Signed Sirelle: JANUARY 2014 – “New Year, Same You”

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Sirelle Carter

It seems that every January 1 — especially since the boom of social media — marks the birth of the new individual. Self-proclaimed; or self-recycled, I should say. The “new year, new me” type. A concept that was once figurative speech has evolved into literal brouhaha. 2014 is a new year, yes, but it’s the same you.

You don’t need the calendar to flip a page to change things about yourself. Quite honestly, your annual declaration of a new self proves that you are indeed the same intolerable creature as the previous year, the year before that, and so on. What needs to be realized is that it’s not always about change, but about chance. You don’t need to completely rebirth yourself, but simply modify the existing one.

diceAs opposed to starting from ground zero [in your mind], approach and commit to a more realistic concept this year: chance. Author Jim Rohn once stated that, “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.”

Be daring in 2014. Take a chance on whatever it is that you’ve had reservations about for so long. Be it school, work, relationships, etc. — however, stay true to you. Believe it or not, you don’t have to abandon your house in hopes of obtaining a home. Rather, add the furnishings to your existing residence to make it a more secure dwelling.

Happy New Year.

Signed,

Sirelle

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SCO will cease all activity indefinitely.

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Sirelle Carter

When I started this blog — back in April 2011 — it was intended to serve somewhat as a personal portfolio of my own creative writing. I had no idea that individuals from all over the world would one day subscribe, and look forward to my work. My fellow Americans were extremely dedicated in keeping me motivated, though over time it certainly showed that SCO was reaching international bases, as well — Europe especially. And for that I want to thank any, and everyone, who has ever taken the time to read even a sentence constructed by me. It has been an absolute pleasure to do what I love over the last two and a half years. While I cannot pinpoint as to when this site will resume, I can definitively state that it will not be in 2013. 

Sincerely Yours,

Sirelle

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Signed Sirelle: OCTOBER 2013 – “21 Going On 16”

Posted on October 14, 2013 by Sirelle Carter

At 21, the most valuable lesson one can learn is that you are your own worst enemy. And while I believe that the most important decade in one’s life is their thirties — as the choices made in those 10 years will often determine the outcome of the rest of your life — one’s twenties will serve as a critical prelude.

Twenty-one is the most dangerous age of them all. We’re taught to invest into the notion that life is not about finding yourself, but rather creating yourself. It is at this age in which one constructs his or her sense of self that will navigate them through their remaining existence. This is one of life’s challenges, and one that many 21-year olds initially fail.

At a crossroads.

The conflict is that by the age of 21, many individuals have already succumbed to the notion that they have it all figured out. And this is where a pivotal crossroad arises, because it is here that one has to make a choice.

See, at that crossroad, there are two types of individuals: those who discover that they actually don’t have it all figured out, and those that remain defiant in their quest. Oddly, those that opt in favor of defiance are the very ones that typically have the most reasoning not to. They generally have individuals in their corner who have been at the crossroad — and learned from the experience of either success or failure — and want nothing more than to prevent them from making life-altering mistakes.

The problem at this stage, however, is that the techniques used — to convey messages to a 21-year old who feels invincible — often come in the form of constructive criticism. Though a valuable lesson that one needs to learn at 21, and carry throughout their life is that not everyone who criticizes you — and points out your flaws — mean harm. In fact, if surrounded by the right people, you’ll discover that most do it out of love. Tough love. And understanding that simply comes with maturity.

What one has to realize is that if they don’t shed their obstinate beliefs, they will burn promising bridges that may never have the opportunity to be rebuilt. Life is all about evolving and growing up. One must find the beauty in that reality. There’s no beauty in being 21, going on 16.

Signed,

Sirelle

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Vogue Recap: October 2013

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Sirelle Carter

Sandra Bullock, October 2013 US Vogue.

With her latest blockbuster film — Gravity — premiering in theaters today, Hollywood’s leading lady Sandra Bullock is the October cover subject.

In Lift Off — masterly authored by Jason Gay — Bullock informally lets her guard down, disclosing how her role in Gravity came about, and what life as a mother is like. Set in Austin, Texas, the actress details how she first came to call the Southwestern metropolis home; telling Gay that “I felt like myself.”

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Cara Delevingne, October 2013 US Vogue.Cara Delevinge models some of the season’s most elaborate texture pieces — from tweed jackets to turtlenecks — in What to Wear Where: Depth of Field.

The editorial Whisper Campaign — authored by Sally Singer — chronicles the silent resurfacing of Stefano Pilati, as the new creative director of Agnona. After a decade as the creative head of Yves Saint Laurent, Pilati’s objective for Agnona is “to define and establish notions as seasonless, timeless, regionless,” as he stated to Singer. His first collection is now available in stores.

And because three’s a charm, Vogue tabs socialites Kate Foley, Chelsea Leyland and Kyleigh Kuhn as this month’s It Girl’s — branding their collective style as ‘delightfully casual’.

The issue rounds out with feature editorials of Tory Burch, Mollie Ruprecht, and US Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky.

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GQ Recap: October 2013

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Sirelle Carter

“And the next day I was in New York for the first time.”

Idris Elba, GQ October 2013.

Those were the words Idris Elba relayed to GQ staff writer Zach Baron, in detailing of his departure from his birthplace of England. Elba details of the path he has traveled to arrive at the prime of his career. Arguably most recognized for his role as The Wire’s Stringer Bell, the English native is now in his third season as star of the BBC hit series Luther.

Career wise, it would be difficult to find a better year than 2013 for Elba. The 41-year old delivered a commanding performance in the Guillermo del Toro film Pacific Rim, as Stacker Pentecost. A role del Toro told GQ he believed could only be played by ‘about four actors on the planet’.

Elba will also star in Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom — as the humanitarian — and co-star in Thor: The Dark World, which are both slated for release next month.

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In an editorial that could not have come at a better time — with the American government being in shambles — the issue lowlights Senator Ted Cruz, in The Distinguished Wacko Bird from Texas. However, in an editorial that nearly everyone can relate to comes the hilariously-authored I’m @YourMommy. I’m Following You on Twitter! — a guide to get you through the misery of one (if not both) of your parents following you on social media.

The issue also drafts The 20 Worst Sports Franchises of All-Time, and needless to say that “every Cleveland sports franchise” made the list.

Big Sean, October 2013 GQ.Hip-hop artist Big Sean displays a ruggedly suave flare in How To Master This Fall’s 15 Freshest Style Moves, donning some the season’s must have apparel and accessories.

And in getting ‘the look’ for less, pro skater Nyjah Huston recreates some of the season’s favorite runway styles, for a lesser price.

October serves as The How-To Issue, and is currently available on newsstands.

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Sound Session: Nothing Was The Same

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Sirelle Carter

Third times a charm. Not to diminish his previous two albums — Thank Me Later and Take Care — but in Drake‘s third project, Nothing Was The Same, the artist illustrates exactly that — his artistry.

The irony of this album derives from its title, as one can clearly differentiate the tone of this project from its two predecessors. Captivated by Drake’s music — however — society has often made a lighthearted mockery of it. You’ve heard the lines. “Drake’s music makes you want to text your ex, and apologize that they cheated on you.” But be those stereotypes as they may, Drake was quoted in the July issue of GQ as saying, “I’ve made a lot of music about love being the only thing I’m missing. I think this is the first album I’ve made saying, I’m okay.”

Drake, Nothing Was The Same album artwork.

Setting the tone of Nothing Was The Same, is the intro, Tuscan Leather. On this track, Drake displays that humble bragging that he has nearly perfected, now, over the years. It’s an art form. That method — the bravado — of dropping a line such as, “Rich enough that I don’t have to tell ’em that I’m rich,” rivals only that of a Shawn Carter lyric.

In admitting that he’s still been drinking on the low — among other semi-deviant activities — Drake proclaims he’s “the Furthest Thing from perfect.” Simply reading between the lines, this may be the album’s most revealing track. The artist reveals what may, or may not, be [considered] his faults; though he does not ask for forgiveness, rather acceptance.

If there is one track on the album that fits the stereotypical mold of a Drake song, it’s From Time. Jhené Aiko lends her vocals for a flawless feature. This is the classic, reminiscent Drake track in which he elaborates on old flames, rehabilitating the relationship with his father, and ‘getting back to basics’ in general.

The Language is, in my opinion, the sacred track of the album. This, in the sense that it could very well be the album’s best, though one just doesn’t get the sense it will hit radio airwaves. Which is fine. Every Drake album has one — Up All Night (Thank Me Later) and Lord Knows (Take Care). These are tracks of their album in which the humble element of Drake’s bragging is nonexistent. The track encompasses a grunge-like tone — in a hip-hop mode — in which Cash Money CEO Birdman delivers the album’s hardest 42 seconds, concluding the track.

Drake, Nothing Was The Same.

Knocking out two birds, with one stone — so to speak — is Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2. Pound Cake features rap sovereign Jay Z, on a track in which the two artists jockey for pole position. Transitioning into Paris Morton Music 2, it is Drake, alone, who floats all over the sequel track — closing out the standard version of Nothing Was The Same.

The album was released September 24th.

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Anna’s Court

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Sirelle Carter

Anna Wintour, Knicks game.As the 2014 Spring/Summer collections dazzle runways across the globe, the only attraction that sends photographers in a frenzy — aside from the fabrics and supermodels who grace them — is Anna Wintour. Unofficially ordained as pope of the fashion industry, Wintour’s front row presence at a show can say more about the brands than the garments that sustain them.

Though having said that, in recent years, the editor-in-chief of American Vogue has also become a fixture elsewhere — court side.

Infamous for her low profile in the public eye, Wintour — an avid sports fan — manages to catch quite a few sporting events annually. She has been spotted at Madison Square Garden, several times, since the New York Knicks acquired superstar forward Carmelo Anthony — most notably in the spring of 2012, when she waited outside the visitors locker room, to say hello to Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade.

As a result, Wintour has built mutually beneficial relationships with the athletes. Wade has been featured in Vogue, on more than one occasion; as well as Knicks big men Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and the aforementioned Carmelo Anthony. However, only reigning NBA MVP LeBron James has appeared on the cover.

Anna Wintour & NBA stars.

The basketball court isn’t the only court she fancies. Wintour’s love for tennis is no secret. A regular at grand slam tournaments, she can often be seen observing from the boxes of the sport’s biggest stars — such as Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic.

Part of Wintour’s genius has been her ability to gauge the pulse of mainstream culture, and the young talent that highlights it. This was evident as she mingled with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, at the recent Rag & Bone show, during New York City’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week earlier this month. Judging from history, it wouldn’t be surprising if Wintour bounced Westbrook a feature in an upcoming issue of Vogue.

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Signed Sirelle: SEPTEMBER 2013

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Sirelle Carter

As I navigate through my early-20’s, I often find myself dissecting — or at least, trying to — the canny mind of the late Steve Jobs. What were his inspirations? What made him tick?

Steve Jobs

Truly a wizard of our time, Jobs once posed the question of, “If today were the last day of your life, would you want to do what you are about to do today?” Simple in context, yet provocatively knotty in nature, it is a fair query that raises more — are you living your life for you?

Far too often I encounter young individuals — myself included — who are doing what society has forced upon them. Whether it’s going to college (and studying a subject you have zero interest in) or your “chosen” career path, the reality is that many, in fact, have not chosen their path; yet simply continued down the one society bestowed upon them.

So why do we do it? Why do we waste this earthly time we’re allotted?

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“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other people’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” – Steve Jobs

Live for you. 

Signed,

Sirelle

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GQ Recap: September 2013

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Sirelle Carter

RG3 Colin Kaepernick September 2013 GQ

“It’s a whole new game!” according to GQ. The mantra refers to their September cover boys — quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick — and how the two have revolutionized the National Football League.

In what the publication deems their “Biggest Ever NFL Kickoff” issue, both young stars are intricately dissected. For RG3, the expansive kickoff editorial recaps his rookie season, and chronicles the early days of the rehabilitation process of his torn ACL. Entitled The Second Coming of RG3, the piece also details of the now infamous 9813 — the digits RG3 reset as his iPhone passcode — in representation of being back to full health by his Washington Redskins season opener. Monday, September 8th; which — as recently reported — we now know he was medically cleared to participate in.

As for co-coverboy Colin Kaepernick’s feature, it’s more of an icebreaker. In an editorial authored by GQ correspondent Andrew Corsello, Kaepernick is portrayed as somewhat of a modest perfectionist. And he’s apparently always been that way, as a former high school teacher of his stated that even after acing an exam, Kaepernick “was only interested in what he’d done wrong.” An approach he surely applies to his duties as the quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, as well.

Russell Wilson in a Todd Snyder turtleneck. September 2013 GQ, Seattle's Best

Integrating the issue’s football theme, and previewing fall fashion, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson models sweaters in Seattle’s Best. From Polo Ralph Lauren, to Chop Wood Carry Water, the second-year quarterback dons some of the fall-winter season’s best knits around the Emerald City.

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Rounding out the issue is a brilliantly authored editorial on Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban. Quite literally characterized, by many, as the devil, Warren St. John humanizes the mad football scientist, in Sympathy For The Devil.

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SCO’s Welcome Weekend: Back To School

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Sirelle Carter

Drake, West Virginia University cheerleaders

Although the autumn equinox doesn’t commence until September 22nd, summer has officially ended for many college students across the country. There are generally two types of students this time of year: those dreading being back at school, and those ready to rage.

For the ragers, “Welcome Week” kicks off the festivities. Memory-erasing bashes, Greek recruitment and starry-eyed freshmen — wandering around their new habitats, anxious to do all the things their parents told them not to — are a few of the main hallmarks of most campuses during Welcome Week.

So what campuses go the hardest? SCO took into account personal experience, reputable polls and studies in compiling the following. Here are our Top 5:

5. University of California, Santa Barbara: With a campus located minutes, if that, from the Pacific, it would be hard to argue against the Gauchos placement on the list. However, many outside of Santa Barbara are just learning what fun it can be. But for UCSB students — past and present — it’s just boozeness as usual. The infamous Del Playa Drive (of the Isla Vista community) has long been a social staple, and is the party nucleus of UCSB.

4. Syracuse University: The Orangemen students have always hung their hats on being a top partier, and for good reason. Syracuse is a surreal place, and during basketball season the atmosphere is second to none. And with a Facebook page like Syracuse House Parties, there’s no excuse to ever let the night go to waste.

Florida State University girls

3. Florida State University: This place may be heaven on Earth for college students. Especially because of — though not limited to — all the angels you will see floating around the campus. The Seminoles are home to academia’s most beautiful women, and it’s not up for debate. With their football team projected to win the ACC — by some outlets — it could be a thrilling fall in “Tallanasty” this season.

2. West Virginia University: You will never be bored. The minute you even let the thought cross your mind, you will have already thought of some off-your-rocker collegiate hell to raise. That’s what WVU inspires. Their football team — the Mountaineers — are one of college football’s most high-powered, and the same can be said of their student body. This is a university that lives and breathes Mountaineer Football, which makes for an unparalleled game day experience. Morgantown’s High Street is the focal point of WVU’s nightlife, if the Greek-endorsed ragers ever become redundant.

1. The Big Ten: Visiting — and quite familiar with — several of these campuses, it became increasingly difficult to place one ahead of the other. In short, no one parties like the Big Ten. Iowa City (University of Iowa) — named the #1 party school of 2013-14 by the Princeton Review — Bloomington (Indiana University), and Ann Arbor (University of Michigan) may be the flagships of the conference’s party identity. However, places such as Madison (University of Wisconsin) and Happy Valley (Penn State) are no slouches either.

The Big Ten has five schools ranked in the Top 25 for football, currently, so this fall will be an adventurous one — especially if the Ohio State Buckeyes live up to their preseason hype. And venues like Rick’s (of East Lansing) and Kilroy’s (of Bloomington) will remain prime destinations for students. Like many other places, Greek life runs much of the social circles across these campuses.

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Phi Gamma Delta, University of Oklahoma

Speaking of Greek life, and tailgates, many pregame festivities — as always — willbe hosted by universities hottest fraternities. So hear the Songs That Frats Will Overplay This Fall.

  • “Cruise Remix” Florida-Georgia Line featuring Nelly
  • “Wake Me Up” Avicii featuring Aloe Blacc
  • “Clarity” Zedd featuring Foxes
  • “Treasure” Bruno Mars
  • “Can’t Hold Us” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton

But the fraternities won’t stop there, because there are timeless tailgate songs that will just never go away, such as:

  • “Party In The USA” Miley Cyrus
  • “Glad You Came” The Wanted
  • “Pumped Up Kicks” Foster The People
  • “Call Me Maybe” Carly Rae Jepsen
  • “Dynamite” Taio Cruz
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