FILM REVIEW: SEX and the U.S.A.

A relaxing Sunday after a weekend show was very needed. The film pick this week via the Netflix’s watch instantly is SEX and the U.S.A

SEX and the U.S.A. is written by Stephanie K. Smth, directed by Jan Wellman, produced by Ester Goodstein, Alain Siritsky, and Jan Wellman is the story of thirteen year old Audrey Shaw is new to Bellweather, California and certain she'll never fit in when she meets Krista Rich, the pretty, popular girl she aspires to be "or be with" - she's just not sure. Set against the backdrop of abstinence education and presented as Audrey's real life documentary assembled entirely from her own video clips, instant messages and cell phone cam (as well as those of her classmates and internet friends), Sex and The U.S.A. is a scripted drama about two teenage girls torn between Americas popular culture, where twelve year olds bear skin, breast implants are a Sweet Sixteen gift and George W. Bush's Evangelical right prizes virginity. Where natural urges of adolescence are at best dismissed, at worst, demonized and either way, taught in public schools. Without sex education or parents who are willing to talk about sex, Audrey and Krista are faced with a difficult task: to remain virgins while acting like whores... Written by Jan Wellmann

As much as the title leads you to think this is a film dripping with sexual energy SEX and the U.S.A. to me was a coming of age story that explores the trials of the modern day female teen. I thought this was a film that was looking to push an agenda and in that light they kept it real politically correct, which lessened the dramatic effect of the story. SEX and the U.S.A. for me touched on some good ideas and held an interesting point of view, but in the end I felt it was lacking real intensity, so I give SEX and the U.S.A. 2 stars.

And if you don't know Able Abe Clothing will be rocked in another runway show we will also be doing an open shoot at the show for those who show up wearing Able Abe Clothing or are just decked out fresh... LETS GET IT!!!

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CHICO STREET STYLE EXPERIMENT #7

A busy week, but still time to take is some Chico Street Style. This week another set of gorgeous ladies.

First up we have Karen. Karen is from the Bay Area. A Third year student at Chico State in the same Graphic Design program I attended. Her future goals are running a design and photography firm in New York with a close friend. Her style sense does not incorporate too many brand names, as she likes to shop vintage and thrift boutiques for that special find. She is wearing a high waisted light denim short with a sheer white top over a black chamisole. Her fun colored nails pop as she carries a brown leather hand bag, hand woven earrings and cute gold sandals.

Crystal who was featured in a previous post hits the scene in vibrant orange color top a black skirt, satin feather shaped earrings, colorful purse and hair accessories, and decaled painted nails. Crystal also took part in the open photo shoot at The Matador motel and the recent runway show featuring Able Abe Clothing at the PRIDE event here in Chico.

And finally we have Michelle. Michelle lives and works in Chico as a cosmetologist. She also attended the open photo shoot at The Matador. Michelle is not too much on buying brand name clothing, but enjoys finding those crossover pieces that work in any weather. Her advice to guys is quit it with the skinny jeans, get yourself a snapback or trucker style hat, and grow some facial hair.

Michelle is wearing a black sailor inspired top with a great pair of denim jean shorts. She also has a deep red and black feather earring with a black faux snakeskin handbag and nice sandals.

Not just Another Event

Well getting back from the market I'm a little tired, but I knew I had to post this. After some crazy lost messages and hustle Able Abe Clothing will be showing at the Chico PRIDE event this coming Saturday August 27th. We will have Chico's finest ladies and gents walking the runway in the middle of the Park Plaza (Located between Main st. and Broadway, Downtown Chico) repping Able Abe Clothing to the fullest.

The Able Abe Clothing runway is scheduled to go at 4pm Saturday the 27th, but don't just come for that there will be a lot to see and do as well so join in.

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FILM REVIEW: NOW & LATER

With some free time ahead of me I decided to take in a film. With the ever-growing catalog of films via the Netflix watch instantly service I had a bit of a dilemma choosing a title, finally deciding on a film called “Now & Later”.

Now & Later is written and directed by Philippe Diaz, and produced by Philippe Diaz and Beth Portello. Sex, politics and American culture are mixed into a combustible combination in Now & Later. Angela (Shari Solanis) is an illegal Latina immigrant living in Los Angeles who stumbles across Bill (James Wortham), a disgraced banker on the run. She takes him in. Through passionate sex, soul-searching conversations ranging from politics to philosophy, and other worldly pleasures, Angela introduces Bill to another worldview. As their affair heats up, the course of Bill's life begins to take an abrupt and unexpected turn.

Without going too deep I realize people are starving for connection and meaning with and through other people. And it is this connection that either helps us heal and make sense of our existence here. I really think this is what Now & Later is exploring in this film although long drawn our conversations was one of the issues I had with this film. Overall Now & Later is worth the viewing and the thought process it invokes. So for Now & Later I give it 3 stars.

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CHICO STREET STYLE EXPERIMENT #6

A week with a photo shoot event scheduled and the final post for the week takes us back to the Thursday Night Market. As we move into week 6 the students are back in town creating a lively buzz downtown Chico.

Our first interview was with Charlie. Charlie is from Oroville and is continuing to attend CSUC. He was with family and relatives heading to dinner, so the interview was very brief. Check out his style none the less with a royal blue athletic fit polo, brown leather belt, black pegged skinny jean, some slick black loafers, blacked out Giants fitted cap, and a pair boss sunglasses.

Next up we have Brittney. Brittney is from Sacramento and will be attending CSUC as a freshmen looking to a future in Fashion and Fashion merchandising. Her main goal at this point is to get a Business degree to help grow her families restaurant business. Her favorite brands are American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, and she loves to shop thrift stores for vintage and unique items. She likes a guy who wears Sperry topsiders over Vans. She looks great all natural with an earthy toned satin and lace top brought together with a black leather woven belt, denim shorts, an acid washed denim hobo bag, and crafty stone and bead earrings.

And finally, we have Kristine. Kristine is from Sacramento as well and she graduated CSUC in 2007 with a Criminology Degree. She currently lives and works in Chico law enforcement. Not much for name brand clothing, but just goes with what she feels looks good on her. 3 tips she has for men is dress for the occasion, quit it with the black socks, and overall dress to impress. So Kristine is looking classic in simple black and white. A black halter summer style dress and sandals, black studded handbag, but what really stands out is the white leather die cut studded belt. Also Kristine’s distinctive tattoos are very sexy very cool.

Photos by: Kaitlynn Hess

And if I haven't thanked you personally or sent you a message the shoot last night went excellent great having some other photographers come out. All the models were amazing and looked incredible thanks to Marie Fuentes, Crystal, Megan, and Mary Jane much love to you ladies. And if you couldn't make last night watch for the next one...

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FILM REVIEW: L.I.E.

I have always been a fan of the “coming of age story”. After seeing the trailer for this film it sparked my curiosity. I also thought this was a timely piece as the students are back in town, schools in session and the pace of life in Chico picks up. This week’s film review is of L.I.E.

L.I.E. (Long Island Expressway) is written by Stephen M. Ryder, Michael Cuesta and Gerald Cuesta, directed by Michael Cuesta, and produced by Rene Bastian, Michael Cuesta, and Linda Moran. This is the story of fifteen-year-old Howie who loses just about everything and everyone in the space of a single week, but ends up finding himself in the process. His mother has just died. His father, a building contractor, can barely keep tabs on his young girlfriend, let alone his own son. Thusly, the teen must navigate his adolescence virtually unsupervised. Floating towards an ill-behaved existence, Howie and his crowd begin robbing houses in the middle-class neighborhoods off the Long Island Expressway. Together, he and his best friend Gary break into a place belonging to an old guy named Big John, a local man who is a respected pillar of the community. When Big John fingers Gary for the crime, Howie learns that his pal has been leading a secret, dangerous but also alluring double life. Subsequently, we also discover that Big John has secrets of his own. Written by Sujit R. Varma

L.I.E. for me was a bold and provocative piece of film making, not for the light of heart as the content deals with some tough issues. I thought this film was a little slow in development and picked up, as we got familiar with the principal characters. Overall I was satisfied with the viewing and I give L.I.E. 3 stars.

And remember this... tomorrow, hope to see you there.

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DO YOU BELIEVE?

I was a first 500 on this vide and thought it was a cool video love the song, Cudi is dope.

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CHICO STREET STYLE EXPERIMENT #5

Yes, the weekend is here again and what a week it has been. A week full of product drops, blog posts, Thursday Night Market, and photo shoot planning, we are definitely on one. As for this blog post of Chico Street style we are highlighting some lovely ladies that are making this experiment GO!!!

First off we have the amazingly talented Marie Fuentes. I have had the great pleasure of getting to know her in the past six months as she has done incredible work doing the hair and make up for a show and two core photo shoots for Able Abe Clothing. She’s no joke check her out as she is a mainstay at Mateo & Co. (2072 E. 20^th suite 140 pho.530.566.0290) also you can check out her facebook business page Couture Hair & Makeup by Marie. We documented Marie’s street style after a meeting at Peet’s Coffee for an upcoming photo shoot. She looks great in a striped punk rock inspired tube top, intricately crafted metal work necklace, black sling back wedges, and turquoise leather handbag.

Next is Roxy, who was featured in another post for her Street style at the Thursday Night Market. She joined us at the meeting and added some great ideas. In grey and black she is stylish and classy with a hatch mark patterned off the shoulder dress, bow tie heels, accented well with silver accessories.

And finally we have Alexa. Of Greek decent, she came to Chico via Valparaiso, Indiana. She lives and works in Chico at the North Valley Community Foundation (CEO). She has also worked with another local clothing company developing grants and charity work. This lovely eccentric lady was the epitome of casual Fridays. Wearing a sheer coral top, hounds tooth patterned slacks with a white leather skinny belt, and an incredible pair of white patent leather high heels. The eccentric elements of this Greek goddess... her vintage brass pocket watch and brown leather briefcase... so cool.

As for the up coming shoot check it here... GO!!!

LETS GET IT!!!