jac vanek

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

I want to be an astronaut.

I need your help!  Alright guys, so here is the deal.  I have been working on this shirt design, and I thought it would be kind of cool to get you guys involved!  

I want you to come up with your best phrase for the space woman to be saying in her thought bubble!!!  It can be funny, serious, stupid, whatever!  I will print the best phrase on the T-shirt for all of you to wear.  Whoever has my favorite phrase will win a little giftbag from yours truly with free bracelets, shirts, photos, etc.

So lets hear what you can come up with!

xx

jv

10 facts

10 random facts about me:

1.  I LOVE redheads.  I think you already knew that. But I’ll tell you again : I LOVE REDHEADS.  Fuck, I love them.  The fact that the rest of the world hates gingers makes it even better.  GIVE THEM ALL TO ME!

2.  I am allergic to practically everything, including avocado & bananas (weird), but the worst is cats.  Vote no on cats.

3.  My drink of choice is red wine (Cabernet, please) or gin (Tanqueray, please).  I have a glass of wine glued to my hand 90% of the time.  I think the correct term would be “wino”.

4.  I am going to name my first born Sirius, whether it be a boy or girl.  I’m sirius!  I love you, Mr. Black.

5.  I was raised in a VERY republican city in Orange County, but I have become an extremely strong Democrat as I’ve gotten older ; I’ve always been such a hippie on the inside.

6.  I am obsessed with anything and everything British. Especially accents.

7.  The band that made me fall in love with music and the world I live in now is Something Corporate.

8.  I believe that Kurt Cobain is the most attractive man to ever walk the planet.

9.  Wearing jeans gives me anxiety.  Therefore, I haven’t purchased a pair of jeans since my sophomore year of high school.  This anxiety also stems to long sleeves, layers, and turtle necks.  UGH!

10.  Katherine Moennig is, quite possibly, the hottest woman I have ever seen in my life.  I just started watching the L word tonight, and I believe I am in love.

Anyway, the ginger in this band (Late of the Pier) is pretty much the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen in my life.   Don’t make fun of me…I’ve been made fun of enough.  If you know him, please inform him that I may or may not be in love with him.

Quote of the day: tell me a RANDOM fact about yourself.  I’m interested to know!

It's that time again!

It’s that time again!  Time for new bracelets.  So, I just posted a bulletin on MySpace asking you guys for some advice, and here is my list of options so far:

STAY GOLD

INFINITE

MAD TO LIVE

SPEAK UP

COEXIST

SERIOUS

UNREAL

THINK FOR YOURSELF

NINJA

KARMA

WONDERWALL

BRILLIANT

FRESH

EPIC FAIL

I DON’T CARE

HEARTBREAKER 

HEARTLESS

What would you guys wear?  This is super important to me…every opinion counts!  Help me decide what to make next!  I appreciate everyone’s support, and I can’t wait to get new designs out to you all.

PS.  Merry merry Christmas, and a happy new year to you all.  I will have a legit update once all this business is taken care of!

xx

jv