jac vanek

today, i am alive.

Ahhhhh, blog, I almost forgot about you. I have been so busy moving, traveling, planning, and launching the new items on jacvanek.com that I have neglected this wonderful blog o’ mine. Here’s the quick rundown… visted Dallas and NYC, both were quite interesting, but very needed. Came home to an empty apartment, found a new (fantastic) one, made it our own. Many friends have been in town recently, Demi had a birthday partayyy this weekend. Lots of laughs, lots of love. No time for jibber jabber, lets get on with the show.

1. If you have been living under a rock, I released a ton of new products at jacvanek.com. I’m going to have some special promo codes for the holiday season, so check back for those!

2. It’s time to start designing for my 2010 line (launching Jan 1 @ midnight, so write that down!!). The “music” tee has been the best seller BY far, so I want to go down that same road with other cute, inspiring quotes and phrases. Here’s a few that I’ve come across that I particularly like..but I want YOU to tell me what you like, or post your own!

something good is going to happen.
today, i am alive.
laugh more.
never forget.
LOVE EXISTS.
find yourself.
where there is love, there is life.
live the dream.
all good things are wild and free.
laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.

3. What music have you been listening to lately?  I need some new tunes.  How do you feel about the albums out recently (or leaked)? John Mayer, Adam Lambert, Lady Gaga, Say Anything, etc….oh, and pick up the new FTSK album. Please and thank you!  ;)

xoxo,

jac

Dear Diary, still on the bloody island. Today I swallowed a bug.

As most of you know, I’m pretty opinionated and outspoken.  I get these random topics stuck in my head, and I start writing mental articles in my mind.  I rewrite and rewrite in my brain until the only way to stop thinking is to write it down.  So, I thought I would start sharing with you.  I will begin with my love for pop culture…

To me, being well versed in pop culture is so incredibly important to us as human beings.  Pop culture is a celebration of art, music, and experience of different generations.  It is a conversation starter, a make-or-breaker, a common ground for different minds with different views.  The type of films, television, music, or books that you are interested in are the puzzle pieces to your creative mind.  Your collective knowledge of our pop culture on top of cultures of past generations forms an insanely dense and inspirational structure of your personality.

I know a lot of people who hate television.  To me, tv shows are an extended adventure, where you can become so emotionally involved in the characters and the story line in a way that the short two hours of a movie usually doesn’t allow.  Different shows capture you in different ways.  The intricate complexity and character development of Lost, to the awkward quirks of Arrested Development & Curb Your Enthusiasm, to the gorgeous education of Planet Earth and The Universe, to the fucked up, tangled story line of Nip Tuck…these shows take an crafty, open mind to appreciate and understand completely.  There is so much to fall in love with on the good ole’ boob tube.

Then, there are those guilty pleasure shows that suck you in like a venomous demon.  Damn you, Gossip Girl…I am officially under your addicting grasp.  I promised myself I’d never get into this show, yet here I am, yelling at Blair for being such a pompous bitch, then wishing I could be friends with Hilary Duff in real life, then finally wondering why Jenny Humphrey stole my style from senior year of High School.  So bad, yet so good.

So, what TV shows get your mind pumping??  What makes a fantastic TV show in your mind?

Oh, and I dyed my hair if you didn’t notice yet.  Ha.

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

So…just a little update…guess who’s going to Japan?!  That’s right, Nicole and I will be traveling through the center of the earth through a wormhole and emerging in Tokyo, Japan.  Date’s aren’t entirely finalized, but we will be going mid November for a week or so.  The mission is one of inspiration, making solid business contacts, having a few important meetings, and of course….being the lame tourists we are!!  If you live in Japan, have visited Japan, are into Japanese culture, or know any good contacts, share the wealth with your girl Jac!!  We want to make the very most of our trip there.  We’ll need some good advice of where to stay, where to visit, and what to buy, of course.  And you bet we’ll be documenting our time there through pictures and videos, so it’ll be like you’re there with us.

(I want these for my room, by the way.  GENIUS, I tell you!)

So…I finally finished Lost..and since the moment I finished, I’ve been reading conspiracy theory after conspiracy theory.  My brain literally is going to explode from retaining so much information. What an incredibly dense show Lost is.  I’ve been trying to fill the Lost void in my heart with True Blood, which is great, but I just have to accept the fact that nothing will meet the greatness of the island.  Flash Forward looks like it’ll carry on the same, multi-layered vibe, but we shall see..  Oh, and “V” looks incredible as well…plus, Juliette is a main character.  I LOVE YOU, JULIETTE!

Lets talk about Halloween. Lets talk about what we’re doing for Halloween, then we’ll talk about our genius costumes.  Nicole just brought the Voodoo Festival to my attention.  A three day Halloween party in what other city than…drumroll please…New Orleans?!!?!  I say that this looks like a mighty fine option to me, and the lineup is fantastic.  Plus, I’ve never been to New Orleans before.  Anyone else thinking of attending this??

http://www.neworleans.com/festivals/voodoo-festival.html

Now onto the costumes.  I provided a detailed description of both of our costumes via Google images for those who REALLY want to visualize our well thought out costume choices.  Onward.

As for my Fall line…everything is sent in for production.  I won’t say much, but there will be about 15 new bracelets, 6 new shirts, a new dogtag, and maybe even a little present for your phone…and some surprises here and there.  My full website should be ready by the time the line launches, so you can get the full experience, instead of coming to 10 different sites to see what I’m up to.  All this will be going down mid/late -October, so set your calendars!

Oh, also, I’m dying my hair monday.  I think I’m going through some sort of quarter life crisis, so I need to drastically change something hahahaha.  I’m going strawberry blonde / reddish.  Wish me luck!  I’ve had the same hair color for ten years..time for a change :

PS - you need to follow @ILoVeELy on Twitter.  Her hilarious tweets entertained us for a good three hours last night, and the picture of her “babyfather wit one of his hoes” is the background to all our phones now.  She’s my GIRL.

Question of the day : what are you going to be for Halloween?  Lets see some dope costume ideas!

i'm not dead.

So…uhh…I’m just going to pretend that I haven’t gone “blog-missing” for three months, and blog like Jacquelene, the lean, mean, blogging machine! I hope you’ve been keeping up with me on Twitter, though, cause that’s the easiest way for ADD me to keep in touch! Lets see, I’ve been home from Warped for about two weeks now, and let me tell you, I am definitely in a post-tour-funk.  I miss the excitement, the relationships, the consistent inconsistency, old friends, new friends, every single laugh, drink, joke, and face…it was the best summer of my life thus far, I can tell you that much.  So hard physically and emotionally, but the amazing memories are worth every sweat and tear.  I had SO much fun meeting each and every one of you guys.  You are the reason I get to live my dream…please keep in touch, and I will be in your town again before you know it!

 So out with the old, and in with the new.  So, the newest edition to the JV world is my collaboration bracelets with Miley Cyrus and Mandy Jiroux.  These girls are absolutely wonderful, and I’m so happy to be working with them.  We just put the bracelets up for sale on Monday, so go to www.shopcyrusjirous.com and get yours!  

New items are also up at my store, www.jacvanek.com.  New shirts, necklaces, and bracelets!

Most importantly, I would like to admit that I am officially, tremendously OBSESSED with Lost.  When I say obsessed, I mean obsessed.  If I’m not watching Lost, I’m analyzing Lost, or waiting for an opening to make a Lost reference, or harassing non-Losters to start watching Lost (ps, there is no such thing as NOT liking Lost).  Lost Lost Lost…Lost, Lost…Sawyer…Lost, Lost…  I know I hopped on the band wagon five years late, but better late than never, right?  The only wish I have in life is for more Boone (which I hear might come true next season…)  So, you know what to bring up next time you see me…

Yesterday, I asked you guys what you are going to name your first born kiddies, and then posted my (completely ridiculous, but absolutely incredible) names.  You were guessing the references..so here they are.

Phineas – from the novel “A Separate Peace” by John Knowles.   Not  many people have read this book, even though it is a classic and is quite wonderful…so this quote sums up Phineas’ character : “I think we reminded them of what peace was like, we boys of sixteen….We were careless and wild, and I suppose we could be thought of as a sign of the life the war was being fought to preserve….Phineas was the essence of this careless peace.”

Holden – my absolute favorite literary character, from my favorite novel “Catcher in the Rye”  If you haven’t read this book, I don’t think we can be friends anymore.

Wolfgang – Amadeus (which is also an awesome name) Mozart…duh.  Wolfie is going to have talent spewing out of his fingers, don’t even fight that shit.

Linus – uhhem…just gaze a little north, and you will see the brilliance that is Ben Linus.  No, I am not a Peanuts fanatic, as most of you guessed…I prefer intricate, complex, unimaginable fantastic mind stimulants.

Freddie – after the glorious Freddie Mercury.  One of the greatest frontmen in the world.  I think Fred is a terrible boys name, but I am obviously a fan of male names for girls.

Sirius – Black.  If you don’t get it, do some research.

Lennon – John Lennon, one of the greatest loves and inspirations of my life.  I won’t go any further, cause I’ll just talk for days.

Bailey –  I cannot even begin to explain the importance of this to me.  One of my best friends, Cory Bailey, was killed in a car crash when we were sixteen.  Cory was magnetic.  His heart was so big and his faith was so strong, that anyone in his presence failed to amount to the charisma and love that Cory carried in even his pinky finger.  In forth grade, he wrote me a note that said “Do you want to kiss me?  Check yes or no”, complete with check boxes ready to go and everything.  I still carry that note.  To this day, it might be one of the most important gifts I’ve ever received.  Cory will always mean the world to me, and I know this holds true for every single person who knew him.  He was a blessing  given to us directly from God..he makes me want to belive.  I will be forever grateful for being lucky enough to call him one of my life long friends.  I will always carry him in my heart.  Always.

Phew!  That’s a whole lotta words and pictures…now onto…

Question(s) of the day :

1.  Do you have any photos of bands wearing my shirts / necklaces / bracelets??  Comment me with them!

2.  What new items do you want for the fall?  Regular tees, baseball tees, hoodies, necklaces, rings?  Get creative!

3.  What saying would you LOVE to wear on a shirt?  My “sorry for partying” shirt has gotten the BEST response, so sticking to the clever, sarcastic vibe seems to be working!

Life is a process. We are a process. The universe is a process.

Hello, earthlings!  First thing’s first.  Things that currently increase my heart rate as of late :

1. The iPhone 3GS.  Already purchased online, and I will meet my shiny new toy on my doorstep June 19^th.  See ya NEVER, Blackberry!
2. The Hangover.  I saw it for the second time two nights ago with Demi and Jeffree, and let me tell you, it was better the second time around.  The humor is so Arrested Development-esque, that the best parts are the little, subtle unspoken quirks.  This is, hands down, the most genius comedy I’ve ever seen.
3. Zeitgeist.  Highly recommended only for the open minded, as all of the material is quite controversial.  Definitely channels the conspiracy theorist in all of us!  Has anyone seen it?  Thoughts?
4. LOST and the genius that is J.J. Abrams.
5. My hot optometrist.  I know I’ve already Twittered about him twice, but COME ON (I say that in my best Gob Bluth voice).  He is a mix between Bradley Cooper and Carlisle from Twilight.  I’m not used to being around attractive MEN (who aren’t stinky and play instruments), so I made the biggest ass out of myself : I said my eyes were “magnetized” instead of “magnified”, and lets not forget that I was getting the dorkiest pair of glasses ever :

So, back to real life.  The UK was incredible.  Though I didn’t get to go everywhere I wanted because of a family emergency (platform 9 ¾, I will see you one day), the UK has still captured my heart.  Crystal, Bim, Nicole and I trekked around like nomads (or gypsies..you choose), and we even got to see the Cobra dudes and We The Kings while we were there!  So weird partying with your friends halfway across the world.  London and Nottingham were my favorite spots, while Portsmouth was, to put it lightly, TERRIBLE.  Ha…Bim and I are planning on coming across the pond again after I get home from Warped…I already cannot wait! 

I’m currently working on samples for a new necklace line I’m developing with Crystal…if you know me, you know I’m such a vintage fanatic, and an even bigger fan of vintage reconstruction.  All of the necklaces will be one of a kind, hand made out of vintage materials and items.  If you have any old keys, shark teeth, necklace chains or charms lying around, send them my way (or bring them to Warped)!  I will put great use to them.  Keep it Low Key. :)

Speaking of Warped..TWO WEEKS!!!!!  Everyone who has signed up for The Pack, expect an e-mail in the next few days!  My tent is DONE, shirts will be ready Monday, and my bracelets and promotional materials will be in by next weekend.  Ahhhhh, the excitement builds.  As you guys know, I would be NOTHING without your support, and your opinions and input mean the world to me.  Interaction is the most important aspect of building my company, and I want to continue this on Warped.  Here are two ideas I have for the tour :

1. I have 6 mannequin heads I’m going to put on steaks (a la Lord of the Flies) as part of decoration in my tent. I was thinking about having a mini art installation, where you guys can bring items to decorate and destroy the heads with. 
2. Interactive scrapbook / yearbook.  Basically this will just me keeping a huge blank book at my tent, and having all of you sign it and bring things to put in it.  I want to remember each and every person I meet, and what better way than having my own scrapbook?! 
3. If you guys have any other ideas about how to make my tent and experience on Warped as interactive as possible, comment me!

Question of the day : who is your dream man (or woman)?  Mine are : Rupert Grint, Conan O’Brien, & Kurt Cobain.

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

First and foremost, I’M COMING TO THE UK ON TUESDAY!   May 26^th – June 4^th, Crystal and I will be across the pond!!  We’re flying in and out of London to meet up with Bim, but we will be all over.  I, however, will provide an opening in my schedule to visit Platform 9 ¾, as well as Abbey Road.  If you have any other recommendations of where to visit, PLEASE tell me!  I don’t know many Brits…but I’m ready for you, especially the 13% of you who are gingers.  (Yes, I have done extensive research on redheads!)

Secondly, this is kind of delayed, but New York and Bamboozle were INCREDIBLE.  I met SO many awesome people, especially everyone who helped out with the beginning of The Pack.  The response was so overwhelming (in the best way possible).  I better see each and every one of your faces at Warped!

Third, who saw Star Trek???  I can’t remember the last time I walked out of the theatre dragging my jaw behind me.  The film was absolutely fantastic, casting was PERFECT, and not to mention that Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine are the mayors of Babe-Land.  Is it strange to feel emotionally connected to a character who can’t show emotion?  Typical Jac, right there.  Typical Jac.  Spoccccckkkkk!!!!  Come to meeeeee!!!

Anyway, speaking of Warped..can we say ONE MONTH AWAY?!  I am a total stress bucket trying to get everything prepared, but all the anxiety will pay off when we finally get the show on the road (literally).  Remember to e-mail me if you want to help out!  Thepack@jacvanek.com.  And who’s coming to see HP and the Half Blood Prince with me in Scranton?!?!?

Question(s) of the day :

1. What is your favorite book, movie, or television show?  I want some fresh, new material to read and watch on my terrifyingly long flight!
2. What makes a tent at Warped Tour amazing in your eyes?  Free stickers, posters, bags?  A place to find shade?  Good conversation with the workers?  What do YOU want to see??

Stay classy,

JV

“I don't take me seriously. If we get some giggles, I don't mind.”

Dang, long time no update.  You would think that since I’m done with school, I would have more free time, but it is the complete opposite!

So, first things first.  I’ve been mentioning it here and there, but here it is : I will be on the Warped Tour this summer!!  Yep, the whole tour!  There are a few dates where I might not have my OWN tent, but I will be at every single date selling and hanging out with you guys.  Details will come closer to the actual tour, but I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you!  I’ve already locked down around 6 shirt designs (I’m going with the ironic, witty theme this summer…you’ll see), a pair of shorts, and of course bracelets!!  I’ll also have a batch of other unique accessories for you guys.

In addition to that news, I’m starting up a street team, aka “The Pack”, which will consist of awesome people who love to have fun, spread the word, and earn free stuff while you’re at it!  We’re starting The Pack at Bamboozle, so if you want to be a part, but haven’t contacted me about it yet, e-mail and make sure to include that you’ll be at Bamboozle!

If you’re not going to Bamboozle, don’t fret!  I want to lock down a good set of leaders all around the country, especially those who will be down to help at the Warped dates!  So, jump on the band wagon NOW!  Leave your e-mail in a comment with the date you’ll be at, or e-mail me that info, and lets get rolling!

What are the perks of joining the pack?  Can you say…free bracelets, free shirts, free concert tickets, etc?!?  If you help me out, I will help you out to the fullest extent I can!  Let me know what you need, and I’ll do my best to fulfill that.  I’m going to make an exclusive bracelet JUST for Pack members, not to be sold anywhere.  And that’s only the beginning..

You guys have no idea how much I appreciate your support, and I am so freaking excited to meet you all at Bamboozle / Warped / wherever! 

Alrighty!  Now that all of that is out of the way…life has been incredible.  I am so completely blessed to be on the track of living my dream.  Coachella was, well, unbelievable.  Seeing Paul McCartney was one of the biggest highlights of my entire LIFE.  He played about 10 Beatles songs, and my heart exploded during each and every song.  Late of the Pier was my second favorite of the weekend…I highly recommend catching them if they ever come to a town near you.  Other notable performances : Silversun Pickups, Okkervil River, M.I.A, TV on the Radio, The Killers, Devendra Banhart, The Cure, & Friendly Fires.  Here is my latest mix…

Question(s) of the day :

1. What have you been listening to lately?  Time to make a mix for the flight to NYC!
2. What do YOU want in a street team?  I want to make this as awesome for you guys as it is for me?  Free stuff, contests, etc?!
3. Favorite shirt colors for the summer? Keep it simple, neons, tanks, v-necks???

     Peace out cub scout,

"I had a lot of dates but I decided to stay home and dye my eyebrows."

I was going to make an update post about what’s going on in my life, but I wanted to take a minute to address some of the things being said on certain “gossip” sites about me first.  I find it absolutely ludicrous, and at times insanely humorous, how 90% of the “information” on these sites are COMPLETE FABRICATIONS with absolutely no substantial backbone whatsoever.  I never understood the reason why some people find it necessary to make up lies to put others down with (or wait, you DID hear it from a friend of a friend of an uncle’s housekeeper’s blind and deaf pet rat, right?  So it MUST be true!).

The main thing I would like to point out is how some people think it is absolutely IMPOSSIBLE for a female to be friends with a male without sucking his dick.  I don’t know how you live your life, but I live a life full of self-respect and a quiet self-confidence, where I have never found it necessary to hook up with boys to get attention.  I know it’s SO hard to believe, but I actually use my (GASP) personality and (GASP) intelligence to form strong friendships with others, whether it be with a male or female.

Honestly, the double standard that is ever so prevalent in this “scene” is depressing and completely unfair, but to me, it IS understandable.  Most girls are treated like pieces of meat (and this is because most girls ALLOW themselves to be just pieces of meat, nothing more).  Sad, but true.  But I do know there are solid girls out there who won’t allow themselves to be treated less than they are worth, and who won’t put up with anyone’s bullshit.  And this is precisely the reason I felt it was necessary to voice my opinion on this matter.

Anyway, here are a few TRUE FACTS about me :

1. I am still a virgin.  I find this kind of annoying that I have to use this fact as a defense, because my sex life is honestly no one else’s business except my own, but whatever.  You can ask ANY of my friends about that one, and you’ll always get the same answer.
2. I just graduated from UCLA with a Regents Scholarship.  No, I never dropped out.  In fact, I am graduating early for my class.
3. I am a self employed / entrepreneur / business owner.  I am slowly building an entire company that started out with absolutely nothing.  Just because you haven’t seen it yet, doesn’t mean it’s not there.  I support myself entirely on my own, and I am working extremely hard to create a career and life style doing something I absolutely adore.

So, go read those rumors again, and I’m pretty sure these three simple facts will render practically everything useless.

In conclusion, instead of believing what the “all knowing” INT3RN3TZ says about me, please come find me this summer at Warped and lets have a conversation before you make false assumptions about my character.

xx

jv

PS : I think I am going to make a “FML” shirt.  Would you wear it????  Also, give me your suggestions for new bracelets!  The top running in my mind are WINGMAN, DENIED, JAILBAIT / LEGAL, SHAMELESS.  Give me ideas!

If you can't be in athlete, be an athetic supporter.

Happy Sunday Funday, earthlings!  So, I’m designing a third shirt for you guys, and I THOUGHT I was just going to have it say “LEGIT”.  But, I wanted to get  second opinion from all of you.  Would you wear it?  Here are some other ideas for phrases…what do you like?

SORRY FOR PARTYING

DON’T STOP ME NOW

TOO LEGIT

NEXT BIG THING

NEVER GROW UP

STAY CLASSY

PWNED

BORN TO ______ (fill in the blank)

JUST DANCE

editttttt : DON’T LET LOVE DIE (i love this one!)

What else?!?!!  Help me out here!  What would YOU wear??

So, I’m watching Grease right now, and I forgot how much I absolutely adore this film.  Probably my all time favorite movie growing up.  I know the entire soundtrack by heart, probably 90% of the dialogue, and all of the dance moves (even the handshake routine at the end of Greased Lightning).  I swear, if I met a boy who looked (and dressed) like Danny Zuko or Kenickie, I might just have a heart attack.  What babes they were!

Question of the day : what is your favorite “classic” movie??

xx

jv

Alis volat propriis

So, first, updates:

1. I got a SayNow number, so CALL ME!!!!!  (323) 622-8887.  Leave me messages, what do you like, what do you hate, what do you want to see next…whatever!  I will be calling lots of you back soon, so make sure to leave messages. :)
2. I have SIX new bracelets on sale….wonderwall, infinite, epic fail, love, crush, and stay gold.  So go get those for you lover for Valentines day.  I would, but for the 21^st year in a row, I don’t have a valentine (and frankly, I could give a shit anymore).
3. So, after reading ALLLLLLL of your comments on my last entry, one amazing one sneaked by at the very last minute.  “CARPE NOCTEM”, which means “seize the night” in Latin.  I am absolutely in love with it.  Thanks Margaret, I need to get your e-mail!!
4. Shirts are FINALLY going into production this week…you know what one design is, but I’m going to keep the other one a secret until its printed.
5. New collab bracelet in the works.  You’re going to love this one…I’m cracking up thinking about it…
6. Texas…I will be in you for SXSW.  East coast…I will be in you for Bamboozle…California…well, I’m always in you, but I will be in you for Bamboozle Left and Coachella.  The rest of the country…I hope to see you this summer.
7. So, the new Fray album is FINALLY out, and let me tell you, I have been waiting for this album for what feels like forever.   Completely and utterly worth the wait…the whole album gives me goosebumps, and “Happiness” is one of the most heart churning, honest songs I’ve ever heard.  PLEASE buy it…they are steadily becoming one of my favorite bands.

Anyway, I made a new mix…I thought I would share, because I have been listening to some awesome music lately!

I want to hear what has been gracing your ears.  Post your newest mixes or newest favorite songs!  If you have any music similar to what I’ve been listening to, I would LOVE to hear it!!!

xx,

jv