The Truth About Style

Today, I fell in love with an excerpt from Stacy London's, co-host of TLC's What Not to Wear , new book The Truth About Style!




Photo credit: Riley Fields
~First, consider the principle "accept what you've been given"--the "yes" part of the equation. "Yes," where style is concerned, is an unbiased, dispassionate acceptance of who you are, where your body is right now (today, not next week, after a crash diet), and what your life circumstances are. You must accept the good, the bad, and the ugly, without prejudice. "Notice, don't judge," as my sister Jaclyn once told me attribution, sister, see?). You must get to a Zen place about the raw material you have to work with, to be able to say, "I love my back, hate my ass, I'm old, I have limited resources, and that's okay." Acceptance means knowing when your pants are too tight. It means not wearing your favorite dress when the armholes squish your chest into your armpits. When I say "accept," I mean accept: No more judgment, just pure dispassionate observation. The "yes" is absolutely essential to style. If you deny the reality of your body or your life, you'll never be able to dress any of it well--even the parts you love. You have to see it all to work with any of it.
Ignoring a problem (or a "problem area") doesn't solve it. Trust me when I say I've tried that route many, many times. The only way to deal with a style problem is to confront it and attack it head-on. This is the "and" part of the equation, the best part of it. "Yes" is acceptance; "and" is advancing to the next step. "And" is coming up with a passionate strategy to emphasize what you love about yourself and to de-emphasize what you don't. Don't ignore your least favorite areas or try to hide them. Hiding implies a shame about ourselves. Even when you don't like something, you can accept it and "consciously camouflage" (trademark pending) it instead. Go up a size or three to look great in your pants. Strategize your spending budget. Part of "and" is using style as a tool to help create the image you want to put out in the world that tells others how you want to be treated. It can also help you foster self-esteem you didn’t know you could have.
For fashion-book clichés like "the must-have trench for spring" or "three ways to rock a poncho," you'll have to go somewhere else. Let's be honest: If "how to" advice were that useful, you'd all be dressing well and I'd be out of a job. The "how to" approach is about changing your look. From years of working with women, I've discovered that that is only part of what they're really after. For that reason, my book doesn't only deal with how to dress well, and why you should, but it examines why you don't. We all put obstacles in our own path toward personal style, myself included. If we understood why we constructed these practical and emotional obstacles, we might move beyond them to healthier, happier perceptions of ourselves and, ideally, a better sense of self-esteem. Style can change your look, certainly, but it can also change your life.- Stacy London



oh, and btw:

xoxo,
Jayy.

Can you be my motivation?

Does that even make sense? I have never felt like this before in my life. I'm always so motivated, so driven. But now, I'm in a funk and I don't know how to get out.
I'm just thinking to the times when I tried SO hard at somethings and they didn't turned out how I wanted them to, "So why try again? Why force it?" My thoughts race.
This current mindset is holding me back from reaching extraordinary measures in numerous aspects of my life.
Maybe it's the gloomy weather. Maybe it's because I haven't been to the beach in awhile. Maybe it's because I'm still recovering from heartbreak. Hell, it could be a million of "maybes" but in the end, I just need to feel inspired.
How do you re-inspire yourself? I'm currently trying:
+Tumblr
+Reading Biographies of successful women
+Thinking of how much I've accomplished so far
+Remembering all the motivation I had to get where I am today
+Breathing
+Listening to this:

+Watching this:


I'll let you know if these work...
xoxo,
Jayy

Giving Thanks.

I am thankful for...
• My family. They are my everything; even though we couldn’t all be together on this thanksgiving, I am still so blessed to have them in my life. My parents are the best parents in the world and they’d do anything and everything for me as I’d do for them. My brother and sister are my heroes and mentors. I look up to them in various aspects of my life. All-in-all, I aspire to be them.
• My friends. I’ve had many, many acquaintances so far, but my true and real friends are beginning to seep through the seams. Especially being away at college, I’ve realized what friends have been here for me through the good, the bad, and the sad. I’m so thankful for them.
• My health. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue to play the sport I love every day and have very minimal aches and pains within my body.


I am beyond thankful for everything that I have in my life.
I am truly blessed and I vow to never forget it.

xoxo,
Jayy.

Heaven Only Knows.

Today, the sky blended with the ocean.

"Then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it." Ecclesiastes 8:17

"What if's" race through my head all the time. What if this happened? Then, this would happen? THEN that would happen? Oh my goodness, then I'd be like that! All in thirty-seconds or less. Funny thing is, I visualize every step of the way too. Whether the events are my college basketball career or my chosen professional career, I can't seem to dodge the "What if's".
However, if we live our lives like this, one doesn't truly live. Stuck in the future slash an imaginary world isn't being present in your day.
I struggled with this the most my junior and senior year in high school. With the numerous college admissions, I would plan out in my head how my life would be if I got accepted to each school. I put so much energy into that part of the process instead of taking a step back and counting my blessings that I can even apply to nine colleges. I tried to force my future at a university that didn't even accept me after all; but it was all for a reason. I wasn't meant to go there and I'm thankful.
I'm in the process of learning that we have no control over how our future pans out. Yes, we can guide it in the right direction BUT, at the end of the day, God has a perfect plan for each of us and that everything happens for a reason.
Heaven only knows. Just breathe; center yourself and focus on today--the present moment.


Have a blessed day..in fact, have a blessed moment,
xoxo
Jay

She Will Be Loved.

Photo cred: Riley Fields
At this point in my life, I'm searching. Searching for motivation to complete assignments. Searching for love; either Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now. And searching for who I want to be. Searching high and low. And I've learned that's okay. I've learned that it's fine to not know who I am right now. I'm 18 going on 19; I have come to the compete understanding that one must love yourself (with all imperfections included) until one can love anyone else.

"It's not always rainbows and butterflies
It's compromise that moves us along,
My heart is full and my door's always open

You come anytime you want...
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile

And she will be loved, and she will be loved
And she will be loved, and she will be loved

MAROON 5 - SHE WILL BE LOVED

It's a work in progress, as everything in life is. But the best part is, I've come so far already.
Life is a journey, not a destination and if you remember that, everyday will be a journey within itself. As John Legend says, Each day gets better and each day continue to learn something new about yourself.

Yes, I will be loved..but I will be loved by my self first.

Poetic Justice.

If I told you a flower bloomed in a dark room, would you trust it?

Truly in love with this album Good Kid: M.A.A.D City. The California native, Mr. Kendrick Lamar is like a blessing to my ears; he's a unique mixture of Lupe Fiasco, Wale, and Drake to me. Love, luv, LOVE!


every second.
every minute.
Man, I swear she can get it.

That is all, goodnight.

xoxo,
Jay

The Loft.

I'm a futuristic strength; therefore, planning my future loft (in downtown San Diego) is nothing out of the norm for me. All in all, I want my future home to feel "homey", not like a model home or a doll house. I want the company I invite feel instantly welcomed. I want to walk around and know that it's my home because of the details that show my unique personality.
As I stare into my dorm room where all of my belongings are crammed onto one side, this vision slash dream of this loft needs to become a reality...fast!

For my first space to call my own, I want a loft that symbolize that young twenty-something sophisticated female. I also love the grand space that I could do what I please in it; it's like a blank slate.

I have also also said how I want to have a dash of color here and there throughout the space. The vibrant colors brings energy to the room, which is equal to my personality.

I will have a black and white kitchen! *Stomps foot* Never mind the fact that I don't actually do much cooking BUT that means that it will always look clean!

...I've put much thought into this...

And, lastly, somewhere in my house will reveal my obsession with the lovely Audrey Hepburn. A mural, a painting, a shrine-- something! Perhaps this canvas could go in my black and white kitchen? Hmmmm the possiblities!


Ah, the future and what it holds. One can dream, can't they?
What do you like better for your first place: an apartment, a loft, a condo, or a house?

xoxo,
Jay

November, please be good to me.

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious in itself. Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble."

Matthew 6:34



Begin each day as if it were on purpose.
Does that count for months too? Sigh. Basketball season starts, a ridiculous research paper is due, Thanksgiving!, and trying to figure out this San Diego weather is what my November is looking like. Each month, I try to set goals slash expectations of what's up and coming and for this month, I got nothing; I've hit a blank wall. Right now, I kind-of want to expect the unexpected. If I don't have such high hopes for the next 25 days left of the month, this means I can't get let down, correct? I don't know, over-thinking is a hobby of mine you know... unfortunately. BUT I have done some slight soul-searching lately. I've notice that if I wake-up tired, cranky, and having "self-talk" that it's going to be a crappy day, then unsurprisingly, it's a crappy day! (hold for applause) BUT, today, I woke-up (on time) put on my tulle skirt and had such a lovely and productive day! Ok, ok first of all, one truly can't have a bad day in a tulle skirt, like c'mon, it's borderline impossible. Also, I got an extra hour of sleep thanks to daylight savings time....now I'm starting to think this epiphany I had while walking to chapel this morning was a fraud.

Ah, well. All I do know is that tulle skirts are fun, cheetah print is even more fun, and when you pair them both with light brown booties, you have a good day.


xoxoxo,
Jay

Spotlight: The Lovely Audrey.

My obsession: I love everything about this woman; from her fashion sense and style to her outlook on life. I just adore her. Breakfast at Tiffany's and Two for the Road are two of my favorite movies because of the demeanor that Mrs. Hepburn brings to the screen. Classiness along with beauty -- she will forever be an icon in my eyes.
xoxo,
Jayy

Bare for Bare Minerals

Written By: Selena Cazares

The latest talk about make up right now is Bare Minerals, everyone wants it and loves it! You’re probably thinking to yourself ‘What makes it so special?’ I have the answers.

Bare Minerals isn’t just any kind of makeup line, they have foundation, blush, eye shadow you name it they have and their latest is their new and improve blush, which people are falling in love with.



Another new item they have is the Customizable cases, which you can choose a gloss and foundation or, eye shadow with gloss and mascara and plenty more that suit you.
Their products are made from quality ingredients that you’d want for your skin.

The foundation is so light and airy that you can even sleep in it, you don’t have to ‘cake’ it on, and less is more. Their lip gloss is infused with natural ingredients and refreshing formulas that smoothes the lips and a beautiful pop of color.

One thing you can never forget is the brushes that give you the best quality for your skin and max coverage so you never have to put on too much, which makes you look natural and ready for the day.

Here is a short video of tips on how to actually apply the mineral makeup and more information about the product itself with help from Sephora.




*Selena Cazares is a junior and a high school journalist for OuRCity News. She has hopes of being a special effects makeup artist.

DIY Bow-ties!

If you know me, you know how much I absolutely love LOVE bow-ties. I don't know what is it about them.. Maybe it's the fact that I love the sense of having that "fancy" aura to one's outfit without having to actually be going to a fancy event.(This goes along with my admiration for penguins too. They are always in tuxes! What's not to love!?)




Tools you'll need:
*Iron
*Hot-glue gun
*Scissors
*Fabric
*Clip or safety-pin
I was surprised to find that it is quite simple! I had help from Mr. Kate that made the steps easy to understand.


Oh, so you fancy, huh?


XOXOX,
Jayy

The Legendary, the Magnificent Coach “B”

The Legendary, the Magnificent Coach “B”

Mr. Christopher Baker is retiring from teaching from RC after 32 years.

Written By: Jordan Ligons and Jordan Pierce

“The Pursuit of excellence is a noble one and I never make apologies for it.” -Coach Baker

The Baker, Coach “B”, Mr. Baker, or Coach; there are numerous names for such an amazing person. The beloved Weights teacher will be retiring from the classroom after this year and the amount of hard-work and effort he has put into River City High School will always be remembered. He has left a legacy.

As one walks into the weight room, it has the aura of Baker’s sanctuary. Looking left and right, one will see the Raider symbol reflected on almost each wall. The room is very goal-orientated, with a weekly inspirational quote, which he asks a random student every Friday to see if they memorized it.

Each day, after their cardio warm-up, Baker assigns a specific work-out to target each muscle group. He has created a tradition within the weights classroom. He teaches full body lifts and techniques for the student’s benefit.

Students take pride in getting their name on the wall. To do so, one has to lift in various categories ranging from negative 45 pounds to 100 pounds over one’s body weight for guys and about negative 65 pounds to 30 pounds over for girls. Baker also relies on the philosophy of “The Big Three”: squats, dead lifts, and bench press.

All the weights placed back in their rightful spots, every sport is very conscious of the equipment after using the weight-room in sheer fear of Baker’s wrath and being called a “Scrub Jay”.   

Coach Baker not only teaches in the weights classroom, but also out on the field and on the court. Thirty-six years total since being hired as the Co-Head Freshmen Football and Assistant JV Basketball Coach at his alma mater Washington High School in 1976, Baker continues to enlighten athletes on a daily basis.

The impact that he has is limitless. “Coach B has been a father figure to me. He’s taught me mostly everything I know about football,” senior Myles Matamoros expresses about his football coach that he’s had for all four years of high school.

Matamoros continues, “There will never be another Coach Baker. No one will be able to have such an impact on so many generations of students as Coach Baker has.”

Senior Isabella Gomez had Baker as a weights teacher since her sophomore year. He also taught her older brother and sister years before. “Coach Baker has not only helped me be a better person but also work hard in everything I do. He helped all years of basketball, but this year especially because of my injury.”

Gomez was the starting center for RC’s women’s basketball team when she suffered an ACL knee injury against El Dorado in January.

“He made me realize that I would be okay and that this one season of basketball doesn’t describe me. He made sure that I was still involved in the team and the season. He always makes me reach for whatever I want to do.”

Coach B symbolizes a true raider. By definition, a raider is an attacker and a force to be reckoned with.     

Mr. King, Earth Science and Leadership teacher and also head women’s basketball coach, says that he’s happy for Baker and his retirement but also sad for himself and the school in its entirety. “He’s one of those people we heavily rely on; he symbolizes the school,” King states, who has known Baker for 26 years.

King says Baker is the primary reason he’s a teacher and a coach; he’s a second dad to him and impacts him greatly.

Mr. Watkins, World History Teacher and assistant varsity football coach, has known Baker for 17 years. “Coach B has had an impact on every coach…He sets a great example on how to lead young men and women. Regardless of sport or record he always makes an effort to reach out and encourage other coaches.”

“It is a coach’s job to ensure that his players are giving their best effort both in practice and in games. Commitment is not a part time thing. If you desire to be a champion, you have got to work harder than your opponent. It’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary. I tell players to bring their hard hats and lunch pails. We are going to get after it,” Coach Baker shares wise words about his coaching style.

Ms. Anderson, the dancer teacher, has known Baker for three years and feels like the kids here truly look –up to him and respects him. “I feel sad [about Baker retiring]. We are losing a good person; he’s a positive role model to the student body.” 

He has transitioned from three school sites, two school names, but has been one of the few consistent influences on the Raider community. Coach B will still be seen on the sidelines of the Raider football field underneath the Friday night lights. If you see him around campus, give him a fist bump and a Diet Pepsi.

Baker: thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making the lives of those around you better— thank you for leaving a Raider legacy.   

The Ecoist

Written By: Carolynn Vela


A family trip to mexico is what started this all, The Ecoist. When visting they came across a street market in Mexico City. They found handbags crafted by Mexican artisans using post-consumer waste. The family was intrested and inspired by what they came across. So as soon as they flew back to their Miami-based home, they decided to develop a business making products from waste. Over time they have partnered up with multinational brands. For example The Coca-Cola Company, Disney, Frito-Lay, Cliff Bar. Etc. to repurpose all their postindustrial waste, instead of having the waste end up in landfills. So far, Ecoist has saved more than 40 million wrappers from landfills. Ecoist’s collabrates with many stores today, such as fashion and industrial designers to develop limited editoin handbags and other fashion accessories by using waste as raw materials. The handbags are 100% handmade from recycled candy wrappers, food packages, soda lables, subway maps, newspapers, and other waste-bound materials. Ecosit plants a tree for every single handbag they sell. In partnership with Trees For The Future, Ecoist has contributed to reforestation around the world. They were recently on the recorded stating, “So far, We’ve planted over 100,000 trees in places like Haiti, India and Uganda.”






By defention, an Ecosit is an “an individual that lives a modern, eco-minded lifestyle.”
Their website shares what the main goal to accomplish is. “We hope to inspire people to become “Ecoists” so we can all live in a healthier, better, and more peaceful planet. We hope to make a difference.”





Ecoist Founders
Jonathan Marcoschamer, Yair Marcoschamer, and Helen Marcoschamer
BUY A BAG, PLANT A TREE


Buy handbags, coin purses, mens bags, jewlery. Etc. online anytime
WWW.ecoist.com







*Carolynn Vela is a guest blogger for 'The Ambitious Girl'! She is an aspiring journalists and is a current writer and photographer for OuRCity News!

Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder

Written By: Karina Bueno
The perception of beauty today is distorted and bias. Most think that being skinny is what makes a person beautiful. While others think that women with curves is the way to go. And both are right.
For years there has been battle between those who are skinny and those who are curvy, the battle between the two body types has argued on whether being one size was more attractive than the other but neither truly embraced their own beauty.
While the motivational phrase “Everyone is beautiful” floats around, no one seems to take it to heart, there is animosity between the two body sizes and it should be changed.
Many young girls have women on TV and roles models that they look up to and begin to model themselves after. Barbie, being one of the top 10 popular toys in the 1990’s, was one of the worst offenders.
Barbie with her long beautiful blonde hair, small waist, and long legs made her the picture of that this truly should be what a woman looks like.
But taking the Barbie doll made by Mattel and taking her proportions, Galia Slayen’s, once a student at Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon, created a life-size Barbie to show what an eating disorder looked like.
If Barbie were a real woman she would be about 6 feet tall and had a 39” bust, 18” wait, and 33” hips. At around 5’9” in height and weighing 110 lbs, her BMI would be 16.24, fitting the weight criteria for anorexia. Also, she would have to walk on all fours due to her ridiculous body proportions.
When the Slumber Party doll was released in 1965, she came with a bathroom scale that was set at 110 pounds and also came with a book on “How to Lose Weight” with the only directions in the book being “Don’t Eat.”
For a toy whose main consumers were young girls from the ages of 3-12, Barbie was not the greatest role model.
How in any way is this considered beautiful? Many young girls and women battle anorexia and the desire to be smaller and smaller infects more each year because the conception of beautiful is highly distorted.
It has gotten to the point where models in campaigns no longer look like themselves because of the heavy make-up and airbrushed effects. The models themselves don’t even look like the girl on the cover, how do they expect you to?
In society today, what is considered beautiful is a tall, petite woman with an ambiguous race that has long flowing hair and long legs. But everyone is beautiful whether they are short or tall, curvy or skinny, every and any race, and no one should let society, magazines, or anyone else tell you otherwise. Everyone is beautiful, remember that.



*Karina Bueno is a guest blogger for 'The Ambitious Girl'! She is an inspiring journalist for The New York Times and is currently an editor for OuRCity news.

Recycle Your Style? By Katie Kucherova

For years we have been taught to recycle. We have been taught that recycling will save the planet, so since our young years, we put plastic bottles in the recycling bin, reused paper, and even recycling compost is one of the numerous trending topics.
What about recycling clothes? Or re-wearing clothing items and making them look brand new. For example, how many of the readers ever bought a sweater and wore it only once or twice? Well this girl is doing it right. She goes by 'coolirpa' on youtube and she figured out how to wear 1 sweater 16 different ways!
Just click the link below and walk into a whole new world of possibilities.




*Katie K. is a guest blogger for 'The Ambitious Girl'! She is a journalism student and currently writes for OuRCity News.

Attention Fashionistas! Get your summer style for less!

The economy shall not rain on your sense of style, ladies! Everyone wants the designer look, but not for that impeccable designer price. Here, I took great, classic summer looks that can be found at your favorite retail stores for a fraction of the price. And get this: All under $30!!



(L) Alexander Wang Leather Razor-back dress $2,985. (R) Forever 21 Letterette Dress $29.80.

This dress is for a night on the town. By pairing it with a hot pink clutch, the collaboration will complement each other and will forsure be a hot number for the summer time.



(Top)Michael by Michael Kors silk Polka-dot dress $2,225. (Bottom)Forever 21 Polka-dot dress $27.80.

This casual dress can be worn day or night. For day, a sun hat and brown sandals for the beach can be perfect and in contrast, nude pumps with a clutch!



(R)Herve' Leger bandage dress $1,050. (L)Forever21 textured bandage dresses $29.80.

The trendy bandage dress is meant to show off all your curves! Perfect for party hopping on a Saturday night!





(Top) Roberto Cavalli Animal Print Dress $995. (Bottom) Forever 21 Leopard Print Dress $24.80.

Show off your wild side with this animal print dress. Beyond the fact that animal prints are in this season(especially cheetah and zebra print), maybe stepping out of the comfort zone of solid colors will add a little flavor to one's wardrobe. Pair this dress with a red lip to spice it up even more!



(L)Moschino Cheap & Chic $750 bow dress.(R) Love Culture short bow dress $24.90.

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I'm in love with bows.For a more conservative look, one could try this dress with the minor detail of a bow to add a more girly touch. Simple & chic.



(L)Herve Leger Black and White strapless dress $1,690. (R)H&M Bandage Black and White dress $24.95.

The classic black and white with a twist! This dress as that simple idea of black on white, but the print adds a uniqueness that can make one stand out from the rest.



(Top)Willow maxi dress $850. (Bottom)Love Culture maxi dress $26.90.

Maxi dresses have been the epitome to spring and summer for past couple years. They are perfect for a relaxing day at the park or could be dressed up with fine jewelry for date night. It's a summer must have!



(L)Matthew Williamson Lace dress $2,675. (R)H&M Lace dress $29.95.

Having a lace dress as an option in your closet, in my opinion, is quiet lovely. It's so classic and reminds me so much of the 50's and 60's. In this case, the dress speaks for itself; simple accessories and pumps will do the trick.



(L)Splendid Striped jersey dress $2,110. (R)Charlotte Russe striped dress $16.99.

This navy and white striped jersey dress is casual attire for the day. Strap-on sandals and you're ready to go!




(Top)Stella McCartney Peplum Dress $2,320. (Bottom)Charlotte Russe Sweetheart Peplum Dress $29.99.

A Little Black Dress! The peplum style is really in right now. It complements your figure by shrinking your waist and hiding your hips (literally)! A colorful bib necklace would complement this dress very well.


xoxo,
Jay