Voguerrilla

Voguerrilla has moved!

2011-04-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

Check out Voguerrilla's new home at www.voguerrilla.com. Follow for the latest in beauty, health, fashion and entertainment!

If I could be 16 again...

2011-04-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

If I could go be 16 again, I'd wear @Y_S_L Rouge Pur Couture (in Le Fuchsia). It makes me so happy and fearless! What products would you send to your teenage self?

Spring Break in a Bottle

2011-04-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't go to Panama City Beach this year, but that doesn't mean I won't have a killer spring break glow next week!

As a spray tan fanatic, I've tried just about everything in the book. My one complaint: the smell. If someone can smell my bronze before they see it, we've got a problem. When I found out St. Tropez doesn't have that signature chemical scent, I had to give it a try.

Although St. Tropez isn't completely fragrance free (you can still catch a hint of the spray tan odor, but not nearly as much as competing brands), I was thrilled with the results. The application was so easy — just pump the mousse into your hands and sweep from top to toe. After two hours, I had a natural, golden tan that didn't streak down my legs or result in oompa-loompa hands.

If anyone asks, I went to St. Tropez for spring break.

At Vena Cava, the eyes have it

2011-02-10T12:50:00.001-08:00

After three seasons of look-at-me lips (dark berry for fall, rich fuchsia for winter and orangey-red for spring), the runways are putting the eyes back in focus. This morning, we saw a natural lip paired with intense, glittery eyeshadow at Vena Cava.

A model preps in hair and makeup at the Vena Cava show. Photo source: New York Magazine 's The Cut Blog. Photo by Jeffrey Ufberg/WireImage.

The BCBG Max Azria show took it down a few notches, pairing nude lips with brown and gold eyeshadow (but no mascara according to Nola.com). Considering mascara equals a cup of coffee for my tired eyes in the morning, this is one look I might not be mastering. But it is interesting to see designers go from rich, glamorous fashion (bold lips, full lashes) to a minimal look right out of the '70s. Some writers have attributed this to the Recession.

BCBG pairs a sleek low ponytail with a natural face for fall. This 5-minute look is perfect for under-slept undergrads. Photo source: Los Angeles Times.

Stay tuned for more trends this week!

Beauty, Beauty, Beauty, Beauty rockin' everywhere,

Voguerrilla

Voguerrilla: Back on the Runway

2011-02-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

If there's ever a time for a comeback, Fashion Week is it!

The complete looks from this morning's BCBG Maz Azria Fall 2011 show. Photo Source: Ok! Magazine

I apologize for the lack of posts in recent months. I've been blogging about beauty here and the economy here, but leaving poor little Voguerrilla trembling by herself in stilettos. But I'm back and excited to bring you Fashion Week coverage!

After working as a beauty intern this past summer, I fell in love with the world of fashion, beauty and style. There's nothing that makes me happier than helping women look and feel gorgeous in their skin. Beauty isn't something to obsess over — it's something to value. That is why I love Fashion Week so much.

To outsiders, Fashion Week is a time for designers to show off their new threads. But the insiders know that fabric is just one part of the show. Fashion Week sets all the trends for the upcoming season. Huge names like M.A.C., Sebastian and O.P.I. collaborate with designers to fully communicate their artistic vision. If a model wears jade nail polish, winged eyeliner or beehive hair, you can bet on seeing it on magazine covers and even in your own mirror come fall. Coco Chanel said it best:

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

In 2011, you can also find it in our blogs, Twitter feeds and Foursquare Check-Ins (Lincoln Center, anyone?).

Fashion is all around,

Voguerrilla

High Flying Beauty

2010-10-07T16:26:00.000-07:00

As seen at Chanel this week, feathers are back on the runway for Spring! But the high-flying designs aren't just for dresses and handbags. Beauties everywhere are spreading their wings with colorful, peacock-inspired makeup creations. Zac Posen and Maybelline set the trend at New York Fashion Week with irresistible "I-can't-be-tamed" eyes.

This look is totally ready-to-wear...right?

Everyone knows that blue and yellow make green, but rarely think to experiment with primary colors on their eyes. The hues may be bold and bright on their own, but blend together for a look that is unique and flawless.

Looking for something a little more wearable? Start by applying canary yellow eyeshadow to your lid. Using a contour brush, sweep green shadow into your crease and along the outer corner of your eye. Dip a precision brush in water and line your lower lashline with blue eyeshadow. Then, blend the blue eyeshadow into the corner crease for that "mixed-primaries" look. Line your eyes with deep, blue eyeliner and finish with a bold, volumizing mascara.

Get the look with Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio in Tropicalia ($33), Sephora Colorful Duo Eyeshadow in Tropical Blue ($16), MAC Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner in Petrol Blue ($14.50) and Benefit Cosmetics Prrrowl Mascara Topcoat ($28).

Shake your tail-feathers,

Voguerrilla

Fashion Face Time

2010-10-05T11:15:00.001-07:00

With Paris Fashion Week dominating my Twitter feed, I'm having serious designer envy. From Chanel to YSL, I spend more time in class swooning over Spring fashion trends than focusing on theories of civil war (can you blame me?). If my college student's budget wasn't enough to keep me off the runways, my current location will. Columbia, Missouri isn't exactly known for its international fashion influence.

Chanel, je t'aime.

But, one thing we now do have is Sephora. As of this week, Missouri beauties will have the opportunity to shop a much wider market than the local Walmart drugstore brands. Even if you can't afford to keep designers in your closet, it's worth storing them in your medicine cabinet! For one, European brands tend to carry safer ingredients thanks to stricter cosmetics laws. And, there's really no greater joy than opening a tube of Chanel lipstick in the women's bathroom.

These are my fashionable favorites:

Yves saint Laurent: Every time YSL sent over a bag of their lipsticks, my editors would swoon like 16-year-old girls. The rich colors are silky smooth and last all day. I love Rouge Pur Couture in Le Fuchsia. It's happiness in a tube!

Rouge Pur Couture SPF 15, $30

Dior: I'm convinced that a gorgeous Dior evening gown is compacted into each of these palettes. The bombshell shades hug every contour like couture.

5-Colour Eyeshadow, $58

Chanel: The word alone can turn any respectable woman into a whimsical teenager. Karl Lagerfeld's elegant designs on the runway translate into sugary sweet face makeup. Every woman should own a tube of their iconic lipstick — the shade is up to you! But, I also recommend purchasing one of their eyeshadow quads. The colors are soft and natural — and you'll feel like a million bucks checking your reflection in a Chanel compact.

Rouge Coco, $30

Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow, $56

Givenchy: This little gadget might look like a medieval torture device, but it works miracles on your eyes. Each curve of the brush surrounds the roots of your lashes to give you lift from corner to corner. Once you try it, you won't pick up another brush again!

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara, $29)

Giorgio Armani: If a man walks past me wearing Acqua di Gio — regardless of whether he's 26 or 62 — I'll do a double-take. Finally, Armani gave us our own weapon of attraction. A whiff of Acqua di Gioia, paired with sweats or a designer outfit, will stop guys in their tracks.

Acqua di Gioia, $39-80

Altogether, they look something like this!

Wearing YSL Pur Couture in Le Fuschia, Chanel Eyeshadow Quad in Tentation Cuivre and Givenchy mascara in Phenomen'Black.

Facing fashion,

Voguerrilla

What's luck got to do with it?

2010-09-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

3. 4. 5. 9. 7...

Come on...Give me a three.

...5!

I don't know why I torture myself when it comes to raffles. Since the 6th grade when I entered my first cake walk, I have never, ever won a door prize. From silent auctions to promotional parties, I've always been one digit away from walking home with a cheese basket or a wine rack. Last year, I sat one seat away from the winner of a Nikon D5000. It was my last straw; I was never entering a raffle again.

So when I saw that Stila was accepting applications for "Stila Girl of the Month" I applied with no expectations. I absolutely adore their makeup, but figured my resume would get lost at the bottom of the pile. In fact, I forgot that I had entered until I received an email telling me I was one of the top 10 finalists for the competition. The winner receives $500 worth of Stila product, a unique look created specifically for them and recognition on the Stila Website. It sure beats an Edible Arrangement!

Rather than relying on seven digits or the fateful moment when the music stops, this competition comes down to you. Yes, you. I'm asking you to reverse a lifetime of torn up raffle tickets and one-call-too-late radio competitions. Go to StilaCosmetics.com and vote for me, Catherine (yes, I have a real name).

And, if you're the one who stole my Funfetti three-layer cake by an inch in the 6th grade, you better vote twice.

It's my lucky day,

Voguerrilla

Fashion's Night Out — Mizzou Style!

2010-09-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

I nearly died of FOMO (fear of missing out) during New York City Fashion Week this month. Thankfully, my favorite editors, models and celebrities took me to the front row with them via Twitter. And, before the fashion bug ate me alive, my friend Kelsey threw a Her Campus Mizzou launch party inspired by Fashion's Night Out!

Here I am with Kelsey, campus correspondent for Her Campus Mizzou!

Her Campus is an online magazine that covers college campuses from the inside out. From style to relationships and everything in between, the site is great for undergrads who want to be "in-the-know" while still being entertained. Because it's for college women, the content reads the same way. Some of the stories push the limit, answering questions women might be too embarrassed to ask their residence hall coordinator. I personally loved the

Top 10 Fictional Boyfriends post last week. The O.C. wrapped in 2007 and I'm still swooning over Seth Cohen.

The Her Campus team held the party at the fabulous Belle Boutique in Columbia where women shopped for fall threads while nibbling on delicious treats. It was the perfect way to spend a Sunday night downtown.

Want Her Campus to be your campus? Head over to Her Campus Mizzou for more info!

FOOD: Taco Tuesday (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday...)

2010-09-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

I'm still not sure whether my taco addiction was learned or genetic.

When my mom was pregnant with me, she sent my dad out for fish tacos every night. From her first trimester to her last hours of labor, all my mom wanted to eat was the Wahoo's #3 (two fish tacos, rice and a side of black beans). If it weren't for my lack of teeth, I'm sure I would have been born begging for corn tortillas.

So when it comes to finding the best tacos in a city, I take the responsibility very seriously. In California, my favorite spot was nestled in a corner of downtown Los Angeles. The Taco Tuesday special was so obscure, I still don't know the name of the joint. But I can tell you, the carne asada tacos were to-die-for!

Once I moved to Missouri, I had given up hope of finding a taco joint. Let's face it, Missouri isn't exactly known for Mexican food. Three years went by without even a taste of authentic salsa. When my best friend invited me to El Rodeo, I was ready for another disappointment. I took one bite and almost burst into tears. The meat was deliciously marinated, the tortillas warmed to perfection and the avocado salsa practically melted on my tongue. I was in heaven!

When I moved to New York City for the summer, I knew what I had to do first. In a city of eight million people, there had to be at least one person who could make a killer fish taco. And that's when I found La Esquina.

Now if you're prone to addiction, it's in your best interest to stop reading now. Every time I passed Spring Street, it took everything in my power to stay on the train. Sometimes I would even calculate if I had enough time to sneak away to the joint during my lunch hour. Yes, it's that good.

But it wasn't just the menu that kept me coming back to La Esquina; I couldn't get enough of the rich atmosphere. La Esquina is one of the city's best kept speakeasies. It may look like a corner deli from the street, but walk past the two security guards standing in front of the "Employees Only" door and you'll find an upscale, hidden restaurant. Around 10 p.m. every night, a slew of models and New York City A-listers parade down the stairs to taste the best tacos in the city.

If you forgot to make a reservation, there's no point in batting your eyelashes. The bouncers are serious about that list (they even carry walkie talkies!). But that doesn't mean you can't bite into the cuisine out front. They're called street-style tacos for a reason!

Hasta luego,

Voguerrilla

Beauty: My Lips are Sealed

2010-08-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

What is it about lipstick?

It's the first thing you steal out of your mom's makeup bag and the last impression you give at the end of the night. Sure, I like the shine of lip gloss, but there's nothing more iconic than a tube of Chanel Rouge Coco. The instant I lean into the mirror, pucker up my lips and sweep on my Rose Dentelle, I'm fearless. I can be as coy as Jackie O or as daring as Marilyn Monroe. It seals lips, letters and even a few deals. The best part? It doesn't kiss and tell.

XOXO,

Voguerrilla

Entertainment: Does Size Matter?

2010-08-25T14:06:00.001-07:00

When I got my hands on my first Flip camera, I wanted to film everything in sight. I narrated long waits outside of movie theaters and howled at footage of my roommates trying to open a can of Spaghettio's (without a can opener!). All my friends loved hamming it up for the miniature HD recorder — and oohed and ahhed over the handy flip-out USB input that uploaded videos instantly.

But, when it came time to using the Flip for media projects, I began to run into skeptics. I told one celebrity that we would be filming her interview for a blog post. She showed up in full makeup and an entourage only to look crestfallen when I pulled out my recorder.

"Oh, we're just using a Flip?" she asked. "A Flip and fluorescent lighting...great."

As the public demands smaller and sleeker devices, the media world continues to live by the rule, "the bigger, the better." A press pass is no longer a slip of paper you wear around your neck; it's the equipment you hoist over your shoulder. No one will look at you twice if you pull out a miniature point and shoot. But hold up a giant hand-held trailed by a mess of colorful wires and you'll have every celebrity on the carpet.

Two brothers tested this theory with the HBO television series, the Neistat Brothers. The brothers, Van and Casey, set out to film episodes using only point-and-shoot digital cameras and a computer to edit their footage. The result is a hilarious, personal and artistic look into their lives (without the trashy "reality show" feel). Their low-budget equipment allowed them to film in inaccessible places (like airports) and have access to footage at any time. Rather than scheduling shoots, they kept cameras in their pockets to capture anything worth filming as it came along. They became so engrossed in their project, they even began to confuse their own reality with the film they were creating.

"I still don't know whether I broke up with my girlfriend because I wanted to or if I thought it would make good television," Casey Neistat joked.

I caught up with the brothers at the HBO premiere in New York City, where they dished about their decision to shake up television production.

Will shows like the Neistat Brothers move from 12 a.m. slots to primetime? No one doubted the size of Monet's paint brushes, so why don't we trust a filmographer without a lighting crew? Production is changing, but are we ready for it?

Flipping out,

Voguerrilla

From West to East

2010-08-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

After seven hours of traveling, 175 pounds of luggage and a few tears later, I returned from New York City this weekend. As the Brooklyn Bridge faded into the distance on my cab ride to La Guardia, I reflected on my incredible summer.

Instead of checking items off a bucket list, I vowed to live every day to the fullest — regardless of where I went. I never made it to the Statue of Liberty, but I did sneak into VIP at the city's hottest rooftop club. On the night I would have gone to the top of the Empire State Building, I dug into fish tacos at the city's best kept speakeasy, La Esquina. No, I didn't boat out to Ellis Island, but I did comb through vintage jewelry at a flea market in Williamsburg. I knew this was my first summer living in New York City, so I tried to live it like a New Yorker. As a result, my view of the city changed. In a city as big as New York, I started to find joy in the little things:

1. Feeling a quick gust of cold air when you walk by a building in a 105-degree heat wave
2. The 9 a.m. sea of starched shirts coming out of the Wall Street Subway stop
3. Thinking it's raining and then realizing it's only a sweating air conditioning unit above
4. Taking the long way home and discovering your new favorite restaurant
5. A double-take on the sidewalk
6. Walking by a Mr.Softee and actually having the cash to buy a sprinkled cone
7. Discovering the perfect LBD in a thrift store in Brooklyn
8. Three letters: VIP
9. Waking up to the print edition of Women's Wear Daily
10. TRADER JOE'S (seriously, thank you for keeping me alive this summer)

From concerts in the park to 4 a.m. cab rides, I can't even begin to explain how much I fell in love with the city this summer. Even my mom picked me up from the airport and said "You look like New York." It was a West Coast girl's perfect beginning to a new life on the East Coast.

See You Later NYC,

Voguerrilla

Beauty: It Does WHAT?

2010-07-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

Some people spend their days at work calculating return rates. I spend mine deciding whether to classify a hair product as a shine enhancer, frizz fighter, curl calmer or simply, a serum. Hey, it's not as easy as it sounds! Just wait until I come across a 3-in-1 product! Talk about my worst nightmare.

Shampoo, conditioner AND body wash? That's awesome, but where am I supposed to file this?

Vowing to reorganize the beauty closet before the summer ends, Julie (the fabulous other intern) and I have spent our work days wading through piles of shampoo, lip gloss and body butter. As we turned the shelves upside down, we discovered some hilarious hidden products. I just had to share them with you!

Poo-Pourri
$9.99, poopourri.com

I knew a guy in high school who was actually convinced women weren't physically designed to go number two. This product might be to blame. Just spray on the surface of the water before you, you know, and you're set to go! It really works — erm, at least that's what I've heard.

Lovely Jubblies
Lush Cosmetics, $20

You guessed it! A beauty product just for the girls. This luxurious cream moisturizes and firms your skin. Your décolleté never looked so good!

Rollasoles
$9.99, Target

Manolos, Louboutin's and Jimmy Choo's are great for going out, but coming home is a different story. Now, instead of stumbling to the subway in blisters you can pack a pair of flats right into your clutch! These portable pedi-savers are perfect for a girl about town. I'm buying two pairs!

As wacky as they are, these products are actually really innovative! I'm always impressed by companies that pay attention to women's needs and strive to make a product that addresses them. The cute names never hurt either!

Crazy beautiful,

Voguerrilla

Dating: Don't Wait for the Final Rose

2010-07-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

I heard on the radio the other day that the average woman dates 25 men before finding "the one." This works great for Ali Fedotowsky (otherwise known as the Bachelorette) who can gather them all in one room and narrow it down in under three months.

Ok, maybe it's not that easy. (abc.com)

For the rest of us, those 25 guys are spread across years of first crushes, failed love stories and one too many horrifying first dates. As I round the corner on this elusive number, I'd like to introduce you to the five men I hope you can be lucky enough not to meet (or be, if any guys are reading this).

The Obsessive Caller
One of my ex boyfriends wanted to talk on the phone ALL.THE.TIME. Now I love talking to people, I really do, but I hate the phone. When you talk to someone over a wire, you're missing about 85% of the conversation — body language, touch, tone of voice, facial expressions, etc. I'm almost positive we broke up because I didn't call him on a holiday. His birthday? Nope. 4th of July.

The Over-Analyzer
Now I can't say that I don't over-analyze things — it's in my job description. I just don't want to talk about them with you. Please don't ask me how I feel about you. If you have to ask, you're probably not going to like the answer.

The Self-Dater
One guy I dated was actually courting himself. He even showed up for a date two hours late because he had to go to a concert at the last minute — alone. I thought at least Valentine's Day would be different. Nope, he bought himself tickets to another obscure concert. At least I was invited this time.

The List Maker
There's nothing that creeps me out more than when I'm talking to a guy and he says "good answer" to one of my responses. What is this, a check list? Just because I can spout off Star Wars trivia, eat a Chipotle burrito in one sitting and still manage to squeeze into a little black dress does not mean I'm your soul mate. Which leads me to my ultimate fear...

The Wife Hunter
Why has no one written "she's just not that into you?" yet? Over-the-top dates and early affection are not going to win us over — they're going to send us running. So many guys think women want a committed, loving partner. Yeah, maybe a few years down the road. Picking out engagement rings on the first date? Not so much.

This post might get me into trouble, but I hope it helps you stay out of it. Just be happy I didn't pull a Taylor Swift and name names, boys.

Dodging bullets,

Voguerrilla

Spotted: Gossip Girl filming in NYC!

2010-07-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

SPOTTED: S and B back from Paris and shopping for designer threads at Fashion's Night Out in NYC. Will B ever know the truth about Chuck? Does S rekindle love with lonely boy? Time will only tell...

After months of filming in the city of love, the cast of Gossip Girl returned to the city of lights to shoot the highly anticipated fourth season. While the season finale left us on edge last year — glimpses of the cast gave us hope for an exciting season ahead. We caught up with them at the Diane von Fürstenberg store in the Meatpacking District for a sneak peek. They were filming an evening scene for Fashion's Night Out, a fabulous event for New York's shopaholics in September.

Talk about coolest job ever. Extras prance around in designer duds before shooting the next scene.

The Upper East Side on wheels. The actors rest in their trailers between takes.

Spoiler Alert:

For those of you who were devastated by Chuck's near-fatal shooting last season (like me), have no fear! Our favorite bad boy is back for round four, and from the looks of it, he's got a new piece of arm candy. Clemence Poesy, better known as Fleur Delacour in Harry Potter, never left his side during rehearsal. We'll see how long this blonde lasts, but we all know Blair and Chuck will have an "on-again" moment this season. It wouldn't be Gossip Girl without it.

Ed Westwick arrives on the set to shoot. The actor, wearing a loose fitting shirt and black shorts, quickly suited up to shoot a scene as Chuck. Clemence Percy goes unnoticed by the crazed fans trying to catch a glimpse of their favorite star.

We also spotted Serana wearing a gorgeous black and white dress. Blair showed up in a silver sparkly number, which means there could be a stare-down between her and Chuck's new girl. Lily, Rufus and Eric were also on the scene, making it a dysfunctional family affair. Notably missing was Jenny. We even checked with a stage hand to make sure. Thank goodness! We hope the eyeliner addict stays in boarding school for a while (read forever).

You know you love me.

Xoxo,

Voguerrilla

Tired of Using Technology

2010-07-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know I'm more than a little attached to my Blackberry. From the time I wake up to the time I go to bed, you can be sure I'm running through this cycle:

1. Text
2. Email
3. Secondary email
4. Twitter
5. Hopstop (accompanied with the constant inner dialogue "Is this where I'm supposed to be? Did I miss my stop? Where am I going again? If I get off at Spring Street, I can switch to the ACE which will take me to the 2....right?")
Lather. Rinse. Repeat

But starting a few months ago, my trusty Curve started acting a little off. First, he began dropping my calls. So, I gave him some distance and switched to texting. Then, when I started moving too fast, he'd freeze up. Finally, even when I thought everything was great (full battery), he'd end things with no explanation or excuse. This on-and-off relationship continued for months until last Friday, when things officially ended between us. The blinking red light turned off for good and I was left in the middle of 14th street, alone. I didn't even have that cute Verizon network to fall back on.

I headed straight to the AT&T store, where they told me I could get a brand new phone if I signed a 2-year contract, payed a full fee, filled out six forms, mailed them in, wait for them to come back, get on the phone with customer service, stay on hold, explain what happened to my phone, beg for a new phone, adjust my data plan...you get the picture. Those little red dots on the AT&T coverage maps? If you connect them all, that's the red tape you have to wade through before you get any real customer service.

Considering most people spend, on average, two hours in the AT&T store, there was no hope going on my lunch break. So, I decided to wait it out a couple days. "I can do this, no problem," I thought.

Wrong.

Without warning, my laptop stopped charging, I lost my mail key and I couldn't find my glasses. Even if someone wrote an airplane message in the sky, I still wouldn't be able to read it. I was completely unreachable. All of a sudden, all the little things I never thought about, started becoming big problems.

Waking up: I had to go to Target to buy an alarm clock to replace the one in my phone. All it does is alarm, can you believe that?

Finding time: I'm constantly searching for any clock on the street or people's wrists to keep track of the time. There's no phrase I hate more than "What time is it?" Talk about grammar vomit.

Staying connected: I actually check my email. It took me a couple tries to find the log-in page before I could access one of the three accounts I have linked to my phone. What's my password again?

Making plans: "Oh, you guys went out last night?" "Yeah, we texted you!" Unless someone lives with me or knocks on my door, I'm running up and down stairs trying to figure out what's planned for the evening. This, of course, leads to my next point.

Coordinating outfits: No more "what are you wearing?" texts. I've started carrying heels in my purse just in case there was a change of plans.

In 2010, phones text, take pictures, browse streaming video, take you online and oh, yeah, make calls. But they do a lot more than that too — they change the way we interact with each other. If I lived in NYC in the 1950's, I would have made plans in advance, met promptly at a pre-determined time and place and crossed my fingers that they said "avenue" and not "street." There was no room for mistakes, last minute changes or "I just don't really feel up to going out after all" texts. Our lack of commitment isn't limited to our relationships, it's all over our network (yes, even the 4G).

So if you've sent me a text, email, letter or sky writing in the last week, I apologize. You can continue to reach me by sending flowers or — dare I say it — knocking on my door. If you'd like to bring candy, Girl Scout cookies or a set of Cutco knives to make yourself more comfortable, I don't mind.

Logging out,

Voguerrilla

VIDEO: The Eclipse Starts at Midnight!

2010-07-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to introduce Voguerrilla's first ever video blog post! Check back for more videos and posts as I take you under the covers of today's glossies!

Voguerrilla

ENTERTAINMENT: Ticket to Midnight

2010-06-30T19:44:00.001-07:00

When I was twelve, I went to my first midnight showing.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was premiering and like any hormonal teenager at the time, I was OBSESSED with the series (ok, I still am). The city was completely quiet, but the energy around the Regal 13 was electrifying. From high school students jokingly waving wands at each other to teenage girls squeeling at posters of their favorite stars, I felt at home. The minute that classic soundtrack started playing, a giant hush fell over all of us. We weren't just watching the movie, we were experiencing it.

In the years that followed, I vowed to go to as many midnight showings as I could. If there was a sequel, prequel or major cult film premiering, you could bet on seeing me at 12:01 a.m. sharp.

There's something magical about midnight showings. It isn't about being the first person to see the film — it's the sense of community that comes with the experience. When you go to a midnight showing, it's a testament to your dedication to the series. You automatically feel connected to the people around you. And, when you leave the theater at 3 a.m., there's nothing more special than being able to share that with hardcore fans who shamelessly drop words like "imprint" and "horcrux" in their daily vocabulary.

So last night, as I ran through the door to Eclipse, I paused for a moment to quietly celebrate my tradition. In my 21 years, I've been to 21 midnight showings. I've worn Princess Leia buns and lightning scars. I've waited in line for more than 60 hours. I've laughed, I've cried and I've wandered around school too many times with that "I only got 3 hours of sleep last night, but it was so worth it" look on my face.

Ticket Stub Confessional
(in no particular order)

1. Star Wars 2: Attack of the Clones

2. Star Wars 3: Revenge of the Sith

2. Spider-Man. Yes, it takes a hyphen. And yes, knowing this is probably why I'm still single. (via @fakeapstylebook)

3. Spider-Man 2

4. Spider-Man 3

5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

6. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

7. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

8. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

9. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

10. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

11. Lord of the Rings 2: The Twin Towers

12. Lord of the Rings 3: The Return of the King

13. Narnia

14. Batman Begins

15. The Dark Night

16. Transformers 2

17. Sex and the City 2

18. Pirates of the Carribean 3: At World's End

19. Twilight

20. The Twilight Saga: New Moon

21. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

This fall will mark the end of my midnight decade. It seems only fitting that it will be the final installment of the Harry Potter series that started it all.

Just 142 days, 10 minutes and 13 seconds to go. In case you were wondering.

Voguerrilla

Living in a 3-D World

2010-06-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, when I was drowning in cover letters, I began to refer to the Big Apple as the Big Apply. After months of submitting resumes, conducting phone interviews and wearing down a pair of job-hunting heels in the city, I finally landed my dream internship. But, I couldn't have done it without Alicia Keys and Jay-Z. Any time I began to feel dejected, unmotivated or afraid, I turned up the volume and tuned into my own anthem, "Empire State of Mind."

These streets will make you feel brand new,
The lights will inspire you.
Let's hear it for New York.

It didn't matter that I grew up under the shade of palm trees and not skyscrapers. Or that my idea of public transportation meant carpooling on the 405. To me, a summer in New York wasn't about moving cities. It was about chasing a lifelong dream.

Today, I had the incredible opportunity of watching Alicia Keys perform this song live in Central Park. I can't describe how amazing it felt to hear those same lyrics — the ones that kept me pushing on — performed in the city that inspired them.

I never wanted to forget this moment, so I started to record a video of the performance. When I looked around, I realized everyone else was doing the same thing. In fact, no one was actually watching Alicia Keys. They were watching their LCD screens as Alicia Keys performed in front of them. Before this decade, going to a concert meant getting swept up in the music. People danced, held signs, swayed their lighters back and forth and actually clapped with both hands.

Times have changed.

If you look at a crowd at a concert today, almost everyone is holding a camera above their head trying to get the best shot of the performer. They can't clap — their hands are full — so they yell softly instead (you wouldn't want to mess up that "perfect" audio either). Forget about dancing or moving, you might bounce out of the frame. And if you hold up a sign to support the artist, you aren't just impeding the view of the person behind you — you're setting off a glare in their Canon SD 780.

See what I mean?

Instead of getting caught up in a moment, we have become obsessed with recording a copy of it. Why do we do this?

Even if you have a HD camera, you can't fully capture the scene. Sure, you can brag about the concert to your friends in 12.1 megapixels, but they can't see, feel or fully understand it. They don't know the months you spent listening to the song, how the lyrics hit you at the gut of your stomach or how empowered you felt when Alicia threw her microphone down and sang straight to you. In fact, you might be the only one watching that video you uploaded onto Facebook.

I know this, because I'm guilty of it too and not just at concerts. I always carry my camera with me. Anywhere we go, my friends know I'll be the first to suggest taking a group photo. If we walk by a sunset, park, elegant restaurant or outdoor wedding, you won't be surprised to find me kneeling on the ground a few paces back, squinting through my display screen to get an "artsy" shot. One time, when the sun was peeking through the park at the perfect moment, I stopped to pull my camera out and my roommate asked, "Cat, can't we just enjoy it?" She's right. I'm starting to see the world more through a lens than through my own eyes.

Why do we look for cameras with HD video when our eyes already see it that way? Can we really find a megapixel that beats our own vision? If we want to look at the entire stadium, do we really need to flip on our panoramic mode? Couldn't we just turn around?

When Alicia got to the refrain, I turned my camera off and quietly slipped it into my bag. This moment meant so much to me and I wanted to remember it in the clearest image quality I have, my own.

Now you're in New York.

And this time, I really was.

Voguerrilla

Beauty: The Skin Deep End

2010-06-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

After living in New York City for a month, I've already noticed major changes in myself. I wake up before 7 a.m. every morning (even on the weekends!), skip right to the NY section of the Times and crave falafel with unavoidable intensity. But, none of those compare to the drastic transformation of my bathroom cabinet.

Now, I've always loved makeup and beauty. Growing up with an older sister, I started sneaking her lipstick from the age of six. But as I grew older, my wallet and rational side kept me from filling my fantasy makeup bag. I refused to buy those $45 brushes, lip stains and face serums I knew I could probably do without. For eight years, I've stuck with the basics.

Then:

Those days are gone, my friends! This beauty intern has gone over to the smoky-eyed dark side. From testing new products to interviewing experts on skin care, I've never had so much fun in my life!

Now:

Don't get me wrong, there's a lot more to working in the beauty department than trying all the shiny new products (as fun as that is!). Our passion is helping women express their true beauty — both inside and out.

I am blessed to work in an environment where beauty is valued, not obsessed over. We write about ways to look and feel great without spending hours curling your hair or fumbling with ten different eyeshadows. And, we even take the time to challenge society's distored views of beauty. Our models are strong and healthy, the products we feature are all tested by real women and we search high and low for the safest, most natural beauty practices.

So even though my new makeup bag is bustling, I still have the confidence to run out the door with my hair tied back and no makeup on. But, there's nothing wrong with shining as bright as the city either. :)

It's a beauty-ful life,

Voguerrilla

Beauty: Apply by the Rules

2010-06-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Today, I had two desk sides at work. Now, for those of you outside the beauty world, desk sides are when companies come to the office to introduce new product launches...or really, really exciting repackaging.

Now, like any culture, there are rules. In some countries, it is considered rude to refuse food when you are a guest in a person's home. Beauty is the same way.

Let me lay out the ground rules:

Rule 1: If someone puts a hand cream, lotion, highlighter, powder, etc on the table, you are expected to try it. Even if it looks like it might make your hand break out in a mess of glittery hives. Proceed to Rule 2.

Rule 2: When trying new products, apply them in the least conventional way possible. Hair powder should not be applied to the hair, but lightly sprinkled on the back of your hand and blended with the back of your other hand. Similarly, lip gloss should be applied to the inside of your wrist. This, however, does aid in testing the kissability of the products.

Just kidding. :)

Today, one of the company's I interviewed was launching a new foundation line. In the history of the company, this foundation has been marketed exclusively for television, film and performance makeup. Makeup artists have been toting it around for years, applying it to the top names in the business. This fall, the general public will be able to blend in with the rest of them at a reasonable cost.

When they offered to "match me" I excitedly rolled up my sleeve and waited in anticipation.

"You're a M1, definitely" the flawless PR girl said. "But you're probably an M2 when you're tan. So I'm going to give you an M1 for now."

Ouch. So much for my summer glow.

Moving on, even though it's known as "performance makeup," they promised it was versatile enough to wear during the day. "And you'll look flawless!" they gushed.

Well, it covered up imperfections alright. Actually, it covered up just about everything — redness, lines, freckles, bumps...any sort of visible texture or tone, really. And just when I thought I was going to test an everyday foundation, I ended up feeling a bit...theatrical.

The Glee kids would approve.

Drama, Drama, Drama,

Voguerrilla

Seven Days in the City

2010-06-12T16:51:00.001-07:00

Three weeks in and we're still not wasting any time in the city! Let me catch you up on the wild adventures of the 16th floor.

Sunday:
Sunday manicures are quickly becoming my favorite tradition in the city. Vowing for a "summer of growth," I'm kicking my terrible biting habit. Every Sunday, I walk down to Sunshine Nails for 30 minutes of relaxation and a bright new top coat. While I originally used the colors at the salon, Emmy and I now have first dibs on this season's hottest colors from work. I'm excited to try my new favorite, Orly Nail Lacquer in 'Rage' tomorrow.

Metallics are all the rage this summer.

Monday:
Emmy, Bethany, Michelle, Kelsey, Melissa and I headed to the Upper East side for the Museum Mile Festival. Every summer, the museums of New York open their doors to the public free of charge for one evening. Crowds of people come out to enjoy the art, street vendors, sidewalk performances and a beautiful sunset over Central Park. Although the crowds made it difficult to fully appreciate all the art, we loved being a part of this cultural tradition.

Life imitates art at the Guggenheim Museum.

Children take art classes in the National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts

The beautiful museum was once home to the Archer Milton Huntington (1870-1955), heir to railroad magnate, Collis Huntington. His wife, sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, had a special pulley installed in the roof to hoist her pieces up to her 6th floor art studio.

Kelsey and I enjoyed hot dogs from one of the many street vendors.

Street musicians took their art outside for the festival.

Visitors enjoyed the stunning sunset on the museum mile.

Tuesday:
It's my fifth day at work and I'm still leaping out of bed every morning for my job — I LOVE it! My editors are amazing and give me great opportunities to report, write and gain experience in the magazine world. Before this summer, I was willing to do anything to walk through the glass doors of a magazine. Now that I'm in the beauty department, I really feel like I've found my niche! There are so many opportunities for research, reporting and creativity in this department. And, my hair is thanking me for all the fabulous products I get to try. :)

Wednesday
I walked home with a Herve Leger clutch, new tank top, two eco-friendly bags, dry shampoo and nail polish. Love the life of a beauty intern!

Thursday:
My roommate, Bethany, who works for Blackbook magazine, was assigned to cover an HBO premiere. She took me as her plus-one and we had a blast! The premiere was held on the top floor of the HBO building with windows overlooking the city. Sipping wine and eating gourmet hors d'oeuvres with some of the top documentary filmmakers in the business was a dream! We screened the premiere of the Neistat Brothers, a hilarious new television show that documents the life of two brothers. I loved the film and the charming filmmakers, who complimented us on our "cute dresses." I'll definitely be watching this season!

Of course we had to stop in Time Square for a picture! :)

Friday:

On Friday, the women in the New York Program toured FOX and CNN! After meeting country music star Clay Walker outside the FOX building (he's a Mizzou fan!), we headed inside to meet with FOX recruiters. They gave us great insight about standing out in the competitive job market and jokingly told us to say "hi" to CNN as we left for our next tour.

From there, we headed uptown to Time Warner for a full tour of CNN. From my first steps in, I fell in love with the gorgeous facility. They even let us take a spin in the different anchor chairs on the sets of Nancy Grace, the Joy Behar Show, Showbiz Tonight and CNN News. I didn't spot Anderson Cooper, but believe me, I had my eyes peeled! They finished the tour by giving us snazzy new CNN notebooks, pens and a few business cards (yay, networking!). I was in journalism heaven!

The New York Program girls in the CNN newsroom!

A girl can dream. :)

On our way home, several of the girls headed to the set of Matt Damon's upcoming movie, "The Adjustment Bureau." Although we didn't see the star, we did walk through a flurry of camera operators and production staff. Maybe next time!

Still glowing from that morning, several of the girls left the apartment for what I thought would be a normal night out on the town. Little did I know, my life would be forever changed by the most delicious fajitas in the entire world (I'm not even exaggerating). After reading raving reviews about Rodeo Bar and Grill from the Sartorialist, Blackbook and word-of-mouth, we decided to check out this honky tonk Tex Mex bar on the corner of 3rd and 27th. Michelle and I (who share a deep devotion to authentic Mexican food) decided to share the fajitas, as the Sartorialist recommended. We couldn't have made a better decision! Sizzling chicken, carne asada, onions and peppers were marinated in out-of-this-world sauce and delivered straight to our table on a steaming platter. We loaded the rest of our tortillas with guacamole, sour cream, rice, beans and pico de gallo and were transported to food heaven. The live music is just icing on the cake!

Michelle is in her happy place.

Michelle (right) and I have found our regular spot!

Saturday:
Today, Emmy and I woke up bright and early for coffee and breakfast sandwiches across the street from our apartment. After briefly considering getting a head start on our homework, we decided to take our education outside and met up with our hip professor at the famous Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. The joint is so popular, there is a continuous line wrapped around the park! We waited in line for 45 minutes, enjoying the live music by Bob Schneider who was performing on the summer stage. I decided on their "Shack-Cago" dog with all the fixings and a chocolate shake. I have to be honest, no milkshake will ever amount to the ones from the original Ruby's on the Balboa pier in California. But, I LOVED my Shack-Cago dog! Eating on cafe-style tables with live music in the background was the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday in the city.

Emmy and I waiting in line for the Shake Shack.

The line continuously wraps around the corner.

My delicious Shack-Cago dog!

(From left to right) Emmy, Melissa, Professor Craft, Michelle and I enjoyed our lovely lunch in the park!

I can't believe tomorrow marks the beginning of my fourth week in the city. I'm already mapping out my return trip — no round trip ticket this time!

Flying high,
Voguerrilla

Let me introduce you to my new boyfriend...

2010-06-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

Living with a group of 20 women, one of us is bound to fall in love this summer. It is New York, after all.

So today, when I asked my friend Lindsay if she wanted to take bets on who it would be, she responded nonchalantly "Oh, I've already fallen in love."

"With who?!" I screeched.

"The city, duh," she answered.

So I found myself wondering (cue Carrie Bradshaw voice), what is it about New York that makes women weak at the knees? And I realized, when you think about it, New York City really is the perfect man.

1. He's hardworking: He stays up late to have fun, but wakes up early to get to work on time.

2. He's interesting: There's always a new street, piece of history or personality trait that you are constantly discovering about him.

3. He's a knock-out: On the outside, he's gorgeous. On the inside, don't even get me started. Why do you think people come from all over the world just to see him?

4. He's cultured: Every style, culture, race and trend has passed through his streets.

5. He's smart: He holds the key to some of the world's greatest museums, libraries, operas, shows, bookstores, I can go on...

6. He's committed: His style might change, but he hasn't gone anywhere since the 1500s.

7. He's passionate: As E.B. White pointed out in Here is New York, the settlers of New York give it passion. From interns to editors, this is where they come to make their dreams come true.

8. He's a great listener: Whatever you're going through, he provides the perfect outlet — be it a late night yoga class, a walk through Central Park or simply looking up at the skyline.

9. He's your better half: For all your greatest qualities, New York gives them an opportunity to shine. Are you a writer? Work for this a magazine. Love to cook? Manage this restaurant. Have killer bone structure? Walk this runway.

10. He's fun: Who else can you stay up until 4 a.m. with, eating falafel in the Village?

Oh, and did I mention he's really, really tall? :)

Move over Lady Liberty.

This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship,

Voguerrilla

BEAUTY: Round 1 of Shine Treatments

2010-06-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

Warning: Shine enhancing products may result in spontaneous photoshoots. :)

Today, I started my product testing with a new shine enhancing gloss treatment. The trick here is moderation. There's a fine line between shiny and greasy and you don't want to cross it.

BEFORE

AFTER

Clear shine treatments are in high demand at salons across the country, but they can be a bit pricey. I highly recommend saving your money and picking up a do-it-yourself kit at a local drugstore. My hair has never been this shiny before and it took me less than 10 minutes! I can't wait to flip it around this weekend when my roommates and I go dancing in the city!

Never, ever, ever quitting my day job,

Voguerrilla

A BEAUTY-ful week in the city!

2010-06-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

I started my internship on Tuesday and it couldn't be more perfect! As the beauty intern at a women's magazine, I've spent the last two days interviewing experts, writing up short assignments, researching, reporting and yes, playing with lots and lots of beauty products! :) For a girl who could spend hours in the cosmetics department at Target, this job is a dream come true! Today, my editor gave me 11 of the best deep conditioning and shine enhancing products for hair and told me to test them all and choose my favorites. It's a tough job, but hey, somebody's gotta do it.

Glossy hair flips aside, I absolutely love walking through the glass double doors to work every morning. Sitting in my very own cubicle surrounded by racks of clothes, photos of new products and the collective energy of the editors, writers and eager interns (myself, included) scrambling to produce a monthly magazine is a dream. I hope I am lucky enough to do this my entire life.

If I am fortunate, I'll still be running around the city with my fabulous roommates, Emmy, Melissa and Bethany! I couldn't have asked for a more fantastic group of women to be living with this summer. We posted a bucket list in our front entrance of all the things we plan to do together this summer.

Notice it's kayak "in" not "on" the Hudson. She's probably right. Good thing I'm an expert at T-rescues!

On Memorial Day, we scratched our "pack a picnic for Central Park" entry off the list. Dressed in sundresses, oversized sunglasses and floppy hats, we set out for a prime spot in the middle of the park for a few hours of relaxation.

Little did we know, a "Hitch" inspired group would be sharing our space. Three different guys came up to us with cheesy pickup lines like, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to walk through your living room. Why are there leaves in your living room, anyways?" Err, what? We later saw the same men approach three other women, consulting with his dating coach between each encounter. I was just waiting for the hidden cameraman to pop out of the trees.

It's date hunting season in Central Park.

Tomorrow is my first day off and I can't wait to explore the city more! The Sartorialist recently pointed me to the best fajitas in town and I'm dying to take in the view from Battery Park. So many options!

For now, I'll just choose my first round of conditioning treatments. :)

Shine on,

Voguerrilla

A Day of Rest in the City That Never Sleeps

2010-05-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

As far as Sundays go, today was just about perfect.

With clear blue skies, my roommates and I decided to put a spring in our step with mani/pedis at Spring Nail Salon. Just around the corner from our apartment, this nail salon has a killer deal — $20 for both a manicure and pedicure! We met up with my dear friend, Michelle, who is also interning in the city! As we relaxed in massage chairs, the women scrubbed away at our city-worn feet. We left refreshed and recharged in brighter shades of pink, coral and purple!

This little piggy went to the beauty intern closet. Emmy models one of summer's hottest shades.

From the nail salon, Michelle and I headed to the Southside Seaport to take in the beautiful view of the Brooklyn Bridge. I'm so excited to be in the same city with one of my best friends and sorority sisters! We managed not to take an obligatory Theta kiting picture, but I'm sure we will give in once Kelsey gets here. :)

After stopping at one of New York's many build-your-own-salad joints, we headed home to my apartment to get ready for church. Most of the services in New York are on Sunday nights, which is great for a girl who loves to sleep in! A group of us headed to the 6 p.m. service at Redeemer Presbyterian, pastored by Tim Keller. Since we were already in the Upper East Side, we took the opportunity to visit Serendipity and Dylan's Candy Bar.

The wait at Serendipity was 2 hours long, so we decided to grab pizza at Patsy's instead! This Italian restaurant has a huge following of regulars, locals and celebrities, including Oprah, Tom Hanks and George Clooney. It was even Frank Sinatra's favorite restaurant. Apparently, his family still eats there when they're in town! Michelle and I shared the caprese, which was delicious, and made plans to grab frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity another day soon.

Eating dinner at Patsy's with the gang! From left: Michelle, Bethany, Melissa, Marty and me

After dropping Michelle off at her dorm, Marty and I headed home. Passing an ice cream joint, we stopped for cones and made our way down 34th street dripping mint chip and praline scoops. My ice cream plopped off the cone — yes, I'm two years old — but the nice attendant cheerfully scooped me another one. An hour and a half later, we finally made it home around 11 p.m.

I couldn't have asked for a better day.

Goodnight New York,

Voguerrilla

The High Life — Tales from the 16th Floor

2010-05-29T18:09:00.001-07:00

Day 3 in the city and I'm still walking with my head pointed toward the sky. I may look like a tourist, but I can't get over how beautiful the city is. For some people, rolling hills or expanses of sea make them gasp. For me, it's the skyscrapers outside my 16th floor window that take my breath away each morning. Turns out, they also serve as really great guide maps.

Like today, for example, when we were sitting on the subway ride home and the announcer cheerfully announced that the Nassau exit was closed — in both directions. We raised our eyebrows so high that the woman next to me laughed and graciously pulled out her subway map. After switching trains three times, we finally ran up the steps and let the buildings guide us home. Turns out Donald Trump's obnoxiously tall building serves other purposes than his ego... or his compensation. Take your pick.

Over the last two days, my roommates and I have been nesting in our new apartment. For New York, that means sitting on the kitchen floor eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on paper towels. We taped some Justin Beiber posters on the walls — courtesy of my roommate's awesome internship at a teen magazine — and laughed at our attempted decorating. Yesterday, we discovered heaven (I mean, a Target) in Brooklyn, where the prices are universal. So our next jar of peanut butter will be $1.50 and not $4.

After settling into our apartment, we decided to get better acquainted with the neighborhood 16 floors down. Even though it's a little quiet at night, the financial district is bustling with people during the day. The New York Stock Exchange is the last thing I see when I'm walking down the subway steps every morning and I love it.

We also discovered the original Tiffany and Co. I've already been there twice in the last two days, shamelessly lingering on the engagement rings both times. Part of me loves looking at the beautiful settings. Another adores the young men who shift at the counter, trying to decide between three different rings. "You have to think of what she'd want," the attendant always sings. Which is probably the most expensive of the three, I smile to myself. The security guards are so friendly — one of them even offered to take our picture on the stairs.

Last night, we joined the other women on our floor for a night on the town. We hit the Southside Seaport for drinks on the dock. We had a great time bonding over daiquiris and our shared New York experience. The girls in the program are so fun and friendly, I can't wait for all our future adventures!

Afterward, we ducked into a local bar to celebrate Fleet Week. We had a great time dancing with the Navy men who are ported in New York this week. I've always had a love for the Navy, in which both my grandfather and uncle served. As a matter of fact, Fleet Week is part of the reason I'm here! As the story goes, my knockout grandmother was engaged to another man while serving as a member of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) during World War II. Notice the dated attitude toward women serving in the NAVY at that time (emergency service only), but they were some of the best months of my grandmother's life. During Fleet Week, my grandmother met my grandfather. He swept her off her feet and after a whirlwind romance, my grandmother broke off her engagement and married my grandfather instead. I love that story.

As for me, I didn't meet the love of my life, but I did have a great time celebrating the men and women who serve our country! We're planning on touring some of the ships and taking in the concerts and meet-and-greets this weekend.

Today, we explored the Chelsea area with an appropriate goal — finding a cute pair of new shoes! We ended up at Shoegasm, a fantastic boutique with a great selection of shoes. I splurged on a pair of adorable sandals for work (sorry, stilettos) and my roommates each took home a pair of bright flats as well. We loved them enough to sacrifice a night on the town, but peanut butter M&M's and Glee reruns taste even better when there's a shiny new shoebox sitting in your closet. :)

One step at a time,

Voguerrilla

California grown, Missouri ripened, New York bound!

2010-05-27T20:03:00.001-07:00

Voguerrilla has already fallen head-over-heels in love with the Big Apple. I even have the blisters to prove it!

This year, nineteen fun, fearless women signed up for Mizzou's New York Program. We've staked out an entire floor in lower Manhattan and are already having the time of our lives! It's incredible to watch each other head out the door to dream internships at Seventeen, Redbook, MTV, Gucci, etc! I can't wait to start my internship on Tuesday — until then, I'm enjoying everything the city has to offer!

Last night, we waited in line for two hours to see Sex and the City 2 at midnight. Movie reviews aside, it was amazing to watch this film in the city where it all started. People in the theater cheered when the buildings they worked in flashed on the screen. And the soundtrack featured some of New York's best artists, including my favorite, Jay-Z. Sure, some of the jokes were a little cheesy, but true Sex and the City fans will love the developments and reappearances of their favorite characters (hello, Aiden!). The ending left room for a Sex and the City 3, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Seeing Sex and the City 2 at midnight was the perfect start to a summer in New York!

Today, we explored the city in true tourist fashion — from Time Square to Central Park! We loved pointing out the spots where our favorite movie scenes were shot. We found the boat house from 27 Dresses, the rocks in Maid in Manhatten, the bridge in Kate and Leopold and countless locations from Gossip Girl and Sex and the City. We were in heaven!

As if this week could get any better, it's also Fleet Week in New York City! The city has been hosting the event since 1984 to honor the men and women who serve our country. For us girls, that means gorgeous men in uniform on every street corner! We're hoping to crash some of the events this weekend — including a karaoke party at the Hard Rock cafe in Time Square.

Driving through Manhattan at 3 a.m. last night, I had the strangest feeling. I grew up in California and it will always be my first love, but there is something about New York that just fits me. I've been working toward this moment since I was 15, staying up until 3 a.m. to edit pages for the school newspaper. I knew I wanted to live in New York since I was a little girl and now that I'm here, I still can't believe it. I think, dare I say it, I'm finally home.

Voguerrilla.

STYLE: The Hunt for a Summer Work Wardrobe

2010-05-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Voguerrilla is on the hunt for a summer work wardrobe!

After spending my last two summers as a summer camp counselor, it's time for me to break out of the gym shorts and into some pencil skirts!

Showing off the camp counselor look at my favorite place in the world, Camp Lakewood.

Starting from scratch on a budget was a bit overwhelming, but after a few deep breaths and some advice from seasoned professionals, I was ready to hit the ground running! My older sister recommended I buy a few main pieces that can be easily switched out. For example, buy one black skirt and pair it with several different tops. Then, you can fool your coworkers by making it appear that you're wearing a new outfit each day!

I headed to the Camarillo outlets near Ventura beach. These outlets boast some of the best stores and sales for summer shopping. I hit my new favorite store first — The Loft! Formerly known as Ann Taylor Loft, it has since broken off to sell its own clothes that market to a younger 20-somethings crowd. I left with a new dress, skirt, work shirt and a pair of metallic sandals — all for just $100!

I can pair my new khaki skirt with my new button up or pull a plain black v-neck from my closet.

I love the Loft dress I found for 25% off! Perfect for afternoons in the park!

Then, it was time for me to head over to BCBG. Max Azria, the mastermind behind this ready-to-wear label, named the line for the French phrase "bon chic, bon genre," or "good style, good attitude." BCBG, created for the modern woman, is my favorite line of clothing. Not only are the clothes fabulous, but they truly are designed for real bodies. Even I — with my painfully short legs despite my 5'9 frame – can find clothes that fit my body and style. I didn't find anything in my budget today (outlets can be hit or miss), but I found this high-waisted skirt for just $55 in February (originally $128). I bought it in navy, which has taken me from work interviews to Sunday brunches!

BCBG Stella High-Waisted Skirt. $128. On sale now for $64 at BCBG.com. Photo courtesy of bcbg.com.

My younger sister, Kieran, helps me model my new BCBG skirt. Isn't she precious?

Finally, I ended up at the Banana Republic factory store. The cashier told me they get a lot of customers shopping for their first job there — and I can see why! The store boasts great sales, and not just in the clearance section! I walked away with a blouse, a sweater top and 2 skirts for once again, just $100!

My new black pencil skirt can go three ways! With my new Banana blouse, Banana sweater top, or my Loft top!

And of course, a girl needs something to wear underneath it all. Despite the popularity of Victoria's Secret, I personally don't find their bras to be that great. They look fantastic, sure, but after a few months they start to lose their luster. I decided to give Maidenform a shot. At one point I was literally in a dressing room next to a grandma, but despite its reputation, they actually have cute stuff! Maidenform just launched a new line of bras and panties targeted to younger women. I found some great items and walked away with three new bras and six pairs of panties for $85! I was in shock by how much money I saved!

Maidenform: Not your grandma's bra! Photo courtesy of sassymonkey.com

I survived my first day but there are still several items I need to cross off my list! Tomorrow, I'll be hitting Loehmann's, Nordstrom's Rack, Express, Forever 21, Nine West and H&M for shoes, accessories and more city threads! Stay tuned!

Voguerrilla

Voguerrilla's On Location This Summer!

2010-05-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

This summer, I will be reporting live from the streets of Manhattan! Get excited for a behind-the-scenes look at the magazine world from the wide eyes of an intern! Three days a week, I'll be knee-deep in products as the beauty intern at a women's magazine. Aside from some babysitting gigs, the rest of the time will be dedicated to taking in the big city! I can't wait to hit the Sex and the City 2 premiere, discover the best tacos in town, find the cast of Gossip Girl, hail the cash cab (a girl can dream!) and eat lunch in every park.

For now, I'm taking a week to regroup in my beautiful home town of Los Angeles. After flying in to a perfect midnight skyline yesterday, I'm already trying to experience as much as I can before my flight to NYC next week.
Tonight I'll be posted up at Barney's belting out my best karaoke. For now, it's time for Taco Tuesday! My dad discovered the best hole-in-the-wall taco joint in downtown Los Angeles. It's so obscure, I don't even know the name. But I do know that their carne asada tacos are a piece of heaven. Buenas Noches!

Voguerrilla

Lifestyle: Spring in My Step

2010-04-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

It appears that seasonal depression (and a couple silly boys) crept into my last entries. With the dogwoods in full bloom and strappy sandals on my daily fashion forecast, it's time for a post that's as happy as I am!

My younger sister came to visit me and experience Missouri springtime!

Here are just a few of the things that have been making me smile lately:

1. New York City

Head over (4-inch) heels in NYC!

Over Spring Break, I packed a carry-on and flew into New York for a few days in the Big Apple. I had never been to the city before and I fell head-over-heels in love. Traveling by myself, I explored the streets at my own pace without a map. I can't explain how exciting it is to get off a subway and stumble into Time Square on accident. I can't wait to spend an entire summer there this year!

2. People

Can I double major in George Clooney? Photo courtesy of Esquire.com

This semester, I picked up another minor in sociology! This area of study allows me to spend time with my favorite subject — people! In addition to the fabulous class-assigned reads, I now have yet another reason to swoon over my favorite magazines for women, men and teens. It's all in the name of research right?

3. Speaking of Magazines...

The Missouri bookstore allows me to charge magazines to my student account. Educational reads? I think so.

After years of pouring over articles, layouts and photographs, this year I had the opportunity to step behind the scenes of some of my favorite publications. Although the internship hunt has been a little like dating (will he ever call?), it has also given me great insight into the organizations behind the glossies. Reading mission statements and editor profiles gives me an even greater appreciation for the publications that have shaped my development as a writer and a person.

4. Glitter

Shine on. Photos courtesy of Arbonne.com and Caressskin.com

Sometimes, you just need to feel sixteen again! I opt for Caress Evenly Gorgeous body wash followed by Arbonne f.y.i. SweetSugar Body Balm to put a little sparkle in my step. And, they smell as divine as they look!

5. Being a "regular"

The only thing better than Renzo's dance moves are his tacos!

After three years in Columbia, I finally found my go-to spot. My best friend introduced me to the hole-in-the-wall treasure, El Rodeo Taqueria. One bite of their carne asada tacos and I was hooked! The food is delicious and we absolutely love the wait staff. We've gone from "two waters please" to "so what time are we meeting for drinks later?"

Mix those five in with 80-degree-weather, flowers, sundresses, patios and spring reads, and you have one happy Voguerrilla. Time to go outside and enjoy this beautiful day!

Relationships: In the Palm of Your Hand

2010-03-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

Last week on my way to class, I noticed a couple holding hands.

Oh my gosh, I thought to myself. That's so sweet. He's holding her hand...in public.

I stopped myself. Surely this wasn't abnormal. Five years ago, it was impossible to walk around school without being bombarded by couples who couldn't keep their hands off each other. Some had been dating since junior high, others had been to the movies a few times together and some were just starting to flirt at track meets, brushing fingers on their way to the next heat. It didn't matter who was looking or how long they had been dating. It was just holding hands after all. It was harmless, even juvenile.

I looked around. There were no others couples holding hands on campus. In an age of Web defined relationships and casual hookups, I used to think the line between dating and being in a relationship was fading. In reality, it is becoming more clear.

As people become more afraid of commitment, they are also shaking off all forms of expressing it publicly. You can make-out on a couch in the middle of a party — no questions asked — but the minute you hold hands the questions start flying.

"So are you two, like, Facebook official?"

It used to be that holding hands was the first step in a relationship. That initial brush against the back of your hand was enough to send goosebumps up your arm in the middle of a movie theater. Now, holding hands is the last step. And, the most significant.

I want to hold your hand?

It's just not that simple anymore, boys.

Relationships: Failure to Launch

2010-02-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

For months, my friends had been telling me I had to see 500 Days of Summer.

"Trust me, you'll really relate," they'd tell me. "No, but seriously, you have to see it."

I didn't know much about the story, except that it revolved around an unconventional romance. I didn't see how that would connect with me. Unconventional? Always. Romance? Rarely.

But with the snow coming down outside my living room window last night, Jersey Shore reruns just weren't cutting it. I snuck into my roommate's room, borrowed her copy and settled in for some mindless movie-watching.

Scratch that. I meant painful self-reflection.

If you haven't seen the film, the IMDB tagline says it best: Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love. Girl doesn't.

I sat there trying to figure out who my friends thought I related to. On one hand, I completely saw myself in Summer--the free spirited, fun-loving, get-too-close-and-I'll-run-away type. But on the other, I realized I have a lot of Tom in me. The craving for romance, the frustration of casual relationships and the willingness to hang on even when you know the relationship is doomed. I couldn't pick a side, because I was wrapped up in both of them.

And then, as the 500 days were drawing to a close, one line made me understand why my friends wanted me to see this movie. After years of talking, pro-con listing, analyzing why I should/shouldn't stick around--Summer realizes what I never fully understood.

spoiler alert:

After her relationship with Tom fails, Summer (the girl who swears off love) suddenly gets engaged to another man. And it all comes down to one answer:

Summer: "I woke up one morning and I just knew."

Tom: "Knew what."

Summer: "What I was never sure of with you."

It finally made sense. It wasn't a fear of commitment, a missing spark or a personality trait. No list, book or even a best friend could explain it. The time I spent trying to figure out why my relationships weren't working all came down to that one little feeling in the corner of my stomach.

And this time it didn't need an explanation. I just knew.

Editor's Note: Thoughts From Behind the Counter

2010-01-21T17:06:00.000-08:00

When I turned 16, I got my first job bagging groceries at the local supermarket. While my friends couldn't stop making fun of my chunky no-slip-grip shoes and hideous green apron, I secretly loved the position. For me, my spot at the end of the counter was prime real estate for people watching. I loved striking up conversations with the people who came through the store--from expectant mothers sneaking "craving" foods to college graduates buying beer like it was 1999. I never cashed a paycheck and put all the money toward my college fund. But looking back on it, the entire experience was educational. I can analyze any store I walk into and immediately know where items are stocked, I know how to pack a trunk without crushing the chips and I can bag groceries faster than you can say paper or plastic. But most importantly, I learned about the lives of the people behind the counters. One checker went to all of her son's rock concerts on Sunset Boulevard; another bakery clerk secretly loved writing screenplays.

I don't work at that grocery store anymore, but I still seek the stories of the people who work behind the counters I frequent. On a recent trip to Walmart, I met a cashier named "Pandora." Her mother, who was told she couldn't have any more children after she gave birth to her son, became pregnant with a baby girl years later. Her mom, a huge Greek mythology fan, named her "Pandora," which means gift in Greek.

"I was her gift," she said to me.

The next night I went to a gas station where I noticed a new cashier working the counter. After poking fun at the guy in front of me (who was clearly buying refreshments for a fraternity party), the cashier asked me if I was going to the party too. I pointed to my movie rental, peanut butter M&Ms and giant Big Gulp and laughed. As we talked, I found out that he didn't have any friends in the area because he had just moved here.

"Oh, that's so cool," I said. "Where are you from?"

"Pakisanme," he mumbled, lowering his head.

"Where?" I asked.

"Pakistan," he said.

"Oh that's awesome!" I said. "A bunch of my friends from back home are from that area. There isn't as big of a community here, but I love the culture."

"Really?" he asked, his eyes perking up. "People here seem to have a misconception about me because I'm from there."

"Well, I don't think it's where you're from; it's who you are as a person," I said. "And, you seem pretty cool to me."

His face lit up in a giant smile and he handed me back my change.

There are a lot of social lines in our society that divide us. We know the big ones--race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status--but we often overlook the less obvious ones. Instead of saying "Hi" to people as they walk by, we type away furiously on our Blackberries. We leave a "safety seat" when we sit down in a room, afraid of sitting directly next to a stranger. And, when we go into a store, we grab our items, pay and leave. Instead of reaching over the counter, we allow it to divide us.

So the next time you go into Starbucks, the Gap or even the grocery store, consider the person behind the counter. Instead of asking for a "tall skinny latte with no whip" maybe start with a "How are you?" instead. You just might walk away with something you can't store in a bag, be it paper or plastic.

Entertainment: Reality TV invades...well, reality

2010-01-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

Remember when Jason Mesnick dumped Molly Malany?

Then chose Melissa Rycroft...

then changed his mind...

and wanted Molly back instead?

Well, NBC just did the same thing to Conan O'brien. After uprooting his family from New York City and finally settling down in Los Angeles, NBC decided that things "just weren't working out" and is giving Leno back his late night spot.

It's not you, it's not me...it's the ratings, honey.

Who would you rather have in the late night fantasy suite?

(I have a thing for red-heads, personally)

As Leno said, "NBC wanted drama at 10 and now they got it!"

Entertainment: The People's Choice Awards honors the cewebrities of 2009

2010-01-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

Charge it, point it, zoom it, press it,

Snap it, work it, quick-erase it*.

The People's Choice Awards may have honored the entertainment of 2009, but as the cewebrities proved--the real star was the Internet. Ashton Kutcher even ditched Demi to bring his iPhone, and over 1 million Twitter followers, as his "date." But as sleek as it looked next to Kutcher, it just didn't fill out it's case like Moore can in a LBD.

It's an iPhone/Blackberry war between Ashton Kutcher and Jessica Alba. Getty Images.

Throughout the evening, stars took pictures, uploaded streaming videos and tweeted live from the event. Queen Latifa posed for a picture with Taylor Lautner, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban with the enthusiasm of a twi-hard fan. Jessica Alba took a picture of the audience, promising to "upload this and tag all of you."

Among the winners, Ashton Kutcher scored best "Web Celeb," alongside his trusty iPhone that he brought onstage to honor the people who helped him win the award. "I can't follow myself," he said. Backstage, he referred to his phone as more than a product, but a network.

Hollywood Heartthrob Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock scored best movie comedy. AP Photo.

My best friends and I, on the other hand, had to leave our purses, cameras and cell phones at the door and enjoy the show unplugged. But, with Ryan Reynolds, Ashton Kutcher and Taylor Lautner just down the aisle, I was willing to sacrifice a few Twitter updates. The night was worth more than 140 characters anyway.

*Lyrics from Technologic by Daft Punk.

Feature: Hot Guys in History: Armin Wegner

2010-01-02T18:36:00.001-08:00

It's about that time for another...you guessed it:

Hot Guys in History.

I don't know about you, but there's nothing hotter to me than a human rights activist. The name itself conjures up images of bronze, sweat-glistened men swinging their documentary camera while walking through a tucked away African village with a jean button down clinging to their perfectly sculpted chest.

See what I mean?

Ok, sorry. I'm back.

Anyway, today's Hot Guy in History not only fought against anti-Semitism under Nazi Germany, but also worked to expose and protest the Armenian Genocide. Stationed as a medic in the Ottoman Empire during World War I, Armin Wegner was a witness to the horrific acts against the Armenian people. Going against orders, he photographed and collected information to reveal the atrocities and plead for intervention. He even sent a letter to Woodrow Wilson, asking the United States to intervene for the Armenians.

When Wegner denounced the persecution of Jews in a direct letter to Adolf Hitler, he was imprisoned and tortured. He later fled Germany and died in Rome at the age of 92. In honor of his work, some of his ashes were later taken to Armenia.

Among his numerous honors, I'm proud to give Armin the award of Hot Guy in History. Those deep, piercing eyes saw a lot in their lifetime. Thanks to his bravery, his story will live on through the photographs he captured and the legacy he left.

Now if only I could find a sexy, human rights activist with a passion for photographing important events, at any cost.

It's 2010. You out there?

Editor's Note: The End of Starts

2010-01-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, it's official.

I'm back.

Now don't make the mistake of thinking this is a New Year's resolution. Sure, I'm posting on January 1 from a Coffeebean, with a low-fat latte, a fresh face, and a brand new planner resting next to my laptop. But at the top of my new year's resolution list is:

1. Abolish the "fresh start"

You see, fresh starts have always been a sore subject for me. I can't start a project until 12 or 12:20, fearful that if I start at 12:17 I will still be a slave to the prior seven minutes of lacking productivity. If I mess up my mascara, I wash everything off and start again. And every year without fail, I grab a pen and write a lengthy list about exercising more, eating less and reading a bookshelf full of novels.

Then I eat a handful of Raisinettes and I'm back to my year-before self.

So instead of starting my life in 2010, I'm starting it now.

As Brad Pitt muttered in Benjamin Button:

"It's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."

This year, let's stop living from year to year.

Let's just start living.

How To: Take Engaging Photos

2009-10-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Engagement pictures.

They can be as cliche as ribbon cuttings, check presentations and politicians kissing babies.

Step 1: Place your left hand on the face of your fiance

Step 2: Gaze lovingly into each other's eyes

Step 3: Look serious, like you're seriously in love.

Step 4: Snap.

Step 5: Send out to 500 guests on sticky fridge

magnets

yuck.

But it doesn't have to be this way. Engagement pictures can be as exciting, creative and refreshing as falling in love. It just takes a little extra thinking.

Think outside the Tiffany blue box

Steer clear of matching white button downs and jeans posing on the beach. Engagement pictures give you an opportunity to express your personality as a couple--so keep it fresh and fun.

Megan and Anthony ran around like a couple of kids in the fountains. They had a lot of fun and it shows in their photos.

Try a different angle

Swingset pictures can look like this:

cute, but cliche.

Or this:

Ah, to be young and in love.

The location stayed the same, but by changing the angle you create a more romantic, less picture already in the frame when you bought it, feel.

Show a little humor

Why so serious? Sure, planning a wedding can be stressful. But it's also a lot of fun -- so laugh a little!

Ask a friend

Splurge on a professional photographer for the wedding, but grab a friend with a good eye for engagement pictures. They know you and want to capture the true love in your relationship that they see everyday. It makes for a great wedding gift, and trust me, it's a lot of fun.

Congratulations Meg and Anthony. Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day. :)

Editor's Note: Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder?

2009-10-11T22:32:00.001-07:00

After months without my laptop, I finally overcame the powers of Applecare and was reunited with my Macbook Pro.

Separation anxiety sets in.

I know what you're thinking...

FOUR MONTHS.

No post, no letters, no voicemail, no tweets...not even a text to announce my blogging hiatus. I could tell you I wrote you 365 letters that you never got, but that would be lying. And my name's not Ryan Gosling.

But I'm back. And like old friends, I hope we can pick up where we left off.

As for me, I spent a beautiful summer in California, chasing waves and teenagers at my job with a local summer camp.

Sky diving over California was the highlight of my summer, and one of the most exhilarating moments of my life.

Now, I am back in the state of Missouri where I am currently working as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian. The job, which has reminded me of my first love -- writing -- also led me back to the blogging.

Yes, I'm on a tractor in Missouri. But for the sake of transparency, you should know I cropped out the stilettos I was wearing. :)

I promise to never leave you again. No laptop estrangements, no weeks without calling, and no leaving you for someone else -- no matter how tall, dark and handsome he is.

But if he wears Ray Ban Wayfarers, I'm not making any promises.

Forget fangs, it's all about the eye wear.

Man, it feels good to be back,

Voguerrilla

Feature: Hot Guys in History: Pat Tillman

2009-05-25T16:21:00.001-07:00

In honor of Memorial Day, today's Hot Guy in History goes to Pat Tillman, a United States soldier who loyally served the United States Army from 2002 until his death in Afghanistan in 2004.

Tillman, originally an American football player, loyally played for the Arizona Cardinals from 1998 to 2001. After the September 11 attacks, Tillman was offered a three-year $3.6 million contract to continue playing for the Cardinals, but turned it down to enlist in the United States Army. His brother Kevin, a college baseball player on the road to a professional career, joined him. In a series of controversial reports that, for many, undermined the Army's credibility, it was announced that Tillman died in friendly fire in 2004. However, the courage, integrity and honor of this young man, who put his life on hold to serve his country, is not up for speculation.

Remembering you today, Pat Tillman.

Feature: School's out for summer

2009-05-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

Instead of staying in Missouri as I chose to do last year, I'm hitting the streets of Los Angeles this summer for three months of sun, sand, surf and style.

After making a quick run to Trader Joe's for some vegan-friendly Un-Chicken, real Hummus and delicious produce, I booked it to the nearest fro-yo stand for the delicious treat I've been craving for months. As I happily dug into my first bite, I started to ask myself the same question I answer almost every day at school, "Why did you ever leave California for Missouri?"

At first, my initial reaction was "Well duh, the journalism school." But after two years in Missouri, my answer is loaded with so much more. I quickly learned that my heart never left California, a piece of it just wandered to the midwest. I will always have a soft spot for the ocean, laid-back chaos, fashion-forward streets and delicious restaurants that are open until 3 a.m. in Los Angeles. But, somehow, I now find myself missing Missouri. Why?

Let me count the ways...

1. Girlfriends

There are no cultural divides when it comes to best friends-California or Missouri I love them all. But, girls that can throw a football and still pick out a great pair of heels...that's some of midwest's best right there.

2. Sorority Life

Trust me, there's a lot more to it than pillow fights and pink greek letter decals on our cars. In the midwest, sisterhood means sisterhood. We work hard to make a difference in the community and each other's lives. Ok ok, we have a lot of fun too. :)

3. Midwest boys.

Did you know there are actually guys out there that open your car door (every door, actually), take you on real, romantic dates, know how to fix cars (not just their hair) and treat you like a princess. Who knew far-far away is actually in Missouri?

4. Country Music

Almost everyone in California swears that they listen to "everything except country." But between the intricate storylines and sing-a-long lyrics, it quickly became one of my favorite genres. I dare you to sing it at the top of your lungs in your car....pure bliss.

5. Long Drives

My best friend pointed out to me on our last Missouri roadtrip "Maybe people are nicer in the country because they get to see this every single day of their lives." There is something breathtaking about driving on a windy road, with lush green trees around you and the beautiful baby blue sky above. The skyline in California is beautiful, but scenic drives in Missouri are downright therapeutic.

6. Missouri Sunsets

My first Missouri sunset knocked me off my feet. Can you see why?

7. Sonic

When I'm in Missouri, I miss Wajoos and In-n-Out. But every time 2 oclock rolls around in California, I'm dying for Sonic Happy Hour drinks. Cherry Lime-Aid slush, anyone?

8. Barn Parties

Sure, LA boasts a great club scene, but you haven't truly partied until you go to a barn party. There's nothing like dancing under a tin roof during a thunderstorm. Don't worry, no animals here-- just watch out for the wild college kids.

9. Being in the Middle

Common sense, right? Want to explore the East Coast, race down to Texas for a football game, or take the college spring break mecca to Panama City Beach? Just find your car keys-- it's all in a day's drive.

10. Well, duh, the Journalism School

The Missouri School of Journalism is the first (and best!) school of journalism in the world. It could be in the middle of nowhere and I would still go there.

Oh wait...

Photo of the Day

2009-04-27T11:22:00.001-07:00

Leather gets caught in a generation gap...

Entertainment: You don't need no reason or a three piece suit to argue the truth...

2009-04-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

My dad, who works for a tv show that often features musical guests, always texts me when an artist reminds him of me. From Joss Stone to Joshua Radin, he is always spot on to my musical tastes. Today, he texted me "Brett Dennen." I whipped out my Sony Ericsson and responded:

"Dad, you have an ear for my taste, I absolutely love him. His video, Ain't No Reason, changed my life. It's amazing."

My dad responded, "I showed him your text, he said 'that's cool.'"

After I squeeled in excitement, I decided to log onto YouTube and watched the video again. For once, an artist of our generation is speaking truth through his lyrics. Everyone needs to see this video. So, I'm asking you to take 3 minutes and 20 seconds out of your day. It might just inspire you to use the thousands you have left to inspire change.

Brett Dennen Ain't No Reason Video

There ain’t no reason things are this way.

Its how they always been and they intend to stay.
I can't explain why we live this way, we do it everyday.
Preachers on the podium speakin’ of saints in seance,
Prophets on the sidewalk beggin’ for change,
Old ladies laughing from the fire escape, cursing my name.
I got a basket full of lemons and they all taste the same,
A window and a pigeon with a broken wing,
You can spend your whole life workin’ for something
Just to have it taken away.
People walk around pushing back their debts,
Wearing pay checks like necklaces and bracelets,
Talking ‘bout nothing, not thinking ‘bout death,
Every little heartbeat, every little breath.
People walk a tight rope on a razors edge
Carrying their hurt and hatred and weapons.
It could be a bomb or a bullet or a pen
Or a thought or a word or a sentence.

There Ain't no reason things are this way.
It's how they always been and they intend to stay
I don’t know why I say the things I say, but I say them anyway.
But love will come set me free
Love will come set me free,I do believe
Love will come set me free, I know it will
Love will come set me free, yes.

Prison walls still standing tall,
Some things never change at all.
Keep on buildin’ prisons, gonna fill them all,
Keep on buildin’ bombs, gonna drop them all.
Working your fingers bear to the bone,
Breaking your back, make you sell your soul.
Like a lung that’s filled with coal, suffocatin’ slow.
The wind blows wild and I may move,
The politicians lie and I am not fooled.
You don't need no reason or a three piece suit to argue the truth.
The air on my skin and the world under my toes,
Slavery stitched into the fabric of my clothes,
Chaos and commotion wherever I go, love I try to follow.

Love will come set me free
Love will come set me free, I do believe
Love will come set me free, I know it will
Love will come set me free, yes.

There ain't no reason things are this way
It’s how they always been and they intend to stay
I can't explain why we live this way, we do it everyday.

Editor's Note: Taking a Lemonade Stand

2009-04-08T15:08:00.001-07:00

Everyone knows the old saying-when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I love the idea of finding good in the midst of evil, turning the sour into sweet and rising from the ashes. In fact, by this point in my life, I should probably invest in opening my own stand.

When my best friend and I went to her great grandmother's funeral, for example, we left disappointed by the sermon that focused on her death instead of highlighting her vibrant life.

Vowing to celebrate our own lives, rather than dwell on the sadness of that day, we vamped up our makeup and hair and had a photoshoot in Jefferson City.

As we ran around train tracks, skipped in front of the capitol, and enjoyed delicious vanilla cokes from a local pharmacy, I learned that life is too precious to limit to one eulogy muttered at the end of a funeral procession. I want to write my personal eulogy on the life of every person I meet. Rather than leave a list of achievements, I want to leave a legacy of laughter, a history of warm smiles, a soundtrack of singing off key in the car on road trips, and a gallery of captured moments-including those we snapped on that eye-opening day.

And, once again, I was reminded that my best friend is my juicer-- she can't keep the lemons from coming, but she is always the first to help squeeze them when I don't have the strength to on my own.

love you, Sunshine.

Travel: America's Best College Town...

2009-03-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

Panama City Beach.

If those three words don't invoke great memories, you can blame it on whatever you poured in that Collector's Edition Spring Break Big Gulp. From the white sand beaches and gorgeous crystal blue water to the late-night dance parties and infamous MTV appearances-the Florida city has become more of a rough in the crystal than a crystal in the rough. But for the millions of students that flock to the hot spot each year, it's the perfect place to get away from college-or enjoy it in its most concentrated form (that's 100 proof, for you frat boys).

Last week, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and escape to 80 degree weather. Growing up in Los Angeles, it was my first warm weather mecca to the gulf of Mexico. But after a freezing winter and far too many midterms, I was ready to break out my flip flops and drop an umbrella in my tropical drink (rather than huddle under one on the Mizzou campus).

My three best friends and I bunked up with the men from our favorite fraternity on campus, FarmHouse. At first, I thought I would spend the week wading through beer bottles and avoiding keg stands. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find how fun it actually is to travel with guys. Less drama, more room for my over-packed suitcases, and an enlightening look into the male world. They may live off Cheez-Its and Pizza Rolls-but you might be surprised to find that they also fold their clothes neatly into their suitcase, throw spontaneous dance parties and listen to Taylor Swift when they are getting ready...sorry boys, the secret's out.

After buying Panamaniac cards that granted us admission and specials to the best bars and clubs in town-we were ready to conquer the strip. After dancing until my legs ached, I realized that the only difference between a night in Panama and Los Angeles is the footwear. Don't bother packing heels, just shake the sand of your flip-flops on your way into the bar. And the next day, slip into a sundress and enjoy a relaxing day on the sand. The water may send you running up the beach, but the volleyball, tanning, and continuous music will keep you jamming on the sand until sunset. We even packed guitars and spent hours singing to our favorite songs right on the beach.

There may not be a university in sight, but Panama City Beach is no doubt a college town. We even cheered Mizzou to the Elite 8 with other fans. With 18 to 24 year olds running all over the city, Panama allows you to escape class and enjoy college. Just add water. And for goodness sakes, sunscreen.

Feature: Hot Guys in History

2009-02-15T14:24:00.000-08:00

While I typically like my men older (say, 1800s), I made an exception for this week's hot guy in history. From fabulous parties to diminishing party lines, President Barack Obama isn't just making waves in Washington, he's frolicking in them--shirtless (ah).

oh, yes he can.

Four days before the 2008 election, I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Obama campaign. Loading luggage on and off the campaign plane felt like walking the red carpet to five college students in Missouri. I spent hours picking out my outfit, making sure my hair was just perfect, and hoping for just a glimpse of the presidential candidate. While Obama delivered a moving speech to a large crowd of Columbia residents, we rushed to return luggage to members of the traveling press core at a nearby hotel. Somewhere between a suitcase and a garment bag, I found myself sitting around a table with the creme de la creme of journalists. I peeked over the shoulder of Scout Tufankjian as she edited pictures for her book, Yes We Can. I predicted the future of journalism with a reporter from Newsweek.

And I'll never forget driving Chief Campaign Strategist David Axelrod and MSNBC Political Correspondent Richard Wolffe to a bar downtown for drinks. I was in my own journalism fantasy world.

We woke up to the sunrise the following day to load the luggage back onto the campaign plane. With the possibility of meeting the future president in our minds, we checked bags like we were handling gold. Search dogs sniffed every piece of luggage before it was sent on to the jet. The sun was directly overhead when I saw the heads start to turn.

A motorcade approached the airport with more SUVs than you see in traffic on the 405. My friends and I stood opposite to the press core, waiting to meet the future president. His SUV stopped directly in front of us, and we waited to meet him while he talked on his cell phone. It could have been his wife or his campaign strategist on the phone, but it was at that moment I knew he was the real deal. The hand motions and facial expressions he used for millions of people were the same for just one. When he was finished talking, he hung up the phone and opened the door. His energetic presence was intoxicating-everyone's face, from his fun-loving assistant Reggie to a Fox reporter, lit up in smiles, his jacket lightly waved in the breeze, and he walked directly up to me. I've never felt so starstruck in my life.

Obama: "I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

I'd wait for you all day, Senator Obama

Me: "Hi! I'm Catherine. It's such an honor to meet you Senator Obama."

Obama: "It's nice to meet you, Catherine. Are you all journalism students?"

What a handshake...

Us: "Yes we are!"

Does this mean you want to sit down for an interview later?

Obama: "Thanks for your support. We're really going to need you guys in the next four days."

For what? Dinner? A date to the inaugural ball? Oh right, our vote.

It didn't take much effort to smile for the picture we took with him. I took a deep breath as I watched him board the plane, feeling like a new age truly was upon us. This man, who delivered goose-bump raising speeches, met me like an old friend. To me, his warm handshake delivered a stronger message than all of his speeches. When I looked at the picture as his plane flew into the distance, I found the answer right above our heads: Change. I'd seen it plastered across tshirts and bumper stickers, but here, with his warm smile and relaxed stance, he whispered it gently. As I scribbled in the bubble next to his name four days later, I realized that he didn't just need us, we needed him. To him, change isn't just a noun that defines alterations in foreign policy. It's a commanding verb that sweeps through each of us. I'm ready for it. Are you?

October 31, 2008.

LIFESTYLE: We Live in a Beautiful World

2009-02-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

When did we become the indoor generation?

-We run inside, on machines simulated to match the gentle bounce of turf.

-We read books online, rather than feel the crisp paper beneath our fingertips.

-We change our personalities by updating our online profiles, not ourselves.

-We communicate with people without ever hearing the sound of their voice.

-And the closest we get to enjoying nature is an afternoon in REI.

Who decided that simulated nature was better than nature itself? Why do we play tennis on a 6-inch remote, when the courts are just down the street? Why do we take virtual tours of our future homes when the open house is this Saturday? Why do we fill jars of oil to make our house smell like flowers when opening the window to the garden has the same effect? Why do we write down our interests, rather than sharing them with a friend? Why do we add smiley faces to our text instead of just sending one across the room?

The world is more accessible, but living is becoming obsolete. We may experience the world, but we don't really feel it, smell it or run our fingers through it anymore.

Yesterday, I had plans to watch a movie with my good friend during the afternoon. When I walked out in the beautiful sunshine on a rare 70 degree day in February, I couldn't bear the thought of watching someone live another life on the screen--I wanted to live my own. We packed up a blanket and 2 books, and headed to the park. No blackberries, no schoolwork, no deadlines...just the crisp air against my skin, the flutter of pages in the wind, and the satisfaction of living, as real and simple as that.

The most beautiful places don't exist on Google's top 100 list, they exist outside your front door. You can't imagine them, Wikipedia them, or strap on virtual goggles to live them. With technology, our mind is running to experience it all. It's time that we stopped and let our bodies join us too.

RELATIONSHIPS: The Games We Play

2009-01-30T23:30:00.000-08:00

With the upcoming release of "He's Just Not That Into You," I thought I'd post one for the guys we torture with the games we play. We may be into you, we may not, but there's one thing you can count on-we will make sure you never know either way.

So why do we play games? Who decided that in order to get someone to like you, you have to act like you don't like them? Why can't we just be real, honest and tell people how we feel?Why do we have to hide it behind missed phone calls and three day rules? Oh right, it wouldn't be any fun that way.

I love to hate the system, but I'm also one of its guiltiest clients. So, to clear my conscience, I'm decoding it for you. I may face pitchforks or angry letters, but it's time that guys knew the truth behind our games. They may even be surprised to find less sugar than spice behind our methods.

She's so into you.

She didn't answer the phone until the fourth ring--she doesn't really care whether I call or not, she's too busy with all of her activities.

WRONG. She's actually been waiting for your call all day, but she doesn't want you to know that so she waits until the fourth ring. She probably even has your ringtone set to Taylor Swift's Love Story, but only by coincidence (at least that's what she'll tell you).

When I text her, she doesn't text me back for 20 minutes. Is she tech challenged?

No. Don't blame it on text messaging speed. She could probably type 30 text messages in the time it takes for her to analyze every word of your text, and then consult her friends for a quick, witty (but not too eager) response. But hurry up and text her back--in girl world, a 20 minute response leaves us wondering what we said wrong.

When I ask her out on a Thursday for dinner the following Friday, she can never go. Is she dating someone else?

No way. Girl rules clearly state that no date be accepted less than two days before. Otherwise, we come off being too available. She wants to go out with you, but she doesn't want you to think she has a flexible schedule. Plan ahead if you really want the date, she'll say yes if you ask by Wednesday.

When I see her at a party, she sticks to her group of girlfriends until I come over and say hi. What gives?

She doesn't want you to think she only came to the party to see you, but she probably did. By sticking to her group of friends, she's trying to show you she can have fun without you and waiting for you to pursue her, two things she's certain will drive you crazy (good or bad, you know it does).

She's Just Not That Into You

When I call her, I always get a text message apologizing because she's too busy to talk.

If she's in the middle of a board meeting then, yes, she may be too busy to talk. But more likely, she doesn't want to deal with the awkward conversation and sends a short message to get out of it at all costs. And for the record, girls who really like you never apologize for anything (Rule 147, Section C). We are our absolute sweetest in rejection.

After holding her hand for a few minutes, she wraps her arms across her waist and complains of being cold.

Get a clue-if she was really cold, she'd snuggle closer! And if a girl likes you, she'll hold your grasp even at the cost of hypothermia.

I've asked her out a thousand times, but she's booked through the end of the year.

If you're asking that far in advance, she's not playing games--she just doesn't want to go out with you. Saying she is busy is a nice way of saying she's not interested. I know, it's brutal.

She acts really tired at the end of the date, and talks about how early she has to get up tomorrow. I had plans to watch a movie after, but she asks me to take her home early.

Red flag alert! If the date is going well, girls will stretch it until the very last hour possible. On the other hand, feigning fatigue is the oldest trick in the book when it comes to date detachment.

So now that I've officially thrown everyone off their game, have a happy Valentine's day! And if it turns out your love is unrequited, you can always call in Cupid. I hear he's even dropped his rates in the recession!

BOOK REVIEW: Skinny Bitch Tips Sales, Not Scales

2009-01-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

My eyes scanned the menu in search of something, anything, I could sink my teeth into. I tried to block out the sound of screeching pigs as I gazed over the pulled pork sandwich. I winced at the thought of moaning cows as I scanned the description for cream of mushroom soup. I knew better than to even browse the filet section for fear of resurfacing images from meat.org. After scouring the entire selection, I finally settled for the whole-grain penne, asparagus and spinach in a light marinara sauce.

"And can you hold the parmesan?" I blurted out.

It was official-I had converted. In return for the promised eternity of a slim waist and toned thighs, I sold my appetite to the gods of dieting, Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, and picked up a copy of Skinny Bitch. I mean, who wouldn't trust two former supermodels on the subject of body image? ("Um. Does, like, gum count as a meal?")

But despite my initial cynicism, I found myself obeying Skinny Bitch like a bible. I cleaned out the milk in my fridge, said goodbye to greasy chicken quesadillas and gagged at the smell of In-N-Out burgers. I replaced Vons Grocery with Whole Foods and even completed the mecca to Real Food Daily, one of the best vegan restaurants in LA.

At first, I thought I would miss the carne asada, fried eggs, and milkshakes, but adopting a vegan lifestyle, as advocated by Skinny Bitch, completely transformed the way I looked at food. This was not merely a weight loss book-it was a complete awakening to the lies of the corporate food industries.

I didn't just say no to a chocolate chip-cookie for the sake of toned abs. I was boycotting the dairy industry that sells the lie that my healthy calcium levels depend on consuming a glass of milk daily-when a serving of delicious bok choy provides me with a healthier, and more direct serving of calcium. I was protesting the treatment of the sweating cows who stand packed in cells as their udders are pumped to the point of infection. I was protecting myself from the carcinogenic substances found in the pasteurizing process to rid the milk of the infectious puss oozing out of the cow's udders along with my 2% drink. I was taking a stand against the chickens who are cooped up in their own feces to produce enough eggs for the dough. And, I was stopping and thinking about what I was actually putting in my mouth.

Suddenly, the intense smell of cookies turned sour and I put the dessert down in distaste. I had conquered the craving and well on my way to becoming a certified skinny bitch. Pretty soon, I had completely fazed out all animal products from my diet and introduced an exciting variety of hummus, vegetables, and other delicious vegan options. No, I didn't drop 2 dress sizes in the first week, but I did notice an immediate change in my overall health. Headaches, indigestion, and the guilt of eating unhealthy food was replaced with happiness, freedom, and even just a touch of self-righteousness typical of all vegans (we're saving animals, remember?).

Between the dirty humor and slew of curse words, Skinny Bitch addresses serious issues in the food industries. Sure, it may be under the arm of every celebrity in Hollywood and at the top of the bestseller lists, but for once the bandwagon is headed in the right direction. Hop on.

Jessica Alba and Victoria Beckham are Hollywod's favorite skinny bitches.

TRAVEL: What happens in Vegas, anyway?

2009-01-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

21 year olds be warned--you're about to be stripped.

Of Las Vegas that is.

When my favorite mashup musician, Gregg Gillis (otherwise known as Girl Talk), announced that he was stopping at the House of Blues in Las Vegas for his 2008 tour, my eight friends and I packed into cars and stormed the strip. With a little research, we managed to snag a room at the MGM Grand and spent the evening dancing the night away to Girl Talk's incredible mixes. The next day, as we toured the strip with oversized sunglasses and Starbucks lattes, we fell right in with the rest of the club recoverees, without even flashing a form of ID. If eight nineteen year olds can conquer the ageist strip, now you can too.

Forget fake IDs, five-inch stilettos, or batting your eyelashes at the creepy bouncers-Las Vegas has opened its doors, ever so slightly, to those underage. While I can't tell you how to sneak into the high bidding room or blow dice at the craps table, I can help you claim the best of the strip. And, you just might leave with more cash than the farts behind the slot machines.

Unless a restful night of sleep for you means holing up in the back alley of a strip club, I recommend calling in advance to check the age requirements of the hotel or casino you plan to crash. Originally, we were attracted to the lower prices of the Tropicana. When we found out they only allow 21-year olds to check in, we just had to settle for the MGM Grand (ha). In addition to allowing eighteen year olds to check in, the struggling economy has dropped room prices at the MGM to $89 a night (on select days). With a couple extra sleeping bags and snug sleeping arrangements, we squeezed eight girls into a four-person room. As a result, we each payed less than the cost of the pizza we ordered that night...not bad.

Which brings me to my next point-food. Eating in Las Vegas is like ordering a five-course meal at Disneyland--you just don't do it. Unless you plan on proposing to your girlfriend in the Blue Bayou, you get a stamp, leave the park and deign for chicken Mcnuggets down the road. The same laws apply to Las Vegas. Before you arrive on the strip, make sure you pack a car full of non-perishable snacks. We loaded up on enough chips, candy and soda to last us a week, at the price of one meal at a ritzy Las Vegas restaurant. When it came time to eat an actual meal, we ordered in pizza. If you stick with the chains (I'm a Dominos girl), you get the same great prices you pay at college frat parties. If only that "what happens in Vegas" mantra applied to my hips.

So now that you have the basics covered, it's time to get down to the real reason everyone flocks to Vegas...the ENTERTAINMENT. There is no age limit to glitz and glamour, if you know how to cut corners. If it's big winning at the casinos you really crave, rent 21 or When In Vegas and snuggle up in your hotel room. If you are willing to sacrifice the gambling, on the other hand, you'll soon find that sitting at a poker table actually limits the true Vegas nightlife. Whether you want to be swept off your feet by David Copperfield's magic show, wrap yourself up in the unbelievable Cirque du Soleil, or tap to the beat of the Blue Man Group, Vegas has a show for every taste. If you just want to dance, plan to catch your favorite musician in Las Vegas and order floor seats. Your wallet, and your closeted dance moves, will thank you. Check www.vegas.com for more information on hotels, casinos, and featured shows.

But don't think the party stops when the sun comes up. Explore the strip in the early afternoon, when the lighting is perfect for taking hundreds of those touristy pictures you know you are dying to share with your jealous friends. We all know Facebook tags violated the "What happened in Vegas" pledge anyways.

FEATURE: For What It's Worth (A Thousand Words)

2009-01-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

There is something absolutely magical about photography. From the way the light bounces off your subject's face to the locked embrace between their eyes and yours behind the lens, the only sound that brings you back to reality is the click of the shutter. While artists create their characters, photographers capture their live interaction with them. There is a reason my dad, an amateur photographer, snapped pictures of my mom on their first date in Kansas City. He used to tell me to smile at the camera like I was smiling at someone I was head over heels for. While the imaginary faces behind the lens have changed, my smile stays the same--wide and engaging, with eyes you catch from across the room.

When you think about it, photography reflects the instinctive game of attraction-pursuit and capture. You find your subject, pursue them until you are close enough to feel their emotion in physical expression, and capture them in the frozen moment of a photograph. Without chemistry, the picture is flat and emotionless. However, when the connection is there, you can't ignore the trademark sparkle in the eyes of an engaged subject.

In high school, my photography professor sent us out in pairs. At first, I stared blankly at the glass lens when my partner insisted on taking my picture. By the end of the semester, I was locked in the dark room with him, without a Canon DSLR in sight. It was then I first realized the sensual nature of the living art form (and how easy it was to sneak out of photography class). I was hooked.

Since then, photography has been my escape. Behind the lens, I have no reservations, no games to play. I simply see what I want, and pursue it with uninhibited passion.

A camera is the next best thing to a puppy when it comes to picking up the opposite sex. Photography dates create a special bond between the two players, and capture the chemistry better than an outsider could ever try.

But, don't think photography is only for the romantically involved. My best friend and I often spend afternoons driving around until we find a place to photograph. The hobby has inspired us to find the true beauty in the world around us, and take pictures that show more than a smile. Last summer, we landed jobs at a summer camp in the Ozarks of Missouri. We spent three months photographing smiling campers, beautiful scenery, our best friends, and each other. We had the time of our lives.

The job ended in August, but our love for photography persisted. I'll never forget the day we stumbled on a sunflower field in the middle of Missouri. We ran around like little kids, capturing every beautiful piece of nature that crossed our paths.

So next time you go to take a picture, imagine yourself discovering a treasured piece of art, rather than a forgotten tag in a Facebook album.

Say cheese.

STYLE: The Gossip is Out

2009-01-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

When the OC met Sex and The City, Gossip Girl was born.

My college roommate and I first discovered the hit series, Gossip Girl, on the CW online and ditched an entire day of class to watch the episodes on a rainy day. Pretty soon, we were referring to each other by L and C, narrating everyday circumstances in Gossip Girl banter (Last spotted: L and C standing in line for stale french fries at the dining hall. Will it be ketchup or BBQ dipping sauce? Time will only tell....), and shamelessly swooning over our favorite male character, Chuck Bass.

But besides the weekly (over)dose of drama, teenage angst, brooding male heartthrobs, complicated love triangles, underage speak-easies, and fabulous trust-funded parties, the characters of Gossip Girl have replaced Carrie Bradshaw and her Manolos on the cement runways of New York. From the effortless cool of Serena van der Woodsen to the polished chic of Blair Waldorf, girls are scrambling to copy the looks of their favorite stars. So, I decided to give you a head start.

Here's How to Look Like a Gossip Girl, Without the Trust-Fund

Serena's look, for less:

Forever 21: Basic Woven Shirt in white-$15.80

Charlotte Russe: Plaid Skirt in Dark Brown Combo-$22.99

Forever 21: Royalty Sweater Cardigan in Charcoal-$22.80

Urban Outfitters Skinny Solid Necktie in black- $19.99

For Love 21: Tri-Chain Locket Necklace-$5.80

Forever 21: Satin Bow Socks in Charcoal-$5.80

Charlotte Russe: Spectator Booties in Brown Combo-$26.99

Blaire's look, for less

Urban Outfitters: Silence and Noise Boyfriend Blazer-$68.00

Splurge! Urban Outfitters: Fred Perry Argyle Cardigan-$120.00

Don't worry, you can afford the cardigan by recycling the basic woven button down and skinny tie from Serena's outfit!

Forever 21: Cuffed Dressy Short in Dark Grey-$17.80

American Apparel: RSAPH Opaque Pantyhose-$14.00

Charlotte Russe: Doily Flats-$22.99

Forever 21: Voletta Leather Clutch-$12.80

Just in time for a new episode tonight!

You know you love me, XOXO.

Gossip Girl.

STYLE: Made for more than walking...

2009-01-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

After surviving on macaroni and cheese and Top Ramen for a semester, I decided it was time to confront the starving college student in me and settle for a seasonal retail job. I zipped up my favorite grey suede BCBG boots and stormed the Glendale Galleria, desperate for an employer to hire me for the month of my Christmas vacation. Armed with the style knowledge I picked up from flipping through fashion magazines, obsessively watching Gossip Girl, and listening to my roommate, a textile and apparel management major, rattle off fashion terms, I managed to fool employers as an aspiring stylista and landed a job at trendy Charlotte Russe.

I never imagined that one month of retail could transform a feminist humanitarian into a fashion junkie. I had always swooned over fashion spreads in Vogue and Glamour, but lacked the confidence (and thick Louis Vuitton wallet) to back up the passion. Working as a dressing room attendant gave me the perfect outlet to express my style. I worked out of other people's wallets, assembling outfits for Christmas parties, New Year's Eve bashes and important meet-the-parents dinners. I started to put together killer outfits myself, using my job as an excuse to make the world my runway. "I'm sorry, I didn't have time to change out of my stilettos and curve-hugging pencil skirt before meeting you for coffee, I just came from work....yesterday."

In addition to picking up a full fashion vocabulary, my mind morphed into a "Get This Look for Less" machine. I pulled looks from the runway, trendy shows like Gossip Girl and 90210, and fashion magazines-then scavenged for pieces in retail stores like Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, and American Apparel. Before, I was simply crushing on fashion--now I found myself trapped in a loving monogamous relationship. I even had the oversized, flower ring to prove it.

Kenneth Jay Lane Flower Ring: $88

Get This Look For Less- Forever 21 Polished Petal Ring: $3.80

(sorry, I couldn't help it)

LIFESTYLE: Just a ride...

2009-01-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I decided to learn more about experiencing life in a wheelchair. Nevermind that the experiment took place in Disneyland, or the fake injury put me at the front of the two hour lines for Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, and Pirates of the Carribean. I never would have guessed that I could create pathways out of crowds, or push myself to the front of the light shows. I mean, why rent one wheelchair for twelve dollars when fast passes for my six friends would only be thirty dollars a piece?

No, my friends and I would never endorse a practice so corrupt, so distasteful. I simply

wanted to follow the advice of every journalism professor I have ever had in "fully understanding my subject." And, in abiding by the law, Disneyland mandates no real injuries in the rental of a wheelchair. They simply offer wheelchairs to "give all of [their] guests the most comfortable experience possible." We took crutches and a leg brace just in case.

My friend, Astrid, bit the bullet and spent the first half of the day confined to the chair. After hitting several patrons in the achilles tendon (people don't have brake lights like cars do), Astrid wanted to pass on the torch. I couldn't understand why she wouldn't enjoy being pushed around the entire day until I sat down in her place.

Besides cutting in line, being in a wheelchair really, well...sucks. Instead of smiling, little kids stare at length. People glance down at your legs instead of your eyes, trying to figure out why you can't walk. And, when you get out of the chair to get on the ride, they follow your every move to make sure you aren't faking it to cut in line (who would do that?). When I wanted a churro, a hot chocolate, or simply to go to the bathroom, my friends had to wheel me around. And, as a person who likes to be in control, it was almost impossible to allow someone to dictate my direction all day, which — thanks to my Tea-Cup enthusiast friends — meant in circles.

The worst, however, was when we passed people who were actually constricted to wheelchairs. I felt horrible for using their disadvantage to our advantage. These people didn't want to cut the lines, they wanted to stand in line with their friends. They didn't want people to stare in jealousy as they got into the front row; they looked down as people stared at them climbing into the seat before everyone else. They didn't want to create paths in crowds; they wanted people to look them in the eye and smile as they passed. They wanted people to see the strength in their face, not focus on their body. Maybe they wanted to run and grab a churro while their friends waited in line, or hold their daughter above the crowd to see Cinderella. This wasn't a glamorous fast pass, it was reality.

Before the sun set on Sleeping Beauty Castle, we turned the wheelchair back in. As we waited in our first line of the day for the Matterhorn, I was relieved to finally be off the ride that dictated my direction all day. And, if I ever return to Disneyland in a wheelchair on my own terms (Karma does have a poor sense of humor), I will be glad to know it truly is the happiest place on earth from wherever you stand...or sit.

Editor's Note: Ok...Who asked Santa for a white Christmas?

2008-12-17T20:53:00.000-08:00

With snow flurrying to the ground outside, I neatly packed my halter-tops, tube dresses and tanks into my suitcase. It was finally winter vacation, and while my Missouri friends stuffed their bags with Northface fleeces, I looked forward to a month of warm weather ahead in California.

And then the impossible happened. Snow. In Los Angeles.

Thanks to an arctic front blowing into the area (I wonder who's responsible for that one...), my warm weathered wonderland was suddenly a prison of freezing rain and sleet. Would palm trees be replaced with pine? Would St.Nick revert back to a sled after years of driving a hybrid through rush hour? Do Starbucks baristas even know how to prepare hot drinks? Sure the state is in a recession, but snow plowing? That's not exactly what I mean when I asked for government provided jobs, Santa.

Does this mean I'm on the naughty list?

FEATURE: Hot Guys in History

2008-12-14T19:10:00.001-08:00

So this is where they've been hiding....

While mainstream magazines feature the attractive models, actors and not-so-average joes of 2008-I prefer swooning over the men of the past. Older, more mature and zero-commitment-who knew they were hiding the best six feet under?

Pursue with Ernest...

While Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) often created his characters with intimacy issues, we can only hope he wasn't alluding to himself. With looks like these today, his only issue would be picking who to be intimate with. From his midwest-manners and all-American good looks to the smooth talking of an award-winning writer, I'd gladly curl up with Hemingway and a mug of hot chocolate on a snowy evening.

In fact, I already do.

STYLE: Change We Need

2008-12-14T16:20:00.001-08:00

Obama fans are rallying for change-of clothes that is.

After Jackie O. cleared her Cassini's out of Camelot, the first ladies have settled for last in the fashion world.

From Hillary Clinton's heinous purple creation in 1993 to Laura Bush's full length morning-after button down in 2005,

Michelle will have a lot of cobwebs to clear out of

the White House closet in January.

But with her bold fashion taste and collarbones that could cut butter, Michelle is well (skirt) suited to bring style back to the White House. With designers rallying to use her as their fashion plate, there are high hopes for her Inaugural Ball gown.

Even Project Runway challenged their contestants to create the perfect dress for the evening--which resulted in a frightening display of star-spangled frocks.

But seriously, Women's Wear Daily recently collected sketches from fashion's best.

So...who will the lucky designer be?

My vote's on Elie Tahari, Monique Lhuillier and Marc Jacobs.

As for Betsey Johnson, we can only hope she was kidding.

GOSSIP: The Comeback Kids

2008-12-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

So the nominations for the Grammy's are in...but I noticed one missing:

"Female Artist with the Most Comebacks in Recording History" in the "Not Quite Ready to Let Go of the Dream" category.

And the nominees are...

1. The Runner-Up: After a series of low profile vacations with her "We're Just Really Good Friends" now-husband and a short stint at acting, Beyonce is back for good. And just in case you didn't notice, she's already dominating the airwaves with hits from Sasha Fierce, including my favorite track "If you like it then you shouldn't let me sing on it."

2. The incumbent: With a new

sound and a new face (but she'll never admit it), Madonna just can't seem to let go. She may have topped

the charts with J.T and Timbaland, but at 50 years old, it's a wonder she can stay on stage for four minutes. Time to retire the spandex and pass down the torch.

3. The Winner: One shaved head, a broken umbrella, several run-ins with the LAPD, and at least 1,000 tabloid covers later, Britney's back with her self-titled album, Circus. Her hit single, Womanizer, may be catchy enough for my personal ringtone, but it's time to pass the mouse-ears on to the next generation. She said it best in a recent article in Rolling Stone: "I feel like an old person now. I go to bed at, like, 9:30 every night, and I don't go out or anything...I just feel like an old fart." Couldn't have said it better myself.

ART: A photographer's dream come true...

2008-12-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

When I first discovered that Vanity Fair planned to display a collection of their photographs from 1913-2008, I considered making a paper chain to count down the days. Maybe it's the photographer nerd in me, but being surrounded by the art of Annie Leibovitz, Man Ray, Edward Steichen and the rest of the Vanity Fair dream team makes my head spin.

Forget Thanksgiving dinner, this was worth the flight home to Los Angeles.

As the only U.S stop on the Vanity Fair tour, the only thing stopping me from running to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art were my staggering high (but awfully cute) gray suede boots.

The experience starts with a beautiful display of the exhibit's highlighted feature-Gloria Swanson by Edward Steichen (1924) shown left. Before the age of digital editing, Steichen created the effect by simply veiling her face with a piece of lace. Incredible.

The pieces were presented in chronological order of their time of publication. In the early age of Vanity Fair, the focus centered on society's creators, with portraits on choreographers, directors, scientists and writers. As time drew closer to celebrity obsessed 2008, athletes and actors dominated the spreads. With a floor-to-ceiling display of the magazine's best covers as well as videos of actual photoshoots (I shamelessly lingered at the Jake Gyllenhaal feature), the exhibit was a playground for photographers and magazine journalists alike.

Don't try to find the controversial portrait of Miley Cyrus-it's not featured. But if you're looking for iconic figures, you've come to the right place. Portraits ranged from W.B. Yeats and Charlie Chaplain to Madonna and Demi Moore. And, until they're displayed on the wall, you'd never guess how many celebrities stripped down for the sophisticated publication.

Whether you come for the photography, celebrities, or the eavesdropping (the journalist behind me had interviewed half of the subjects!), the exhibit's great location makes it a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. And, at eight dollars admission (compared to Vanity Fair's five dollar cover price), you get the best of Vanity Fair, without having to tear through hundreds of those dreadful Dolce and Gabanna ads. Enjoy!

STYLE: Global Warming Heats Up the Runway

2008-12-05T16:58:00.001-08:00

Sorry black, green is the color of the season. Factory Green recently launched a line of eco-friendly products. Some of the clothes were so hot, the models just couldn't keep em' on!

Now environment lovers can wear their heart on their sleeve.

all photos by Catherine O'Neill at catherineqoneill@gmail.com

FEATURE: Hot Guys in History

2008-12-05T16:42:00.000-08:00

So this is where they've been hiding...

While mainstream magazines feature the attractive models, actors and not-so-average joes of 2008-I prefer swooning over the men of the past. Older, more mature, and zero commitment-who knew they were hiding the best six feet under?

If looks could kill....

Don't be fooled by the pretty face. At the ripe age of 21, Lewis Powell (1844-1865) faced the death sentence for his involvement in the Lincoln assassination. If bad company corrupts good morals, being a part of John Wilkes Booth's posse certainly didn't improve his stakes. After a failed attempt to assassinate William Seward (the Secretary of State) with a knife, Powell was arrested, put in prison (where this picture was taken) and eventually sent to the gallows. Not the kind of guy you'd take home to the parents, but definitely worth sneaking out at midnight for...

There's just something about those bad boys.

STYLE: When west coast cool meets east coast chic...

2008-12-05T16:25:00.001-08:00

A midwest fashion show is born...

Popular Missouri boutiques and the new eco-friendly Factory Green clothing line sent their designs down the catwalk to benefit the Children's Miracle Network. As my friend, Ashlen, ran the show, I hit the runway with my camera to catch the action.

all photos by Catherine O'Neill at catherineqoneill@gmail.com

Editor's Note: I believe we haven't been properly introduced

2008-12-05T16:16:00.001-08:00

Photo by Catherine O'Neill-catherineqoneill@gmail.com

My name is Cat Q. and I am a modern day magazine

Behind my eyes, you'll find my love for photography. From my mouth, a passion for culture, society and today's issues. On my sleeve, an instinct for fashion. In my steps, a desire to travel...and on my heart, the glossy pages that make them beat together.

Why Voguerrilla?

Vogue represents the popular and the fashionable. Guerrillas work outside the lines.

Put them together-and you have a magazine journalist reporting from under the covers of today's glossies. Voguerrilla.

enjoy.

Editor's Note: I may not make the best coaster...

2008-12-05T13:34:00.001-08:00

...Or smell like a headache of eight new fragrances. You can't flip through me while the crazy lady in front of you clips every coupon out of the Sunday paper. Forget about rolling me up and swatting the tempest fly that's threatening your whole grain, low-carb sandwich. If you feel like taking your best friend's Manolos hostage, don't try to cut me up and make a ransom note. And unless you normally store your macbook on top of the toilet, I wouldn't recommend myself as a bathroom read...But I promise, I am a magazine. I just have a new scene.

I'll give you the dish on popular culture, society, politics, style, photography, today's issues and maybe even those hot guy of the month features you shamelessly peruse. You can flip through my pages without coughing up five dollars, or suffering evil stares as you drop magazine inserts all over the grocery store floor. So sit down, grab something warm to drink, and be glad you didn't find me in the corner of a wretched dentist's office as you wait to get your wisdom teeth pulled. I think this marks the beginning of a beautiful relationship.