On the fence: Jennifer Lopez

Image via hfwww.fanpop.com

I’m still I’m still Jenny from the block. Now, go get my fucking Evian and warm it to exactly 72 degrees. Then lightly spray in on my breadless sandwich, and stand 32 degrees away from me facing east. It’s best for digestion, peasant.” –Not an actual quote from Jennifer Lopez

Image via imdb.com

I’ve been on the fence with J-Lo ever since her movie with Ben Affleck totally ruined my life. Remember reading Gigli over and over and pronouncing it “giggly” and then being forever confused for the rest of your life? Thanks J-Lo, you dick.

In all seriousness, there’s a lot of cool and not so cool things about Jenny from the huge-fucking-mansion-in-the-gated-community (new song?). Let’s examine.

The Evidence

The tagline for the movie Gigli is: “The violent story about how a criminal lesbian, a tough-guy hit-man with a heart of gold, and a retarded man came to be best friends through a hostage.” And you’re telling me that movie was a flop? GET OUT! It actually sounds kind of genius. Like, Tropic Thunder genius. I bet someone went full retard. I hear you’re not supposed to do that. Gigli makes me miss the days where Hollywood could literally produce pieces of excrement and not even care if they were successful. I say, kudos to J-Lo for picking a movie with that tagline. +1

She totally changed Ben Affleck into a suity kind of bourgeois guy that we know he is not. He’s a Boston-y dude who likes beards and plaid. Plus, we shouldn’t change our significant others so dramatically. Getting them to do the dishes or cut down on cigarettes is way different than making them dress and act different. Boo! Maybe Benny was into it, but seeing as the wedding never happened and he’s back to beards and plaid, I’d say Jenny had a firm wrist in that relationship.

-3

She’s known for being a diva, but who isn’t? 0

Holla at a girl! I LOVED On the 6 when I was in middle school. That shit was my jam. Image via virginmedia.com

You can’t deny this bitch knows how to make some BANK. Celebrity clothing lines/perfumes (no matter how trashy) make a lot of money. Just look at Jessica Simpson and her billion dollar empire. J-Lo’s music career kind of revived itself with her clubby hit “On the Floor.” And who can forget her *amazing* acting career. She’s a stahhhh, so she gets s set amount of dough before each movie. That’s why you never see her in indie flicks. And lastly, her stint on American Idol, where pop stars kind of go to die. Right, Paula? Anyways, you can’t deny she is a successful and powerful lady who deserves the recognition for making a shit ton of moolah. +5

She picks really, really terrible movies to be in. -4

With the exception of Selena. +3

“On the 6” was fucking awesome. +3

She’s always handled her tabloid drama well. Divorces, marriages, rumors, etc. She’s got the media down. +5

Jenny represents her latino/a heritage well for an American born lady. It’s good to have a powerful woman around, not to mention a great, hot, successful latina running a bunch of shit. Good for her. +5

J-Lo got her start on In Living Color as a fly girl, which is probably the coolest start to a career anyone could ever have. +2

Image via people.com

She wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her future silver spoon-y mouth. +1

She’s known for not drinking alcohol or taking any drugs. Which sounds boring (who doesn’t love a cocktail?!) but have you seen her? She looks amazing. Pretty much like 20 years haven’t gone by. Yeah she probably has some sweet-ass creams that are a million dollars an ounce. But her genetics and lifestyle also come into play. Jealz! +2

The Score

20
Omg, I think I like J-Lo. Not enough to buy her latest music (yet), but enough to play On the 6 while putting eyeliner on. Plus, she was a fly girl. Nuff said.

Fashion Icon: Saved by the Bell

The Saved by the Bell kids had great style. They were constantly running from Mr. Belding in chic dresses and heels, dancing or hanging out at The Max in ballerina skirts, skateboards and sneakers.

Image via ew.com

I love Lisa and Kelly’s style so much. And the incredibly 80s moped. Love it.

Image via poulet-poulet.blogspot.com

Oh Kelly Kapowski, I would wear this tomorrow in a heartbeat. Snow, grey skies and all!

Image via suncityfashion.blogspot.com

Jessie, the studious gal. She could have at least worn a colorful blazer. Serious folks can have good style too!! Good binder though.

Image via memphisflyer.com

Let’s hear it for the boys! Zach Morris 4ever.

20 something tip: Furniture store hangouts

This could be you at Crate and Barrel. Photo via mymodernmet.com
This could be you at Crate and Barrel. Before you get kicked out for being a freeloader. Whatevs, it's a recession! Photo via mymodernmet.com

If you ever find yourself becoming sad about your lackluster surroundings, have no fear: Furniture stores are great places to hang out.

Are you a fainting couch? Photo via diaryofasmartchick.com
Are you a fainting couch? Photo via diaryofasmartchick.com

The key to spending some time around nice furniture and sitting on nice couches is to first call a friend. There’s nothing better than sitting on new furniture with a friend.

Go to Starbucks or your favorite coffee store. Get a coffee. Get caffeinated.

Find a furniture store that holds you dream pieces, like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware or Crate and Barrel. Walk inside. Browse.

After you’ve successfully browsed kitchenware, picture frames and chandeliers, make your way over to the couches.

Pick a couch that looks both stylish and comfortable. It can be difficult to choose between style and comfort; selection discretion is advised.

Or do you prefer a wrap around? Try them all! Photo via buenosairesluxury.com
Or do you prefer a wrap around? Who cares! Try them all! Photo via buenosairesluxury.com

Lay back, and have a wonderful conversation with your friend while sipping your fabulous coffee and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

If any staff appear, greet them and casually say something positive about the couch. Then move on to another one in a different section of the store.

After you’ve tried all of your select couches, or your coffee has run low, give the store one more walk-through and then be on your way.

Music: Crocodile’s Clock

The self-titled EP from Crocodile's Clock. Photo via bandcamp.com
The self-titled EP from Crocodile

The first (and only) time I met Crocodile’s Clock singer Pat G. was in 2008 at a dance club in São Paulo, Brazil called Clube Glória, when she was still in high school and I was studying abroad. (I think it was a Yelle concert but I can’t remember!)

Through the genius of Facebook and social networking, 4 years later I am sipping on coffee on a different continent and listening to her and bandmate Thom Levisky’s new self-titled EP, Crocodile’s Clock. The sweet and simple folk music is reminiscent of summers spent around bonfires contemplating life and love. My favorite track is definitely “Love is Not Enough.” So true!

Singing in both Portuguese and English, the Brazilian duo composed songs on the album that could be in literally any indie movie ever filmed. Their song “Bob’s Song” (although not featured on the EP) was even featured in the soundtrack of the Brazilian movie “As Melhores Coisas do Mundo” (The Best Things in the World).

Check out “Bob’s Song” below and download their free EP here.