Women’s fashion house XOXO has just launched a sizzling hot video campaign visually styled by John Urbano who is mostly known for taking Abercrombie & Fitch photos. The clothes are kind of Gossip Girl style, more Upper East side than SoCal and even though some looks are beachy, it is more Hamptons than Venice Beach. Although... for a clothing ad, there doesn't seem to be too much clothes involved.
The xx, from left to right Oliver Sim, Jamie Smith, Baria Qureshi (former member), and Romy Medley Croft
The xx are a three-piece band from London, England, formed in 2005. Many of you might never heard of them before as they have not broken into the mainstream scene yet (which in some cases is a good thing), but please let me assure you that once you've listened to their music, you'll fall in love with them. That's what happened to me. What I love about their music is that they redefine a genre. Their music is not the kind of music that I have ever heard of before. It's not exactly pop, not electronica, techno, nor dance. If you like Psapp, then you will love The xx. It was said that they recorded the album in a small garage, often at night, which contributed to the sleek, whispery nature of the album. The xx put their own spin to indie pop genre and in result creating one of the most addictive album I have ever heard. Once you put their album into your ipod, you'll find yourself replaying their songs over and over and over again, whether be it in your car on your way somewhere or in the gym.
One reviewer claimed that their music is essentially a make out music for cool kids, with their steely quiet-storm soundscapes and pulsating rates, which is what the three South Londoners in The xx are. They are those kinds of kids since they're all barely 20s. Their music speaks to all of us via tales of love, imparting a sense of longing and nostalgia of something we might have missed. Their music, contrived from smoke ring synths, billowing beats, skeletal basslines, and guitar riffs, are the kind of music that would fit right being blasted from the stereo by stylish boutique or chic upscale lounge. To say the least, The xx is a simple but satisfying album that rewards repeat listens and makes for a brilliant background music.
Ninety Nine is the latest offering from The Ranch Market company, PT. Supra Boga Lestari. The lifestyle inspired restaurant brings together a mix of shopping and entertainment experience. The airy space and garden style decor give the place a chic ambiance complimented by a nice crowd of patrons consisting of professionals, executives, and expatriates. For those who wish for a more lounge-y feel like those of Social House's or Paulaner Brauhaus', you can ask to be seated by the bar area , stylishly decorated resembling a wine cellar with softer lighting, where smoking is also allowed. The small chamber in the middle is ideal if you want a more intimate setting for hanging out with a few of your closest friends and families, or for a date.
A new 24-hour McDonald's venue was just opened several days ago. It is located in the Artha Gading Boulevard area and it also feature McCafe like the one in Kemang Area. It is said that this is the 100th McDonald's branch in Jakarta. The two-storey building is actually quite a nice place to hang out for the night patrols and insomniacs like me as it is one of the few places in Kelapa Gading area where you are allowed to stay until morning. Kudos for the strategic location situated near the highway entrance. I can imagine passerby stopping to grab a quick breakfast at the McStop in the morning.
The smoking area was located in the terrace outside. In the back there is also a playhouse for the children. And on the second floor there are computers with internet connection available for free to the patrons who would like to surf the net. Both floors were complimented by LCD TVs where you can watch the world cup matches with your family and best buds.
Starbucks should open a new 24-hour venue next to it.
For those not in the know, Sassy Gay Friend is a hilarious Youtube sensation that came from one of the players in Chicago’s Second City Improv troupe, and basically it’s three 90 second sketches about how Shakespeare’s tragic heroines would have benefited from having a sassy gay friend, whose catchphrase is, “She’s a stupid bitch.” Which, if you can imagine, is said affectionately. Check out this phenomenon that has also spawned many parodies in Youtube!
Sassy Gay Friend in Romeo And Juliet
Sassy Gay Friend in Othello
Funny, how he jumped out of the closet! And "Does moor mean more?" precious... lol
Videotorial is huge right now. If you're wondering what videotorial is, my friend then I will answer that for you. Videotorial = Video + Pictorial. So you see it's basically a piece of photography that is captured via video and it's a moving picture. But it's not exactly a photography or a pictorial, hence Videotorial.
I first stumbled upon this piece about a couple of years ago when I was looking for promo videos for 90210 on Youtube and I found this cool 1-minute-videos of Jessica Stroup and Ryan Eggold where they were being filmed posing or acting like in a photoshoot. The artist responsible was Tyler Shields. Since then there were numerous other videotorials from him feature a lot of up and coming Hollywood actors such as Jayma Mays (Glee), Sean Farris (Never Back Down), Rainn Wilson (The Office), Deborah-Ann Woll (True Blood), Matt Dallas (Kyle XY), Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), Zachary Quinto (Star Trek); Anna Kendrick, Ashley Greene, and Kellan Lutz (Twilight). So I guess videotorial is what the cool kids do these days and apparently, head shot is so 2009.
