New Her Universe Apparel at Star Wars Weekends

2013 NEW YORK, NY - MAY 13th, 2013 - 

 The Force is back at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park as Star WarsWeekends returns May 17th through June 9th. Fans from all over the world come to share their love of all things Star Wars and Disney during this special event. Returning for the fifth year in a row is actress Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and founder of the popular sci-fi merchandise line for fangirls, Her Universe™. As with previous years, Eckstein will be bringing an all-new, unique range of Star Wars by Her Universe designs to the month-long event at Disney's Hollywood Studios including fashion tops, tunics, tanks and dresses located in Darth's Mall. Eckstein will be meeting fans and signing autographs every day during the event and she will also be returning as host for Behind the Force: Star Wars Voices each weekend. "As a lifelong Disney fan, it's a dream come true for me to return to Disney's Star Wars Weekends and debut my new Her Universe merchandise," said Eckstein. "It's been an honor to work with Disney to create designs for this event. We have an assortment of new items for female fans of all ages, including our new exclusive Return of the Jedi necklace in honor of the 30th Anniversary!" 

                                                      

Her Universe has only made 1,250 necklaces to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of this beloved movie. This extremely limited edition piece will come with an autographed certificate by Eckstein and will only be sold at select Her Universe events debuting at Star Wars Weekends. Only 500 necklaces will be available for sale at Disney starting on May 17th. They are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Also debuting at the event will be will the highly anticipated Rogue Squadron dress and X-Wing Pilot tank top. Other items premiering will be matching youth and adult R2-D2 tunic tops, an adorable youth Princess Leia tunic top, retro women's fashion tops and a limited edition Asajj Ventress costume top. 

Pretend that you are a part of the Rogue Squadron in this colorful hooded racer-back tank. With the hoodie up, you're ready to pilot an X-wing yourself!

Personally, this R2D2 hoodie is my absolute favorite! However, all of these items will be a part of my summer wardrobe!

Source: Her Universe

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Hot Topic & Her Universe Join Forces for Star Wars Day

Her Universe is one of my favorite companies, and I'm so excited about this announcement made earlier today about their products being sold at Hot Topic!

NEW YORK, NY - May 1st, 2013 - Star Wars fans already know that the Force is everywhere but on May 4th the stars align for those who live and breathe every moment of the Star Wars saga. This day is a special opportunity to celebrate all things in that "galaxy far, far away" and, of course, to say, "May the 4th Be With You!" For the second year in a row, Her Universe™, the leading sci-fi merchandise line for fangirls, is teaming up with Hot Topic to offer new exclusive Star Wars dresses and fashion tops created by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tano fromStar Wars: The Clone Wars.

On May 4th, the popular Star Wars By Her Universe line will debut six new fashion pieces exclusively on Hottopic.com. The first 500 customers who purchase a Star Wars by Her Universe item online at Hottopic.com beginning at 1am PST on May 4th will receive a FREE Star Wars by Her Universe cinch sack. In addition, all day on May 4th Hottopic.com and Starwars.com (the official Star Wars website), and their social media sites, will celebrate this special fan holiday with fan-themed content and giveaways. 

"I am thrilled to be working with Hot Topic again to celebrate May the 4th Be With You," said Ashley Eckstein. "I am also excited to debut a new design with one of our favorite guest designers, Denise Vasquez. Denise brought her unique 'Day of the Dead' inspired style to a new design featuring Boba Fett."

With the growing audience of female Star Wars fans, Hot Topic and Her Universe have a number of new tops and, for the first time, Star Wars by Her Universe dresses to offer them. The new Hot Topic apparel line features popular villains Boba Fett and Darth Vader as well as fan favorite Rebels Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.

In celebration of "May the 4th Be with You," Her Universe will also be offering 20% off of all currentStar Wars apparel on www.HerUniverse.com on May 4th (Hot Topic product only available on Hottopic.com). In addition, while visiting the Her Universe website, fans can also view the past and present honoree's for "fangirl of the day" - part of a very special year-long campaign, the "Year of the Fangirl," which spotlights and recognizes fangirls of all ages showing their diversity, dreams and interests. Anyone can nominate a fangirl to be highlighted on the site. Go to www.HerUniverse.com for more information.

Source: Her Universe

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Actor Robert Downey, Jr. & Marvel Celebrate “Iron Man 3” with NYSE Opening Bell®

Actor Robert Downey, Jr., along with executives from Marvel Entertainment, LLC, visited the New York Stock Exchange this morning (April 30) and rang The Opening Bell® to highlight the U.S. release of Marvel’s highly anticipated film, “Iron Man 3,” on May 3.

Marvel's Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at this enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man? 

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley, Marvel’s Iron Man 3 is directed by Shane Black from a screenplay by Drew Pearce & Shane Black and is based on Marvel's iconic Super Hero Iron Man, who first appeared on the pages of "Tales of Suspense" (#39) in 1963 and had his solo comic book debut with "The Invincible Iron Man" (#1) in May of 1968. Marvel's Iron Man 3 is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures and DMG Entertainment. Marvel Studios' President Kevin Feige is producing and Jon Favreau, Louis D'Esposito, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard, Alan Fine, Stan Lee and Dan Mintz are executive producers. The film releases May 3, 2013, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Source: Marvel

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Happy Birthday Robert Downey Jr!

Dear Robert Downey Jr,

Happy 48th Birthday!!

My undying (and at points obsessive) love for you has endured many grueling years but has ultimately paid off! To celebrate your special day, oh future baby daddy of mine, let us look at my most loved parts of your career thus far<3>

Only You (1994)

Who can turn down RDJ in a cheesy 90s romantic comedy?! He plays a charming American man who falls in love with Marisa Tomei's character, even though she is on a mad hunt for another man she's never met. I love this film because these two has splendid chemistry and RDJ is at his most charming.

 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

I consider this movie to be RDJ's true comeback after his April 2001 arrest. At that time he did not go to jail but was put on probation for the next three years and his movies between then and this one I didn't enjoy as much. (Those films include The Singing Detective, which was weird, & Gothika where, I must add, is where he met his wife Susan). This movie is the most well written & best casted film he's ever been in, in my opinion. You should all see it for the simple fact that it was written & directed by Shane Black, who also the director & co writer of Iron Man 3. Want to know why IM3 looks so good? Its because of Black. ;)

                      The Pick-up Artist (1987)

This was RDJ's first leading role! This will always be one of my favorites, despite the inclusion of Molly Ringwald. (I cannot stand her in any film, so its a big deal when I say that I thoroughly enjoy this movie.) It takes place mainly in my own neighborhood, the Upper West Side, as well as other locations such as Coney Island and Atlantic City. He plays Jack Jericho, a sweet talking womanizer who meets a woman who will do anything to stay away from him. Key scenes include him in a towel trying his pick-up lines on his reflection in the mirror.

Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus  (2006)

This is one of the strangest films RDJ has ever done. Nicole Kidman costars as the photographer Diane Arbus, who was known for black and white photos of deviant or circus folk-like people. This film is pure fiction, and explores what might have happened if Arbus fell in love with the strange & "deformed" man living in the apartment above her. RDJ as her neighbor, Lionel, is heartbreaking and odd, a performance you must see. 

Ally McBeal: Season Four (2000-2001)

I have many "feels" about this show, this particular season, and RDJ's performance. First off, this is my favorite role he has ever done, ever. You might notice that there is a lack of Tony Stark on this blog post. That is because the amount of charisma and love Tony has for Pepper does not compare in any way for the way RDJ's character Larry Paul feels about Ally McBeal.

Larry Paul is a fellow lawyer in Boston, and is the first real relationship Ally has on the show. He loves her in a way that puts to shame every other romance. He has a tortured past but loves Ally with every fiber of his being. He also has the best lines and scenes of the whole series.

RDJ was nominated for an Emmy and won a Golden Globe for his performance on Ally McBeal. He also was a featured writer and singer on the show soundtrack! He sang & played the piano on many episodes, melting your heart. Sadly, he was arrested in November and April of the season resulting in him being written off the show before the last episode. That will always be a major disappointment in my life because Ally & Larry were supposed to be married in the last episode but that all changed after the second arrest.

Below is a scene of Larry singing "Every Breath You Take" with Sting as a surprise for Ally's birthday

And this concludes my round up of my favorite Robert Downey Jr performances. Honorable mentions are Kirk Lazarus from Tropic Thunder, Sherlock Holmes, Tony Stark, and Mr. Willowby from Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. What is your favorite RDJ performance?

P.S.- RDJ, I don't ever want children, but if you asked me to bear you more children, I would. In a heart beat. Just saying.  

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Bookish Journal #7: GoT Party, Meeting Robert Redford, & Breakfast With Emilia

Hello all!

As you might have noticed, I've been rather quiet on the internet in the last couple of weeks. This tends to happen when you're real life become much too interesting to spend online! Here are some of the things I've been up to as of late:

1.) Game of Thrones Exhibit VIP Party: A week ago there was a party celebrating the opening of the free Game of Thrones exhibition provided by Time Warner and HBO in New York City. Pietro & I were one of the select people in the city invited to attend much to my fangirl enjoyment! The exhibit showcased costumes from the cast including Emilia Clarke's, Peter Dinklage's, and Kit Harrington's. You could also take a picture on a throne replica and play an archery video game. Endless plates of meat and a special GoT honey ale were provided and I will admit to getting more than just a little buzzed off that delicious ale.

I got to meet the cast that showed up but the highlights of the evening including talking with John Bradley-West (Sam) and Kit Harrington for a while! Sam and I discussed the best places in the city he should visit while Kit and I debated on whether or not we should have a meat throwing contest. To top off the night we were sent home with incredible goodie bags which included a bottle of the ale, playing cards, an etched beer glass, and more! Being a journalist may not pay much but you get invited to all the best parties and you get to meet fantastic people.

Which leads me to 2.) Meeting Robert Redford. I saw a screening of his new film he both directed and starred in called "The Company You Keep" and it is by the far the best movie of 2013 as of yet. It is a masterpiece of filmmaking with an incredible cast. My mom was so excited for me to meet him that she kept texting me the weekend before and the morning of fangirling about it. I couldn't get a picture with him, but he was wonderful to talk to and is still as dashing at the age of 76. And I grabbed his coffee cup ;)

3.) Seeing "Breakfast At Tiffany's" on broadway: Pietro and I were able to see the 2nd showing of this and I completely fell in love with it. This play is based more on the novella set in the 1940s and has major differences from the vastly popular 1967 movie with Audrey Hepburn  You can read my full review of it here. Emilia Clarke of "Game of Thrones" fame is marvelous as Holly Golightly, and I would highly reccommend catching a show if you have the chance.

Those are just the main things I've been up to as of late, but I'll blog more about the lesser exciting ones soon. (Such as why I binge watched all of season one of "My Mad Fat Diary" in one sitting because it's  fucking brilliant)

Until next time,

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WWII & NYC Exhibit at the New York Historical Society

Two great passions in my life are New York City and learning more about the history of World War II. I talk about both subjects often online, devour books on this subject, and will watch any movie (no matter how cheesy) that takes place in New York or during WWII. So when The New York Historical Society opened an exhibit simply called "WWII & NYC" mere blocks from my apartment, it felt like it was a showcase just for me.

 The Second World War (1939–1945) was the most widespread, destructive, and consequential conflict in history. WWII & NYC is an account of how New York and its metropolitan region contributed to Allied victory. The exhibition also explores the captivating, sobering, and moving stories of how New Yorkers experienced and confronted the challenges of “total war.

The highlight of the trip for me was seeing one of the original "Instrument of Surrender" documents, which was Japan's official surrender on Sept 2, 1945. Only 20 copies were created at the time and they have not been displayed in New York since 1945. I was unable to take a picture of it because it is placed under a protective cloth away from lighting. 

The only downside to visiting the Historical Society is that cover charge is $15, which seems a bit much for such a small exhibit. I instead went on a Friday night between 6 & 8pm, where you can pay what you want. Cheers for affordable educational experiences!

I in turn picked up the book that accompanies this exhibit written by Kenneth T. Jackson who is a Professor of History at Columbia University and is the Editor-in-Chief of The Encyclopedia of New York City. If you are a WWII & NYC fan like myself but are unable to visit the exhibit you can purchase the book on their site for only $9.95

In their store they were also selling 1940s pin up dresses that I swooned over and then lamented over the prices. They were completely stunning but were $150 each. When I can afford it, I'm going to buy one of these dresses and wear it every day until it becomes socially unacceptable. 

In short, if you enjoy this time period I would highly recommend going to visit this exhibit, located at Central Park West and 77th street in Manhattan. It is well worth the trip.

Photos of the exhibit provided by The New York Times

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The "Stuff of Legend" Leather Bound Hardcover Limited Edition

There are certain comic books that I will recommend others to read, no matter what their preferences are. "Stuff of Legend" by Mike Raicht and Brian Smith with illustrations by Charles Paul Wilson III is at the top of my list, every single time. 

As most of you know, WWII is my favorite time period, especially in New York City. This book starts off in Park Slope, Brooklyn in 1944 with a boy whose father is fighting in the war. The boy is suddenly kidnapped by the terrifying Boogeyman and his toys decide to go off into the Dark realm of the closet to get him back. Once the toys reach the this realm, they are turned into actual forms of themselves-such as the teddy bear Max is now a real bear, the toy solider now a man. But they are not the only toys who have ventured off into the darkness, and these other toys' intentions are motivated by scorn and bitterness.

Every person that I have suggested "Stuff of Legend" to has also fallen in love with the characters, the compelling story and the breathtaking art. I had the honor of doing a book club with Mike Raicht and Paul Wilson at a Midtown Comic Book club a while back, and they are two of the nicest and most talented guys in the industry. They have a passion and sincerity about their work that is unparalleled.

Lucky for you, a stunning leather-bound hardcover limited edition consisting of the first two volumes is available to buy online for $49.99. This book is worth every single penny, I give it a Bookishbelle A++ for quality of the cover, pages, and of course- story. 

"As Allied forces fight the enemy on Europe's war-torn beaches, another battle begins in a child's bedroom in Brooklyn when the nightmarish Boogeyman snatches a boy and takes him to the realm of The Dark. The child's playthings, led by the toy soldier known as the Colonel, band together to stage a daring rescue. On their perilous mission they will confront the boy's bitter and forgotten toys, as well as betrayal in their own ranks. The Stuff of Legend is a haunting and ultimately redemptive tale of loyalty, camaraderie, and perseverance. 

 This hardcover collection brings together the first two volumes of the New York Times bestselling graphic novel The Stuff of Legend (The Dark and The Jungle) in one beautiful, 260-page edition. The book also contains never-before-printed character sketches and artwork by series artist and Russ Manning Award nominee, Charles Paul Wilson III."

I cannot recommend this book enough and I hope to hear that MANY of you check it out as soon as possible! Also, show the creators some love! Follow writers Mike @MikeRaicht, Brian @YourPalSmitty , and illustrator Charles @cpwilsoniii as well as the 'Stuff of Legend' Facebook page!

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Motivational Mondays: Fit Fan Girl Sara

Keeping up with Motivational Mondays, this week's inspiration for me is Sara Krueger, a super fangirl as well as total fitness badass. Since 2008 she has lost and kept off 90lbs! Sara tweets everyday about the everyday life of being a geek who also kick ass in the gym and at home. She especially inspires me for her 100% enthusiasm and positivity on Twitter with her goofy pictures dedicated to both geekery and fitness. Here is more about her:

You have gone on an incredible fitness journey, what was the turning point in your life that made you want to change? What inspired you? 

I was in the dressing room at my favorite store in the mall.  At that time my baby girl was 3 months old and I was ready to attempt to go jean shopping for the first time in what seemed like forever! I grabbed the usual 15/16 size jeans I always bought over the last 5 years, took them into the dressing room, slid my feet in, stood up, and the jeans didn't even make it up my thighs. You know that feeling when you get dumped, or when your crush rejects you, that is the exact feeling. I just sobbed into my hooded sweatshirt so nobody could hear me. I knew if I wanted to leave with new jeans, I would have to bump up to a size 17/18, which was NOT happening. THAT was my turning point! I refused to buy the next size up and I swore to myself the next time I entered that dressing room with jeans I was going to slip them right on and they will be in a size 13/14.

As far as bring inspired, that same day I went home, got online and just literally Googled "weight loss stories".  I came across one blog who was run by a college student.  She had lost 50lbs on her own while in school, and documented her entire journey. She took pictures of EVERYTHING! Her food, her cute workout clothes, post workout sweaty pics, her goal swim suit, what was inside of her fridge, and how she managed to lose weight and keep it off all while being a full time college student. She wasn't a mom. She wasn't a wife.  She didn't have a personal trainer. She was never a contestant on a weight loss relaity show with camera in her face for a million dollar prize.  She exposed her raw self for the world to see. That's when I thought, "Ya know what?  It's my turn!" That girl's blog was the start of my inspiration to get my ass moving! That was back in 2008. Since then, I can't even count how many people on a daily basis inspire me :) My daughter and husband first and foremost, as they have been my biggest supporters since day one!

Your handle on Twitter is @Fit_Fangirl, how has being a fangirl motivated you to stay in shape? 

I always stay true to who I am. Be the best version of me. I wanted to expose my journey to others out there who are just as driven and passionate about being a fangirl/fanboy but who also may be struggling with their body weight/image. When you think "fitness" do you really think of a chick in in a STAR WARS shirt and kneehigh R2D2 socks? Probably not. Which is why I ensure I stay true to my own "fitness swag" where I show  that you can be a nerdy fangirl and be able to rock out a 5K in cute geek-chic style! I want to show the world that you can get fit, live a healthy lifestyle and not change who you are! I am from Wisconsin, so I wasn't ever giving up my cheese! I'm a brat-eating-beer-drinkin-fangirl from the midwest and proud of it! I never plan on changing that either, so if I never have ripped "Dark Knight" armor suit abs then so be it! 

What are your favorite parts about being a fangirl?

Being considred a "rare breed" The girl who wears a Batman shirt on date night, the office chick who has the cool Darth Vader candy dish at work, the estrogen that dons a Rebel Alliance tattoo on the back of her neck, and given the choice between attending Fashion Week or Comic Con .. clearly we all know where I'm headed!

What are your top favorite comic books or movies?

I will openly admit I'm not hardcore into comics .. but .. I do appreciate anything by Frank Miller & Robert Kirkman. As far as movies goes...Star Wars, Batman (1989), Tron, Sin City, LOTR trilogy, Star Trek (JJ Abrams), Demolition Man, The Dark Knight trilogy, all the Alien movies, all the Predator movies, Mission Impossible 4, The Hunger Games, Prometheus, V for Vendetta, TROY, 300, and I have HUGE fangirl love for anything Disney & Pixar!

I love your geek style! Where do you find all your awesome clothes, especially those socks! 

Ha! Who me? Are you kidding me? I wanna raid YOUR closet girl :) All of my geeky kneehigh socks are from ThinkGeek.com, a dangerous website for this fangirl! That site has so much awesome stuff! A lot of my shirts I end up finding at garage sales during the summer months, I tend land comic/movie tshirts for less then a buck! I always like to hit up the "mens" section at stores like Target or Old Navy. They always seem to have great selection of "geeky" shirts and in which I just end up grabbing a small that fits great!

You can find Sara on Twitter at @Fit_FanGirl

and on her facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/FitFanGirl

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Paperman Threesome (Thanks CollegeHumor!)

You know you've made it when you win an Academy Award. You know you've made it when Tumblr is flooded with gifs of every second of your film. You know you've REALLY made it when CollegeHumor turns your innocent story into a sexy after dark special.



Enjoy fellow Paperman fans:

CollegeHumor's Favorite Funny Videos

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Her Universe Launches 'Ask Ellen'

One of the best parts about being a geek, Her Universe, has announced a new service that will benefit fangirls, away from the trolls: 

Bullying has been a major problem in the fangirl community and actress Ashley Eckstein has been an advocate in the anti-bullying movement. Wanting to help fight this issue and many other concerns which directly affect fangirls, Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and founder of Her Universe™, a leading sci-fi apparel line for women, announced today a new monthly online column offering support and advice to female fans on matters that affect them. The new "Ask Ellen" column is written by Ellen Connell and will run throughout the month on the Her Universe blog at www.HerUniverse.com. "Ask Ellen" will be an ongoing sounding board addressing everyday issues that affect the lives of fangirls and offering possible solutions to these problems. 

"Ellen and I have been friends for many years now," said Ashley Eckstein. "This past summer after attending San Diego Comic Con together we both felt a need to do more for the fangirl community. I wanted to find a way to offer advice to fangirls dealing with everyday issues like bullying and Ellen felt compelled to put her knowledge from her studies in clinical psychology to good use. Together we came up with the idea for our column, 'Ask Ellen.' I grew up reading the 'Dear Abby' column in the newspaper, so I am very excited to be able to offer something similar to our fangirls."

Ellen Connell has a Psy.D in Clinical Psychology and is working towards becoming licensed as a Psychologist in California. Before returning to graduate school for her degree, she worked in the animated television and film industry for several years. Two of those years, she worked at Lucasfilm Animation as a Script and Casting Assistant Production Manager for the first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and met Eckstein. Although Connell loved working on The Clone Wars, she also felt called toward another passion—helping people directly as a therapist. Having grown up as a theatre geek who loved fantasy, Connell didn't always fit in with the other kids in her class, and she remembers feeling the loneliness that came from thinking that she didn't belong. After learning to improve her self-esteem as an adult, she felt a desire to help people, especially girls, who struggle to feel better about themselves. Connell left Lucasfilm to attend graduate school, training in psychology, and is currently working as a psychotherapist in San Diego. 

"I'm really excited to work with Ashley and the Her Universe community through the 'Ask Ellen' column," Connell said. "I hope to offer support to girls who are struggling to feel good about themselves. I'm glad Her Universe provides a community for fangirls, and I look forward to contributing to it in any way I can." 

The "Ask Ellen" column is part of a special year-long campaign, "Year of the Fangirl," which will highlight and recognize one of the fastest growing segments of the sci-fi/fantasy/pop culture audience...women. Every day a different fangirl will be spotlighted on HerUniverse.com, to showcase the community's diversity, dreams and interests. The "Year of the Fangirl" campaign officially launched February 25th; however, additional elements and opportunities for female fans will be added throughout the year including a very special event in coordination with San Diego Comic Con. More information will follow soon.

Source: Her Universe

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