"SPLENDID" Review

Hello there!

Sorry for not posting in a while. I've been so busy recently but now I decided to do a review. It's not a review on a Stardoll feature. It's on Splendid Magazine which became really popular in less than 2 months. It happened thanks to the amazing graphics, the quality standards have actually raised so much that I hardly ever see magazines who can beat Splendid.

Of course, Vogue Magazine has some really awesome graphics but it lacks articles and I never see a proper "ending" for each Issue. I feel like there should be something like Credits. However, it still is amazing. So is PBE: the graphics are stunning and the articles are well written. Too bad it's in Russian - not so many people can read it.

BUT let's go back to Splendid Magazine which is my favorite right now.

So here is my review on the Second Issue
(and let's hope it isn't going to be the last one):

The magazine is well conceived. The theme is so well chosen: Summer Style. The graphics are gorgeous but still, there is some room for improvement. Here and there are some tiny-tiny flaws which can be very easily fixed.

The articles are well written but probably a text editor wouldn't bother too much. I don't want to sound rude or anything but I think at the beginning of each interview you should maybe compliment them, ask them how are they doing before starting the actual interview. But that's just my opinion.

Overall the Splendid team worked amazing and the result is just splendid: a high quality magazine with amazing graphics and well written articles. Good job!

You can check out their Issue by clicking right HERE.

Well, this was my small review on an amazing magazine. If you know any magazines recently released ... Maybe new-comers or something, let me know in the comment section.

Thank you for your attention!

Bullying On and Offline

Warning** This post expresses my personal feelings, and many will not like what I have to say, nor 

like the statistics I am about to show you. Believe me when I say, this isn't going to be a "happy" post. 

By the way, I've also posted this onto another blog, so don't get confused or anything...

It is proven that one out of four teens are bullied, nearly 160,000 students stay home each day because of the fear they might be the next victim of bullying, and 282,000 students are physically attacked each month. This isn't a myth, its REAL.We all know this as bullying, whether being the victim or the bully, we've all suffered pain from this harassment.

As sad bullying might be, it never goes away, no matter how many bullying preventions are created, and it doesn't even stop there. 77% of students have been bullied, and sadly, every 7 minutes a child on a playground is bullied. Its a growing problem in our society.

Another form of bullying is something we all have seen, and its known as cyber bullying. What is cyberbullying exactly?

According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, cyber bullying is defined as "The electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person (as a student) often done anonymously." Although, cyber bullying doesn't happen just in kids (like the definition described), it can happen to any person of any age, race, or ethnicity.


I'm bringing bullying to my attention because I've noticed so many remarks on stardoll, however most go unnoticed, or the victim virtually stabs their bully with a mean reply. Today I came across one of the most well known blogs on stardoll, and that's Underneath Stardoll. More than half the comments are bully-related on this top-notch blog, now isn't that just sad?

Its one thing to hear about it, another to physically see what these people are doing to us. Lets take a look at the comments (majority are anonymous, and if they are a certain user, I will be blocking their name from the comment to spare feelings).

Its not just on Underneath Stardoll, its all over the internet, but lets just keep it focused around stardoll. Need some more visuals? Lets take a virtual walk down misery lane.

Did you know 25% of us online will experience cyber bullying (Think 1 out of 4 people)? And 56% of us experience cyber bullying through social networking sites such as facebook. Why do bullies target us into making ourselves feel awful? According to STOP cyberbullying, this is what they have to say:

"When it comes to cyberbullying, they are often motivated by anger, revenge or frustration. Sometimes they do it for entertainment or because they are bored and have too much time on their hands and too many tech toys available to them. Many do it for laughs or to get a reaction. Some do it by accident, and either send a message to the wrong recipient or didn't think before they did something. The Power-hungry do it to torment others and for their ego. Revenge of the nerd may start out defending themselves from traditional bullying only to find that they enjoy being the tough guy or gal. Mean girls do it to help bolster or remind people of their own social standing. And some think they are righting wrong and standing up for others."

No matter how much we try to avoid it, it still happens. According to education.com, if you get bullied, you may experience and/or be at risk of anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem, poor social self-competence, depression, psychosomatic symptoms, social withdrawal, school refusal, school absenteeism, poor academic performance, physical health complaints, running away from home, alcohol and drug use, and even suicide.

Now would you want someone to suffer any of that? THIS IS WHY bullying is wrong, and THIS IS WHY bullying should be stopped, and THIS IS WHY you should never, ever tease someone, or hurt them physically or mentally.

Did you know over 14% of people have thought about attempting suicide, and 7% have attempted suicide?

If you bully someone today, tomorrow you could be ending their life. How would it make you feel if you were responsible for ending a precious human being's life?

Just ask yourself why. Why would you put a person's life in jeopardy just because you thought they were weird, strange, ugly, or just needed to stop being so happy all the time?

Why?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Credit to:
http://2011bullyingprogram.weebly.com/bullying-statistics.html
http://www.creepsquash.com/blog/tag/cyber-bullying-statistics/
http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_What_Happens_Over/?page=2
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110314201339AAWHjTO

It's a "Splendid" Time!

Splendid magazine is back with their second issue, featuring articles written by articulate Manny and graphics made by Lindsey, Maria, and Myself. The first issue, being the premiere issue, had set the standards for the upcoming issue(which was released earlier today) and in my opinion, the standard were raised in the second edition. Here's a few cut-outs of the magazine:

Cover Page featuring Lige07 as the model.

Photo-shoot consisting of Lige, made by Lindsey.

The trend section of this magazine, starring the top color this season, Mint.

Graphic made by Yours Truly, Me! Model:Kitty_Jutbring

Hopefully you enjoy reading the issue just as much as I enjoyed helping to make it!
 To view the magazine, click HERE!

Light Summer MakeUp

Hello everyone!
The summer is coming and the school is ending, THUMBS UP! Okay, so today I am coming with new make up tutorial, which is called Light Summer Make-Up. I really love that look, because it is very natural, easy, beautiful and it fits everyone. Summer is the hottest time of the year when you just can't wear too much makeup, so this look is perfect for it. I hope you will enjoy and please don't forget to share your opinions in comments.

Loud Spoiler!

 Kimberly, owner of this fine blog, has granted us a sneak peek into the making of Loud Magazine!

Here's the spoiler:

And here is the two graphics taken from popular graphics blog, The Graphic Vault, which she revealed will be in the magazine!

We weren't disappointed last time and I'm quite positive we won't with the next issue!

Neo-Length Skirt Trend

As last time, I hope you enjoy it and if you want to be the model of the next first page just comment letting you stardoll username.

P.S. I'm making a raffle in my blog, I let 4 chances to win 150 stardollars, just click here.

In That Polka Dot Bikini Gurrl..

Hello dolls. Cool title, I know, haha.

I don't know if you've already noticed but it looks like it's the first day of summer in Dollywood today. Alot of dolls are tanning at their private beach areas in their luxury Miama penthouses. I've been visiting a few suites and seeing all these summer outfits, but I'm focusing on the power of the bikini first and foremost! In my opinion, stardoll bikinis never look right, but as some of the hottest dolls around are wearing them, will it become a Dollywood trend?

XXLOVEXX                                     ELITE-GIRL                             HOLLYOAKSROCKS*

Look at Kimberly! (left) our beautiful TTT owner rocking her LE bikini! Definitely not scared to show some skin! She pairs the bikini with an LE clutch and floral shades. Then we have gorgeous socialite Linda (middle) getting her golden on, love how she makes it hot! This is a perfect summer look and them warm golden brown colours are hot! Lastly we have me! Bearing some flesh in this free polka dot bikini I received like three years ago. The things you can make work, eh?

So in your opinion, who does it for you?

What summer trends would you like to see our dolls wearing?

A Swimwear Surprise

I quickly checked Stardoll from my phone this morning to find some spoilers released on Underneath Stardoll. Some speculating it may be a limited edition returnal of Splash Swimwear and some wondering whether it may just be Limited Edition itself. The graphics are indeed pretty spectular but I had my doubts about it being LE considering the collection of spoilers was mostly made up of bikinis.

Second bikini to the left is my personal favourite from this slide, the shoes are gorgeous also!

Well, the new collection of Riveria has just been released and I must say, I'm pleasantly surprised! The last collection certainly wasn't any graphics supreme. It's designs and the way in which the graphics were carried out were both less than mediocre.

Stunning bikinis once again and some beautiful shoes.

Okay, so can I just express my love for the look of this store first? It looks so cute and bright, perfectly fitting for the upcoming season. It genuinely looks like it could be an LE background, so bravo for that. Secondly, them bikinis look SO flawless.

Another spectular floor level with some amazing items.

 I'd be a little peeved if this was Limited Edition purely because of the whole colour situation, but it isn't and these colours are awesome for summer. I'm not overly keen on some of the bags and a few of the bikinis are oddly designed and coloured, but over all it's a beatiful new store. Even the prizes are decent. Well done Stardoll, you've totally surprassed my expectations on Riveria and your ability to make amazing clothes for good prizes. This is all-round an amazing new release.

MY VERDICT: 87/100. I love most of the bikinis and the colour choices are awesome for this store. Some of the items are a bit odd and the bags could be worked on ever so slightly, but a great store altogether.

An important change:

TTT's Next Top Model has been replaced by Project dollywood.

There is 3 jobs we can find here in Dollywood. There are application forms for models, graphic designers and writers. Once we choose who will be getting through to the first task, you will be put into teams.

Each team has one model, one writer and one graphic designer. And then, just as every competition, there will be tasks. The tasks will be done in teams of course. In each task, the graphic designer will design a graphic featuring the model, who will state what kind of pose she wants etc. and the writer will have to write a a few paragraphs or maybe an article about the graphic depending on the task. There will be around 12 days between each task and after each task a team will be eliminated. 

Teams may be mixed up during the competition to give it a twist. Also note that prizes haven't been finalized, more will be added shortly.

The winning overall team will receive the following;

The Model: Will become Covergirl of a well known magazine and be featured in other lines.

The Graphic Designer: Oppurtinity to get commisioned to perfom a blog makeover.
The Writer: Oppurtinity to write for a famous blog and magazine.

Applications are listed on the blog, they will close on Wednesday 9th June.

the link is still the same;

http://www.ttt-ntm.blogspot.com

Trends

TODAYS TOP TRENDS

1. Geisha Lips
2. Multicolored hair
3. Tan Skin

  

MODELS - Christine, Ceaaria & Nina

Geisha Lips are a fabulous trend which showcase a lip tone without having to place the lipstick on the whole lip. Chris showcases her lip with several colors, and blending.Nina chooses the traditional Geisha, a small, un-blended lip.Ceaaria colors most of her lip, but keeps some lip to still be classed in this trend.

TIPS : Use a skin colored tone to help blend the main color in to skin.

Wear with bold eyes and blush.

MODEL - Egle

Multicolored hair is great trend which makes your look seem more fruity and bright.

 Multicolored hair is hair with a natural color and bright colors - as well as dip dye.

Egle sports a juicy and up-lifting look. She uses zesty and aquatic tones to be entwined with the platinum hair. 

TIPS: Dip dye may be worn with almost anything, but be careful, Egle's look is hard to master.

Wear with simple but effective make-up and street style clothes.

MODELS : Ciara, Selena & Linda

Tan skin is the new Vampire white. Now that its summer, get your spray can out and get it on! This trend doesn't have many followers yet, so are you going to try it out? TIPS: Where with white to accent your summery glow. Wear with either brown or blonde hair for a more beachy look.

Love Lige.

Help?

Alot of you are complaining about the concept of TTT-NTM (Today's Top Trends Next Top Model) saying that it's not unique enough. I must admit that I agree really, there are very limited things we can do though... Not all models can design graphics, not everyone can scenery pose; So I want your ideas!

Please comment below with your ideas on how to make this better. I introduced this competition especially for you readers, so I really want your ideas!

Comment and share your thoughts,
Nikhol Vasquez.

Mint Trend

As for this first trend in format ''magazine pages'' I took myself for the model, but you can be the next model of my next trend magazine pages post. Just comment below and let your stardoll username. 

Hope you enjoy the pages! :)

Now That's A Sticky Situation

You know that thrill when you take a visit to your local book store, and pick out a load of new books that have that new, sweet paper smell? Well, maybe this time you'll be smelling your guilt for being a true addict of stardoll. May I introduce a Stardoll and Random House Publication creation...

Looks like another off-stardoll creation has been added... A Stardoll Sticker Dress Up Book (hence the post title) and a Stardoll Covergirl Handbook. As a young soul of mine, I decided to head over to the Random House website. It appears these aren't the only new books... there are a whole series of 6 books! Those include tempting titles of Superstar Stylist and Stardoll's Top Trends (looks like they were jealous of TTT, and decided to steal the name! Could this be possible?!)! Aren't you ready to scramble your wallet and jump in the car to zoom to your local book store? What makes it better? These books can be brought home for a shocking $10.75 U.S. Currency (According to Amazon), cheap, I know!

Ok, enough sarcasm, I'm ready to get back to the real reason why I decided to post about this topic.

Every stardollian knows (or at least assumes) that stardoll is obsessed with raking in some cash, and I know, its not fair. However, since they are a thriving business, they need this type of money. I could spend hours and hours talking business statistics, but what's really up with these books?

For some reason, I'm starting to think stardoll's loosing ideas. They've came up with more than what I could've ever made possible in a whole lifetime... I mean, lets think of the newest stores, apps, and website additions that has been added in the month, year, and whole stardoll lifetime. Maybe it appears that they are coming up with better and better ideas daily, but I feel as if the website we've came to know and love are coming up with more and more ridiculous ideas, some have been thoroughly expressed with hatred, others with sympathetic encouragement. Lets take a look at some of these new (and I'm not going to lie, these are my own personal opinions) and unruly features.

I'm like extremely serious, that "Sofee Vegra" or whatever her name is (I know how to spell it, but whenever I see that person's face, I just start laughing my ass off! Cannot say her name right what so ever!) really makes me itch. Maybe its her voice, which by the way, if you want to laugh your ass off too, I recommend seeing the commercial HERE, or that a person would actually want their collection part of Kmart, I'm just in shock.

Maybe you aren't aware of Kmart's quality, but I'll just admit, its one of the worst places I've been in my life. If you can't afford proper clothing, you'll probably be shopping at your local Kmart (hopefully this isn't coming across as racist or anything...). Why exactly would stardoll choose this collection out of a ton of other brands, with much, much, MUCH better quality. Couldn't a Gucci or a Marc Jacobs collection suffice?

Moving on to another feature that truly shows stardoll is loosing ideas (and maybe a bit desperate for more members on the site).

I'll admit, but I do love the stardesign hair, and its quite fun to test one's ability to create something quite amazing. What I'm actually quite upset about when I see someone wearing a stardesign hair, is that stardoll literally took away some of our creativity. I was so impressed with the amount of amazing hairs created from stardesign jewelry, but stardoll just had to come and interfere, and remove that outlet from us (not that you still can't make hair from stardesign jewelry, but its definitely less popular).

Another way for them to come up with an idea, yet doesn't it appear that they are already using our own ideas?

As I wrap up this post, I think, why are we still on stardoll? Its because stardoll continuously feeds us with new site additions, and therefore we don't get bored. What will happen if stardoll's ideas get less and less exciting, and all together the rate of Stardoll's members declines? Comment and let me know. I'd love to hear your point of view from this topic.

Stardoll is loosing creativity, and I'm not happy about it.


-Lindsey Le'Vogue

Also, I know this isn't my segment, but I felt the need to enlighten TTT with some stardoll statistics.

Today's Top Trends Next Top Model - Information

Click the picture to go to the page

Hey dolls, It's Nikhol / Hollyoaksrocks*

So i was chatting to Kimberly on skype and i told her about this idea and she has trusted me to run this for you readers.

I will be your main host just like Tyra Banks, Kimberly will provide a little help but she will also be the 2nd main judge, I am deciding on other judges at the moment.

I know alot of you are wondering how it is going to work, well here is some information for all you dolls who are interested in applying.

Cycle 1 of TTT's Next top model will start with 12 contestants.

After each task, one contestant is eliminated, however in some cases there may be a double elimination or no elimination.

There may be some makeovers (don't worry, only a quick hair style or colour for every task and a trip to an international destination is scheduled at about two-thirds of the way through the season (usually with five or six contestants remaining).

Tasks will include:

* makeup challenges

*Go see's

*sceneries (posing will be optional, it doesn't matter if you can't pose)

*dress ups to fit a certain theme

*and many more!

Prizes will also be revealed later in the competition.

Please apply before 22nd May.

You must also be following to apply.

Come on guys, you have nothing to lose! 

love ya'll,

Nikhol   X

Introducing... André

(To be clear, I love this banner, and waiting the next one, I'm using this one)

And yet, another of my 'Introducing...' post. Today, I want to introduce you a shoe maker that all the girls love to wear in Paris : André.

André was founded in 1896 by Albert Lévy. The name comes from the son of the owner of a 'boutiques' in Paris, who died very young. Albert Lévy bought the 'boutiques' and kept the name, it is now the name of his brand.

So here some of the shoes I love from André:

From beach shoes to street shoes, André can give all the pleasure a woman needs to her feet. It's a brand that I call fresh. Just because of the colors and the patterns. 

"A girl just as hot as the shoe she choose! Yeeeeaaaah!..."

But also, they make shoes for man:

About the prices, it's not really expensive, less than 100€ for the most of the collection, so...

And I just let you look at their site if you want to know more, click on the picture to go there.

So, what do you think about this brand?

-AL