Most Anticipated Films of 2012

 

Award season is well underway honoring the best films of 2011.  However, some upcoming films are already surrounded by prominent buzz.  It’s only February, but 2012 is shaping up to be an eventful year in movies.  Some of the most anticipated films of 2012 include teenagers fighting for survival, animated adventures, superhero films, and a long-awaited adaptation of a beloved J.R.R. Tolkien novel.  So, start saving those dollars, and make sure you see at least one of these films this year.

The Hunger Games

Release Date: March 23

This young adult book series is getting the big screen treatment, and fans of the trilogy are marking down the days until its release.  Oscar-nominated actress Jennifer Lawrence leads this all star cast as 16-year-old heroine Katniss Everdeen who competes in the city of Panem’s annual Hunger Games, which is literally a fight to the death.  Don’t let the YA genre dissuade you.  This movie revolves around family, the government vs. the people, and not surprisingly survival.  If you need a point of reference, it’s a bit like Battle Royale, so if you’re fan of that you will be interested in this.

The Dark Knight Rises

Release Date: July 20

Christopher Nolan takes the reins for the final time to conclude his legacy in the Batman franchise.  Batman has been a scarce presence in the city of Gotham for eight years, but after Selina Kyle/Catwoman gives the Dark Knight a vague warning, he sets foot in Gotham once more this time going toe to toe with Bane, played by Tom Hardy.  In this film, Batman takes on more of an underdog role than ever before.  The cast which includes Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Liam Neeson, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt speaks for itself.

Brave

Release Date: June 22

This Pixar animation is getting hype because the film revolves around the adventures of a heroine instead of a hero.  Princess Merida wreaks havoc in the highlands of Scotland determined to live life on her terms.  Her defiance results in chaos and the archery-skilled princess has to fight to undo a curse put upon the kingdom.  Brave is one of the films this year designed for the whole family to enjoy, and it has to be noted Pixar seldom disappoints.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2

Release Date: Nov. 16

Twilight fans are eager for the final installment of the saga to wrap up the stories of Bella, Edward, and Jacob.  The first part of Breaking Dawn ended with the birth of Edward and Bella’s daughter, and Bella finally got her wish to become a vampire.  Now the Cullens have to partner up with various vampire clans from around the world to protect the child from the wrath of the Volturi.  This film doesn’t require much hype because the franchise has been on everyone’s radar for the past five years.  The conclusion of the Twilight saga will most likely prove to be bittersweet for its devoted fans.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Release Date: Dec. 14

Speaking of devoted fans, Peter Jackson’s take on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, which will serve as a prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, is arguably one of the most talked about films of the year.  The Hobbit follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, joined by a clan of dwarves, to the Lonely Mountain where they plan to take back the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the evil dragon Smaug.  Jackson has a reputation of staying true to Tolkien’s novels, and he is expected to work his magic once again in this two-part film.  Fans will be treated to new faces in this franchise including Martin Freeman, Evangeline Lilly, and Lee Pace, but many members from The Lord of the Rings will be back including Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, and Andy Serkis as the unforgettable Gollum.

The Amazing Spider-Man

Release Date: July 4

The Amazing Spider-Man marks the first film in a rebooted Spider-Man franchise which fans can either reject or embrace.  Andrew Garfield, who rose to fame in The Social Network, takes on the role of Peter Parker, and the orphaned teen discovers a secret about his parents disappearance which leads to him donning the iconic red and blue suit.  The love interest in this film is no longer Mary Jane Watson but Gwen Stacy, played by the always pleasant Emma Stone.  Like many movies nowadays, this film will be released in IMAX 3D, and the chance to see Spider-Man slinging around New York’s skyscrapers shooting webs right at the screen may be worth the extra price of admission.

 

 

 

Monica Maldonado is a journalism and fashion merchandising student at the University of North Texas, and a member of Phi Kappa Phi.  When she’s not running around campus trying to find her next story, you can find her attached to her laptop, feeding her addiction to pop culture and fashion.

GG Recap: ‘The Backup Dan’ #NeedsToBackDown

*SPOILER ALERT*

Last week on Gossip Girl, we saw the royal runaway have to resort to her backup plan, which happened to be have curly hair, be an author, reside in Brooklyn, and be one of the many people she used to hate–Dan Humphrey. “The Backup Dan” picked up right where last week’s exciting episode left off, with everyone searching for the missing bride and the newly revealed Gossip Girl finding new schemes to bring up the websites sinking views. Maybe last week’s surprising comeback was too much of a turn over to follow through with a strong 101st episode, because this week’s episode seemed really disconnected and almost a waste of an hour. Dan tries to rescue Blair from the horrible accented Grimaldis, meanwhile Serena and Chuck are frantically searching for her too. Of course Dan doesn’t think to tell Serena that he is with her, because he wants to be the only knight in shining armor for Blair (who is one confused girl).  Lastly, surprise, surprise Georgina actually isn’t Gossip Girl but is just a wannabe. The episode sadly ends with Blair smiling for the paparazzi with Louis; apparently being in a fake marriage is better than buying your way out of one. Making Blair into a hot commodity (literally) is turning me and many other viewers off. Does anyone else agree that the whole “who is Blair going to end with” storyline needs to come to an end? What ever happened to Diana? What’s going to happen with Lola? Dan needs to find a girl outside of the infamous “Inside.” Chuck and Blair just need to be together, and the evil Grimaldis need to take the next flight to Monaco. They are #NotWanted.

To mix things up a bit, I thought it would be fun to recap the uneventful episode with a Backup Dan Twitterfeed! #CheckItOut #Tweethearts

Looks like Serena and her real cousin are getting in some bonding time. #ProjectFindTheRunawayBride

Prince Louis may not have been left at the altar, but the honeymoon seems to be over before it began. #GG

Looks like everyone wants to know where the royal bride ran to, but will they find her in time? #AllOverTheMap

Researching divorce laws? #FirstSign to not get married. Come on Blair! For a student accepted into Colombia, you sure need to think deeper. #Duh

Looks like Lonely Boy is fleeing Princess B to Santo Domingo. #HelloFreedom?

Why wouldn’t Princess B be smart enough to get out of her royal dress?! #CallHerASoreThumb

“They do give credit to people from Brooklyn, right?” Spoken like a true royal. Or at least a Manhattan one. #QueenBsBack

You can run and you can hide but Princess B beware, Gossip Girl has eyes everywhere! #OrDoesShe?

Only Blair would use a tabloid to prove her identity. #PrincessProblems

Dorota to the rescue. #WhatsNew

Looks like Serena’s prince charming is acting as someone else’s #Shady Who else is already over #Dair? S is about to be.

Chuck is beginning to realize it’s over? #NOOOOOOOOOO GG writers need to stop prolonging the inevitable. #FrusturatedFan

Apparently, Lily and Rufus have the #MovesLikeJagger. Too bad they’re not #BringingSexyBack or anything for that matter. #UselessCharacters

If Blair decides to use her birth right of making a choice, a decision of her own, that would mean her family would have to pay dowry to the Grimaldis. Nice touch GG writers. First, Chuck and a hotel. Now either Blair’s hand in marriage for a year or the entire Waldorf business. Apparently Blair is #OneHotCommodity…too bad that’s all she is made out to be. #WomenAreNotProperty

Looks like even Nate Archibald can chill out with a cool beer…or not #TroubleInParadise

Nothing mixes Blue and Bougie like a classic cool beer, right? #WrongAgain For those of you hoping for a Lola lala’s Nate, you’re going to have to wait. #TroubleIntheArch

Dair spotted getting comfy on New York airport benches? #FromNobilitytoNobody

Getting her the help she needs equates locking a girl into tall towers. #DorotaSpeaksTruth At least someone else can sense the lack of agency for women on this show. #GG writers get it together!

 Anyone notice Georgina’s exquisite vocabulary during the episode? Looks like the #GG in her is oozing out… #Cunning or #Counterfeit ?

 Knock, knock. Whose interrupting Dair’s not-so-cute married-couple fight? It’s understood that the two may be more than friends, but their conversations throughout the episode were too forced. #FullHouse has retired people.

“I’m not just anyone. I’m her bestfriend.” *Camera falls out* Oh, how quickly the tables can turn. S behind the destructive device that caused the noble nuptuials to nosedive into the deep end? #The[friend]ShipThatKeepsRocking

Does Lily feel the family connection with dear old Lola. #LooksLikeIt

 Gossip Girl tipped out the Grimaldis? Or shall we say, Georgina. What is her motive? Because if her motive is to ruin Blair’s marriage, it wouldn’t persay, be hurting B. Where’s the #DivineIntervention now?

 Princess or pauper? Blair has a #toughie to make!

Dan wants to be a night in shining armor for just one Upper East Side Queen. Looks like the truth hurts, especially when the look isn’t towards you. #PoorS

 Chuck once again is willing to do anything for his one true love. But Blair thinks they won’t be on an equal playing field if he has to buy her love. Understanding, but would she really rather spend a year with someone who is using her than get help from someone who is willing to do anything for her? B fails to see that love is being selfless, and by allowing Chuck to save her she’s paying him back in a way money never could. #ANNOYING #JUSTSTOP #OVERIT #IWILLMARRYCHUCK

 It’s apparent that Dan cares about Blair more than Louis? But just as friends. #NiceObservationSweetheart #WelcometotheFriendZone

 Does Lola want to be in Nate’s crazy world? Oh wait, she’s already in it. She was born into it. #BougieBaby

 A year of Princess B with Prince Louis? What is this whirlwind wedding turning into? First a swept away miscarriage, and now a forced marriage. I’m not liking the sound of this. #GiveBlairMorePower

 According to #GG, Blair’s lucky her prison is a palace. But innocent loneliness in a palace is worse than guilty living in a prison.

Looks like there’s a faux Gossip Girl taking over Manhattan. Georgina, get off your high horse, we all know you’re not good (or bad) enough to be her. #ImposterOnTheRun

 But most secrets make excellent blackmail material. Looks like Dan is the clueless culprit of the nasty GG post. #WhoDunIt

 Next time on “Crazy, Cupid, Love” Nate throws an infamous party, a Valentine’s Day party for all the cute couples on the show (joke!). Looks like Dan is asked to make his move. The question is whose heart is his arrow piercing? Looks like we have a traditional S vs. B war on the field. Check out exclusive photos from next week’s war on love below, the promo here, and come back next week for the top 5 OMG/UGHs of the episode!

xoxo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

Fashion world prepares for biggest week in NYC

Twice a year, the biggest fashion gurus travel to New York City to celebrate one of the largest and elaborate events in the industry; Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  This year fashion week will be held at the Lincoln Center from Feb 9 to 16.

Formally known as New York Fashion Week designers, celebrities, and the fashion press travel from all over the world to preview upcoming collections. During this week long series of runway shows, over 70 designers will showcase their work for the upcoming fall 2012 season. The preliminary lineup includes many of the usual designers such as BCBG, Max Azria, Tadaski Shoji, Carlos Miele, and Michael Kors as well as some new additions including Whitney Eve and Chadwick Bell.  To view the complete list of designers and show times visit the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week schedule.

 

 

 For all those fashionistas who would love to experience fashion week but can’t make it to the Big Apple, Fashion Week has teamed up with Maybelline and YouTube for a “Live from the Runway” channel! It’s an all access pass to the show from the comfort of your living room. Choose which designer shows you want to watch and RSVP on Merceds-Benz Fashion Week facebook page. Make sure you add it to your calendar and don’t forget to tune in.  What shows will you be watching?!?

 

 

 

 

 

Minyvonne Burke is a fashion and lifestyle writer for College Lifestyles ™. She graduated from Point Park University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Hofstra University. She loves online shopping, cute bags and NYC.

HOW TO: Host a Super Bowl Party

Are you ready for some football?  Whether you’re watching this year’s Super Bowl because you love football or you love staring at Tom Brady, a good party requires three things: food, drinks and friends.

If you’re anything like me, everything is last minute. With only one day until the Superbowl, this guide will prepare anyone like myself looking to celebrate this Sunday. From what to wear to what to serve, I’ve prepared a step-by-step guide to throwing your college friends a last minute Super Bowl party.

 

Football fashion:

Keep it casual and comfy. No one needs to look fabulous while screaming at a TV and hanging out in your living room. Thanks to Polyvore, here are two classy outfit ideas for game day:

Team theme:

If  you plan to decorate for your party, keep to the theme of the two teams playing. This year the  match-up is between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. Since their colors are similar (this should be fun while watching) decorating is easy. Anything red, white or blue will suffice and satisfy all fans at your gathering. Who knew Fourth of July decorations would come in handy five months early?

Finger food:

Don’t get caught whipping up something in the kitchen and miss out on what could be another scandalous half-time show. Small finger foods are perfect for an evening of football. Start out with a  homemade hummus dip served with crackers or pita chips. More filling meals are double cheese chili  or these simple sliders. Football jersey cut out cookies  are a trademark at my family Superbowl parties. They’re easy to do and go with the football theme.

Themed spirits:

Although standard beer may be the trademark drink for the Super Bowl, other options include The Big Blue in honor of the Giants or Patriots Punch for New England fans. Be sure to also have a selection of drinks for those under 21.

When it comes time for kick-off, be sure to provide plenty of places to sit for your guests. This is the one day where being in the way of the TV is highly unacceptable. Choosing to set up a couple TVs may also be a key play at your party.

The Super Bowl only happens one day a year. With that said- kick back, relax and enjoy the game.

 

Jessica Fecteau is a  senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

“G.G.”: A Toast to 100 Episodes with a Royal Roast

*SPOILER ALERT*

We have watched our precious preppy Upper East-siders transform into budding brides and lavished lads, so it would only make sense for the 100th episode to highlight their growth.

Growth for the characters, however, hasn’t revealed growth for the show, and Gossip Girl gurus have been patiently awaiting a record-making comeback. With Blair’s wedding on deck, “G.G.” had a royal opportunity to redeem itself for its second-rate scheming. Lucky for die-hard fans like myself, this week’s episode played out as if it were 2007, complete with shocking twists and revolting revelations.

For this week’s recap, I thoroughly thought out techniques to summarize all of the emotions that swept over me during an hour of nail biting and edging to the end of your seat. How could I describe the sense of relief as Serena rushed to Chuck to reveal the highly dramatic reason for Blair’s change of heart (the pathetic pact Blair had made with her acquaintance upstairs)? How could I describe the excitement of the royal roast as Gossip Girl’s Blair Blast interrupted the ceremonial bliss? How could I describe the sense of utter contempt as Louis and Blair said “I do” and cut their hideous wedding cake together? How could I describe the shocking pangs of excitement as Louis finally added something meaningful to the plot? How could I explain the sadness I felt as Dan pulled up the getaway car for the royal runaway? And lastly, how could I explain the confusion as Gossip Girl’s identity was revealed so suddenly, without warning?

I realized why not let our favorite socialites do the talking. Here are some of this week’s most memorable quotes!

Gossip Girl: ”Once upon a time, Princess B was a virgin queen and her king was named Archibald. Who would have thought that in just five short years she would turn that headband into a tiara for real?”

Celebrating the present goes hand-in-hand with taking a look back at the past. You can’t be thankful for today if you don’t look at the journey you took to get here, which is why this line was fabulously fresh yet totally in line with Gossip Girl tradition. Witty and memorable, Gossip Girl reminds viewers that Queen B of Constance Billard School is now the soon to be Princess B of Monaco. Her king Archibald is a nice lead into Nate’s storyline for the episode, which was reflecting on his pathetic love life over the past few years. Too bad his new love interest is still in the inner circle of Upper East side drama (the real Charlie Rhodes)—they just can’t seem to get away can they?

 

Chuck Bass: ”I can’t allow you to destroy Blair’s wedding. You think because I love her, I want her all to myself, but I’m not that man anymore. I just want her to be happy, and if marrying Louis will do that for her, that’s what’s going to happen.”

Here’s a toast to “I’m Chuck Bass.” He had a few good years as the guy you love to hate, but I think I love him more as the guy you love to love. After pouring his heart out to B, professing that the one person who loves him is standing right next to him (for the millionth time), we finally get to see the changed Chuck Bass. Yes. I miss the devious, scheming Chuck, but there is something maturely manly about Manhattan’s most not-so-eligible bachelor. His selflessness reveals a true love that makes him that more attractive. Though if there were any time for Chuck to be selfish, this would be the time. GG fans can’t just chuck Chuck, and Blair can’t either.

 

Georgina Sparks: “Bless us, Father. I have a feeling we’re about to sin.”

Making the top of any list in the Upper East Side is a big deal, and for Georgina Sparks, taking the number one slot on Manhattan’s Elite Enemy list is exactly where she wants to be. Little did we know, Georgina’s competition for the number one enemy is none other than herself—Gossip Girl! The episode had to end with a bang, and with a bang it did. The revelation that Georgina is Gossip Girl is a little hard to believe. But that’s another conversation. Georgina utters these sweetly devilish words as she’s dressed in Father Carvallia’s cassock, or better yet the “divine intervention costume.” The elevator doors close, and the suspense lingers. Although Georgina isn’t my favorite character, her return definitely stirs the plot pot up. And with Jesus on her side (apparently, he owes her one) I really had no good guesses for what would happen next. The last thing I expected was Georgina to be typing the latest GG post. My guess? The writers are trying to throw us off, and Georgina is just really good at being really bad (a hacker perhaps). Guess we won’t be saying au revoir to Georgina for a while.

 

Serena: “I know that it scares you, and I know that it’s a risk. But don’t enter into a false life just because you’re afraid to face your real one.”

After the odd opening musical number with Serena starring as Marilyn Monroe and Blair filling in the shoes of Audrey Hepburn, I didn’t know what to think. I’ve analyzed television shows enough to know there was a little bit of foreshadowing, but in what way? Was Serena truly looking out for BFF Blair? After years of stupid decisions and failed relationships, Serena finally learns that you can’t lie to anyone about the way you truly feel. Whether it scares you or not, you have to be true to yourself. The heart-felt scene between the long-time lovebirds reveals a sense of maturity S rarely is known for. She is the friend that every girl needs, the friend that tells it like it is. “But maybe the pact is just an excuse to protect yourself from the messiness and uncertainty of a life with the man you really love.” Of course, Blair’s precious pact is more important than any advice from the people who care about her. She follows through with the over-the-top wedding, which includes hats on the guest list, and in turn, has to learn the hard way. As for the aforementioned foreshadowing, Serena’s musical dream includes a scene where she grabs Dan the one person she “keeps coming back to” but Dan rejects her for Blair. Nice touch GG writers. Once again, Serena puts herself out there and loses in the battlefield of love to none other than her best friend Queen B, er shall I say, Princess B. Oh, the irony.

Louis: “From now on, there is nothing between us but a contract. Our marriage is all for show. And you’re going to put on the best damn show anyone ever has. You’ll smile for cameras; stand by my side and wave like, like you don’t have a care in the world. And when we are alone, we’ll be like strangers to one another. And that will stay this way until I say its over.”

Eek. Seriously, this scene makes me shiver. Every bone in my body tensed up as Louis danced with his pretty princess, but whispered words of a mad man. A powerful mad man. Although I hate everything about Louis, including his terrible acting skills, I must say if this was the episode for him to actually evoke emotions from GG watchers, he succeeded. By far the best twist of the night for me. It was totally out of character for Louis, but very well scripted and perfectly executed. At least Blair had it in her to call her savior for help–too bad it still isn’t Chuck. You lucky, lucky Dair fans.

There is so much to look forward to for next week’s episode. Has Georgina been Gossip Girl all along? If you ask actress Michelle Trachtenberg, she’ll tell you she has no idea.

“I knew the 100th episode would end with a bang, but definitely didn’t expect that!” Michelle told US Weekly. She also said that it was probably a really big surprise for her cast mates since “big secret” scripts are only given out to the people involved in the scenes.

Are Dair fans in for a treat, while Chair fans have to angrily throw their towels in? How is Serena going to react to Blair’s Back-Up Plan having to do with Dan?  Here’s a sneak peak into the drama. See you next week!

Xoxo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

Pretty Little Liars Recap: Double Identity

This week on Pretty Little Liars saw secrets being kept, secrets being revealed, and A’s game heats up and takes a scandalous turn.

Caleb is still hard at work at cracking all the files on the phone the girls retrieved, and they’re doing this all under Hanna’s nose.  Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Caleb are watching the video of Ian, Garret, and Jenna in Allison’s room to see if they can find any clues when the girls notice a fake id on Allison’s bed.  It ends up being a picture of Allison sporting dark locks, which was a very different fake id from the one Allison usually carried around.

Of course, just because Hanna is unaware of what’s happening behind her back doesn’t mean A is.  Hanna gets a message from A telling her to stop Caleb from continuing on the files or else A will tell everyone about the money Hanna’s mom stole from the bank when they were having financial troubles.  Hanna puts two and two together when she sees the picture of Allison’s fake id on Spencer’s phone, and she has it out with both Spencer and Caleb.  During her confrontation with Caleb, Hanna tells him about the stolen money, and tells him the phone he’s working on belongs to the only other person who knows about her mom’s crime.  Caleb suspects it’s Jenna who is threatening Hanna, so he pays a visit to the Cavanaugh/Marshall residence to warn the girl to back off.  He doesn’t get an answer, but he does get an unsettling visit from Garret who happens to be around during his patrol duty.  It’s obvious Garret is trying to scare Caleb away from delving further into the files.

On top of all this, Hanna also has to deal with her nasty step-sister Kate’s arrival at Rosewood High.  Spencer is convinced she has met Kate somewhere before Hanna’s dad’s wedding, but she has trouble placing her.  Kate ignores all of Spencer’s suspicions, and insists the two have never met before.  However, Spencer figures out Kate went to the camp where Melissa was a counselor, and apparently the girl had an unattractive skin condition which Spencer has photographic evidence of.  Kate asks Spencer what she wants in exchange for her discretion, and Spencer tells her to just be nice to Hanna or she will release the pictures.  Spencer doesn’t release those pictures of Kate, but another picture of her circulates around school.  A sent a nude picture of Kate to the whole school under Hanna’s name causing a whole other set of complications.

After Aria and Ezra’s reunion last week, Aria decides to keep their reconciliation from her friends at the risk of A finding out.  However, it does seem a bit unnecessary considering A knows everything anyway, and A isn’t the only one trying to keep the two apart.  At a get together of the Hollis faculty, Ezra is told he was nominated for an associate dean’s position at Hollis’ extension school in New Orleans.  If he accepts he has to move to Louisiana in a month.  Ezra is also told Byron is the one who nominated him for the position, which leads to a staring battle between the two because Byron’s intentions are clear.

The night of the faculty get together, Aria and Holden set up one of their dates where the two usually sneak off to do whatever it is they do, but when both their plans fall through they end up hanging out together and having a good time.  When the two are waiting for Byron to pick them up, Holden gets bumped into an air hockey table and hisses out in pain.  He lifts up his shirt to massage his side, and Aria catches site of a nasty bruise.  Holden tries to play it off saying it was a flag football injury, but Aria doesn’t buy it.  Holden tells her to just leave it alone, but now we finally have a hint about Holden’s story.

Emily has her own relationship troubles and high moments this episode.  Emily’s mom comes into town for a visit, and she invites both Emily and Maya to dinner.  When Emily and Pam enter the restaurant, Emily sees Maya talking to Noel about a phone app, which leads Emily to warn Maya Noel is not a nice guy.  During dinner Maya acts sarcastic and distracted, and she ends up spilling the beans about her fling with a boy when she was up at her rehabilitation camp.  Emily lashes out at Maya, and tells the girl she knows she was just trying to get a rise out of her mom.  However, the two make up when Maya admits she’s not completely over Emily’s mom getting her sent away, but she is sorry for her behavior.  Emily tells Maya she has a problem with her ex-fling, but not because it was a boy, but rather because now she has double the competition for Maya’s affections.  Maya tells her not to worry about it, and I love you’s are exchanged between the couple.

Spencer and Hanna end up making up after their fight as well, and Hanna tells Spencer about an encounter with Allison two years ago at a hair salon.  Allison was at the hair salon going by the name Vivian Darkbloom, and she was wearing a brunette wig.  In the flashback, Allison tells Hanna, “I’m being someone else so play along.”  She says she gets bored sometimes, so she likes to switch up her appearance.  Spencer looks up the name Vivian Darkbloom on the internet, and the girls discover it’s an anagram for the author Vladimir Nabokov who wrote the book Lolita. Lolita is about a middle-aged literature professor who gets sexually involved with his 12-year-old step-daughter.  Hanna tells Spencer she has Allison’s copy of Lolita, and when the two are rifling through it they find a claim ticket from a place called J&L.  Spencer calls the place, and it turns out they still have whatever Allison had on hold.

The episode ends with A going through Spencer’s dad’s office, and they pull out a gun from his desk.  This mystery is about to take an interesting, and perhaps twisted turn.

What do you think Allison has on hold at J&L? What could Holden be hiding?  Where has Jenna been hiding, since Garret still seems very in tune with everything the liars are doing?

Sound off in the comment section, and tune in next Monday to ABC Family for a new episode of Pretty Little Liars.

 

 

Monica Maldonado is a journalism and fashion merchandising student at the University of North Texas, and a member of Phi Kappa Phi.  When she’s not running around campus trying to find her next story, you can find her attached to her laptop, feeding her addiction to pop culture and fashion.

Best and Worst Dressed: Screen Actors Guild Awards 2012

Awards season is well under way, and the 2012 SAG Awards brought out the brightest stars from the small screen to the big screen.  The lovely actresses graced the red carpet with their couture and designer gowns, while others missed the mark in over the top dresses or laid back frocks.  Here are the picks for the best and worst dressed celebs.

 

Best Dressed

1. Lea Michele

Lea Michele’s daring Versace number paid off as the actress rocked the red carpet with the perfect combination of effortless hair and make up to compliment the sexy dress.

2. Viola Davis

The Best Actress winner looked lovely in this white Marchesa gown and romantic curls, proving that Viola knows how to mix it up for awards season.

3. Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams kept it simple and classic in this chic red number by Valentino.

4. Regina King

The Southland actress was the perfect mixture of soft and sleek in this lavender Alberta Ferretti gown.

5. Sofia Vergara

Sofia Vergara hit the mark once more in this fuschia Marchesa dress which flaunted her spectacular figure.

6. Dianna Agron

This Carolina Herrera dress was the perfect compliment to Dianna’s classic features, and extra points for donning a loose braid which added to the flowy ruffles.

Worst Dressed

1. Busy Phillips

This blue-printed number from SIMONE by Katie Nehra was a bit too laid-back for the SAG Awards.

2. Shailene Woodley

The over-sized flower print on this L’Wren Scott dress would be better suited for a summer party rather than the red carpet.

3. Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana was drowning in this white number by Givenchy Couture.

4. Heather Morris

The combination of leather, sheer fabric, and hot pink eyeshadow didn’t do the Glee star any favors which automatically landed her on the worst dressed list.

5. Emilia Clarke

Emilia Clarke was weighed down by all the fabric on this Chanel dress.

6. Kaley Cuoco

The mix of a beachy braid and the oversized, ruffled skirt on this Romona Keveza gown was a bad combination for The Big Bang Theory star.

 

Did you have your own opinions about the fashion from the SAG Awards?  Tell CL who your picks for the best and worst dressed are.

 

Monica Maldonado is a journalism and fashion merchandising student at the University of North Texas, and a member of Phi Kappa Phi.  When she’s not running around campus trying to find her next story, you can find her attached to her laptop, feeding her addiction to pop culture and fashion.

 

CL’s Weekly Entertainment Round Up!

It’s time for the Entertainment Round Up! This week was filled with Oscars news as well as tons of updates from the Sundance Film Festival. So much so that unless you were checking Twitter every minute something probably fell through the cracks. There were some more exciting pick-ups for the fall television season, plus more Toddlers and Tiara’s drama (surprise!).

 

And The Oscar Nomination Goes To

 Were you excited to see cutie Ryan Gosling (Drive) pop up when Best Actor In A Leading Role was called during the Academy Awards? So was I. Unfortunately, this time around we won’t be seeing the Canadian actor of “hey, girl” fame. Instead, we will be seeing George Clooney and Brad Pitt and I’m not complaining. Favorites like Rooney Mara and Michelle Williams were nominated for Best Actress.

 

Indie Films with Hollywood Names

Sundance has been filled with some of your Hollywood favorites. IFC recently acquired Josh Radnor’s (How I Met Your Mother) dramadey, Liberal Arts.  The film also features up-and-comer Elizabeth Olsen and Zac Effron. Liberal Arts tells the story of a 35-year-old man who falls for a sophomore at his alma mater. Celeste And Jesse Forever starring Andy Samberg (Saturday Night Live) and Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation) sold to Sony Pictures Classics. Samberg and Jones play a married couple that divorce yet try to maintain a friendship.

 

Fall 2012: The Season Of The Princess

The CW has been developing a reboot of 1980’s soapy crime drama Beauty And The Beast since last fall. Although you may guess that would be the only pilot possibility named after everyone’s favorite French Disney princess, think again! ABC has begun developing another Beauty And The Beast pilot. The ABC freshman show would be based more on the traditional story.

 

Toddlers, Tiaras and Lawsuits

T & T mother Susanna Barrett is suing multiple media outlets, including TMZ and Huffington Post, for $30 million over supposedly “sexualizing” her daughter. TMZ released a video of Isabella Barrett singing chart-toping hit “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO behind a DJ booth. Barrett insists she and her daughter were at “a pet friendly charity event […] at 7:19pm.”

 

After an exciting week in entertainment hopefully next week features more fabulous TV developments and less Toddlers and Tiaras drama.

Ariana Romero is a senior entertainment and fashion writing intern for College Lifestyles! When she’s not writing about pop culture this weekend, she will be taking part in spring recruitment with the Alpha chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta. 

The Best New Television Series

Watching a television show has become more than simply a way to unwind after a hard and long day. If you watch a weekly show, you know it is more of a religious practice than a time of leisure. Each week, you look forward to watching that particular show; and throughout the week you discuss the last and upcoming episodes. Being deemed a ”viewer”  inducts you into a certain group of people. Despite the vast differences amongst a wide range of viewers, they are all connected through the watching this same show.  However, as it drags on for seasons and seasons, the characters you once rooted for each week become irritating as they fall into the same bad habits they have been for, literally, years. The cycles of break ups and destroyed and renewed friendships become overwhelming tiring. How many times can Meredith Gray and Derek Shephard break up? How many times are Blair Waldorf and Serena Vanderwoodsen going to end and renew their friendship? As much as it pains you to say goodbye to the characters you have identified with over the years, a point is reached when it is time for a new show. As the season of pilots is among us, this is the perfect time to break the ties with the shows that feel like more of a chore to watch than actual enjoyment. And, the perfect way to do this is to watch ABC’s new drama, Revenge.                                                                                                     

Revenge, airing on Wednesday nights at 10 pm,  tells the story of Emily Thorne as she attempts to take revenge on the wealthy residents of the Hamptons responsible for framing her father for a crime he did not committ. As stated in the beginning of the pilot epsiode, ”this is not a story of redemption. It is a story of revenge.” This show is overwhelmingly refreshing. Though it does, as many current television shows do, depict the lives of wealthy people, it goes beyond the glamour and glitz. It reveals the loneliness, manipulation, and darkness that can come with the power of money. As Emily Thorne deviously attempts to ruin the lives of the people who destroyed the live of her father, the seemingly glamours lives of the Hampton’s residents are unmasked to reveal those of sadness and loneliness. A feeling of pity and sorrow for Victoria, the villiannes of the story, is inevitable. The triumpths of Emily’s schemes to ruin the lives of the other characters provide viewers with a guilty satisfaction. The passionate and proud nature of Jack, a friend from Emily’s past, make viewers fall in love. And the conflict Emily faces between choosing Jack and Daniel, although cliched, provides viewers with the crucial element of confliction and love. ABC’s Revenge is a combination of Gossip Girl and Desperate Housewives—its characters are wealthy, powerful, and manipulative—a combination which promises a great show.

Blogging Socialite: CL Interviews the Jasmine Brand

While we are sound asleep, Jasmine  is busy working on her acclaimed entertainment and lifestyle blog theJASMINE.BRAND. Writing from the Nation’s Capital, Jasmine is one of the most authentic and truthful leaders in the celebrity blogging arena. It’s rare today to find stories about the Obama’s vacation and Kim Kardashian’s business wardrobe on the same website, but Jasmine accomplishes it. She is the epitome of ‘keeping it classy’ and is a master multi-tasker. Jasmine gave College Lifestyles her exclusive tips on how to break into the industry, what radio life is like, and the latest fashion scoop.

CL: What sets theJASMINEBRAND apart from other celebrity/lifestyle blogs and websites out there today? 

TJB: I practice responsible blogging, meaning I’m particular about what I report, where the information came from, my own sources, etc. I don’t take credit for others work and source as much as I can. I have a unique perspective and corny sense of humor that my readers get (thankfully). I also try not to shove my opinion down my readers throat because they’re bright and see things much different from me (lots of times) and I appreciate that. Besides, people don’t come to the Jasmine Brand to get my two cents, they come to get celebrity news (in an entertaining, yet polite way-I hope) and decide on their own if they’re a fan or not of what’s being discussed. And believe me, they are very vocal and I LOVE it!

CL: You have a unique and bold style (which College Lifestyles absolutely loves!). What are some affordable designers or stores that you like, where co-eds can snag the latest fashions? Do you follow any trends?

TJB: This is a tough one because I kind of do my own weird thing with my style. I like putting things together that really aren’t supposed to exist at one time. I’m not really a label girl (although I have a few things here and there). I like everything from Target, Neiman’s, Zara’s, Urban Outfitters (I like their rompers), American Apparel and yes, Forever 21. Trends? I try to stay away from them, because they’re hard to keep up with. I have an obsession with earrings and nail polish. The bigger the earring, the better. Nail polish is so cool, in general. If I was to die and had to come back as an object—POLISH all day! (P.S. I was gonna say a condom as a second option but that was a joke…like seriously.)

CL: We love your motto “You Sleep. I Blog.” Since you have to stay connected, how many tech gadgets do use everyday? What device(s) can you not live without?

TJB: I really only have two phones (I lost one) and a laptop. I can NOT live without my laptop. It’s like my boyfriend and sleeps w/ me every night. Like literally, it’s in bed with me while I sleep, hence me sleeping at weird times.

CL: Your work gives you amazing opportunities to interview celebrities on the red carpet at award shows and album release signings, host events in Washington, D.C., and meet/greet some of the most influential people in the industry. Could you give any tips or advice to journalism or communications students who aspire to have a career like yours?

TJB: I would say, think about the ‘why’ in terms of why you’d like to do this. It can be a thank-less job, so you want to make sure your heart is in the right place. Trust your instincts. Trust your gut. Work on your writing non-stop. Don’t be afraid to have your own ‘voice’ when you write. If you’re interested in interviewing celebrities, be over-prepared with what you know about them and what you want to ask. Be confident and remember they’re regular people and aren’t as fascinating when you actually meet them. Believe me, you’re probably more interesting than they are LOL.

CL: Do you ever get nervous or shy when interviewing certain celebrities?

TJB: I do get nervous and more so because I’m thinking, “Crap, what if they read something that I said about them that wasn’t the most positive.” I also get nervous because you usually have a short period of time to ask a gazillion questions that you want to get answered. Oftentimes, you’ll be interviewing them in a room-full of people, with their handlers kind of standing around (making sure you don’t ask them anything crazy) in the most awkward times. Maybe you catch them right after they’ve gone on stage, or while they’re shopping (if it’s a phone interview). One rapper, who shall remain nameless, lit a blunt while I interviewed him. So you have to just be flexible and roll with it (no pun intended).

CL: You are also a radio host for Elite DC Radio and speak at area conferences/events. How do you manage to juggle such a busy schedule?

TJB: I do short celebrity segments for Elite DC Radio, which is easier for my schedule, but overall, I have no idea, really! I get up early, prioritize, make a list and just kind of go for it. I really believe in only one speed, “Go!”

CL: Could you give us a glimpse of what your typical day is like?

TJB: It isn’t that exciting really. I get up by let’s say 4 or 5 a.m., hop online check emails, see what I missed while I was sleeping. I listen to a ton of radio and TV in the morning and some music while I get my morning content up. I talk to my best friend every morning, for like 5 minutes (boring, right?) and kind of work non-stop until 10a or so. My team checks in with me via email in the morning (or text message if they can’t get in touch with me). I handle some of the business end of the Jasmine Brand after 11 a.m. I see what’s on TV, sort of make my schedule for the rest of the day. I do celebrity interviews in the afternoon, so I’ll usually prep for those. I usually eat in between stuff. Once a week, I’ll make myself go somewhere during the day like the movies or I’ll take a lunch meeting. I usually have like two calls a day, but I won’t schedule anything more than that. I break in the evenings for a bit and take a nap and get back up around 9 p.m. or so. Long story short, I work all day But it’s fun and I absolutely love it.

CL: Where do you see theJASMINEBRAND in five years?

TJB: I’m superstitious, so I don’t really want to say. I have some things in the works now, but just expect to see more of me…outside of DC

You’ll instantly become hooked to theJasmineBrand when you follow her on Twitter! & check out her YouTube

Amber Ferguson is a fashion/health intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a sophomore at Prince George’s Community College studying English. She’s obsessed with reality TV & loves traveling. Follow her on Twitter @Ms_AmberDawn.

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