“Bow Down,” Says Queen Bey
I guess this is how things work now. This super-weird song appeared on her Soundcloud, and she posted the above photo of her in pageant gear surrounded by trophies via Instagram on Sunday. We don’t even know what to make of it; it doesn’t really seem like a single. We have no idea when a new LP is coming. She’s told the press a little about the nature of the record, who she’s collaborating with and where the inspiration comes from. In this NME post she’s reported to have divulged:
“I’ve been working with Pharrell and Timbaland and Justin Timberlake and Dream. We all started in the ’90s, when R&B was the most important genre, and we all kind of want that back: the feeling that music gave us.” When asked about the influences on the album, she said: “Mostly R&B. I always have my Prince and rock/soul influences. There’s a bit of D’Angelo, some ’60s doo-wop. And Aretha and Diana Ross.”
OKAY! Sounds good to us. But this weird two-songs-in-one track, “Bow Down/I Been On” seems to strive for some hardness (which isn’t exactly what’s suggested in the above quotes). The quickly infamous couplet, “I took some time to live my life, but don’t think I’m just his little wife.” We like this. It hints at a little feminism, a little independence in the face of her questionable impending world tour’s title, The Mrs. Carter Show. However, the track features production from Hit-Boy, whose much-lauded production on her husband’s (and Kanye’s) hit “N*ggas in Paris.” Which suggest, just a little, that the power couple gets to share producers for their own successes, no?
Nevertheless, this stunt’s got people talking. She’s always gotta keep her public wanting more and arguing about the spring(?)-released follow-up to 2011’s 4. And after the Super Bowl and HBO documentary stuff, it’s kind of like, damn – she’s going HAM on maintaining global domination. That same NME post notes that her UK and Irish dates sold out in 12 minutes. Oddly, not so sure that’s the case here in America (and more to the point, Philly – she lands in Philadelphia on July 25th).
Halfway through Hanukkah
If you are doing some last minute shopping – we’re shocked that it’s already last minute! Halfway through Hanukkah and days away from Christmas! – Look no further than Urban Outfitters with their free shipping offer and Ann Taylor Loft - with their gifts under $25.
To help you de-stress, Philadelphia Magazine has the scoop on 5 amazing massages for less. Make sure you mention their article when you go to get a rubdown (woohoo!) because it might save you a few bucks. Karl Lagerfeld produced a calendar for Italian Marie Claire and it’s gorgeous.
We’re also newly obsessed with Alexa Chung since we made a trip up to NYC yesterday to see one of her last tapings. We don’t know what’s up next for her, we’re hoping something good. We love how she styles her skinny mini self. MTV also has a style guide for Christmas, including a Kanye West inspired shirt that reads “Imma let you finish.”
Here’s a clip from It’s On With Alexa Chung, featuring a 2 second sighting of yours truly:
Totally Rad
We’ve noticed in store windows and magazines that the 80’s look is back in full force. At first we were telling ourselves that leggings, skinny jeans and big shirts were a little different this time, but a game that The Limited posted on Facebook confirmed what we already thought – the 80’s are back.
Glamour.com is asking how much a manicure is near you. We’re always big on the lower prices that salons offer during the week, but can’t always catch them because we’re busy typing blog posts, dear reader. Have you noticed a difference in prices from different salons, dear reader?
Cosmo has put together their top Halloween costume ideas, including a Kanye and Taylor swift couple costume, the Kardashian Clan, and Lady Gaga.
Lastly, here’s a video featuring the top 100 videos on YouTube – in under 4 minutes. Happy Friday!
Fame Kills
While her tour with Kanye – Fame Kills, maybe be canceled Lady Gaga is still busy. She is working on releasing a new line of headphones. As this article from Teen Vogue states, Gaga thinks that her headphones are unisex, but we think that’s up for debate.
NBC10 has a slide-show featuring Where the Wild Things Are styles. Most of the outfits avoid furries territory, while some of them veer towards the dark side.
The Princess Diana Exhibition, Diana: A Celebration opens today at the Constitution Center. Make sure you check out some of this style icon’s memorable pieces.
NBC10 isn’t sure if they think leather is trashy or sassy. They also recap Teen Vogue’s Young Hollywood party. It doesn’t come anywhere near Perez Hilton’s coverage featuring correspondent Coacha’s red carpet interviews of the same event. Coacha tops NBC10 because Coacha has no idea who anyone is. Happy Friday!
What a Drag
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This past weekend, Gay Pride took over NYC. Marking the 40th anniversary of the riots at Stonewall, where police beat up a group of gay men at bar without a liquor license. The event took place on the same day as Judy Garland’s funeral – a woman who into addition to following the yellow brick road, had a huge gay following.
One of the men, dressed in drag fought back, marking one of the first times that gays resfused to be seen as submissive, but rather chose to fight back. The celebrations this past weekend were a world away from police brutality. The police lined the street on horseback to ensure that no one bothered the gay population that dominated Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood this weekend – more than usual, and the drag queens look gorgeous.
Also this past weekend, BET hosted it’s awards show. A bunch of stars came out for the night, and many paid tribute to Michael jackson. The O’Jays performed a tribute in addition to Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx and Maxwell. I’m glad they performed – even Maxwell who got bad reviews. They put in a better effort than my spin instructor this past weekend who wouldn’t play ANY Michael Jackson. It was just really upsetting. In addition, those on the red carpet at the BET awards looked amazing, including Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Kanye West’s on again off again girlfriend, Amber Rose.
Lastly, this writer at Glamour magazine needs help picking a floppy hat. I got one this past weekend for the beach. I’m super excited to wear it. Apparently picking a hat isn’t usually as easy as my experience.
We Ain’t Sayin’ He’s A Gold Digger … But Really, Kanye?
Like these sneakers?
They’re from the newly priced Kanye West for Louis Vuitton line, which features sneaks starting at $840. The ones pictured here are $1140, not including tax (or shipping if you’re planning to order online). The shoes will be available in June.
Apparently Kanye’s unaware of the economic recession going on in America these days and thinks the average consumer will drop over a grand on shoes. We can’t fathom this actually happening, but if you’re planning to save your nickels, let us know.
Our rant about Converse sneakers suddenly seems misplaced. Consider this our official apology.
