THE PRIMED

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL & BBMAs 2016

2016-05-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

The best fashion moments from Las Vegas to Cannes.

I wouldn't miss a fashion statement of the annual Cannes and the BBMAs due to it's significance to the blog. This edition of The Fashion Statement is so important to me because my fashion coverage of the best looks from Cannes and the Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), last year, was my first ever post on this blog. It was my first post to launch this blog as The Primed to the public.

In celebration of my second year, LIVE!, on the internet as The Primed, here are my chosen best looks from both annual events.

C A N N E S F I L M F E S T I V A L

JESSICA CHASTAIN was the first actress whose looks I saw on the Internet and I immediately was in love. Her looks were stunning and my most favorite look was her yellow Armani Prive dress. I love that she kept her accessories and hair simple. It gave way to her beautiful dress- she let the dress doing the wowing. Yellow is such a complement to her hair color too. Both her hair and the dress were popping colors on the carpet.

BLAKE LIVELY was one of the starlets that social media was raving about. Some people though of her to be the Cinderella of Cannes with her light blue Vivienne Westwood gown. As other complimented her booty in her nude and sheer number. I wasn't as wowed with her looks this year because I think she looked better in her previous appearance at Cannes in 2014.

BELLA HADID made heads turn with both of her red carpet arrivals. She most definitely made an entrance with her custom, red Alexandre Vauthier dress that was oh so revealing with major side-boob and super high slit. I am not really sure about this red look. It's a bit much for me. However, it is one to remember. Also, don't worry Mommy Yolanda, she had something underneath that dress as shared by her stylist in this Vanity Fair article.

KENDALL JENNER was another model who walked the carpet in Cannes this year. My favorite look of hers for Cannes was her dress for the Chopard event. I love how "fun" the dress is. It reminds me of a sleepover filled with fantasies and glamour. I only say that it is filled with fantasies because I think of fairies when I see that dress. It actually reminds me of Kim Kardashian's dress for their mother's 60th birthday party.

ELLE FANNING looked gorgeous in her floral gown. The color worked beautifully with her pale skin and blonde hair. This look is perfect for prom! I'd crown you prom queen and best dressed if you come strutting into prom with this Zuhair Murad dress on. As a matter of fact, Fanning missed her senior prom attending Cannes for Neon Demon. Fortunately for her, her prom date flew to Cannes and recreated her senior prom there. How posh, here her shared Instagram post.

KATY PERRY ME OH MY! Does she looks so beautiful. Honestly, I don't think she'd ever looked better. Like the dress is interesting enough to represent her quirky personality, but also have sense of style and class to the look. Her hair and makeup are perfect as well. Can we change the look of the dancing emoji woman in the red dress to this please?

CHARLIZE THERON has made my list of actresses that I look forward to seeing on the carpet. She literally never fails on the carpet. I love this look on her. I love it when women decide to wear a suit, because typically females prefer to wear a dress or jumpsuit. I LOVE HER LOOK!

B I L L B O A R D M U S I C A W A R D S

ARIANA GRANDE's look is not amazing, but it work. I'd like to thank Ariana for picking out a different style dress. She usually wears almost the same thing on the carpet every time, and to be honest, it's not fabulous and she's a fabulous singer. I really appreciate it Ariana, I do. I am just not feeling her shoe. I wish she chose a strappy heel or something lighter. Also the hair, I thought she'd stop doing that pony! I'm over it that hair!

BRITNEY SPEARS did it again. Lace is so Britney and I love that she kept it fun with the light blue color. I am happy that she looks happy again and that she got her beautiful body back!

PRINYANKA CHOPRA is a a woman to follow on the red carpet now. This Indian goddess has been killing it on the carpet. I love this Versace dress on her! Love the pop of color.

MILA KUNIS all I have to say is I love her dress. Fit perfectly on her.

CIARA AAAAAH Ciara looks so sexy in this look. Side boob, side thigh, side everything. The shine is lovely too. The hair is great. I die, cause she slays.

GWEN STEFANI I love this dress on her, but the makeup looks weird. I don't something is off about the makeup, and it is not giving off her beauty. The dress is a yay, the makeup is a neigh.

ZENDAYA was like my favorite on the carpet that day. It's weird her two-piece look was so simple, same with her hair and makeup, yet I am so attracted to this look. I guess it pulls on my minimalistic interests.

KATE BECKINSALE was such a beauty in this white number. My only problem with this dress was the clothing rips on the shoulder. I get it is suppose to keep the dress interesting, but I don't know those rips remind me of some rag you use to wipe dishes or the floor.

CURRENTLY

2016-02-24T21:00:00.001-08:00

The Philippines is a beauty that I'd love to always visit for a vacation love affair.

For over two months now there is still a part of me that lusts to go back to the Philippines. It's like my mental safe zone. It's my sanctuary, a place where I feel "just right."

I've always been open to people that I have struggles with anxiety and minute case of depression. These are all self-diagnosis, for there aren't any real medical record for me that legitimately states those cases. Anyways, back to what I was saying. The Philippines is the place where I just feel right. Like all my anxiety and stress just subsides, and all I can feel is just pure joy.

I think one fact that supports those claims is due to the fact that I really have no worries there. I mean guess that's the case for every vacation, but this place in particular feels different. Typically, when you go out on a vacation your ideal goal is to go sight-seeing and experience things that may be foreign to your home or a typical tourist must-do. In the Philippines, I don't really care about those monumental tourist moments. I am satisfied by staying at home and just being immersed by the the warmth of being surrounded my family. (Side note: I also was literally immersed by the freaking blanketing heat of the humid Philippine weather that got me sweating like 24/7).

What I enjoy about vacationing in the Philippines is the accessibility to everything: markets, food spots, and most especially family. Literally all of these places or walking distance, and if you are lazy, just a tricycle ride away.

As you can tell I'm all about family. I realize as I continue to grow, my true joy is just being surrounded by family, or just people in general. I love hearing people talk, laugh, and just simply engage as humans. I really don't need to be participating in the conversation. I can simply just sit there and listen and observe, but this idea of being included makes really happy. I think that's how I learned most of my words and learning to speak English, by simply just sit and listen to people talk. (Side note again: I'm actually not sure if Tagalog was my first language, but I do remember being really fluent when I was young. I was surprise to find out that I knew how to speak English when I started kindergarten.)

Sitting here in my home's den, reminiscing my favorite moments of being in the Philippines, makes me want to be there more. I really don't want to live there because I prefer living in the United States. But if I had a money tree growing my back yard, I'd love to visit the Philippines multiple times throughout the year just to see family and laugh like I experienced this past holiday season. I miss the Philippines dearly, but for now I just have to vicariously spend time with my family via Facebook post.

***I'm actually going to make a proper post about what I've learned during my Philippines 2015 trip. So be on the look out for that!

Photo Taken from: Tim Saguinsin

HOME OBSESSED

2016-02-20T14:09:00.000-08:00

Kourtney Kardashian gives Architectural Digest her Calabasas home tour.

Readers are probably so sick of me talking about the Kardashians. Well guess what. I won't stop. I can't stop. I literally have been Keeping Up with the Kardashians since I was in middle school (for a time stamp I'm a second-year student in college now.)

Honestly though, ever since VH1 informed me about Kim Kardashian's sextape with Ray-J, and the premiere of the first season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, I've been so interested with their lives. And Kourtney Kardashian in particular.

Out of all the sisters, I feel like Kourtney was way more low-key with her life, as low-key as you can get with having a reality show revolving around her family. It really seemed as if many of the cameras and tabloids had much to say about the older Kardashian sister, or at least I didn't see or read them at the time. Hence my fascination with Kourt.

I love Kourtney. She is like the spirit animal and the qualities that I would love to emulate in my daily life-- but can't! She is a mom, she is so health-oriented and she loves home design and decor. I was so obsessed with the fact that she started her own blog revolving around those certain qualities. I would always love it when they're show featured Kourtney buying home decor, for her or a relatives homes. And now that I have access, with a $3.99 subscription, to her home decor must-haves and recipes or ingredients she is currently obsessed with.

It's as if Kourt and I are interacting as friends and she is mentoring me on how to be just like her. OBSESSED!

Well now she took it even further, and she is sharing her newly designed home in Calabasas, which is a totally different look from her old home.

Different from her old home's loud decor. Her Calabasas home is more mature and subtle in color. The warm and natural color scheme in her home is inviting and welcoming to any guest's eyes.

I love Kourt's choice of art work. Kourtney explains in the article that working with her interior home designer, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, helped her appreciate and love black and white art and photography.

For more images of Kourtney Kardashian's home tour, as well as her sister's home tour, see it on Architectural Digest. As for behind-the-scenes and personal anecdotes of the home shoot look for it on Kourtney's blog.

THE (FASHION) FORCE AWAKENS

2015-12-17T21:40:00.000-08:00

I may not be a Star Wars buff, but I do know a little bit on style.

As fans all geek out for the return of the Star Wars franchise, I am here geeking out over the world premiere night's looks. There's no dark side with the night's looks because people dazzled with bejeweled, galaxy-esque attire. The fashion force has awakened.

Karrueche Tran

I like the fact that she looks somewhat statuesque and robotic with this look. Fitting for the Star Wars premiere. However, those wrinkly pants are such an eye sore. Possibly may be need some tailoring and steaming.

Darby Stanchfield

I know, I know. It is not the best look of the night, but something about this simple blouse and pants ensembles keeps me captivated. Again, it is possibly due to my affinity with minimalism. She keeps its classy and classic with this look. Reminds me of something that Coco Chanel would wear back then. It is just missing the pearls.

Lupita Nyong'o//Alexandre Vauthier

Shining, shimmering, splendid was the theme of the night with all these celebrities dressing up with glistening silver and gold pieces. This couture piece by Alexandre Vauthier looks beautiful with Nyong'o's dark complexion. However, the thing that bothers me is the side cutout and the black belt below the bosom. We can do without those two pieces of fabric.

Daisy Ridley//Chloé

Daisy Ridley totally conquered her first Star Wars red carpet look stunningly. She looks so angelic with this drape-y white piece. I am excited what else she has in store, she is definitely going to be a new fashionista to follow.

Zendaya//Michael Kors

SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST! I wasn't even going to do a fashion statement for this premiere at all. But when I saw what Zendaya had worn to the premiere I couldn't hold back and had to share my thoughts. I am all about turtlenecks right now. I REPEAT. I AM ALL ABOUT TURTLENECKS. This gray chunky knit paired with this beautiful crystal-encrusted, completely see-through skirt made my jaw drop. Zendaya understands how to make a statement, and this skirt is definitely one to put in the books. BEST DRESS of the night!

HAVE A HOLLY, JOLLY HOLIDAY

2015-12-16T11:47:00.001-08:00

Videos that surely will make your days merry and bright!

Victoria Secret Angels- Hands to Myself

Kris Jenner for Love Magazine Advent Calendar

One Direction Carpool Karaoke

Youtube Rewind 2015

Rita Ora for Love Magazine Advent Calendar

And obviously the original: Mean Girls

Weirdest Misheard Christmas Lyrics Of All Time

HOLIDAY ENVY

2015-12-13T22:52:00.002-08:00

Not that into decorating for the Holidays this year, but this home tour changes that Ebenezer Scrooge mindset.

Gasp! Dying over holiday home envy. This home from bliss-athome.com makes me want to shoot (both) my eye out with a toy shotgun because it is so beautiful. Kristin's home totally screams Christmas (cue in Andy Williams's It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year).

From winter whites, to silver and gold; her home harnesses what makes my inner Martha Stewart die and enter holiday design heaven. Kristin spices the classic Christmas decor and ornaments by adding a flair with black accents and tying in some texture with white fur stockings. Suitably complementing her white and black with accents of mixed metals year-round home furniture.

Can we talk about how beautiful her breakfast nook is! Check out that white tulip table and the black corner seat! And "Oh God!" those walls.

Can I incorporate this to in my home in the future or can I just move in?

All photos from:http://bliss-athome.com

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2015

2015-12-13T17:30:00.003-08:00

Get Ready. Get Set. START SHOPPING! A Holiday Gift Guide for a stress-free holiday.

I tried my best at targeting different niches and types of people for this gift guide. Most of the gifts listed are items I actually want or items I would gift my friends.

Swell Water Bottle/FRENDS Headphones/Denim Duffle Bag/The Book of Mask by Dr. Jart/Juice Bar Gift Cards

Photography Book/Instax 210/Selfie Stick/iPhone Lens Kit

Tom Ford Book/diptyque Candle/Marble and Wood Serving Board/Agate Coasters/Magazine Subscription

Beautiful image of wrapped gifts above is from: http://www.boxwoodclippings.com/2014/11/christmas-gift-wrap-black-white-gold/

WELCOME TO SAINT

2015-12-07T22:33:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, they just welcomed their new baby boy!

Today is the day that DadYe and Kim K. welcomed their first baby boy, Saint West. Yes, you've heard right. The Wests named their newborn Saint.

Honestly, I am trying to put a sense of logic as to why they named their son Saint- I mean they have the right to name their child whatever- and this is what my brainstorming came up with.

It is the month of December. December is the birth month of Jesus and the celebration of Saint Nicholas. Maybe having both of these holy and saintly entities makes Saint the perfect name.
This couple is so full of themselves AND thinks so highly of themselves that Saint is a fitting name for their newborn.
They named their first child North, a not so typical name. Definitely can't go typical with the second child.

Yes, I was sitting in my marketing class just pondering on about why the Wests named their baby boy Saint. Nevertheless, I am so happy for the couple and I am so excited to see how they dress this little boy up!

And oh yeah! Welcome to the big sister club North!

REVIVAL

2015-12-07T21:39:00.000-08:00

Selena Gomez is SO sick of that same old love. She is revived, matured and ready to move on with her life. Welcome to her World 2.0!

This past week, Friday to be exact, was fortunate enough to go see iheartradio's Jingle Ball at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The event's set list was perfect with artists like The Weeknd, One Direction, and Selena Gomez-just to name a few-stepped on the winter-snow themed stage to perform their top charting hits.

On that dance-filled and fanboying night, I came to the realization that Selena Gomez's latest music offering, Revival, actually revived the Selenator from within.

Something I enjoyed about her Jingle Ball was that two of the five songs she sang weren't the singles that have been overly played in the radio. After that night, I decided to give Revival another listen, and she actually has several eargasm worthy songs. Of all 14 songs from her Revival deluxe album, I really enjoy Hands to Myself, Sober, Me & The Rhythm, and Perfect.

Songs: Hand to Myself, Sober, Me & The Rhythm, Perfect

Each song has a certain meaning that seems to have a cause and effect. The tracklist was strategically ordered to tell a story. I really love it when artist curate an album that tells the whole story and influence behind the album. Miley Cyrus's Bangerz also unfolded similarly to Gomez's latest album. Gomez shares how much she is in love and happy in a relationship, and this whole positive vibe ends in a downward spiral with Same Old Love. However, unlike Cyrus, Gomez ends the whole musical narrative with this idea of independence and loving thyself (subnote: this will the title for my selfie book's). Songs like Rise, Survivors, Me & My Girls are all about moving on from the Biebs most likely.

Songs: Rise, Me & My Girls, Survivors

Although Gomez has lost the Bieber Fever, it looks like the other end is trying to get Selena back via song and throwback Instagram post.

Welcome to Gomez's World 2.0!
(Does anyone get this joke?)

WOMAN CRUSH WEDNESDAY

2015-10-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

#squadgoals. I'm hashing out the feminist perspective in slasher films!

This is my first Woman Crush Wednesday post. I have taken this idea from Kim Kardashian-West’s blog. Currently, I am planning on a #WCW every other week. I have decided to include this widely used hashtag on social media to be able to celebrate, applaud, and praise women. I am currently taking a Women’s Gender Studies class and I have realized that majority of the population have trouble thinking of an influential woman when asked. So with these posts I am hoping that I will be able to use my voice to share the beauty and wonders of many women who usually don’t get accounted for on mainstream media and school textbooks.

My very first Woman Crush Wednesday is actually not just one woman, but a group of females. WOMEN CRUSH WEDNESDAY. In celebration for the Halloween season, my first #WCW post is on the final girl.

I always heard about the slasher film trope of the final girl. It always fascinated me that in each slasher film of the 70’s and 90’s the last (wo)man standing was a female. I wondered why was it always the opposite gender from me when men are usually the heroes of films. Well, I have done some research on the film trope and came up with this conclusion.

It is important to note that in this blog post, I will be referring to certain ideas from the two articles I have read about the trope (which can be found down below). While I will also weigh in my own opinion on the topic.

Slasher films have always been questioned by feminist groups because it glorified the idea of abuse against women on the big screen. Having a serial killer, murder or a demonic entity to attack a female can send a negative message to the masses. Although, many people beg to differ, including me. It is true that most of the violence is against women in these films, but I still believe it empowers the female population. Having the trope of the final girl makes females understand something important: they are capable to be powerful and independent.

The final girl trumps the female norm in cinema. Typically, females are viewed as weak, the damsels in distress and dependent on men. At times, the final girl does embody the damsel in distress in the film. In the end, however, she realizes that she has the power to fight against the antagonist herself. That she doesn’t need a man, or anyone else, to protect her from the evil being. She is able to be independent and actually be the character who will be doing the ass kicking for everyone. She is the brave soul. The confident warrior, the original Katniss Everdeen.

From Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis’s character in Halloween) to Sally Hardesty (Marilyn Burn’s character in Texas Chainsaw Massacre) to Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell’s character is Scream) to Erin (Sharmi Vinson’s character in You’re Next) and so many more are all examples of empowering females—the ones who didn’t need a man to survive a mass slaughter.

It is said that there is a huge market of females who actually go see slasher films in the cinema, which is actually targeted for a predominately male audience. I think the reason for this outcome is the fact that the final girl character has a cathartic effect towards women. It assures them that they are not weak, rather, a strong character. The final girls are the true definition of girl power!

Unfortunately, slasher films aren't really a thing in our current times, but hopefully it will make a resurgence soon to bring back the female empowerment surrounding the final girl.

Here are the links to the articles that inspired this post:

Digging into Horror's "Final Girl" trope//The Final Girl and Scream Queens: A (Feminist) Call for the Revival of Slasher Films

INSTYLE AWARDS 2015

2015-10-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

I'm weighing in on the note-worthy fashion and questionable looks of last night's InStyle Awards.

Last night was a celebration of fashion-- uniting all the fashion girls and fashion's best dressed gals under one roof.

Kate Hudson in Giles Deacon.

At first glance, I wasn't sure if I really liked this dress. But as I thoroughly looked at this dressed, I realized I do like it. I think the ruffles at the right shoulder of the dress made me question the look, but the overall color palette and how it complemented Kate's skin tone and hair color made me fall in love with this dress. The hair is perfect and the clutch is simple. Perfect look!

Selena Gomez in Louis Vuitton.

I overall look for her. It is very age appropriate and quite edgy. She picked out the right pair of shoes that it didn't cut her off at a weird place. The only thing that bothers me is the skirt. I think the skirt is too goofy for the look. I wish it were more fitted, but I don't know if that's how it was exactly styled on the runway. Maybe it was and she is just recreating the look.

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton.

I love love love this look! I was going to name this best dressed, however, her shoes are problematic for me. Her shoes cut her off at a weird place, which is what Selena didn't do. But overall I love this leather look.

Dakota Johnson in Louis Vuitton.

Omg yes! Dakota has become my favorite fashion girl. She is always killing it on the red carpet, having been a red carpet newbie this year. Ever since awards season to now she never seems to fail me. I love pant suits on women! And she definitely is working it with look. Plus I love that she actually tailored the pants, which was something some girls forget to do! Best Dressed for me.

Alessandria Ambrosio in Alexandre Vauthier.

I like this look, but I think we can do without the side cuts. I actually thought this was the exact same dress that Miley wore to this year's Grammys, but it isn't. It is just from the same designer. Nevertheless, the dress fits her body so well.

Miranda Kerr in Ulyana Sergeenko.

I think this dress is meeeh for lack of a better word. I don't know, I just feel like this is something one of the Kardashians would wear out for lunch. Her styling is nice though.

Speaking of the Kardashians.....

Kim Kardashian-West in Valentino.

Zzzz. Seriously, I am so sorry, but I have had enough of the white cape dress. When I first saw this I immediately thought of you Gwyneth Paltrow's Tom Ford dress for the 2012 Oscars. But then there was an influx of different fashion social media accounts that showed different celebrities who have worn the same type of dress as well. I've seen it. I'm over it. Let's move on!

FALL SCREAMS: American Horror Story Hotel

2015-10-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

This fall will definitely be a fearful one, especially with fall television being graced by Ryan Murphy's masterpieces. (cont.)

Along, with Scream Queens airing on FOX, Ryan Murphy has another television show that had its season premiere this fall season. American Horror Story Hotel has taken over FX's Wednesday nights.

The fifth serving of American Horror Story is set in current times California, specifically in a Los Angeles hotel.

If you remember years back, a downtown Los Angeles hotel made headlines for finding an Asian girl in their water tank after resident complained their faucet water turning black. Well this season, I theorize that AHS is loosely based on that hotel. That hotel being called the Cecil Hotel, for the television plot, the story takes place in a hotel called Hotel Cortez. And it is said to be that the Cecil hotel has been a home for many drug dealers, addicts, and mafia in the past coincidentally similar to the plot line of this season.

Apart from possibly being loosely based on that said hotel, AHS Hotel gives a little bit Stanley Kubrick's The Shining to it. I mean, I guess this makes sense since these two works are based on a hotel.

The iconic scene with the two creepy girls in the hallway is similar to the scene with the blonde boy.

And the first time we see Will Drake's son he is featured playing with a ball similar to the times Danny played in the hotel halls.

And if you pay attention to details. The carpet in Hotel Cortez's lobby is similar to the one in The Shining.

This won't a complete post without myself talking about the fashion. So this show has some pretty awesome fashion girls on here-- Lady Gaga, Chloe Sevingy, and Naomi Campbell. Not to mention the guy's outfits are pretty rocking' too.

Lady Gaga fashionably entered the show with a beautiful red gown by Christian Soriano and arm candy Matt Bomer. This is what Prom King and Queen should look like.

I love this part when Will Drake is first seen on the show. Very Kim K with muted colors and coat around the shoulder.

FALL SCREAMS: Scream Queens

2015-10-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

This fall will definitely be a fearful one, especially with fall television being graced by Ryan Murphy's masterpieces.

You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream For Scream Queens!
If Glee and American Horror Story (AHS) were to make baby, Scream Queens would be the product. This debut TV show has the perfect amount of comic relief and jump scares, which is probably inherited from both Glee and AHS. The perfect unions of Glee and AHS is the creation of the ever-so-talented Ryan Murphy, who is also the creative mind behind both of the parent shows. With a star-studded cast-- Emma Roberts, Lea Michelle, Nick Jonas, and Jamie Lee Curtis-- this show has already been marked by being a television hit. With the way the audience embraced the show after six episodes, it truly has become a big hit amongst the youth. It's always trending topic on social media If this doesn't compel you to start watching this screamtastic show, I don't know what will. This series has been the talk of the youth, especially because of Chanel Oberlin's devilish and sassy ways. We all have a little Chanel Oberlin in us.

Oh yeah, can we talk about the fashion?

Furs, pinks, pearls, and pencils skirts are major players of the fashion in Scream Queens. I mean, the show does revolve around a stereotypical sorority and fraternity. Preppy is key!

I forgot to mention, the show does have some nods to other movies.

Stanley Kubrick's Clockwork Orange reference

And what's a scary anything without reference to Hitchcock's Psycho shower scene.

THE POWER OF KIM KARDASHIAN-WEST

2015-10-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

Kim Kardashian-West turns 35 this week and she is definitely still sitting on her golden throne. A year older and more powerful. I'll explain why I admire Kim K's character and why I simply find her FREAKING awesome.

Kim Kardshian-West throughout there years has worked her (huge)ass off to become a household name, and clearly she has become bigger than what she has expected.

Starring in the long-running reality television show Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which is running on it's 11th season this November, is what brought this women to a full-throttle of fame. With the rise of her prominence throughout the years, she has opened up many Dash stores around the nation, started an online game based on her life, covered many magazines and published a book consisting of her selfies. She basically used her power as a reality television star and opened so many doors for herself and her family.

Now, when Kim K is mentioned to anyone at least two reactions come to mind: you either love her or you hate her. Many people question her, saying that she is just famous for being famous. Something that is true, but hey that is how our society is now-a-days. Most of our channels are filled with reality-based shows of different people's lives, with the hopes that they too will achieve the success that Kim K has attained. Here is where I find admiration for the selfie queen.

Kim has basically made a business out of self-objectification. She, along with her family, has learned to market their image to the public. Making the Kardashian surname a brand heard all around the world. Very few people have successfully accomplished this in the celebrity world; the only person that has come to mind is Paris Hilton. The difference between Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian is the fact that the name Hilton is renowned due to the multiple hotels that are found worldwide and the lineage that carries that name. Kardashian was just prominent due to their late father, Robert Kardashian, working on the OJ Simpson trial.

By sharing the Kardashian lives on television, in addition, selling their image to magazines and social media further expands the Kardashian name. Kim Kardashian-West has successfully built a business on her image. I mean come on guys, she freaking published a book on her selfies. To us normal human-beings, a book of selfies would be called a photo album. But with the power of Kim K, a book of selfies is considered a curated work of art that can be found on someone's coffee table. Recently, the Kardashian Klan released blogs/apps with a $3.99 monthly fee to get exclusive content from the girls. I'm pretty sure many patrons are willing to pay the fee to further "connect" with the girls. You can't deny their success, which continues to grow.

Whether you hate her or you love her Kim K will still continue to be a fashion influencer, image entrepreneur, and richer than the most of us. I find this amazing because she started this success by just simply living her life. Kim Kardashian-West understands how to market herself to the industry and continues to be relevant in most people's lives. I don't think she'll be gone just yet!

Happy Birthday Kim Kardashian-West!

These two articles are what inspired me to write this post:

Is Kim Kardashian the New Jeff Koons?//Jerry Saltz: How and Why We Started Taking Kim Kardashian Seriously (and What She Teaches Us About the State of Criticism)

CFDA FASHION AWARDS 2016

2015-06-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

The best and questionable looks of the CFDA Fashion Awards 2015.

The CFDA, or the Council of Fashion Designers of America, annually holds an award ceremony to recognize many of the designers that contribute their beautiful work into the American fashion industry. Many praises were made for nominated designer and fashionable nominees such as: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Tom Ford, Pharrell Williams, and many other fashion influentials. Many models, designers, bloggers, and fashion doers alike strutted the red carpet at the Lincoln Center for the CFDA Awards. Here are our top picks from the fashion affair. And yes OUR because my friend, Genevieve, will be sharing her commentary as well for the fashion contenders. This is The Fashion Statement//He Said...She Said... Edition.

Juliette Lewis//Christian Soriano.

Christian: At first glance I wasn't amazed by the the two part ensemble, but after Genevieve pointed out for Juliette to be a part of the fashion round-up, I took a second glance and fell in love. Christian Soriano, who was the winner of fourth season of Project Runway, continues to show his worth with his design pieces. The form-fitting crop top balances out the statement feathery skirt. This look is very reminiscent of Sarah Hyland's dress during last year's Emmys. I think Juliette's pose was the reason behind for me not fully understanding or liking the dress in the first place.

Genevieve: Juliette Lewis was a show stopper. She was a show stealer, like she literally looked beyond amazing. It was so unexpected.

Diane Kruger//Prabal Gurung.

Christian: As I was scrolling through the red carpet looks at the event Diane Kruger's dress stood out to me. The contrast between the red and black looked stunning on the red carpet, as well as the backdrop of the event. I love the sheen of the lower half of the dress, which contrasts the muted sheen of the upper half of the dress. I guess I'm all about the contrast look for this dress. The dress is lovely, however, something I realized is this would've been a perfect dress for this year's MET Gala. It would've been a better choice than the dress she actually wore to the event.

Genevieve: I don't really have anything to say about Diane's look. I didn't totally love it, but she looked good.

Victoria Beckham//Victoria Beckham Collection.

Christian: I like the simplicity and minimalism of the dress, which I'm pretty sure everyone knows I am a big fan of both aesthetics, but I really have nothing to say except for the fact that it's nice and simple. It's not one of the best looks of the night, nor was it the worst look.

Genevieve: I don't know... Victoria Beckham kills it all the time. She looked so elegant and chic.

Chrissy Teigen//Solace London.

Christian: I would have to say that Chrissy Teigen is the most improved on the red carpet. I am really happy that she set aside her usual red carpet get up, which she overkilled during award season earlier this year, for this lovely number. The slit, along with the interesting design, makes the dress a bit more trendy to the sense of elegance that the dress already exudes. *Fun fact: Apparently later that night she happened to face a wardrobe malfunction with this dress. (Read here for more information.)

Genevieve: I'm just happy she is out of her normal go to style!

Michelle Monaghan//Monique Lhuillier.

Christian: This dress remind of me of the class and glamor during the 1920s. I feel like you would find Michelle wearing this dress to like a party that Gatsby is throwing. The gold complements her skin tone and hair color. I do agree! She is the best dressed of the night.

Genevieve: Michelle Monaghan definitely was one of the best dressed of the night. She shocked me because I didn't view her as a fashionista-- she seemed more like a soccer mom. However, she was so stylish that night, I love it!

Gigi Hadid//Michael Kors.

Christian: I am like in a love/hate relationship with this jumpsuit. At first glance I liked it, and was going to name it the best dressed for the night. Then I kept staring at the jumpsuit and started hating it. I think it's the weird scaly pattern on the jumpsuit that makes me question my love for this look. Although, I do think Gigi's body hugs the jumpsuits perfectly, it's as if it was made just for her.

Genevieve: Gigi Hadid looked flawless, as usual. The only thing that I have to say about this look is her hair. Gigi seems to always have her hair down on the red carpet too often. I wish she would've changed it a bit.

CANNES & THE BBMAs 2015

2015-05-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

The best and questionable looks of the Cannes Film Festival and Billboard Music Awards 2015.

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events, along with the MET Gala and the Oscars, for any fashion lover. Actors and actresses frolic around the French Riviera city to premiere their highly acclaimed films and showcase beautifully styled outfits. Here are some of the actresses the stood out to me on the Cannes 2015 Red Carpet.

Charlize Theron //Dior Haute Couture.

This yellow ensemble, although simple, I find very beautiful and elegant. The color of the dress makes it pop and keeps it interesting, while the beautiful train of the dress adds a touch of elegance to the look. I'm a fan a minimalism, and Charlize definitely kept it minimal by accessorizing the dress with just a pair of earrings (oh yeah I totally forgot about her other accessory, Sean Penn).

Karlie Kloss//Atelier Versace.

You can count on Versace to make dresses that are super edgy and sexy, which is what Karlie wore on the Cannes 2015 red carpet. This dress is very sexy, but not to the point that it looks vulgar. Karlie picked the perfect dress to showcase her model body. The silver and sheen to the dress glamorizes the look, and I love that she kept her hair simple and kept the look monochromatic by matching her heels with the dress's color.

Julianne Moore//Givenchy.

My oh my Ms. Moore. She is completely stunning, as per usual, in both of her red carpet looks. She rocked the carpet during awards season, earlier this year, and she continues to kill us with her dazzling looks, especially in the latter photo. I would and will proclaim Julianne Moore as the fashion queen of the red carpet. She never seems to fail us when she struts the carpet. Props to you! And don't forget to thank Givenchy because they've always got your back! I would have to say she was Best Dressed this Cannes 2015. Keep "slaying" us with your fashion Julianne Moore!

Julianne Moore dazzles and shines the Cannes 2015 Red Carpet wearing Armani Privé

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The Billboard Music Awards this year took place at the city of sin, Las Vegas. Las Vegas was pretty eventful this past weekend because not only did people flock to sin city to gamble, but also to attend the Rockin' Rio music festival and have a glimpse of artists walking the carpet at the annual BBMAs (Billboard Music Awards). This year, there weren't many artists and celebrities that made me want to make a double take with their outfits, but there were some decent contenders.

Zendaya//Fausto Puglisi.

This is what I call a beautiful chaos. All this mixing and matching of patterns and prints all don't usually work together, but when styled right it can turn out to be a beautiful masterpiece. I love this outfit that Zendaya wore because she kept it youthful, by showing her midriff with the crop top, but also fashion forward, by having this crazy mix of patterns. Definitely Zendaya was one of my favorites on the carpet last night, which is not typical for me. One thing I wish she should have done differently is replace the color of the shoe. I know she was trying to match it wit her earrings, but something about it seemed off.

Charlie XCX

She is someone who surprised with me her look last night too. Her fashion choices on the carpet are choices that I am not very fond of usually, but last night her look completely stunned me. Again, I am a fan of minimalism, so I love the fact she kept it simple, yet sleek, by going with a black dress and accessorized with dainty jewelry pieces. I think her statement look was her dark red lips, which goes so well with the overall look.

Kendall Jenner//Balmain

Kendall Jenner is taking the modeling world by storm, and she is the most sought after young female of my generation. She surely knows how to dress for her body because even with those boots, she still looks like she has legs for days. I love how she kept her hair and makeup very simple, so she can let the statement blazer do all the talking. Aside from her beautiful look, she actually made a big fashion statement along with Oliver Rousteing, the designer for Balmain, stating that he will be the next fashion designer to collaborate with H&M. How exciting is that? Looks like I'm going to need to find a job real soon.

Taylor Swift//Balmain

Taylor in this beautiful and sexy white Balmain cutout jumpsuit. The women of the night who took home most of the awards, I think about 8 awards, last night also took us all away with her ravishing jumpsuit. Honestly, I feel like this is the most boobage I've ever seen Taylor Swift display on the red carpet. I love this look so much on her. She knows how to play with her look, and I am just glad it is not another crop top and skirt combo that she has been wearing on her 1989 tour. In my opinion, she was the best dressed and queen of the night. Last night was definitely her night, premiering her Bad Blood music video (which I will be dissecting within a few days), bringing along her clique to the show, having her boyfriend by her side (oh Calvin Harris), and duh winning all those awards. Now someone please buy me tickets to the 1989 Tour!

UPDATE: There has been buzz going around Taylor Swift's white cutout number. Apparently the company Nasty Gal claimed, via Instagram, that Swift's cutout jumpsuit is from their collection, however, it is known that the jumpsuit is actually from Balmain. This isn't something new to the owner of the Nasty Gal company, Sophia Amoruso. For the further story, check it out on E Online.