Thursday, January 26, 2012

Ads Banned in the UK-Too Provocative?

Ok-this had me laughing.
Apparently the above Miu Miu ad featuring 14-year old Hailee Steinfeld, was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority in the UK near elementary schools, according to the Huffington Post.
I mean, okay. I understand why they would ban these photos near schools; young Hailee looks a little distressed in this ad. Maybe she failed her math test-I don't know. But I do know that the ASA needs to chill out. Besides, it's not the first time I've seen fashion photography on railroads. It's pretty common. I've always wanted to have a photoshoot on a railroad, but you see, NYC Subways aren't your best bet.

The ASA also banned Marc Jacob's Oh Lola! perfume ad featuring 17-year old, Dakota Fanning

The ASA is quoted saying
"We considered the length of her dress, her leg and position of the perfume bottle drew attention to her sexuality" -Advertising Standards Authority

Now that I actually look at the ad, I get where they're coming from, but fashion has always been provocative.
It's the simple fact that these ads feature young girls in them that make them 10x more risque.
What do you think?
While you think about that, take a look at the rest of Hailee Steinfeld's shoot with Miu Miu (which I loved!)

Photos by Bruce Weber

So, what do you think?
Is the ASA right for banning the ads?
Or did they take it too far?

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Beats by Oscar de la Renta-Yay or Nay?

Looks like Dr. Dre better move over. The wildly known Beats headphones just got a makeover. When I heard about this, I couldn't believe it. But...then again, yes I did. With headphones this popular, it's no surprise any fashion haus would be interested with collaborating. It sorta reminds me of designer collaborations with Target or H&M. The high fashion, "plum-hued silver fox" headphones got dissaproving head shakes from PETA. Michelle Cho, representative of PETA writes to Dr. Dre:

"With so many fashionable, cruelty-free materials available these days, we hope that you will keep animals in mind and choose not to use fur or exotic skins in your collection," Cho wrote. "You have a tremendous amount of influence on young people--won't you please consider using your platform to advocate kindness toward animals by pledging never to design with real fur and exotic skins?"
-Michelle Cho, PETA representative
Beats by Oscar de la Renta $695

There was no response from Dr. Dre representatives. I have to completely agree with Cho, sorry Oscar. Although I respect him as a designer, he should take cues from animal-friendly designer, Stella McCartney. Fashion should not sacrifice any life. Neither man nor creature.

What do you think?

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Never Settle for Less.


"chillin' with no makeup on"
Trial and error is what I can relate 2011 to. I've always considered myself to be a strong and rather independent person (I think it's a Leo thing) and even the times that I didn't feel this way, I made it my duty to pick myself up. I am proud of myself. I made my own decisions this year, even if that meant sacrificing comfort. I don't regret leaving others behind for the sake of my own path. I learned and am learning my failures. I'll fail bigger and greater if that's what it takes to be stronger. 
2011, you thought you could get me down, I've stared betrayal, pain, and death in its face, took a deep breath and stood up. I laugh at you now for doubting my abilities. My strengths. Refuse to settle is my motto. This past week, on Tuesday morning, I almost lost my life. I was hit and run over by a truck that could've taken my life away as fast as it's speedometer. Someone was watching over me because they know there's something meant for me to do here. I made it through high school without the drugs, sex, pregnancies, and alcohol. Why? Because I have a purpose to fulfill and I'm willing to do whatever it takes, face whatever it takes, to find it. 2011, I was elected student body president, completed my first documentary, and learned things that would last me a lifetime.
I'm thankful for the amazing people who've been and are in my life. Everyone and everything you encounter is for a reason. To teach you a lesson or help you discover something you never knew. Even though I'm in bed with a cast right now, this is the beginning of something new (ironic my accident happened in 2012). I’ve sent out all my applications to colleges, 12 universities and 6 CUNYs. I’m learning to accept rejection and reject acceptation. I am who I am and whatever school takes me, I’ll make the decision if I take them.

My name is Cristine Sanchez and I shape the life I want.
Photos by the amazing, Alberto Vargas 
"THASSIT!"
Thanks for everything Alberto!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Jason Wu for Target? Go crazy...NOW

I am such a sucker for designer collaborations.
From Rodarte to Alexander McQueen, Target definitely knows how to reel in the big designers. My Teen Vogue arrived in the mail, thank goodness. What else am I supposed to read when I have a cast on my leg (oh yeah, kinda got into a wee-of an accident) and I seriously can't watch Jersey Shore re-runs anymore. Anyway, as I was flipping the first pages of the advertisements, there it was! Jason Wu for Target's ad! (above) So chic and elegant. I loved it.
Bows and A-line skirts? #WINNING 
Jason Wu's dresses are not only super cute, but they're definitely versatile. I already imagined myself wearing his dresses at school or a nice dinner. This is seriously a collection I'll be investing some money on.
I just hope I can buy some cool pieces before college and senior dues wipe me out...



As quoted from Style.com,
“You can call me a cat person; it’s fine,” Wu, who has two cats, admits. “We did a whole narrative through the cats in a very fifties style to reflect the fun and sophistication in the collection.”

The 53 piece collection hits stores on February 5th...so you should too! (after me of course)

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Olivia Palermo at TOPSHOP

Hope everyone had a happy holiday and a great New Years! (I hope you've been drinking lots of water and you've been sleeping that night off) I had a great break off from school and got a lot of work done. Sorry for the late post guys, I haven't had much time for blogging as you can tell. The college process has been draining me, to say the least. But, a last! I have submitted everything! *wipes sweat from brow*
A few weeks ago, Olivia Palermo (formely known from MTV's The City) visited TOPSHOP in Soho to give advice on dressing for parties (which I'm sure you've all went to recently) and to spread word about her latest website. I made sure to take photos of the mannequins she styled, I loved all the looks!
the crowd at TOPSHOP, awaiting Olivia's arrival and hungry for her styling advice
"I think the most important part about all these looks is the versatility and to make it work for other things. That's why I chose seperate pieces and not just a dress"- Olivia Palermo
This is one of the things that I really love about these looks. This advice can apply to anyone, not just fashionistas. But to anyone who wants to expand the options in their closet. I think I, myself, have to follow this advice. I always find myself buying those "MUST-buy pair of heels " (what do I have to go with it?) or that "holycrapit'svintage" jacket (do I even have money left over to but something for it?) and not thinking about the things I need. You can say I'm a bit of an impulse shopper. Well, when I have the money, that is.
Okay, these s'mores were so delicious. Oh, how I wish I had one now...
                                                      Free hair, makeup, and nails? I'm getting on line!
                                                                                                                
                                                                     I had a hard time deciding which design to choose...
but I stuck to this one :)