Here at Maniac, we have a lot to look forward to in 2010. Personally, I think this year will be filled with a lot of great comebacks to look forward to!
Rihanna is one example. A year after struggles in her personal life, she looks completely radiant on the cover of W, and is ready to take over the airwaves once more with her upcoming single Hard.
BUT! Let’s not forget about some other pop legends dropping some killer tracks to put them back on top.
After lukewarm reception of the first single Louboutins off her upcoming album, Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo, LoLa, whatever) brings some serious heat in the video for her new track, Fresh Out The Oven (featuring Mr. 305 himself, Pitbull).
The next chart-topper ready to reclaim the throne is Usher. His video for his latest single Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home) is definitely sexy and reminds us of his superior skills as a dancer.
Last but not least, Janet Jackson. The video for her song Make Me, released in late ‘09, definitely will get some play in 2010. It has a super glam futuristic vibe that I expect will be ultra trendy this year.
Upon watching these videos, I think it’s safe to say that Beyoncé’s video successes in ‘09 set the bar for trends in music videos this year.
By Eric Langberg
When we heard high fashion designer and photographer Tom Ford would be making a film, we were excited. Ford, who loves designing his own clothes and then taking pictures of beautiful people wearing them, seems tailor made (if you’ll excuse the pun) for translating Christopher Isherwood’s 1960s-era novel A Single Man to the big screen. With Colin Firth in the lead role as George, and Julianne Moore providing support as his best friend Charley, the movie seemed destined for greatness.
A Single Man begins with a nude Colin Firth floating in dark blue water while music plays softly. Flashes provide back story: a man has been killed in a car crash. Then George wakes suddenly to the ticking of a clock, a sound which doesn’t stop until the movie ends. Voiceover tells us that sometimes it’s painful to wake up.
Firth’s performance is phenomenal. He perfectly captures George’s anguish at being left floating, alone, without the love of his life. Throughout the film, which takes place over the course of one day as his character contemplates and prepares for suicide, Firth interacts with a number of characters who serve to highlight just how forlorn he has become. He must cope with being alone, he must cope with getting older, and most of all, he must cope with hiding just how much he’s not coping at all.
Filmed in gorgeous muted colors, which blossom into even more gorgeous full-blooded hues when Firth meets someone full of youth, A Single Man has obviously been crafted by someone with an eye for high art. Long close-ups linger lazily on Firth and the other characters, while quicker cuts and unusual camera angles highlight emotional tension. Flashbacks are integrated surprisingly well, complementing both the plot and the inner turmoil experienced by George.
This is a movie made by a gay man, about gay characters, and while the film delights in the male form (one scene where Firth becomes distracted from a conversation by shirtless tennis players comes to mind), Ford deals with sexuality in a tasteful, understated way. There is no full-frontal nudity, no sex, and scarcely a kiss to be seen between committed long-time partners. The fact that the main character is gay only matters in that it causes tension with Charley; the film and story are structured so that the deep sense of loss George feels is universal, and anyone can appreciate and sympathize with Firth’s performance.
You should own 1 or 2 or 10 blazers by now, in all different cuts and colors. So far I’ve managed to collect three black blazers (with three different textures and fits), an electric blue one, circa 1985, from my Grandma’s closet, a tiny Catholic – school blazer I found in the boys section at a thrift store, and an authentic Escada wool blazer with graphic print for $10 at the same thrift store (Red White and Blue, Rt. 65) and Im still searching for more. I cannot get enough! Not only are blazers super versatile, they make everything look more polished and official. They are especially good at transitioning you from day to evening and casual to professional. At the very least, try to own at least one neutral – colored blazer so you can work it into most of your wardrobe. A blazer in an unexpected color or silhouette is good to have on hand as well; you can throw it over any of your basics to add interest. Remember, you can always custom tailor one to fit you perfectly: you will use something that fits and looks right for years, so the extra $20 investment is worth it. I’m loving 1980’s, oversized blazers at the moment…huge shoulder pads and bright colors included. I’m also on the lookout for an early ’90’s version, preferably bedazzled with giant jewel-toned plastic gems. P.S. Pay attention to the inside lining…. if its interesting or the fabric is in a contrasting color or print, roll up your sleeves! Check out how these folks wear theirs:
Photos Taken from lookbook.nu & facehunter
Layering. Where do I begin? Such a useful concept, especially during ‘these times’. I don’t mean to be a Debby Downer / broken record re-mix but the economy is in the crapper. That doesn’t mean you have to look like you are though (unless of course your last night was worth it, then by all means you’re excused 
In fact, being a little broke forces you to get more resourceful and creative.
I think most people shop more than they need to. I know how it is to be bored with your closet and I also know how great it feels to own something new. But before you go out and spend more money, try layering what you have first. Take your summer clothes and mix them with your winter accessories and vice versa. Pull out all of your older pieces and give them new life. Utilize everything you have and give it purpose. You will be pleasantly surprised with how many ‘new’ looks you come up with. Look at it like shopping without spending any money.
I have this monthly ritual where I pull pieces from my wardrobe that I haven’t worn in awhile and I lay them out on the floor in front of me. My approach is non-judgemental. I mix and match everything with stuff I would never normally think to mix it with until I get something visually stimulating out of it. Then I take pics of the creations and upload them onto my computer. I know this process may sound tedious and slightly ridiculous, but I’m the kind of person that can’t fully function before a couple of coffees. The less I have to think in the morning, the better. This is such a time saver…no more being late to work! Check out how these people mixed it up:
lookbook.nu
facehunter
P.S. Maniac blog readers: I have yet to see a pic posted in the comment boxes. If you think you have style then show us for crying out loud! We’re waiting…………
