I’m working hard (*I’m texting it all in) on a brand new holiday 2019 beauty trends guide and considering this place might as well contain virtual cobwebs–perhaps a refresher on just how FUN-TASTIC my beauty trend pieces can be!
Have a look at my FOXY FALL BEAUTY GUIDE from 2017, was too busy scraping myself off of the cement floor that was the hellscape of 2018 to bother producing one.
Here’s some preview sundries to tie you over until my opus is ready.
*Click on each photo to get a closer lewk.
There will be the latest and greatest, tips and trends and a healthy dissertation on Pat Benatar’s contributions to the art of the punk/water lined eye–a huge trend for fall 2019.
That’s right byatches. The genius of P Benatar is going to be all up in this MUTHER, so STAY TUNED.
This may come to a screeching halt of a surprise to you all, but unlike EVERRRRRRRYBODY on Instagram, I am NOT in fact living my BEST LIFE as of late.
Or as of the last couple of years.
Or as of RIGHT NOW.
I KNOW shocking, right?
My personal Instagram is BRIMMING with peeps LIVING THEIR BEST LIFE i.e.; so much so that I feel like I’ve become a smaller and tinier Russian nesting doll with each passing year.
I’m that worried lil’ bitch that’s 3rd over from the left whose lost her eyelashes and all colour in her cheeks–and it only gets dead-in-the-eyes spiritual foreclosure from here on in.
So while I am super proud of the resilience that took me through the death tunnel that was 2018, that work has been consistent AND that most importantly I’m waiting to hear if a notable book agent will take me on as a client for my memoir–I’ve been living MY BASIC LIFE and that buck needs to STOP here and now.
Once upon a time ↑ I did quite a bit of travel journalism↑ and I’d like to get back to that, but with a branded pop culture twist. I want bucket-list travel experiences, time of yourLIFE moments for people like me who are searching for radical change in their lives.
I want to inspire solo travel as a viable option for people over 40+ who are single, in a partnerships or married to feel JUSTIFIED in taking a trip JUST FOR THEM. To realise all of their unrealized travel DREAMS and manifest them into reality.
My first destination ideas are Sweden + Norway (specifically Stockholm and Oslo for their incredible music scene) and a trip to New Orleans to eat ALL the food and take in ALL the culture.
Think my usual brew of pop culture + trendspotting with a dash of TRAVEL DESTINY folded in.
So I’m putting it out into the universe, making a few calls and taking names.
Hopefully the next time I blog I will have a new book agent and will have some travel writing news to share. In the meantime, please send me some delicious vibes and share some of your personal ideas for bucket list travel destinations.
Also please follow me on my social media platforms where I am quite active especially my Twitter @popcultrainman.
Wishing you all bucket list moments and radical change making if that is on your shopping list as of late.
Well HELLOOOO There my delicious lover heads! It’s been a minute hasn’t it?
I took some ‘personal days’ off from blogging—over 8 month’s worth if you want to get petty and do the math.
But why?
I’m glad you never asked.
First off can we just discuss the K HOLE DUMPSTER FIRE that was 2018 for a moment?
I mean HOLY F-CK KNUCKLES, WHAT IN WITCH TITS HELL WAS THAT ALL ABOUT?!?!
…A cesspool of pain, growth, a break-up, MORE PAIN, poverty, tons of begging, grovelling, and ooh! squeezing the last ounce of patience out of my remaining friends.
Yup! 2018 was like that splintered climbing rope we had to straddle in high school gym class when David Milner told all the boys he saw my maxi pad…
Nothing good came out of it and it hurt like F-CK.
(FYI 80’s maxi pads were like wearing small mattresses, truly.)
Anyhow the good news here is that progress has been made and my long awaited essay/memoir—my messmoir (I loves me some portmanteau) book will finally come out in 2020.
The title is:
Pop Life (based on my love for pop culture and an homage to my idol Prince)
Sex, Effexor & Hip-Hop based on the Ian Dury song “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll” and that’s all I will reveal for now. There’s going to be so much more than just a book.
I’ve been working on this memoir for no joke, 20 years—efficiency is clearly not a strong suit.
Its evolved, its stagnated, its died many painful deaths, its been in remission, its been through maddening bursts of pure genius, followed by many instances of crippling self-doubt, rewrites, revisions and so on.
Also I have 2 full chapters and some change where I write about actor Ryan Reynolds and my absolute stalkingappreciation of him.
Yup! I can finallyand proudly announce that this BOOK is currently off life support and fully breathing on its own!
Just promise to buy it so that at the very least I can give my cat the kind of dental care that we all know she deserves?
Also I’m getting my full blog domain name Popculturerainman.com back expeditiously.
Anyhoo, 2019 is going to be incredible I already have dreamy full-time top shelf name publicity and copywriting contracts that I’m also working on, the break up turned into a make-up, and I’m so thankful for all your support. TRULY.
XOXO,
Longtime entertainment writer/journo and future published AUTHOR,
Trend spottingis an endless pursuit of mine, and I see it (pun intended) as far more than a fly-by-night hair-colour or fashion accessory—but as an archaeological dig into our modern zeitgeist.
I believe the watchful EYE has made its way into our current pop culture foray as a reflection of our need—more than ever—to feel protected.
However, there is a fuller back story here with lots to unpack, so lets get right into it shall we?
THE WATCHFUL DIGITAL EYE…
While technology giveth—it also taketh, and the world wide web has become the double edged sword for nefarious forces and illegal activity. It is no secret that we are being tracked and in many ways even controlled by our online usage—leading to a pervasive over-the-shoulder paranoia.
We don’t have to look far in politics or pop culture to see this being played out in our day-to-day reality. From evidence that Russia colluded in Trumps campaign, to click-bait #fakenews that influenced the American vote, to the recent disclosure that Facebook et al has been mining our data without our consent.
Just last week Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg began testimony to the Senate Judiciary and Commerce Committees in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Our entertainment further reflects our reality and it’s no accident then, that Hulu’s The Handmaids Tale was one of the biggest series for 2017-2018 seasons—i.e., being watched and controlled.
FIGHT THE POWER…
At our core, we all have a basic human need to be SEEN,understood and validated.
With the spring thaw comes a deep winter pain that is coming to the surface ie; “into the light,” and what we have witnessed in the last year cannot be unseen.
This has been a year of continuous injustice, violence and systematic racism towards the black community that created the indelible #BlackLivesMatter movement. This has also been the yearof the#MeToo movement and the #MarchforOurLives uprising of the Parkland students against gun violence and the NRA.
Kristah Suh, who started the Pussyhat Project, encouraged her network to knit DIYEvil Eye Glovesfor the March for our Lives demonstration on March 24th, 2018.
Beyond the main takeaway of “stop don’t shoot” the eye was used as a symbol for self-protection, but its also a clear message of wanting to BE SEENwhilst being on high alert. “I’m watching you…” can be directed at our lawmakers, our police and our oppressors.
We are now collectively taking our safety into our own hands.
“I LIKE TO WATCH…”
Inversely, we all have a natural proclivity towards voyeurism.
The act of voyeurism—sexual or otherwise, isas old as time—but digital innovation has brought the act itself to an insatiable next-level. We are all privy to information hemorrhaging in the palms of our hands and our human interactions and sociability have been permanently altered as a result.
A Confederacy of Dunces?
Our collective habit has become that of passively checking our phones first thing in the morning for a fleeting glimpse of digital ephemera. The 24-hour life-casting scroll feed of celebrity/influencer access has become an insatiable voyeur addiction for many.
ALL EYES ON US…
When The Truman Showstarring Jim Carey hit movie theatres (←remembah THOSE relics?!) in 1998, it was implausible to believe that someone’s life could be watched on a 24-hour life-casting feed, but that is exactly where we are today!
ALL ACCESS…
From 7 strangers “who stopped being polite” back in 1992 to the evolution of digital/social media innovation, we have become a culture obsessed with pointing the cameras at ourselves through a myriad of social media platforms.
2000
So while the camera may have TAKETH away our privacy and our previous analog anonimity, we cannot deny the countless ways that handheld video cameras have helped us capture injustice and bear witness to the world we live in. Never has this been more significant than in exposing the blatant racism and police brutality against the African American community.
From Rodney King to the Facebook Live streamed Philando Castille shooting, to the recent Starbucks incident, the video camera along with the immediacy of social media has been the eye of truth, exposing crimes in real time.
THE EYE TREND
The eye in all its permutations; from evil, flirty, to gimlet is seemingly everywhere for spring 2018. Not only are we seeing the classic nazar symbol which has been used for thousands of centuries to ward off the evil eye, but we are also seeing a bold singular eye on every piece of merch you can shake a stick at. Voila!
Bejeweled
Jeweller to the STAHHH‘s Lorraine Schwartzdesigned a blinged out evil eye capsule collection for spring 2018, which were prominently displayed by a bevy of starlets like Rita Ora and Blake Lively.
(Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)
I’m super obsessed with this incredible jewelry line from Brooklyn called Scosha. Their offerings are incredibly unique & unexpected, from their mix and match eye charms, to their chandelier “Treasure Earrings” to their line of cat eyes—my fave being the dainty disc droplets tears-of-joy stud.
Jacquie Aicheis a fine jewelry line from Los Angeles with a huge it-girl model following like Hailey Baldwin and Gigi Hadid. Jacquie Aiche is the go-to line for their sensual layering and unique body chains that boast a tribal and mystical aesthetic.
Apparel
Kenzo’s ubiquitous usage of the multi-eye or “world eye” motif is back for spring 2018 in a kaleidoscope of unisex offerings.
From L to R below: Catbird Diamond Eye Earrings, Evil Eye Tote at me.n.u, Gigi Hadid’s x Stuart Weitzman EYELOVE mules that launched holiday 2017 are still totes wearable, and a custom eye patch jean jacket at Cacao Houston.
Nails
And what would any trend spotting list of mine be if it didn’t book end with some fab nail art? From a flirty eye lashed motif to a traditional nazar, the combinations are endless!The Olive and Junestickers are an amazing fast track for an instant DIYmani!
And while I, and many a digital think piece will rhapsodize about our analog pasts—a quieter time when we weren’t inundated with seeing EVERYTHING—I am still grappling with how to be a part of the conversation whilst preserving a sense of privacy.
It brings to mind the old adage; “would you rather be painfully aware or blissfully ignorant?”
There’s an old adage that goes something like this;
“When America sneezes the whole world gets a cold…”
The same approach could be applied to the every move Kim Kardashian + co. make—vis-à-vis their international influence in the trendsphere.
*Using vis-à-vis in a sentence makes me sound super douche-rocket-y, I concur!
Cases in point—in 2017 both Kim Kardashian and her youngest mega entrepreneurial sister Kylie Jenner started to sport silver/grey hair. By all noted accounts Kim had dyedher hair and Kylie was wearing a wig← another beauty hack she’s become famous for!
Naturally, I was rapt with wonder on how I too couldachieve this enigmatic hair trend of LE MOMENT.
Enter Kelly Betty; ambassador colorist for L’Oreal Canada and senior colourist at TAZ salon in Toronto, ON.
I first approached Kelly because I saw photos of her grey/silver hair work on Instagram and I LOVED the way she added in a darker and deeper root shadow at both the roots and on the side temples. The addition of a darker root adds a realism and dimension to this trend!
“My approach to the shadow root trend is to create a look that best accents my clients hair cut and skin tone,” says Betty adding that “shadow roots are very soft at the moment.”
Colour by Kelly Betty
Colour by Kelly Betty
Colour By Kelly Betty
While I and others refer to this ethereal look as the Grey Hair trend, Betty calls it ‘pastel blonde or silver/grey blonde’ and because she is the pro here, I adapt my language accordingly. In my ignorance I also assumed that one could go straight →to silver/grey out of the gate—no matter ones hair colour, and again I was mistaken. You can’t go straight to grey or silver…you have to go white blond 1st and then to silver, grey or yes…‘pastel blonde.’
As with any new pursuit, one need to set the table properly and that means strong and healthy hair as a base. This of course automatically disqualifies me, considering I am the official president of the weak hair club. “Pastel blondes are the strongest of the chemical services,” i.e.; (HARDEST ON THE HAIR) and they require commitment to the upkeep to keep them beautiful and as healthy as possible. This is a 3-step process if a shadow root or ghosting is done, and expect to stay at the salon for on average 3-4 hours,” says Betty.
The Ghosting trend is the latest amalgam of the grey or silver hair trend ↑ Photos courtesy of Narcity Media.
“The Ghosting trend is actually quite beautiful [on pastel blondes] adding subtle pops of shading in pale lavenders and silvery greys,” says Betty
Grey/Silver Hair on Celebrities
From Top *I believe its Ashley Olsen but it could be Mary-Kate too, hard to tell with these millionaires hobbits?!, singer Billie Eilish, Model/Actress MACTRESS Cara Delevingne, Blac Chyna + Keyshia Ka’oir, and lastly even Adam Levine took the grey hair trend for a spin recently.
But what prey tell is there for the rest of us, whose locks simply can’t survive the chemical process of the grey/silver hair trend? Why should we be left out on the sidelines while everyone else gets to have all the hair fun? Well my lover heads, I haven’t forgotten about you!
…And while we all can’t have Kylie Jenner’s custom wigmaker extraordinaire Tokyo Stylez at our beckon call, I have the next best thing for you and your hair needs my lovelies! I’ve partnered with the #1 online wig provider of top name brand wigs of human hair, lace front and synthetic wigs, Wigs.com!
I’ve sourced a couple of the grey/silver hair styles for your convenience below and as a very special offer for my readers you will get a 25% discount on these or any of the incredible offerings of wigs on Wigs.com by using the coupon code #SILVERPOP, so shop away to your hearts content friendsicles!
There are advantages to both synthetic and human hair wigs, so do your research as both can be cut, and some synthetic wigs can be styled using heat tools up to a certain temperature!
And that’s it kids! The moody and poeticIT GIRL hair colour of LE MOMENT is waiting for you, now go out and get your GREY/SILVER on this weekend!
For as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated with all things spiritual & metaphysical…
There was the psychic phenomena/Ouija board faze of my tween years, a never-ending interest in decoding my lucid dreams, the studying of auras and chakras, the wearing and collecting of crystals/gems period, and a stint learning about palmistry.
To this day, within 15 minutes of a conversation with someone new—I’ll either have guessed their horoscope sign or at the very least—ask them what it is.
If there’s an organic interest, I’ll probably move on to Chinese astrology, but only if there’s enough time…
…All this to say, I leaped at the chance to try the Lucia Nº3 light, located at Spa Cloud in the hip enclave of Griffintown, and incidentally, the 1st official machine of its kind to exist in Montreal!
Hypnagogic refers to the transitional state in-between wakefulness and sleep. The flickering white lights of the machine (through a series of preprogramed light cycles) helps you access a theta state as well as high Alpha patterns often associated with joy, intuition, creativity and relaxation.
After pouring over several online testimonials the potential promise was a celestial journey unlike anything I’d ever experienced, that words simply could not do justice. Naturally my interest was piqued; if anyone can transcribe an experience into some loquacious wordplay it would be me!
What does it do?
On a experiential level, the Lucia N°03 light opens up ones third eye—also knows as the pineal gland— a bridge to higher consciousness and widely referred to as the “seat of ones soul…”
As a life long practitioner of yoga (no surprises here!) I’ve long been interested in the mechanics of the Third Eye and its spiritual/psychedelic properties. It can be opened through yoga and the end-of-practice restorative pose Shavasana, but moreover is achieved through decades worth of mediation practice. When activated the pineal gland excretes DMT(known as the spirit molecule)and is an all-healing substance also found in a combination of medicinal plants to form Ayahuasca or Ibogaine.
As a spiritual experience chaser, years ago I researched shaman assisted Ayahuasca and Ibogaine journeys given at retreats in Costa Rica and Peru but chickened out—worrying that I would be stuck in a 12-hour maddening fugue that I would never come out of. The idea that I could experience some of the same visuals and long term healing effects, in a controlled environment with the Lucia Nº3 light was too good to pass up.
After a phone consultation where I was asked if I suffered from epileptic seizures or had extreme anxiety, I was given some further information about the Lucia N°03 light and that I should arrive with ceded expectations and an open mind as everyone’s brains offer up a different experience.
Arrival at Spa Cloud Montreal
I have to admit there was a part of me that was apprehensively nervous.
Several accounts online likened the experience to “tripping ones balls off” and in the drug experimentation of my youth, I had always given a hard passon the usage of psychedelics. But as soon as I opened the door to Spa Cloud and met with the warm and professional staff, I was instantly at ease and really excited to start my visionary exploration!
“Stevie ” the female Lucia N°03 technician brought me into a serene room and explained that she would be with me for the entire duration of my sessions. As a first timer, I would be going through 2-5 minute demo sessions for a half hour, as opposed to a full 30 to an hour uninterrupted session. She emphasized that if at any time I felt uncomfortable for whatever reason, all I had to do was raise my hand in front of my closed eyes and the lights would immediately be turned off, thus immediately ending the visuals setting up shop in my ‘noggin.
Blinded by the Light…The Lucia N°03
Laying down and covered with a cozy blanket, Stevie started me on an low introductory level. She offered me a set of headphones that was playing peaceful meditative music to ultimately enhance the experience. *Press play below to set the mood ↓
I closed my eyes and she started the low 2 minute program of flickering light on my closed eye lids. Keep in mind the light is only white, so whatever colours or patterns I would see, were being produced by the mechanics of my own brain. WILD!
She instructs me to take a deep breath and to relax.
I’ve succumbed to whatever lays ahead…
“Beam Me Up Stevie…”
Immediately a very lovely visual ballet of colours and shapes emerge…
I feel warm, safe and grounded—but absolutely in another realm. Before I know it the 2 minutes is up and I am asked if I’d like to go to a Medium program. I give the go ahead.
This will be a 5 minute session. I am deeply relaxed.
Medium-Level Program
Ok, this is deep space nine, people. I believe I let out a Bill + Ted-like utterance of “Woahhhhhhhhhhh.”
Its intense but not unbearable by any means. The shapes are kaleidoscope-like in many instances and the movements, colours, and vectors are happening at you, as opposed to having an innate awareness of where things are going—considering its all coming from your own brain?!
I see a lot of red, blue and green, and at one point I feel like I’m seeing heavenly visions, or what I have often likened to in yoga practice as the third eye with lots of white light cascading around it. I even at one point see a full wall of eyes. As trippy as that sounds, it’s not scary and as soon as I see it, its gone rapidly. Did I mention the music really makes the experience emotionally raw and beautiful? I believe a tear dropped from my eye as it ended. I am truly moved.
Stevie is next to me with a comforting hand on my arm as I open my eyes.
“How are you feeling?” she asks.
“Wow…” I express some of my initial thoughts dancing in my head—which are all positive.
“Would you like to do the high level program?”
I’m reticent, as I don’t want to push my sensitive boundaries but I do want to experience all of this. I wait a beat and say “Yes.” I’m really proud of myself for being so brave! It will be 10 minutes.
She reminds me once again, if at any time I don’t like what I’m feeling or experiencing, raise my hand over my eyes and everything will come to a full stop.
The reminder is comforting.
High Level Program
Because every timed program is different, it doesn’t feel that much more intense than the medium level, just that the visuals are different and I am absolutely feeling one with all that is washing over me. It definitely feels like inter-dimensional space travel. I let out some audible noises and I can hear Stevie laughing in some far away distance reacting to my child-like excitement.
*The below visual feels a little dizzying, but I was not dizzy, and I definitely suffer from motion sickness, so rest assured it was all palpable.
Again, the visuals are ever changing, and sometimes its just being bathed in a bright peaceful light for a couple of beats. Before I know it the 10 minutes is up. Time absolutely flies faster than it normally would, at least that’s what I felt in all of my demo programs.
Again, Stevie is by my side as I emerge wide eyed and smiling. Between prep time and breaks in-between programs, there’s only enough time to experience one last short demo program.
“Let’s Do This,” I say playfully, and away I go into “Andromeda” or “Tron,” or any other space like monikers that come to mind.
Once I’m done, I feel light-as-a-feather as I walk or did I actually ‘float’ into the relaxing foyer of Spa Cloud Montreal?
No one can really say for sure. 😉
Of the reported benefits that happen in the full 24 hours after a session are enhanced intuition, released endorphins, a renewed joyful sensation, relief from anxiety, better memory, lucid dreaming and a restful nights sleep.
Yes, I had a restful nights sleep, but I have never had problems with falling asleep, in fact those who know me would say I sleep almost “TOO WELL.”
Were my dreams lucid, well…yes, but again…my dreams have always been that way.
Lastly, would I try it again? Absolutely, if only to see what an uninterrupted 30 minutes to 1 hour session would be like. As with anything, repeated sessions build on the previous one(s) and the results can truly start to show themselves.
What I would say to anyone is YOU MUST TRY THIS.
While I may be able to wax poetic after the fact, during the sessions I uttered out cliché stoner idioms…so yea…its an immersive intangible thing, that words certainly don’t have a check box for. I wouldn’t impose my experience on anyone else’s as what is most interesting, is that everyone’s experience is different, as it’s based on their own emotional/spiritual paintbrush (their brain!) at any particular time.
My most profound takeaway was that it actually increased my overall confidence.
I tried something new that was definitely outside my comfort zone, (highest level yay me!) and that in and of itself is a perspective shifter!
While this is the first machine of its kind available in Montreal, I know several places that offer this light experience in Toronto and Vancouver, and certainly around the world. Find out where its available in your city and let me know about your experience here!
While 2017 felt like living in spiritual foreclosure—I blame the bleak combo of auto tuned, ‘makin-my-ears bleed Trap Music + man-baby Donald Trump—2018 is already teeming up to be the most exciting year in music yet!
The following are the comers, your next gen ⭐️ STAHHHH’s ⭐️ the gilded young music artists to watch in 2018 and the talent level is M-I-N-D B-L-O-W-I-N-G!
2018 Ones to Watch
Allan Rayman
Photo: Zack Vitello
Wyoming native, man-of-mystery Allan Raymanis an artist playing by his own rules in terms of the frequency & form of his releases, music videos that play like short films, and his absolute disinterest in the publicity machine. In February 2017, he released a full album Roadhouse 1 [Communion Records] and then in November 2017 released a 5 track EP titled Courtney.His track “13” from Roadhouse 1 was certified GOLD in Canada (he now calls Toronto home) and he’s racked up over 50 million+ streams on Spotify. If you like his growl-y, raspy vocal, you will easily listen to his full album in one sitting, which is as you can appreciate is a lost art in 2018. Like so many contemporary young artists, Rayman is absolutely GENRE-LESS comfortably mixing everything from R&B, Soul and Hip Hop influences together as he is Roadhouse, Grunge, Rock and Folk.
Snack on this sexy Led Zepp paced track “Gun” from his Courtney EP…and try and catch one of his live shows in 2018.
Billie Eilish
16-year-old Billie Eilish is a dancer and singer-songwriter pop prodigy from Los Angeles who has been putting her music online since she was 13-years-old. Along with her older brother Finneas O’Connol who acts as her co-writer and producer, their dreamy track Ocean Eyes was originally released on SoundCloud and eventually led to her being signed by Interscope Records.
Her EP Don’t Smile at Me was released in Aug 2017 and she is the youngest talent to ever be nominated for the BBC’s Sound of Poll. Her upcoming international tour starting on January 27th, is 95% SOLD OUT barring a handful of dates. She will be in Montreal at Theatre Corona on March 27th, and Toronto at The Mod Club on March 28th, and ‘yes‘ both shows are sold out.
Jesse Reyes
Columbian Canadian singer-songwriter and musician Jessie Reyes launched her emotionally raw EP Kiddo [Island Records] in 2017, and gave a goose bump inducing TV debut performance on Jimmy Fallon. Her voice is so beautifully feral as she wades through tear-your-heart-out ballads, R&B and Hip Hop inspired Pop. Her track “Gatekeeper” detailed via a short film how she was sexually harassed by a music producer 5 years ago, pulling back the curtain on the #MeToo movement in the music industry. Expect to see 26-year-old Torontonian’s full length debut album come out in 2018, and catch her European tour from February until June 2018.
Jorja Smith
20-year-old Jorja Smith has been riding a supernova wave ofsuccess based solely on a handful of releases over the past two years. The Walsall England singer whose been compared to Amy Winehouse doesn’t even have an EP out, nor a major label recording contract and yet, she’s worked with everyone from Drake to Bruno Mars. Most notably she has won the ultra coveted 2018 Brits Critics Choice Award (former winners include Adele, Florence and the Machine + Sam Smith) was added to the Coachella ‘s 2018 lineup, and will be on her own North American tour until May.
Lewis Capaldli
Lewis Capaldi is a 21-year-old Scottish singer-songwriter and musician from Edinburgh, who channels (IMHO) a bit of Irish singer Hozier’s vibe. His fiery growl and lyricism cuts deep through your heartstrings with mature themes of longing, heartbreak and devastation. He is currently on the BBC Sound of 2018 Long List and will most certainly become a recognizable name in 2018 as he embarks on a new North American tour with loads of UK/US/European and Asian festival gigs on the horizon. I can’t decide which track I like better off his EP Bloom [Capitol/Virgin] Bruises or Fade? Can you?
Maségo
24-year-old Maségo is a self taught multi instrumentalist (piano, saxophone, drums) an accomplished producer and singer-songwriter whose unique brand of hip-hop, soul and trap house jazz has fans comparing him to Pharrell and the legendary Cab Calloway. Born in Jamaica and brought up in Norfolk Virginia, Maségo put out an independent EP Loose Thoughts on SoundCloud in 2016, garnering him international acclaim and an enormous word of mouth fan base. He doesn’t have an official website, but he is extremely active on his Instagram and Twitter where he just recently announced that he’s working on his first official album for 2018!
No doubt there will be a label bidding war over this extremely talented artist!
That’s RIGHT! We’re absolutely euphoric with SEXCITEMENT (*sexy excitement*) for The Pop Culture Rainman’s™ Ho! Ho!HolidayGiveaway 2017!
Nope, were not giving away free Bitcoin…(but I’m going to write Bitcoin a couple more times because BITCOIN is totes trending right now and I’m so here for the SEO kickbacks )
…BUT we are giving away the COOLEST gifts from some of the HOTTEST pop culture brands in the multiverse!
Not sure why I’m saying “we,” ’cause really it’s just me, my cat daughter and my stepped on dreams over here?
So without further ado…let’s meet the PRIZES shall we?
1. CHAPTERS INDIGO Giveaway
Reading REAL **tactile** BOOKS is one of my life’s purest pleasures. With the help from my friends at Chapters Indigo, I picked out 6 stellar titles from 2017 that encompass all of my literary passions. From music journalism, break-out star essayists and poets, to a healthy dose of Cancon folded in—I think you’ll agree that my holiday book giveaway is pop culture GOLD!
Sticky Fingers by Joe Hagen [Knopf Canada]
As any musicphile knows, Rolling Stone Magazine captured the 1960’s youth culture of rock and roll and created a hothouse counterculture that dissected fame, pop culture and provocative politics. It is the ultimate music journalism tome, and writer Joe Hagen gleans exclusive access to editor in chief Jann Wenner and the cast of luminary artists and writers that made this magazine the zeitgeist juggernaut it remains to this day.
Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks [Knopf Canada]
Nope, it’s not a Tom Hanks memoir as one might expect, but rather a generous offering of fictional short stories by the two time Oscar winning actor. Hanks writes genuinely well, bringing both his well-mined sensitivity and honesty to this collection of 17 stories. Alternatingly whimsical, laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving this book will delight his mammoth fan base!
We Are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby [Vintage]
I am all about the hilarious female essayist category, and supernova writer Samantha Irby is the latest gem of the genre, putting all of her human (oh so human!) foibles on NAKED display for our side splitting consumption. The bitchesgottaeat.com blogger covers awkward sexual encounters, her failure to adult and ENDLESS funny-’cause-its-true vignettes about love in our digitally wallpapered modern-day dystopia.
101 Simple Truths For a Better Life by Humble The Poet [Indigo Press]
Heading into 2018 we could all use some pearls of wisdom through a fresh and unexpected lens, n’est pas? Former elementary teacher turned performance artist, rapper and YouTuber, Kanwer Singh aka Humble The Poet offers up just that with 101 Simple Truths. Singhwas the winning panelist for Canada Reads 2017 and splits his neo-enlightened philosophies between Los Angeles and Toronto.
The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur [Simon & Shuster]
Toronto SUPERSTAR poet and illustrator Rupi Kaur inspired the millennial generation of writers to post their digital ink to the ordinarily photo-heavy Instagram. Her meteoric rise and moniker as Instagram’s favourite #Instapoet (9.1 followers and counting!) is no easy feat for our impatient swipe-up reflexes + blink-and-you-missed-it attention spans. The 25-year-old’s second book of poetry is a treasure trove sure to be a passed down through generations to come.
Bear Town by Fredrik Backman [Simon & Shuster]
The perfect book to get lost in for the holiday season by Swedish blogger-turned famed author Fredrik Backman. Beartown is set in a small Swedish hockey town on the brink of extinction and grappling with a sexual assault case that has the town divided. You will be hooked by the eerie opening paragraph and see shadows of yourself in every one of the richly dense characters.
2. NESPRESSO Giveaway
I am a latte aficionado and would happily mainline on an IV drip if I could, so I am thrilled to be offering up this limited edition CRAIG & KARL Aercinno3 frother from coffee doyens Nespresso.
BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!
‘Tis the season to get hopped up on delicious holiday inspired coffees, so I’m also throwing in 3 sleeves of limited edition Variation Confetto pods in Snowball, Orangette + Licorice flavours!
Used with your snazzy new frother you can make the following specialty coffee recipes with ease!
*Click on individual pictures to read the fine print.
3. BLACK OPIUM YVES ST LAURENT Giveaway
This limited edition collectors bottle featuring black glitter and electric pink is a sophisticated and intoxicatingly sexy scent. I’m giving away 2 YSL 50ml Eau de Parfum bottles away to two lucky winners! Black Opium ‘Pure Illusion’ has top notes of pear, orange blossom and pink pepper. Middle notes of coffee, jasmine, almond and licorice and Base Notes of vanilla, patchouli, cedar and cashmere wood.
Also, it smells like BITCOIN, because you will feel like MILLIONS when you wear it, honey! Cha-CHING!
4. ALPHA INDUSTRIES Giveaway
ALPHA INDUSTRIESbomber jackets with the signature red “Remove Before Flight” flag were seen on everyone from Beyoncé, Justin Beiber, Gigi Hadid , Kendall Jenner and The Weeknd, in what was undoubtedly the fashion staple of 2017.
I’m giving away one women’s MA-1 W Flight in any colour of your choosing, but if you ask me I’m partial to the burgundy and mauve variety. Either way expect to look hella fly in your oh so LIT bomber jacket.
The RULES
Open to **Canadian** Residents Only
Must Be at least 18 years old to enter
You must be specific in which prize giveaway you are vying for; “I Want to Win The Nespresso Giveaway” or “I Want to Win the Alpha Industries Giveaway…” (*you can only choose 1 out of the 4) and you must use the hashtag #PCRHOHOHOLIDAY.
You must follow The Pop Culture Rainman on 1 of the following social media platforms:
…or HERE on my good ol’ bloggitty blog, either by signing up to receive my posts by email or by following me through WordPress.
If you are able to join ALL 4 of my platforms you can enter yourself in for a 2nd prize giveaway!
Add in my Pinterest page (((5 platform follows ))) and you are fast tracked to a guarantee win! But, If that’s the case holy f*ck knuckles you seriously need to get a life ← and I say this with love ♥ ♥ ♥
Winners will be chosen randomly by lottobot and will be announced here and directly to your respective social media channels depending on how you enter, on December 13th by 8pm Eastern time.
Got it? GOOD LUCK! Either way you slice it you are a winner in my books kiddo. Plus you will be marinating in my spesh brand of trend spotting content and comedy from now until forevs. TALK ABOUT WINNING BIG!
Just a brief prompt in-between the take down of every pervy-pants in Hollywood, the media, politics, (and every other segment of the workforce) to tell you about my upcoming HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!
The contest will be announced HERE on Monday December 11th, 2017 and at the very least, it will help to alleviate some of the existential angst that is the dumpster fire of our BROKEN planet.
In the meantime, for all my American readers (truth be told, the crux of my fan base are mainly the Helsinki’s…) an early Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
…And in bona fide Pop Culture fashion, I give you the best ending from my all-time favorite film about Thanksgiving; Planes Trains, and Automobiles.
Also, If you aren’t hysterically snot crying by 5:46, I. NEVER. WANT. TO. KNOW. YOU.
*Squish Candies Contest Details at Bottom of Story.
Don’t have your Halloween costume yet? Fear not, friendsicles!
Whether you need something for your adulting parties this weekend or something to wear with the kidlets on Tuesday October 31st, The Pop Culture Rainman™ has got you covered for easy DIY pop culture inspired costumes!
1. Hurricane Melania & Donald
For a couple costume, I recommend the myopically out-of-touch outfit that Melania Trump wore on her way to visit the devastated aftermath of the Houston hurricane. I simply dub this ridiculous look “Hurricane Melania” and it’s really easy to do. Simply grab an all black ensemble and add a khaki bomber jacket, a pair of aviator sunglasses and your highest, most inappropriate pair of black stilettos.
For Trump, a pair of work boots, beige pants, and white button down and rain slicker will do.The most important element is to get his Doritos dust spray tandown pat, as well as his fly away hair.
Character Personas: For her, stay absolutely silent with a no-one-knows-what-you-are-thinking-poker face. For him, a general air of douche rocket-ness, with the occasional thumbs up and lampooned facial affectations.
2.Eleven from Stranger Things
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This is a great gender fluidHalloween costume that is sure to be a crowd pleaser for Stranger Things enthusiasts!
It’s all about having the short-hair-don’t-care buzz cut, the pink dress with white-collar, blue jacket, sports knee socks, white Chuck Taylors, a bloody nose and a box of Eggo waffles. Close facsimiles of her outfit will do, and all are easy to source inexpensively!
Character Persona: A fish out of water air of bewilderment, but a wallflower you are not! You will knock out a bully without batting an eyelash, or at the very least throw a frozen waffle at their head!
3. “Cash Me Outside” Teen Danielle Bregoli
The trash talking teen who made her debut on a Dr. Phil intervention show, is now a bona fide Instagram star (11.6 million followers) and a newly signed rap artist for Atlantic records.Her look? Bad and Boujee!
Her hair is an auburn/aubergine red that you can wear straight, curly or in corn row braids.
Other pertinent details are a shaved eye brow, fake eye lashes, boujee long nails, and to cap it off, a gold grill. Be sure to wear a tank top that shows off your beige bra and ample cleave. Wear your boujee-ist pair of ripped jeans and you are good to GO!
Character Persona: Threaten to beat up every 4th person you meet, and remember to incorporate Ebonics into all of your speech. For example, “I’m going to beat CHU up, dumb HOE.” Pure elegance, ya feel me?
4. Marion Kelly
Toddler Marion Kelly stole the worlds hearts when she interrupted her father Robert Kelly’s BBC interview with her “hippity-hoppity” entrance.
All you need to covet this look is to wear your hair in pigtails, sport a canary yellow sweater, grey jeans, and a pair of pink frames. I say go full-on method and buy a pair of baby frames!
Character Persona: You’re 4! The world has yet to break your heart and crush your dreams. Act deliriously happy while you do the Marion Kelly strut + eat all the candy!
5.Iris Apfel
Fashion icon Iris Apfel is by far my favourite nonagenarian, with Betty White coming in at a close 2nd.The 96-year old’s signature bold + colourful style is easy to mimic with a FABULOUS pantsuit and oversized, chunky baubles and bracelets.
Add a short and spiky slicked back grey wig and red lipstick, her signature black round specs, and for extra flair a red boa!
Character Persona: New YorkFabulous. Tell everyone about your design restoration projects you did at the white house for nine presidents while telling everyone to put away their phones and “TALK TO EACH OTHER!”
All of these can be turned into sexy costumes, except I draw the line at baby Marion Kelly! Leave her playful innocence in TACT you PERVS!
…I’m all for a slutty version of Iris Apfel however!
I’ve partnered with Squish Candiestooffer up 1 lucky winner a ‘brainy” candy bar selection of all 4 Brain gummies.
The rules are simple! Just follow along on my Twitter @popcultrainman or my Instagram @reneepopculturerainman or HERE on my blog to qualify with the hashtag #PopCultureBrains. *Canadian Residents Only. I will pick a winner randomly by 1pm tomorrow and will have it shipped to be received in time for Halloween!
The Pop Culture Rainman™ 