking selfies, or maybe that’s because I feel so much cooler now (like teens would approve of me now)…

Day 1 wearing the KLK, after eating my salad for lunch, the lipstick almost all came off, but the lipliner remained. Hm, interesting. Everyone on social media has raved about its lasting effects… well, clearly Kylie and her fans that wear her lipsticks, don’t eat food, because it did not hold up at all to me just eating a salad. Point one for the negative column, Kylie. Great message, Kylie: if you don’t eat, your Kylie Lip Kit will last all day! You just have to sacrifice your lipstick for satisfying your hunger, right?!? Nope, sorry Kylie and her loyal followers– that’s not a good thing. (Sorry to burst any bubbles…) Well, let me explain: after eating lunch, almost all of the color is gone, yet a faint stickiness o from the lipstick remains on my lips.

I decided to test the KLK all day at work, to see how well it would hold up when working full-time. That morning, I applied my kit and then some eos lip balm on top because I heard that helps it stay longer? (Could be an urban myth– but it did make it shinier.) Then, at 10:37 am (about forty minutes into my work day), I started noticing little crumblies in the lower corners of my lips. By noon, the kit had officially dried, there was no sticky parts left (color still there).

Then, by 1:30pm, it was basically all gone after running errands in the heat and drinking a lot of water (NYC life. Fashion intern life.), BUT there was no visible residue on my water bottles (but none left on my lips), so I’m confused about WHERE exactly the color went?!? Then, I put more of my eos balm on, which helped preserve the color a little (I didn’t reapply, as I read you’re not supposed to with the KLK).

At 3pm (hardly the end of the work day), the lip color was completely gone and my lips were completely bare, except they were stained a little darker than normal. However, the lip liner was still there, just the matte gloss/ lipstick, not really– but I still felt stickiness from it. I wonder how well the lip liner would work with other lipsticks?

All in all, I LOVE the color (and I instantly feel cooler wearing it, so bonus??), but practically? It’s just not very long-lasting, which I don’t like or want in a lipstick.

Well, I tried it… Will I wear it again? Yes, but not for an extended period of time, because KLK can’t handle it.

16Jul2016

A non-tech girl tries something new… Reviewing the new Pokemon app.

Posted in Miranda Tries New Things, Pop Culture by msiwak

So, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard or been playing the new Pokemon game. Or app? I really have no idea other than that it’s become the fastest/most popular app in the App Store (double the amount of downloads Tinder has) and that you catch virtual Pokemon in the real world. Other than that, I’m clueless. But, in an effort to write more on here– here we go: I’m about to try it. My goal: I just don’t want to lose. (Wait, can you lose this game??)

So, let’s start this adventure. (Disclaimer: I just want to say how I’m probably the least tech-savvy millennial and I haven’t used the phrase ‘Pokemon,’ other than just now, since elementary school. So, yeah, just wanted to throw that out there.)

***

Step 1: Download the app.

While it’s downloading, I go to the page description: two unhelpful, un-explanatory pictures, and it just says how you need to find the Pokemon as you walk around your neighborhood. So, basically not being helpful to the non Pokemon-savvy.

I did a thing… Will I enjoy it? Will I regret it? Only time will tell…

Step 2: Open the app.

Birthday entered. No clue why. Email logged on. Let’s start this thing, or at least attempt to.

Step 3: Play the game. (Or attempt to)

I decided to play leisurely, and not play every time I walk anywhere. (I never was the diehard Pokemon or tech fan.)

When you pull up the app (after staring at the Caution: Be Safe page for a few minutes while it loads), you (or should I say your character as a “Pokemon trainer”) are suddenly thrust into a virtual green landscape surrounded by random blue geometric shapes, with weird pink and green confetti flying out of it. And you wait (or move around) until you find a “wild” Pokemon roaming around– or better put, standing right next to you. When you find something, you must click on it, which brings you to a new screen.

(Me playing while doing research at work)

So, the new screen uses your camera and GPS apps to project the Pokemon into the real world, where you must throw your ball (Pokeball?) at the little guy. (Note: “throw” is a bad choice of words– it’s just a swipe.) And by luck, your swipe will capture the Pokemon or force you to try again.

After capturing about fifteen Pokemon in total, I never felt any thrill of adding to my PokeCollection, like now what? Now, I never passed Level 4 during my one-week experiment, but apparently, at Level 5 you can join a team and go to the gym? (Which people have told me is not really anything special.) So, my thoughts on this game? Meh. Boring. Not fun. Over it.

So, I’ve been playing the new Pokemon game for about a week, and I can honestly say, it’s never been fun whenever I open the app to play.

Come Friday evening, I open the app once I get home, and find Pokemon has logged me out and deleted my progress. So, instead of starting over from a mediocre game (in my opinion), I chose to delete the app and I’ll live in the moment instead of looking for virtual fictional characters through my phone.

I did it– I tried something new, it didn’t go well.

9Jul2016

I told you I’d be back…

Posted in Welcome to New York by msiwak

Again, sorry for the wait— but I think this blog is worth it, right?!?! (Well, at least I choose to believe.)

So, when we last left, I just saw Shuffle Along (side note: GO SEE IT, if you can! Totally amazing.). The following week was pretty normal, except on Tuesday! Because I won a lottery! A digital lottery! AH I was so excited! (Maybe that means my luck is changing– so I could win the Hamilton lotto now, right??? Haha, nope, still no.)

YES, I won the On Your Feet lotto! (And before Josh Segarra leaves!)

AND, now I’ve seen all the Best Choreography nominees from this year’s Tonys!

Again, regular week (mostly errands or “runs” and fashion research), until that Sunday afternoon… After camping out all morning and afternoon, I was able to secure Standing Room seats at one of my favorite shows of this Broadway season.

THAT’S RIGHT— I saw Waitress AGAIN! And boy, it is still just as amazing.

Stagedoor? But of course…

Chris Fitzgerald, again… (And no– it’s not Michael Arden— sorry, Tony joke.)

EXCLUSIVE Gilmore Girl movie photo!

Keala Settle— amazing voice.

The adorable Claire (LuLu in the show) comes out to greet her adoring public, tiara and all…

Dr. Pomatter– I mean, Drew Gehling!

He needed a minute to stop and look at the brand new program book for the first time… And explained backstage secrets about the photos…

Then, the next week went on as normal… Then, Dad came to visit for the holiday weekend, which meant I had to take him to a show and teach him how to stagedoor properly.

I felt extremely untalented and unaccomplished after seeing a bunch of 11/12 year olds already on Broadway. (But good show, though.)

UM I met a Tony nominee?!?!?

And Monday the 4th, Dad wanted to be a tourist, so yea, that happened…

Pretty view of the city… #myfave

Happy 4th from Lady Liberty….

Then, it was another week of fashion research in the gross, NYC summer crazy humidity. Blech. Anddddd… here we are, yep so, recap finished.

I promise another real post (not just a recap) is coming— you know, as soon as my building tells my they have received my mail that already says was delivered today… So, whenever they can competently do that, my planned blog post will be written and posted…

19Jun2016

Too busy to blog, but I’m back… again!

Posted in Welcome to New York by msiwak

As the title suggests, I’ve been a little preoccupied to update this in a few weeks. Oops. Well, better late than never, right?

So, my last post concluded with me seeing American Psycho in its final weekend. So, next was work as usual– I’m a full time intern, which means Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm. My daily tasks range from fashion research (finding new looks and compiling inspiration into mood boards and look books), runs (where interns such as myself go drop off clothes and accessories, pick them up or find things for a client or shoot), and general organizing, unpacking/ packing of clothes (as per the Styling Intern title I possess). I do have to say– this internship is the best exercise I could ever hope for: you run around all day, all over the city, carrying different weighted objects… what workout could be better? or easier?

Then, Saturday, June 11, I woke up super early and arrived to the rush line at 6:55am (where I was first in line, thank you) to get rush tickets for that evening. I went to see Fiddler on the Roof (pre-Tonys). My rush seat was literally in the THIRD row, orchestra. Like, I was super close to the incredible cast! AND the show was amazing! Then, as expected, I had to stagedoor. I met patriarch and matriarch as played by Danny Burstein and Jessica Hecht, and their five daughters, as well as the rest of the cast. And at the end, Alexandra Silber (Tzeitel) came out and asked if we were excited about the Tonys tomorrow (of course we said yes.) And then I asked how she felt “getting married” on live television. To which she said she always envisioned having a small wedding. (You know, a small wedding counts as millions watching it on live TV, right?!?!)

The next day, as I was planning out my schedule, I realized in the two weeks I had been here– I hadn’t made it to Shake Shack yet. WHAT? How could that be? So, I had no choice but to rectify that immediately, as I headed for a milkshake at lunchtime. Who cared about real food, I clearly just needed a milkshake, obviously. And that night was the Tonys– or as I like to call it: An Ode to Hamilton. Rant time: as good as Hamilton was/is and how much I enjoyed it, there is/was SO many other amazing pieces of theatre out there this season that got shut out of the awards because Lin’s genius work, and I just wish the awards could have featured those more too. (Like did we really need Cordon’s intro and exit song to be just the Hamilton cast?? No.) I mean, Hamilton is good yes, but in no way could anyone call it one of the top musicals of all time… Like, I’m sorry, but you can’t say a hip-hop rap musical is better than all the classics even the cast and creative team of Hamilton so revered their entire lives… Sorry, just had to speak my mind while thinking about it…

Another work week went on as usual. And Friday was the most rigorous exercise yet! So, I had to drop off two huge shopping bags full of Jimmy Choos off uptown. So: picture me walking across town, up several series of steps carrying to full bags of stilettos in each hand– pretty good exercise opportunity, while accomplishing a work task.

Then, yesterday (Saturday) I went to a Standing Room line at 4:30, waited until 6pm when I could officially by my ticket to Shuffle Along, or the making of the musical of 1921 and all that followed, that night, featuring the legendary stars of Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter, Joshua Henry and Brandon Victor Dixon.

Let me clue you in: Standing Room Only (SRO) are tickets, often sold in place of rush tickets, where the seats are just places standing at the back of the theater at orchestra level, see pictures below. (And who cares about standing for two hours?? It was so amazing, I hardly realized I was standing at all.)

My “seat.” AKA, leaning up against this half-wall.

But the show– everything was phenomenal: the sets, the costumes, the dancing (Savion Glover is a genius!), the talent. I mean, Billy Porter, Adrienne Warren AND Audra??? Like, wow. AH-MA-ZING. Then, per usual, I went to the stagedoor.

Billy Porter

Adrienne Warren (From a Bring it On cheerleader to a Tony nominee!)

Tony nominee Brandon Victor Dixon

Brian Stokes Mitchell (yes, he was Rachel’s dad on Glee…)

That’s the recap. Be back soon. (I’ll actually try to keep that promise this time.)

5Jun2016

One week in and it’s been all about theater and fashion… But is that a bad thing??

Posted in Welcome to New York by msiwak

As this post title suggests, it’s been exactly one week for my second Manhattan summer and basically everything I’ve done involves fashion and Broadway. But, that’s not a bad thing at all, right?!?

To start, on Wednesday I decided to try my luck at the Ham4Ham lottery (though I knew it’d be fail, as it was last summer.) To clarify, the Hamilton lottery is best described as a needle in a haystack, where thousands of people head to the Richard Rodgers for the sole in-person Wednesday matinee lottery for $10 front row seats or a few standing room options, where they put their name in a huge barrel of a basket— yeah, chances are slim. Knowing it’s highly unlikely that I’d win, I mostly went to see the Ham4Ham show. So, two hours before creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda tweeted a New York Times article about the Hamilton softball team in the Broadway league, which was “required reading” for the lotto… Unsure what that meant, I went anyway with no thought of what would be performed.

I wanted show you all what it’s like to go to Ham4Ham, so enjoy the video below. (Sorry if it’s hard to see– it was really crowded and I’m vertically challenged.)

After I lost the lottery (as expected), I still felt like seeing a matinee, so I walked one block over to Waitress. I heard they had Standing Room seats, but the show wasn’t quite sold out, so I decided to get the cheapest available option in the mezzanine– and I’m so glad I did, because the show was great! (Been listening to the cast album on repeat all week!)

Then at the stagedoor:

Cute sisters McKenna and Clair sign Playbills for their split role as Lulu, Jenna’s daughter in the epilogue. #tooprecious

Oh, hey- Chris Fitzgerald! I just had to congratulate him on his TONY NOMINATION!

I went home to get ready for my first day of work in the morning.

If you don’t know, I’m a Styling Intern at Brandon Maxwell (if you don’t know who he is, he runs a luxury fashion label and is a stylist.) What’s life as a fashion intern like? I’m hear to tell you… So, on Thursday (my first day), tasks included unpacking and packing garment bags and trunks of clothes, picking up a giant crystal pennant from Swarovski, dropping off and picking up garment bags, and at the end of the day, drop off gifts for models at IMG and Women Management. I also learned that heels are great aesthetically, just fashion interns are on your feet all day, both standing and running errands, so let’s just said I had some bad blisters… by lunchtime. Yea…. Then, on Friday my tasks included, drop offs, organizing the design studio, creating PDFs of the looks, running to Barneys to find 11 pairs of Manolos (such a hard life, right???), sending out trunks and packing. Very busy, but I love being deeply immersed in the fashion industry!

When I got home, I made dinner and promptly went to bed. Then, my alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. (See I had a logical reason!) I got up, got ready and headed to 45th Street (aka Broadway) and planted myself on the sidewalk outside the Gerald Shoenfeld theater where I was tenth in line for day-of rush tickets to American Psycho, closing June 5. After waiting for three hours in the longest rush line on 45th street (it went passed the Booth and looped into Shubert Alley!), I was able to get a ticket for the evening show.

It was a really great show! Ahead of time, I knew nothing about the musical, the book or movie– and I think that’s better. If you don’t have any expectations, you’ll enjoy it more and can’t get let down. Every aspect was phenomenal, it’s a shame it only got Tony nods for lighting and set (well deserved, but still…) and that it’s closing…

Side note and brief theater rant: It’s a shame how so many amazing Broadway productions are closing because of low ticket sales and no Tony love (probably because Hamilton got everything); just because a show is completely original, artistic and different from anything I’ve ever seen (yes, I’m talking about Psycho here!) doesn’t mean it should close…. Sad face that Broadway can’t keep the greats…

And after the show, of course I had to stagedoor– getting autographs and even a photo! (And at the stagedoor, I noticed Bob Lenzi aka Miles from Tuck waiting there for his girlfriend at her stagedoor– talk about an adorable Broadway couple.)

A photo with Jen Damiano!

And later, guess who I learned also went to that show? Why none other than LEA SALONGA. SHUT UP, that’s so legendary– that I was in the same room as her, watching a show!

So, I’d say fashion and theater will be the major themes of this summer!

Until next time…

31May2016

Manhattan, I’m Back Again!

Posted in Welcome to New York by msiwak

Well, I’m finally back in NYC for what is sure to be another amazing summer! And with that, this category of my blog is back up and running! Yay!

So, here’s what’s been going on before my internship officially starts this week! (Aside from the boring and expected errands and unpacking.)

Backstory time: About a week ago I read a tweet saying that Tuck Everlasting the Musical was closing on May 29… which happened to be the day my flight landed in New York. My flight landed at noon, and there was an evening show (the last one EVER) at 7:30, so it was perfect. Thanks to TodayTix, I was able to reserve a rear mezzanine seat (view was still very good at the Broadhurst in the second-to-last row!)

After arriving in NYC, checking into my student housing and unpacking, I then headed to the theater district to get my ticket, where I saw most of the cast arriving before showtime (including 11-year-old Sarah Charles Lewis who was just sobbing to her mom and brother… Sad face.) At 7:00, I went to get my ticket and find a position in line to enter the Broadhurst. I walk past the Broadhurst entrance, past the Shubert entrance (Matilda), past Shubert Alley and all the way in front of the Minskoff (Lion King)… Such a long line. By the time I was settled in line, I swear Alexa Chung (famous fashion person if you don’t know who she is) walked passed me, deep in conversation. #celebspotting

The show was absolutely amazing!! Truly a magical, special piece of musical theatre and such a shame it had to close. To Casey Nicholaw and the entire creative team, cast and crew: you created a brilliant, magnificent musical, Bravo!

Stagedoor? But, of course…

Carolee Carmello was amazing as Mae Tuck! (Way different from Madame duMarier in Finding Neverland– and she excelled.) Side note: I was in the crowded in her last Instagram video of the stagedoor! 😉

Terrance Mann, the comedic Man in the Yellow Suit!

Mike Wartella as Hugo the detective! Um, #TeamHugo anyone?!?!?

11-year-old Sarah Charles Lewis absolutely killed it as Winnie Foster!

Michael Park was a great Angus Tuck, the Tuck family patriarch.

Robert Lenzi as Miles Tuck, Jesse’s older brother. Anyone else #TeamMiles???

And last but not least, it’s ANDREW KEENAN-BOLGER as Jesse Tuck!!! He was phenomenal and so sweet! And noted, there’s still one more Forever17 Broadway.com vlog left! 😉

Such an amazing show, it’s such a shame it’s over! 😦

Then, on Memorial Day, I decided to engage my inner fashionista and went to see this year’s HUGE Met Costume Institute’s Manus X Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology exhibit, was was so breathtaking.

Dior

Saint Laurent

That detail!

BREATHTAKING.

The classic Chanel suits! Except only the far left one is tweed– the rest are 3D printed!

Dior

Perfection.

A 3D Printed haute couture dress— WOW.

And finally, the showstopper. Located in the center of the exhibit, an exclusive wedding dress designed by the icon himself, Karl Lagerfeld. THAT TRAIN, THOUGH. WOW.

The entire exhibit was pure perfection. Stunning. Flawless. Amazing. If you’re in New York, you don’t want to miss this exhibit! #fashion

Well, be sure to keep checking back here for all of my latest updates from Manhattan once again!

13May2016

Is this too judgmental?– Analyzing this year’s crop of Bachelorette contestants

Posted in Pop Culture by msiwak

As you may know about me by now, my guilty pleasure (if you can call it “guilty”) is all things reality TV, especially it’s holy grail The Bachelor/ The Bachelorette.

And recently, ABC has released photos and bios of the 26 men competing for the chance to date (and eventually propose to) this season’s Bachelorette JoJo Fletcher, who many will remember as the second woman Bachelor Ben Higgins said he loved and then promptly dumped to pick her competition, Lauren B.

And since #BachelorNation (me included) pretty much just watched the show to judge contestants and to see the insane drama, I thought I’d start with a post all about my first impressions of the men, straight from their ABC bio pages, exclusively.

The obligatory group shot! Trying hard to figure out which outfit to judge harder: the santa suit or the guy that decided to steal JoJo’s look– and stand right next to her so they look like twins??

Let’s start analyzing her guys:

Alex: 25-year-old U.S. Marine (good, noble career), seems normal, like a good guy.

Prediction: should make it pretty far, but probably will tragically get cut for not getting his fair time, so Chris Harrison will likely ship him out to Mexico for the next installment of Bachelor in Paradise, much like Tanner (1/2 of Janner).

Ali: 27-year-old bartender (so not a totally stable career), also how do you pronounce his name (is it Ah-lee? or Ali? Is he Prince Ali aka Aladdin??), AND if the first words that follow “I love it when my date” is “dresses sexy,” PLEASE move along– you don’t want a woman who’s firstly intelligent, humorous, sweet, kind, generous, or one of a million better descriptions?

Prediction: there a few solid weeks at least?

Brandon: the 28-year-old who listed his career as “hipster.” No joke. Well, he does have that vibe down…

Prediction: First or second night exit limo??

Chad: Right off the bat, I’m thinking this guy will be an uber-jerk and trouble. I mean, isn’t the name “Chad” such a red-flag name? Not mention the name of JoJo’s still-into-her ex-boyfriend from Ben’s season. Case in point from his bio, he answered THREE separate questions the exact same: Who do you admire most in the world and why? “Myself in 10 years, alright, alright, alright” and “If you could be someone else for just one day, who would it be and why? “Myself in 10 years, alright, alright, alright.”

Prediction: For some unknown, JoJo will probably keep him around through international dates, you know for ratings. But if he’s bugging me now with a photo, a name and answers to written questions- I’m over him.

Chase: He just looks like a good guy. Like you can tell the 27-year-old sales rep respects women, is there for the right reasons and is ready to settle down. #TeamChase for the final rose.

Prediction: My ideal Bachelor bracket would probably have him at the end.

Christian: Seems pretty cookie-cutter. His bucket list answer is sweet, though: ” 1) Build a relationship with Mark Cuban and earn his respect. 2) Take a trip to space to experience the process and snap some epic selfies! 3) Spoil my grandchildren.”

Prediction: He’s probably only there as the “diverse” contestant. Am I close, Bachelor producers?

First off, what type of name is “Coley??” And second, odd-shaped head. (Hey, I warned you this is all purely my first impressions!! Raw.) Meh, nothing really sticks out.

Prediction: Middle of the pack? Or third elimination?

Derek: Well, he looks like most every past Bachelorette contestant, right?!? Seems average, but one question: who has a deep fear of “fluffy kittens??” Red flag on that one, dude. #TeamDerek please.

Prediction: Should make it pretty far and will likely get eliminated for not having enough time, before being sent by Chris Harrison to meet Ben Higgins’ reject in Paradise in August…

Daniel: He looks like a male model or at least a bartender. Please tell me I’m right. –And yes I am. His answers make me take an immediate disliking to him. Case in point: Tattoos? “No, same reason you don’t put stickers on a lambo” AND Are you comfortable wearing swimwear in public? “Very comfortable. Why have a lamb if you park in the garage?” Cocky much, dude? Hard pass on this guy.

Prediction: He’ll make it at least halfway and cause all the drama for being “better looking than the rest,” similar to JJ from Kaitlyn’s season.

Evan: Oh, his career is—- “Erectile Dysfunction Expert.” Ohhhhkayyyyyy…… How’d he explain on television? Just curious. Remember Kaitlyn’s “Amateur Sex Coach” didn’t advance past night one… Also, he said he’s want to be Trump for the day “to see what the heck is in that guy’s head.” Okay?? And his favorite type of dancing is “booty???” (As if I knew what that really was.) And how is “being in touch with [your] sexual energy” an answer to Are You a Romantic? *backing away slowly*

Prediction: Fifth guy to get the boot?

Grant: The firefighter at first glance is definitely physically attractive. Point one to him. His answers are sweet and cute… I mean his greatest achievement in life is “saving a life.” No, duh– he’s a fireman.

Prediction: Again, the diversity guy, but he’ll probably last the longest of all the diverse guys, TBH.

Jake: He answered Where do you see yourself in five years? with “Married to the Bachelorette with our first child.” JoJo, run away fast! He’s already thinking marriage to YOU before you even meet– huge red flag.

Prediction: Another diversity candidate who probably won’t last long, TBH. (Not that I think diversity is bad, I’m basing my predictions based on the past seasons of the show.)

James #1 (fine, F.): Looks like a poor man’s Farmer Chris Soules. Right?? (Might just be the shirt, but I’m not quite sure.) Answers: meh.

Prediction: Middle of the pack?

James #2 (I mean, S.): His occupation is literally listed as “Bachelor Superfan!!” Literally. Which is code for unemployed, am I right? Also, JoJo– red flag alert! If he’s a superfan, how do you know he’s not here just for the sake of being here??

Prediction: Night 3 going home.

James #3 (Oh, Taylor. Why does he get to go by both names?): If he’s not a singer-songwriter with that name… And shocker, of course he is.. And, for the love of God, his favorite flower is a “red rose…” Oh, please be kidding.

Prediction: Will make it the farthest of all the James. Middle of the pack? International Date 1?

Jonathan: Eh. Not standing out.

Prediction: Won’t make it out of L.A., if past the first night at all.

Jordan: The most publicized contender as a former pro football player and the younger brother of a professional NFL’er. (Don’t you dare ask me who. You’re lucky I know quarterback is in football, which is the NFL.) Cutest answer of who he admires: “My grandparents. They broke the mold after their generation. They are the most loving people and best example of love and selflessness.” Bonus point for that.

Prediction: Oh, he’ll go international for those dates, for sure, perhaps even to hometowns…

Luke: If he’s not a male model…. Unclear, but he is a war veteran, so how could producers mess with his image? (EASILY. Just ask Jubilee from Ben’s season, which I’m still not over.) But his photo is giving him “villain” status… You know I’m right…

Prediction: Middle of the pack?

Nick #1: (Oh, I’m sorry B.): Seriously another one who’s favorite flowers are the “red roses [he’ll] received from the Bachelorette???” Over that.

Prediction: Middle of the pack, absolutely. Boring, so he’ll probably make it through L.A. and make the first U.S. destination?

Nick #2 (Okay, S.): Reading very college frat boy in this picture to me. Has some sweet answers, and he’s obviously a decent person if he’s an Eagle Scout, but if that, a high school accomplishment, is the greatest achievement to date for a 26-year-old, that might be sad…

Prediction: He’ll make it abroad, but won’t make it to hometowns.

Peter: Ehhhh…. Note for Peter: saying your greatest achievement is being “promoted at every job” makes you look a little cocky, in my opinion.

Prediction: He’ll at least stay through L.A. weeks.

Robby: He’s a former competitive swimmer, so he’s unemployed now? But, yea, he definitely has the swimmer vibe, oh that’s just his hair. Seems very sweet, but looks almost too perfect/ too good to be reality?

Prediction: Hometowns at least.

Sal: Nothing sticks out here. Totally an Average Joe.

Prediction: He can’t get passed night one.

Vinny: If the first thing I thought of when reading your name is “Jersey Shore,” that’s not good, buddy. Seems like a “bro.” Pass.

Prediction: Leaves on one of the first two nights.

Wells: First, what type of name is Wells? Is that a real name? Did his parents happen to like wells or they had one at home? I’m more interested in how he got that name… Oh, is it a DJ nickname? If that’s the case: red flag– nicknamed guys never fare well. And how do you not like pizza????

Prediction: Leaves on second or third night.

Lastly, Will: looks very average for a Bachelorette contestant. Answers fine.

Prediction: Middle of the pack?

So, there’s some keepers, some to toss out immediately and some middle-ground guys. What are your thoughts and this season’s crop of contenders? Will JoJo find her dream husband here? Should be an interesting season, you know I’ll be watching.

3May2016

Nothing is more fashionable then the Met Gala…

Posted in Fashion, Pop Culture by msiwak

Sorry, it’s been a while! My schedule has been way hectic between homework and classes, assignments, writing jobs, spring break and my internship search, and unfortunately, this blog sort of got cast aside for the time being. But, fear not! Because, I’m back! And hopefully with regularly scheduled posts! Yay!

And since tonight is the pinnacle of fashion events for the year, I thought I’d post my red carpet review.

This year the theme is Manus X Machina (aka the intersection of fashion and technology) and I know visiting the exhibit will be on the top of my NYC plans this summer for sure. Here’s Vogue’s exclusive peek at the exhibit. Can you say gorge??

And on top of that, the documentary about the gala prep (First Monday in May) will be released on iTunes tomorrow– so excited for that. #fashionobsessed

Now onto my review:

Oh wow, first arrivals and killing it: Anna Wintour in Chanel Haute Couture and her daughter Bee Shaffer in Alexander McQueen. Both stunning. But when can Miss Wintour do wrong with fashion??? (The answer is never.)

There’s something about Alicia Vikander’s Louis Vuitton dress that I kind of like…. I’m normally not a fan of the mismatched look, but there’s something here that is so edgy and it does fit with the gala theme that just works…

Poppy Delevingne’s Marchesa dress is gorge! The whole look is ahmazing, but then again Marchesa is one of my all-time favorite formalwear designers. I’m not a huge fan of the chunky necklaces though…

Co-chair Taylor Swift in Louis Vuitton: love it! I haven’t been the biggest fan of her new platinum ‘do, but here, it’s growing on me as it perfectly matches the vibe of her edgy dress… and THOSE SHOES.

Love Karlie Kloss’ cape over the dress. Super sophisticated, but as soon as she removed the cape, it becomes a super sleek, tailored dress with cutouts galore. Stunning. And for the after party, Brandon Maxwell literally just cut off the bottom half– and it still looked just as amazing.

Heartthrob status on Nick Jonas. That is all.

Rose Byrne gives Old Hollywood glam here and I’m digging its vibe from the classic silhouette, and simple hairstyle.

Selena Gomez in Louis Vuitton just doesn’t work for me. One, it looks a little too informal for this famous gala. Two, it more closely resembles the punk theme a few years ago. And three, the other Louis girls have way better gowns tonight.

Chloe Grace Moretz stuns in this gown. I’m obsessed. More than that, I want it. That is all. Hair, markup, wardrobe is pure perfection on the teen.

From Selena Gomez’s bridal gown from last year, Vera Wang has taken a page from past Gala hits for Rita Ora this year. I just feel like it’s too much of a repeat from prior years, but it is impeccably tailored.

Saoirse Ronan has gone— I don’t even know how to explain this. Yes, it’s high fashion, but does it have too much going on, I wonder? Between the feathers, the brooch, the collar– I wonder if it’s all too much together.

Like a high fashion version of the Hamilton ensemble outfit. Is SJP trying to predict Tony noms for the show??? (which are announced tomorrow morning) But seriously, all I see HAMILTON. Someone please back me up– right???

Kendall Jenner: the one Kardashian-Jenner sister with a bonafide career and she has the worst dress of her sisters… How did her sisters who are only really known for their E! show and social media get gorgeous custom Balmain gowns?? I just don’t understand.

Hailey Baldwin looks like a glittery referee with Angelina Jolie’s leg slit, and I’m not feeling the look. Last year, I loved her Topshop mini, but she’s gone downhill this year.

Kylie Jenner: congrats on being the best dressed Kardashian-Jenner sister at the gala! Her Balmain gown is impeccable and the bob shows a simplistic elegance that we’ve never seen on Kylie– but it looks ahmazing: welcome to the #BalmainArmy, Kylie.

Love Demi Lovato’s black, gold and silver sequined gown with the slicked-back bob. Looks so chic.

Zoe Saldana’s TRAIN, oh my gosh! Truly stunning. The showstopper of the night for sure!

Kerry Washington debuts her baby bump tonight and some awesome purple hair! Love the dress, mesh gloves and the purple hair! A fashionista per usual…

Jourdan Dunn: love her Balmain gown and her highlighted bob!

Luptia N’yongo looks like a Disney princess in the emerald Calvin Klein gown! Gorge.

Wow, love Karolina Kurkova’s Marchesa gown! Truly stunning.

High fashion it couple alert? Congrats to Zayn on his first Met Gala and I’m kind of digging the cool, edgy vibe of the “robot” arm thing? It looks super haute couture. He looks like a badass in Versace. But, Gigi decided to play it really safe and matronly– in other words, boring. I’m sorry, she’s 21: you should be taking fashion risks, like your boyfriend.

Matching baby bumps for Emily Blunt and Olivia Wilde! Both beautiful gowns, but meh, not very exciting.

Beyonce in Givenchy wins. Per usual, Givenchy knows how to create a showstopping gown and so does Mrs. Carter.

I don’t care it’s it’s Kanye West– you don’t wear RIPPED JEANS and denim jacket to the MET GALA. Are you crazy, Kanye? And Kim’s look is too… blah, not a fan.

I sort of like Kate Hudson’s gown? It’s very high fashion, yes, but I think it’s a little to many weird cutouts and pieces hanging off that take it to a level that I’m not a huge fan of… And the shape and color is reading bridal to me?

Blake Lively is normally one of my style icons who can do no wrong as is Burberry, but this is just…. eh…. I don’t like how the photographers captured the train tulle thing. From other angles, it looks so elegant, but here it looks like way too much. But, great, sleek hair, makeup and earrings.

How iconic for Marc Jacobs to walk the carpet with Bette Midler?? Legend. And he did a great job with her couture dress and headpiece.

Overall, some good, some bad, some meh– but all in all, there was no shortage of high fashion, which is just as I like it.

Those are some of my thoughts! Check out all the arrivals on Vogue for more fashion goodness.