The September Issue PREVIEW

Vogue. Anna Wintour. The September issue. You've seen The Devil Wears Prada, but how about seeing the real glitz, glamour, and fear? The September Issue is the long-awaited documentary about the most important issue in the fashion magazine world, and the person who has the final say.

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FASHION FINDER: Boots We Love

What can I say? It's raining today!
Rain isn't very much fun when you have a busy day ahead of you, but these "Raindrops on Roses" boots from Modcloth will have you singing (and skipping) in the rain in no time! They're so classy, you can even wear them to work. $114.99 at ModCloth.com

BOOK WE LOVE: Fresh From the Farmers' Market

Fresh From the Farmers' Market: Year-Round Recipes for the Pick of the Crop by Janet Fletcher (Chronicle Books).

The farmers' market has become a vital social activity for many. It's a meeting place and community-strengthening tradition. The market is a wonderful place to buy the highest quality, freshest, local produce, free-range eggs and meat, and scrumptious baked goods.

Fresh from the Farmers' Market is a celebration of this important market. Fletcher shares what is available seasonally, and includes recipes for delectable dishes such as a blackberry macaroon torte, sweet pea and green garlic soup, turkey soup with root vegetables, and fresh fig galettes. Part market guidebook, part cookbook, it also includes food selection and storage tips, and spectacular photography. These recipes are generally quick and easy, and star vegetables and fruits (less of a focus on meat makes it great for vegetarians). A gem for anyone who wants to eat more fresh, local produce, but perhaps needs a little guidance while hopping on the locavore bandwagon.

Fashion Finder: The Perfect Trench Coat for Fall

A black trench is a fashion staple. Classy, elegant, and easily paired with everything, no hip chick should be without. How do you find "the one" though? HCZ discovered this convertible trench coat on ShopBop.com (we love this site!), marked down from $595. By Elizabeth and James, now $297.50. This is a 3-in-1 steal: the sleeves come off so it becomes a sleeveless trench dress, or wear the sleeves as a chic bolero on their own. This is a seriously stylish investment that you will be able to wear for many years to come!

BABE BABBLE: Michelle Obama on Staying True to Yourself

Michelle Obama:
"One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don’t invest any energy in them, because I know who I am."


Source: Marie Claire magazine interview

BOOK WE LOVE: The Girls' Guide to Rocking

The Girls' Guide to Rocking: How to Start a Band, Book Gigs, and Get Rolling to Rock Stardom by Jessica Hopper (Workman Publishing).

We know you want to be a rock star, so put down the hairbrush and pick up a guitar! In this chick-friendly guide to the world of rock'n'roll, Hopper narrows in on everything you'll need to know to make it in the music world. She offers advice on picking an instrument (or using what you already play), writing lyrics, soundproofing, booking your first gig, recording demos, and how to develop a stage presence. Other useful information includes descriptions of the different types of microphones, promotion advice, and how to build personal connections. Hopper even touches on how to prevent interband bickering and conflicts. The book is geared towards teenage girls, but women of all ages can profit from the author's expertise, and the further reading suggestions, listening lists, and inspiring quotes from successful musicians she includes. There's also an additional, full-color, glossy pull-out timeline of "A Superstar Century in the Sisterhood of Rock'n'Roll." Read this book and start rocking! Even the seasoned musician will find this to be an enjoyable read.

A Controversial Toy Hits the Shelves

People have quite conflicting views regarding breast-feeding. Personally, I think it is a wonderful, natural thing that makes for healthier babies (sorry, Facebook). It's what breasts are intended for! However, is a toy for little girls (or boys) crossing the line? Bebe Gloton is a Spanish doll that actually "nurses." The girl wears the daisy top, and when the baby gets near the daisy, it starts making sucking noises. When she takes it away from the daisy (nipple), it starts to cry until she burps it. Some individuals think that it will help make people a little more comfortable with the oddly controversial issue of breast-feeding. Others have argued that it will encourage girls to get pregnant earlier, although mommies have noted that girls already mimic their breast-feeding and don't need a toy when they have their imagination. Strange or acceptable? Would you buy the doll for a little one in your life? What do you think?

BABE BABBLE: Wise Words From Women

To start off this new section of HCZ's blog, we've decided to feature the words of Margaret Mead (1901-1978), a very well-known American anthropologist.

"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
~Margaret Mead

BOOK WE LOVE: I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti by Giulia Melucci (Grand Central Publishing) is a memoir that blends mouth-watering recipes with tales of doomed love affairs. Giulia tells her experiences from over twenty years of dating in New York City with humor, sarcasm and disappointment. She writes, "For me, a new boyfriend is a tantalizing opportunity to show off the thing I'm most confident about: my cooking." The author shares her remembrances of dating an affectionate alcoholic and novelists with Peter Pan complexes, sprinkled with heavenly recipes inspired by her mother and the men in her life (or lack thereof, hence "No Nookie Gnocchi"). Turns out that the recipes are what made the greatest impression! Any reader who has spent a period of time in the complicated dating world will feel an affinity with Giulia's character. At times, she is overly needy, or just downright depressing, yet there is a true sense of hope and romanticism as she searches for the right man. I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti demonstrates that love and food are inextricably linked, and with both, a recipe comes in handy.

Hip Chick Zine is Back from "Vacation"

Alright, so it was a working vacation, but we're back to the real world after not having internet access for over a month and a half. I was working at a music school for the summer, and it was fantastic. Look for more updates starting this coming week, including lots more book reviews, the latest news in health and fashion, travel notes and way more from HCZ!

As always, please send in your work!
Joanna @ HCZ