#I always thought it was cool how production teamed up with real fashion designers to understand how these costumes would be rendered and be

[cutekoala1001]

♡ Meena being cute ♡

[tranquilstudy]

Hey everyone! So I've seen a lot of these floating around and I've always wanted to make one but just never had the creative incentive to do so... until now! I think these are pretty cool in how they allow people to get to know each other and bond on the studyblr community and as a community of welcoming and acceptance. Not all of the challenges on here are study-related but I think they make pretty decent conversation starters for people to get to know you and your studies better! Because this may be a time for people to take a break from school as well, I think the questions are fairly fitting. But, it's my first time doing this so who knows, haha.

Basic Information

The challenge will run from kind of a weird time: May 2nd, 2021 to May 27th, 2021. However, you can start or stop at any time! Feel free to participate in this whenever you feel like it. Everyone is welcome!

There are 25 26 prompts / challenges, and they range from strictly academia to just fun prompts to spruce up your posts. It's honestly more about getting to know yourself and where you direct your energy. There's questions for productive days and questions for days when you just wanna crawl into a ball and fall asleep forever. The most important part is having fun and connecting with others here, that's why I decided to make this. They're meant to be answered once a day, but know that you can answer however your posting schedule fits you! I know for me I don't typically post everyday so I'll probably be answering these in a bit of a wonky fashion. Feel free to join me or answer them on the dime!

If you decide that you wanna participate, whether at the designated time or not, feel free to use the tag #tranquilstuddybuddies ! I'll be following it and I'm excited to see what you guys come up with. Also, please reblog this post so that I know you're at least thinking of doing it! Even if you don't end up doing it. I'll create a taglist below as I see more people becoming interested and reblogging this post so we can all stay connected!

Questions

Daily Question: So, I've been doing a lot of yoga lately.

...I swear this will all make sense.

And I've been doing a lot of Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube, and in her practices she always tells her followers to set intentions for themselves, which I thought was really cool. So, I'm gonna borrow her idea here!

For every day of the challenge, you can answer one or two of the following:

1. Fill in the blank: Today, I choose _______. (Kind of like an affirmation for your day.

2. Fill in the blank: Today, my goals are __________. (Like a to-do list! what are your plans for the day? What do you want to accomplish?)

These are meant to be done along with the prompt for each given day. So , for Day One you would answer the daily question(s) as well as the prompt for Day One, and so on. They don't have to be answered but it might be a nice way to set yourself up for success, both in an academic and a mental mindset.

...

Prompt questions:

Day One: Tell us a little bit about yourself! What classes are you currently taking, if any? If not, what are you currently studying or what is your current long term productive projects or goals?

Day Two: Choose one: "True love flows like water, coming and going, surging and receding, and must be followed accordingly." or "True love is choosing someone or something, over and over, no matter what." Explain your choice if you'd like! Kind of a philosophical way to get the brain churning.

Day Three: Share some pictures from your favourite vacation or travels. What's your favourite part of this place? (Or, if thinking of travelling makes you sad because of covid restrictions, take a picture of your study area and tell me what you love most about it!)

Day Four: What are you doing to take care of yourself today? Show us a picture of your favourite face mask, tea / coffee / hot beverage or your comfort activity.

Day Five: What is your favourite band? Share some of your favourite songs from them! (Bonus points if you also share your study playlist with us, or what you like to listen to to get in "the zone").

Day Six: What do you do on days that you feel blue? Share three songs that help you feel better.

Day Seven: What type of learner are you? (Visual learner, audial learner, etc.)

Day Eight: Tag someone that you would love to stargaze with, talking about anything that comes to mind deep into the night. Can be a studyblr, or it doesn't have to be!

Day Nine: Tag someone that you think deserves to have more recognition in the study community. What are two things you like about them?

Day Ten: What would you love to learn more about or do more of?

Day Eleven: What article of clothing that you own makes you feel your best? Share it today!

Day Twelve: Do you have any pets? Share a picture and an interesting fact about them!

Day Thirteen: What class have you had the most fun in during your academic journey? What class have you learned the most in?

Day Fourteen: Do you believe that dreams reflect real life? What do you think dreams represent? (Kind of a random one, but interesting I think)

Day Fifteen: Within your field of study, what particular issues are you the most passionate or interested in? OR, what subject or class in school is your favourite?

Day Sixteen: What is your process for writing notes?

Day Seventeen: What time do you usually go to bed? Do you find falling asleep easy or difficult? How do you cope with not being able to fall asleep?

Day Eighteen: If you're comfortable with it, share an experience or a struggle that has helped you to become who you are today. (If you're not comfortable, share a picture of your handwriting instead!)

Day Nineteen: How would you describe your best friend? How do you think your best friend would describe you?

Day Twenty: What book(s) are you currently reading, if anything?

Day Twenty-One: What keeps you motivated? What motivation tips would you give to someone in a slump right now?

Day Twenty-Two: What do you use to escape from reality, if anything? Do you think it's necessary to escape from reality every once in a while?

Day Twenty-Three: Tag yourself: Team "late night matcha lattes, snuggled up with a blanket for one last late night review session" or Team "staying out late at the soda shop, drinking a milkshake and popping quarters into the jukebox, dancing your cares away"? (Team cozy matcha or team sodapop for short)

Day Twenty-Four: Share your favourite recipe for one of your favourite dishes to make! Can be cooking or baking.

Day Twenty-Five: Tag someone that gets you. On, like, a higher level. They just get you.

Day Twenty-Six: The end of the challenge! What did you like or dislike about this challenge? What did you enjoy? What did you learn? What are your plans for the future now that this challenge is over?

Well, I can't count. I thought there were 25 questions... *sigh* this is why I failed stats...

Taglist

@lampstudy @notionblr @asterinunfathomed @predvmstudies @itsleahstudies @divinity-study @helianthuscryptid @jkjustplanning @econtwin1 @leillee @mangofiend @mangomybeloved @agriblr @fromtheatretomedical @elentiascodex @finchleaf :)

[route22ny]

BY MICHAEL J. MOONEY | PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVE SHAFER

Staring at the front of the Royal Theater, I feel as though I’m looking backward through time. Taking in the cerulean marquee, the painted red fringe around the box office, the vertical ROYAL sign jutting into the afternoon sky—it’s easy to imagine why the denizens of Archer County flocked here for decades. The theater was a dark, cool respite from the blazing sun, a still escape from the whipping winds of the North Central Plains, a glimpse of entertainment from the outside world.

The theater—or what’s left of it anyway—peers out from the northeast corner of the town square. Without the storied theater, this could be any small town in Texas. Weathered barns and rusted oil pumps dot the landscape. Anchoring the town is the imposing three-story Romanesque Revival county courthouse, with stone archways and provincial peaks. There’s also a small café (Murn’s), a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it police station, a few antiques stores, and a single four-way stoplight swaying in the breeze like an apparition.

The Royal Theater as it is now and as it was then.

This isn’t just any small town in Texas, though. Archer City is the Texas small town. It’s the setting of both the novel and film versions of The Last Picture Show, a coming-of-age story rendered in black and white that earned eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Best Directing, and Best Picture. In Larry McMurtry’s book, published in 1966, the town is called Thalia. In the movie, directed by Peter Bogdanovich and released in 1971, it’s called Anarene—a name taken from an abandoned town 8 miles away. But rest assured, both places are Archer City: the looming courthouse, the blinking stoplight, and the Royal Theater, where so many of the most dramatic moments of The Last Picture Show take place.

The novel, which McMurtry called a “spiteful” book intended to “lance some of the poisons of small-town life,” received critical acclaim when it was published. But it was Bogdanovich’s film that truly introduced the entire world, in utterly unromanticized fashion, to the intense, sweeping sagas of everyday life in Archer City. The Last Picture Show turned this particular and peculiar town into art.

Both the novel and movie contain language that was considered lewd at the time. McMurtry’s own mother, Hazel, once said that after reading the first 100 pages she hid the book in the closet and called her son that night. “Larry, honey,” she said to him, he revealed in his 2002 travel memoir Paradise, “is this what we’re sending you to Rice for? Those awful words!”

The film, with its nudity and frank depiction of teenage sexuality—including Cybill Shepherd’s first and only topless scene—absolutely scandalized upright, moral Americans all over the country. Nowhere more so than in Archer City, where it was regarded at the time as a “dirty” movie.

Now, 50 years after the film’s release, the town’s past dalliances with Hollywood are somehow simultaneously scuttled and omnipresent. There’s no billboard at the city limit announcing the place’s cultural significance, no notation on the water tower. But there are echoes of the art formed here, about this place, along every street, around every corner. Some might even feel the spirit of McMurtry, who passed away in Archer City earlier this year.

Over the last five decades, Peter Bogdanovich, a New Yorker who operated in Los Angeles, has told the story of the movie’s origin many times. He’d seen the novel in a store, liked the title, saw what it was about, and immediately put the book back down. Then actor Sal Mineo, who’d starred alongside James Dean and Natalie Wood in Rebel Without a Cause, gave Bogdanovich a copy of the novel, saying he thought it would make a good film. Bogdanovich still didn’t read it, but gave it to his wife, production designer Polly Platt, and asked her to read it. When she inspired him to finally read it himself, he was intrigued by the challenge of conveying small-town life in Texas and eventually co-wrote the screenplay with McMurtry. Bogdanovich, Platt, and McMurtry took a long road trip scouting locations in Texas, but ultimately the director realized he wanted to shoot the movie in McMurtry’s hometown.

Set in the early 1950s, the story follows three teenagers—the co-captains of the football team and the so-called prettiest girl in school—through their senior year of high school, as they each struggle to make sense of adult concepts like love and sex and the fragility of human life. Sonny Crawford is the sensitive, thoughtful boy from a broken home. Duane Jackson is Sonny’s lovelorn best friend who escapes first into the oil fields and then the Korean War. Jacy Farrow is the coquettish rich girl who yearns wholeheartedly for something beyond the confines of her surroundings. The Last Picture Show also famously includes an ensemble of carefully rendered adults trying to cope with their own expired dreams and broken lives.

McMurtry repeated over the years that the characters he created weren’t based on any real-life individuals, but the people of Archer City always suspected otherwise. A man named Bobby Stubbs, who was photographed with McMurtry in their high school yearbook, believed he was the inspiration for Sonny. Stubbs had a troubled home life and worked nights like Sonny, and he drove the same kind of pickup truck. He was also once hit in the eye by the boyfriend of a girl he liked. “It kinda pretty closely followed me,” Stubbs used to say.

A woman named Ceil Cleveland Footlick was often asked if she was the inspiration for Jacy. She was “very good friends” (her words) with Stubbs and had been voted “Most Beautiful Girl” in her class. For years she brushed off the question, but in 1997 she published a memoir with the title Whatever Happened to Jacy Farrow?

Because of the book’s reputation, getting actors to audition was a challenge. Randy Quaid was cast as Lester, an awkward, sleazy suitor of Jacy’s. He’d only read the parts of the script that involved his character, which mostly centered on Lester taking Jacy to a naked swimming party. “I just thought it was going to be like this B-movie, teenage, soft-porn movie,” Quaid would later say. “Something you’d see at the drive-in.”

None of the young stars had much experience in film. Timothy Bottoms, who’d only been in one movie before, was cast to play Sonny. Jeff Bridges, cast as Duane, had been a professional actor nearly all his life, but at 21 years old, this would be his first major film role. And Bogdanovich cast Shepherd as Jacy after seeing her face on the cover of Glamour magazine.

Most of the adults in the movie were played by established Hollywood actors, including Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn, and Eileen Brennan. For the role of Sam the Lion, the wisdom-dispensing owner of the town’s pool hall, Bogdanovich cast Ben Johnson, the champion-rodeo-cowboy-turned-stuntman-turned-Western-movie-icon. At first Johnson turned down the part on account of the foul language, but Bogdanovich called in a favor from his director friend John Ford, who convinced Johnson to do it.

Almost as soon as filming started, real life began imitating the art being created. While making a movie about illicit sex and barely veiled scandal, the set was awash in illicit sex and barely veiled scandal. The actors spent a lot of time drinking and smoking together in their hotel rooms 30 minutes north in Wichita Falls, and that led to drama. Bottoms fell in love with Shepherd. Bogdanovich started an affair with Shepherd, dissolving his own marriage while his wife, Platt, continued to work on the movie. (Most mornings Platt styled Shepherd’s hair.) “It was quite a soap opera,” Burstyn said in the documentary Picture This: The Times of Peter Bogdanovich in Archer City, Texas.

This was everything the locals had feared: all the immoral luridness of Hollywood, right here in a part of Texas not so comfortable with unwholesomeness that didn’t stay behind closed doors.

Outside of Archer City, it was a different story. The movie received great reviews from coast to coast. Johnson won the Oscar for Actor in a Supporting Role and Leachman won for Actress in a Supporting Role. The film is still beloved today and maintains a spot in the coveted National Film Registry.

But at the time of its release, most of the locals disapproved. Strongly. The Los Angeles Times ran a story about it with the headline “Movie Riles Town It Depicts.” McMurtry, who was involved in Bogdanovich’s vision, eventually got so annoyed by the vicious gossip in town that he sent a letter to the editor of the Archer City newspaper, challenging anyone in town to a public debate.

His offer went unrequited.

Archer City’s population is 1,848, only a couple hundred larger than it was when McMurtry grew up there in the ’30s and ’40s. The town is the seat of Archer County, created in 1858 by the Texas State Legislature and named after Branch Tanner Archer, former secretary of war of the Republic of Texas. Ranching and oil have long been the predominant industries—by late 1926, there were more than 400 oil wells within 13 miles of Archer City—but many people are increasingly attracted to the town for its proximity to prime hunting.

Many of the locations where The Last Picture Show was filmed are gone now. Where Sam’s dusty pool hall once stood, with its door flapping in the wind, there’s nothing but an empty dirt lot. The Rig-Wam Drive Inn, the burger joint where Jacy dangled french fries over Duane’s head as if he was a trained seal, is just a plot of asphalt and patchy grass. The West-Tex Theater in the neighboring town of Olney, used for the interior movie theater scenes, was torn down in the mid-’80s. Today it’s a small, quiet park with a gazebo.

Some places are still here, but different. The restaurant where Brennan’s character worked turned into Booked Up No. 4, one of four bookstores McMurtry set up around the town square before shuttering all but one in 2012. The high school has some of the same old features, though it’s been updated and decorated with a handful of granite statues marking state titles the school has won through the years.

Much of the town looks and acts remarkably like it did when The Last Picture Show was made. Boys about the age of Duane and Sonny still speed through town in pickup trucks. Men the age of Sam the Lion still stop them to talk about football. The dance hall at the American Legion, where Jacy and Duane twirled around the room and Sonny ran into his estranged father, looks like it could host the same event today. On a recent evening, four or five locals were perched on barstools, sipping cold beers, listening to songs on the jukebox. They got rid of the old Wurlitzer years ago, but the updated digital version there now still plays all the Hank Williams Sr. songs from the movie.

In time, feelings in Archer City softened a bit. Mostly, the people here don’t talk much about the movie, or about McMurtry, the town’s most famous son. You can spend all morning at Murn’s Café and all night at the American Legion, the only bar in town, and never hear The Last Picture Show mentioned once. It’s not the source of tension it once was.

The public change of heart was most apparent in 1989, nearly 20 years after The Last Picture Show was filmed, when Bogdanovich returned to Archer City to shoot the sequel, Texasville, based on a book of the same name by McMurtry. This time the townspeople lined up to participate as extras. People came from miles away to sell concessions or to take photos or just get a glimpse of the nearly $20 million production.

“The bad taste that the movie left for some folks, that’s gone now,” then-high school principal Nat Lunn told the Austin American-Statesman at the time. “Especially with money being short in town, they’re ready for another dose of Hollywood.”

By the late 1980s, the three leads in the first film—Bottoms, Bridges, and Shepherd—had all become stars. While the entire budget for the first movie was around $1.3 million, Shepherd alone was paid $1.5 million to reprise her role. Bridges was reportedly paid $1.75 million. Bottoms, who’d complained publicly about Bogdanovich and said he didn’t like any of his co-stars, would only agree to return if he was given an additional $100,000 to fund the Picture This documentary.

In the two decades since the first movie, Bogdanovich’s career had soared and crashed. He and Shepherd had broken up; he went on to have multiple relationships, and she had two divorces. Bottoms was also divorced and remarried, but on the set he confessed the crush he’d had on Shepherd. Platt returned, too, and brought the 21-year-old daughter she and Bogdanovich shared. It became a grand, twisted Hollywood reunion, right there on the streets of Archer City.

Drawn by the potential spectacle of what was by then some sort of love-octagon, media outlets from across the country sent reporters to town. There were long feature stories in both Entertainment Weekly and the Los Angeles Times. By all accounts, though, the entire production served as a therapeutic experience, healing the wounds of the past. At one press conference, the often-sullen Bottoms hugged Bogdanovich. Behind-the-scenes footage caught Shepherd hugging Bottoms. Residents of Archer County took photos of themselves on the set.

But when the movie was released, it tanked. It received middling reviews, earned back only a fraction of its budget, and even today it’s not easy to find on any of the major streaming services.

A lot of people associated with The Last Picture Show are dead now. Stubbs, who claimed to be the basis for Sonny, died in 1992. Johnson in 1996. Sam Bottoms, the real-life younger brother of Timothy Bottoms who played the mute boy Billy, died in 2008. Platt, the producer and production designer who somehow never pulled Shepherd’s hair, died in 2011. Then Brennan in 2013.

In January of this year, Footlick, the woman who wrote about being the real Jacy Farrow, died in North Carolina. Leachman died almost two weeks later. And on March 25, McMurtry, the writer who created all this beautiful trouble, died at the age of 84.

A few days after his death, nobody answered the doorbell at his house in Archer City, a majestic, three-story mansion just down the road from the high school. Looking through the front window, everything seemed to me to be just the way he left it, from the table made from a giant dinosaur fossil to the towering shelves of books in every room. McMurtry bought this place, the biggest home in town, after he won the Pulitzer Prize for Lonesome Dove. He’d wake up early in the morning, type for an hour and a half or so at his long oak table, then go to the bookstore to price antiquarian volumes. Most of the locals would leave him alone.

On the house’s front porch, a single rocking chair was situated to look out over the front yard into the surrounding neighborhood. Someone sitting there could see the comings and goings of a lot of people. As the early-evening wind moved through, the chair began to rock ever so gently.

These days, I sense the people of Archer City think differently of The Last Picture Show. It’s a part of the town’s story, just like the cattle industry and state titles. The movie is even mentioned on the town’s website, though it’s certainly not prominent.

There’s also a tiny park just off the square with a fiberglass horse covered in brands from local ranches and a display that chronicles a bit of the town’s history. The welded metal wall has separate panels for the town’s founding, the first successful oil well drilled here, and the giant fire that swept through in 1925. There’s also a panel explaining how the town was the filming location for The Last Picture Show and Texasville. Bogdanovich’s last name is misspelled.

A couple hundred feet away is the Royal Theater. Most of the building is a burned-out hull, popular for weddings, photo shoots, and occasional performances. The front of the building has been restored, though. It looks just like it did in the movie, the image that begins and ends the film. It’s haunting and beautiful, weathered and damaged—but still here, still standing, still looking at that single blinking light swaying in the wind.

***

The Last Picture Show wasn’t the first movie based on a novel by Larry McMurtry, and it certainly wasn’t the last. You might besurprised by just how many films and TV shows have been made from his novels. Here are a few:

Hud, 1963 (based on Horseman, Pass By) The Last Picture Show, 1971 Lovin’ Molly, 1974 (based on Leaving Cheyenne) Terms of Endearment, 1983 Lonesome Dove, 1989 Texasville, 1990 The Evening Star, 1996

https://texashighways.com/culture/how-the-last-picture-show-changed-the-worlds-view-of-small-town-texas/

[miracalicethebookgirl]

The Phony and the Famous Pt. 5

AO3 

Pt 1. Pt 2. Pt 3. Pt 4. 

Summary: Lila spreads lies about being famous with worldwide connections to increase her local popularity. She’s confident that Marinette will never be able to prove otherwise. What she, and even Marinette herself, don’t realize is that Marinette won’t have to do any of that to come out on top. - A story in which everything Lila lies about, Marinette turns into reality for herself, usually unknowingly (our girl is quite the lucky one, after all).

A brief explanation: The last chapter was a bit confusing as to how Mister Bug appeared. When people turned into animals, all their clothing and accessories were left behind. When Marinette turned into a hamster her earrings fell off, so Tikki took them to Chat. Adrien switched out his Miraculous since it’s still unknown if something happens by wearing both the Ladybug and Cat Miraculous (not sure if Gamer 2.0 counts). After the fight he switched back and Tikki returned the earrings to Marinette. 

… 

“I'm good friends with the best manga publisher in Japan, you know. I can talk to them about your comic book project if you like.” 

Season 3, “Ladybug” 

… 

“Name?” 

“Oh! Uh, Astruc, Thomas.” 

The girl hummed thoughtfully as she shuffled through the festival passes on the table. “That name sounds familiar. Did you work on a recent film or something?” 

“Yes, actually! I was the director of The Adventures of Lady—” 

“Here it is!” the girl exclaimed, pulling out the lanyard pass from the stack and adding some pamphlets to her hand. “Keep your pass on you at all times. The first pamphlet will provide you with a general map of the Champs-Élysées. The area is split up by genre and your second pamphlet will tell you which film categories will be playing on which day. If you have any questions just ask a volunteer. Welcome to the Young Artists Film Festival!” 

With that, Thomas Astruc was ushered along to allow the next person to check in. 

He was a little put out that he was yet again dismissed despite his role in the production of a movie that was widely popular in France. But what could he do besides shake his head and accept it? He could brag all he wanted about it but unless he made as big a name as Steven Basielberg, people would simply continue to shrug and dismiss him. 

Rather than spoil his mood with such thoughts, Thomas figured he’d keep a low profile and just enjoy the festivities. It always intrigued him to see what new edgy or comedic or introspective pieces the young minds of France could create. So he spent an hour watching several animated shorts created by students and noted interesting stylistic choices and the most popular narratives. He debated going to see one of the feature length films that were highlighted for the day when he heard someone excitedly call out his name. 

“Oh my gosh, Monsieur Astruc! Monsieur Astruc!” 

He turned and saw a pigtailed teenage girl wave and run up to him, followed by—he blinked owlishly—Adrien Agreste, who had another girl latched to his arm. He looked back at the girl who called to him. 

“You look a bit familiar to me. Have we met before?” 

The girl didn’t seem bothered by his question. “It was only briefly, but we met at the Ladybug and Chat Noir movie premiere a few months back. I was the person you gave up your seat to. I’m still so thankful that you did that for me! Aside from the akuma—no offense—and a couple other people…the premiere was actually kind of fun.” 

The other two teens finally reached them. The girl on Adrien’s arm gave a small gasp. 

“Oh, Marinette, you were at the Ladybug movie premiere? I heard you went as one of the waitresses. I would have been there too, but I told the movie director that I had another movie project lined up. You see, being Ladybug’s best friend, I had a big say in how the heroes in the movie were portrayed so they could be as accurate as possible.” 

The other three stood silent for a moment. One in confusion and the other two in exasperation. 

“Who did you say you were again?” Thomas asked, wondering if he really did forget such a person. 

“Oh, silly me,” the girl tittered, “where are my manners? I’m Lila Rossi, sort of an expert in all things Ladybug. And in case you also didn’t know,” she pulled Adrien closer to herself, “this is Adrien Agreste. He voiced Chat Noir in the movie but he’s also a model for Gabriel. We actually model together.” 

Adrien brought a fist to his mouth and gave a small cough. 

Is he covering a smile? Thomas thought to himself. Well, he couldn’t blame the boy. This girl obviously didn’t know whose company she was in. Thomas would have also laughed if the thought didn’t make him feel so dejected. 

“Um, Lila,” Adrien politely began, “let me introduce you to Thomas Astruc. Monsieur Astruc is the artistic director of The Adventures of Ladybug and Chat Noir.” He paused. “The Movie.”

As they all watched the emotions play across Lila’s face, it was the other girl, Marinette’s, turn to try and smother a giggle. She wasn’t as successful as Adrien but at the fury that passed across Lila’s face, she quickly brought the conversation elsewhere. 

“Sir, I never did get to introduce myself to you, which I guess was a little rude at the time. My name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng. I admit, I was a little skeptical when I first watched the trailer because Ladybug and Chat Noir didn’t sound anything like the real heroes. But once I watched the movie, it was actually really good!” 

Thomas laughed good-naturedly. “That’s quite alright. I knew some people would be disappointed that the movie wasn’t an account of true events. That was the point of the disclaimer ‘based on Ladybug and Chat Noir.’” He took a moment to discreetly eye Lila. “The script writers and I didn’t want to confine ourselves to real life. We took our artistic license and ran with it, if you will. Especially since we don’t know everything there is to know about the Miraculous or the identities of the main players. Can you imagine Ladybug being scared of cats? Or if Hawkmoth were actually Chat Noir’s dad?” 

Marinette laughed with him at those hypotheticals. Adrien chuckled along a bit more nervously, though Thomas figured the young man was just trying to imagine Gabriel Agreste as a supervillain, considering Adrien voiced the aforementioned hero. Lila had taken on a stoic face, and he guiltily hoped she learned some humility from her embarrassment. 

Then something from earlier clicked in his mind. 

“Did you say your name was Marinette Dupain-Cheng?” 

Marinette stopped laughing and looked at him questioningly. “Yeah, I did.” 

Thomas’s eyes lit up. “So you’re the Marinette Dupain-Cheng whose designs are sought after by several celebrities and whose talents caught the attention of one of the biggest film studios in Europe?!” 

Face turning red at the acknowledgement, Marinette nodded timidly. Adrien reached out and put a hand on her shoulder as he smiled proudly. “And those are only some of her accomplishments. I bet she’ll go even further in whatever she does.” His eyes twitched a little when Lila gave a small noise of derision. 

Thomas agreed with the boy. Miss Dupain-Cheng may be a relatively new name running in Parisian circles, especially with the crocodile debacle and zoo fundraiser, but she was proving to be more than just a flash in the pan. If anything, she was gaining more momentum in her fame as time passed, due in part by the recently confirmed rumors of her association with Graham Films. Thomas thought hard. 

The animation studio he previously worked with for the Ladybug movie was offering him a contract for a new animated film. The studio anticipated that the project wouldn’t receive as much attention as the Ladybug movie did, but Thomas acknowledged that it was a given. However, if he could attach some big names to the film, that might be even better promotion than the simple “from the producers of the hit film Ladybug!” tagline could provide. Bringing Marinette on board would be a more than stellar start. 

“What is the project that you and Graham Films working on right now?” he questioned, genuinely curious. “And when is post-production? If you don’t have any other film projects lined up, I happen to be gathering a team right now for an original animated film and we would love to work with someone of your talents!” 

Thomas was disappointed to see her shake her head apologetically. 

“I’m sorry, Monsieur Astruc. The movie with Graham Films is a one-time thing since I’m hoping for more fashion-centered work.” Her tone then turned thoughtful. “What kind of movie is yours going to be?” 

“It’ll be a new superhero movie. I’m considering integrating it into the same universe as the Ladybug and Chat Noir movie.” 

Adrien’s eyes lit up. “That sounds really cool! I hope you’ll let me voice Chat Noir again if he and Ladybug make a cameo or maybe even have a sequel!” 

Thomas laughed, appreciative of the boy’s eagerness. The cameo bit wasn’t a bad idea at all. 

“Monsieur Astruc,” Marinette began tentatively, “would you be opposed to taking on other young talent since I won’t be able to?” 

He blinked. “Unless they have an exceptional portfolio and prior experience, I don’t think it would be very likely that they’d be hired. But,” he added when he saw the girl slump, “I’m very open to bringing some interns to the team.” 

Thomas noticed Adrien perk up, looking like he knew exactly what his friend was leading up to. Lila merely turned her head away, seeming to be ignoring the rest of the conversation. 

“I know some people who would love that!” Marinette exclaimed. “And I can speak for their talent in both writing and drawing about superheroes.” 

Intrigued, he figured it wouldn’t hurt to hear her out. 

… 

A week later at the studio, Thomas and his production team stood up from their chairs to shake hands with the young men who they would be taking under their wings as interns. 

“I look forward to working with you two gentlemen,” he said to them. “Your ideas are great and hopefully this internship and stories of my own journey from character doodling to filmmaking can help you get your own comics off the ground.” 

Marc Anciel blushed. Nathaniel Kurtzberg beamed and replied, “I can’t wait to tell Marinette about this. I can’t believe she thought of us when you originally wanted her. I heard she couldn’t accept anyway, but still!” 

“Marinette is always looking out for her friends,” Marc added softly. 

When Thomas formally met Marinette, he recognized her for her fame and her talents. Since then, he began to realize just what a remarkable person she was. And so young too… He briefly pondered how old Ladybug and Chat Noir were. Surely not as young as his movie made them? 

“People like that are hard to find but they do exist. Hold on tight to friendships like this. And remember that even though Marinette might seem amazing all on her own, being her friend means helping her out too.” 

The boys seemed oddly sad (ashamed, in Nathaniel’s case?) for a moment, but Thomas only had a second to wonder about it before they smiled and nodded in agreement. 

[abigailnussbaum]

Legends of Tomorrow, Season 5

I was going to write weekly reviews of this season, and then with one thing and another ended up dropping it in the spring (hey, remember when there was so much weekly TV that you couldn’t keep up with all your shows? Wonder how long it’ll be before that happens again). I caught up with the entire season this weekend, and honestly, that feels like a better standpoint from which to write about it - I think if I’d stuck with weekly reviews, I would have ended up saying the same thing week after week.

A couple of years ago, Emily VanDerWerff suggested that there is a standard lifecycle for high-concept, large ensemble, off-the-wall genre shows: 

Season 1: still figuring this whole thing out 

Season 2: now we’re cooking with oil 

Season 3: we can do anything! 

Season 4: whoops, no, we’ve gotten a bit over our skis here 

Season 5: ??? 

Legends, I think, encapsulates this progression to a T. The show’s second and third seasons were some of the best and most exciting genre storytelling on television, but last year was a bit of a mess. That’s not entirely the writers’ fault - Nick Zano’s limited availability due to family obligations forced them to beef up the Time Bureau’s role in the season, and their desire to keep Maisie Richardson-Sellers on board even after Amaya’s story had wrapped up led them to create a character, Charlie, who had no real reason for being on the Waverider. But a lot of it was self-inflicted. The cast was too unwieldy, the Time Bureau story seemed designed to expose the thin spots in the show’s self-presentation as irreverent but fundamentally compassionate (it certainly didn’t help that the decision to rewrite Nate Sr. into a good guy was made almost at the last minute, requiring the entirely unconvincing argument that forcing magical creatures to perform in a circus act is somehow morally superior to forcing them to be secret agents), and some of the character choices felt entirely parachuted in (Zari/Nate, anyone?).

Season five, therefore, had a lot of clean up work to do, while also demonstrating that the Legends formula had more life in it than just those two transcendent early seasons. And while this is undeniably a more successful, more enjoyable season than the one preceding it (which also does a great deal to address some of the show’s structural issues, chiefly the overlarge cast), I also can’t help but notice that instead of finding new places for the show to go, what the fifth season delivers instead is a hodgepodge of story elements from seasons two and three. So we’ve got a mystical object that can rewrite reality (The Loom of Fate vs. season two′s The Spear of Destiny); a token hunt across time and space in which the Legends face off against the estranged relatives of one of their members (the totems in season three vs. the search for the pieces of the loom, Amaya’s evil granddaughter vs. Charlie’s evil sisters); a late season loss that forces our characters into a nightmarish alternate reality in which they don’t even remember who they are (the Legion of Evil rewriting the Legends’ lives to make them ordinary and unsatisfying vs. being stuck in TV shows in a world run by the Fates); which comes about because of a betrayal by a member of the team (Charlie in season five, Mick in season two) whose eventual return to the fold enables to Legends to win in the end. There’s even an abandoned, abused girl who has turned evil, and has to be won back to the side of good through the offer of true companionship and understanding (Nora Darhk vs. Astra Logue).

This isn’t exactly a bad thing - a lot of these storytelling beats cut to the very core of what Legends is and what makes it work, so it’s not necessarily wrong for the show to repeat them. And even if the basic structure is the same, Legends just keeps getting more adventurous in how it delivers that structure. I’ve already written about how well done the season’s mockumentary episode was, and the same can be said for the 80s slasher movie riff, the Mr. Rogers parody, and of course, “The One Where We’re Trapped on TV”. Like the multiple universe episode in season four, these are things the show couldn’t have done when it was just a few seasons old, and they’re proof that whatever other issues it has, Legends is constantly pushing the envelope in terms of the kind of tropes and genres it can graft onto a superhero template. That said, there’s a very real possibility that this is all the show will ever be - a standard story template, enlivened by increasingly gonzo riffs on existing tropes.

Some more thoughts on where the season worked and where it didn’t below.

THE GOOD:

I really hated the decision to make Nora a fairy godmother in season four, not least because it felt like yet another way of infantilizing her (it certainly didn’t help that it was a choice she was forced into, and that she spent the remainder of the season catering to the every whim of Gary, a character I still have very mixed feelings towards). But season five really reclaims that choice. Having Nora embrace the fairy godmother life as a way of both helping children and working through her own issues makes a lot of sense, and the character feels happier and more confident than we’ve ever seen her (certainly a step up from how gloomy she was last season). I even like the wardrobe change - once the fairy godmother dress was ditched except for specific occasions, having Nora dress all in teal is a nice touch, and certainly an improvement over her rather boring season four wardrobe. I still think Legends missed a lot in how it handled Nora last season (I will never stop being annoyed that she and Sara didn’t develop a deeper friendship, given how similar their life trajectories have been), but this was a good way of righting the ship, even in a very limited timeframe.

I already mentioned this in the episode review, but watching the rest of the season really cemented my admiration for how quickly the show embeds Behrad into the crew, and makes it feel as if he’s always been there. That’s all the more impressive given that Behrad doesn’t really get an arc in season five. Most of that storytelling energy goes to establish Zari 2.0, and Behrad is, of course, absent for much of the latter half of the season. And yet he feels almost instantly like a fully-rounded character who is integral to the show, so much so that you’re heartbroken by his death (and convinced that it will be rolled back, even though Zari could easily take over his superpower). That’s really excellent work by both the writers and Shayan Sobhian.

I was a bit nervous when Zari 2.0 was introduced, because replacing a heroic, cool-girl-coded, nobly self-sacrificing character with a version of herself who is extremely femme-coded and obsessed with things like fashion and social media is the sort of move that is ripe for easy misogynistic point-scoring in the guise of feminism - of course the Zari who is good with machines and eats donuts is superior to the one who has a perfume line and spends hours in the bathroom every morning! But the show very quickly established that Zari, though certainly not without her flaws, is awesome in any guise, and it did so without trying to change her into “our” Zari, eventually even establishing that they are two completely different people, each with a right to exist (though not simultaneously, unfortunately). I get why the show didn’t keep both Zaris around - it would be asking a lot of Tala Ashe to play two characters, much of the time against herself, not to mention a production nightmare - but I appreciate that it didn’t decide that Zari 2.0 was the lesser version. (Also a nice touch: Behrad, though obviously fond of Zari 1.0, doesn’t think of her as “his” sister, even though to us she’s the “real” version of the character.)

Similarly, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when Ava moved to the Waverider full time - obviously, it would be an improvement on her playing a tinpot fascist at the Time Bureau while the show pretended that this wouldn’t really bother Sara, but at the same time Sara and Ava are both so similar in their functions and abilities that I worried they’d step on each other’s shoes. Instead, the show leaned into their differences and made the season about Ava finding her place as captain of the Waverider, a role she fills in very different ways than Sara while still doing a good job at it. It also allowed her to expand her point of view a little - bonding with Zari 2.0, or reaching out to Astra, both things that would have been outside of her comfort zone in the past. Obviously, this is setup for Ava taking over as captain in season six now that Sara has been abducted (though I hope not for very long - Legends isn’t Legends without Sara), but good on the show for taking the time to bring Ava to a point where she’s ready for this, and in a different way from Sara.

And speaking of looking ahead, the show takes the wise step of thinning out its cast. Personally, I would have kept Ray, Nora, and Mona and written off Constantine and Nate (and possibly also Gary), but either way, it’s good that the writers realized their cast was getting unwieldy. I was concerned, for example, that the show figuring out what to do with Charlie and giving her an elaborate backstory was a sign that she would stay on, but instead she leaves once that story is resolved. And I think that in an earlier season, Astra would have been positioned to stay on the Waverider after the end of the season, but instead she’s clearly a one-off character, who goes off to live her own life once the show has brought her story to a satisfying conclusion. (This also, however, means that Legends has written off two black women in a single season, not to mention Mona, and in fact has only one WOC main character remaining; I hope that’s something season six addresses.)

THE BAD:

I realize that I am very much in the minority on this, but I’m sorry: John Constantine does not belong on Legends of Tomorrow, and certainly not as a main character. Season five feels, in fact, like a perfect demonstration of this simple truth. The early parts of the season feel like two different shows, the Legends show and the Constantine show, that happen to have some points of intersection and shared characters. And even once those storylines converge, it’s notable how John’s quest for the Loom of Fate very quickly becomes Astra’s quest for it, and then Charlie’s, and how they both feel more grounded in that story and more affected by it than he was. What it comes down to, once again, is that John Constantine is a character who can’t change, and putting him on a show that is all about change and growth can’t help but feel unsatisfying for both the character and the show. Season five tries to suggest that change is possible for him - he finally comes clean with Astra and make a real apology to her; he admits that his pursuit of magic has cost him relationships and a chance at happiness; he reaches out to his friends when he thinks his life is about to end; he even quits smoking. But the character just doesn’t have that much give in it. To be John Constantine, he has to be the cynical, arrogant, self-destructive fuck-up we’ve always known. On a show like Legends of Tomorrow, that can work in small doses, but not as the main character that Constantine has been positioned as.

Though I’m glad that the show figured out something to do with Charlie before writing her off, the similarities between her story and Mick’s can’t help but shed a light on how poorly thought out this character has been, and how much her season five story is parachuted in. When Mick betrays the team at the end of season two, it’s barely a season after they’d put him off the ship for being perennially untrustworthy, leading to him becoming their nemesis. They only take him back out of pity for the decades of torture he suffered, and sympathy for the loss of his only friend, Captain Cold. His betrayal is a direct outcome of those cracks in the relationship - he does it because he wants to live in a world where he hasn’t been hurt or hurt others, and where his friend is still alive. When he changes his mind at the end of the season, it’s a culmination of two seasons of character growth, the realization that holding on to the pain in his life is worth it if it means he gets to keep the friendships he formed on the Waverider, and to continue to grow as a person - as expressed by his choice to put Snart back in his timeline, where he will become a better person (and eventually inspire Mick to do the same) but will also die. Charlie’s very similar storyline just doesn’t have this kind of depth. Neither her heel turn nor her face turn feel particularly earned, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that it took the writers so long to figure out who this character even was.

For a season of Legends, this was an awfully heteronormative stretch of episodes. Sure, Sara and Ava are still center stage, and that’s fantastic. But every other romantic relationship in the season, and there are quite a few of them, is a straight one. You might blame this on the fact that season five is a housecleaning season, wrapping up dangling storylines like Ray/Nora or Nate/Zari. But even the new characters like Behrad or Lita express only opposite-sex attraction (I guess Astra never demonstrates a preference). I mean, if you give John Constantine two different love interests in a single season and they’re both women, surely something has gone terribly wrong?

And speaking of John Constantine’s love interests, is putting him together with Zari meant to make the old her’s romance with Nate look organic and true to the characters in comparison? Because I can’t think of another reason for it. Do not want.

THE UGLY:

Words cannot express how much I hate the Damien Darhk episode. Not all of it, obviously - the Mr. Rogers riff, as I said, is pretty good (and pays off handsomely later in the season), and pretty much all the Ray/Nora stuff, especially the moment where she realizes she’s not going to lie to her father about the man she loves and the life she’s chosen, are golden. But it is simply mind-boggling that after two seasons in which Nora was firmly established as the survivor of a lifetime of abuse, Legends takes an entire hour to not only rehabilitate Damien, but pretend that he was always a loving father who just made some mistakes. For crying out loud, the man fed his daughter to a demon in order to gain power for himself. It was always an interesting wrinkle in his character that he clearly saw himself as a loving, protective parent, and was even capable of some level of self-sacrifice on Nora’s behalf, but I had assumed that the show realized this was at least partly a self-serving lie. To discover that we’re actually meant to think that one act of sacrifice cancels out a lifetime of abuse is nauseating. I wanted Nora to stand up to her father, but as a victim calling out her abuser, not a loving daughter trying to renegotiate a relationship with an overprotective parent. It certainly doesn’t help that the episode features inexplicably popular wedding story tropes, such as the groom asking the bride’s father for permission to marry her, or the father trying to keep the couple from physical intimacy before the wedding, which are gross in any context but especially so here. I suppose in the end it’s all worth it to be rid of Damien once and for all, but I was squirming with discomfort and rage throughout the entire episode.

[disaster-deku]

Literally no one asked but here’s some headcanons I have about Bakugo’s parents, I guess.

Disclaimer: I have not read into the manga past the alignenf of manga material and the end of the third season of the anime

Masaru

- Masaru has the ability of creating small explosions from sweat on his palms but not to the degree Katsuki can since he cannot consciously secrete sweat.

- His hands just explode when his hands naturally sweat and if he rubbed his hands together, which was a nervous habit of his. Masaru also couldn’t use it much because it would cause him to burn his fingers and hands due to not having much thick skin on his body besides his palms.

-He often bandaged his hands to not hurt himself until he got his quirk under control and found a way to avoid sweaty palms or avoid rubbing his hands together in a habitual way as he did.

- Masaru never thought his quirk was amazing or cool like many told him because it constantly caused him pain so why the hell would he like it? He also didn’t think he’d ever be a hero and had no desire to be one.

- However, he wanted to design hero costumes because Masaru is actually a very creative man but he’s always had a softer and quieter demeanor so he was often someone in the background, unnoticed.

- Masaru is of the belief that if someone pushes themselves hard enough and gives 120% that they can succeed in whatever they do. He always strived for better things, pushing himself harder and harder to achieve his goals. He submitted costume designs to random agencies to try and get a job though he was often rejected. But it didn’t slow him down and he kept it pushing.

- Masaru worked hard in school and was accepted in his final year of University to work in a fashion company that doubled to make clothes for the ever growing market to offer clothing for all types of quirks but also made hero costumes. Masaru enjoyed his work because he was in the background and didn’t have attention on himself which he enjoyed.

Mitsuki

- Mitsuki had always been praised as a child for her beautiful skin and youthful look. Her whole life she was told she was beautiful and had people fawning over her despite her bratty and shitty personality that festered and grew. Mitsuki had been put on such a high pedestal that she thought she was the absolute shit and that everyone around her was simply there to make her look better or push her up.

- Mitsuki was a model from a young age and still does modeling (Katsuki doesn’t mention it because why the fuck does he care what she does?) and Mitsuki met Masaru when she was going to be modeling for the fashion company he worked for.

- Mitsuki ignores the male models and locks in on the young man with glasses and bandaged hands, tape measure loosely draped around his neck who was helping to hem an outfit.

- Masaru rejects Mitsuki after she asks him out because while she’s very pretty, he doesn’t really know her so he doesn’t think he can just suddenly go out with her. Mitsuki is absolutely shocked and astounded that Masaru rejected her because no one has ever done so. While a lot of her team expected her to get heated and explosive like she normally did, Mitsuki took it as a challenge to get him to date her.

- Over the time it takes to try and get a date with Masaru, Mitsuki starts to reevaluate her life and how she’s treated people in an attempt to understand why Masaru would reject her of all people.

- In her deluded mind, people worshipped the ground she walked on because she was the best but honestly... they hated her. Her shitty attitude, her cockiness, the way she treated people; everything about her. But even after learning all this, she didn’t know how to fix it?

- It was kind of inset into her but soon after she comes to the realization and thinks that she’ll never get a date with Masaru, she gives one last attempt. It’s not a grand gesture or aggressive “date me now!” type approach. Just Mitsuki giving him a bouquet of flowers and saying she thoight he was cute and wanted to try going on a date with him, if he wanted. He blushes sweetly and shyly accepts.

Masaru + Mitsuki

- After Mitsuki realizes how many bridges she had burned to get to the top, Mitsuki feels the devastation it is to fall. She had no real friends who thought she was anything outside of her looks or were just using her to get ahead. After constantly pushing down any genuine friends she had had in her life, constantly belittling them until they grew tired of it all and left Mitsuki to travel her own path. Mitsuki’s team/agency didn’t care about her as long as she was working hard and making money and spreading their label further and further. Even her own family had come to distance themselves from her because she had made no attempt to be kind to even them.

- Mitsuki decides to step away from modeling for a few years to try and repair herself.

- Masaru is patient with her even when she really thinks he shouldn’t be. Masaru helps Mitsuki get counseling to work through her anger issues, her narrsisistic tendencies, and the walls she had put up around herself. It’s hard for Mitsuki at first.

- Eventually, Mitsuki settles down and becomes a housewife. Despite what a lot of people thought, Mitsuki was amazing at cooking and cleaning because she held herself to an intense workout/diet regimen and also had lots of people come to her apartment to work so she wanted everything to look immaculate and beautiful to match herself.

- Masaru was accepting of what she wanted to do and later encouraged her back into modeling after she expressed wanting to do it some more a few years after Katsuki had been born.

- Masaru and Mitsuki work to help each other in their relationship and they balance each other out. Mitsuki learns to be kinder to others and stops viewing herself as some amazing gift of the universe that has been graced upon humanity. Masaru learns to be more assertive and allow himself to not take as much bullshit from some of his coworkers which is good for him.

- Mitsuki has Katsuki three years into her and Masaru’s relationship (they married after two years; obviously she proposed). Masaru and Mitsuki are completely enamored with Katsuki and love him to pieces. He’s just so tiny and precious and holy fuck, they made a tiny person and here he was! He was a sweet bundle of joy and Mitsuki was so proud of herself and Masaru.

- Mitsuki will admit that in her excitement of being a new mother, she spoiled Katsuki a lot. Let him have whatever he wanted, treated him like he was so, so amazing (he was to her because he was her child and she adored him), and told him to be confident and strong despite what people said.

- This began to backfire on her however when Katsuki took this as “I AM A GIFT TO THIS WORLD AND I AM AMAZING!” Many people also telling him exactly that— that he was amazing and was gifted with an amazing quirk— made it worse. Mitsuki began to worry about Katsuki but once Katsuki was developing his own personality and own views as he grew, it was too late.

- Mitsuki tried for so long alongside Masaru to stop Katsuki from becoming like her. Mitsuki hated her former self now and never wanted her son to be like her. Mitsuki had spent many nights worrying about how she had failed as a mother.

- Katsuki and his mother fight a lot and seem very aggressive to one another but they do love each other. They both just totally suck at talking about their feelings especially to other people. Both also have different ideas. Mitsuki wants Katsuki to shape up and realize he isn’t any better than anyone else and not destroy himself. Katsuki wants to make his parents proud and prove that he can be the best with his dedication and hard work.

- Katsuki oftentimes ignored his mother to shape up and stop being so damn obnoxious but he didn’t listen to her; he heard her but he never really listened. He focused on achieving his dream by any means necessary and he was going to be number one.

- It’s never shown but I think Mitsuki became very Mama Bear after Katsuki was kidnapped and even Masaru was firmer and stronger with Katsuki. They both love him so much and they were terrified this had happened to their son.

- Masaru and Mitsuki had always had disagreements about Katsuki’s choices for his future because while his mother thought Katsuki shouldn’t be put into a school that the country would be watching. It could give him more popularity and more recognition which could potentially cause him to become even more big headed and possibly hurt his future more than help it!

- Masaru disagreed. Masaru was very encouraging to Katsuki because he believed his son should be able to achieve his dreams if he worked hard and kept pushing himself to achieve more. However after the kidnapping incident, they both feel like maybe Katsuki should leave UA.

- They both felt hopeful though when they saw what Aizawa had said about Katsuki. While everyone else only saw their son for his gifts, Aizawa saw Katsuki for him and they decided UA was actually the best decision for him.

Miscellaneous

- Mitsuki does only a few modeling jobs here and there when they are for good products. While having no intention of becoming a full time model ever again, it is something Mitsuki can do to help pay the bills at times.

- When Class 1-A find out that Mitsuki Bakugo was a well known model before they were born, all of the girls and boys (excluding Midoriya who already knew since he had known Kacchan since they were kids) begin to fawn over her. Things are said such as “wow now I see where Katsuki gets his looks from” or “your mom modeled for this brand?! My mom loves this brand!” or “wait isn’t that like a super popular brand?!” and “dude why didn’t you tell us your mom was so hot?” (That was said by Mineta and Katsuki proceeds to yeet him out of the fucking classroom because what the fuck?)

-Katsuki always felt that being weak was the worst thing ever (his father often was pushed around at work and Katsuki had heard his mother always say “don’t be weak!”) so he pushes himself harder than he needs to to be the best. Mitsuki tells Katsuki not to be weak but she means it in a different sense. Not the traditional meaning but more along the lines of “don’t be a weak and shallow minded person. Become more accepting and understanding of things and don’t think you are so amazing!” but she sucks at articulating herself (like Katsuki does) so she can only say “don’t be weak!”

- Mitsuki and Masaru unfortunately do not know and have never really known about Katsuki’s extreme bullying/behavioral issues besides the ones he exhibits at home. They don’t know about Katsuki bullying Izuku because well, no one really knew. The teachers at their school probably didn’t pay much attention to Izuku since he was quirkless and well... everyone kind of picked on Izuku. Also, so many of the teachers thought Katsuki was so amazingly gifted and skilled so they sort of let him slide on some of his behavior. Katsuki kept his grades good and was talented so he was kind of let go with any behavioral issues that were really bad. The worst was the teachers saying Katsuki had some slight behavioral issues and it would be great if they could work with him on it.

[wp-yahoo-style-1042-yahoopa-blog]

Olympic athletes, an MMA Champ, plus size models, and more stun in Khloé Kardashian’s new fitness line

Good American CEO and co-founder, Emma Grede and co-founder Khloé Kardashian. (Photo: courtesy of Good American)

According to Khloe Kardashian’s Good American co-founder Emma Grede, the denim company’s foray into activewear is going to be game-changer. “The fashion industry is notorious for catering to a specific shape and size,” Grede tells Yahoo Lifestyle. However, thanks to thoughtful designs and a diverse group of women, which the brand is calling the #GoodSquad, Grede and her business partner hope to make a real difference when it comes to inclusivity, diversity, body positivity and female empowerment.

Olympic figure skater Tara Lipinski, MMA Champion Mackenzie Dern, plus-size models Candice Huffine and Precious Lee, fitness trainer and influencer Emily Skye, Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice, and many more all appear in the company’s latest campaign to promote Good American’s latest endeavor. 

And while the women promoting the clothing are cool, the actual items are pretty great too. The fitness-focused collection not only comes in a wide range of sizes, but it’s also affordable, available in sizes XS-3XL and priced from $59-$149. “Good American is designed for a curvier, sexier, stronger shape. From day one, size inclusivity has been baked into our business strategy. We approach product development with our customer’s needs in mind with a fit-first philosophy,” Grede says. 

The diverse group of women starring in the Good American performance wear collection campaign. (Photo: courtesy of Good American)

Plus-size model Precious Lee in the new Good American performance wear campaign. (Photo: courtesy of Good American)

Denim might be Good American’s bread and butter (when it launched in 2016, the company made $1 million in sales on its very first day), but the label has been planning its expansion into other categories for more than a year. “When we think about categories, our goal is always to provide women with wardrobe staples, pieces we know they are wearing in their busy daily lives and ones that make them look and feel their best.  We want women to know that when you come to Good American for anything — denim or activewear — you don’t need to worry about it fitting,” says Grede. 

Good American performance wear campaign. (Photo: courtesy of Good American)

The sportswear collection was designed for the stylish woman who leads a busy day-to-night life and values health and fitness. The color scheme is just black and white for an all-around sleek workout look with sport bras featuring small zippers, cut-outs, or mesh details and leggings featuring color block patterns,  mesh paneling, or skinny white piping. If you’re a fan of the biker shorts look, as popularized by Khloe’s sister Kim Kardashian, you can snag a pair of your own from this collection. Other key pieces include a track jacket, windbreaker and most surprisingly, a wrap top.

At first glance, the collection is undoubtedly fashionable — but will it last? Is it functional and how will its technical performance hold up? All of these questions were top of mind for Grede and her team during the design process. “Each piece was really intentionally designed. For example, we always knew that we wanted the rise of the leggings to be extra high. This was something that was important to the both [co-founder Khloe Kardashian and I] because we know for even our own bodies, that’s way more flattering. We’ve experienced fabric rippling at the top and flipping forward in workouts and that was something we knew we had to get just right and something a lot of women experience,” explains Grede.

Model wears a bra, legging and jacket from the new Good American performance collection. (Photo: Good American)

In a marketplace that’s saturated with athletic brands, Good American is making sure its new performance line stands out from the rest.

Shop the entire collection now at goodamerican.com or at select Nordstrom and Six:02 retail locations.

Read More from Yahoo Lifestyle:

• How to get the Kardashian’s Calvin Klein campaign looks for under $100 • The best new fall fashion campaigns starring the Kardashians, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more • Meet the Mormon model siblings taking on the Hadids 

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.

[mildredbrignoni]

Hippie Chic

Moxie of a Latina storyteller 

Nobody matters more to a child's self esteem than her parents and their approval. As a Latina growing up with immigrants parents who's first language was Spanish, I was responsible for the accuracy of translating, interpreting, and understanding official financial and government documents sent to my parents.

It was not until I was 12 or 13 years old when one of my parents decided to go back to school. My heart breaks at this memory. Finally, my mother gets her high school diploma, and a college degree. My mother once told me she was encouraged by watching me study late nights, which then afforded me a degree from University California Berkeley. I remind myself from time to time that - anything worth fighting for will require focus, dedication and patience. Alas, I stand here today because of my parent's cultural identity and immigrant sacrifices.

If you thought I was going to suggest that hard work was responsible for my success, I would argue that hard work is clear to everybody with a dream. Nobody will ever be so lucky to have been handed a Pulitzer Prize. Not even nepotism can guarantee you nor your child will ever win a science award. Thus, hard work doesn't fit the formula. In other words, it goes to show that everybody has a dream, but few will be rewarded with realizing those dreams, unless you use every arsenal of your intellect, and as a matter of fact street smarts. 

Even those of us that chose to go through life with making occasional bad choices, learns that the pain of failing, then coming out the other side is completely worth the journey.

At 20 years old, I decided to follow my career in film so I moved to NYC. I grew up a beach kid, but the ability to navigate the mean streets of New York posed a challenge I couldn’t refuse.  I had no idea how difficult this would prove. When financial times got tough during cold winter months, my parents suggested to try doing something else to pay the bills, or keep figuring out how to make it happen because as they said ‘ you chose this path, and we aren’t going to help you.’ Tough love but right on point. See, they gave up their own dreams so I could fully enjoy mine. So I got my life together by teaching aerobics at health clubs in some of the fanciest gyms NYC had to offer. Apparently I was a good motivator because I was asked to appear on FX morning time fitness, a few movies playing myself as a fitness instructor and several city fitness outdoor expos, leading thousands to my routines. I even designed the costumes for a few. Seems pretty funny to me now that my side hustle brought not only additional income, but pride!

The success of this alternative profession also brought confusion. As people in the gym knew my passion was costume design, I finally got my break when a friend asked to replace him on the first Latino sketch comedy show on HBO because he was unavailable. I was forced to choose either fitness or film/television. Soon I would have several movies, commercials and fashion credits under my belt. Financially, I was doing pretty good but I hadn’t figured out how to invest my money well. I asked my parents for advice, but their responses couldn't be so different. My dad was mortified and embarrassed that I had that much in my bank account and he would only ever earn that in one year. My mother, on the other hand, sighed and froze in silence. She then slowly said 'I'm so proud of you, but I don't know how to help because your father took care of the money.'..suggesting I go to the bank and ask them for help. At that time I felt sorry for them, but also for myself for not having the support of parents to lean on. I thought most other young adults Americans had that luxury. I was 27 and had broken the glass ceiling in my parents eyes. I, on the other hand made terrible financial decisions alone. Spending my earnings on dinners, shoes and living off of it for the next year until it was all gone. And, with this money now spent, I was left to think creatively as to how I would get myself stable again. I thought hard about what I had that most other young professionals didn’t.  I asked myself - was I talented? Yes, but so is everybody else.  Was I different?  Yes, but so was everybody else.  What did I have that others didn’t?  No net.  Meaning I didn’t have a fall back plan.  I was now accepting that I had failed to see consequence again. That now, I was going to have to rely on all my marketing tools I used for my movie's costume marketing budget. Finally, I would pivot my design talents to marketing myself as I always had in positioning those luxury designers to celebrities on film. Now I would point to myself as the brand. 

I became a walking and talking marketing expert on fashion for film.  Taking it a step beyond what other stylist and designers had previously attempted, I designed promotional cards that looked like a mini magazines.  It was unique - like me.  I had been able to channel my work on alternative forms of fashion product placement, and made myself known as a fashion marketer and designer.  Even at the expense of being copied, I let the competition do it because to them - I had the good idea, and I was a cool/ relevant. This was flattering. My parents did not understand why I had to spend my money to sell myself and instead cried out that I should get a real job. The reality for me was that I was not about to give up because I was worth my own investment. It would eventually pay off in more ways than money.

Shame-I never told anyone about this until now publicly acknowledging it because I had thought about how being the representative of an immigrant cultural identity crisis is difficult and it may not be received as grateful.  I do not feel sorry for myself now. However, unless you are a first generation American, here in the states, you may have a hard time understanding how much the status of one's own, or generational immigration status puts on ones self worth. It encapsulates ones burden to the family, and adds an enormous pressure to not make any mistakes.

It wasn’t because I felt sorry for myself that I got myself out of the disaster I put myself in, nor was it because I lacked the skill to make it better. it was moxie that took me to new levels of my hustle by insisting I too was relevant.  

They say the banks were given a get out of jail free card in the housing collapse of 2008 because they were too big to allow to fail, and I say an entrepreneur is too little to fail.  The critical situation for most of us entrepreneurs is that we have a responsibility to stay relevant. It forces us to choose whether our creativity and ideas merits another's financial support, or stay as lean startups. We ask ourselves constantly - what is it going to take to break out of debt and into financial freedom? Are we the person we are meant to be? Should we keep going in hopes that someone will believe in our ideas? Of course, but only the strong survive. We just have to wait our turn. Everybody's number comes, but we just have to be ready for it to be called. 

My Reco - Do things that keep your ideas and creativity fresh. Read, watch movies, and share... (as I am ). Don't beat yourself up all the time ( that’s a hard one) by letting your circumstance control you and give up.  Find strength in group chats, or meditation.  Tap into resources that help your self esteem. I am religiously devoted to practicing yoga because I find it makes me a balanced happy hip hippie chic.

And, If you need a good cry, cry! Don't feel bad for being emotional. Allow yourself a limited time too. I do not listen to others if they tell me to stop crying. They may not know how they would handle it if they were in your position, or they don’t like confrontation of truth. This is your truth - expressed through the manifestation of your physical expression.  And sometimes truth is painful to tap into. 

Ask - If more money were the solution to an immigrant entrepreneur to survive business, then - why aren't more people and companies helping us to reach the level of success by becoming a patron of our e-commerce sites, buying our organic produce at farmers markets and hiring us on film sets? As much as people are pinching pennies as gas prices go up, the Chinese tariff sanctions are exploding, we entrepreneurs need to be rewarded, however we also have a duty to reward our immigrant communities with reciprocity.  Ask the very people that love us most- maybe not our parents, but friends, government programs and those in your culture.  Suggest that it is important to help us. We then have to love ourselves more by surrounding ourselves with believers and people that will tell us that your idea kinda sucks, and should fix it. Does my idea need help? 

While most of you may not agree, we are only as strong our supporters.  I learned early to not give up because eventually someone will give you a chance.  Even if my parents didn’t understand, they were probably just afraid of my failing because they couldn’t help me.  But - I had to fail then, and I fail now. I always got up because I always listened to my intuition and stayed focus.  I maybe a digital nomad, writer, costume designer, social strategist and other slashes I haven’t realized yet, but it didn’t detour my focus, it means I can hustle.  I can do these skills myself now and oversee my team, or not hire a team at all.  People have criticized me for having too many slashes in my title. I say, I am an excellent designer, marketer, writer, idea maker and strategist not right for everybody, but that makes me a great storyteller.  I just added more skills to my arsenal.  

Creating opportunity - Still working towards the goal, I am making new ones, because I have to brave if not for myself but for my culture. I step out again, and again with new ideas in technology and marketing, and still find myself hippie chic costume designer and wannabe filmmaker because I already lived through the hardest critics - my culture. 

A Latina is supposed to be brave, but it is a dichotomy We are taught to be safe and do what our husbands want us to do. When I go for another / (slash) in my title it's because I can do it better than someone else, because I pick and choose what my cultural wants to self identify with. I am not afraid to be too small to fail. I have couch surfed, travelled through scary boarders by bus while criminals in Central America were attempting to steal my American passport, and I am still standing.

The past - I listened to those words that my parents spoke years ago when I decided to take a challenge with foreseen consequences.  It was painful but worth it. I make no apologies to anyone including my culture. Because of my fierceness, I am a SoCal native/ New Yorker /Digital Nomad / Hippie Chic with an exceptional education, stand out delivery for creativity and my personal growth are all attributes of my Latina-ness.  

[ygunitedfamily]

This is your first photoshoot in a while. You guys seem really upbeat even though we started the shoot at a time when you might normally wake up.

Mino: We like photoshoots. We go into it with more excitement than compared to other schedules and it feels especially great when we come out well in the final product.

I thought it was impressive that, even though you’re all in a position of having your pictures being taken all the time, you still take pictures of one another.

Yoon: I think taking pictures have become natural somewhat because that’s just what our job entails. Our job, essentially, is to have our pictures taken. If anything, knowing this, we more actively pose for each other when it’s just us (taking the pictures). We want to get nice shots if we can, and I think by taking pictures and having our pictures taken, it’s like practice that doesn’t feel like practice.

It seems like Mino especially seems to be deep into photography. Which model do you use?

Mino: I use both digital and film cameras. I recently purchased the Leica X and the M7, but it’s still pretty difficult to figure out. I’m learning bit by bit and gradually acquiring a deeper interest for it.

The feature editor for Dazed really wanted me to ask whether Mino had some sort of sponsorship deal for his cameras.

Yoon: He 100% bought them with his own money (laughs).

Mino: That’s true. It cost a lot of money (laughs).

Which moment pre-debut was the most memorable?

Yoon: I think I have to say my school days were the most memorable. Of course, we (the members] have a lot of episodes we share post-debut, but I think about that time a lot.

Mino: When I went to school there was a restriction on hair length. I always had the same look up until middle school, but during break I grew my hair out decided to do a foil perm. When school started again I went to school like that. Of course, I got in trouble and I had to get my hair shaved. Even when I got my hair shaved though, I was able to desperately salvage the back part of my head.

Yoon: For me, I was more obsessed with earrings rather than hair. Since we couldn’t wear earrings in school I wore them during other times, but at one point just grew kind of tired and stopped wearing them. Once I came back from Superstar K with good results, my teachers told me, “You can just wear your earrings, I felt like I got some sort of approval from my teachers and I felt really proud.”

Jinwoo: I don’t have any particular memory of being scolded. But, I would follow the current trends of the time and shortened or lengthened my school uniform accordingly. Back then that was the most important (laughs).

When were you sure that you wanted to be a singer?

Mino: I’m still trying to get that assurance, but I did like rapping since my first year of middle school. I think the thought came to me naturally to post on Internet forms and rap.

Hoon: I was getting ready to go to college when I was 19 but with my grades the schools I could go to were limited. Deciding on a school and a major based on one’s grades seemed like compromising with reality. Rather than starting college I wanted to come up to Seoul and see what I could do.

You came back from Western Australia for “Youth Over Flowers” . Don’t you want to go on another trip?

All: We want to go again. We definitely want to go again. Where do you want to go?

Jinwoo: Switzerland?

Yoon: I think it’d be fun to go to Western Australia again. We didn’t get to do a winery tasting, and we could’ve seen the stars in the night sky but didn’t get a chance to because of the circumstances under which we went. I came back with some regrets over things we couldn’t do. I think it’d be nice to get to do some of those things.

Although it was a trip with just the four of you and no staff, it was still broadcasted as a program, and you all probably wondered how each of you would be reflected in the show. Did you worry about whether or not the show would be entertaining?

Mino: In the filming for ‘New Journey to the West‘ even veteran entertainers like Ho Dong and Soo Geun hyungs worried about this, because with variety shows, entertainment is key. However, the production team behind are skilled enough in their editing and direction to make something out of nothing. Since we had that faith in them we were able to have fun without any worries by thinking that we were really on this trip by ourselves. We sometimes even forgot that we were being filmed and made a few mistakes by talking like we would normally (laughs).

JinWoo, in another variety show,”Wizard of Nowhere” , you’re the youngest and yet in you’re the eldest.

Jinwoo: I’m not the kind of person who defines myself based on whether my role is the youngest or the eldest. Nor do I necessarily think that, as the eldest, I need to be the one leading the members or establishing the rules. I behave the same way regardless of whether I’m the youngest or the oldest.

Hoon: Is that so? Then bring me some water.

All: (laughs)

MinHo, the show you’re in “Kang’s Kitchen”, is getting great feedback from its viewers.

Mino: I’m so grateful. But when we were filming, it wasn’t a comedic variety show but rather a real variety program. We had to submit a business license and operate a restaurant that actually sold food and received money from its customers, so all of us found ourselves incapable of joking around. We all went into it seriously because it was our first time doing anything like this. I think this was the most physically demanding filming I’ve done so far.

SeungHoon, your Instagram has the most daily look shots out of all the other members and you tend to tag fashion brands as well. Today you wore Dior Homme.

Hoon: When I was younger, Dior Homme was the brand that hyungs who dressed well and liked fashion wore, so I think I had some sort of longing for it. I really wanted to wear it but it’s pricey, and it was something that only cool hyungs wore. I still think that Dior Homme is a brand that continues to design very sexy menswear. But now that I get to wear it as a part of my job, it feels a bit strange.

SeungYoon’s show is also drawing a lot of attention. Many may think this is your first time but you’ve shown your acting skills through the sitcom and starred in a web drama. But, your attitude towards your project is probably be different now than it was before. How is it different?

Yoon: I went into thinking that I had to be entertaining, that I wouldn’t inconvenience the other actors, and that I would use this as a learning experience, so the weight of responsibility then and now are different. When I did the sitcom, although it was my first time acting, I heard praises that my acting was “natural,” and that I did “quite well” but I can’t receive those kinds of compliments this time. My role this time is a villain. Rather than “Oh, he’s pretty good for an idol”, I want people to see the character I’m acting as and say, “Wow, he’s a really bad guy.”

Did you ever want to play a villain?

Yoon: I had the lead role in the web drama. It’s a position that requires a lot of responsibility. I had a few projects on my lap after that but I couldn’t even think about them. However, with this project, I did feel greedy. I felt that this was a character that could really help display my capabilities.

Looking back at 2017, what was the most memorable moment?

Jinwoo: One moment? SY: Just one? MN: If I had to pick just one, it would be after April 4th, 4 PM.

Yoon: When ‘Really Really’ hit #1 in the charts. That was the best moment of 2017.

But it wasn’t the first time your song hit #1, so why is this your best moment?

Yoon: It’s because we weren’t anticipating. It was our first comeback as just four members, and we had had that period of absence. We went into this comeback just wanting to give good music to our fans and to have fun doing our work but we had hit #1. We really didn’t expect it.

How do you plan on spending 2018?

Mino: We don’t have any plans as of now, but I think it would be nice if we can meet fans in Korea and abroad through our tour.

Hoon: I personally think it would be great if all of us really worked out so we can take pictures with our clothes off.

Yoon: I definitely agree on that. I really want to try and make a great body. But MinHo, I’m sure you don’t feel the same way (laughs)?

Mino: I have a song called ‘Body.’ I am satisfied with my body (laughs).

Original Interview: Dazed Korea Magazine | Translation: @softboimino

[INTERVIEW/PHOTOS] #WINNER for Dazed Magazine Korea (January 2018 Issue) This is your first photoshoot in a while. You guys seem really upbeat even though we started the shoot at a time when you might normally wake up.

[dippedanddripped]

There’s been a lot of hype building ahead of the launch of Stranger Things 3, the third installment of what was in 2016 something of a surprise hit for Netflix. Before the first season landed on the streaming platform, nobody could have predicted the love the show would elicit, turning it into a major brand in itself and hastening Netflix’s transformation into the veritable powerhouse it is today.

Almost immediately after Stranger Thingsappeared, marketplaces such as Etsy started listing product homages to the show and its characters, whose faces adorned tees, hoodies, tote bags, jewelry, and everything in between. Three years on, what began as fan-made fare has morphed into huge collaborations with some of the biggest players in the game. Nike has just unveiled a sneaker and apparel collection dedicated to the show. Coca-Cola is bringing back a failed ’80s beverage in honor of it. Levi’s has revealed an affiliated capsule. And Highsnobiety is readying the launch its own official Stranger Things 3 collection.

When the new season lands on Netflix tomorrow, July 4, the Highsnobiety x Stranger Things 3 collection will land with it. Our store will be selling eight new limited-edition garms that focus on key locations from the third season, such as Scoops Ahoy, the ice cream parlor where Steve now works, Starcourt Mall, where much of season three takes place, and other vital spots in Hawkins, Indiana.

The garments in our collaboration all feature a distinctly streetwear aesthetic, with graphics designed by Highsnobiety’s in-house team adorning the front, reverse, and sleeves on tees, hoodies, crewnecks, and long-sleeves. The pieces are contemporary but also serve as an emblem of nostalgia, as one cannot think of Stranger Things without acknowledging the myriad of ’80s references peppered throughout the show.

Last year, Vogue told us “Nostalgia Is Officially the Biggest Trend of 2018,” and in streetwear, that has been a fact for a while — and it doesn’t show any sign of slowing down.

In terms of TV-based hat-tips (or any other kind of garm-tip, for that matter), the last few years have seen Supreme pay homage to Pink Panther, a franchise that’s been going since the ’60s. Off-White™ was one of many brands to champion The Simpsons. fragment design incorporated Pokémon. Nike created Friends and Entourage kicks. adidas developed silhouettes in collaboration with HBO for Game of Thrones. Streetwear brand Dumbgood boasts an entire business model dedicated to repping TV shows, movies, and books — the more nostalgic, niche, and pop-culturally relevant, the better.

It’s crucial to note that these aren’t brands that will slap any old graphic on a T-shirt and call it a day. They are serious labels with meticulously curated collections. Brands’ decisions to incorporate nods to a particular show in their seasonal selections aren’t made in haste, and that says a lot about how the appreciation for quality TV has grown in recent years.

The increase in coveted merch is, in part, a tangible side-effect of TV’s growth as an auteurist medium, one the brands mentioned above have sought to align themselves with, shifting fandom from the watercooler to the streets. But it hasn’t always been this way.

To fully appreciate the shift, you only have to cast your mind back to the era many of us channel in our daily aesthetic, the ’90s, and to a little show called Friends. To say Friends was successful is, of course, a ridiculous understatement; it changed TV comedy forever. When it premiered in 1994, it flipped the sitcom format upside down. It didn’t revolve around a family or a workplace. It wasn’t wholesome. It gave the audience something that felt real, something they could relate to.

But when Nike made a Friends sneaker in the mid ’90s, it didn’t even make it onto shelves. The silhouette was a sample for cast and crew only. Nobody really knew the shoe existed until Sean Wotherspoon featured it on his Instagram account early last year. The same goes for the super-rare shoes Nike created in celebration of Seinfeld and Home Improvement. These sneakers were simple, branded kicks that paid homage to the biggest TV comedies of the era, yet they never made it into circulation.

However, as Nike’s Friends version of Kyrie Irving’s signature Kyrie 5 basketball sneaker showed when it dropped in May this year, people are now ready to listen. The Kyrie 5 “Friends” debuted 15 years after the show’s finale and landed straight on our round-up of standout TV and movie-inspired kicks. When Wotherspoon put his ’90s Friends sample on Instagram, the post clocked almost 35,000 likes. Clearly the sneaker industry and its customer base have changed a lot between the two releases.

This thought is reinforced by Jeff Peters, HBO’s VP of licensing and retail, who was directly involved in the Game of Thrones x adidas collaboration released ahead of the fantasy show’s final season. “There was a time when television shows couldn’t really get a whole lot of attention in that type of business. As an art form, as a medium, [it] has certainly grown in both prestige and in audience. That really has shifted,” he says.

Peters also highlights how pop culture has embraced genre shows such as Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, and other fantasy, sci-fi, or horror series. “The public out there is really interested in those type of stories,” he says. “Game of Thrones has proven that a fantasy story can be a massive blockbuster, and that is a shift and a change.”

As a consequence, merch in general, including music merch, is changing, becoming more than an item of clothing and instead representing a lifestyle. Warner Music Group senior director Felix Carrasco told Fashionista in December last year that “[merch] has been taken to a new level for the next generation at the moment. Everything is much more on point.”

In a world where media assets, whether albums, TV shows, or movies, are all available digitally, with streaming services eradicating the need to buy a physical product, customers are looking for new ways to connect themselves to culture in a meaningful and authentic way. They’re seeking a way to reflect their interests when the shelves in our homes are becoming increasingly unrepresentative of our cultural tastes.

Naturally, this not only changes the approach to how merch is made but also how it’s marketed. In the Fashionista article linked above, Mat Vlasic, CEO of Universal Music Group’s Bravado merch division, added, “We’re working with our artists to think differently about merchandise. It has evolved from keepsake beginnings to powerful extensions of their personality and brand.”

When asked how the increasing alignment between pop culture and the fashion industry is affecting TV marketing, Peters adds, “I think it really depends on the show and the content of [it. Collaborations] work best when there is something worth celebrating. You have to think about it that way and not just do one for every single show, as it would eventually dilute itself.”

And not only are the contents of a show “something worth celebrating,” but also those involved in making it. Stranger Things is a perfect example, with its gang of teen stars carrying enormous clout.

For example, in 2017, Millie Bobby Brown, who stars as Eleven, signed with IMG Models, fronted a Calvin Klein campaign, and sat beside A$AP Rocky at Raf Simons’ Calvin Klein FW17 show in New York. She also, alongside co-stars Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas) and Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), met with Louis Vuitton womenswear creative director Nicolas Ghesquière at the brand’s Paris HQ in 2016.

Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike, is also making waves. He is currently fronting Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent FW19 campaign, channeling major ’70s Bob Dylan vibes. He has also designed his own capsule collection for Pull&Bear, complete with tie-dye tops, tube socks, and dark wash denim. A quick scroll through his Instagram feed reveals a bunch of fire fits, too.

Ditto McLaughlin, who regularly posts shots of his personal style, whether that involves being decked out in new Nike silhouettes, Louis Vuitton boots, MSFTSrep hoodies, or his own merch line Be Your Biggest Fan.

These three factors — TV’s increased validity as an art form, the lifestyle-ification of merch, and the clout of affiliated stars — have merged with streetwear’s new position as an influencer of high fashion, uniting to give us merchandise with a new kind of appeal. And that’s something Highsnobiety is excited to be part of.

[thefemalecampaign-blog]

Meet a Sweet Savage

Meet A Sweet Savage

We were able to interview a new entrepreneur in the clothing industry by the name of Ashley Tioni. She is currently the Owner of Rose and Raja, which is a brand targeted primarily to women. We wanted to get to know her a bit more and wanted you guys to as well.

 “I am 19 years old born and raised in Metro Detroit. I have always had a creative mindset, expressing myself through songwriting, poetry, digital content creation and drawing. I grew up an introvert and stayed to myself most of the time either reading or writing. It wasn't until I observed that the extroverts at my school and church were the ones making a name for themselves, getting the biggest roles in plays or simply getting the most attention. So at around 13, I made up in my mind to push myself outside of my comfort zone and start sharing my work, sharing my talents so I can have the recognition that I felt I deserved. Though I have failed during some of my efforts to gain attention and build a reputation for myself, I definitely learned a lot which has shaped me into the young woman that I am today.”

 Everyone has some type of story of when they started their business venture and why. Some stories may be similar, but for Ashley it started based off of a strong passion for owning something of her own:

 “My business is Rose and Raja; a clothing brand that currently features tees and crop tops for the summer. Our aim for anyone who follows us or reps our clothes is to Live Young, Wild & Free. Meaning that we want our customers to aspire to live in a way where they have the confidence to be daring and bold enough to follow their dreams, work hard towards their goals and have financial freedom to do what they want whenever they want. 

 I started Rose and Raja May 2017 after coming home from college for the summer. Rose and Raja was a passion project initiated out of boredom. All my friends were working their summer jobs, doing research programs, internships and studying abroad and I was at home doing NOTHING. I've always been interested in fashion and I always had a passion to own my own business. With so much free time on my hands I figured this would be a great time to start.”

 A lot of businesswoman we’ve interviewed told us that their family and friends were the ones who influenced them to own their own business. Now for Ashley, her influence remains the same as everyone else, but instead she wants to prove her influence completely wrong:

 “My influence to start this company was my mother. Before moving in with my dad at 15 I left my mothers abusive household. I had extreme punishments from running up and down stairs 100s of times, standing in the garage for hours at a time in the dark, getting hit with a whip, wooden club and belt buckles, getting my hair cut and many other punishments that I took in for years. Also dealing with the threats to put me in a girls home or telling me how ditsy or stupid I was. 

 All moments in my mom’s house weren't negative, but it sure did entice me to prove her wrong. We rarely spoke about dreams, and I knew I wanted to do something, anything that would make her proud. We don't talk much now, but one day I plan for her to see me running my company, doing great things that she never thought I could do. She won't have to say it, but I know she'll be proud of her "ditsy" daughter.”

 Passions are one of many ­pieces that drives a business to continue to grow and be successful. Like any visionary, Ashley wants to create content that she hopes inspires others to do the same.

 “My passion is to create and inspire others to do the same. I have always found pleasure in making something and sharing it with others. In high school I would make a poem everyday and share it with all my friends on Kik. It meant the world to me when I had people tell me "I needed this" or "This really made my day". Knowing that the things I create can cause positive feelings towards someone else is a beautiful feeling and only makes me want to make more and more.”

 Behind every name is an even broader message. This also translates into the type of clothing you sell, etc.

“Roses symbolize love and respect. Raja means radiance. I like to think of them together as a healthy balance of sweet and strong. I love using the term Sweet Savage because I feel that it fits with what Rose and Raja stands for. You can be kind and considerate while also being driven and ambitious. I feel that this is something I have been trying to maintain and I feel that there are others who want to do the same.”

 ­­­­With any brand that is targeted primarily for women, the men want to rep the brand a little bit too. So when we asked Ashley about making the brand unisex, this is what she told us:

“Rose and Raja is targeted mainly for women, but we have a lil’ something for the men who want to rep the Rose and Raja brand.”

 As a part of being an entrepreneur, one should strive to leave a mark on the work or make some type of change. That should always be the main goal, so we asked Ashley what she hopes to do to impact the world:

 “I plan to leave my mark by simply being myself and being as genuine as I can. I feel like there are a lot of people pleasers in the world who are trying to cater to trends, their friends and families or what society says is "cool". I love me and to leave any mark you must be original and unique. I know I was created for a purpose, but that purpose cannot be fulfilled if I am trying to be like someone else. I am working hard to do what I believe God has sent me here to do, and if I accomplish what I can, I am positive that my mark will be left and remembered.”

 We females do run this world, no matter what anybody says. As time goes on, so many females are rising up and becoming entrepreneurs just like Ashley has. We are dominating in everything that we do.

“Being a female entrepreneur is fun! People are impressed because so many men are dominating the workplace and to see women step up, makes other women feel empowered. I love meeting other girl bosses because we come up with great ideas and we have style that men cannot compete with! It just makes me feel good to simply talk with other young women about their brands, helping each other out and just growing bigger and better. To be apart of that is amazing and I am so glad that I have decided to become a female entrepreneur.”

 Rose and Raja is a brand that sells graphic tees and crops, many of their products have sayings on them. We wanted to figure out the inspiration and story behind why she chose a lot of what she’s selling:

 “I used to get in trouble for being terribly honest. One time at church this older guy complimented my hair and said he wished he had long hair like mine. I told him he could get long hair...if he used Bosley. My mom snatched me so quick and told me I hurt his feelings, but I thought I was offering a solution to his problem. He looked so sad once I told him that, so I decided from that point on to sugarcoat the truth so I wouldn't hurt people's feelings. 

 I say all that because I noticed that as I got older I wouldn't be direct or honest with people, and that bothered me. I got so used to holding in what I really felt that I felt uncomfortable being bold and direct. So when I made the Issa Animal Introductory Collection for Rose and Raja I took that as an opportunity to be bold, to say what people may be thinking but would never say out loud. My first design was "Beware of Kitty" and once I finished that one, the rest just poured out.”

 The future should be something any entrepreneur should constantly think about because growth is key. You don’t ever want to be the same person or brand you were a year ago. Grow, get out and do more research, but most importantly plan wisely. In ten years, Rose and Raja plans to:

“...travel the world, with signature pieces and an identity that is unmatched by other streetwear designers. I see storefronts, loyal customers, features in magazines, a strong team fueling the Rose and Raja image. I see real tigers wearing real roses, working with influencers I've idolized for years, having memorable events and so much more. Overall I see major growth, and we grow more and more each day, so in 10 years I can only imagine where we'll be.

 As of now I'm planning to get as many eyeballs as I can on the Rose and Raja brand. This time next year I plan to have a few fashion shows under my belt as well as introduce our newest collection. There is so much work that needs to be done, but we can take the heat. I am so excited for what the future has to offer and to continue growing Rose and Raja.”

 From one brand to another, we wish you nothing but the best. You are new and fresh in the clothing industry and we hope that you are/continue to soak up as much knowledge as you can. Timing is EVERYTHING. Never rush greatness. There will be doubters, but don’t let that detour you from what you want and dream to do. Again good luck and have fun.

 Follow her and RAR on social media:

 www.roseandraja.com

IG and FB:

@roseandraja

 Her personal social media:

IG- @ashleytioni

[advancedh2osolutionsinc]

‘Work Hard and Never Give Up’

New Post has been published on https://www.advancedwaterinc.com/work-hard-and-never-give-up/

‘Work Hard and Never Give Up’

By Donna Kreutz

Jay Hellenbrand grew up in a family-owned water treatment business in Wisconsin founded by his parents. After graduating from high school, he knew he wanted to start his own

Jay Hellenbrand, Owner Advanced Water Solutions

company. “I really wanted to go for a master’s appliance license so I could go out on my own,” he said.

But those plans were delayed. Hellenbrand and his twin sister were the youngest of seven children and his parents encouraged them to go to college. “It turned out to be a great move,” he said. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1994 with a degree in marketing.

I knew I wanted to work in the water treatment industry or start my own water treatment company,” which he thought would be in the Midwest. “Then I got an offer to work in California at a wholesale water treatment company. I never thought I would end up in California but after a visit to Santa Barbara and checking out the job, I decided to accept it and move to Santa Barbara. Shortly after, I decided to start Advanced Water Solutions on the side. I worked full-time during the day at the wholesale company while working nights and weekends to get Advanced Water Solutions going. I absolutely love the water business and being in business for myself.

“I attribute my success to my Mom and Dad (Jim and Florence Hellenbrand) for teaching me how to work hard and never give up. Another motivating factor was how expensive it was to live in Santa Barbara. I figured the only way I could really get ahead and control my destiny was to start my own business. I was discouraged by my older brother, who thought California was not a great place to start or run a business. He even had my parents call to question me. I remember telling my Mom and Dad that if others could do it, I could too. I told them they had taught me well and I thought I could make it in California, because it seemed that the old-fashioned Midwest service that I was used to was not the case in California. I told them: ‘You know I will give 150 percent because that is how you raised me.’ I guess things have worked out because we just passed our 21st year in business and are still going strong.”

Hellenbrand said his company serves both residential and commercial customers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, along with some areas of Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo counties. “We take the time to educate the customers. We are in a water-scarce state and we have water shortages in our area because of the severe drought we’ve experienced for the past several years. We are always addressing drought issues, even when we get lots of rain. Water is scarce. It is a big issue.

“We know this will always be a problem in our service area, so we strive to put in the best, most efficient systems that minimize water being wasted to treat our customers’ water conditions. We continue to test no-salt alternatives and try to be optimistic that something will be developed that actually works fairly well that doesn’t use salt or potassium to reduce or remove calcium and magnesium hardness minerals from the water.”

He said hard water, chlorine and chloramines are the biggest problems they encounter with city water. “The average water hardness in our area is 18 to 25 grains per gallon. Some areas on municipal water have 45 to 55 grains per gallon. We not only sell and rent water softeners but also do whole-house filtration systems to reduce the chlorine and chloramines for most customers.

“On well water, we run into all kinds of problems, such as iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, arsenic, high TDS and brackish water. We typically custom-design a treatment system for these applications, which includes pH correction, oxidation, filtration, softening, whole-house RO, as well as bacteria and virus protection. “Some of the biggest challenges we face are the cities that have banned salt-based softeners. That limits us on what we can offer these customers. We have not found a great alternative to salt-based softeners to remove hardness from the water. Reverse osmosis works the best but it is not that practical to put in a whole-house RO system to reduce the hardness because of the large cost—and the bigger problem is the amount of water wasted with these RO systems.

“I anticipate that more regulations on salt discharge and water efficiencies will be put in place on water treatment products. We have to continue to find new products that not only effectively work to treat customers’ water problems but reduce the amount of water it takes to operate these systems. We need to sell and rent systems that are a lot more efficient, looking at how much water and salt they use, for a much smaller footprint on the environment,” he said.

Hellenbrand is a Certified Water Specialist, Certified Installer and has specialty certifications in RO, deionization, filtration and ultrafiltration. When he started Advanced Water Solutions in 1997, he tried hiring people from within the industry. “Early on, my thought process was that it would be easier to get people trained by another dealer. But it seems they come with bad habits, things that are difficult to change. So I found it was a lot easier to hire from scratch and train them completely on how we need to have things done.

“We prefer to train our employees and teach them our way about installing and servicing our products and how we want our customers taken care of. We offer in-house, manufacturer and WQA training, and some of our employees are WQA-certified. We really strive to make our customers completely satisfied. Our turnover is pretty low; my two top installation/service guys have been with me 18 and 19 years. We are very proud of our employees and everyone works as a team to provide the best customer service. That’s something my Mom and Dad instilled in me. We must be doing something right because our customers continue to tell us and show us with great Google and Yelp reviews.

“One of the rewarding things about owning my own business is that I get to create a future for not only myself but my employees. It is rewarding meeting new customers and seeing customers from 21 years ago who still appreciate our products and great service and continue to refer us to their friends, family and neighbors. It is so rewarding to see customers and hear them say good things about our company and the employees.

His twin Jodi also followed family tradition and works in the water treatment industry. “She works for two of my brothers in Dad’s business.” Will there be a third generation?

“I have two daughters, ages 16 and 13. The oldest helps a bit but is not showing too much interest. It would be cool if they did come around after college and after they are out in the real world for a while and then come back.

“In the last year, we expanded into the coffee business. We are now providing coffee, tea and espresso along with coffee brewers and equipment to coffee shops, restaurants and large business. We have been providing water treatment products to these customers for years, so it was a natural transition to provide them coffee and equipment as well. It is exciting to expand into this market. Over the next 10 years we plan to continue growing both the water treatment and coffee business, while maintaining our great customer service along the way.”

[kyaranflowers]

jewelry blog

Majon baseball jewelry and International is among the worlds Hottest internet marketing and web advertising corporations on the web. A necklace made with a photograph of one among your kids is one-of-a-kind. This will give you time to return the watch and obtain a new one to offer as a present. You may be giving the reward of happiness. As you'll be able to see, carry chairs are great gift ideas for the elderly in your loved ones and for individuals who could also be having hassle with using their legs. As soon as youve made your first gift basket you could be hooked to this artistic way to present gifts and will make many extra! This may ensure your purchase was accurately graded. Put up CommentNo HTML is allowed in comments, however URLs can be hyperlinked. Ever questioned sorts of jewellery a sports activities athlete is allowed to put on in the sector? Put merely, pitchers can't put on rings as they'll scuff the ball with zero large mirrored necklaces which might distract the batter from ball (not that anybody is questioning about wearing it, but you obtain the thought).

Do you've experience with some of the stuff you would possibly sell? However the nice diamond imitator has given one thing to many people who otherwise would never have had it, a glimpse of the sparkle and wonder of essentially the most valued of gems, the diamond. Yes, I already mentioned it, however NO Funding ON Inventory. There are a number of other ways to make your personal customized picture jewelry. Unique jewellery can actually showcase your photographs. The equipment concentrate on durable, masculine materials combining gold, silver, diamonds, steel and different substances that can keep up with a man's each day life. These are certain to be a grand slam or a touchdown with all of those who take discover of those dapper and svelte equipment. You can't always take your pet with you wherever you go, but you could possibly take a photo of your pet with you. And, it’s actually arduous to bid adieu to your darling pet. This may lower the seller’s defenses and make bargaining easier. Ensure you deal with respected wholesalers when buying film DVDs. The photos may be of particular occasions such as a graduation or a marriage ceremony.

Check out these fun wedding concepts for sports fanatics. Sports activities necklaces and bracelets were initially designed for athletes to wear during their practices and competitions. Hasidic men normally wear the "uniform" of their specific denomination (usually a special kind of black suit and hat). Footwear needs to be clear and professional; for informal days, flats for girls and loafers for men are acceptable. DVD Motion pictures: Older blockbusters, youngsters's motion pictures and basic motion pictures are usually good sellers. Posters and Prints: Giant photographs that stir folks's emotions are at all times good sellers. Titanium necklaces are claimed to have constructive health benefits, particularly reduced muscle aches and ache. The materials used are claimed to boost cellular function and thus promote overall bodily exercise. Sports activities necklaces are made of material that's able to spice up the body's power and increase cellular effectivity and bodily efficiency. Additionally they need to know if these Phiten sports necklaces stay as much as the hype that they're listening to. In the event you love sports almost as a lot as life, then it is only natural to need to have fun your favourite workforce whilst you pledge to spend your lives collectively. Even now she had skilled the emotional ups and downs undulator since she bought divorced with baseball jewelry.

Since the mid 80's, Nebraska's wine business has taken flight and now wineries are springing up in all areas of the state. As a bonus for wine lovers, grapes are among the crops thriving here, significantly in the japanese portion of the state. Plus, these cufflinks are product of high notch metals. That can be achieved by adding sports activities cufflinks for accessories for baseball fans a go-to look that can be dressed up or dressed down. These waterfalls look merely magical and I might love to see the Banyan bushes. I can see why you are a giant Squid! That is why some family members even go so far as confiscating their keys. Little do they notice that this is not even remotely true. When David opened a decorative glass retail retailer in 1979, right subsequent door was yet another jewelry store the place he spent more than slightly time. Don't forget to order somewhat early to leave enough time for transport and simply in case they ship you the unsuitable watch. They are all on ‘should be bases. Since fingers are primarily used for catching and blocking, rings are usually not worn as they might affect the catching or throwing of a ball.

Titanium necklaces are claimed to have positive health benefits, especially reduced muscle aches and pain. The new sports necklaces that are creating such a buzz of excitement have been available for several years. This is one reason that there are a lot of elderly people who continue to drive although they have been told not to. The metallic counterpart is the most preferred one among the pet owners. A necklace made with a photo of one of your children is one-of-a-kind. You can make larger charms also for a necklace or a keychain. What a better way to make her feel special than with the gift of diamonds. Not too along together using baseball jewelry, that shelving upward repeated flyer a long way on as well as, necks, hands, legs and, and lobes. Looking at photos of happy times is a good way to make someone happy. This will lower the seller’s defenses and make bargaining easier. Living on the Mainland I sure miss Hilo - now I have somewhere to stop by whenever I become homesick!

The reason the festival was first started by the Hilo Chamber of Commerce, was to "preserve the Hawaiian culture and to perpetuate and promote the art of the Hawaiian hula through education". If a lease must be signed, get a lawyer on your team first - tell your lawyer you want some kind of an "out" clause - before you sign! Get together in the near future? They are a not-so-old online fashion store with a relatively small line of products, but you get to witness real craftsmanship in their handmade items. Buying fashion jewelry gives you the ability to have a selection of different items. For every other time, you can buy a variety of fashion jewelry. Dresses - All sundresses are generally not allowed, especially if they are sleeveless or of the see-through variety. Many people are curious about what these products really are. Some people think they're being smart with minimal inventory purchases/displays, I think they're cutting their own throat! But the great diamond imitator has given something to many people that otherwise would never have had it, a glimpse of the sparkle and beauty of the most valued of gems, the diamond.

Have the seller plug in electric items to be sure they work. Using keywords in carefully chosen places allows you to have more freedom with your copy itself. For something a bit more edgy, try the fresh and hoppy India Pale Ale, or my favorite, the thick and creamy Blackstone Stout, named after a landmark Omaha hotel of yore. Read on for more details. The Preppy Look is back. Additionally , there are recognized sports activities hooks and that may produce their own properties up about, amongst other things, less difficult, back packs, jerseys, as well as overnight bags. This jewelry is being promoted as an effective and safe form of alternative medicine that can ease minor pains and aches as well as helps increase one's strength and stamina. An old classic piece of jewelry has made a comeback in recent years. They are just struggling to give up their independence doing something that they have been able to do on their own for so many years.

How much does Judy have to sell to break even? Any interest one might have can literally be worn on your sleeve (or lapel). Taking in a game and getting engaged, all in one afternoon? A men's diamond bracelet can add a touch of masculine style to any look. Accessorize with jewelry made out of real toys, like bike chains and spokes for a real tough look! The majority of baseball jewelry is made of sterling silver and it is comparatively cheap. Many rabid baseball fans stock up on the most common trading cards, signed items, banners and ads, paint-foot lite flit, and even bobble head dolls. If a search returns few or no results, you may need to check the yellow pages for local produce wholesalers. When shopping at the local department store, you might notice the employee with the “diamond” star lapel pin, indicating their outstanding level of service to the business.

You can shop around at other discount stores because many of them offer the same style of watches. Gold charms are made in popular styles, but unusual designs are very difficult if not impossible to find. Bay is definitely the giant in the industry and many experts are willing to share tips. Or perhaps you are a soccer lover who wants some cool cufflinks that are actually functional soccer fields. I would say anyone who has any valuables that they want to protect. No inventory on your garage. That takes the fun out of it. From the outset, his primary fascination has been with wristwatches, particularly those with complications--chronographs, lunar subdials, and the like. Reading these lens is like a trip to Hawaii. Hasidic men usually wear the "uniform" of their particular denomination (often a special type of black suit and hat). Judy likes this information very much. First and foremost no animals or characters on clothes no matter what the shirt says. Be ready to hit the first sale around 7 or 8 AM baseball jewelry.

[youinmyhoodnowson]

chains and necklace men use

Majon baseball jewelry and International is among the worlds Hottest internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the internet. A necklace made with a photo of one in all your youngsters is one-of-a-variety. This gives you time to return the watch and obtain a new one to offer as a present. You'll be giving the present of happiness. As you possibly can see, carry chairs are great reward ideas for the elderly in your family and for individuals who could also be having bother with using their legs. As soon as youve made your first reward basket you could be hooked to this artistic approach to present gifts and can make many more! This can ensure your purchase was accurately graded. Post CommentNo HTML is allowed in comments, however URLs will probably be hyperlinked. Ever puzzled kinds of jewelry a sports athlete is allowed to put on in the field? Put merely, pitchers cannot wear rings as they'll scuff the ball with zero big mirrored necklaces which might distract the batter from ball (not that anybody is questioning about carrying it, but you obtain the thought).

Do you've got experience with a few of the belongings you might promote? However the nice diamond imitator has given something to many people that in any other case would never have had it, a glimpse of the sparkle and beauty of essentially the most valued of gems, the diamond. Yes, I already mentioned it, however NO Investment ON Stock. There are a number of different ways to make your individual custom photograph jewelry. Distinctive jewelry can actually showcase your photos. The accessories concentrate on durable, masculine materials combining gold, silver, diamonds, steel and other substances that may sustain with a man's each day life. These are certain to be a grand slam or a touchdown with all of those that take notice of those dapper and svelte equipment. You can't always take your pet with you wherever you go, however you might take a photograph of your pet with you. And, it’s really exhausting to bid adieu to your darling pet. This can decrease the seller’s defenses and make bargaining easier. Be sure you deal with respected wholesalers when buying movie DVDs. The photographs may be of particular events corresponding to a graduation or a wedding ceremony.

Take a look at these fun wedding ideas for sports fanatics. Sports activities necklaces and bracelets have been initially designed for athletes to wear throughout their practices and competitions. Hasidic males usually wear the "uniform" of their explicit denomination (usually a particular sort of black go well with and hat). Footwear ought to be clean and professional; for casual days, flats for ladies and loafers for men are acceptable. DVD Movies: Older blockbusters, children's movies and basic films are usually good sellers. Posters and Prints: Large pictures that stir people's emotions are always good sellers. Titanium necklaces are claimed to have positive health advantages, especially reduced muscle aches and ache. The materials used are claimed to boost cellular function and thus promote overall physical exercise. Sports activities necklaces are made of material that's able to spice up the body's energy and increase cellular efficiency and physical performance. Additionally they need to know if these Phiten sports necklaces reside up to the hype that they're listening to. In case you love sports activities almost as much as life, then it's only natural to wish to celebrate your favorite team at the same time as you pledge to spend your lives together. Even now she had skilled the emotional ups and downs undulator since she acquired divorced with baseball jewelry.

For the reason that mid eighty's, Nebraska's wine business has taken flight and now wineries are springing up in all areas of the state. As a bonus for wine lovers, grapes are among the many crops thriving right here, notably in the jap portion of the state. Plus, these cufflinks are product of high notch metals. That can be achieved by adding sports cufflinks for a go-to look that may be dressed up or dressed down. These waterfalls look simply magical and I'd love to see the Banyan trees. I can see why you're an enormous Squid! For this reason some members of the family even go as far as confiscating their keys. Little do they understand that this is not even remotely true. When David opened a decorative glass retail retailer in 1979, right next door was yet one more jewelry store where he spent greater than somewhat time. Don't forget to order just a little early to go away enough time for delivery and simply in case they send you the improper watch. They're all on ‘should fashion chains for baseball fans be bases. Since hands are primarily used for catching and blocking, rings are generally not worn as they might affect the catching or throwing of a ball.

Titanium necklaces are claimed to have positive health benefits, especially reduced muscle aches and pain. The new sports necklaces that are creating such a buzz of excitement have been available for several years. This is one reason that there are a lot of elderly people who continue to drive although they have been told not to. The metallic counterpart is the most preferred one among the pet owners. A necklace made with a photo of one of your children is one-of-a-kind. You can make larger charms also for a necklace or a keychain. What a better way to make her feel special than with the gift of diamonds. Not too along together using baseball jewelry, that shelving upward repeated flyer a long way on as well as, necks, hands, legs and, and lobes. Looking at photos of happy times is a good way to make someone happy. This will lower the seller’s defenses and make bargaining easier. Living on the Mainland I sure miss Hilo - now I have somewhere to stop by whenever I become homesick!

The reason the festival was first started by the Hilo Chamber of Commerce, was to "preserve the Hawaiian culture and to perpetuate and promote the art of the Hawaiian hula through education". If a lease must be signed, get a lawyer on your team first - tell your lawyer you want some kind of an "out" clause - before you sign! Get together in the near future? They are a not-so-old online fashion store with a relatively small line of products, but you get to witness real craftsmanship in their handmade items. Buying fashion jewelry gives you the ability to have a selection of different items. For every other time, you can buy a variety of fashion jewelry. Dresses - All sundresses are generally not allowed, especially if they are sleeveless or of the see-through variety. Many people are curious about what these products really are. Some people think they're being smart with minimal inventory purchases/displays, I think they're cutting their own throat! But the great diamond imitator has given something to many people that otherwise would never have had it, a glimpse of the sparkle and beauty of the most valued of gems, the diamond.

Have the seller plug in electric items to be sure they work. Using keywords in carefully chosen places allows you to have more freedom with your copy itself. For something a bit more edgy, try the fresh and hoppy India Pale Ale, or my favorite, the thick and creamy Blackstone Stout, named after a landmark Omaha hotel of yore. Read on for more details. The Preppy Look is back. Additionally , there are recognized sports activities hooks and that may produce their own properties up about, amongst other things, less difficult, back packs, jerseys, as well as overnight bags. This jewelry is being promoted as an effective and safe form of alternative medicine that can ease minor pains and aches as well as helps increase one's strength and stamina. An old classic piece of jewelry has made a comeback in recent years. They are just struggling to give up their independence doing something that they have been able to do on their own for so many years.

How much does Judy have to sell to break even? Any interest one might have can literally be worn on your sleeve (or lapel). Taking in a game and getting engaged, all in one afternoon? A men's diamond bracelet can add a touch of masculine style to any look. Accessorize with jewelry made out of real toys, like bike chains and spokes for a real tough look! The majority of baseball jewelry is made of sterling silver and it is comparatively cheap. Many rabid baseball fans stock up on the most common trading cards, signed items, banners and ads, paint-foot lite flit, and even bobble head dolls. If a search returns few or no results, you may need to check the yellow pages for local produce wholesalers. When shopping at the local department store, you might notice the employee with the “diamond” star lapel pin, indicating their outstanding level of service to the business.

You can shop around at other discount stores because many of them offer the same style of watches. Gold charms are made in popular styles, but unusual designs are very difficult if not impossible to find. Bay is definitely the giant in the industry and many experts are willing to share tips. Or perhaps you are a soccer lover who wants some cool cufflinks that are actually functional soccer fields. I would say anyone who has any valuables that they want to protect. No inventory on your garage. That takes the fun out of it. From the outset, his primary fascination has been with wristwatches, particularly those with complications--chronographs, lunar subdials, and the like. Reading these lens is like a trip to Hawaii. Hasidic men usually wear the "uniform" of their particular denomination (often a special type of black suit and hat). Judy likes this information very much. First and foremost no animals or characters on clothes no matter what the shirt says. Be ready to hit the first sale around 7 or 8 AM baseball jewelry.

[promomagazine]

Interview-Ingrid Alice: Fashion photographer creates a wonderland of her own

-Do you agree that you are challenged everyday to create something that has never been created?

Constantly. The sheer number of images that get uploaded to Instagram alone every day (on average 60 million photos per day) creates enormous pressure and an expectation to continuously create images that stand out in a crowd, of well 60 million.

 I do however try my very best to entirely focus on what I am doing and what projects we have on at any given time. Ultimately, I believe in monitoring success by happy clients, successful campaigns, and bookings. As amazing it is to get social media recognition - I see this more of a gentle indication that we are on the right path as opposed to a sign of success.

 -Can you describe your creative process? What do you look for when creating a shoot and do?

My process begins at 3am in the morning, when the world is quiet, I can think clearly and my creative brain kicks in. I often send messages to my team, by daybreak, we have great excitement over our air waves.

Creative conversations will start flying around 5am.

 I look for concept and story line, I am often inspired by poetry, books, music, myths and legends. I look for the “make-believe”, seeing an image in my minds eye, and then creating the visual representatives of that - the story will then transform and develop from there.

 I don’t shoot real life, I’m not an enormous fan of real life. Photography is my escape into a world of wonder and magic. A world of enchantment… where stories are always grand.

 My Team. The people I work with are creative powerhouses. We are a very small team of focused creatives. Mostly however, I look for like-minded people, creatives who share my design aesthetics. People from my tribe who can take an idea and concept and transform it into something BIG. I never work in large teams.

 I look for very strong character driven women for models. Women that are beautiful but fierce. I like strength in my images.

-You have to have a favorite artist in mind that drives your creativity or inspires you, who is it?

Jack Vettriano. His work feeds my soul. I can spend hours searching though his paintings, imagining stories and subtexts in the overall mood of his work. You can feel tension, emotion, love, hate, sadness, seduction, loneliness, youth. I feel like his narratives tell 10 000 stories, each of them different from the viewers perspective and life experiences.

 -How would you describe yourself as a person & artist?

A little peculiar perhaps. Upside down in Wonderland comes to mind. As a person, quiet and reserved, a little too serious at times - most times really. I tend to have strong opinions. A dreamer, a boho flower child with a rock n roll soul with a constant urge to travel the word with my camera and a backpack.

 As an artist, constantly striving, a fierce workaholic. I do not lead anything that resembles a “normal” life.

 -How did you know you wanted to be a photographer?

The short answer is, I didn’t. This creative craft came to me later in my career. I have been a Creative Director for most of my life. A few years ago, I was working on a print publication, where we had to produce a fashion shoot. I took one look at this cool photographer, who spent his days outdoors, creating amazing images, and thought that this looked like a very good way to spend my time.

 Initially I was only going to be more of a hobbyist. However through a series of life changing events, my Photography took on a whole energy of its own. In hindsight I feel so strongly that I could never produce the work my team and I create, had I not had those years working as a Creative Director, and the work experiences that I was lucky enough to enjoy over that time. I believe photography came to me at the right point in my career.

 I do however feel I am at the beginning of this journey and cannot wait to see how my work changes and expands over the next years.

  -Do you have a favorite photographers who inspire you? Why is that?

I am totally and completely obsessed with the work of Sarah Moon and Paolo Roversi. Their use of color and the images they create are hauntingly beautiful and stay with you forever. Tim Burton’s story-telling narrative, simply takes my breath away.

 -In the artistic world of photographers, do you see yourself not only trying to achieve your perfect shoot but also being known for your work?

 All I honestly want in this life - is to create amazing images, work with talented people, and have happy nice clients who I love. With regards to the world of photographers, it is extraordinary to be recognized for what you do, but again as mentioned before - this is perhaps more of an indication that we are“on the right path”. I do not work for anyone else other than my clients, my team and myself. We focus strictly on what we are doing and creating.

 -If you could shoot an editorial anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why is that?

Eze on the French Riviera. The entanglement of the cobbled streets which lead down secret alleyways into hidden squares, with an internal vista of blue ocean skies, makes for a striking backdrop. I can almost imagine walking at night, lantern in hand, down candle lit enchanted pathways, passing Nietzsche, Yeats, Monet, Picasso, Fitzgerald or Hemingway laughing loudly after an evening in one of the small pubs, winding their way merrily down the hill back to their residence. All of whom have spent time in this extraordinary place.

 -What was the main reason that you decided to become a photographer?

After working behind a computer for 16 years, getting up at 3 am and watching the sunrise, while balanced on 6ft ladders, seemed like a very good way to spend time. I can honestly say now, that in fact it is the perfect way to spend time. I feel like I have finally found my way in this world, and it was up a ladder!

 -Tell me about your latest shoot. What was your vision when you created it?

We have the most amazingly exciting shoots coming up and in production. One of them is a series call Sirens, which is re-imagined Neptune's wooden angels, figureheads in the front of shipwrecked ships, that have come to life and continue to stand guard over their long forgotten vessel.

 A project with a mix of digital and 8x10 polaroid. A beauty shoot inspired by the original Grimms fairytales.

 -To be a photographer, you had to undergo a lot of struggles. What was the most difficult obstacle for you when putting together a shoot?

The barrier to entry was getting people to work with me and to trust my vision. This was a totally different industry for me, and not one person was even remotely interested in what I had to offer. I was lucky enough to convince one stylist to work with me on a project - only under the proviso that if she hated my work, I would get another photographer to shoot it. Fortunately it went well - and then I simply went out to work with the best people I possible could. Winning them over one by one on each given shoot. In South Africa, this is a very closed industry - competition is unforgiving. You need to be on your A game all the time.

-Does your personal life ever effect how you compose your shoots or do you have a set schedule/ formula that you follow? What is it exactly?

Currently my schedule is a 7 days a week and min 12-16 hour days. There is no milk in the house, and I’m living a little too much off spoonfull's of peanut butter at midnight. I am hoping to try and find more balance this year.

 Yoga is helping.

 -Who excites you the most (Celebrity) & why?

Audrey Tautou and Kat Von D. Both these women are interesting in a very non traditional sense. The rolls they have chosen to play in life is so undeniably inspiring. I feel they walk the line between strength, femininity, success, humbleness and just downright take no prisoners. It’s wonderful to see women who are unapologetically non-traditional.

  -If you had to pass on a suggestion for someone starting out in photography, what would you tell them?

Focus on your own work. Put your nose to the grindstone and work. Work harder, and harder and then work even harder than anyone else. Find your tribe, collaborate with like minded souls. Experiment and most importantly work on client relationships. Relationships are what build careers. Always be nice and support other photographers. There is so much work in this world. There is enough for everyone.

 Always, always be kind!

 -How is your style of photography different from any other photographers?

 My style is ever evolving and changing. I tend to use a lot of color in my photography at the moment. But perhaps that will change with different projects. I do love colour though :)

 -What are your world-dominating goal.

To continue to work in Photography, get paid for doing something I love so much, and of course travel the world and live an adventurous life - with nice, amazing clients and a creative team that is insanely cool.

 What more could one ask for…. Perhaps to work in NYC or Paris would also be amazing. For a photographer hailing from Africa, working in NYC or Paris is most certainly the definition of world domination.  :)

 |   Ingrid Alice Irsigler  |  084 742 2402   |   www.ingridirsigler.com  | |   Facebook   |   Instagram   |   Linkedin   |  Behance   |   www.bigcitylife.co.za   | 

[seriouslyhooked]

Wedded Bliss and Asterisks (A Modern CS AU) Part 3/?

Emma Swan is an enemy of love who just happens to be an up and coming wedding dress designer. She’s convinced that a fairytale kind of romance is nowhere in her future but when she meets Killian Jones, whose magazine is covering the opening of her new boutique, things change. Suddenly Emma finds herself drawing up new plans for her life, ones that seem to all be leading towards her own form of wedded bliss. Rated M.

Part One Here, Part Two Here.  Also on FF Here.

A/N: Alright all, good news on two fronts. Number one we have both POVs this week. I know, crazy! But more than that this is the chapter where circumstances align and Emma and Killian finally introduce themselves so take that, slow-burn! Just kidding the slow-burn is still real, nevertheless, expect cute awkwardness and my usual overwhelming fluff. Thank you all for reading and let me know what you think!

While Emma would never wish for less success in her work, she had to admit after a few days of off-hours that she was beginning to feel the strain of launching a new business. The past few days had been so busy that she’d not only had to stay late every evening, but go in early as well. It was exhausting for obvious reasons, but Emma knew she might have been able to bear the work load better if she didn’t have a sense of missing out.

Three days away from her normal routine meant three days of not seeing the man on the train, and as sad as it was to admit, that lack of his presence actually affected her mood. Emma would never confess that out loud (because it was embarrassing to say the least), but her largest grievance wasn’t the constant things needing her attention or the inability to walk away from the store at a decent hour, it was that she was being denied her chance to see him.

Today, however, Emma successfully managed to fend off early meetings and she was riding her usual train. All morning she’d been bubbling with excitement despite how foolish that was, but it couldn’t be helped. It felt like this big wonderful thing and Emma decided to let herself have this. If hot guy was going to relieve some of the tension she’d found at work, so be it. Everyone had their vices, right?

There was only one problem: the train this morning was absolutely packed with very little standing room. Worst of all, Emma was surrounded by abnormally tall people. This made it impossible to see much of anything and made the already existent stuffiness of the car that much worse. Emma barely breathed the entire length of her trip (thanks to the stale odor of must, cologne, and cigarette smoke that hung about), but her real moment of ‘are you freaking kidding me right now?’ came when her stop for work finally arrived and the callous businessman beside her knocked her portfolio to the ground, sending her sketches flying everywhere.

Emma cursed as she hustled to grab everything, barely evading the other entering and exiting passengers, but she grabbed all her sketches just in time to get out before the doors closed. As she did she caught sight of someone out of the corner of her eye. Her heart picked up in that moment, but she wasn’t entirely certain it was him, and before she could see one way or the other the doors closed and the train moved on leaving a flustered and now disappointed Emma staring after it.

But unfortunately New York waited for no one, and Emma was forced thanks to the less than stellar ambiance that clung to the subway platform and the other people who were now staring at her to ascend the steps and head to work. She wove through the bustling crowds of people a little slower than usual, feeling that lingering bit of regret for having missed him, but eventually Emma resolved to get over it. She had too much going for her and too much on the line to be in this kind of funk. Besides, there was always tonight, at least if she could use this emotion for good and be productive enough to leave on time.

“There you are, and at such a more reasonable hour. How did it feel not to wake up before the sun today?” Ruby’s words were pitched Emma’s way before the door had even closed behind her but Emma couldn’t fend off her smile.

“Let’s just say I can enjoy my coffee the old fashioned way instead of injecting it like I have all week.”

Ruby grinned and waved Emma with her towards Elsa’s bakery citing the need for a team meeting, but Emma knew ‘team meeting’ was likely code for gossip and breakfast. Not that Emma minded. Both sounded like pretty good remedies to the lackluster start of her morning, and as soon as she caught sight of Elsa’s famous chocolate chip muffins Emma knew at the very least she’d get a necessary chocolate fix.  

“Okay, so as you all know we have had a fantastic first week -,” Ruby’s words were quickly interrupted by Mary Margaret.

“But we’re not jinxing anything!” Ruby smirked and clarified.

“Right. For the superstitious ones among us we are happy for this turn of events but still working hard. There’s a lot to do, but I think I’ve found a way to keep the momentum going for a bit.”

“Oh let me guess! Skywriting?” Emma asked as Elsa giggled from behind the bakery counter and posed a ridiculous idea of her own.

“A blimp?” Ruby shook her head and countered with her own lunacy.

“No, I actually found a dozen people to get the store logo tattooed on their chests and then do an interpretive dance through Times Square.” A beat past before all four friends laughed at the excessive silliness. This was typical for them; trying to out-weird the other with crazy situations that would never come to pass.

“But on the off chance those dancers fall through…” Mary Margaret prompted and Ruby regained her composure.

“In that marginal slice of possibility, my friend Belle who works at Citizen NY reached out. She’s thinking of doing a feature piece on us.”

“Citizen NY?” Emma asked, more excited than she probably should be and all her friends looked her way.

“Yeah. Is that a problem?” Ruby asked.

Emma schooled her features even though she was actually really excited. Who knew? Maybe her stranger on the train would see the article and recognize her. The idea was intriguing and too exciting given the situation. She should not be subjecting herself to interviews for the sake of a man she’d never even spoken to. No, any decisions like this needed to be about the business. Hot guy couldn’t factor in.

“No problem. I just read it.”

“You – Emma Swan – read a non-fashion oriented magazine?” Ruby posed the question as if this were the single most unbelievable thing she had ever heard, but Emma merely rolled her eyes making Ruby laugh. “Anyway, yes, Belle works for them and I guess some stories didn’t pan out last minute so they’re hoping to get us in for the issue on stands the week after next.”

“Wow, that quickly?” Mary Margaret asked and Ruby nodded as Elsa jumped in with her thoughts.

“Sounds great! Any idea what kind of cake she likes? We probably want to butter up the reporters right? I made the most to die for hazelnut cream at home last night when I couldn’t sleep. I mean seriously no one could turn it down. Unless she’s allergic. Is she allergic?” Ruby and Elsa had some animated back and forth about menu planning as Emma let her more cynical tendencies rise to the surface.

“So what is she going to write about? I mean what’s the angle, other than the boutique?”

Emma knew there had to be an angle. There was no way Citizen NY was going to just come here and do a fluff piece. Everything that they wrote and published told a story, and as much as Emma loved the shop and was proud of what they were doing, outlining the basics of their vision wasn’t as captivating as the other pieces she’d read in that magazine. There needed to be something more enticing and more applicable to more people.

“We are.”

“Us?” Emma, Elsa, and Mary Margaret all parroted back.

“Yup. Picture this -,” Ruby used her hands as if she was framing the shot of a movie and let her dramatic flair take over. “We pan in on Columbia University freshman orientation. Four girls from four corners of the country, all scared and feigning otherwise, meet on the first day of move-in and realize they have three soul-sisters they never even knew about.”

Everyone laughed at that and Emma waved away the continued narrative. They all knew the story of how they’d found each other after all. It had been one of the best days of her life. She arrived at school on a scholarship she’d worked her ass off for completely ready for four more years of people not actually caring about her one way or another. Instead she found lifelong friends on the very first day and now ten years later they were all of them closer than ever. This was truly Emma’s family and she knew all of her friends felt the same way.

“So how intimate are we talking here?” Elsa asked and Emma knew that she had reasons to be somewhat wary in spite of her earlier enthusiasm.

Elsa had a high profile family, all of whom were fantastically lovely and supportive (despite the fact that Elsa, who was essentially an heiress) decided to bake cakes for a living. Even with their support, however, Elsa never wanted to reflect badly and if this was the kind of piece that would get too personal Elsa would never feel comfortable and neither would Emma though for very different reasons. Emma didn’t have a family home (okay, more like palace) in Newport to visit on holidays. She wanted nothing to do with any of the foster families she’d ever been a part of or even any of the group homes, but she also had no desire to dredge up past pains for the sake of a story.

“Belle’s cool guys. She won’t push. We have a lot of control here, control we wouldn’t have in another situation.”

Ruby looked to Emma and silently promised that this would be okay, and there was no one Emma trusted more to give her the truth than Ruby and no one who would fight harder to keep their good names protected than her friend. Emma nodded her agreement, knowing the others would follow as soon as she did. When they were all on the same page Ruby clapped excitedly and told them that interviews would happen early next week before getting called away on some store business. Mary Margaret followed close behind, but Emma lingered, wanting to savor the last of her coffee and her final five minutes of freedom before her day got hectic.

“So…?” Emma glanced up at an expectant Elsa and furrowed her brow.

“So what?”

“Did you see him this morning?” Emma willed herself not to blush and since Elsa’s smile didn’t get any wider she had to believe she was successful.

“No I didn’t.” It was impossible to miss the remorse in her voice and Elsa frowned, her hand finding her hip and a look that said she was trying to solve this problem appearing on her face.

“Well I’m sure he was just busy. There’s always tonight right?”

Emma sighed. Was there always tonight, though? Or was she coasting through her life assuming this guy would always be there? He wasn’t a sure thing, and the thought that he wasn’t permanent left this subtle ache in Emma’s chest even if it was totally mental. But for right now, Emma needed to vent her bit of regret without facing any judgment and Elsa always knew exactly how to handle those moments.

“I should have invited him to Graham’s.” Elsa looked surprised and Emma continued on. “Ruby suggested it on Monday night. She was joking, but all week I’ve been wishing that I did or that I at least said something.”

“So why haven’t you?” Emma waved her hand around in an anxious gesture.

“I don’t know, I guess I’m just…” She trailed off, hating how weak it made her sound to admit that she was terrified of putting herself out there.

“Scared?” Emma nodded.

“What if I’ve built this all up in my head, Els? What if to him I’m just some crazy woman riding the same train as him who let her imagination run away with her?”

Elsa considered that for a moment and Emma appreciated the genuine thought Elsa put into this little conference. There was no instinctive reaction. If she asked Mary Margaret, her friend would cite the need for hope and belief in love. It was a reflex for their pixie-haired friend, just like how Ruby’s reflex was to be assertive and go for it all the time. Emma didn’t work that way though. Having walls around herself purposely installed to keep people away made the idea of putting herself out there so much worse. She’d been rejected her whole childhood. The last thing she wanted was to face that again. But she couldn’t stop the little voice in her head saying she was wrong to keep away. This guy was important – this guy mattered.

“You know what I think? I think you’re never going to know unless you try, and I think life only waits so long for us to make our move. If you let fear guide you, if you hide away because the risk is too great, you could miss out on everything.”

“You’re right. Besides, it’s New York and if he ends up being terrible I never have to see him again.” Elsa laughed and agreed. Sure, Emma would have to change her train habits, but that was so doable and the past few days were the proof.

“He won’t be terrible, though.” Emma tilted her head curiously.

“How do you know that?” Elsa shrugged.

“Because I trust your gut and your gut has been talking up a storm about this guy.”

That comment helped more than Emma could say because she too had long believed in the power of her instincts. She thanked Elsa and managed to get out of there with only three muffins in hand (which when it came to Elsa and her constant need to feed people, was a rousing success). As she moved back to her showroom and into her office though, Emma realized that something was missing. Her sketch – the one of the fairytale dress. It was gone.

“Ah, crap!” Tiana looked up at Emma with concern. “Sorry I just think I lost one of my sketches on the train. You know the one I made our first day?”

“The one that would bring the coldest heart to tears?” Tiana asked and Emma gave a half smile and then nodded, prompting a sigh from Tiana. “Was it a douchebag banker or an angsty teen?”

Emma’s attempt at a smile grew to an all out grin. She loved that despite the unfortunate nature of the situation, Tiana knew the struggles of train commutes well enough to guess what had happened. She also appreciated how her friend was always able to rein things back in when other people might consider the situation a crisis.

“Banker. Definitely banker.” Tiana sighed and linked their arms.

“Well boss there’s only one thing to do.”

“Cry?” Emma offered sarcastically.

“Nope. Keep on hustling until you make another dress just as magical.” Emma laughed, knowing it would never be that easy but that Tiana was right. There were so many more things on their plate left to do. She didn’t have time to be sad, just keep moving and hoping that somehow that dress would come back to her in some form or other.

…………….

E. Swan.

Killian traced the same signature scrawled in the corner of her sketch for what was likely the hundredth time today. It was all of five letters written in script that spoke to the same artistry of the dress above it, but these ones in particular had yet to leave his mind in the span of his whole day. Hours past and it felt like every minute was filled with musings on what the E could stand for, or if a woman as graceful and beautiful as her could truly bear a last name as fitting and as perfect.

This was of course unfortunate from a strictly professional standpoint. There were a million things to do, deadlines to be met for next week’s issue to go to print, but more and more the woman on the train moved back to the forefront of his mind. Killian should have been focused on the hiring process for his necessary new writers or the upcoming party to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the magazine in a month, but just as he would make headway in any area thoughts of her returned and he found himself opening his drawer to pull out the sketch once more.

This morning had been rough, the commute was less than optimal, and it wasn’t until the very last second when his stranger was about to move off the car that he caught a glimpse of her. It was a bittersweet situation, for one second she’d been looking lovely if a little disappointed as she glanced around the train, and the next she was jostled by a careless passerby, sending her sketches into disarray. She gathered them all quickly, too soon for him to make his way across the car to help as he’d attempted to do, but as she slipped out he noticed one last drawing left behind.

Before any less-enthusiastically invested riders could trample or pick up the sketch for themselves, Killian retrieved it, finding himself amazed by the sheer volume of talent that jumped off the page. The lines were delicate but decided and Killian wasn’t exceptionally well versed in fashion, but he knew the way these sketches looked was out of the ordinary. It wasn’t dramatized like a bit of animation, but detailed. The figure and the dress itself were more true-to-life and it spoke not only to an amazing mind for dress creation, but for art as well.

So she’s beautiful and brilliant, Killian had thought to himself on first inspection and the sentiment remained all through the day anytime he let himself indulge in looking at her work.

Clearly the lady was entirely out of his league, but this circumstance of fate made Killian feel like the stars were aligning. Finally he had his in, a way to interact with her without seeming like an insane person, and he’d been anxiously awaiting the moment when the work day ended and he could rush back to the train and see her. It wouldn’t be long now but Killian was a mess to say the least. He was a bundle of nerves parading as a functioning human being, but Killian couldn’t recall ever feeling more alive than he did with this newfound hope.

After their last encounter Killian had been ready to make his move and introduce himself. Thanks to the insistence of that couple on the train and the continued outcry from his heart, he was truly determined to push past his reservations and go for it. But then she’d been missing. Three days past and Killian didn’t catch a glimpse of her. It felt like the cruelest trick of fate. Finally he was man enough to say something but the chance had slipped away. Never again. The Universe had made itself clear enough to him – there were only so many moments that could possibly be seized and he was claiming one and claiming it soon.

“Oi, Boss Man!” Killian glanced up to his doorway and found Will leaning against the door jam with his arms crossed, an amused look on his face.

“What do you want, Scarlet?” Will’s grin widened as he sauntered into the room, coming in to take a seat.

“Well aren’t you just a ray of bloody sunshine?” Killian mumbled something about his friend being a smug bastard as Will chuckled. “I’ve just come to see if you’re all right.”

“I’m fine,” Killian replied too quickly. He almost groaned aloud at the mistake. His lack of cool was going to elongate this conversation, which was the last thing he needed.

“Really? Because you’ve been – and remember as your best mate I can say this to you – a bit of a downer all week. Then this morning you’re up in the clouds. Is it a plane? A blimp? No, it’s Killian Jones, walking into interns and forgetting basic rules of shipping things to print!”

“I didn’t run into any…”

The words died on his lips as Killian recalled that he actually had. When he was walking in this morning elated from finding the picture from his mystery woman, he’d nearly trampled one of the young lads here through school. He apologized of course but as a man who prided himself on always being aware and alert, it was a dead giveaway that something was up. If that weren’t bad enough he’d also gotten mixed up on the most basic of scheduling items for the printers and Will and Tink had born witness to it. Killian’s jaw ticked as he tried to brainstorm a way to get himself out of this situation but nothing came to him.

“So are you going to tell me what’s happening or am I going to be left to assume?  You know I love a good story. Here let’s think of one right now -,”

“All right, all right. Mercy.” Killian looked up to the doorway confirming that the door was closed and then looked back to Will.

“I met someone.” Well technically that wasn’t true. He’d seen someone rather a lot and tonight he was going to meet her, or at least he hoped.

“One of Liam’s girls?” Killian immediately glanced up at his friend who seemed truly curious.

“No! And how did you know about that?” Will shrugged. “Liam told you. Of course he did. He’s bloody insane.”

“He’s uh… involved.”

Killian looked at Will and the two of them both chuckled after a moment at the understatement. Since they were boys Liam had been asserting his role as elder brother firmly, and when they lost their mother too soon that inclination only grew. He moved from brother almost to father in many ways, and that meant meddling, an awful lot of meddling.

“Well no. Despite Liam’s original wishes I’ve no need for matchmaking.”

“Because you’ve met someone,” Will countered easily.

“Aye.” Will considered for a second in silence and then understanding seemed to dawn on him.

“Is this why you’ve been riding the bloody train all the time? For a woman?!” Killian kept his face as neutral as he could though his instinct was to wince.

“I told you it’s about -,”

“Your carbon footprint. Yeah, yeah I heard you. I just didn’t believe you, mate. But a woman… well that makes so much more sense, doesn’t it?”

“You would know.” Instead of trying to deny Will sighed.

“That I would, mate.” Killian felt sorry for his friend in that moment. There was a level of defeat in his usually happy appearance that made Killian uneasy. He wished he had a way to fix this for Will.

“You realize we don’t have a rule against fraternizing, right? Technically you could see Belle and there wouldn’t be any repercussions.” Will barked out a pained laugh.

“Right, until the moment I ask and she’s mortified because I’m her boss and she’s not interested.”

“What makes you think she’s not interested?” Killian couldn’t claim that Belle was helplessly and irrevocably in love with Will, but there was certainly something there, a bond of some sort that he wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out to be more than mere friendship.

“What makes you think she is?”

“Tink would know. Tink knows everything. All I have to do is -,” Killian was raising his hand to press the intercom button as Will jumped from his chair.

“No!” Killian grinned. “I mean not now. There’s a lot going on. Too much to be starting something.”

Killian might have agreed with Will on that before. He’d often felt the same way, but recently it had been made clear to him that waiting wasn’t the answer. Sometimes a man just had to bite the bullet and go for it, even if the prospect of rejection was a bloody nightmare.

“We only have so many tomorrows, Will. Remember that.” Will stood up and nodded, clearly ready to take his leave.

“Thanks for that, mate. You’re a regular fortune cookie. Oh and you better hurry or you’ll miss the girl.”

Killian looked up and realized Will was right. He was later than expected thanks to this little visit and he had to get a move on. He didn’t delay anymore, wishing the people he saw on his way out a goodnight, but not tarrying any longer to discuss weekend plans or last minute details for the printers. Instead he made record time to the station and hopped on the train, his hands shaking from the adrenaline.

This is it. This is the moment. Killian thought to himself as her stop arrived but when she boarded the train he was struck a little speechless. He’d been denied the chance to truly see her in all her glory this morning, congested as the commute had been, but now he was left mesmerized, caught in the rapture of his own thoughts when he could be actually talking to her. When he realized that, Killian’s feet took a step closer and then another until he was just beside her.

“Excuse me, miss?”

The woman jumped at his words and her hand immediately flew to her chest. He could see the strain in her neck that came from being surprised, her heart rate jumping as he’d made himself known. Killian hated to think he scared her, but when her eyes caught his and he was able to see the real intricacy in those jade-colored pools those thoughts flew from his mind. All that was left was this feeling like he’d seen light for the first time in forever.

“Oh sorry. You just – I mean – uh, hi.”

The stammering from anyone else might have caused Killian to wonder what was wrong, but he could see the mirrored emotions playing across her face that he felt in his chest. Perhaps it was merely wishful thinking, but Killian swore he saw the faintest trance of a blush on her cheeks and a look like she was just as frazzled with sensation as he was. When he realized he’d been staring at her full lips and the way she got those words out for a beat too long, Killian cleared his throat and glanced back up at her eyes once more. Their impact hadn’t lessened, and it felt like a miracle he was able to get any words out at all.

“I believe you dropped this earlier.”

Killian handed her the drawing but it took her a second to tear her gaze away from him. In that moment he knew for a fact that this connection wasn’t simply one sided and his chest filled with pride. This woman saw something in him, something attractive, something worthwhile. She was guarded, a bit cool on the surface when he’d seen her from afar, but he could feel the tension between them. It promised something too delicious to describe and he was remiss when her eyes looked away until he caught on to how happy his returning the sketch would make her. Never in his life had something felt as powerful as her smile. He was consumed by it and wanted nothing more than to see her always just as joyous.

“You found it! Oh my god you are my hero, you don’t even know.”

Her fingers grazed against his as she took the picture and it was lightening to the touch. But as the car swayed a little harsher than normal around a bend, she moved forward, her hand resting on his arm to steady herself and he was done for. She blushed again and after a moment of holding onto him she apologized. Why she would ever do that, though, he couldn’t be sure. Unless of course he wasn’t as transparent as he felt and she couldn’t tell that this was the highlight of… well very possibly his entire life.

Killian knew without a doubt that the world lacked words to describe this feeling. He knew it was merely a turn of phrase, her calling him her hero, but the look of sheer relief and the happy smile on her face that lingered even after her slight embarrassment about falling into him sealed something inside of Killian. He’d long known that she was different, that there was something out of the ordinary about this beautiful stranger, but it went so far past everything he’d thought it could ever be. He was lost already, and they’d hardly said a word.

“Forgive me, love. A real hero wouldn’t solicit a favor after a good deed but I was hoping you might repay me with your name.”

The woman blinked up at him, clearly a little dazed until a humorous smirk played at her full lips. He’d never felt the urge to kiss somebody so profoundly in his life, but she was temptation in its most elevated form. Still he held back, needing her reply more than the chance to steal the press of her lips on his. No, when a kiss came, Killian decided, she would be the one to instigate it. Then, and only then, would he let his heart move as it pleased.

“Anyone ever tell you that you might be just a touch too charming?” Killian laughed at that and noticed the way her features softened when he did. She extended her hand as a means of greeting. “I’m Emma.”

“Emma Swan?” Emma looked surprised and then Killian countered. “I may have glanced at the signature there once or twice.”

“Oh, right.”  She smiled again and Killian stood there like a fool, falling into the way it illuminated her whole person. She was already arguably too gorgeous for him to handle, but like this, and with her attentions aimed at him, Emma was a force of nature.

“So are you going to tell me your name or…”

“Oh shit – right, yeah – it’s Killian. Killian Jones.”

“So not Chad?” Killian felt his brow rise at the peculiar question.

“Not to my knowledge, no. I’m relatively certain this has always been my name.” Emma laughed and the sound filled the whole car and his whole world in the process.

“Sorry. That was a weird thing to ask. It’s kind of a long story.”

Killian couldn’t help himself from raising his hand in that moment and tucking back a strand of blonde hair that had fallen from her hair tie. He watched as her eyes widened as he did it, but she never pulled away. Actually Emma inched a bit closer when his hand eventually moved away back to his side. It made retreating that much harder, but he had to be a gentleman. The last thing he wanted was to come on too strong and scare her away.

“I’ve a feeling any story of yours is worth the wait, Emma.”

Her eyes filled with something in that moment, something Killian couldn’t exactly read but there was a force behind it. Whatever Emma was feeling, it was intense, maybe even as strong as the pull that he felt to her right now. Killian wanted nothing more than to ask her what she was thinking or even to lay out all of his thoughts for her, to show her that whatever was on her mind was safe with him, but at that moment he caught the tail end of the automated voice announcing the next station.

“Maybe another time. This is kind of my stop, which means…”

“That I missed mine. Bloody hell!”

Emma laughed again as she stepped out of the train and Killian followed her. He wasn’t actually frustrated though, and he couldn’t regret that he’d messed up his usual commute, not when he’d had this chance to get to know Emma, to get to finally see her and talk to her, and to confirm what he already knew – that she was someone worth knowing and worth letting in.

“Well, thank you again for finding this,” Emma offered as she slipped the sketch inside her portfolio and Killian assumed it was her way of putting distance between them. She was ready to say goodbye even if he never would be.

“My pleasure, Swan.”

Her eyes sparkled at his use of her last name and she smiled before waving and turning away. He watched her go, wondering what a woman as intriguing as Emma might be doing for the weekend, when she turned around and offered him a final question.

“See you Monday?” Killian felt his heart skip at the prospect and the idea that Emma would be looking forward to seeing him again.

“Aye, love. I’ll be here.”

“Good.”

With that Emma turned up the steps and headed out into the world, leaving Killian standing there with a grin on his face he didn’t bother trying to conceal. The truth was he couldn’t pinpoint a happier moment in the whole of his life (even if he hadn’t asked her to dinner as he originally intended), and though it might feel like an eternity between now and Monday he was hopeful, knowing that in just a few days time he’d get the chance at seeing more of Emma and maybe getting to convince her that they might be more than strangers on a train.

That thought alone was enough to fill him with a boundless sort of energy, and Killian decided not to wait for another train but to walk the three blocks back to his apartment. And all the while his world was filled with Emma Swan and the belief that he’d finally found the person he’d been unknowingly searching for for years, a person who made his heart feel whole and the whole world seem new.

Post-Note: So there we have it. The scene has been set, the first words have been spoken, and I am surrounded by feels. It’s becoming clear to me that I needed a new story because this early phase of sketching out where to go from here and reaching all the first milestones is fantastic. I really hope that you guys enjoyed and that you can all bear with me on this slow-burn. Let me know what you think, and as always thanks so much for reading!