Once Upon A June Wedding

Once upon a time, there was a lovely bride-to-be who decided to have her wedding in June, the ideal month of the year to get married. The trending styles she’s taken notice over the passing season really caught her eye, and she looked forward to everyone in the wedding party looking their best for her big day.

Planning her event months in advance, the lovely bride-to-be decided that she did not want her wedding to consist of Spring colors such as pink and green like other brides were deciding for the season. Instead, she wanted to bring a summer of happiness with snow white, apple red and complimentary black to her ceremony. Although most would find these colors during the fall season, the fact that the red will not be deep brings a sense of brightness especially when placed next to white, almost like an apple tree in the sun. The black may seem like something that should be seen in the winter, but her wedding date was placed in the middle of summer instead of the end of Spring. Even though it will be hotter than Satan’s toenails, the black will cool the atmosphere of the wedding down like shade under that big beautiful apple tree.

After determining how to bring the summer season into her ceremony, the lovely bride-to-be gathered her bridesmaids and began hunting for their dresses. She was looking for something elegant, yet simple that would look good during the ceremony, but keep her girls cool in the sun as well. While shopping at David’s Bridal, the bride-to-be found what she was looking for! An apple-red satin A-line dress with a sweetheart neckline fit the criteria perfectly! It not only carried the grace and modesty with it’s simple design and lack of adornment, but the neckline really emphasized the romance in her wedding. It also gave her room to complicate the outfit a bit with a large neck piece that would draw more attention to that area. Luckily, she decided that having her girls wear a small pendant with matching earrings would remind the spectators that they are the Kelly Rowland’s and Michelle’s of the ceremony.

Completing one tedious fashion task, the lovely bride-to-be thought that it’d be a good idea to see how the guys were coming along with their suits. Checking in with her soon-to-be husband, she was able to get a glimpse of the gentlemen with their tuxedos on, and was she pleased! Not only was her soon-to-be husband a proper gentlemen with her, but he made sure that his party dressed as such! Instead of doing a black vest or tie with their suits, these men decided to be sharp shooters, and had both pieces match the bridesmaid’s dresses! A look that brought the love out of the color, as well as brightened the outfit for the season! Pleased, the bride-to-be kissed her soon-to-be husband, and continued on her mission of putting together a beautiful wedding.

The last thing to be done on the list for the bride-to-be was to find her dress! Swooping up the maid of honor, as well as her mother and the mother of the groom, she was in hunt of the final piece to complete her big day! It was a difficult process in that she only had a few ideas of what she wanted. Because she has such a shaped figure, she wanted something that would fit her curvy body, yet still look classy. One look that is out for the season is the asymmetrical patterns that go down wedding gowns, and though she liked the concept, she was looking for something that would illuminate and dazzle on her dress without looking like a Las Vegas lounge singer. She was not a fan of the fairytale wedding dresses, but she did like the trumpet style, and how it was so busy towards the train. Because her bridesmaids had a sweetheart neckline, and because it was to be so hot on her special day, she didn’t want to be covered in extra lace or silk. The poor bride searched everywhere, trying on dress after dress after dress until she finally found the one for her. A trumpeted mermaid wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline, decorative without too much garnish, and hugged her curvy body without suffocating her. It was brilliant, and when she tried it on, she loved every seam.

The lovely bride-to-be walked down the aisle with confidence and awe, so amazed at how beautiful she felt and how beautiful everything was placed together on her special day in June. Feeling good, and knowing that she is loved, the bride-to-be became a wife, and lived happily ever after.

The End.

The 50th Anniversary of the Sexual Revolution by D. Renee

It was a time of modernization; a time when what was done behind closed doors was placed on television screens and dirty magazines. It was a movement that brought about social and moral changes to society, and had everyone loving long time. Yes, the Sexual Revolution has reached its 50 year mark, and what a bumpy road it has been for a lot of us! The shift away from strict Christian morality has introduced our world to some kinky concepts as well as allowed us to be happy with who we are. While the history of this revolution is lengthy and is filled with many incidents and matters, there are three important happenings that made a difference in the lives of those who chose to step out of the box and pursue an alternative life style.

THE KINSEY REPORTS

 
One distinctive mark of the sexual revolution was the research and publications of Alfred C. Kinsey who founded the Institute for Sex Research at Indiana University in 1947. It was because of his work that many people were able to feel comfortable knowing that there are others out there who feel the same way as they, and who want the same pleasure as them. Though provoking much controversary in his work, he made it easier for men and women to come forth with their desires and express them freely.

The Kinsey Reports consist of two parts: Sexual Behavior in the Human Male (1948) and Sexual Behavior in the Human Female (1953). Each part consist of statistics and data collected over an expanded amount of time that include thousands upon thousands of interviews with both men and women on what they want or what they need in a sexual experience to gain satisfaction. During his work, he developed a scale known as the Kinsey Scale that would determine a person’s homosexuality from level 0-6, zero being completely heterosexual and six being totally gay. His reports were published as books for the public, both reaching #1 on the bestsellers list. He is credited by many as the trigger for the sexual revolution.

He often attacked the concept of repressed sexual knowledge as well as repressed sexual feelings in his lectures, and was also known to participate in sexual encounters with his interviewed subjects in order to obtain as much data as possible. Talk about passion, right?

FEMININE FREEDOM

One major outcomes, and argued possibly a cause, of the sexual revolution was that women had grown tired of having their desires repressed by society. During WWII when many men were sent over seas to fight, it was up to the women to run the factories and provide for the families left at home. When the war ended and the men came home demanding their jobs back, women everywhere realized that they are capable of living without a male figure, and would much rather prefer to work along side them than sit at home like good little wives.

Demanding the same respect as men, women began to embrace their femininity and explore their options without fear. The 1960s brought oral birth control to mainstream society as well as rubber condoms which officially solidified the concept that sexual encounters can be something adventurous and fun and doesn’t have to be experienced for the sake of conceiving children. In fact, though contrversary surrounded its legalization (and still brings tension when it comes to morality), abortion also became on open topic that gave women the freedom to chose what they want, and when they want to have it.

Women began to take pride in their bodies, and no longer saw themselves as a means of life. This gave many women the courage to love how they want and who they want, including each other. Society at the time would curse lesbianism, often forcing women to marry in attempts to rid themselves of homosexual desires which would cause feelings of alienation. With this new surge of feminine power, the concept began to blossom, and many discovered that they were not alone. In Kinsey’s studies, it was reported that 28% of his 8,000 female subjects had been aroused by another woman while 19% had actual contact. The most prevalent to sub come to these feminine desires were single women, then those who pursued higher education. These statistics alone helped ladies all over embrace their taboos and move forward with finding happiness instead of settling for what was considered normal at the time.

THE STONEWALL RIOT 

While women were beginning to embrace themselves into a new world, chaos made its mark in Greenwich village of New York. Homosexuality was out in the open for all to see, but apparently the rest of society wasn’t really accepting of this new concept. There were few places for gays to go and actually be themselves, and any place that hosted their need for individuality was often raided by New York police. Homosexuals in the 1950s and 1960s faced anti-gay legal system, and in the early morning of June 28, 1969, they decided that enough was enough.

The Stonewall riots began as a simple police raid where officers would end the late-night partying and arrest all the men and women dressed the opposite of their gender. The only thing with this specific raid is that the gay community fought back. It is said that one “butch” woman was clubbed upside her head in front of over 100 by standers for complaining that her cuffs were tight. She then turned to the crowd and asked, “Why don’t you all do something?” causing a brawl to fire up. Violent protest continued through the night as more and ore people joined to fight against the police, and continued throughout the week.

What resulted from such an event was the development of two major gay activist groups, three gay newspapers, and on June 28, 1970, the first gay pride parade took place in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York to commemorate the riots. The riots symbolized an intolerance to intolerance, the need be free to love how you want which is the essence of the sexual revolution.

50TH ANNIVERSARY

The 1980s brought with it not only big hair and shoulder pads, but AIDS. This epidemic, that was at first believed to only be contracted between gay men, brought a fear to society that allowed the passionate heat of the revolution to simmer down some. With new knowledge comes education, and the process of informing the public about the dangers of sexual free-for-alls gave people a chance to bring morality back to the home. Films were being produced depicting a darker side of sexual freedom that the public couldn’t fathom before including pedophiles, stalkers and rapist. To top everything off, teen pregnancy rates began to sky rocket, despite contraceptive options.

Despite these negative attributes, the revolution continues as we see advancements in technology every few months. Sex is embraced at the click of a mouse, and has become the hot topic at any dinner setting without any awkward feelings. Homosexuals, now openly accepted in mainstream, are fighting for rights amongst society as well as influencing such industries as the fashion world. Today, we take that fearlessness and inhibition to another level. Sex and raunchiness is a part of our everyday, and with mass media developing every second, we are able to get a good look at what we desire at the click of a button. Sex sells like hot cakes, and thousands are making a living off of it while others are getting high on the freedom to please and be pleased as they please. It has been a rough 50 years in making modern times more sexy, but looking at where we are, there’s still room left to grow.

While this year technically tallies 50 years since the development of birth control, it’s also a year to commemorate the fearless ones before us; the few who were not afraid to step out of everyone else’s comfort zone and into their own skin. It takes a lot of courage to admit to others who you are and what you want, but it takes even more to admit it to yourself.

Happy humping, everyone!

Get to Know Yourself (and Tony Giggs) with 74G Collection

CHECKOUT WHAT TONY GRIGGS, CREATOR OF  "KNOW THEY SELF" CLOTHING, HAD TO SAY ABOUT HIS LINE!

What is the name of your fashion line?
74G Collection

How did you get into designing?
Its been a life long passion of mine. When I was younger, I was always trying to create my own look.

What is your line statement? 
Know Thy Self. Its about encouragement, having a better outlook of self.

Who would you say your clothing is for (the audience you market towards)?
My clothes are geared toward those who want to step with a little bit of edgy style and who possess confidence.

What would you say are your favorite colors or fabrics to work with?
Right now it's basic cottons, lace, and polyester.

How do you feel about mixing patterns and prints?
It's about whatever I feel that's necessary to bring about the design
  
What can a consumer expect from your Spring/Summer collection?
I would like to do more swim wear, men and women. Get some more casual, comfortable looks,but still edgy.

Who is one of your favorite designers?
I have so many influences! I use to be a great fan of Ralph Lauren. But I get inspirations from a lot of designers.

Would you consider being in the next IFN Fashion show?
Its something for consideration.

How and where can one book you for a show as well as stock up on some apparel? Also, is there anything else you would like to add?
Right now, I can be emailed Griggsone@att.net or check out my groups page on facebook(74G Collection)

Style File: The Rainbow Connection

Well, it’s officially rainbow month, that time of the year when people bring out the bright, happy magical colors and patterns that could make any style-conscious beach babe feel like they’re riding a unicorn into the sunset. The essence of high fashion has always been to playfully strip and combine oddness until it becomes a statement so bold Obama would have to call the soldiers, and what better way to do that than to get a taste of the rainbow?

The colors of the rainbow aren’t new to those born in the last 600,000 years, but the passion and joy of the beloved colors have intensified over time, and have come to represent more than just a reasonable reflection of light. It has become a symbol of the self and others; for individual identity within a collection of differences. Over time, it has also become an internationally known symbol for an alternative lifestyle. This month, we are going to embrace our love for this iconic creation, and turn your summer style into a pot of gold. So, to start you off to a bright and beautiful Summer, I’m here to give you a few looks to save in your STYLE FILE.

THE SOFT, PLAYFUL KITTEN
The only time you really get a chance to see lace in an outfit is if you’re giving your lover a naughty little show, or your senile grandmother with the busted hearing aid came by to make you cookies. In a weird sense these two images have combined to add a sense of sophistication to your outfit while still turning heads. The one thing I love about lace clothing is that you can really play with bright, vibrant colors because of the neutral undertone that comes with the look. What you’ll see is a lot of is floral print gently tickled with lace lining which gives it a vintage feel, something you’d want to be seen wearing on your weekly brunch with the bestie at the classy little coffee joint you love to visit.

Because this is a soft look, you don’t want to do too much to throw off the balance with bright and funky accessories and makeup. A vibrant belt across the waist or hips will make the outfit pop, as well as a few bangles. You may want to keep your neck piece and earrings simple in that you don’t want to take away from the lace or the flowers. While most runways display neutral shoes as completion, I say you should take a risk and get funky. A bright colors kick it all off, and makes being a girly-girl seem a little more daring.

WORDLY TRAVELS
The Bohemian concept is taken to another level this year. Native patterns are bringing burst of inspiration to designers due to their geometrical placement, and use of dynamic hues. A lot of full length summer dresses are being pieced together with Indian or African influences which go great with a pair of high heel clogs (which are in season). If you’re a fan of ethnic jewelry, you should be skipping around your house right now because the bold, in-your-face neck pieces and earrings will bring your attire to life.

There’s also room to be a tourist. The one must-have item you can’t survive the summer without is a neutral toned one-piece. It leaves your possibilities for makeup and hair endless. If you’ve been thinking about pulling a Rhianna and going as loud as possible with your hair color, having a single colored assortment will make your hair brighter especially if you choose to go with the forecasted trending color, white. You have so much freedom to dabble with colorful makeup and different looks for your face, and any pair of heels you feel like wearing become a hit. Playing with the rainbow is so much fun with this look because it not only speaks loud, but it also speaks a different language.

A WORK OF ART
Have you ever seen a painting in a museum with an assortment of chaos placed together to make a vision so appealing to the eye? That’s kind of what this next look does for you. If you really want to make a statement, mix and match patterns: cheetah print leggings with a striped shirt, surfer-dude flowers with a graphic tee . Be sure to mix and match tastefully, though! Some patterns and colors just shouldn’t go together, and it’s one thing to come out looking like an authentic rock star; it’s another to look like your closet just swallowed you whole and spit you back out. That’s why the two pieces of equipment that will stamp you with the “bad-ass” label are the motorcycle jacket and a pair of combat boots. They make sure you have some kind of simplicity in the mix without taking the rebellion away from it.

The best part about this look is that makeup can be as extreme, but don’t take it too far. Darken the intensity with a smoky effect around the eyes, and keep your cheeks from looking like someone smacked you across the face twice. The possibilities are endless with this look in that it’s only a matter of sketching out your own personality.


The summer has a lot to offer as far as patterns and different looks, but it’s the use of bright colors that make the season so fun! Whether playing it innocent, exploring different cultural exports, or getting lost in concepts of the abstract, wearing your rainbow demonstrates how easy it is to bring so many different aspects of yourself together, a style as colorful as the sky.

**Photos provided by members on PhotoBucket.com