Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers in shades: You're an Angel (strawberry pink shimmer) and Yellow It's Me (glimmering yellow)

Nicole by OPI has unveiled 5 brilliant NEW hues for Spring 2010. “Spring is all about fresh starts, and these vibrant Nicole by OPI shades are a great way to uplift the spirit and add a touch of optimism to your everyday look,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Not only do these nail lacquers deliver a burst of energy, but they also provide a perfect compliment to the season’s hottest looks.” Nicole by OPI remains “3Free” (free of Toluene, Formaldehyde, and DBP) and is available (for around $8) at select Target and  Wal-Mart locations, as well as Ulta.Com.

2 Make Mine Lime (lime green dazzle), I Stop For Nicole! (shimmery, vibrant red), and Fresh Squeezed (fresh orange)

I don’t particularly have an interest in fútbol a.k.a. soccer, but when I was invited to a launch screening of “Frente al Reto”, I happily accepted to support a dear friend. The interview series airs on ESPN Deportes and tells the stories of select professional soccer players. Again, not my favorite subject nor my first language, but hearing individual stories and the challenges these players face in their lives struck a note in me.

The title of the show, “Frente al Reto” means “facing your challenge.” The stories told are all different and touch on their individual situations that transcend the interviewees having soccer in common. It doesn’t matter what language you understand, the concept and thoughts behind the show can inspire anyone. I was intrigued to learn more about these players and what made them interesting, but what really got me inspired and thinking was the intro to the show.

The introduction encapsulates the idea of “Frente al Reto” beautifully in depicting the uniqueness of each story shared. During the introduction music, various photos in a home peel out of their frames and slowly float out of the apartment. Once outside, these photos join in a flying parade of photos from other homes, people, and lives. The introduction ends in a soccer stadium with the photos joining to form the text for the title.

Moments captured in pictures form a parade

The picture parade forms the story told in "Frente al Reto"

While watching the pictures fly, and with the aid of touching accompaniment music, I thought about how the players in the show aren’t just subjects of interest, celebrities, or stars. They’re people. They’re individuals. They each have their own stories, backgrounds, circumstances, and present. It’s not just a story that is being told, it is their story, a taste of their life, a peek at what lies beneath for them. They’re not just someone to be observed, to entertain, or dissect from the outside. They are dealing with their own struggles and tests, and in “Frente al Reto” they prove they are facing their challenge at hand.

The show doesn’t resolve the problems posed for each athlete interviewed. Instead, “Frente al Reto” lets the players talk about what they see as their challenge and what their coming steps are in facing it. Each of the players is in a different point in their career with unique situations and expectations, just as each of us is up against something different in our lives. The key is to face our difficulties, go through them, and then face ones that come after. As the show says:

Siempre enfrenta el reto- always face the challenge.

We all have our own challenges. We all have expectations from ourselves and others, and how to meet or beat them. We have physical and tangible difficulties. We have things in our mind that test us. We have things we deem as pressures, both from the outside and within. And as things change, we will always face something that tests, questions, and demands more from us. The simple yet important thought to keep in mind is to face it, and keep facing our challenges.

Stussy x Haze Gallery Event

Last Friday, Los Angeles was graced by the presence and talents of  graffiti heavy-hitter Eric Haze for the opening reception of his collaboration with Stussy. Both being iconic figures in street culture, the much anticipated team up came into fruition showcasing over 20 original Stussy peices done up with Haze’s signature style, a video installation, mural, and  not to mention the glass case filled with Stussy x Haze merchandise dropping this Spring/Summer. Merchandise included keychains, bags, and their shoe collaboration with Pro-Keds. Also available was a limited edition t-shirt printed in celebration of the event.

Stussy x Haze Gallery Event

Stussy x Haze Gallery Event

The show as a whole was a success with a full house of music, media and both local and international visitors. I never realized how much of an impact Stussy has on Japanese culture until I noticed the number of Japanese fans in attendance at the opening. A plus to the art displays were the substantial amounts of the much enjoyed complimentary mixed drinks provided by Belvedere along with music supplied by DJ Cut Chemist, all of which did just the trick to making the opening reception a party not worth missing.

Stussy x Haze Gallery Event

If you are in or around Los Angeles, today will be the last day the show will be open to the public at the Known Gallery. Be sure to check it out.

Mondays

Music by
AARON COLBERT & DJ CAT
synth pop * glam rock * electro disco

Hosted by AUTOMATIC PANIC

Every Monday beginning March 1st *10pm - 2am

Bar Marmont
8171 Sunset Blvd
Hollywood CA

Guest List:
[email protected]