Vote HipHop Music

Remember the nineties? When hip hop was a culture, a life style, a way of living and breathing and dressing? Most would argue that it has been unwillingly moved aside by club and rap music. Hip hop is lost and while artists like Jay-z and Common and Nas and The Roots and LL are still practicing music, they are consistently overshadowed by hooks and catchy phrases and trendy styles. Although this form of music fades and is replaced by newer more gimmicky music, you have to wonder. With songs like You’re a Jerk making a huge wave and causing an all new “hip hop” style, what will become of the past hip hop fashion rules and absolutions?

The song is very catchy the dance is fun and the style represented goes against the grain entirely, which is why it is so successful. People are always looking for the hot new thing and leopard skinny jeans and fitted t-shirts are it! Or are they? The starters of the new dance craze are have set a trend and as usual the masses will follow. It’s just funny because wearing pants that hugged ever so tightly was once (not too long ago) a major no-no. Now most all the young men are running around with their skinny jeans sagging down almost to the end of their rear ends and ‘Jerkin’ as they stroll down the street. The young ladies used to mock boys endlessly when they saw then wearing tight jeans as it was a sign of having no fashion sense. Now the girls are praising the boys for wearing the brightest boldest colors of skinny jeans!

It’s a lot to digest as I am a hip hop head. Looking around you begin to feel one of three ways about the music and lifestyle you’re passionate about when you see it change. Excited, because there is innovation, aggravated at the constant gimmicks or you become a gimmick by creating a new one. I personally am just waiting to see how hip hop answers! We shall see.

By: Mys Casey

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The fashion style of Miley Cyrus is something that is being copied in teenager’s homes across the country. Even “tweens” and younger children’s fashions have been influenced by this singing, dancing, acting phenomenon. Whether as herself or her alter ego “Hannah Montana,” young ladies are clamoring to share in the fashion style of Miley Cyrus.

Miley Cyrus lives a pretty glamorous life for a teenager, and her fashion style definitely reflects this. In front of the cameras when she’s attending a movie premier or appearing on the red carpet at music awards, the fashion style of Miley Cyrus is always exciting and fresh. From flannel to chiffon, her vivacious spirit adds sparkle to everything she wears.

“Kids are crazy about Miley Cyrus and they can’t get enough of her and I must admit the kid has style”
-Tracy Montgomery Public Relations for Harper-Arrington Publishing

The teen star is always on the cutting edge of fashion, and she is a bit of a chameleon. She can go from girl-next-door to sultry young lady while barely batting a false eyelash. While she does have a variety of looks, the fashion style of Miley Cyrus is a very put-together one. She is styled from head to toe, and no detail seems to go unnoticed.

For example, her luscious chestnut mane is always shining and healthy, which is quite a feat considering the variety of styles she’s able to create with the long locks. It certainly helps her achieve her different looks. Sometimes pulled back, sometimes cascading in curls, her hair makes a fabulous accessory to any outfit.

Of course, there are the clothes themselves. From plaids to polka dots and from plain to prints, Miley Cyrus can wear just about any look. She seems to shy a bit from pastels, and maybe it’s because the brighter colors match her personality. Her thin frame also affects her clothing choices. She is one of the fortunate celebrities who truly does look good in a pair of leggings, and skinny jeans certainly do their job on her body.

The fashion style of Miley Cyrus has a lot to do with layering the look. She can often be seen sporting a funky jacket over the top of a colorful tank, with a low-slung belt to accent her waist. Boots ranging from Uggs to the cowboy variety are common in her ensembles, although she’s certainly not above a classy high heel. She looks adorable all winter in scarves and knitted caps, and summer sees her in cute designer tees and the occasional strapless top. Each look is generally polished with the perfect jewelry, such as some cute hoops in her ears or a few bangles around her wrists. No matter what the ensemble, though, she manages not to overdo it with accessories.

“She has a lot of style and her influence seems to be rubbing off on teen girls around the country.” -Jay Arrington

There are entire websites devoted to helping young ladies imitate the fashion style of Miley Cyrus. They analyze what she’s wearing and then find similar styles at stores all over the world. The result is a shopping guide for those who want to emulate the singer’s look. This famous pop star is certainly a major trendsetter when it comes to teen fashion.

By: Lance Smith

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The Birth of New Wave Music

New Wave mania hit the scene in the United States in the mid to late l970′s and moved on into the United Kingdom in the early 80′s. It was a sound that took its origins from rock and pop music and was initially used interchangeably with punk rock before making a stand on its own. New Wave music brought together a variety of popular music sounds that included disco, electronic and experimental. Electronic elements including synthesizers were commonly used in the 80′s New Wave sound.

It was an era when bands began to experiment with and incorporate electronic sounds into their compositions. The digital synthesizer and electronic keyboards were being made available commercially for the first time as a great deal of research was being conducted in academic arenas on the generation of sound. It opened a whole new world of possibility in music.

Switched on Bach and Cat Stevens incorporated the Moog Synthesizer into their music in the late 1960′s but it wasn’t until the 80′s that it began to be used in a wide variety of pop music. Used by Pete Townshend, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Stevie Wonder, Frank Zappa and David Bowie the synthesizer made its presence known.

The Reintroduction of the Skinny Tie

The skinny necktie, that had made its first entrance into the United States in the 1950′s and was worn by the likes of Elvis and The Beatles, made a comeback at the same time that New Wave music took the stage. These rockers seemed to be staging a protest against the wide, flashy era of the 70′s in their style of dress, and saying less was better. Shorter hair styles, simpler dress and skinny neckwear began to come into popularity.

For women it was the era of Madonna and Cyndi Lauper who no longer wore the bell bottoms and the Farrah Fawcett hair style. New Wave meant anything from big hair and jean jackets to halter tops and spandex. Don Johnson brought with him the rough and unshaven look that still hangs on in today’s fashion world. We can’t forget Michael Jackson and Thriller in the 80′s.

The Skinny Tie Returns

Skinny neckties are making a comeback once again. Today almost any style goes and you will see a little bit of everything. Fashion is used to make a statement as always, but now the voice is more a chorus than a soloist and it’s almost impossible to look out of place. If you’re a skinny tie person who still loves the New Wave music of the 80′s, chances are you’ll find a whole group of people who fell the same way that you do.

Style is about comfort and personal taste and preference now. It’s all about loving a style and making it your own, whether it’s punk, rock, new wave or something in-between. Vintage skinny neckwear is here. Make the most of it!

By: Jackie D.

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With so many different kinds of people in the world, many different styles of clothing are made. Tee shirts are the most commonly worn type of clothing; therefore they must be the most diverse, not in the way they are made, but the style, in order to cater for everyone’s different needs. Different types of tee shirts are always available to buy, with many different designs on the front made by many different companies ranging from your local high street to exclusive brands.

The way in which people have grown up in their surroundings has a major influence on their type of dress and style. Music is a major player that effects how people dress. Avid fans of hip hop and RnB music often wear very baggy tee shirts with conations of violence and exclusive brand names that are rapped about in that genre of music. Rapper 50 – Cent’s Clothing brand G-UNIT is an exclusive brand that fans buy in order to have an association with the rapping legend. With the rapper being very rich and famous many fans want to be like him therefore buy his clothes in order have the rich, powerful feeling he has. The same can be seen for rock and indie music. Many fans that follow listen to this genre of music are greatly influenced by what the band members wear. In regards to indie music the general tee shirts trend is to wear tight “skiny” fit clothes with many different accessories such as waistcoats and slim ties.

When comparing these two types of tee shirts (RNB and Indie rock) it is clear to see there are different styles for different people. RnB followers are more likely to wear bright, baggy expensive looking clothes. The idea of these people is that they are to be better than everyone else, as stated in many rapping songs, that the rappers are the richest most powerful people. With this influence fans want to simulate this style in their own lives. Whereas on the other hand, indie rocker tee shirts are often varied from plain to wild colours and shapes pictured all over their tee shirts.

From this one case study when comparing these two different styles it is clear to see a number of similarities and differences. The similarities between these two types of people’s tee shirts are that they are all expensive brands. This is because the celebrities who wear these clothes are often rich, therefore can afford expensive clothes. It is in human nature to say that buy having expensive things you are rich; better then the people who are poorer then you. This status of being rich separates you from other people and makes you feel as if you are better than people without tee shirts and the brand you wear. The differences between these two are the image they give off. The RnB would give connotations of thuggish nature whilst indi rock gives more of a sophisticated simple look. From this is it possible to clearly see that tee shirts are made for different people and can give off very different connotations depending who wear them and their style.

By: David Kensington

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School fashion shows can be quite fun if done properly. If done the wrong way, however, it could end up being one boring affair which is only occasionally enlivened by the people laughing at a humiliated model. What you need are some tips to help you.

1) Think of a theme – When putting up a school fashion show, it is always helpful if you use a theme. A theme gives a fashion show a sense of organization and people would be able to relate the fashion to the theme. There are various types of themes to choose from:

a) Season – Basing your school fashion show on the season is always popular. You could design and model various outfits that correspond with the time of year. This would also give you an idea of how to decorate the venue. Basing your school fashion show on a season can help you unleash your creativity and make your brain cells work. How can you balance the freedom of creativity with the confinement of the theme? This will definitely help you improve your skills.

b) Literature – Another great idea for a theme is literature. You should think about basing your school fashion show on a great piece of literature. How about basing it on the book The Great Gatsby? Ever tried creating fashion pieces for Frodo? This can be fun as you will be bringing the visions of authors to life. Basing your school fashion show on a piece of literature can also be a bit easier than other themes since most authors actually have pretty detailed descriptions of the clothes their character wear. This is especially true for fantasy novels. Cloaks, anyone?

2) Music – The music sets the mood for the whole fashion show. It strikes the subconscious of the watchers and thus, determines how much attention they will be paying your school fashion show. This means, of course, that you need to choose the correct sounds to accompany your school fashion show.

You need to choose music that grabs the attention of the spectators enough to mesmerize them. However, you do not want the music to distract the spectators from the school fashion show. The best type of music to use would be instrumental. This is because instrumental music can set the mood for the show without distracting the viewers with familiar lyrics.

3) Lighting – Proper lighting effects are always essential if you want to have a great school fashion show. Together with the background music, the lighting effects give the audience a general emotion to feel. How do you want them to react when they see a certain ensemble? You can make them react as you want them by simply combining light and sound.

4) Spontaneity – Students hate predictability. Because of this, the best thing that your school fashion show could have is a surprise. You need to show your students something unexpected and completely new. In doing so, you will be able to grab their attentions and keep it. By being spontaneous, you will keep spectators guessing as to what will come next. This will keep their eyes on the school fashion show and off their watches and mobile phones. If you can make the audience forget about the gadgets on their pockets, then you would know that your school fashion show rocks!

By: Tim Yu

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U2s lead singer Bono isn’t content with being part of a top band. Fashion and Music – well I’m sure they can mix! Bono was born Paul David Hewson in 1960 in Dublin Ireland. His stage name is Bono.

Bono is the lead singer of US, he is also a songwriter. He married Ali Stewart in August 1982 and they have 5 children. Bono is also actively involved in as an activist and screenwriter.

Paul was a curious child who seemed to see the world from a different perspective from the rest of the world. When Paul was 15 he suffered the loss of his mother who he was very close to. In high school Paul found himself drawn to music and playing the guitar, spending a great deal of time involved with the school theater.

The name Bono was the brain child of his close friend Guggi who took it from a Hearing Aide store located in Dublin. Bono Vox also means good voice in latin.

In 1976 a flyer was posted at his high school by Larry Mullen who was looking to form a band. Paul was jumped at the opportunity. The band became U2 which is now known around the globe.

Ali Hewson [nee Alison Stewart] grew up in the suburbs of north Dublin. She met Bono at high school. He tried to chat her up but she ignored him. Over the years he continued to pursue her.

Their relationship moved very slowly because Alison wasn’t interested in becoming one of the Bono girls. After his mother died, Ali being the practical person she is, helped Bono with the essentials like food and clothing. Ali was 22 when they wed.

Ali Hewson appears to be open and down to earth in all respects. She appears honest and never puts on that she knows more about a topic than she does.

She smiles often and appears to be a happy human being. She earned her degree in social science, politics, and sociology at the age of 33. She also became involved with Greenpeace.
It was having children that put Ali Hewson on the path of thinking more about the environment.

She became concerned about what they would grow up to have, what would be left of the environment. Ali got involved with Greenpeace campaigning against the Sellafield nuclear power plant.

Over time, U2 also became actively involved in the protest against the Sellafield nuclear power plant. She had not direct responsibility for U2 becoming involved but because Bono and Ali share the same concerns, it was a natural outcome.

Ali feels as a wealthy person she has a responsibility to do what she can to raise awareness on such issues.

So isn’t it natural that Bono and Ali have now evolved to another level of involvement with social politics. Bono and his wife Ali Hewson now have their fingers in the Fashion industry. But wait – this isn’t just any old fashion venture. This one has a new twist.

Their goal is to involve developing countries in the producing of their clothing line, improving the quality of life for these people and their economic welfare.

A new line of clothing has hit the market – Edun – anyone catch that Edun is Nude spelt backwards? The Eden line consists of a casual collection of jeans, T-shirts, chiffon dresses, and blazers. The line is available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Bono and his wife are attempting to become actively involved in social activism and the betterment of people in developing countries. Their goal is for the Edun collection to be soooo hot that it will be able to provide employment for people in developing nations around the world, developing stable long term relationships with these countries.

Great thought goes into selecting which country will produce which clothing. Selection is based on the resources and talent of the developing countries. They attempt to make “good” matches which are beneficial to Edun and the developing country.

They believe that the developing countries and their people will benefit financially and emotionally. But the big picture also means that these developing countries can become part of the global economy.

Bono and his wife might be on the right track with this concept with Edun, as the consumers are becoming much more interested in knowing where and by whom the clothes they purchase are made. The consumer has become social conscious. So this concept could be a win win for everyone!

By: Sher Matsen

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Make up styles and fashion continue to evolve and change with each decade creating it’s own style of make up techniques and clothing that sets it apart from previous years. The 1970′s era was no different, perhaps being the first time that allowed women to work out for themselves what wasn’t comfortable or was.

Mini-skirts, maxi-skirts or hot pants formed part of a woman’s closet and she wore them when she wanted to. Evening wear consisted of a halter top with evening trousers or maxi-skirt. Empire line dresses were very popular in a mini-skirt style or a more traditional knee length (midi – length).

The 1970′s era was characterized by an almost anything goes approach with styles ranging from clunky to soft and feminine. It was a turbulent time during which feminists protested, with the Vietnam War and Watergate Scandal hot topics in the media together with global pollution fears. These events inspired fashion designers to design cutting edge, as well as more comforting items.

Fashion changes affected both women and men. Nike, founded in 1972, made a strong start despite the athletic craze not being big, but running shoes became essential additions to women’s and men’s closets as more people began running. Men began borrowing women’s clothing and took to wearing make up and using clear polish on their nails. Blouses, Boas, and slinky shirts became the in thing for celebrities in the music and television scenes.

Hair styles popularized by Farrah Fawcett, were straight and long, parted slightly to one side with wings and needed hours with a straightening iron, curling iron, mouse, and spray. Any outdoor or athletic activity would ruin the hair style. However, Afro perms were also the in thing and needed only an air dry and a pick to fluff them.

Disco became popular and the fashion style of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever swept the nation by storm and made it’s exit just as quickly, perhaps because skin tight pants, slinky shirts and platform shoes were so uncomfortable.

Make up was soft, fresh and natural looking and women who wanted sun tanned looks without exposure to harmful sunrays, used fake tans and bronzers. Foundation was seldom used, but when it was no powder was applied, leaving a shimmer or sheen to the skin while lipstick, blush and eye shadows were natural colors with a bit of shimmer.

Lip liner, mascara and caked on foundations did not feature while eye shadows that shimmered, muted blush, and frosted lipstick were the mainstays of a 70′s woman on the go.

By: Bob Cotto

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The summer months in Britain offer a deluge of music festivals, which are often the saving grace for anyone who can’t find the time or money to organise a trip abroad.

The music – and the general campsite experience – will always deliver the opportunity for a great time; but small details, such as wearing unsuitable clothing, can often put a blot on an otherwise enjoyable occasion. A little planning beforehand should ensure that everything runs smoothly, allowing you to fully embrace the festival spirit.

Checking a weather forecast before packing is always advisable. If it’s going to be a weekend of searing heat you’ll have no use for a stack of jumpers, while if it’s going to be wet the whole time there may be no real need for flip-flops or beach shorts. Packing light is advisable but taking more underwear and socks than you think you’ll need is a good idea, especially if rain is forecast.

Suitable footwear is also vital. Most likely, you’re going to be spending all day in the same pair, so buying new shoes that haven’t been broken in yet isn’t recommended. Obviously, if you’re expecting a lot of rain and mud, wellies are the logical choice.

Looking your best is always important, even at a festival. If you’re camping, you won’t have full length mirrors to check out your style and being able to make a quick getaway from the campsite to the stage is important if you want a good spot at the front. That means having a pre-planned look – either something you’ve worn before or something you’ve bought specially – can give you a head start. With the constant threat of muddy, slippery fields doubled with the inevitable liquids being drank – and thrown – by members of the crowd, your clothes are always at risk. Wearing dark or colourful clothes will help hide any stains that you pick up along the way.

Wearing a hat can help protect you from wet projectiles in the crowd and can also shield you from the elements; whether it’s rain or the sun beating down on you, standing outside all day can leave you open to attack. If hot weather is predicted, it’s always best to also wear suntan lotion and sunglasses. Sporting sunburn is not only uncomfortable, it can also dangerous to your health.

If it is sunny, a T-shirt and a pair of shorts should suffice; but at colder – or wetter – times, wearing additional clothing is required. A light, waterproof jacket is useful but if you forget one then most campsites will sell ponchos. Combat trousers have many pockets, which is handy for storing your festival essentials while taking a jumper to wear at night makes the campsite a bit more comfortable.

Wearing the right festival wear [http://www.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=17551&storeId=12555&categoryId=127910&langId=-1&top=Y] can often make a big difference to your enjoyment of an event; whether that involves swimming in mud, or baking in the sunshine.

Disclaimer: Matthew Pressman writes for a wide variety of commercial clients. This article is intended for information purposes only and readers should seek additional information before taking any actions based on its content.

By: Matthew Pressman

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The July issue of SHAPE magazine featuring LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, and Julianne Hough is a glaring example of how the image of cowgirls and country music continues to change.