Latest Trends
By: Julie Keenan
As you look out your window and see the never-ending wintry weather, you may think that spring will never arrive. And although it probably won’t for at least another three months, there is something that can lift your spirits without going further than your computer. I’m referring of course to the blossoming of the new Spring 2009 fashion trends! Here’s what to look out for in the coming months.
Blue. It’s already starting to trickle in stores and by around April it will be everywhere. All shades of blue are in this season, but particularly light blues (think sky, robin’s egg, etc.). Whether you fill your closet with all blue clothing or decide to do something smaller and buy one or two accessories, you will not go wrong with blue.
Long Hair. Last year was all about cutting it off and getting a bob. This year is about growing it out and letting it flow. Long hair is so much more versatile when it comes to styling and it’s coming back in a big way. Some trends to try are the very straight look, just-rolled out of bed waves, milk-maid braids (pinned up near the crown of your head) and crimping! Heaven knows where you’ll find a crimping iron, but if you have one from about a decade ago, haul it out and heat it up.
Sequins. If you thought sequins were only for evening-wear, think again. Shirts made for daytime will be sporting these flashy embellishments. The great thing about sequins is that not only do they dress up an outfit for day, but they still look great for an evening outfit when paired with the right accessories!
Medium size purses. Although the tote and shopper bags of 2008 are still very popular, it appears from the Paris runway that women are down-sizing a bit. Purses not only need to be fashionable but also practical and therefore a medium-sized bag is the way to go. The shape is not as specific, though moon-shaped bags were noticed a number of times on the runway. The key to handbags this season is NOT wearing them on your shoulder. Whether it’s a big bag or a small bag, the style is to carry it in your hand.
As great as these trends may be, they don’t really apply to our male readers. So here are a few things that the fashion-conscious male might want to look out for.
The Fringe. It’s all about fringe this season and there are many ways it can be done. Depending on your face shape, you can have it shorter or longer and straight down or to the side. The best way to get the right look is to ask your stylist which would work best with your overall style and facial features.
‘Hard Labor’ Clothes. A trend inspired by the more relaxed style of the mid 90s grunge is the new trend this spring. Plaids, khakis, and work boots are the epitome of the new look that’s being called ‘hard labor’. Its laid-back, ‘blue collar’ style is easy to create and very comfortable. Throw on a tight fitted cap to complete the look.
Green. Along with light blues, green is going to be a big color for men’s clothing. Bold and bright is the look—no more dull, monochrome colors. A green v-neck sweater is simple and looks classically polished.
Peroxide Blond. This is THE hot color for hair if you want to continue with the bold, statement making style. A sharp look for men and women alike, you must be ready for lots of attention when sporting a ‘do this color.
Pink. Pink is really starting to pop up everywhere and looks great whether accenting a pattern or as the sole color of a shirt. It looks great with almost every skin tone and depending on the saturation, can be showy and make you the center of attention. For the men, I would suggest small doses of pink, if any. In this case too much of a good thing can be bad.
Trends come and go very quickly, so it’s important that if you decide to follow them, you don’t go overboard. What’s trendy today can turn out to be trashy tomorrow. Mix and match and make sure you stay true to your own style. If blue looks bad on you or you’d rather die than have fringe, don’t worry about it. Embracing what looks good on you is the important part. So take these trends with a grain of salt (and maybe a shot of tequila).
The CBC and Coffee
By: Strife
The Saint John chapter of the Canadian Broadcasting Company celebrated it's 30th birthday on Oct 30
(All is it two years late) and I got to experience the excitement first hand.
To provide some back story, the reason I was there was a momentous occasion as well.
Java Moose, My employer and local coffee shop was approached a few weeks back and was commissioned to come up with a blend of coffee specifically designed to become the "CBC Early Morning Show Blend"
After Three "Mystery" Blends were made and tested in the coffee shops, the people were able to vote to decide which blend would carry the momentous title of CBC Saint John's official blend of coffee. No one would know until the morning of the party which blend was selected.
I arrived at about 8:00am at the CBC studio to find the building over run with CBC fanatics, the producers working all wore Ty-dye T's to mark the official opening that had taken place in the 70's, the desks were covered with vintage equipment, old Vinyl LP's and pictures of the original cast and crew, it was amazing to see.
However I was there to work, not to gander, and I quickly weaved my way through the crowd who were bingeing on Breakfast cereal and toast. (you haven’t lived until you have seen a group of executives eating fruit loops.
I made my way to our make-shift kiosk to find my boss serving coffee. Mystery blend number three was selected, and the people loved it.
The Coffee was completely free, but we were selling bags of it, all the proceeds go to The Harbour Lights foundation, and The Saint John Animal Rescue League.
Around 1 o'clock the crowd began to die down and I could actually hear the radio that was placed in front of my stand, it was broadcasting from the room not even 10 feet away from me, and the speaker was asking the question, "what is your favorite moment in radio in the last 30 years?" and he listed a number for you to call in and get on the air.
That’s when it hit me.
I thought about it for a few minutes and I realized that my favorite moment it radio, was "this moment right now" and I thought of this because I was part of a monumental occasion, the 30th birthday of the largest/ oldest broadcasting company in Canada, serving coffee that was specially hand crafted FOR them, It will be a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Frantically I tried calling the number, to no prevail. Busy.
The Funny thing was, they were on air about ten feet away from me, and I control the coffee which in turn grants me power over every living thing in the building, and I did what anyone in my position would do.
I complained, and it worked, five minutes later they offered me time to go into the studio and tell everyone in the city what my favorite moment was, and I did, and to top that before I left they had me record and an that went as follows:
"Hi, I'm Payce from Java Moose and you're listening to CBC Radio One 91.3 FM"
In the end, this was a wonderful experience and I wanted to share it with all of you.
It was great to see the community come together and be supportive of both the CBC, Java Moose, The Animal Rescue League, and The Harbour Lights foundation. Thirty Years Strong and Many More to come.