What It Means To Be Cocky

Medusa’s definition of cockiness

By Kate Johnson

Smug, arrogant, boastful, conceited and over-confident, the word “cocky” has always been surrounded by ugly synonyms and negative connotations. However, in today’s ever-changing and multi-faceted world, we are seeing the rise of a new meaning; self-assured, self-confident, strong and fierce. What’s wrong with a little extra confidence these days?

Being boring, insecure, and fearing life will get you nowhere. Boldness, tenacity, and well, cockiness will get you everywhere. The only way to move forward is to believe in your self and to be a little cocky. Know that you are the best and can accomplish anything you set your mind to, no matter how small or large the task.

However, becoming your ideal cocky woman doesn’t occur overnight and the perfect place to get a little practice in is right where you travel the most: campus. School is the ultimate playground to test your stuff. So here are some suggestions to rock your cockiness on campus:

1. Before you walk out that door and step out into the streets of Syracuse, make sure you feel great. Who cares about style trends and following the ‘status quo,’ wear what you love because that will help you to feel your best. If you feel your hottest in a t-shirt and a messy bun, then work it, girl!

2. Don’t focus on the negative or other people’s opinions! This will only lead to a bummer day. For every negative thing you come up with about your self or your body, think of five more positive attributes and write them down. Heck, post them up on your mirror if it helps to remind you.

3. If you need a jumpstart on your new lifestyle, take a peak at Medusa’s weekly music and pump those tunes on your way to class.

4. Walk in to a party in a rocking outfit that you feel great in, because you are more likely to make a statement. Don’t let your friends force you into that dress that is tight all over and makes you feel uncomfortable and wary of your ‘trouble spots.’ Feeling hot and cocky makes you hot and cocky.

The cocky woman is a go-getter and knows when she has crossed the line. Women are so busy asserting themselves in the workplace and attempting to “macho-up,” in the pursuit of gaining respect in the office from their manly counterparts, that they often lose themselves. Women don’t need to overcompensate in the office if they are strong, confident, bring new ideas, dress to impress and clarify that no job is too small. By just being you, you will be right on your way to a successful career and will gain the support and respect of your employer and your coworkers.

Ladies, cockiness is the new classy and confidence is the new beautiful, embrace it.

Gomez All Grown Up

Selena Gomez embraces her new single life with a new career and a new image

By Janelle James

When you think Selena Gomez, you think one of two things: Disney Channel’s “good girl” or Justin Bieber’s girlfriend.  However, Gomez is kissing those roles behind to pursue a new career and an all-new image.

In her career, Gomez has taken leaps and bounds to show that she is not a little girl anymore. For example, Gomez is featured in a totally different light in the movie Spring Breakers.  Spring Breakers showcases the former Disney starlet smoking, partying, and drinking, which are all things that we aren’t accustomed to seeing Ms. Gomez do. While shedding her “good girl” role is a definite risk, everyone has to grow up at some point.

“I just think as an actress, you kind of look for things like this. It’s not anything that we’re doing that’s super uncomfortable for us because we are playing characters and this is something that we were really passionate about,” said Gomez to MTV News about Spring Breakers.

Her personal life has also taken a dramatic turn.  She ended her two-year relationship with pop singer, Justin Bieber.  Tons of people were shocked and some devastated that the famous couple decided to part ways, but Gomez seems like she’s doing just fine. In fact, she has never looked happier.  On the late night show, Chelsea Lately, she gushed, “I love being single,” and you know what, here at Medusa, we love single Gomez, too.

Gomez is the perfect example of how every girl doesn’t need a guy to make her happy.  She’s making it clear to the public that even though Bieber may miss her, she has moved on and is enjoying her freedom.  She doesn’t want to be known as, “Justin Bieber’s Girlfriend,” she just wants to be the singer/actress Selena Gomez.

Selena Gomez is a prime example of a young lady who knows what she wants and is going after it.  She doesn’t want to be defined by who she dates, but she wants to be known for her work.  She’s ambitious, determined, and isn’t afraid to take chances in her career.  She’s growing up and learning more about herself.  Even though she may not get to have the “college experience” she’s still going through what most 20-year-olds are nowadays:  she’s thinking about the future and thinking about the kind of person she wants to be in the world.

Selena Gomez is an inspiration to young girls, teenagers, and young adults.  She is making her mark in the world and by doing so, she is encouraging other young women to follow in her footsteps and do the same.

Kick Butt and Take Names

Self-defense is the way of the future

By Kate Johnson

More and more woman are stepping out from behind big strong men and fighting their own battles. How? By turning towards their own kick-ass fists to do the dirty work.

Throughout history, personal safety has never been a huge issue for the completely “dependent-on-men” woman. However, now, more and more women are choosing to fight their own battles by educating themselves in self-defense.

More and more businesses and universities are offering women’s self-defense classes so that they can learn how to protect themselves. Not only do these classes allow for newly toned muscles that go along with weekly workout, but everyone leaves feeling like a true ninja, and a badass. So, when that classic drunk guy, who doesn’t even know his own name, corners you at a party, you can give him a swift kick or punch and move right along.

How can you get involved and start kicking butt and taking names? Syracuse University offers its own woman’s self defense class at the beginning of each semester. PED 263, Self-defense for Women, is a one-credit class offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Archibold Gym and taught by Elisabeth Szakacs. The class is described as, “Identifying factors that increase the risk of being assaulted, including physical surroundings, demeanor, clothes, etc. Strategies for reducing those risks discussed and practiced. Means of dealing with different levels of intensity of assaults without escalating violence. Physical defense techniques” (MySlice). In summary, this class trains girls how to kick everyone’s ass.

Why does Medusa care? Building strong girls is so essential in today’s society. Learning to protect yourself and staying away from dangerous situations is not only the ultimate form of class, it is also the definition of cocky. So, Syracuse ladies, sign up for PED 263 so that the next time you find yourself in any kind of shady situation you will be able to remove yourself with ease with a well placed spin kick Well, at least a kick to the crown jewels.

Coachella 2013

Indie music and Boho fashion

By Mariah Kulak

From April 19 to April 21 the absolute last weekend of Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2013 will be taking place. For those who don’t know, Coachella is an annual indie music festival that takes place during the spring in Indio, California. It’s like Ultra except classy. Coachella is best known for its famous attendees, its radical sleepovers on festival grounds, and of course its killer lineup. This year’s set list features artists like Passion Pit, the XX, La Roux, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more. However, in recent years Coachella hasn’t only been getting recognition for its celebrities and music, but for its fashion, too.

Coachella is essentially the ultimate Hipster Fashion Week, where new indie, Boho styles come out to play. Although both men and women rock their unique and original attire, the female attendees clearly go above and beyond. So, here is Coachella with a feminist twist: the highlights of the best fashion choices worn by women who aren’t afraid to bring out their inner hippie:

A)   Isabel Lucas looks simple, natural and beautiful in her Coachella outfit. Here, she is seen wearing a pastel-pink button-down maxi dress, topped with a crochet cropped top. This layering style isn’t seen very often, but this didn’t stop her from rocking it. With a brown fedora hat in one hand, and her arm candy in the other, Isabel Lucas seemed to have all of her festival essentials. It’s no shoes, no problem for this Boho gal! She’s proof that with confidence, there’s no style too daring.

B)    Kate Bosworth can wear just about anything and still turn heads, so it’s no surprise that she’s one of the best dressed at Coachella 2013! Here, she’s sporting a figure-hugging crochet dress with Boho booties, Ray Bans aviators and to top it all off, a Hobo bag. I’ve seen crochet jackets, but never an entire crochet dress. Kate makes it look just right with booties to match. She gave this hippie outfit a chic twist. Kate Bosworth may be a model, but she isn’t the only girl who can look good in Boho style.

C)    Hole-y gorgeous. This Free People model killed it at Coachella with her shoulder-bearing top, a not so dreadful bun, and unique flats. To complement the entire outfit, she chose simple denim cuffed shorts. With a fringe bag by her side and shades to keep her cool in the California sun, she makes indie look sexy. By keeping true to her personal style, she made my best-dressed list!

D)    Last but not least, Dorothea Jorgensen. Here she’s wearing Ray Bans, a Panama hat, a floral patterned crop top, a cross-body bag and a to-die-for sheer maxi skirt. The best thing about this outfit is the sheer overlay over the shorts. Is it a skirt or is it a skort? Who knows, but whatever it is, it looks simple, and clean against her patterned crop top. With the long necklace, she shows that she isn’t completely hiding from the sun and is embracing spring at its finest. All in all, Dorothea managed to show some skin while looking classy, and you can, too.

While they all have unique styles, there is one thing these Coachella women have in common. They came sporting their own personal styles, most likely no stylist needed. They wore what they felt the most comfortable in, and for once these celebs didn’t go over the top. Take it from these Coachella ladies: natural beauty is always in style.

Pump Up the Jam

 

By Medusa Staff

 

This week’s playlist is the ultimate girl power pump-up playlist. It’s a mix of the sexy songs, the cocky songs, and the downright upbeat songs, so, whether you are studying for finals, hitting the treadmill, or going out on the town, this mix has got it covered. Get pumped!

1. “Stronger” – Britney Spears
2. “Go Girl” – Pitbull
3. “Put Your Records On” – Corinne Bailey Rae
4. “You Oughta Know” – Alanis Morissette
5. “Anna Sun” – Walk the Moon
6. “Look at Me Now” – Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes
7. “Va Va Voom” – Nicki Minaj
8. “Fighter” – Christina Aguilera
9. “Countdown” – Beyoncé
10.  “Perfect Day” – Hoku
11. “Just Dance” – Lady Gaga
12. “All I Do is Win” – DJ Khaled
13. “Survivor” – Destiny’s Child
14.  “On Top of the World” – Imagine Dragons
15. “Firework” – Katy Perry
16.  “Run this Town” – Jay Z, Rihanna, Kanye
17. “One More Night” – Maroon 5
18.  “22” – Taylor Swift
19.  “Girl on Fire” – Alicia Keys
20.  “The Way You Are” – Bruno Mars

You Don’t Know You’re Beautiful

I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful

By Sarah Santos

It’s about time. About time for what? It’s about that time you stop torturing yourself with thoughts of how you’re not thin enough and how you’re not pretty enough.  It’s about that time you stop obsessing about having to look a certain way because “that’s how every other girl looks like,” or because “that’s what every guy wants a girl to look like.”  The truth of the matter is, our perception of beauty is distorted by society’s idea of how we’re supposed to look. However, today’s the day you stop listening to the opinions of every other person in this world and focus on yourself. Because let’s face it: you’re beautiful.

Step One: Stop trying to be thin.

Thin is nothing but an adjective.  Don’t starve yourself, eat nothing but fruit and lettuce on a daily basis, exercise for hours on end because you think that will make you look like “every other girl.”  Everyone is born with a different body type.  Some people have bigger bones, bigger hips, while some people have longer legs. Some people have bigger boobs; some people are born with faster metabolisms, meaning their stomachs are naturally flatter, while others have to work for the “thin” look. The thing is, no one looks like “every other girl.” Short, tall, athletic and “skinny,” are all beautiful.  So, stop trying to look like every other girl and start recognizing how stunning you are with all of your own individual features.

 Step Two: Acceptance

Acceptance is the first step to being happy with your body.  You must accept the body type that you were born with, and realize that it’s perfect just the way it is. Stop paying attention to the media.  Just because you can’t be as skinny as the models with super long legs and incredibly small waists, doesn’t mean that you’re any less stunning than they are.  Always keep in mind that there is a major difference between healthy and skinny.

Medusa believes in being healthy, be happy.  You are fierce and you are fabulous.  Thinking anything less is unacceptable.

Get Ready For The New Jenneration

Kendall and Kylie Jenner take the spotlight

By Janelle James

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have heard of the Kardashians.  The Armenian family stepped onto the small screen in 2007 and captured the attention of millions with their crazy antics.  While the show centers on the lives of Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe, if you’ve been watching since the beginning, you know there are two other young ladies on the show.

Kendall and Kylie have been in the background of the reality show from a young age and as the seasons have progressed, we have practically watched them grow from awkward pre-teens into beautiful young fashionistas.  However, make no mistake, these girls are JENNERS, not Kardashians, and they are just beginning to start their own empire.

They have officially become regulars on the hit reality show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, have had their own nail polish with Nicole by OPI, have been spokeswomen for Gillette Venus and have interviewed celebrities at events like The Hunger Games and Breaking Dawn premieres.

Additionally, 17-year-old Kendall and 15-year-old Kylie are busy in the fashion world.  The two have just released a summer line for their clothing line featured at Pacsun.  With such a passion for fashion it’s no wonder the girls are seen on the catwalk or at photo shoots for Sherri Hill or Abbey Dawn.  They also use their sense of style to be fashion contributors to Seventeen magazine.  If this isn’t enough, the two are also writing a sci-fi novel that they hope to release next year.

Kendall and Kylie are living the life and everyone is itching to keep up with them.  Combined, the two have over 9 million Instagram followers and over 8 million followers on Twitter. However, just like most celebrities the girls struggle with haters and negative comments, but why does Medusa admire them? They don’t let it get to them. “I can’t let haters, people that are going to judge me or say negative things, I can’t let all of that stop me,” Kendall says according to Yahoo!  “It’ll stop me from doing so many things, so many things that I want to do, and that’s not how to live your life.”  Well said, Kendall! The girls are also not shy to responding to people for sending out hate; they know how to stand up for themselves and have confidence in who they are, which is something that all of us should do.

Another thing to admire about Kendall and Kylie Jenner is that they are on their way to becoming major businesswomen without the help of their older sisters. They have become a part of young Hollywood and, sure, they are rich and beautiful, but they are workingwomen as well.  They have a voice and are trying to make a change in the way that women are perceived in today’s society. Instead of settling for being crazy reality TV stars, they are striving to show today’s girls that anything is possible, whether that be creating your own fashion line or writing a science fiction novel. They don’t let anyone or anything stop them from making their career successful, making them the definition of Medusa beauties. Keep an eye out for Kendall and Kylie Jenner because they aren’t going anywhere.

Bad Girl RiRi

Rihanna: Cocky Queen Bee

By Mariah Kulak

Not many people successfully get away with as many things as this diva does, but, when you’re around someone like Rihanna, it’s hard to say no. Known by Instagram followers as “Bad Gal RiRi”, this star has been adding more and more accomplishments to her name. Besides being at the top of the music charts, she also showed her affinity for acting when she starred in the movie “Battleships.” As if this isn’t enough, she recently released her own clothing line at the 2013 London Fashion Week that collaborates her own style with well-known British “River Island.” Furthermore, she announced her collaboration with Mac Cosmetics, and will soon have a special edition line of Mac makeup called “RiRi Heart Mac.” Damn girl.

Think Rihanna is clueless about her worldwide influence? Think Again. Rihanna knows just how successful she is and expresses it through her music. In her song, “Cockiness (Love It),” she says, “They Mad at Rihanna Game, Takin’ Over Your Empire.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, this bad gal is definitely taking over, and so can you, Medusa readers. If Rihanna can release a No. 1 debut album (Unapologetic), a clothing line, a special edition makeup line and appear in a movie, then the word “impossible” is clearly a word of the past. Rihanna takes her dreams and makes them a reality. She is an inspiration and proof that you can do the same.

Although, she has made some interesting choices (you don’t have the greatest taste in men, Ri), she has also made choices that have given her power in more ways than one. She is always seen with her head held high, and her attitude held even higher. She carries herself with swagger, but also with class. Through her edgy style, her insightful lyrics and her uncensored Instagram pictures, anyone can see that she has no problem being herself. Unlike other celebrities, she doesn’t disguise herself in front of the camera; she has a personality that she isn’t afraid to express. Overall, this is one bitch who says exactly what’s on her mind, and who always stays in control. So, what can we take from Rihanna ladies? Don’t be afraid to be who you are. Be cocky, be sexy, be loud, and be proud. In Rihanna’s words, “Shine bright like a diamond.”

Nail It

Paint your way to the top

By Kate Johnson

What’s this season’s new hot accessory? Nope, it isn’t handbags, belts, or shoes, but nail polish and DIY nails. With one simple color, you can send a message. Red for bold. Blue for cool and classy. Pink for persuasive and girly. Nail polish is the ultimate way to express who you are – a cocky, independent woman. Why leave the house or the dorm room with boring unpainted nails when you can flash them up with one easy trick?

To start, this summer’s color is coral: a fun, flirty color that will go from day to night with ease. Glitter and sparkles are two other must-haves that you can layer over a bold color to display your personality and have everyone bowing down.

To make sure you get noticed this summer, here are some DIY tricks that are sure to get you noticed and match your bold fresh summer style

1. Caviar nails. Fill an empty ticktack box or small container with caviar beads. Apply a layer of nail polish in either the color of your caviar beads or any color that suits your mood. Let the polish dry, and then apply a thick layer of polish in the same color as your previous coat. Hold your hand over a plate or bowl (to catch the loose beads) and shake the beads on to your wet nails. After the beads have settled apply a topcoat and let dry. This 3D nail art will have you ready to step out and show the world what you got!
2. Ombre nails. You can ombre your nails with any array of colors. Three is usually a good number of colors. You’ll need a baby sponge a three different nail polish colors for this. To begin, paint your entire nail the lightest shade you plan on using. Then, on a plate, drop your other two colors next to each other, gently mixing them in the middle. Press the sponge on to the colors and then on to your fingernail to give them the ombre affect.
3. Polka-dot nails. This one is pretty self explanatory but easy to do quickly in the morning before a big day. Swipe on a bright color of polish and then, using white, black, or any other color, put small dots randomly across your nails.
4. Sparkly nails. This look can be for evening and daytime alike, but will look especially good in the evening dancing your night away. Apply two coats of any polish and while the paint is wet, apply gold or silver glitter. Apply more glitter by the beds of your nails with less going up to the tips.
5. Newspaper Nails.  Apply two coats of nail polish in a light color of your choice. Then cut out squares of newspaper or specific words that you want. Fill a small bowl with rubbing alcohol and place the newspaper pieces in it and then place firmly on your nail and hold for 15-20 seconds. Make sure to get the edges of your nails too. Apply a clear coat over top and you’re all set.

Pair these fun ideas with a bandeau top, bikini, short cover-up, diva-style wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and your favorite pair of flip-flops and you will be right on your way to a perfect day of lounging on the beach to soak up some summer sun. More importantly, no matter what life throws your way, whether it be nailing that big interview or rocking that hot date, you can take the whole world between those two perfectly painted nails and show everyone what you’ve got.

Get Pumped Up

Feel good music

By Medusa Staff

This playlist is a shout out to all those artists (okay, you caught me – some of those artists) who said “hell no” to sad, pathetic songs and instead thought, let’s get cocky! So let this week’s selection get you pumped up and ready-to-go because, let’s face it, you’re hot.

1. “Cockiness” – Rihanna
2. “I Don’t Need A Man” – Pussycat Dolls
3. “Stronger” – Kelly Clarkson
4. “Enough Crying” – Mary J Blidge
5. “Hard” – Rihanna
6. “Break Your Heart” – Taío Cruz
7. “Vanity” – Christina Aguilera
8. “Diva” – Beyoncé
9.  “Pretty Girl Rock” – Keri Hilson
10. “Piece of Me” – Britney Spears
11. “Independent Women” – Destiny’s Child
12. “So What” – Pink
13. “A Woman’s Worth” –Alicia Keys
14. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
15. “Miss Independent” – Kelly Clarkson
16. “We R who we R” – Kesha
17. “Single Ladies” – Beyoncé
18. “I’m Too Sexy” – Right Said Fred
19. “This Is Why I’m Hot” – M.I.M.S.
20. “Don’t Cha” – Pussycat Dolls