As all of my roommates prepare for graduation, and my fellow journalism scholars compare internship opportunities and summer plans, I can't help but wonder about the future. And as junior in college, I know there is little time left for wondering- the future will be upon me soon.

I was perusing the internet for interesting infographics today (because that's what I do in my spare time, I am a total nerd!) and came across this video.  Everyone should watch it! It's really informative about the shifting job markets and basically how technology has impacted everything.

What I took away as most interesting: There are more BlackBerrys and iPhones in the world than there are people in the UK. Holy cow.

xoxoxxx!

Apple mania: iPad brings company closer to ruling the world

Yesterday while thousands lined up at local apple stores across the country, I took myself to lunch with an old friend. Home for the Easter holiday, I really just expected to catch up with family and friends, have tasty food, do my laundry on my parents water-bill and be on my merry way. (I also expected Michigan St. to defeat Butler to later demolish the blue devils.... But you see how that turned out.)

When apple sent an email to my only functioning iPhone email address announcing the release of their newest tablet, the iPad, my interest was peaked but I dismissed it. Being in rural NC where my parents now reside, the closest apple store is just under an hour away. But when my mom forwarded me the very same email, I decided it could be a possibility. An hour later we were off to Charlotte.

While the store was certainly busy, we didn't have to wait at all... Certainly not in a line around the corner. We entered the store, found an available apple techie, requested an iPad, chose a case, paid and were across the mall at Michael Kors before I knew it, new technology in hand.

So far, I'm a huge fan. Granted my iPhone has spoiled me in all of it's 3G glory, but waiting for the 3G iPad would be synonymous with waiting a few more weeks and paying an additional 30 dollars a month, both of which were unacceptable! If you're in wireless range, which let's face it, how many parts of America are not these days?, the tool is incredible.

It displays books like a kindle, games like a psp/gameboy, internet like a laptop, music like an ipod, calendars/contacts like a PDA and TV like a.... Well, tv. I think it's brilliant, bravo apple, nicely done Mr. Jobs.

Ps. I typed this blog update on the iPad, and I'm not exactly used to the touch screen keyboard yet so I hope this is as typo-free as possible!

All in all I'd recommend every apple junkie (like myself) run to the closest vendor and pick yourself an iPad up today.

Spare your eyes the trouble of trying to read from an iPod/iPhone screen. Go big or go home, I always say.

My website! part deux

I have an (almost) finished version of my website up and running and I want everyone to check it out!

http://www.janie-smith.com

Let me know what you think! I'm actually kind of proud of it! :)

What happens in vegas....

The time has come. It's finally here. The day we all look forward to from about the age of 16, after the newness of driving has worn off- the next milestone of life. Legality. TWENTY-ONE. Viente y Uno. 

My birthday is Tuesday and my parents have graciously decided to take/send me to VEGAS. I will be joined by two lovely counter-parts (both conveniently named Amanda.)

I write to you as I take a break from packing. I'm almost finished.

Our flight leaves at 10 am tomorrow and Amanda and I will be on our way from North Carolina to VEGAS (with a small stop in Cleveland?!).

So far I've packed:

3                    pairs of jeans (all skinny; one black, one cropped; one regular)

3                    pairs of leggings (one bcbg, one destroyed (stem), one faux-leather(fabulous))

a million      blouses/tanks/t's for going out including my two fabulous rebecca taylor blouses (LOVE!)

1                   boyfriend blazer

1                   MK rabbit fur vest

1                   Nicole Miller trench
2                   Max Azria cocktail dresses (one black w/ sequins, one nuuuude)

1                   pair louboutins

1                   pair manolos

152146       other pairs of inferior shoes (kidding) including ankle boots, nude platforms, flats, sandals, etc. 

the obvious: bras, underwear, swimsuits, makeup, flat-iron, jewelry...

I hope I haven't forgotten anything!

I am so incredibly psyched- you cannot even imagine. In approximately 26 hours (29 if you count the time change, the worst part of  celebrating your 21st in vegas) I will be having my first legal drink, ever. And I plan to be decked out in fabulocity from head-to-toe.  I will be sure to post lots of pictures! Keep your fingers crossed for me, this should be my most interesting endeavor yet!  <3

Trouble in Baldwin paradise.... or then again maybe not.

Apparently while middle-Baldwin Billy was busy filming an episode of Gossip Girl in NYC, his wife and mother of his three children, Chynna Phillips was busy filing for divorce. And then changing her mind.

According to page six, a source reported: "Chynna has gone under a lot of personal and professional stress. The divorce petition came after a long and emotional buildup. But once it was filed, she realized she didn't want to lose Billy and asked her lawyers to withdraw it."

It seems we're all coming through this end-of-winter-hurry-up-spring-time-let-mid-terms-be-over slump right now. Mrs. Baldwin, you're not alone.

Read more: NY Post

School Girl Chic: To buy or not to buy?

I spent last weekend in the fashion mecca of the US and did a little damage to my bank account on my favorite street in all the world- Fifth Ave. As I paced the busy street, arms full of shopping bags, best friend at my side, feet aching from boots a bit too snug a very interesting thing happened. I decided I may actually be growing fond of the this season's latest shoe craze, the oxford.

I dismissed the inkling at first, thinking it must be my feet crying to my brain for any shoes other than the Kors riding boots cramping my toes. But in Free People, I found a delicious pair of oxfords that caught my attention and kept calling me over.

Before you get all excited, no I did not buy these shoes. As someone who has shut the idea of this preppy/vintage style footwear down repeatedly in the recent past, I couldn't just 180 in one day.

So I've been mulling it over. I can't decide if these shoes are too trendy for the splurge- especially considering I didn't even like them to begin with.  Last night I opted for oxford-esqe/inspired flats at everyone's favorite french boutique, Targét. I'll post a pic of them too.

What do you think, folks? Should I take the plunge into school girl shoes? Or will this trend fleet quickly.



And just for a little eye candy, or maybe a little validation of the trend itself- Chanel is doing it too.

RIP Alexander McQueen

Fashion legend and british designer, Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London home Thursday.  He was 40 years old.
According to news stories, circumstances pointed to a possible suicide though no authorized statement has been made revealing those details. British police said the death was not suspicious. 

McQueen’s death stole from fashion scene an innovative and successful young designers. First making a name for himself in London, then wooing audiences around the world, McQueen carved out a place for himself in high fashion, producing line after line that were, well- top of the line.
 Distinctive styles that were sexy, dramatic and red-carpet perfection, McQueen's work frequented the bodies of celebs.

Victoria Beckham said, "today, the fashion industry has lost a true great. An icon of all time. He made all he touched beautiful and will be desperately missed. My heart is very much with his family and friends at this very sad time."
To see more of what celebrities such as Heidi, Kim, Anna and Naomi had to say, click here.

His work produced coveted treasures, drooled over by women around the world.

According to writers at the Toronto Sun, Vivienne Westwood, perhaps Britain’s most revered designer, said she was “incredibly sorry” to hear of McQueen’s death. Model Kate Moss, another McQueen aficionado, said she was devastated at the loss of her dear friend.

McQueen's death came just as the fashion elite gathered in New York for Fashion Week.


A presentation of McQueen’s secondary label, McQ, had been scheduled for Thursday’s opening day of New York Fashion Week. However, McQueen had never been expected at the show, which was quickly cancelled.

According to the Toronto paper, his runway shows — more often like performance pieces because they were so dramatic, and sometimes, bizarre — were always a highlight during the Paris ready-to-wear fashion week.
One of his previous collections included a show built around the concept of recycling, with models donning extravagant headwear made out of trash. His last collection, shown in October in Paris, featured elaborate and highly structured cocktail dresses. Critics raved.
His edgy creations have been seen on numerous red carpets, worn by A-list actresses, including Sandra Bullock and Cameron Diaz.
Lady Gaga recently made waves when she wore McQueen’s spring 2010 lobster-claw shoes in her “Bad Romance” music video.

McQueen will be missed at this years Fashion Week and all the rest to come. Rest in peace.