I am all about this new Tyler, the Creator album, guys.

“Wolf,” Tyler’s third album, takes a more mature route while still keeping up with his crazy (like, for real) antics. Still, something really does feel different about this one. His last album was full of violence and anger, and this one still carries elements of it, but it’s toned down.

Tyler was quoted back in November 2011 saying,

Talking about rape and cutting bodies up, it just doesn’t interest me anymore. What interests me is making weird hippie music for people to get high to. With ‘Wolf’, I’ll brag a little more, talk about money and buying shit. But not like any other rapper, I’ll be a smart-ass about it.

Fair enough.

Best tracks:

• Colossus - It sounds raw and real, talking about how fans are all over him now that he’s got some fame behind his back. Damn, he’s just trying to buy a churro, ya know? Why y’all trying to get pictures of him? But in all seriousness, it’s Tyler’s style to mix in a little (or a lot) of tongue in-cheek with real lyrics. He’s giving a rap from the perspective of his fans, but in reality, it’s just a big diss track to anyone who’s “bandwagon” to those who just now love his music.
• Domo23 - This is a less serious track that is more of what we’re used to, but it’s sprinkled with references of that wealth he said he can’t avoid talking about. And who can blame him?

Tyler, the Creator is offensive, yeah, (and I’ll never really understand why I (the most sensitive person in the world, maybe) am in love with him) but you have to know that going in, or you’ll never like him.

And that’s what is so great about Tyler. At least he’s honest.

Some people are just born riot grrls. Kate Nash was one of those people, but has only recently let it show through her music in her new album, “Girl Talk.”

Appropriately titled, Nash’s album ditches her well-tempered songs of longing for rock-ready jams with feminist undertones (and obvious mysoginist rants) sprinkled thorughout.

Perhaps this new music comes from a reinvigorated outlook, both mentally and physically; Nash seems almost like a completely different person now. Her look is revamped — gone is the spunky red hair; a jet black base with blonde streaks just seems more fitting — but more importantly, so is her sound.

Whether the change is for the better is up for debate, but is probably based more on what type of genre you’re into. Songs like “Rap for Rejection” are confusing  – like if  a song with Lady Sovereign voice mixed with Lily Allen’s attitude was muffled through a bad lo-fi filter. The lyrics aren’t much better.

“I’m a supid whore /

And a frigid bitch 

Now can you make up your mind /

And tell me which is which /

Oh, now I get it

You think I’m ugly

Yeah, tell your friends

How you never woulda done me”

Kind of like an angsty, rebellious 17-year-old writing in her diary? Maybe. Kind of, OK, yeah.

It doesn’t get much better with “All Talk,” another whiny attempt to “get your attention” — her words, not mine.

She’s retained certain melodic characteristics, but her voice almost sounds scratchy and overreaching, like she’s trying too hard.

She has lyrics like “He wanted to be my lover but my heart was ripped” that verge on overbearing, if only because we all know how she polished and smooth she used to sound.

The best parts come when she doesn’t sound like she’s trying too hard. Opening track “Part Heart” is still a far cry from her old albums, but its an example of her new style working well.

“OMYGOD” starts off with her new rocker chick vibe, then slyly moves to her signature warbles, waxing about missing old lovers, then moving right back to the new deal. It’s different, but it feels refreshing.

Part of Nash is still missing, obviously so, but for doing a complete 180 in style, Nash pull it off decently well.

And, hey, at least she is showing more of her badass feminist side  than ever before.

Download these: “Part Heart,” “OMYGOD“

Top 10 women I admire:

10) Audrey Hepburn: She was beautiful inside and out, a humanitarian to be admired.

9) Beyoncé: No explanation needed.

8) Lady Gaga: She’s my personal fashion / life inspiration and an advocate for the LGBTQA community, plus an overall hardworking, yet badass woman.

7) Lena Dunham: She doesn’t care what people think and inspired me not to care (as much), too.

6) Tina Fey: Tina Fey is THE ultimate babe in my book: smart, funny and not afraid to speak her mind.

5) One of my best friends, Elizabeth Edwards: Liz is one of the biggest reasons I’ve been inspired to become more involved and educated in feminism, etc. Plus, she is sassy and BEAUTIFUL.

4) My aunt: She’s living with a lupus-like condition and still has the best attitude out there. She’s also who I want to be in 30 years.

3) My grandma: She was an incredibly kind woman — a dedicated mother, wife and grandmother with only the interests of others at heart — with whom I did not get to spend enough time.

2) My sister: The opposite of a pushover, my sister is a strong young woman that I only wish I could have been like when I was her age.

1) My mom: I love her more than I can ever say.

Not to be cheesy, but celebrate the women in your life! Tell them you love them. And don’t forget: WOMEN ARE POWERFUL.

Then my friend Nike told me about some other college newspapers doing online-only sections, and ah ha! I saw this great opportunity to not only put out some exclusive content for our website, but also do something about which I was actually passionate.

Which brings me to my main point — I’m currently planning out our spring fashion guide (!!!). With the help of our awesome staff, we’re planning on putting together an (to-be-determined page number…but definitely more than 12) online-exclusive fashion guide focusing on both local and national fashion trends and stories. It’s slated to be released on March 5, so be on the lookout for it then.

People like to read specialized material, and while I know not everyone at my school is into it, some people actually do like to read about fashion and know what’s up when it comes to trends and what’s big for a particular season. Basically, if at least one person reads this and loves it, I’ll be happy. (Also, let’s be fashion friends?)

This is my first crack at real design outside of making projects for my classes, so it’s been interesting so far, but also fun. Here’s a sneak peak!

And, of course, if anyone has any ideas or suggestions, please let me know.

When a musician pushes back his much-hyped debut album two times, he needs it to deliver.

Luckily for A$AP Rocky, it does.

Rocky start came from promise. With his mixtape “LiveLoveA$AP,” he caught the attention of the industry quickly.

It scored him a spot at last year’s SXSW, Pitchfork’s summer music festival and as an opening act for Drake.

Since his skyrocketing fame, Rocky has, as he describes on track “PMW (All I Really Need)” indulged in a women, material possessions and recreational drugs, to put it nicely (you can take a guess as to what the song’s acronym really stands).

But that doesn’t mean he’s developed an ego. At heart, he’s still the same kid from Harlem; now he just mixes his past and present influences to create dynamite music.

He juxtaposes himself on “Suddenly,” discussing how his success that happened overnight was fueled by a childhood that produced the “shit that made him rhyme”: “(We had) shootouts like one SIG with two rounds….That’s everyday s***, s*** we used to that.”

Then on “Fashion Killa,” it’s almost a complete 180. He repeatedly admits he’s trendy and rolls with girls who are immersed in expensive taste. It’s basically a who’s who in the designer world as he casually name drops Prada and Dolce and Gabbana. Oh, and he “can’t forget about Escada, and that Balenciaga.”

On “Goldie,” which was released early last summer, he talks about chains coming from Cuba and red bottom loafers “just to compliment the mink.”

Rocky isn’t all about hype, though. He may be celebrating, but he’s still just doing his thing regardless, rapping effortlessly over slickly produced, often collaborated tracks.

While collaborations can sometimes take away from an album by making it sound overdone and feel more like a PR move, for “LongLiveA$AP,” it’s the highlight.

Rocky rings in your expected rap and hip hop names, like Kendrick Lamar, 2Chainz and SchoolboyQ, but he also brings in respected Santigold, dubstep king Skrillex and even dark Florence Welch. Surprise collabs like these could seem like shock just for the sake of shock, but they work well.

Song “Wild For The Night,” in which Skrillex works some synth magic, is a smooth track designed to make a weekend party playlist, and even the most anti-dubstep listener can’t help but get into it.

Rocky also does some more expected collaborations, like on standout “1Train.” Respected contemporary rappers Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, Danny Brown, Action Bronson and Big K.R.I.T. flow effortlessly.

The album does have its tiring moments, mainly because at times, it all starts to sound the same.

Rocky’s signature deep voice overs can sound monotonous and, at times, lulling.

The rapper’s biggest strength is his ability to adapt and make the music his own. The beats and rhythm are stamped with his style. And if he has this much style on a debut, just wait to see what’s to come.

Download these: “I Come Apart,” “Suddenly,” “1Train”

BEST

Nicole Richie in Naeem Khan

Why was Nicole Richie at the Golden Globes? (Is “The Simple Life” back as a critics’ favorite? Um.) I don’t care. To quote some of NIcole’s “SL” days — This dress? Loves it. The design is beautiful, but the best part, by far, is the color.

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen

I’m a sucker for black, but I’m even more of a sucker for black and gold — they are my favorite colors, after all. Oh, and I’m the biggest sucker for McQueen. So, yeah, I’m probably a little biased here, but ugh, Kate looks gorgeous and appropriately dressed for the event she’s attending. A lot of people are probably questioning the gold neck thing she has going on, but I think she’s working it. The only thing I would have liked was seeing her hair up in a bun to accentuate how extravagant the neck area is.

Anne Hathaway in Chanel

Anne is a true Hollywood goddess. This dress shows it. End of story.

Sienna Miller in Erdem

This photo does not do this dress (skirt?) justice. It is a two-piece number, and in close-up pictures, it looked amazing. The details and print fit Sienna’s notoriously free and, dare I say, bohemian (is it 2004 again?) personality. Sure, the dress may not be appropriate for the event, but I love it too much to worst list it. Plus, I love how she didn’t try to go overboard with jewels, hair or makeup.

BEST AND WORST

Tina Fey in L’Wren Scott and Amy Poehler in Stella McCartney & Chopard

Anyone who knows me knows I love — no, am obsessed — with Tina Fey (I’m watching “30 Rock” as I make this post), but whoa, I was not feeling her dress. The tuxedo-esque top is just not working for me, and the cut is not as flattering as a shorter or floor-length one would have been. (But don’t get me wrong, she still looks beautiful.)

Amy Poehler, on the other hand, is rocking out that pantsuit and making me feel like a proud fashion mama. Does anyone remember where her fashion roots started out and how far she has come? Swoon. Regardless, these two women could wear the ugliest thing ever and still be A+ IN MY BOOK FOREVER (not sorry for the caps) because y’all know being funny and having a personality is ~the best look you can have~.

WORST

Jodie Foster in Giorgio Armani

Why was everyone raving about this? Sure, it’s fitted, but it makes her look bulkier than she is — not to mention it’s a boring design. (Side note: I generally do not like Armani. Ever.) Jodie Foster as a person? Badass, for sure. This dress? Not so much.

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

Blah blah blah, JLo looks gorgeous, of course. This also just looks like a glorified version of her stage costumes — not to mention, hello, Beyonce got you first on this lace illusion look, girl.

Halle Berry in Atelier Versace

This is the WORST. Not only is it 100 percent inappropriate for the event and her age (Halle, you’re 46 and your body is still slammin’, but after a while it’s time to start dressing at least like a 30-year-old. Baby steps, baby steps.) That leg slit? Those terribly unflattering shades of pink? That random Picasso-inspired print? …What. C’mon, I know you have your own sense of style, but you’re better than this.

And I’m not sure? 

Lucy Liu in Carolina Herrera

I literally cannot decide on this dress. When I first saw it, I liked it. Then I looked again, and thought, “Oh. Wait. Do I like this? Wait. Maybe? No?” Blergh. It’s a beautiful print, but maybe it would be more appropriate for a different event. And as my homegirl Giuliana Rancic said last night on E!, the fishtail braid? So 2010.

Photos from The Los Angeles Times and Fashionista.com

Top: Goodwill Outlet, St. Louis

Skirt: Community Thrift Store, Charleston, Ill.

TIghts: Simply Vera Wang

Shoes: Jeffrey Cambell

As everyone who reads this blog knows, I am not one to spend much money on anything when it comes to clothes. Why pay a ton when I can get something not as cookie cutter for less money? But recently, I went back on my own philosophy — for a pair of shoes.

I just need to come clean: I am completely obsessed with my new Jeffrey Campbell spiked Lita boots. After all, my mom said they make me look like Lady Gaga (who is a “freak,” in her words; don’t even ask me how I began to forgive her).  For me, these boots were a bit of a splurge, but I got them at such a discount and had wanted a pair for such a long time that it just felt right.

(Oh, and just a tip for the ~bargain shoppers~ of the world: As you can see, the shoes are only left in yellow now, so it just goes to show you have to act quickly when it comes to online sales. (especially formally expensive shoes!))

So, if it’s something you really like and know you’ll get your use out of, why not buy them?

That’s another philosophy of mine, and it seems to be more and more relevant when it comes to shoes. I hate that I’ve become a “shoe person,” but you can’t help who (or, in my case, what) you love. Why buy endless pairs of basic cheap boots that fall apart after one season when you can invest  in a pair you actually like?

Some people might use that philosophy towards marriage, but I’m using it for shoes. (No comments on what that might say about my personal life…)

Blazer: Target

Shirt: Salvation Army, Litchfield, Ill.

Leggings: Salvation Army, Belleville, Ill.

Boots: Retro 101, St. Louis

Earrings: Goodwill, Edwardsville, Ill.

Necklace: Retro 101, St. Louis

The top part of this outfit started with an intense Lykke Li listening session (+ video watching of “I’m Good, I’m Gone” – that blazer!) and, of course, me wanting to dress like her. The bottom half, however, is 100 percent ugly leggings — but I like them. I’m a strong believer in wearing things you like, even if they’re not conventionally the prettiest thing ever made. So even if your sister tells you your “pants” look like curtains — but you still like them — go for it, OK?