Modern Teen Rock Star Fashions the Newest Hot Wardrobe Trends For Teenage Music Fans

Quite often, these hard-core teenage rockers also adorne themselves with multiple piercings. When it comes to peircings things are always evolving. One of the hottest piercing trends is referred to as gauging. It's a simple method of starting out with a standard piercing and then inserting ever larger sized pieces of metal into the hole. Gauges are available in a variety of sizes, including everything from plugs and tunnels to barbells and tapers.

Tongues, eyebrows, cheeks, noses, chins and lips are all popular public piercings. Some kids go all out and pierce everything twice if they can. The average teen doesn't go quite so far though and uses their piercings as small, yet distinct accessories. Of course, most places won't do a piercing for anyone under 18 unless they've got Mom or Dad's permission. That means a lot of kids that want piercings have to wait until they're a little older.

For under-age kids with parents dead-set against any form of face piercing, there are easy ways to fake it. Check around at the mall at a popular teenage merchandise store. You'll find all kinds of magnetic fake piercings for your ears, lips and nose. How cool is that? They'll be totally legal with the parents and there's absolutley no risk of infection or anything else.

A lot of kids would also love to tattoo themselves. Again, this isn't a hugely popular notion among parents and other adults. But, a lot like fake piercings, temporary tattoos are a great solution. There are literally thousands of inexpensive, interesting designs for kids to choose from too. It's quick, painless and best of all, temporary so there isn't any regret later on.

Jewelry like cuffs and collars are also quite popular in the teenage rock community. From glittery, girly pieces to hardcore heavy-metal spiked leather pieces, there's something for every taste. Fingerless gloves have long been accessory favorites among the most devoted rock fashion followers. Whether they're emo stripes or leather and chain, they speak rock and roll. Some teens take the jewelry idea a step further and use tooth grills with flashy rhinestones or metal finishes.

Hoodies are a new phenomena in the rock world. Nearly every rock band and fan out there wears them. Striped hoodies are super popular with emos and punk rockers. Serious rocker hoodies even come with a myriad of buckles and straps attached to them. There are even hoodies that zip up all the way to the top of the hood, forming a mask in some. Other zip all the way up hoodies even have plastic eye windows that allow you to see.

Band tee shirts are an absolute must in any rockers wardrobe. Band t's don't have to be black to be rockstar cool. The popularity of the band shirt isn't as important as the impact of the colors, graphics and words on it. Some groups of teens actually prefer to wear vintage shirts of classic rock bands while others stick with new shirts only.

Emo rockers tend to go for tight, dark wash or black jeans. Meanwhile the metal rocker can usually be found wearing baggy Tripp pants with metal chains and sippers all over them. Denim jeans with rips, tears and holes even have their place in teen rockstar fashion. Not all teenage rockers go to extreme with their pants though, some simply wear jeans and add to their look from there.

Shoes finish off every outfit! To get their specific look though, smart teens don't mix musical genres. For example, most emo lovers wouldn't wear baggy, everyday kid fashions with their emo clothes. It just wouldn't give the same impression. Chunky canvas and high-top tennis shoes usually go well with most genre styles, including emo, metal and hard-rock. Still, a lot of other shoe types and styles are totally appropriate, including tall leather boots for the seriously goth all the way to spikey high heels for the glamorous rocker look.

Building the ultimate teenage rocker wardrobe is easy. Every rocker needs things like a couple of hoodies, some band tees, a couple pairs of cool jeans and some canvas tennis shoes. Add your own personality to the outfit with accessories, jewelry and top it off with an awesome hair style. Now, rock on!

Celebrities and Fashion - Where Have All the Supermodels Gone?

There was a time when supermodels ruled the fashion world and it was absolutely impossible to think of a campaign that did not contain their beautiful but ubiquitous selves. Remember the time when the catwalks and fashion spreads that counted had people who are still remembered for all the shine they brought in. There are still quite a few supermodels these days. However it is becoming very evident that these days there are increasing numbers of other celebrities who are jostling with them for attention.

The fact is that young people these days take their fashion cues from a wide range of celebrities and not just supermodels. There are many celebrities who are not movie stars or models but they certainly set a lot of fashion trends as they contrive to be at the centre of attention whenever possible. These are many canny businesswomen who have translated their popularity into money with the help of clothing labels.

Most movie stars and recording artists have their own fashion labels these days precisely because people find them exceedingly attractive and want to emulate not just their dress sense but their overall aura of success and style. In fact, many of these labels make as much money for the celebrity as they get from their movies or music.

People these days are exceedingly choosy about what they wear and how they wish to project their image. Fashion advertising campaigns work very well when they address people's aspirations. It is generally very easy to do this when the brand ambassador is a celebrity rather than just a supermodel. When a celebrity is featured in a campaign for a luxury brand, it appeals to people's aspirations to become a talented and accomplished person and not just a gorgeous woman. It is therefore no surprise that fashion houses are getting film stars to feature in their ad campaigns.

There was a time when film stars did not want to be seen in ads and did so only in ads that would be aired in foreign markets. Most stars are eager to feature in ad campaigns because there is no longer anything embarrassing about doing so.

Considering that kids and teenagers too have lots of celebrities to look up, it is very clear that celebrities will continue to take the place that a gaggle of supermodels once occupied. In fact pre-teens and teenagers are avid fans of these celebrities because they make them feel grown up. Of course, there will always be need for fashion models for print and television ads and also for walking the ramp but the biggest ad campaigns will continue to go to celebrities. It is fairly clear these days that the age of supermodels has gone for good.

Disney Casting Calls Give Kids And Teens Legit Shot At Stardom

When Disney vice president of casting and talent relations Judy Taylor was recently asked about where she finds talent for Disney Channel and Disney XD shows she stated, "we try here at Disney Channel, for many reasons, to look everywhere and have open calls all over the place to reach kids who may not have the chance to audition if they were only taking place in L.A. or New York." The last several years Disney has held open casting calls in the cities of Richmond, Kansas City, Phoenix, Austin, San Antonio, and Wilmington. Thousands of hopefuls attended these calls with dreams of becoming the next Disney Channel star.

No matter what the expectations are of a child, teen, or parent who attends one of these open casting calls, the harsh reality is that the odds of being discovered are extremely small. But when someone is discovered, it can be a life-changing event that catapults a young person into worldwide fame. This is exactly what happened one year when Disney Channel held open casting calls in Texas and Florida. An amazing 11-year-old little girl showed up and impressed Judy Taylor and other Disney casting directors greatly. This child ended up becoming the second most popular Disney Channel star history, earning countless awards including six Kids' Choice Awards, fifteen Teen Choice Awards, two Young Artist Awards, a People's Choice Award, and an ALMA Award. So talent is very much discovered at these open calls, and they are no publicity stunt or gimmick, as many skeptical people falsely claim.

It is a fact that the vast majority of acting roles for Disney Channel and Disney XD are cast in Los Angeles. Judy Taylor hires freelance casting directors to do the day-to-day casting for individual series and movies. These casting directors use talent agents to bring in actors to come in and read for the specific roles. Sometimes the casting directors will call in someone who is not signed with a talent agent, however these are usually for smaller roles called Under 5's - meaning having less than 5 lines of dialog. Extras in the United States are not represented by agents and are hired directly through extras casting companies.

Another exciting trend in the entertainment industry is online submissions for acting roles. With the advent of digital casting, talent can now submit headshots and resumes through email, or online talent databases. There are only a few legitimate online databases, so knowledge about these websites is crucial. During the summer of 2013, the casting directors for a new hugely anticipated Disney Channel show sent out a casting notice for series regulars. They specified that kids and teens outside of Los Angeles from all areas could submit an audition video. So it is official that Disney is now on board the digital online open casting call wagon. So the opportunities are real, and they are out there. Whether it be an in-person open casting call, or an online talent search - kids and teens now have more opportunities than ever to chase their dreams of working as an actor on Disney Channel and Disney XD.

Gift Ideas For Teenagers - What's Hot And Not

Few creatures are harder to understand than the modern teenager, and this can make shopping for them nearly impossible. Let the following seven ideas inspire you to give a gift that is appealing and even meaningful to the teen.

1. The Green Stuff. The first thought most people have when they hear the words "gifts for teens" is cash. It's true that money is one-size-fits-all, but giving cash all of the time can become boring. Still, cash gives teens the ability to purchase what they would really like. And you can personalize a cash gift by enclosing the cash in a creative way that suits the recipient, or by including a card in which you share personal sentiments (tell the teen why you admire them, for example). And you can always include a small gift that they can open, as well. All kids (even teens) love to unwrap a gift.

2. A Gift Card. For a variation on the standard cash gift, you can try giving a gift card to a specific mall or a store where you know the teen enjoys shopping. This way they will know that you put a little bit of thought into the present, but you also provide the freedom of choice that cash allows. Along similar lines, you can get gift cards to popular online retailers that will allow the teen to buy online.

3. Take an expert along. If you're completely clueless as to what the teen is interested in, it never hurts to ask! Call the parents and see if they have any advice on gift giving. If you have a teenager yourself, you can take them on the shopping trip to help you pick something that's cool. Trends change so easily that it's a good measure of protection to take along another teen expert to help you. Something that was cool a few months ago may be completely out of fashion now.

4. Go Brand Name. It's often a good idea to stick with brand-name items for teens. For many in this age group, nothing is more embarrassing for them than to turn up with a knock-off of something all their friends have. Today's teenagers are very brand conscious. If they ask for an iPod, don't get them a cheap discount MP3 player. If you can't afford the brand name of what they want, get them something else entirely.

5. Let Them Create. Get them something that allows them to show their creativity. Teenage girls may appreciate a kit that lets them make their own handbag. Boys may enjoy a skateboard embellishment kit. Personalization is the name of the game and if your gift allows them to put their stamp on the world, they'll definitely appreciate it.

6. Pamper Her. Take this opportunity to spend some time with the teen. For girls, take her out to lunch and then get manicures or pedicures at a local salon. Teen girls may also enjoy the latest new beauty products, which you can find online or in specialty boutiques.

7. Think Sports. Don't discount the power of the teen's favorite sport or team. Ask someone close to the teen which sports, schools or teams he or she follows and purchase a related gift. You can never go wrong with a sports sweatshirt, hat or other piece of memorabilia. Just make sure that you get the team correct!

Scene Queen and Alternative Modeling Trends Growing

Look at any major metropolitan school and you may see an abundance of similarity in fashion style. The biggest trend in fashion and music throughout the turn of the decade has been emo, a generalized title for emo, punk, and scene personal fashion styles. Emo also carries its musical counterpart, the emo-style indie rock, screamo and techno-rock preferred by the majority of the genre.

Hot pants, swoop-back bangs and heavy makeup are very popular in youth from pre-teens to well into and after college. As age increases, sexuality is included in the emo and related styles. However, emo has also been controversial at best, with allegations of strong reliance on depression, suicide and self-mutilation as visual concepts of the makeup and clothing fashion.

Scene, often considered an offshoot of emo, has become a bigger influence on youth, with the emo stereotypes purposely avoided to instead focus on innocence and playful youth definitions. Black dyed hair and an entirely black wardrobe has been replaced with a rainbow of loud, bright colors. Clothes purposely clash and accessories accentuate youth, such as candy bracelets and lighted pacifiers.

The entire point of emo, and especially scene, has been attention. This is why youth are more prone to sporting the style, an age level that desires to be an individual and the attention that provides. With social media giving access to hundreds of millions of potential friends, personal profiles on MySpace, Bebo and LiveJournal blogs have become a beacon of personal style for aspiring scene kids ("scene kids" has been the most popular title for people who follow scene fashion; "scenesters" has also been used a lot online).

From this cultural development that hit the social media networks since about 2006, a new genre of modeling has similarly become popularized. Enter the scene queen, a professional or amateur female model who follows the fashion trends of scene/emo style and has a following of fans in online social networks. Most models are teens or in their early twenties and come from different backgrounds and geographic locations. These models are idolized for their sense of style and overall beauty. Many scene queens are alternative models who model for clothing and accessory lines.

Christian Koch of The London Evening Standard discussed the trend of scene kids and their affect on commerce, mentioning "scene kids" as a movement to embrace kawaii, Japanese for "cute" (1). Scene queens commonly adorn themselves with cute and adolescent fashion items such as bows, candy bracelets, simple hair bands, star and heart body art and small, simple icon tattoos. Models usually keep their real hair short but model in long, high-contrast color hair extensions. Makeup is natural except for the eyes, where false eyelashes and heavy, colored makeup is key.

Scene queens specifically create a look that is unique, such as the coontail hair striping, said to be popularized by scene queen Kiki Kannibal (2). These unique looks are showcased in photos and YouTube videos posted by the model or a promotion affiliate. Models also give tutorials and how-to videos describing how to achieve the unique look. In this way, models have exploited the sharing aspect of social media for their benefit, increasing exposure of their personal brand by allowing anyone to replicate it.

Google's Trends tool shows an increase of three times the search volume for terms like "scene hair" from 2007 to 2009, and Google's Keyword Tool shows "scene hair" being searched 1.5 million times per month as of February 2010 (3). The results of these searches often produces the tutorials and photo showcases that make scene queens famous. The emergence of global interest in scene on sites such as BuzzNet, where Audrey Kitching is a correspondent, has created a string of international fan sites and fashion portals.

Rising stars in scene models and scene kids in general, as well as the scene queen elite, can be found predominantly on the following social networking and blogging sites:

    MySpace
    Bebo
    LiveJournal
    Facebook
    BuzzNet
    Stickam
    Blogspot
    Flickr
    deviantART
    Polyvore (clothing)

Famous Scene Queens

    Audrey Kitching
    Kiki Kannibal
    Dakota Rose
    Hannah Beth
    Dani Gore
    Brittany Kramer
    Zui Suicide
    Jac Vanek
    Jeffree Star
    Racquel Reed
    Miss Mosh
    Jenn Curbstomp

Being a "famous scene queen" is characteristic by the number of views you have on video sites like YouTube and how many friends you have on social media like MySpace and Bebo.

Often, models choose a name fashioned from the internet surveys from early years of social networking that gave you a "punk rock" or "emo" name, which was usually a random conglomeration of a normal first name and a fashioned last name. The last name was commonly full of emotion, such as angst or sickness.

Easy Kids Craft Ideas - A Refreshing Alternative to Extravagant Parties

As shows such as MTV's "My Super Sweet 16" showcase the growing trend of over-the-top and extravagant parties for children and teens, it becomes increasingly difficult to remember the days of simple gatherings where Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Musical Chairs were considered prime entertainment. Kids and parents alike seem to be expecting more and more when it comes to celebrations these days, but sometimes the simple and classic approach dazzles guests just as much as expensive favors and amusement. Planning a children's party should be a fun collaboration that focuses on celebrating between friends rather than showing off to neighbors with fancy venues and excessive decorations.

While brainstorming kids birthday party ideas, for example, there are many factors to consider regarding the number of guests, themes, refreshments and favors, so keeping things simple is essential for the busy parent-not to mention less of a strain on the wallet.

When considering uncomplicated and inexpensive party favors, it is easy to get tempted by cheap and useless trinkets that hold no sentimental value and will most likely get thrown out the moment festivities end. Filling goodie bags with candy or junk food can also be risky since some parents may disapprove of these treats.

Easy kids craft ideas for children to take home are an excellent alternative to traditional favors, and they also double as an entertaining activity for the party. Do-it-yourself crafting often becomes messy and chaotic with gatherings hosting young children and large numbers, but there are ways around the mess and difficulty that is typically associated with crafting.

One company called Colortime Crafts & Markers offers inexpensive custom tee shirts, pillowcases, tote bags, backpacks and bandanas with different designs for kids to color how they like. Graphics on each of these products include fun images and slogans such as "Girls Rock," "Circle of Friends," and "Allstar." Designs are also catered towards holiday celebrations and even Girl Scout activities.

The permanent, non-toxic and chlorine resistant fabric markers come in a variety of sixteen colors and can be used for up to five to six full tee shirts each. All products can be purchased online, and discounts and customization options are given for wholesale orders.

Although simple, easy craft ideas like this provide just enough personalization for children and teens of all ages to treasure and keep as a souvenir of the party. Preparation requires virtually no setup, and these projects are much less daunting for parents than the conventional art activities involving wet paint and sticky glue.

This simple craft idea can be recycled for many different occasions such as slumber party planning. When thinking of fun things to do at sleepovers, children usually get sucked into the television or video games. Crafts are a great way to get those creative juices flowing again, and are a perfect and refreshing reminder of just how easy it is to have fun without having to turn to the latest high-tech or overly expensive entertainment options.

The Importance of Teaching Kids Financial Literacy As Early As Possible

There are some alarming trends happening in America today:

According to Bankrate.com, one in four Americans has more credit card debt than emergency savings and that number is going up. And according to Time.com, more than half of Americans have no emergency savings at all. Sadly, it seems like more and more people are using their credit cards as their emergency savings.

The average age to get a first credit card is now only 20.8 years and steadily dropping. Isn't this trend teaching our youth to expect instant gratification and to buy things right away even when they don't have the money? I feel that it also teaches procrastination and the "Don't worry I can pay for it later" type of mentality.

According to CNNMoney.com, the average American household with at least one credit card has nearly $15,950 in credit card debt! Do you think that number is going up or going down?

Conventional wisdom used to be that it was necessary to put at least 10% of your money away for retirement. Just a couple of years ago I heard that it needed to be closer to 15%, if you really wanted to retire, much less, be living well in retirement. However, I just read an article that suggests that after taking into account increasing lifespans, decreasing employment benefit plans (pensions and employer matching programs) as well as the potential for changes in social security, that elusive rate actually needs to be even higher - try 20%! It seems that as the years go on, that number is only going to get higher and higher. As a matter of fact some experts are even saying that in theory, you really need to start saving for retirement when you are 10 years old! Good luck trying to get a 10 year old to start saving for retirement.

So, in a nutshell debt is going up while savings is going down, and it looks like it is only getting worse.

How can we reverse this trend for our children?

There is no easy solution, but in order for us to reverse these trends it is imperative for us as responsible adults to

    Learn as much as we can about how money works and to start the process of getting our own finances under control.
    Become good financial stewards and good examples to our kids. Remember kids do not do what we say, they do what we do.
    Pass this knowledge on to our kids through the many daily "teaching moments" and by reinforcing any good financial habits. Repetition is key!

Along with reading my weekly posts, I'd like to recommend to you an additional resource that has been very instrumental in helping me to reverse some of the bad financial trends that were happening in my own family.

Nancy Phillips is the creator of Zela Wela Kids and has a mission to help increase the financial and life success skills of our youth globally. Nancy's Zela Wela Kids series of childrens books teach kids many very important financial as well as life lessons in the form of stories. For instance, one story teaches the importance of dividing money into different meaningful categories like Giving, Investing, Saving and Spending, so that all of it does not get spent at once - an important habit to take to adulthood. Another story teaches the difference between needs and wants and how a wish list for a child can translate into a dreams and goals list as they grow older. And, yet another story teaches kids how becoming more entrepreneurial can be fun. How important is that in this economy? Nancy also has an audio series that helps adults teach kids about critical financial skills from as young as two all the way up to their teen years in an age-appropriate manner.