Some old notes I found. I’m sure this was inspired by a timely event, or five, but I think it still warrants  a post.

see, i’m an expert on hoods. or should this caption reference mind reading. jury’s out.

We’re all so good at mind reading, at least we seem to think we are. I see this in sales and marketing meetings all the time, professionals pontificating about what their customers or prospects really want. This is absolutely fantastic, assuming that what we think they want is actually what they do want. While this level of insight into your target audience‘ mind is certainly achievable with the right research and circumstances, it seems that there are a lot of sales and marketing decisions that are based on a whim – what we think we know.

In the rush to get things out the door, not miss “great opportunities”, and reach audiences as soon as possible, ideas can be half baked, off target, and not as effective as they could be. Everyone wants to be an expert. Today’s corporate attitude almost forces the “fake it til you make it” approach. The combo of these two things is a whole lot of people acting like experts without actually having the expertise. I’m not saying that’s entirely a bad thing, faking it can totally work. Sometimes.

All experts should come with a side of a grain of salt.

I would write something profound, but, honestly, this speaks for itself. Excited to get my resident’s pass soon!

Can I send a request out to all the lovely app-logo creative extraordinaires? How about mixing the color choice up a bit?

When I look at my phone, I’m usually looking at it for one app in particular, I know what I’m looking for. I have this split second memory that instructs my finger to look for an app button that is on a certain screen, in a certain spot, and looks a certain way. It happens at an almost subconscious level, only half focused on the phone’s screen.

Ideally, I’d be able to unlock the screen, zoom into the exact app I was looking for, and my thumb would do it’s magic. Thanks to the app universe’s apparent love of blue, this seems to be getting progressively harder.  If the instructions from my brain are something like: “skype message, home screen, blue icon” and ALL the icons on my homescreen are blue, it might take an extra second to find the right app. Or, heaven forbid, I accidentally click the WRONG app and then need to spend a whole second closing it. Horror of horrors.

This screen shot provides a good example of the blue mass confusion. It’s like a blueberry farm out there! Out there being my phone, and perhaps your phone too? Perhaps the problem’s on my end, and I’m simply drawn to blue apps… I’m happy to share part of this burden. Regardless, the design side of my cringes that so many logos look so much the same. And since I’m not the one making these logos, it’s really easy to tell “them” to do it better.

Side Note – Am I the only one annoyed that the Photos and Weather buttons are so similar? Sunflower, big yellow sun, same darn thing. Again, we’re talking split second, half looking, clicking to the app you want. I just want to see the temp for this afternoon, not that selfie I took last night. Thanks.

Always, Alissa Jean

criticism cat. [let's be honest, i found this pic last week and was trying to figure out how to share it. this works, right? more like hipster cat.]

*Disclaimer – This does not apply to personal aspects of me, such as my hair. If you don’t like my hair style, frankly, I don’t care. My hair is my style, which is inherently subjective to personal taste. On the other hand, if you don’t like that last presentation I gave, let’s talk.

In practical terms, I see this playing out in two main ways:

1. Reading people/paying attention/being observant/picking up communication cues – The first part of constructive criticism is realizing that something isn’t as good as it could be or that the desired audience didn’t respond as well as hoped. People don’t always come out and say “that was lame”, so learning how to notice genuine reactions is important. I’ve sat through the communication sciences classes, I know how this works enough to pick it up. In real terms, I just need to slow down and pay attention.

2. Follow up questions – If something doesn’t make sense, I need to recognize the confusion and find out what is confusing, and how I can clarify. This means paying attention (see point #1) and asking relevant follow up questions.

I think there’s also probably an honorary #3, which is something like “be approachable”. Humans are like pets, in that we default to learned behavior. If feedback if received by an abrasive and defensive Yours Truly, it’s likely that future feedback may not be offered. The opposite is true as well. Not that I would ever get defensive…

Thoughts?

Always, Alissa Jean

Fanny Pack – As already mentioned, this is a for-real trend. Didn’t believe it at first, but these ultra convenient purses are starting to pop up all over the place. I give partial credit to Rihanna for starting this last year. The big questions now, are 1) Which way will you wear it (left hip, right hip, front, or actually on your fanny) and 2) Will you go with pleather, vinyl, or corduroy? American Apparel is all over this trend…

Dollar signs optional… credit celebuzz.com

See? Practical AND sexy… credit American Apparel

Sweatshirts - Muffin top owners rejoice! Sweatshirts are officially cool to wear again. The key to rocking this is making it clear that you are wearing a sweatshirt on purpose, not because you are lazy or having a fat day. It’s a subtle but important distinction.The trend highlights bold sweatshirts, with big, loud graphics, or oversized monograms and color bocks. Fitted sweatshirts work, but the overwhelming look is towards the oversize cut. With the the oversize cut, an interesting note is that the volume still ends at the waist, avoiding the tunic-look.

Note that this chick is fully accessorized Image credit, harpersbazaar.com

The shades and skirt make this extra awesome; would also look great with dark skinny jeans.  Image credit, harpersbazaar.com

“Super” Bold Prints – My person favorite trend, this is all about color, shapes, and bright personality. I’m fully looking forward to seeing less greys, blacks, and solids and more color, whimsy, and lively patterns! This trend is showing up on workout gear as well. The Reykjavik Rave Printed Tight by Nike Women is an awesome example. Completely loving this…

Reykjavik Rave Printed Tight. Image credit Nike Women.

Dolce & Gabbana Spring ’13

Proenza Schouler Spring ’13. Image credit harpersbazaar.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring ’13. Image credit harpersbazaar.com

Honorable Mention, Meggings - Gotta throw this out there, since it is a new “trend” popping up on the runway and in stores. We shall see… Consider yourself warned.

Image Credit, Patrick Kingsley,

So, what is all this? The early 90′s all over again? Call it whatever you like, to me it just looks like fun.

Happy 2013 everyone. Embrace all trends at your own risk. Even better… make your own.

Always, Alissa Jean

CUTIE (Photo credit: Lulu Vision)

There are non-football-related events in South Florida this week, believe it or not. For those of us in Florida who are not already participating in the weekend-long tailgate prior to this Monday’s Orange Bowl (I’m on the Catholic bandwagon, btw – Go Notre Dame), a popular attraction is the Las Olas Art Fair.
Taking place on the historical boulevard of “Las Olas” (thus the name Las Olas Art Fair), this stretch of street is one my favorite strips that I’ve discovered in the South Florida area so far. It’s a couple miles west of the Ft. Lauderdale beach and boasts a wide variety of unique shops, bars, galleries, and restaurants. The further west you go, the more “night-life-ish” it gets, with places like Vibe, American Social, and Yolo. (Yes, there is actually a place called Yolo…) The art fair takes place right in the middle of the “unique shops, bars, galleries, and restaurants” section.
I decided to check the fair out early Saturday afternoon via bike ride. It wasn’t too hot out, so the 9 mile ride was actually pretty easy and pleasant. Bonus – When there’s as much traffic as there is this weekend, there’s a good chance that you can actually bike to your destination faster than you can drive and find parking. I experienced this yesterday, silently making fun of the poor souls sitting in their cars as I blew past them in the bike lane. Suckas!!!
So, what’s the deal with the Art Fair? Eh. It was okay. Fun thing to check out, but, overall, I was impressed with the amount of mediocre cheesy-ness on display. No offense to any of the “artists” displaying and selling their wares, but, seriously? There was an overwhelming amount a lot of cliche, uninspired, and un-impressive pieces, the sort of stuff you would expect to see on the walls of budget motels and resorts.
Of course, it is easier to criticize than applaud, so this would be a pretty lame post if I didn’t mention a couple artists that actually did stand out to me. The first is R.L. Alexander. He has a very incomplete website that you can check out here: http://www.artbyalexander.com/index.html but, honestly, this doesn’t do justice to his work. It’s fun and witty, like a well-crafted riddle or joke in the form of a little painting. Unfortunately, I didn’t see him in the booth when I stopped by, but his business card says “artist and practicing troublemaker” so I can only assume that the artist is an interesting person who I wish I could have met.

by R.L Alexander

By Donna Gordon

The same is true for Donna Gordon. She had a booth full of interesting and thought provoking sculptures, but she herself was nowhere to be found. You can check out her work at http://donnagordongallery.com/donnagordonstudio_current.html There are a couple outstanding pieces, one of my favorites is the “Puzzle”.

I do need to take a moment to call out one extra annoying artist. That is this guy named Keith Bradley had a bunch of sculptures made mostly out of horseshoes and other similar pieces of metal. Kinda normal, right? Yes, except for the part that his ENTIRE exhibit was surrounded by “No Pictures” signs. Really, guy? You’re going to participate in an outdoor, free, public art fair, and tell people not to take pictures of your work? Fine, I thought it was ugly anyway. Here’s an example, pulled from the fair’s facebook page:

Bottom line, here a few “take-aways”:
1. Hey artists! I know you might like making art more than meeting people, but introduce yourself to people who are obviously interested in your work! Talking to you, Alexander and Donna.
2. Hey Artists, part two! Don’t be the douchebag that tries to act like your art is so special normal people shouldn’t take pictures of it. This is supremely lame, and not in the spirit of an open-air art fair. Get real.
3. Hey Florida people! The Las Olas Art Fair is a fun event that I recommend checking out, mostly for the good vibe, partially for some good art, and partially for giving you a chance to criticize all the not-so-good stuff Or, if bright, cliche, beach scenes are your thing, you might find just the thing your living room was lacking…

Sorry to get all meta there at the end.

Point is, I spend a decent amount of time planning for Future Me. I eat a big piece of pie from Thanksgiving because Future Me is going to burn extra calories on a long bike ride. I purchase something with my credit card because Future Me will pay for it. I toss my clothes on the bed because Future Me will hang them up. I put off taking a risk because Future Me will be more prepared. I miss an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone because Future Me will be more confident.

Planning for Future Me isn’t all bad. There are a lot of important things that involve planning for the future, whether it be investments, school, moving, or even breakups. Sometimes I close a door because I know there’s a better door to open for Future Me. And sometimes I open a door because I think there are some even better windows coming after that door.

The line between procrastination and smart planning can be blurry sometimes. I think the main difference is that smart planning, even if it is for Future Me, still involves some sort of action, while procrastination is simply putting something off for one reason or another, be it good or bad. Of course this isn’t always true, that would be too easy. But hey, we live the blurry, gray zone that is reality. I’m just trying to figure it out in a somewhat soapboxy, introspective blog post. Think about my thoughts as you will.

How many things do you let slip by because “future you” will take care of it? And yes, this has all been a casual reference to How I Met Your Mother (future Ted and future Marshal). If you get it, you get it. Love that show.

How I Met Your Mother – Future Ted

I was pleasantly surprised by this old-school gem:

“The Glory Days”

The picture was captioned “The Glory Days” and by the looks on all of our adorable faces, I’m pretty sure we all agreed with the description then too. (Gold star for being able to tell which kid is me…)

It got me thinking, as nostalgic pics are prone to do. I remembered The Glory Days – blissful, carefree childhood. We had fun and smiled for pictures, not a worry in the world. If there was a worry, it was most likely in regards to whose turn it was to play Cinderella.

Ah yes, Play Pretend. Anybody who grew up as my childhood friend will probably remember Play Pretend. It was my game of choice. As the “title” states, we simply pretended. Imaginations ran at full speed, creating elaborate plots, characters, and scenes. We had amazing adventures, racing through backyards, over and under couches, around basements, living rooms, or wherever we happened to be Playing Pretend. Animals could talk, we could fly, and anything was possible.

I don’t think the Glory Days are over.

Sure, life is a tad more complicated now. For one, I no longer live next door to my Play Pretend buddies. I have a few more responsibilities, (job? bills? say what?) and I have a much closer relationship with “Reality”. That being said, my imagination still runs at full speed. Animals do talk, we can fly, and anything is possible.

Never stop dreaming. Just don’t forget to wake up and make those dreams a happen. We don’t have that relationship with Reality for nothing.
Always, Alissa Jean

Cottonwoods have been replaced by palm trees, Meijer replaced by Publix, and hurricane days are the new snow days.

I like it here. In the words of Frank Ocean – Why see the world when you’ve got the beach…

*In case you missed the memo, I moved to Florida.