Twenty Something Magazine May 2011
Bethany Young: Editor-in-Chief, Co-Creative Director, Photographer
Mom - where would I be today without you? Life has thrown a lot at us, and you have always remained strong, always being a great example of how to live. I am so glad God chose you to be my mom. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and for sacrificing so much, so that I could have a good life. I have you to thank for the woman I am today. You have always believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my passions - for that I am so grateful. I love you.
Happy Mother’s Day! Kelsey Self: Co-Creative Director, Fashion Director & Editor, Stylist
Mom - When I think of my life and who I am today, I am so thankful to have had you to shape and mold me. To teach me lessons no one else could and to believe in all of my crazy dreams. The support you and dad give to me feels unmatched by any other, and perhaps I am bias a bit, but I want you to know how very grateful I am. Throughout all of the trials God has thrown our way, Mom, there is no one stronger and more inspiring than you. I love you so very much and would be nothing without you.
Styling by Kelsey Self Hair & Makeup by Jamy Green Photography & Article by Bethany Young Models: Ashley Liddell, Meagan Owen, Ashley Lynch Clothes Provided by Antique Garden
Antique Garden is a lo-
cal favorite in the Norman community - located on Boyd Street in the everpopular Campus Corner. Known for their unique accessories, fun antiques and incredible clothes - this store is sure to be one of your go-to places after you visit. Barbara and Mariah, a mother-daughter duo, took a risk and bought a building on the West side of Norman in June of 1997. They called it Antique Garden because they sold one-of-akind antiques and gorgeous orchids. Opening with just 800 square feet, they quickly expanded to 2,000 and then 3,000 square feet until finally they began thinking about relocating. At the time Campus Corner was known as “Death Corner” among retailers because everything was going under, but these two loved campus and believed in the community that it could bring. They opened a small space behind Harold’s to test the market - and then when La Baguette moved out they quickly jumped at the opportunity to move into their current location. “We redid the whole inside in six weeks,” Mariah told us. “There was a huge kitchen inside because La Baguette had been there, so we gutted everything and added all of the arches and columns that we have now.” When Antique Garden came to Campus Corner, the demands of their customers dramatically changed the store. Instead of selling orchids,
they began selling clothes and gifts. “We just evolved into what we are today,” Mariah explained. “We always try to have things that no one else has. When we first started carrying clothes we didn’t want the store to be sterile - so we would come up with different ideas to display our products. We put bamboo rods on trees and used them as clothing racks,” she told us with a smile. This warm and inviting store is definitely one of a kind. It has even been lovingly referred to as, “Anthropologie on steroids.” Next time you’re in the quaint town of Norman, add Antique Garden to your list of must sees!
What we’re listening Artist We Love: Esperanza Spalding
Remember that random chick who stole Justin Beiber’s Grammy away for Best New Artist this year? Well, it turns out she’s kind of amazing. Her name is Esperanza Spalding and she’s loaded with all kinds of talent. For those of you who might be rooting for Casey this season on American Idol, you’d be all over this girl for her ability to sing and actually play an instrument. For some reason, I find it extra special when a girl can play the drums or, in Spalding’s case, the bass because that’s usually a guy thing. She’s pretty chill, so don’t expect to get hyped up when listening to her or anything, but her perception on jazz just puts me in a great mood, not to mention the fact that she can scat like no one’s business. Her latest album of three, Chamber Music Society, is what won her the Grammy for Best New Artist, which has never before been won by a jazz musician. Spalding’s twenty-six and clearly a musical prodigy, as well as an inspiration to all young musicians. She fills that void for refreshing talent that is so desperately needed in a time of major pop-overload.
Album We Love: Radiohead’s The King of Limbs This album is for those who truly appreciate music and for those who realize that even though Radiohead might be a little weird, unorthodox, and a little trippy, they are one of the best bands of all time. They’ve been around since 1985, which is before some of us were born, and have since been powerhouse innovators in the music business. Therefore, they deserve our attention with their latest album King of Limbs. If you haven’t been a fan, you should become one after listening to their latest creation. Even though it’s a briefer album only made of eight songs, King of Limbs is still perfectly diverse. Each
to...
Written by Sarah Ethridge
track is truly unique, some mellow and some notoriously showing off their technological syncopated rhythms. Tracks like “Lotus Flower” and “Seperator” are the favorites of critics as well as myself because they’re a perfect representation of a new and updated Radiohead. These tracks are likely to put you in a good mood with more happiness and a faster pace than other tracks like “Codex” and “Give Up The Ghost,” which are deeper more methodical tracks, typical of Radiohead’s slower jams that seem to be drowning in some sort of heartbreak. Some see this expression as depressing, but perhaps they are some of the few brave enough to expose their truth through one-of-a-kind compositions. They always manage to stay genuine and make heartfelt, politically stout and all-together brilliant productions for those who love good music. Listen to it and love it, or just think of it as a lesson of music appreciation.
Song We Love: “Helplessness Blues” by Fleet Foxes Most of the time I like a song based on its sound, not its lyrics. It’s shallow, I know, but I see songs as half meaning and half melody and usually I choose the latter. However, “Helplessness Blues,” by Fleet Foxes is one of my only exceptions. Not only is it a great song to listen to with its perfect harmonies and upbeat acoustics, but it captures my heart with its message. The song begins with an upbeat, guitarstrumming melody of how its easy to grow up thinking that you’re one of a kind and unique and can eventually express yourself with your career and change the world. Once you reach that age, though, it might be harder than it seems to establish that dream. This song is special because he explains how you don’t have to give up your ideals in life regardless of the occupation you have. With the phrase “And I don’t, I don’t know who to believe…I’ll get back to you someday soon you will see,” the song expounds on the helplessness we might feel as twenty-somethings trying to please others as well as ourselves, alongside a peace that we can rest assured our dreams will never leave us, even if they have not yet come true. I hope you all can listen to this song and find it as profound as I do and realize that we are more than our jobs, our daily tasks, and chores and live for something much more meaningful, whatever that may be.
Photography by Bethany Young
Blackwatch Studios is an incredible recording studio located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded by Chard Copelin and Jarod Evans this studio is turning out some of the hottest tracks and new artists. We were honored to cover the Blackwatch stage during the Norman Music Festival - here is our interview with owner Jarod Evans, and photos from a few of our favorite shows.
Tell us about yourself Chad grew up here in Norman and I grew up in the wee little town of Tuttle. We each have been musical in one way or another since we were kids. We met in College when our bands played lots of shows together. Each of us studied music at OU.
on a few records together with good experiences, we sort of just decided to “combine forces.” We have been actively using the studio as a commercial space for the last 8 years. Where did you get the name “Blackwatch”? Our great friend and resident drummer at the studio led us to the name. His dad, who is an awesome 70’s folk rocker, had a band in high school called Blackwatch - some way or another, we adopted the name.
What is the best experience you have had since opening Blackwatch Studios? That’s a toughy - I think the thing we take the most pride in about what we do is making efforts to develop and promote the artists that we work with Tell us about how you got after we produce their records. We in to the music world. believe greatly in our friends and the We have played in bands since we were local music scene. Staying involved in Jr High. In high school we started with the artists we work with through recording home recordings on cheap 4 helping promote shows, writing with track machines for the bands we were each other, and treating their record in. As time progressed, we started as a process that doesn’t end when the buying gear and slowly started transi- records are printed is really crucial I tioning in to engineering and producing think. as opposed to just playing clubs with local bands. I had a studio in Tuttle What is your favorite part for a couple of years where I wrote, of your job? taught guitar lessons, and recorded - I I would say that I love 3 things about rented the space for $50/month and making records: was frequently late paying rent some- 1. Getting to be creative everyday as a how. Chad found the building we’re profession currently in around the same time and 2. Getting to develop relationships slowly started developing the warewith new artists all the time house into a studio. After working 3. Every day and every record are
never the same Tell us about your recent trip to Prague. A band from the Ukraine heard The Burning Hotels record that we worked on. They decided that they wanted to fly us to Europe to produce their record. We chose a great studio in Prague that had an apartment for bands who record there. Other than the language barrier (they’re all native Russian speakers) everything went really smoothly. We’ll be mixing the record next month. If you were on a deserted island, and you could only have one mix CD with 10 songs - what would be on it? No matter what list I give, it will come across as contrived. Just gonna leave that one alone - ha! What advice/encouragement would you give twentysomething musicians in Oklahoma? Think of ways to present yourself as someone who thinks forward in regards to music and art. Never get comfortable with what you’ve accomplished and surround yourself with people who are more talented than you. To find out more about Blackwatch Studios check out there website: www.BlackwatchStudios.com Bands featured in photos: Other Lives, Brine Webb, Native Lights, Ben Kilgore, The Burning Hotels, The Pretty Black Chains, Sherree Chamberlain
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Sherree Chamberlain Styling by Kelsey Self Hair & Makeup by Lil Doescher Photography & Article by Bethany Young Clothes Provided by Lush Fashion Lounge
It’s no secret that Sherree Chamber-
lain has been one of my favorite musicians since I first heard her my freshman year of college. You can imagine how thrilled I was to have her be a part of Twenty Something, and Sherree did not disappoint.
This Edmond native grew up in a very close family who raised her around music. “My dad is a lawyer by day and a brilliant musician by night. My mom can sing and play the guitar, and I grew up singing in the bathtub with my sister,” Sherree told us.
Other Lives and Colour Music were among some of the bands taking Stillwater by storm as Sherree grew in popularity. “We were all friends and so you got a sense of support that maybe you didn’t necessarily deserve from the very beginning, but it was really helpful for someone who was just starting out,” Sherree reminisced. Miss Chamberlain writes all of her songs - pulling from personal experiences as influence. “It’s been a difficult process, up until this point, to write songs because all of them have been so personal to me and I didn’t want anyone to see them or hear them until they were finished. I’ve recently been a lot more open to collaboration and realizing how great it is,” Sherree went on to explain. “My last record was extremely personal. It was like a cleansing of all of these things that I was going through - being on my own, being in college, loosing a good friend. Selfishly I write songs to help me make sense of what is going on in my life. I’ve always been really lyrically driven, and the melody came secondarily.”
When she was 14 it should have been no surprise that her parents decided to give her a guitar - but Sherree was disappointed because she had been hoping for clothes or whatever else a 14-year-old wants. However, six months later Sherree’s first boyfriend broke up with her, so she started writing songs and began performing in coffee shops. “That’s when I started writing my own music,” Sherree explained. “I would piece together a small band here and there, but I didn’t have a full on cohesive band until I got to colAs a fan myself, I had to ask Sherree lege. We started playing venues and which of her songs is her favorite and sneaking in to bars to play shows in she replied, “You Don’t Love Me - it Stillwater.” was the most cutting lyrically. It’s Sherree went to Oklahoma State Uni- the saddest song on my album, but also versity and loved the music community the most therapeutic. For the longest time it was my anthem and it was so that was happening in Stillwater at empowering to get on stage and sing the time. “It was a great small town atmosphere where nothing was really this song of pure desperation. Now to think about that is kind of gross,” she going on, so when there was a show joked, “but at the time it was really everyone would show up.”
fun for me to get to do, and very self indulgent. I still get lots of messages from people who are going through breakups and say that song is really helping them.” For the last year Sherree has been teaching high school English, but she has big plans for this summer. “I just had this epiphany where I’m swearing off most shows - especially full band shows - and as soon as I get done with school I am locking myself in a cabin of some sort for a few weeks, and I’m going to write an entire new record. We’re going to vary our instrumentation - I want to start out with something fresh,” Sherree told us. “Musically right now I’m at this launching pad where I’m just getting ready to start all over again and come up with a new thing. My goal is by the end of the summer to have it all recorded.”
Sherree plans to draw influence from The Black Keys, Lykke Li, CocoRosie and Patsy Cline to name a few. “There will be tons of me in it, so I’m sure it will come out a lot more chill than I expect it to be,” she warned. “I want to have fun. I want this record to reflect where I am now, and the past two years I’ve been feeling pretty sassy,” she told us with a laugh. Sherree will be performing at The Opolis on May 22nd - so whether you’ve been a fan or are just finding out about her, this will be a show you should plan to attend as it will be one of Sherree’s final performances before working on her next album. With a voice that grabs you and wont let you go, this bright-eyed lady is definitely one to remember.
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Twenty Something Girl Dresses Provided & Designed by Christopher Straub Styling by Kelsey Self Hair & Makeup by Lil Doescher Photography by Bethany Young
Morgan Woolard is our May
Twenty Something Girl - and we are so excited to share her with you! Morgan was crowned Miss Oklahoma USA 2010, and was named the first runnerup at the Miss USA 2010 pageant. On top of that, Morgan was a Top 10 Finalist in the Miss Earth United States 2009 pageant. Morgan is now pursuing her education, while also modeling and acting. We loved getting to work with Morgan, and we think you will take a lot away from what she has to say.
looking for my next accomplishment, my next goal to set, and my next adventure. I love being stimulated by new environments and atmospheres. I love going new places and meeting new faces. Ever since I was a littler girl, I’ve been a dreamer. I’ve always dreamed big - my heart wouldn’t be satisfied if I didn’t.
How did you get into the pageant world? I’ve always loved trying new things. I’m very much a risk taker - I believe that true greatness can’t be achieved without taking those risks to fail. If Tell us about yourself you want great reward, there will The first thing that came to my mind be great risk. My junior year in high was “Where do I begin!?” I’m a very school I received a flyer at school for multifaceted person - or as I like to the Miss Oklahoma Teen USA Pageant describe it, “I’m a breed of my own.” I was born and raised in south Oklahoma and the scholarship opportunities. I brought one home and asked my mom if City and I’m the youngest of three we could do it. We had no idea it was girls. I wasn’t always a model or in entertainment - I was a big tomboy for Donald Trump’s pageant - we really a good portion of my life. The transi- had no clue at all what we were getting ourselves into, but that weekend I tion probably began when I was about traded in my sneakers for stilettos and 16. I attended Christian Heritage Academy from 5-years-old until gradu- my knee pads for butt glue and it was a whole new world. There were over ation, and was incredibly involved in 70 girls competing in the teen division student government and athletics. I that year and by the grace of God, I spent my freshman year in college at Lindenwood University on a full-ride won! In my bubble gum pink swirls and for winning Miss Oklahoma Teen USA big bird yellow evening gown and my awful makeup - it was definitely an act 2006, and then went on to become of God for that crown to be placed a “serial transferrer” as I’ve transferred Universities at least four times. on my head. I do believe it was God’s plan for my life and the beginning of a (I credit this to my extreme need for beautiful journey. I wouldn’t be where adventure. I get bored super easily and I’m convinced God created me this I am today if I hadn’t taken this iniway so that I could handle this crazy tial risk at 16. I am a huge believer in risks and stepping out of your comfort life of constant travel.) I’m always
zone! Truthfully, I was terrified to enter Miss Oklahoma USA and nearly didn’t. I can’t fathom how differently my life would be - I never would have won MIss Oklahoma USA 2010, I never would have nearly won Miss USA, and I never would be reaping all of these amazing blessings and opportunities that I am today. What is the best experience you have had since being involved with pageants? In general, the best experiences by far are being able to positively impact other people. The good times and the highs never last unless there is substance behind what you’re doing. If you make it all about yourself, the high will die. But for me, every time somebody tells me that something I have said or done has inspired them or helped them or encouraged them - I think to myself THAT is what it’s all about, and I praise God for that opportunity. I think I always had a voice and a heart to make a difference, the pageant circuit and Miss USA just gave me a microphone for my sphere of influence to be expanded. If there was one memorable experience in particular, I might have to say meeting Donald Trump, the President of Miss USA/ Miss Universe. It’s too funny to think that I talked Thunder basketball and Oklahoma football with this man who is now a potential presidential candidate. Some of the funnest parts about the experience is definitely the people you get to meet, and the things you get
to experience along the way. I have some crazy stories - I could see a book in my future for sure! What does the future look like for you in the next year? God only knows!! A lot can happen in a year. I could be continuing to pursue my education - or depending on a few looming factors, I could be relocating to pursue a career in modeling and acting more heavily. There are some big, big things in the works that because of being under contractual agreements, I cannot mention. But, I am so thrilled for the opportunity and cannot wait to share it with people once it’s released. You really never know what life will bring. This industry is very exciting - huge, life changing opportunities come out of nowhere. Along with continuing to model, I also hope to be speaking more often as well. I have a huge heart to serve and to pour into the lives of others. I would also love to launch a ministry targeted toward young women if the Lord wills it. What advice/encouragement would you give other twenty-somethings? Many things come to mind - there is a lot I’d like to say, but the first thing that comes to my mind is Don’t waste your life. Remember that you’ve got one life to live. One of my favorite quotes is, “Don’t ask what the world needs - ask what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come
alive.” Find what you’re passionate about and do it!
My biggest fear was never heights, spiders, drowning - my greatest fear was and still is today, to have lived and After Miss USA, God wrote this died and done nothing significant for scripture upon my heart: Psalm 39: the cause of Christ. My biggest fear 4,5. “Show me, Oh Lord, my life’s is to waste my life. My encouragement end and the number of my days; let me to you is not to waste your life. Every know how fleeting is my life. You have single one of you young women have made my days a mere handbreadth; the something absolutely extraordinary span of my years is as nothing before about you. Find what is exceptional you. Each man’s life is but a breath.” about you and share it with the world. This scripture changed my life in a lot Maybe you are amazingly gifted at enof ways. God gave you a life to live so couraging other people; maybe you can live it out from every dimension. Love throw down in the kitchen; maybe you big, serve big, give big. Find joy in every have a knack for telling great jokes circumstance. and making people laugh - determine TODAY that your life will have purHere are a few questions I asked myself pose. after Miss USA, feel free to ask yourself the same questions. At the end of your days, what will you have to look back on and really in your heart of Personal Style: hearts be proud of? When you stand beClassic meets Contemporary fore God, will you be able to tell Him that you lived for something greater Fashion Influences: than yourself? Better yet, what if Charlize Theron you died today? Is your life worthy of Halle Berry hearing, “Well done good and faithMarilyn Monroe ful servant?” My advice is to examine your life and make the necessary changes to live it fully. What are you living for? Who are you living for? Are you using the gifts God gave you? Remember, time is nothing to God. Our short lives on earth are nothing. It is a vapor compared to eternity. So why wouldn’t you live it out with everything in you? Right?! In my opinion, it’s not worth it not to.
Survival Fashion Kit: Little Green Dress Tailored Jacket or Blazer Peep Toe Style Heels My Confidence Celebrity Closet You Want: Heidi Klum
Christopher Straub Styling by Kelsey Self Photography & Article by Bethany Young Clothes Provided by Royce Clothing
er’s pieces, how could you tell which one was yours?’ That totally made taught fashion designer, who was a contestant on the very popular show, sense to me. So my design philosophy is Project Runway. As an artist, Christo- my play on volume, my use of nature as pher has always been a creative thinker inspiration and my balance of hard and soft.” and because of that he found himself drawing and sculpting at a young age eventually turning that into a career All of Christopher’s inspiration comes of interior design. “I found myself de- from nature. “I completely listen siring to work with fabrics more than to what nature has to offer,” he exanything,” he explained, “so it was easy plained. “I am lucky enough to live on to go into fashion design from there.” a preserve in Minnesota, and so I can just walk through the woods and I see Christopher’s designs reflect natural leafs, or the way water has washed up elements. He likes to utilize opposites, on rocks - and that’s enough to inspire me. If you need a color pallet, go to a such as hard and soft, nature and flower or go to a turtle - it’s already architecture, lights and darks, and varying weights of fabrics. “Using two done for you.”
Christopher Straub is a self-
opposing elements really help me as a designer to say what I need to say in terms of fashion,” he told us. “When I was applying for Project Runway, one of the questions was, ‘What is your design philosophy?’ At the time I had no idea what that meant, until someone put it to me in plain English and said, ‘If there was a rack full of 100 design-
Christopher designs everything from purses, to accessories, to shirts - but his favorite thing to design are fun artistic party dresses. “As a designer we put our entire reputation on the line because we’re diving head first, and America might hate us. That’s a big thing that can ruin your career faster
Kelsey is wearing Christopher’s dress designed for Home Depot, using only products sold at Home Depot. We love the use of mop heads for the skirt and sleeves!
stood behind. So, I always did my own design philosophy. There is something for everyone on that show - I was just trying to do my own thing and stay true to that the entire time.” In one of the competitions, the designers were only allowed to use newspapers to make their pieces. During this challenge, Christopher realized how much he enjoyed working with unique materials - something that he continues to involve in his designs today. We asked Christopher what advice he would give to aspiring designers, and this is what he said: “Do what you do best, and don’t try to copy somebody else. Don’t than it can start it. So being true to yourself is the only way of saying, ‘This is what I do, you don’t have to like it, but I’m going to keep doing it.’”
look to someone else for inspiration - look within yourself. Know what your strengths are and what sets you apart.”
This principle was definitely tested when Mr. Straub became a contestant on Project Runway. Being on a reality show, according to Christopher, is “like nothing you could ever prepare yourself for. We filmed all of the episodes in five weeks - we would film all on top of each other, so there were no days off during that time. I had the mind set that if I was going to go home, it was going to be for something that I
To learn more about Christopher Straub and to check out his designs, visit his website: www.ChristopherStraub.myshopify.com
The Room We Love
Meet Lainie Elliott We love this pretty lady’s style. Her room is the perfect balance of fun-meetssophistication in this ultra chic lounge style bedroom.
Photography & Article by Bethany Young
grow and add more entertainment to the community, and the BrewJust over three years ago, Erin ers wanted to lead the way in that and her husband Shawn opened the effort. doors to Redpin Restaurant and Bowling Lounge in Bricktown - an “I am so proud to have Redpin and establishment that has been growto be a part of something that ing in popularity ever since. makes Oklahoma City a little cooler,” Erin explained. “I am The Brewers had the idea for Redfrom Oklahoma City, and I love pin eight years ago. “We thought the changes that are happening in it was such a fun concept - upscale our city - so we are thrilled to be bowling, full service bar and resa little part of that! Being a part taurant all in one place,” Erin of something that furthered the told us. “At the time it was just progress of this city was a huge an idea, but the more we thought part of why we wanted to start about it and talked about it, the Redpin.” more excited we became and we thought it would be a great conErin referred to starting a new cept for Bricktown.” At the time business as being a huge risk. “We Bricktown was just beginning to didn’t know that the recession
Meet Erin Brewer.
was about to hit, so we had a tough first few months. Thankfully Oklahoma wasn’t as severely hit as other places, but we really had to dig in and hang on for a while - we just knew that we were going to get through it and that Oklahoma was going to come back.” “It was a crazy ride,” Erin said with a big smile. “I had never worked in a restaurant before, and my husband had only been a busser when he was younger. My background is in marketing, public relations and communications so this is a whole different game. But, all of that experience has been great because I do our promotions and marketing, and am now the general manager.”
and see everyone having a great time - it makes me smile.” Aside from the boutique bowling aspect, Redpin is also unique in it’s menu style. “Our menu is designed to be shared,” Erin explained. “We want to create a social dining experience where people can find five or six different things on the menu that sound good, and then everyone can sample what’s on the table. Our menu is intentionally created that way because people come here in large groups to have a good time - it’s all about being together.”
If you’re looking for a traditional bowling center, you wont find it at Redpin. Designed in a boutique fashion, each customer will receive personal service at their Erin’s favorite part of working lane. At night Redpin is a very hip at Redpin is the fact that she gets and fun spot - but during the day to work with people. “It’s really it’s the perfect location to celimportant for me to be able to cre- ebrate a birthday or reward your ate a good work environment. I ask employees. Regardless of your three things of my employees: do a purpose for being there, Redpin good job, add to the good working will never disappoint. environment and be successful.” In addition, Erin loves being a part of people’s important life moments. “I love that people are creating memories here. I love to stand up on the lanes on a Saturday night
Ft. Worth, Texas
We chose Ft. Worth as our travel destination this month, because of all the southernartsy flare this city has to offer. Whether you want to two-step, enjoy a margarita or have a love for live music Ft. Worth is sure to offer you a great time!
SUNDANCE SQUARE Located in the heart of downtown Ft. Worth, Sundance Square is where it’s all at. Take a stroll through the character filled streets as you enjoy live music or the annual arts festival. There are many restaurants to choose from in this district - but we recommend Pizzaria Uno and Texas de Brazil. Catch a performance at the Bass Hall or get a scoop of ice cream on a warm summer night, and sit under the lights as you take in the sounds of the city.
SCAT JAZZ LOUNGE If you love jazz music as much as we do, then you have to check out this hot spot. Walk down the alley and take the elevator down to the lounge where you’ll be greeted with cool tunes, candle lit tables and a vibe that can only be matched by that of something from an episode of Mad Men.
STOCK YARDS Take a step back in time by visiting this district. These streets are lined with western stores, cattle and authentic cowboys. Be sure to enjoy the salsa at H3 Ranch, and a steak from celebrity chef Tim Love’s, The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro. Pick up a ten-gallon hat and take a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad train.
BILLY BOB’S TEXAS Welcome to the world’s largest honky-tonk complete with an indoor rodeo arena, Texas-size dance floor, bar stations, restaurants, arcade games, Wall of Fame and a general store. Be sure to check out the concert schedule, as nearly every country music performer has put on a show at this fun venue.
JOE T. GARCIA’S This is our favorite place of all! Once a grand estate, Joe T’s is an outdoor eating experience that has yet to be matched. There is no menu - just a choice between enchiladas or fajitas. Enjoy their signature margarita on the rocks as you sit in the grand courtyards. Joe T’s almost always has a line down the street, but don’t let this scare you away - it is definitely worth the wait!
Photography by Bethany Young
Oklahoma City Zoo Elephants Styling by Kelsey Self Hair and Makeup by Lil Doescher Photography by Bethany Young Model: Lauren Lundeen Dresses Provided by Serendipity
Photography & Article by Bethany Young
Dreamer Concepts is a non-
profit arts organization in Norman, that was started by Amber Clour in 2006. Amber wanted to create a place to help artists in her community, because she felt so blessed by all of the opportunities that had been given to her. From day one, Amber has made Dreamer Concepts all about emerging artists and people that did not have a place to showcase their work. The mission is to encourage, promote and provide opportunities for growth for artists in the community. “We wanted to help artists, and put them in contact with mentors or other places where they can showcase their work,” she explained. “We feel like we’re the spring board for emerging artists - you start here and then we farm you out to the rest of the community.”
take place in the fall. It encompasses the entire design process, from sketch to production. In the gallery space patrons can view designer’s sketches and then enjoy a fashion show displaying the same designs on models. We will definitely be attending this event in September! Dreamer Concepts is all about giving back. One of the most impactfull ways they display this concept is through Thunderbird Artist Collective. Adults living in the community with mental illness are given the opportunity to create and display their art in the gallery. “It validates what they do,” Amber told us, “and we’re glad to help them out with that.”
Ultimately, Amber’s goal is to leave a legacy in Norman. “I chose to stay here because I wanted to make Norman a better place to live - bringing in arts and culture in the community. It helps all parties inDreamer Concepts focuses on three areas volved, no matter your age. Experiencing that Amber felt were lacking in Norman art makes you a better person and allows film, fashion and spoken word. Films in the you to relate to people more. I want to see Alley is a very unique experience offered Dreamer Concepts continue to blossom. by this arts organization. Behind the build- Knowing that we’re helping people is just ing, the alley is turned into a screening incredibly rewarding.” area where films are brought in as well as the film maker - allowing for a question Dreamer Concepts is the only non-profit and answer time after the screening. arts organization in Norman that does not receive major program funding. Everything The Spoken Word program is an outlet for they do is from an individual’s donation slam poets, traditional poetry and singer/ or through small grants. “My goal is to songwriters. Dreamer Concepts will feaalways have our doors open,” Amber told ture one specific person and then allow us. “We will continue to help people who other artists to get up and read their work come to us with their art ideas. If we can’t as well. “We’re all about creating an athelp you here, we’re going to find another mosphere for people who get each other,” place to put you because your idea is valuAmber told us. able.” The fashion program is shown through an annual fashion show. This year the event will be themed “The September Issue” and
To donate or get involved with Dreamer Concepts, go to their website or stop by the gallery and check out the art!
www.DreamerConcepts.org
Introducing JaNiece & Kealey...
All About Who?
We are All About You. We hit the airwaves January 17th and have not looked back since. Our mission statement in a nutshell: We basically want to provide healthy living (and overall lifestyle) ideas for young Oklahoma women. We highlight successful business women, fashion ideas and trends, and kitchen segments with not just food, but amazing cocktails as well. Our goal as a production team is to provide young women an interactive outlet to get advice, express themselves and grow as a generation. We believe that Oklahoma fosters powerful, fresh, and fun Twenty Something women who can make a positive difference not only in the Sooner state, but also across the country and world. So, here we are. What to do next? Not try to take over the world, but merely produce a television show that is as much informative as it is entertaining. Our question…what do you want out of YOUR T.V. station? Maybe a better question…what do you NOT want to see or hear? We know, we know—EVERY new TV show says,’ we’re not your average show.’ But really, WE ARE NOT YOUR AVERAGE SHOW! We call out mistakes on the air, we laugh at ourselves when we mispronounce a word or get tongue tied (rather than try to cover it up with a stoic look and pretend it didn’t happen). We frequently have discussions with our studio crew and occasionally, there’s music and dancing. It may not be good dancing, but it’s dancing nonetheless. We won’t shy away from more serious topics that affect so many people, like gas prices, infertility, HIV and the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. However, our main focus is to be laid back and have some fun! The world is filled with enough bad news, and if that’s what you want, there are plenty of ways for you to get your daily dose. Our goal is to kick back for an hour and have some laughs. In between having fun and entertaining you, we hope that you’ll learn some things that will help you along your quest called life. The viewers of Twenty Something Magazine are our exact audience and we could not be more excited about this partnership. Even though this is TWENTY Something Magazine, we’re not ignoring those who have left that decade in the dust. Women into their 30’s can also benefit from our content. Kealey, the host of the show, is married and has a young child and can definitely relate to the issues that women of many ages face. We plan to write an editorial each month to talk about and mirror All About You. Be prepared though, sometimes we go on rants and raves and just can’t get off the crazy train. For example: just who should and should not be wearing jeggings. You’ve been forewarned.
*Email JaNiece and Kealey at allaboutyou@ksbitv.com to submit your ideas and thoughts.
Black Swan Costumes Provided by Tulsa Ballet Styling by Kelsey Self Hair & Makeup by Lil Doescher Photography by Bethany Young Model: Ashley Liddell Special Thanks to Sooner Theatre
Kelsey’s Must Haves...
1954: Jean Patchett One of the most iconic models during the 1950’s and early 1960’s. “An absolutely stunning creature with a signature beauty mark, Jean was a supermodel decades before the term ‘supermodel’ was coined, and, staggeringly, has had more covers than any fashion model in history.” Said agency owner Jerry Ford of Ford Model, who represented Jean in her heyday during the Fifties. “Jean Patchett was to Ford what Babe Ruth was to the Yankees.”
Styling by Kelsey Self Hair & Makeup by Lil Doescher Photography by Bethany Young Model: Kendall Harris Clothing Provided by Bad Granny’s Bazaar
Faith Nicole is an 18-year-
old senior at Norman North High School, counting down the days until graduation just like the rest of her friends. She has chosen her dress and will dance the night away at her senior prom, just like the rest of her friends. She has enrolled at the University of Oklahoma and has plans to begin class in the fall, just like the rest of her friends. But, unlike the rest of her friends, she is already an established designer of her own brand of bags sold all over the US, and even over seas.
Faith is a charming and beautiful young Oklahoman, already making a huge impression in the fashion industry. Take a look at more of her designs online at www.FlauntFashion.com “If you think you can do it, put your heart in it and you can.” Faith Nicole
Flaunt by Faith Nicole started with Faith’s love for purses. She began designing her own creations at 16, and after two years of hard work, the company launched this past January. “My mom used to tell me when all of my friends were coloring in coloring books, I was reading Vogue”, Faith said about her love for fashion. Flaunt has a manufacturing company in China where all of the designs are created and are distributed by more than sixty of the company’s representatives to stores all over. The bag’s esthetic appeals to shoppers of all ages. Faith hopes one day to expand to jewelry, cosmetics and clothing. “I want to be Tory Burch,” she said. The company’s first fragrance will launch in January 2012, the first of many new endeavors by the brand. “It’s hard just sitting in Calculus all day thinking I could be at work,” she said of already having her dream job.
Written by Kelsey Self