Loewe SS24 Women's Collection: Comfort doesn't mean settling for less

Loewe kicked off its Spring-Summer 2024 runway show in Château de Vincennes in Paris this past September. With J.W. Anderson as creative director of the Spanish luxury fashion house, this season saw many exaggerations with an unexpected yet fun twist across the board, as J.W. Anderson is known for. This time around, the collection, which spotlighted the delicate silhouette of the human body, highly emphasized outline and essence with many looks that accentuated the waist and form.  

The fashion house also continued its collaboration with artist Lynda Benglis, the creator behind a series of jewelry pieces and an installation of bronze sculptures. Her work was present at the show as black and gold sculptures were carefully placed to adorn as models made their way down the runway. 

Various pieces made for walking commentary on the hidden hierarchy for practicality and comfort we search for in our everyday looks. But if there’s anything J.W. Anderson taught us this season, it's that practical doesn't mean boring. And oh boy, did he make that clear with vibrant hues of yellow, purple, red on oversized knits, crystalized floral tops, loose semi see-through dresses and black knee-length shorts with a playful pin at the top.  

The collection showed off many extremes from extremely high-waisted pants to extremely oversized loose-knit ponchos with giant gold buttons adorning the front. Here are some of the highlights: 

 

LOOK 03 

LOOK 04 

LOOK 06  

LOOK 21 

LOOK 35 

As of now, the collection is not yet available to purchase. Stay tuned for third-party reviews when it drops! 

The Los Angeles Chargers: A Guaranteed Heartbreak

    One of my earliest childhood memories is falling in love with the San Diego Chargers. The lightning bolts on the helmets and uniforms were so intriguing as a kid because what 8-year-old boy doesn't think animated lightning bolts and fires weren't cool? I am now 21 years old, and I can assure you that once December kicks around, the Chargers will break my heart again. 

    The most toxic relationship I've ever had is with the Chargers. How can you return to something that has hurt you every year for nearly a decade and a half? Once April and May kick around, I always fall into the trap of "this year will be different," but it never is and probably never will be. 

     I want to think of myself as a winner and someone who does not want to lose. If you follow football, or even if you don't, let me tell you something: the new Los Angeles Chargers are everything except winning. The team does not have the "winning" gene in them, and every time you think things are turning around for them, they will ultimately "Charger" themselves out of a win. 

    What does it mean to "Charge" a game? It's pretty simple in sports terms: you choked the game away or did everything not to win. It's just what the Chargers do; whether it's missed field goals, coaching blunders, or untimely mistakes, the Bolts always find a way to lose. They are just that one team that can't get out of their way.

    What keeps me around if all the team does is lose? The iconic players always trap me in this Chargers love every year. What Taylor Swift is to all the Swifties, Justin Herbert is to all his Herbies! I don't know if that is a term Chargers fans use, but I will use it. Before Herbert was Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates. You know that one person that you feel so bad for because they are just stuck in a situation they can't get out of? Well, that's Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen, and before that was Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates. 

I rooted for these players because they give their all to the Chargers. If coaching and organizational competency were ever a thing in the Chargers dictionary, then in an alternate world, the Chargers are winners. 

    Working in sports media over the last two years has allowed me to cover competent organizations in Los Angeles, like the Lakers, the Rams, and the Dodgers; I yearn for the day the Chargers become an elite organization like their city counterparts. 

    I wonder if they will ever become that in my lifetime, and the Chargers will likely waste their young, great quarterback talent in Justin Herbert as they did with all great Chargers teams before. The Los Angeles Chargers can never guarantee a win, but they can always ensure an inevitable heartbreak. 

Guide Through L.A Kings Experience

 

 As the hockey season gears up, the excitement of watching the LA Kings play live is an experience every fan should savor. Navigating a game day in Los Angeles requires a strategic approach to make the most of your time and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the hockey scene. Here's your ultimate guide to a thrilling LA Kings game day:

Navigating the Streets:

• Early Planning:

• Start your day by checking the game schedule and planning your route. Consider traffic conditions and give yourself ample time to reach the Staples Center.

• Public Transportation:

• Beat the traffic by using the Metro or bus services. The Pico Station is conveniently located near the arena, providing easy access for fans using public transportation.

• Rideshare Services:

• Embrace the convenience of rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. They offer drop-off zones near the arena, saving you the hassle of finding parking.

Parking Preparation:

• Prepaid Parking:

• Opt for prepaid parking to secure a spot in advance. This eliminates the stress of finding parking and allows you to focus on enjoying the game.

• Arrive Early:

• If you prefer on-site parking, arrive early to secure a good spot. The Staples Center's various parking lots can fill up quickly, especially on game days.

  

Pre-Game Eats:

• L.A. Live Dining:

• Explore the vibrant L.A. Live area surrounding the arena. Numerous restaurants, such as Yard House or Tom's Urban, offer diverse menus, making it a perfect spot for pre-game meals.

• Iconic Food Trucks:

• Venture a bit farther to experience some of LA's famous food trucks. From gourmet tacos to fusion cuisine, the variety is endless.

Niche Things Unique to an LA Kings Game:

• Game Day Merchandise:

• Immerse yourself in the Kings' spirit by grabbing some game-day merchandise. The team store at the Staples Center is a treasure trove of jerseys, hats, and other memorabilia.

• Celebrity Sightings:

• Keep an eye out for celebrity hockey fans. Los Angeles is home to numerous stars who are passionate about the Kings. You might just spot a familiar face in the crowd.

• Post-Game Hangouts:

• Extend the excitement post-game by exploring nearby bars and pubs. The Mixing Room at the JW Marriott or the Yard House are popular choices for fans looking to discuss the game over a drink.

• Unique Fan Traditions:

• Join in on the unique fan traditions, such as the "Go Kings Go" chant. Engaging with fellow fans in these rituals adds an extra layer of camaraderie to the experience.

In conclusion, navigating a game day to see the LA Kings involves a blend of strategic planning, culinary exploration, and embracing the unique hockey culture of Los Angeles. By incorporating these tips, you'll not only witness an exhilarating game but also create lasting memories in the heart of the King's kingdom.

Spirit Halloween's Top Five Animatronics

The 2023 Halloween season is in full swing, which means it’s time for everyone to visit their favorite spooky shop: Spirit Halloween. 

I look forward to visiting Spirit all throughout the year. It’s the best place to stock up on all of your Halloween essentials and get into the spooky spirit. However, the thing I look forward to most when visiting is seeing their newest animatronics.

Every year Spirit comes out with new animatronics and revives their past designs with upgrades. These animatronics are great for spicing up your yard for the holiday or for building a homemade haunted house. Each animatronic serves their own purpose; some are good for jump scares, others are good for adding to the haunted ambience. 

I have gone through several Spirit locations this year and browsed their online catalog. After combing through all of this year’s animatronics, I have cultivated a list of the best animatronics for 2023. 

Here are my top five:

 

1. Darling Dolly

Darling Dolly is hands-down my favorite animatronic that Spirit has produced with this year. She stands at a whopping 7 feet tall and has an ominous hunched posture that is off-putting to anyone in her presence. Additionally, her audio will no doubt make the hairs on your neck stand up. She giggles and cries in an unsettling manner and when you least suspect it, she lunges at you with a blood-curdling scream. Darling Dolly would certainly do a great job delivering jump-scares to those brave enough to pass her.

2. Spike

                                                                

This animatronic does not produce the most intense jump-scares; however, he does serve a great purpose in adding to a haunted ambiance. Spike is 3 feet tall and hangs from a rope attached to his back. He groans while twitching and writhing in such an unnerving manner that it makes your skin crawl. I think in the right setting – perhaps behind fog and a blacklight – he could be that finishing touch that ties the whole spooky scene together. 

3. Hell Spawn

Hell Spawn is another great jump-scare animatronic. During his resting state he appears to be about 4.5 feet tall, but don’t let his small stature fool you. Unsuspecting guests passing by him will quickly learn that he delivers quite the jump-scare. Hell Spawn leaps up to a full 8.6 feet tall when his trigger is activated. As he ascends, he releases a spine-chilling roar and shouts “Get out of my graveyard!” This animatronic is great for anyone looking to give guests a good scare.

4. Stilts 

Stilts is a 7.9 foot tall clown with an ominous backstory. His audio tells the story of his failed juggling career and he invites you to watch him perform. He also produces an evil laugh while waving his arms and rotating his head a full 360 degrees. His bloodshot eyes and sinister expression add to his overall maniacal energy. Stilts does not lunge or jump out at passing individuals. However, I think he would be great at the front of a haunted house or in a lawn to welcome guests as he is a magnet to anyone looking for a thrill. 

5. Killer Klowns from Outer Space

This animatronic does not produce any jump-scares and its audio is not particularly unnerving. However, I had to include it in my list because the 1989 film “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” is such an iconic staple in Halloween and horror culture. The animatronic stands at 7.2 feet tall and feels fairly accurate to how the clown is portrayed in the film. Additionally, his audio plays the iconic music and clown laughter from the film. I do not think people would be particularly afraid of this prop, but any fans of the film would certainly love walking by him on Halloween night. 

The Meaning of a Tattoo on this Floating Rock in Space

I was 19 years old when I got my first tattoo. It was a matching one with an ex-best-friend that quoted the Taylor Swift lyrics “Love you to the moon and to Saturn.” Five days later, we got into a huge argument in the streets of Stockholm, Sweden, walked away from each other, and never looked back. A Gemini and a Virgo become friends and you expect any other ending to that story? 

A few days later, I got another tattoo. This one was inspired by my grandma and the fourth-generation heirloom necklace that I have proudly worn every day since I turned 15. The only issue is that the necklace is from Greece and smack dab in the middle of it is a dolphin. People’s favorite thing to ask me now is if I’m a big dolphin fan. Which I mean, they’re fine. 

But what even are tattoos? Why do we get them and what is this fascination behind the meaning of a tattoo? There are two people on the tattoo spectrum: the ones who get meaningful, deep-rooted identity tattoos, and the ones who would get Squidward's face tattooed on their forearm if it was drawn aesthetically pleasing enough. The best part? These two groups of people are each other’s greatest enemy! Well, aside from those that are “anti-tattoo for lifers.” Those people are just full of themselves. 

But if we’re all being honest with ourselves, there is no tattoo that can hold meaning for us throughout our entire lives. Symbolism doesn’t work that way. It’s dynamic, just as we are. And if mentally and emotionally we stay the same (hopefully, not), we sure aren’t physically. I mean as cool as Grandpa
looks with his tatted arms, it’s definitely not giving Jason Mamoa anymore. 

I guess the point of this blog is for me to convince myself to get another tattoo even though I have no good, meaningful ideas. C’est la vie!