Angelica Houston – My Celebrity Obsession

January 24, 2012 Fashion, Lifestyle, Los Angeles, Sex, Lies & Obsession No comments
Angelica Houston

My celebrity obsession

Now living alongside the media in a predominately European society, Hollywood starlets have been manufactured for more than five decades now, their qualities being a necessary mix of theatrical brains and hetero-sex appeal (these days, the latter being much more emphasized, more than ever).

Angelica Houston — now a relic of the older very Jewish-American Hollywood hegemony of the 1940′s– was deeply immense in both theatrical talent and old school nickelodeon sex appeal.

With strong classical European features, and a solid womanly body straight out of ancient roman statuary, Ms, Houston was a bad lady in her day. Hats off, fellas. She may be a lighty, but in my book, she’s alrighty.

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Source – Justin Howard, www.sexliesobsession.com

Active Duty Soldiers Take Part in the ‘It Gets Better’ Campaign

January 24, 2012 Boys, Boys, Boys, Culture, Just Life, Lifestyle, The Nation No comments
Soldiers take part in it gets better

Active Duty Soldiers take part in 'It Gets Better'

It is not surprising that since the Pentagon and US Goverment repealed the horribly suppressive policy of ‘Don’t ask, Don’t tell’ that active duty service members have come out openly to support their Gay & Lesbian brothers and sister in arms.

Active Duty Soldiers Take Part in the ‘It Gets Better’ Campaign

One group based in Bagram, Afghanistan has taken this open support of Gays and Lesbians a step futher by releasing their own video contributions to the ‘It Gets Better‘ Campaign. These brave soldiers have started a broadcast their message of tolerance to gay teens who are harassed by bullies.

“It’s really hard, being accepted, to be different. But it’s even harder to be somebody that you’re not. So, once you find that group of friends that embrace who you are, just go with the flow. It gets better” one soldier commented.

The group that posted the video is Outserve, an LGBT support organization for U.S. soldiers.

View the Video “Outserve BAF: It Gets Better (Deployed US Military) on Youtube.

Follow Justin Howard, San Diego Gay Travel Examiner @jthnomad

Washington State to Legalize Gay Marriage

January 24, 2012 Lifestyle, The Nation No comments

Love & Marriage = Marriage Equality

Today Washington became the 7th state (Don’t forget DC) in the US to legalize Gay Marriage. This amazing fortune became a reailty based on the decision of one state senator – Senator Mary Margaret Haugen. With her landmark decision to support Gay Marriage in Washington State, the law now goes to the desk for the signature of Governor to legalize same-sex nuptials.

Washington State to Legaize Gay Marriage -

When Governor Chris Gregiore of Washington State annoticed her support of Same-Sex Unions three weeks ago, the bill gained enoughed votes in the House to pass and make it’s way to the State Senate where Senator Haugen‘s vote allowed it beome enshrined in the State’s law.

Senator Mary Margaret Haugen wrote a letter detailed her views and why she personality supports the struggle of Same-Sex couples to have the same rights as hetrosexual couples to get marriaged as they see fit. In simple terms, it takes the whole debate of Same-Sex Marriage down from the lofty realms of political rhetoric into the space of everyday life.

“To some degree, this is generational. Years ago I took exception to my parents’ beliefs on certain social issues, and today my children take exception to some of mine. Times change, even if it makes us uncomfortable. I think we should all be uncomfortable sometime. None of us knows everything, and it’s important to have our beliefs questioned. Only one being in this world is omniscient, and it’s not me.

I have very strong Christian beliefs, and personally I have always said when I accepted the Lord, I became more tolerant of others. I stopped judging people and try to live by the Golden Rule. This is part of my decision. I do not believe it is my role to judge others, regardless of my personal beliefs. It’s not always easy to do that. For me personally, I have always believed in traditional marriage between a man and a woman. That is what I believe, to this day.

But this issue isn’t about just what I believe. It’s about respecting others, including people who may believe differently than I. It’s about whether everyone has the same opportunities for love and companionship and family and security that I have enjoyed.

For as long as I have been alive, living in my country has been about having the freedom to live according to our own personal and religious beliefs, and having people respect that freedom.

Not everyone will agree with my position. I understand and respect that. I also trust that people will remember that we need to respect each other’s beliefs. All of us enjoy the benefits of being Americans, but none of us holds a monopoly on what it means to be an American. Ours is truly a big tent, and while the tent may grow and shrink according to the political winds of the day, it should never shrink when it comes to our rights as individuals.”

Honestly I can’t wait to write “The 10 Top Venues in Washinton for Gay Marriage,” so stay tuned for more on the struggle of Gays & Lesbians to achieve marriage equality.

To support the nationwide ‘NOH8‘ campaign check out www.noh8campaign.com for the local photo shoots opportunities, where you can take the fun duck tapes pictures to post to your Facebook and Twitter in visible support.

Follow NOH8 on twitter @NOH8Campaign and post under #NOH8.

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Runway Profile – Men from ‘The Grey’ aka Liam Neeson

January 16, 2012 Fashion, Just Life, Lifestyle, Los Angeles No comments

As one of the 1st premiers of 2012, the men of ‘The Grey‘ managed to single handedly set the tone for the whole award season as far as the men are concerned – with Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper and fellow cast mate Dermot Mulroney coming out in force displaying their rugged good looks and slim European cut suits from such well known designers like Georgio Armani & Joseph Abboud.

Runway Profile – Men from ‘The Grey’

I must admit I was not sure what to except fashion wise from the singularly male cast of new film ‘The Grey‘ staring Liam Neeson, directed by Joe Carnahan (who apparently knows me, more on that later) and produced by Riley Scott, all of which was shot in the back woods of Alaska with the cast wearing outfits more suited to keep you freezing your bum off then gracing the silver screen.

As ‘The Grey‘ stars Liam Neeson, who I have had a crush ever since watching ‘Satisfaction‘ the 80′s film co-staring Justine Bateman and a very young Julia Roberts. In Satisfaction, there was a scene where I got quite the eye full of Liam and I have been hooked ever since.

Since the film stars Liam, I decide to keep an open mind – even if I have images of dirty rough axe wielding men prancing down a red carpet haunting the back of my mind.

Check out their Red Carpet looks for yourself -

Style Guide -

Liam Neeson – Georgio Armani

Frank Grillo – Joseph Abboud

Dermot Mulroney - Issa

James Badge Dale – Varvatos

Dallas Roberts – Gucci

Joe Carnahan – Varvatos

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Oscar Wilde’s ‘A Kiss No More’ – A Tomb Protected from Smooches

December 1, 2011 Culture, Lifestyle, The World No comments
Justin Howard, Jim Morrison, Paris, Dublin, Pere LaChaise, Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde's 'A Kiss No More' - A Tomb Protected from Smooches

Oscar Wilde, a look at his life -

In his lifetime Oscar Wilde was known internationally as being dapper individual, and a ‘Man’s Man’ in every sense of the word. The author of such litarary masterpieces as ‘The Picture of Dorian Grey‘ was brought low by his quest for revenge against the father of hislover Lord Alfred Douglas, the Marquess of Queensberry.

The quest for revenge lead to his own infamous trail of gross indeceny with other men. He served two years of hard labour out of which he came a changed man. To those that know him at the height of his career when his play ‘The Importance of Being Earnest‘ was on stage in London in 1985, he was a sparkling presence of intelluctal wit which earned him the friendship of such powers-that-be like the then Prince of Wales.

After his imprisonment, he became a dark and gloomly enimga which haunted the streets ofParis, the city he had voluntarily exiled himself to from England and Ireland.

The end of his life is best seen in the work he wrote during his time in prison - ‘De Profundis’a story written in letter form that details his spiritual journey during his trail, a road that from the heights of the worldly pleasure he had known to the dark place he had inhabited at the end.

The Tomb

Since the 90′s Men and Women have been leaving lipstick kisses on his tomb in the famous cemtery of Paris, La Pere Lachaise. A gentle and permanent tribute to author who did not care much for women in his life, yet whole heartedly threw himself in the arms of men.

Oscar Wilde’s grandson Merlin Holland says “The lipstick has become a ‘serious problem’ because the grease sinks into the stone. Every cleaning was causing a bite more stone to wear way.

“No ammount of appeals to the public did any good at all. Kissing Oscar’s tomb is on the Paris tourist circuit and has become a bit a cult pastime, now proving impossible to break. Even if one could catch someone ‘inflagrante delicto’ – there is a $13,500 fine – most perpetrators are tourists, so they would be home before the French authorities could bring them to court.”

“The tomb is close to being irreparably damaged. Each cleaning has rendered the stome more porous, equalling the need for a more drastic cleaning.”

The Response

The cities of Paris and Dublin have come together to preseverse the memorial which opens again to the public this week. It will be enclosed within a glass barrier “which will surround it to prevent the kissers from further damaging it.” The tomb is now cleaned of the infamous kisses.

Random Fact

To safity your curiousity, yes this is the cemtery where Jim Morrison is buried. Don’t fear his tomb is still open to all those who would kiss him even in death.

 

The Temple of Ise – Ise City, Japan

November 29, 2011 Justin Howard, The World, Travel No comments

 

Rituals for the Ise Grand Shrine

Wandering through the green shadows of the primal forest that seperates the ancient shrine of Ise from the outside world, one can’t help reflecting upon the fact this is the sacred heart of Shintoism, the native religion of Japan.

Shinto or kami-no-michi translates into english as “Way of the Gods” is a set of spiritual beliefs followed by over 119 million observers in Japan alone, dating back to the 8th century and the Nara period in Japanese history.

Ise Grand Shrine – A History

Deciated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, the Ise shrine is one of the world’s oldest sacred sites, a place of worship and pilrimage for the Japanesse people for the last 2,000 years. Legends set forth in the ‘Nihon Shoki’ tell the story of the demi-goddess Yamatohime-no-mikoto, daughter of the Emperor Suinin. Yamatohine wandered for over 20 years in the regions of Ohmi and Mino looking for a permanent site for the Goddesss Amaterasu to be worshipped. Finally arriving at Ise, where she established the original temple Naikū, upon hearing the Sun Goddess say “is a secluded and pleasant land. In this land I wish to dwell.”

The Ise Shrine is split into two locations, Naiku the inner shrine and Geku the outer shrine, respectfully. Naiku, the inner shrine is the official earthy residence of the Goddess Amaterasu, while the outer shrine Geku is a temple to the Goddesss Toyouke no omikami, the deity of agriculture and industry.

Naiku is located in the town of Uji-tachi, south of Ise City. Around Naiku and Geku are 123 satelite temples located in Ise City, 91 of them connected to Naikū and 32 to Gekū.

The first official imperial temple at Ise was built by Emperor Temmu in 678 AD at the Naiku site, with his wife Empress Jito handling the ceremonial rebuilding in 692 AD.

Interesting Facts

Purportedly the home of the Sacred Mirror, the shrine is Shinto’s holiest and most important site. The Sacred Mirror or Yata no Kagam is one of the most important objects of the imperial regalia of Japan, the Sacred Mirror is said to be on the one from Japanese mythology that the Gods places on a tree to lure Amaterasu out of a cave. Upon seeing herself in the mirror the Goddess could not resit coming out of the cave to investiage the beautiful creature in it. The mirror became embedded with her divine image and was giving to her grandson Ninigi no Mikoto, when he went to pacify Japan. It has since been passed into the guardian ship of the Ise Shrine.

In 965, Emperor Murakami sent imperial messengers to report important events to the guardian kami of Japan, chief among them was the Sun Goddess Amaterasu at the Ise Shrine.

The high priestess of Ise Shrine must come from the imperial family of Japan and is entrusted with the guardianship of the Shrine. The current High Priestess is Ikeda Astuko, the fourth daughter of the Showa Emperor.

All the shrine buildings of Naiku and Geku, along with the Uji Bridge, are rebuilt every 20 years symbolizing the journey of founding priestesssYamatohime-no-mikoto to establish the Ise Shrine. It is said her journey was an embodiement of the Shinto philosophy of ‘Wabi-Sabi’ the belief of the death, renewal of nature and the impermanence of all things. In pre-modern time it served as a ritual tranmission of building techniques between generations.

The Journey

Flights from the US cities of San Diego and Los Angeles to Japan often from overnight at Tokyo’s Narita airport

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Justin Howard, Fashionista411 Columnist on Twitter @jthnomad

5 Quick Tips for Planning your European Adventure

November 29, 2011 Justin Howard, Travel No comments
The Pathways of Europe

The Pathways of Europe

As Winter descents upon Southern California you might find yourself asking the following questions. Am I craving the luxury of real snow? Do I yearn for a sprinkling of culture, with a dash of ‘Old World’ charm mixed in? If the answers are yes, then turn your mind towards Europe, and let your Fashionista411 Columnist Justin Howard provide you with 5 quick tips for planning your trip.

Planning Your Trip to Europe – 5 Quick Tips

Entry into the EU : Passports and Visa’s

Citizens from the US, Candana, Australia and New Zealand only need a valid passport for entry, and can stay for up to 90 days. Please do note that a fine will be imposed if you stay longer with obtaining a visa extension.

When to Go

As the captials of most european countries are cultural centers, tourists come and go year round. In the Summer, many visitors pass through these cultural centers, it is certianly not the best time to visit. It’s very hot and packed with other large tourist groups. I prefer to head over in late Spring and early Autumn, when the weather is mild and general atmosphere is more relaxed.

What to Take

In Summer, light clothing will be just fine (think shorts and tank tops). I would recommend throwing in a least one button up shirt with a nice pair of slacks for the potential of a nice evening out. The rest of the year you will want to bring warmer cloths similar to what you would wear during winter here in Southern California. Do remember to take comfortable walking shoes.

Health Matters

Citizens from EU member nations have the right to free basic medical care after filling out a E111 form. The rest of us, travelers from Candana, the US, Australia and New Zealand are not covered by the same EU rules. We have to pay for all medical treatment except emergency casuality visits.

Local Prices

Europe is still one of the safest places for travelers world wide. Be smart and take the usual precautions, lock your car, keep your valuables in a safe place and look after your wallet and passport.

For more travel advice follw your Fashionista411 Columnist Justin Howard on Twitter @jthnomad

Fashionista411 – Looking for your Favorite Brands? Check Here.

September 29, 2011 Beauty, Fashion, Justin Howard, New York No comments

Liz Claiborne

When it comes to holiday shopping no fashionista wants to spend more time shopping then she has to, especially when it means braving long lines, and oh-so friendly sales associates. So in an extra effort to cut down on the time you spend in line, here is a guide to your favorite brands and where they can be found.

Looking for your Favorite Brands? Check Here.

TOMMY HILFIGER

TOMMY HILFIGER
Love shopping at Macy’s, well now you are in luck as they are the exclusive retailer of TOMMY’s sportswear lines (Men’s and Women’s), as well the Children’s wear line. If you are addict the Hilfiger store, don’t worry you can get your fix there and at the website as well.

Tommy’s fragrances, home furnishing and other lines will still be sold at other stores as well as at Macy’s.

Ellen Tracy

Ellen Tracy
A name known and loved by many a business women as they are the preferred designer of Women’s Suits once found in nearly all luxury department stores like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Sadly earlier this year their production licensee was forced into bankruptcy, yet there is hope as they have created another licensee in a new lifetime exclusive sales arrangement with Macy’s.

Other Ellen Tracy Lines like the coats and Sunglasses are still sold at Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom.

LIZ CLAIRBORNE

LIZ CLAIRBORNE
Once a familiar sight at Macy’s, where it was sold in all 800 stores, sadly as of last year it was to only be found in 200. As LIZ recreated herself, and signed an exclusive agreement with J.C. Penney bringing a much need touch of luxury to this department store and giving the brand a new avenue of exposure. All of the LIZ CLAIBORNE line from shoes to household products will be found at Penney’s during this Holiday Season.

Now for all of you home shopping fans, the new Liz Claiborne New York line designed by Isaac Mizrahu will be featured exclusively on QVC.

Curious about your other favorite brands? Why not drop your Fashionista411 Columnist a line!

Email – jhoward@thefashionista411.com Twitter – jthnomad

Looks Around The World 2011 – Mens Style File

June 8, 2011 Fashion, Geek Chic, Justin Howard, The World No comments

Mens International Fashion 2011

One thing I love about Men’s Fashion is that no matter where in the world you travel, there are always similar styles and trends.

Check out the latest styles from countries around the globe like Mexico, Spain and America courtesy of Fashionista411. Pay attention as we’re going to show you what you will need to pull of each look and where to find the individual pieces.

We, here at the Fashionista411 love to make fashion that simple! Enjoy.

Mexico Look Book 2011

 

MEXICO

Diesel Leather Bomber

ASOS Scoop Neck T-Shirt

ASOS Grey Skinny Jeans

ASOS Chelsea Boot

Jas M.B Leather Messenger Bag

 

 

 

 


Spain Style 2011

 

SPAIN

Ignite Trapper Hat
Junk De Luxe Long Knit
Wrangler Black Slim Jeans
ASOS Oversized Glasses
ASOS Black Worker Boots

 

 

 

 

 

 


America Grunge 2011

 

AMERICA

Tuesday Night Band Practice T-shirt

Wrangler Flannel Check Shirt

Levis Trucker Denim Jacket

Religion Zip Pocket Jeans

ASOS Knitted Snood

Geek Chic – The Definition of Style

May 8, 2011 Beauty, Fashion, Geek Chic, Just Life, Lifestyle One comment
The Artist
Geek Chic Ball

Geek Chic - The Definition of Style

“… I hopped in my jaguar. Checking my email on the dashboard panel via bluetooth to my iPhone, I made a personal note: Need a web page for these poor cyber-hungry masses. Maybe they can’t all become geeks, but at least they can interact with us. People long for the glamour that they perceive in the cyber world. They see our shiny, thick glasses, our slick pocket protectors, but they don’t realize all that glitters is not gold. It’s time for them to know who we really are…”

- From Geekchic.com

According to Wikipedia “Geek chic” refers to the embracing of stereotypically unpopular “geek” characteristics such as taped glasses, comic books, and video games. Most, if not all, celebrity exponents of geek chic have emerged from the entertainment field. Actor David Tennant, the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who, has described the look of his character as geek chic.

Other people believe that geek chic has become a trend because or the glamorization of “geek culture” in the 2000s, such as the use of computers, video game culture, the internet, Anime, Superhero films and fantasy novels, along with the high income of so-called “geeky” jobs such as Information Technology. Also, eccentricity has become more popular due to recent youth culture backlash against conservatism, yuppie culture, traditional gender roles, and conformity in general.

The Artist

The Artist

The Nerd

The Nerd

The Beehive Betty

The Beehive Betty

The Rock-a-billy

The Rock-a-billy

The Gentlemen

The Gentlemen

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