Vicissitude
September 2010
Elegance..with an Edge Preview Issue
MAGAZINE
Vicissitude
E D I TO R I A L
MAGA Z I NE
Important Notice
Ladies and Gentleman, after a 6 1/2 month
hiatus due to dealing with my father’s illness, Vicissitude and I are finally back. It was my father’s wish to keep Vicissitude running, and to make it the most successful, and unique magazine in the world today. During these past 6 months, my editor and I have made drastic changes to the company. This issue, is phasing out the old, and is a preview of the new to come in the next issue.
CONTRIBUTORS Head Photographer Keith Angelitis Photographers Elga Lyle Jim Dundon Keith R. Brian Peterson Designers Miskeen Ladies and Kids Cultures Clothing Co. Lang Hu Clothing Co.
I always felt handcuffed by just being about high fashion, and doing that, along with other factors, such as the demographic, and just not being seen as diverse enough has made us shake things up to create the most eye-appealing experience possible.
With this, comes our new branding:
Elegance with an Edge, which will allows us
Founder/CEO/Publisher John Shumate Editor-in-Chief Brian Stratton Contributing Writers Benjamin Berrios Tony Biggs Angela O Keefe Elga Lyle Patrick McNulty Sasha Bowman
to be more diversified and visually appealing to a wide array of readers around the world. This will be the last time that you see this issue
Contributing Photographers Lemuel Craddle Maggie Winters
in its “tame” format. On September 30th, be prepared for the next big thing in fashion and entertainment to be unveiled.
Sincerely,
John Shumate John Shumate Founder & CEO of Vicissitude Magazine
© 2010 Vicissitude Magazine LLC Fashion...Enertainent...Sophistication...Change...No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in party without the express written consent of the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and are not necessarily shared by the Vicissitude staff. All contributors of unsolicited material must make arrangements for their collection and return. Vicissitude Magazine is not responsible for damage or loss of unsolicited contributions.
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CONTENTS V ICIS S IT UD E M AGAZI N E - Ja n/Feb 2 0 1 0
DEPARTMENTS FASHION EDGE 7 - Hot or not? Jeggings 23 - Fashion in Review: BCBG MaxAzria
ENTERTAINMENT 9 - Movie Review: Twilight: Eclipse 33 - Pastor Troy: King of Kings Review 34 - Wolf Parade howling Fierce than Ever
24 - Upcoming Events
F E AT URE D
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Elegance with an Edge Preview
With the upcoming rebranding of Vicissitude, we wanted to give you a small taste of what to expect visually from here on out.
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Vicissitude Spotlight
Our LAST Vicissitude Spotlight before the rebranding of Vicissitude showcases Erin Peterson
On the cover : Whitney Star, Photo by Keith Angelitis On the top left: Erin Peterson Photo by Brian Peterson
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VICISSITUDE FASHION EDGE
Hot or Not? Jeggings BY: SASHA BOWMAN
Photos By: Jim Dundon
F
or the past several seasons everyone from teenagers to celebrities has purchased or been spotted in a pair of jeggings. If you do not personally own a pair or two of them, know that they are a cross between jeans and leggings. More specifically they are leggings designed and built like jeans. So for fall the question is, are jeggings hot or not?
What’s Hot‌ Jeggings are some of the most versatile pair of pants you will ever wear! They can come in shades of faux denim or shades of corduroy. When it comes to footwear you can easily wear heels, flats, boots or sandals and still pull off a very chic look. Different tops ranging from cashmere cardigans to satin bustiers can effortlessly be paired with jeggings and make any women go from boardroom to dance floor in no time. Finally, jeggings are the epitome of season less clothing; just add or subtract layers of to be fabulously dressed for any time of year!
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What’s Not… Just as versatile as jeggings are, they are equally as unforgiving. To be blunt, you have to be in average to excellent physical condition to really look good in them. If you are a woman with full hips, thighs, or rear, you may want to choose very wisely when considering purchasing a pair. Another point is maintenance, jeggings tend to last only 3 to 5 machine washes (I’m talking cold wash in fabric softener only here!) before they start to show wear and fade. So if you are ok with purchasing a few pairs of these pants every month or will only wear them sparingly, jeggings may not be the best choice for you.
Now that I have weighed the options on both sides, my final decision is that jeggings are most definitely hot! Even though they may not have the longest “shelf life” and will show if I eat that Big Mac meal, the versatility and comfort of these pants can’t be beat. As long as I stay on my diet and restock on a regular basis I will be great. Good luck and Happy Shopping!
About the Author: Sasha is a fashion addict, accomplished fashion stylist, avid blogger, and writer. Got questions, comments or want a consultation? Then contact her at: sashabowmanshops@yahoo.com.
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VICISSITUDE ENTERTAINMENT
Movie Review - Twilight: Eclipse
T
BY: BRIAN STRATTON
his movie started out pretty good, the killings, violence I was pretty cool actually to see the mayhem ensue. Then it happened the sappy love story Bella, the typical confused chick, the pale vampire Edward, and the boy that is wolf Jacob.
The reason why women love this movie is simply because of Bella. She has from what I am told two “hot” guys coming after her, jumping through hoops just so they can have her affection, and that is in my view almost every female’s fantasy to have a number of guys playing themselves for her. Too me it’s just way to sappy and takes away from what could have been a very nice series for everyone. Instead the directors decided to make this what could be ultra violent movie into a “chick flick” They introduce new characters in this installment, Victoria still against Bella and is still chasing after her (I guess she has her reasons). Lea and Seth are the new wolves; Riley is a part of the “New borns”. They also introduce more on Rosalie and Jasper’s pasts and it helps the audience learn about why she’s does not want Bella going vampire and why Jasper knows how to fight newborns. Overall if I were on the outer fringe of Twilight, it would not bring me in personally, but I will recognize what it is which is a chick flick. So if you’re a guy your only reason for watching this should be this; you’re in a relationship and your lady forces you to go but you negotiate a “good time” afterwards. Other than that for the women, it hits on some violence which is what we guys like and they will understand why, and it has their sappy lovey dovey confusing aspect to it that most women have in their heads…. 4 out of 5.
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VICISSITUDE SPOTLIGHT
e
Erin
Photos By: Brian Peterson
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Photographers: Keith Angelitis and Elga Lyle www.angelstudios.org
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VICISSITUDE FASHION EDGE
Fashion in Review: BCBG MaxAzria
B
BY: SASHA BOWMAN
CBGMaxAzria stands for Bon Chic Bon Genre! Since the brands debut in 1989 of everything fabulous in the realm of dresses, clothing, handbags, accessories, and footwear, there has been mostly positive feedback from the masses of modern young woman the brand is designed to represent. Fun, sassy quality pieces available at affordable pricing are some of the main characteristics that describe this brand best. The prices generally range from $44 to $382 for apparel, $98 to $478 for handbags, and from $91 to $257 for footwear. If you want clothing with great style, that is fearless yet stylish, all at an affordable price, then this is the label for you. The chic patterns and vibrant colors in sensual silhouettes allow a young woman to be polished in her appearance, yet express her innate femininity through this chic clothing. Many of the pieces from this brand can be mixed and matched to create endless options for the young woman on a budget. The flow construction plus is a great fit for the clothing and the attitude (not to mention comfort) of the shoes will give any woman endless options as to what to wear. From sexy boots and heels in fashion-forward styles to flats in bold jewel tones, there is a shoe that everyone can wear. A great example of the sassy versatility of this brand is a grey banded one-shoulder dress that would be a great choice for any woman’s night on the town or attending a wedding reception. Another funky fresh combo would be the black, mauve and white color block crop top paired with a power flounce skirt that would serve as fashionable transitional pieces for work or play. What else can I say? There is no doubt as to why BCBGMaxAzria has such a loyal following. Some of my favorites for the fall are the heather grey shirred knit dress charcoal quilted knit jacket and the black sequin trim power skirt. In terms of shoes, I know I have to get a pair of the ‘Ola’ peep toes boots in black, ‘Ladalyn’ stiletto sandals in dove landed capra, and ‘Marsha-1’ knee high boots in mahogany snake. So check out BCBGMaxAzria today if you love great style with a touch of sassiness. Good luck and happy shopping! About the Author: Sasha is a fashion addict, accomplished fashion stylist, avid blogger, and writer. Got questions, comments or want a consultation? Then contact her at: sashabowmanshops@yahoo.com.
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VICISSITUDE UPCOMING EVENT
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VICISSITUDE COVER FEATURE
Elegance...With an Edge Preview
As most of you already know, this is the last issue of the branding that uses the words: “Fashion...Entertainment...Sophistication...Change” Starting with next month’s issue, we’ll be using the new rebranding of “Elegance with an Edge” What does that mean exactly? Well, we’re tired of being handcuffed by only doing photos that are so high-end, that nobody can relate to them, and to be honest, they bore me. There’s nothing dramatic or visually appealing about not being able to create art and combine it with fashion. This is why we’re going forward with the new branding. This next photo set, is just a very small taste of what to expect visually from us from here on out. If you think this was something, wait until next month...
Photographer: Keith Angelitis MUA: Bethany Bell Director: John Shumate www.angelstudios.org
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VICISSITUDE ENTERTAINMENT
Review: Pastor Troy: King of Kings BY BEN BERRIOS
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ost rappers have output, but in the last few years Pastor Troy has dropped almost 19 albums in two years that is more than most rappers do in their entire lifetime. And with multiple street albums, independent releases and even two or three official releases its amazing that it’s all one man with great plan and rather than to be confined to a dead-locked recording contract.
From the open of the album Intro (Sold My Soul) where he’s talking about how he felt like sometimes you do thing you selling your soul. And then the album moves to various high profile collaborations like Lil Jon & Bone Crusher on “Rep Yo Side” and “Georgia Peach” with J Holiday. The album has some low points like “Lyin’ Bout Her Crib Skit” into the actual song which isn’t a bad song, but when the skit is damn near 6 minutes I think should have stayed on the cutting room floor or cut down either or it seems a waste. Overall the ATL sound and the ruggedness the album has built in if your a Pastor Troy fan since his “No Mo Play in GA” days will be happy it’s true to form some weak links in the chain. But overall this album isn’t amazing or mind blowing but is a solid 3 ½ stars out of 5. The album proves how you can do what you want and only the confidence to see your self as a king of kings is how you got to roll throughout life itself.
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Wolf Parade Howling Fiercer Than Ever BY PATRICK MCNULTY
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f you’re not running with this pack, you just might want to think about joining these guys. Wolf Parade, one of the pioneers in the march down Post-Punk Revival Boulevard, continues to impress more listeners with their electric (and critically acclaimed) album Expo 86. After slightly deviating from punk to a more traditional, more rock influenced sound for their third album, the band has clearly discovered something special. With an ever increasing Wolf Pack forming, and Expo 86 only beginning to rise, Wolf Parade is bound to find fruitful success and glorious appreciation. That is, as long as they ensure it’s harmoniously found together. “We basically took a year off,” Spencer Krug, singer and keyboardist, said in an interview with QMI Agency. “So when we got back together, it was a joyful reunion. We were happy to see each other as people as well as musicians. It was fun to be back in the same room.” After some time apart, he explained, “everybody had something on the back burner they got to bring to the front.” “The music came out upbeat and fun. We were just glad to be back together.” All of that jubilation and positive energy blares through on each track of Expo 86, from the Talking Heads laced first track, “Cloud Shadow on the Mountain,” accessorized with whining guitars and loud and heavy drums, to the upbeat, yet soft and endearing nature encapsulating love lost in “Yulia.” But they don’t simply chalk up the self-gratification and success of Expo 86 to time apart from each other. Krug admits, though, that time did play a very important role in the success of both the album and the relationship of he and his band mates. When Krug reflected on the band’s two previous albums, the obvious flaw was “that they took too long.” This time, though, Wolf Parade recorded the record within a quicker time frame, abandoned the process of overdubbing any instruments, and worked as the same band that came together in Montreal with a simple, instinctive spirit to play music. “Whatever the four of us can do in one room at one time is [enough],” Krug said. Luckily, you can catch them all in one room when they come to the Trocadero Theatre on Arch Street on November 4. Tickets for the standing room only show are on sale now and cost $20.00 per ticket. 34 vicissitudemagazine.com
Vicissitude Magazine
Presents
Elegance...With an Edge 9-30-10
Š 2010 Vicissitude Magazine LLC Fashion...Enertainment...Sophistication...Change...