Give Me a Break

As much as I adore pop culture and its undeniable contributions to language, fashion and culture, I’m also aware of the down side. That dark side that sucks people of their originality and turns them into a poor man’s Paris Hilton or a weak Maroon 5 video. I champion pop culture on all levels but seem to understand what is personal taste and what is a flashy trend populated by celebrities and those who wish to be celebrities.

I’ve argued this point before. It’s okay for Mariah Carey to wear that micro mini and stilettos at the airport because she’s not going to have to trek through the airport on foot and lift her own luggage. I got the idea for this blog after viewing a young man walking down US1 wearing mirrored aviator glasses at 7 this morning.

Here are a few pop culture staples that have gone too far in everyday life:

The Kanye Effect

You know where he wears white leather jackets, heavy gold chains and blinder shades. Just a reminder that this looks ridiculous in him but we forgive him because we expect entertainers to be flamboyant and zany. It’s artistic. In reality you look like a fool wearing gold chains from the Mr. T Collection and a single white glove. Not cute in real life.

Jimmy Choos for Tinkerbell

In my mind it is animal cruelty to dress animals in dresses, shoes, sweaters or T-shirts. A well-placed bandana is always cute but full designer duds are a waste of money and demeaning to animals. It’s also a good idea to let your dog walk for its self. Stop carrying these damn teacup pooches everywhere. It strips the dog of its true nature.

Moon Over Miami

The micro mini is not for everyday people over 18 years old. Leave it for the youngsters and I encourage them to underwear AND leggings or tights. If not, don’t attempt to bend over. Let that pencil stay where it is. It’s bad luck to see the crack of someone’s ass.

Smooth as Silk

Message to young and some old men: Stop waxing your eyebrows within an inch of their lives. We appreciate the effort but when we say clean up the brows, we mean make sure there are two and they don’t meet your hairline. I’m also down with manscaping as long as it’s done to prevent you from looking like a grizzly bear or Robin Williams.

Willy’s Little Helpers

I’m appalled that people are still trying to tan. I don’t understand why there are still tanning salons when there are better over-the-counter options. Not to mention that horrible orange color that is spreading across the nation. Please stop.

What pop culture trends are driving you crazy in the real world?