7 for all Mankind ME!

I don’t obsess over shoes or purses, but I get excited about designer denim. My obsession is with 7 for All Mankind. What is culturally significant about Seven is, when it first came out in 2000, it did not utilize the normal routes of advertisement through excessive commercials or magazine ads, but instead used product placement. For example, in “Gossip Girls” the rich girls, who are idolized, sport Sevens with many of their outfits. The use of celebrities for exposure has made Seven into one of the most notable designer denim in the market. This is evidence of how heavily American culture idolizes its stars, from wanting their lifestyle to mimicking their jeans.

Though I think it’s cool that Cameron Diaz and Jessica Simpson also wear Sevens, Seven appeals to me because it portrays my identity as one that is more concerned about quality than quantity. Though Sevens are a little on the expensive side, I would rather have one pair of Sevens than two pairs of jeans that do not fit and look ordinary. Taste wise, I prefer Sevens over other denim brands because it is simple yet sophisticated. Its fabric and finish make it suitable for attending church or for a night out. Seven expresses my value because of its unbeatable craftsmanship and uniqueness. Sevens jeans are known for its “perfect fit,” hugging the hip, butt, and thighs in all the right places. Its fit, fabric and detail render no two identical pair.

Unfortunately, with all brands, Seven is becoming another example of how “cool hunters destroy what they find.” As more and more people are beginning to discover Seven, the brand is slowly going from hip to mainstream. As a result, others and myself are beginning to expand our horizon, mine being towards Joe’s Jeans.

newspaper, television, INTERNET

The amounts of media I consume are at extremes, either plenty of it or close to none. I am shamed to admit I am part of the population that is uninformed about current events. I never pick up a newspaper unless something strikes me on the cover as I run by the newspaper stand on my way to class. I watch little television so I don’t bother to make watching the news a priority. And worst of all, I waste valuable time clicking away on the internet.

My habits have been molded by my lifestyle and how I was raised. Being raised in a household where Vietnamese was the first language, my family did not see the use in prescribing for English newspapers. With my busy school schedule, I barely have time to sleep, let alone afford to turn on the television. Also because of school, I am heavily depended upon the internet; to check email, review lecture slides, and do homework.

Since the start of college, my media habits have been pretty consistent, no newspapers, little television, and lots of internet usage. Because I do not watch the nightly or evening news and because I never read newspapers, I have had to pay with ignorance of current events. A feeling in which, not until recently, did I realize was scary and stupid, not to know how and what things will affect you later on. The internet is a wonderful thing, if used with caution. When I’m not doing homework, I find myself wasting time going to pointless sites. And though I recognize the obvious problems my media habits, good things can come of it too. Because I am not in the habit of watching television, I do not waste my time on useless sitcoms and reality television. Because I use the internet a lot, I have learned a lot. Occasionally, I will click on a news link and read up on current events. Through Youtube, I have learned to knit and crochet.

In order to achieve a healthy balance between my different types of media consumption, I should pick up the newspaper, turn on the nightly news, and restrict my internet use. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, my classes start at 11:30 am. On those days, I should wake up earlier to get breakfast and pick up the New York Times and USA Today so that I compare articles and be more and accurately informed. At night, I should make it a point to watch the daily news at 10 or 11 and go to sleep earlier. For lent, I have given up instant messenger and have restricted myself to no more than an hour’s worth (because I am realistic) of surfing on sites as facebook and perezhilton.

411

Hello to all! My name is Hoang Bui. I am a sophomore majoring in biological sciences. After completing fours years here, keyword being four, I hope to advance on to dental school in hopes of becoming a WORLD-RENOWN dentist, okay maybe not. My dream school is the University of Maryland Dental School. In between paying off my debt after dental school, I would like to settle down and become a super-mom. I love kids! My hobbies currently include reading celebrity gossip blogs and doing crafty things such as knitting, crocheting, and sewing.