Gescha's Love Pirates

Please take the time to check out my friend Geordie Gescha's official video!

Next show: stereotypes about "angry" feminists

Everybody knows the stereotype of the angry, ranting, man-hating, hairy feminist. But if you actually are a feminist, or know anything about feminists, you're aware that the actual percentage of "angry feminists" is extremely low. All feminists are lumped into this category, which is kinda like assuming all Muslims hate America, all Mormons are polygamists or any other wide-sweeping, ridiculously inaccurate generalization.

When a feminist is accused of being angry, it becomes easy for the accuser to dismiss her idea as an overreaction because she's "too emotional." "too sensitive"  or "irrational." (Men's anger, of course, is always rational).  Either that or we're accused of PMSing. Anyway, the angry feminist myth remains an extremely prevalent stereotype, so we're setting out to debunk it on our show!

Here are some references to articles and music we'll be discussing on the show:

• The Angry Feminist - a good read.
• In Defense of "Angry" Feminists - from TheFrisky.com
• The Prisoner of Sex - great article on Andrea Dworkin, the ultimate "angry feminist"
• Alanis Morissette's You Oughta Know is the epitome of angry women's music! Unfortunately, she was instantly labeled an angry woman because of this song - a label that remains with her. 

Tune in on Monday, May 9 at 8:00 pm on CJSW 90.9 fm in Calgary, or listen online at cjsw.com.

Gender neutral washrooms - not as cool as they sound

Last week I experienced my first gender neutral washroom (excluding queer bars, where male/female washroom signs are basically just suggestions). I was at a club in Vancouver, and when nature called I headed downstairs to the loo, which I quickly discovered was unisex. I’m an open minded person about gender stuff, so I was surprised to realize how uncomfortable the washroom made me feel. After having some time to mull it over, I realized I disliked it for three reasons:

1. It smelled like pee. I’m totally blaming that on the dudes.
   
   
   
   
2. It removed that chit-chat-in-the-washroom ritual that women have. Women are notorious for going to the loo in packs. It’s a nice little escape in a noisy club; you do your makeup, gossip, make new friends and accept hugs from random drunk girls. It just doesn’t feel right in a unisex washroom, because you can’t partake in the ritual in quite the same way.
   
   
   
   
3. It didn’t feel safe. The washroom didn’t have stalls so much as “cells” – each stall was its own contained unit. There was no gap under the door or sides, and it was sealed on top; it was a completely closed-off room. It would be really easy for two people to jump in there and get their freak on, which is cool if it’s consensual, but it would also be really easy to force someone in there against their will. With the noise of the club, it would be hard to hear anything.

There are probably much better gender neutral washrooms around, and I hope to experience more in the future because I think they have the potential to be cool in the right situation. But I’m not convinced that they’re appropriate for a night club.

Calgary Shopping List - in case you wondered!

So next weekend I'm taking my mom to see Elton John in concert in Calgary! It's the perfect Mother's Day gift - I get to spend some quality time alone with my mom and we get to bond over an amazing concert and weekend of shopping, eating and drinking!

It's time for some spring and summer shopping so instead of going with no clue in mind.. here is a little list of things I hope to find in Calgary while shopping...

-platform sandals
-adorable flats perfect for any outfit - neutral color
-sundress(es)
-a nice summer purse!
- maybeee a pair of skinny jeans to add to the growing collection!

I probably don't need most of these things. But one thing I definitely plan on looking for are some fun summery tops to spruce up any pants and skirts I already own. I find that I am sick of a lot of the tops in my closet and that is usually the hardest piece to find when putting an outfit together.
If anyone knows of some good local boutiques or places to shop in Calgary please let me know!
-A

VIMwatch: 2011 MET Costume Institute Gala Benefit

Sorry to all the fellas out there but there was just so much good lady-fashion at this last event that we've decided to pick four female "looks of the night" and put our male stars on the back burner this time around (though if you feel like looking into it, we have to say Joshua Jackson and Glee's Matthew Morrison pretty much killed it).

Top Four Looks

Actress Michelle Monaghan absolutely stunned in a hot pink Derek Lam dress. She accessorized with an amazing H. Stern "lizard" cuff and Roger Vivier tube clutch. Our favorite part? Her hair — absolutely fabulous.




Next up, the most surprising of the night, Ms. Liv Tyler left a trail of feathers everywhere she went and turned heads in the process. Tyler's gown hails from Givenchy and is one of the most beautiful and interesting of the evening.





In beautiful, summery fashion Zoe Saldana looked amazing wearing a mellow -yellow Calvin Klein Collection dress. To add to her style, Saldana wore Brian Atwood heels and vintage jewelry from Platt boutique.




Mirroring the recent royal wedding, Sarah Jessica Parker (and Monaghan above) chose a sleeved number with a gorgeous neckline from Alexander McQueen, which she paired with jewelry from Fred Leighton.







Show stopper of the night: Christina Ricci in Zac Posen's webbed creation.

Stay Comfy While It's Hot

As the sole sponsor of the Comedians of Chelsea Lately tour, the folks at Dearfoams know comfort and work hard to make sure their consumers do, too.

Established in 1947 to "make yourself comfortable," Dearfoams pioneered the foam-cushioned slipper and has continued its tradition for over 60 years. The new spring line incorporates tons of fun styles (and in flip-flop form!).

Be sure to stay tuned to our Twitter this week for an upcoming Dearfoams giveaway! All you need to do is answer some questions . . . ;)

'Monumental' Jewelry

Studying abroad this summer? Love to travel the globe?

Well, now you can wear some of the world's most famous landmarks — as jewlery!

Plastique* is based out of Los Angeles and brands itself as plastic jewelry with a graphic designer's touch. You can purchase all products online through SupermarketHQ, everything from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Egyptian Pyramids (pictured right).

Shop for your landmark HERE (all jewelry ranges from $6-$26).