Your Mom’s Hot Topic

In junior high, Hot Topic was where I’d cobble up loose change to buy a Smashing Pumpkins t-shirt. I’d tentatively walk around the daring clothing and accessory choices that I was far too self-conscious to buy. Even at the counter, I’d avoid eye contact with the pierced, dyed cashier out of guilt for sullying the “goth” store with my boring suburbia look. I understood that Hot Topic was a haven for the misunderstood who got to express themselves through a dark collective of clothing, make-up, music and attitude. And I respected their commitment to a style aesthetic, even though I didn’t totally understand it.

But since 2007, Hot Topic’s been revamping (or “unvamping”) its trademark dark and alternative milieu in favor of pop culture.

First, they overhauled the store’s layout. Good-bye vampire lair, hello H&M knock-off.

Image source BuzzFeed

Then, they carried clothes WITH COLOR(!) more suitable for a hipster rave than an episode of “Goth Talk.” Geez, they even gave Perez Hilton his own clothing line.

Image source NYMag.com

And the final nail on the non-coffin: the Twilight Hot Topic Tour.

Image source FanPop.com

Last month, the chain was acquired by the same corporation that owns Talbots. Today, the typical Hot Topic customer probably looks like this:

Image source LATimes.com

I guess junior high me wouldn’t feel self-conscious going into this store today… but she also probably wouldn’t actually want to.

Posted by Michelle

The New Skinny?

Image source Bossip

Last week the TODAY show featured American Eagle’s newest design, the “Skinny Skinny Jeans.” Now, I consider myself pretty accustomed to skinny jeans….let’s just say I’ve seen it all. But as I watched the unveil, I was shocked. Two poor, nervous models stood on national television with their blue jeans literally painted on. I’m not kidding. Painted. Spray painted, to be exact. That’s right…these new jeans come in a can.

So many questions came to mind after first learning of this. What do you do when you sit in public? How did they morally do this to a boy on national television? Didn’t Lululemon just recall their see through, sheer yoga pants? Fortunately, my questions were answered after the YouTube video of AE’s ad hit 350,000 views and they apparently decided that was the time to announce that their spray jeans were simply a hoax (thank God!). Unfortunately, VP of Brand Marketing Bob Holobinko described the campaign as a “journey” — meaning there is more to come.

So what do you think? Is this a brilliant marketing campaign or just an early April fool’s prank gone bad? Either way, let’s just hope it doesn’t give people any ideas!

Posted by Jen 

Fondue for Two

Image source Walter Drake

You’re fresh off the slopes… cozied up in your Swiss-style chalet… on a bear-skin rug… in front of a roaring fire… with a French underwear model… a glass of Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill in hand… what’s missing from this picture? A personal mug of molten cheese, naturellement.

Because everyone knows skiing and fondue go hand-in-hand, behold Walter Drake’s individually sized fondue mugs, the perfect vessel for plunging melted fruit, veggies and bread into melted cheese or chocolate. Complete with bottom openings for tea lights to keep your ‘due gooey and a set of dipping forks, the mugs are a surefire segue to sexy après-ski parties à deux.

Just make sure you have one of these on hand to achieve the full effect.

Posted by Abby

Things I’m Buying Kimye’s Offspring

Unless you live under a rock, by now you’ve heard that Kim Kardashian and rapper Kanye West are expecting a child together. Sigh. So, what should we do to pass the time until the baby comes?! Fear not. I’ve rounded-up my favey baby products that Kimye is definitely going to need! The ridiculous K baby name on the other hand, is totally on them.

1. Designer Barf Bags

Image source Parenting.com

If I’ve learned anything from “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” it’s that Kim is dramatic… and annoying. Kim will either develop morning sickness or be dramatic about nausea, so I’ve found Morning Chicness Bags for her and fashion’s sake! The bags come in a variety of colors and patterns. Kim can even buy a pack of 100 in case she’ll need to buy in bulk.

2. A Swagged Out Piggy Bank

 Image source Tiffany & Co.

Kim claims she wants her baby out of the spotlight, but we all know the kid will bring in the bank. Obviously he/she will be taking a cut of the paychecks, so he/she will need to learn the value of saving at an early age. Tiffany & Co.’s sterling silver Teddy Bear bank is my first – and only – option. At $1,650, this baller baby bank will have all the kids on the playground jealous.

3. A Must-Have Designer Diaper Bag

Image source Neiman Marcus

We all know Kim won’t actually change any of her baby’s diapers, so the person that does totally deserves this Gucci diaper bag.

4. High Heels

Image source Heelarious

If it’s a girl, Kim will stick her in heels ASAP. As soon as they come back in stock, I’m buying Kim’s babe heelarious’ “her first heels!” The website claims that your little one will, “look fabulous in these soft crib shoes designed to look like high heels! Black patent heel with pink satin lining for infants size 0-6 months.” We know they aren’t name-brand shoes, but girlfriend has to practice her cat-walk in something!

5. Eau de Baby

Image source Nordstrom

If Kimye’s offspring is anything like them, the little one will be launching a perfume deal by the time he/she can negotiate/talk. Or Kim’s mom will do it for them. In the meantime, the babe should probably become familiar with scents like Burberry’s Baby Touch Eau de Toilette or Bvlgari’s Petits et Mamans Eau de Toilette.

Can’t wait to get my invite to your baby shower, doll! You know I’ll bring the best loot in town.

Posted by Carolyn

Notes From My Friend Julia (Sort of…)

Image source AlexandraCooks.com

I have a constant stationary crush. I could spend hours perusing the shelves of Papyrus or Paper Source and have coughed up many of my hard-earned dollars on Crane and Co. paper goods (seriously though, how cute are my newest little pink bee notes!?).

Another strange crush of mine comes in the form of a deceased, six-foot-two female. No, not a b-ball player, the one and only Julia Child. With that boisterous voice and no-nonsense boldness in the kitchen, how could you not want to befriend her?

Anyways, a recent discovery has me crushin’ more than ever on a perfect combination of the two. Alexandra’s Kitchen’s Julia Child Notecards bring some of JC’s serious sass to paper. The insanely cute (and well-priced!) notes are printed with some of Julia’s best anecdotes on living like “Life itself is the proper binge” and “You’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude.” Others offer philosophies on food along the lines of “Every woman should have a blowtorch” and “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook” (true dat, sista!).

Now that I’ve found a marriage of two of my love interests, I’ll be coughing up the cash to buy both the standard version and the birthday cards (how could I resist this one?) to appease my note-writing habits in the new year.

After all, there are worse things to stockpile than stationary. And, as my wannabe friend Julia would say, “Everything in moderation… including moderation.”

Posted by Mary