10 Fads We Hope End With 2013

    Side note: The fashions we are about to discuss may be old news to all you sophisticated members of the civilized world. If that seems to be the case, your assessment is probably accurate. It takes about five years for our region to catch up as the fashions have to make their way to the upper peninsula of Michigan via dogsled.

    Ever have one of those moments when you stop and think, "This is what the world is coming to? This is...ATTRACTIVE?!"
    Us too. As a matter of fact, we had an animated discussion on this very subject several nights ago. Current fads we loathe and hope die an agonizing death as we bust out with "Auld Lang Syne." We could potentially write a book on the topic, but for the sake of time and our sanity, we decided to limit this to a list of ten.


10)Half-Shaved heads
Does this style even have an official name? It's just an awkward mouthful and...and...awkward! The essence of beauty is symmetry. And there is nothing symmetrical, beautiful, or even remotely attractive about having a bald patch on your head. It's not quirky. It's tasteless.
    Sorry. This fad needs to be put away in the closet of bad decisions right next to the mullet.
-Corinna


9)Duck Face
Why? Just why?
-Cherith


8)Cake pops
 Whoa, whoa. Ok, I can hear everyone rioting on this one. What's wrong with cake pops you might ask? "How dare you! They're tots adorbs!"

    Here's why I have an issue with cake pops. I have yet to see a single person actually make this recipe. They're the rage. Pinterest has full boards dedicated to cake pops. Magazines and web sites are littered with recipes. Walmart has a supply section for creating your own cake pop masterpieces. Here a cake pop. There a cake pop. People love cake pops!
    But no. One. Makes. Them. (Here you are about to see the depth of my over thinking habit.)
    Cake pops are the epitome of perfection and good intentions. Pinterest and social media can (if used incorrectly) place a lot of pressure on good moms and people everywhere to be better, be original, be unique.
    A blah, boring cake isn't good enough anymore. A labor of love isn't good enough anymore. Ohhhh no. Now instead of spreading batter in a pan, moms have to roll them into balls, poke them on sticks, and dip them in frosting goodness one at a time. How dare you give your child a cut rate 9X13!
    But ain't nobody got time for that. So cake pop sticks lay in the cupboards collecting dust, and good moms everywhere feel like second rate underachievers as they simply spread batter in a pan and bake it.
    While I'm sure they're delicious (and I would greatly appreciate the labors of anyone that actually had a go at them), in my mind (my mind, mind you), they epitomize the dangers of social media pressure. The cake pops aren't so much the thing that bothers me as the general concept they embody.
    In my mind.
-Corinna


7)People who use Facebook to make an antagonizing statement, share their problems, or debate
Make a statement with your life, take your problem to the people they involve, and if you want to argue, go to an online forum where there are 100s... no. 1000s of people just like you.
- Cherith



6) Footie One-Piece Pajamas for Adults
 'Nuff said.
-Corinna

5)People who complain about the people who use Facebook to make an antagonizing statement, share their problems, or debate on facebook
(Hee-hee)
- Cherith

4)Hipsters

    So let me get this straight...as a hipster, your goal is to reject all things mainstream and strike out on paths and side streams all your own. You fly the flag of originality. There's no one in the world like you. You wear thick rimmed glasses and listen to indie music because you are different! (cue emphatic applause).
    No! If your goal is to be original, you tanked that mission by creating a clique and a fashion style that defines you. You're a walking controversy. If individualism is what you seek, be weird. Be original. Be you. DON'T be a hipster.
    Sorry guys. This is something we just can't get behind.
-Corinna


3) What does the fox say
I don't have a clue why people gravitated towards the "What Does The Fox Say" video. Maybe because it is  completely obscure... I don't know. I would bet money that this video will die in 2014, but I won't be surprised at the next weird video to come out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jofNR_WkoCE


2) Love triangles in young adult stories

    Gag. Me. (And darn Stephanie Meyer who started it all.)
   
    These complicated and endearing love triangles. The storyline is almost always a female protagonist being pursued most fervently by two handsome, strapping, and much-sought-after-by-the-other-ladies male specimens (while all this is going on they may run around and do some other stuff). The poor female just can't make up her mind and, of course, has to test the waters to finally be able to make up her mind in the end. This causes painful and glorious tension between these three characters which sometimes leads to a spectacular fight between the two men. And although she may be able to finally settle on one, the snubbed male she does not choose still remains a part of her life (often referred to as her best friend) and pops in and out to cause continued tension between our female protagonist and her man.
    There are at least three huge movie trilogies that are out right now showcasing this plot, but I promise there will be more. I can think of at least four more off the bat that already have contracts in Hollywood (I read a lot of YA fiction).

    I am aware this theme existed in classic literature long before Ms. Meyer graced library shelves with her books. I get that ("Gone With the Wind" and "The Great Gatsby", anyone?). But Ms. Meyer stumbled onto a subgenre that is essentially a cash cow in YA fiction. The writing doesn't have to necessarily be good *cough* as long as this element is in play.

    Why don't we like this? Because it boils down to human arrogance and the need to be adored by many. The theme feeds the animal inside of us that desires admiration and a fan base. The story plays out as a confused and suffering heroine attempting to decide who she really loves. Translation: It's basically the high school cheerleader who needs to be chased by the football team. If you can't decide between the two men, you shouldn't be with either (Jezebel). We can't wait to see the marriages of the generation of young girls influenced by heroines who couldn't commit and be faithful to one man.
-Corinna


1) Shocking People
    I think its safe to say that Miley Cyrus shocked America in 2013. You can also quote me as I say it is the fad that will never DIE (Madonna, Janet Jackson...), except for those classy people that have a set morals.
     Ladies, DON'T TWERK. Save your future self the embarrassment. Young ladies, things that get you instant attention while jeopardizing your integrity are not worth it. Picture the morning after as you watch the video the guy standing next you took... and was kind enough to post on Facebook. And tag you in. How thoughtful.
And you think to yourself, "Crap, I didn't know that jiggled."
- Cherith

We looked into our crystal balls and had some fun making predictions for the year 2014.

1) I think records are coming back. I have waited 8 years for vinyl to come full circle.
- Cherith

2) I think Duck Dynasty's Willie Robertson is going to start dabbling in politics...and eventually run for president.
-Corinna

3)  I remember 9 years ago when everyone had side-swept bangs, I think bangs in general are coming back.
-Cherith

4) Social media fasts will be the next rage.
-Corinna

5) I think the brand "Xersion" is going to get big.
- Cherith

6) I think balloon animals will take off and be the next cool hobby.
-Corinna

7) The color lavender or coral is going to be hot.
-Cherith

8) Tulips. Will. Be. Huge.
Buy stock.
-Corinna

What about you guys? What's going to be the next hot commodity? Disagree with any of the fads we dished on? Hit us with it! Go.