Let’s rewind. How did you prepare for your departure?

Everything I suffered and experienced led me precisely to this moment. I had always planned on moving back to Buenos Aires at some point in time. It has always felt like home to me and my dream has always been, and continues to be, to live between Buenos Aires and San Francisco. The impetus to make such a big shift actually came when my life was somewhat swept out from underneath me drastically. In the span of one month, my boyfriend of three years who I loved desperately left me unexpectedly. This meant giving up our killer apartment in the heart of San Francisco and I simultaneously was laid off from my dream job at the biggest magazine in California.

Needless to say I was a mess. After a couple weeks of depression at my mom’s house, I returned to the city to a little room I had rented in an old Edwardian house in North Beach and went to work. I threw all of my pain, passion and angst into my music and within a few short months had compiled most of the songs that will be included in the upcoming album. I called my drummer out here in Buenos Aires to get the wheels spinning. When Fernando (current producer) agreed to take on my project, I sold most of my belongings, put the rest of my things in storage, and took on as many odd jobs as I could to gather last minute funds before taking off.

My motivation: Sitting on my balcony drinking cafe con leche and listening to the rough mixes off the new album.

In essence, do you find yourself displacing your “American” side while you’re there in order to assimilate with others?

That’s actually a really amusing question – because I have always felt much more South American than North American, and most of my friends and family will agree that this culture is a much better fit for me. I would say 90% of my friends out here are Argentine and having adopted the local accent and slang rather quickly, I found it quite instantaneous my assimilation into this culture. I am proud to have been born in such a wealthy, innovative, and powerful country. However my heart will forever be indelibly drawn to the South American lifestyle. Buenos Aires, specifically, is a great mix between European/North American class and South American heart, so I don’t find myself needing to be anything but me to navigate successfully though my life here.

With so much experience behind you, have you faced any pressure to sign with major labels?

Truthfully – I don’t think that up until this point my material has been major-label ready. That being said I believe in the songs that we are producing for “Real Joy” – they are honest, catchy, inspiring and commercially appealing. If all goes as planned we can only hope that the next logical step will be major label interest.

What’s inspiring your beats and lyrics for this upcoming English album?

I have always felt that art is always an overspill of emotion. Inspiration is typically rooted in either extreme joy, or severe pain. This album for me is a journey, finding love, losing love, hitting rock bottom and in the end – discovering the “Real Joy” that exists in all of us at our core.

Make sure to check out these links:
http://www.tiffanyjoy.com
http://twitter.com/tiffanyjoymusic
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tiffany-Joy/

This month, she talked with Y&F about her star-studded job at the embassy, growing up international, living and partying in the sleepless Russian capital, and her thoughts on practicality in fashion (it’s -5°F in Moscow right now!).

A day in the life of the embassy. What’s it like?
Working at the Embassy is a lot like working in a company. There are 200 people here, about 1/3 of them come from the U.K. and the rest are Russian. To work at the Embassy, fluency in English and Russian and the ability to jump back and forth at a split second’s notice is absolutely essential!

I manage the Embassy’s busy events schedule as part of the Press & Public Affairs Section. My job is a big part of public diplomacy: whereas classic diplomacy is aimed at influencing policymakers, public diplomacy aims to engage and inform the wider public on issues that policy affects. It’s sometimes tough to organise up to three events per week – most are after-5 p.m. receptions designed for 120-150 guests, including policy decisionmakers, culture influencers, celebrities, senior-level corporate executives, students, diplomats. By bringing together the right mix of people – those who can relay the message and those who are eager to hear about it, write about it, and pass it along – we conduct public diplomacy. It’s a much more up-close and personal type of marketing than publishing informational leaflets. I love working directly with people in this way. The Press & Public Affairs often collaborate with the U.K. Trade & Investment team to increase the public and media profile of events that are commercial in nature.

That sounds amazing! Besides events, do you deal with the media?
My colleagues and I handle a steady flow of inquiries from both Russian and British press: newspapers, radio, T.V. channels, and magazines, as well as academic institutions, NGOs, charities, and PR and marketing departments within private companies. Like with events, it’s always exciting because you never know how you will be in touch with when walking into the office: the Financial Times in London or the chief editors of Robb Report, Esquire and Vogue! We provide information about the U.K., useful contacts, and advice on traveling to the U.K. On top of that, we run campaigns, such as the Road to Copenhagen climate change campaign running up to the UN Climate Change Conference in December 2009.

So, any celebrity stories from Moscow?
Working with celebrities is one of the most exciting parts of my job! I’ve gotten to work on events for Lord Wedgwood of Wedgwood-Waterford, U.K. Olympic ice dancing champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, political figures like Edward and David Miliband, the Duke of York Prince Albert, and the Lord Mayor of London. I’ve also gotten the chance to meet many Russian singers, actors, writers, designers, businessmen, and culture influencers: singers Mummiy Troll, Valeriya, Zhanna Aguzarova, ice skaters Alexei Tikhonov and Ilya Averbukh, businessmen like Victor Vekselberg and Mark Garber, celebrity restaurant owner Arkady Novikov, actress Ingeborga Dapkunaite, teleshow hostess Elena Khanga.

Every day, after the regular work day is over, Moscow becomes a labyrinth of social happenings. Millions of venues open their doors to new receptions, presentations, openings and social happenings – and all of this is photographed into Vogue and GQ’s “faces” pages, gossiped about in blogs, written about in newspapers, caught on T.V. by millions of Russians. It’s typical to jump from one one “red carpet” to the next, covering several in one night. I’ve gone to see the opening of a photo exhibition and accidentally bumped into Mikhail Gorbachev, who was speaking there. My friend went to a Diane von Furstenberg lecture at Moscow State University only to see supermodel Natalya Vodianova make an unplanned appearance. You never know when you will find your favourite designer or T.V. personality at a cafe at 11:45 a.m. Moscow is just full of surprises.

How did you come to pursue this career?
I grew up travelling between Moscow and the U.S. and always knew that I would make a career out of building bridges between Russia and the West, helping companies and individuals to successfully overcome language, culture, and business culture barriers. There is so much to gain from being international – whether you are an individual, a business or a family – and navigating different systems can be fun if you’re in the right frame of mind – and if you have the right amazing people to open your eyes to the new culture, as I did when I immigrated into the U.S. at age 8.

At Stanford I came to be involved in organising events. I was one of the organisers of the inaugural Stanford Energy Crossroads Conference in March 2007, from concept to finish. I was also a part of Stanford Charity Fashion Show in May 2008. I’ve always loved bringing people together: like a puzzle, putting together the myriad pieces of information and directing them to the right people to make an event possible. For me, the invitations and guest list are very special. When you create a guest list and programme, it is like strategically putting together a recipe: the combination of all the ingredients, plus timing, is what makes chemistry happen. The magic of seeing the guests coming together always gives me energy. Once you determine the message you want to convey through an event, the information, connections, feeling or impression that you ultimately want each of the guests to carry away, there is no end to the possibilities of how this can be achieved. Flowers, music, catering, what goes into the goodie bags – all of these are small finishing touches that, ultimately, make a big difference in the memories you create and the impact you generate.

As a student at Stanford University, I studied International Relations. But I’ve always loved the U.K., I studied international law the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE). Of course, I had no idea back then that I’d one day work for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office – in Moscow! I did also apply for a job at the U.S. Embassy simultaneously. Although that didn’t work out, I am friends with the U.S. Press Officers in Moscow, and they regularly attend our (British Embassy) events as our close friends.

Here’s Part 2 of Alina’s interview!

Y&F recently caught up with pop singer Danni Penge, who explained her truths and the apparent madness and serenity behind a musical career. In addition to singing and songwriting, Danni also co-produces other up-and-coming artists’ pieces.

Y&F with Danni

www.dannipenge.com

What’s been going on lately in your life?
I have been living a life filled with music, poems, and reading. I work events in NYC whenever I can and continue to write my own songs. Music is a way of escaping from my own mind and it frees me from worry. I find myself in either a studio, Barnes & Noble, with family/friends, or writing song lyrics. I have a fun-filled 2010 ahead but I know that none of it would be possible without hard work and good people standing beside me.

What can we expect from your songs?
My songs are all very different from one another. My favorite song that I wrote would be “Stuck With Me” because the words I chose were things I constantly tell my friends. “Am I driving myself crazy thinking about the maybes”…The song sums up who I am and that it’s okay to be stuck with who I have become. Most people at times have doubted situations they are in. This song reminds me of that constant battle people face with being content with who they are. I also have songs that allow you to let loose, dance, and get you in the mood to enjoy a great night.

What do most people not know about recording an album?
That if you record with purpose your songs can go very far. When I record a song I usually do it in a darker environment if the song is sad, and if it is a dance song then I record in the light. Setting the mood for me is vital to the way I feel when I sing. I also think that many may not know how important it is to feel comfortable with the producer. Ck Kinchen produced most of my tracks. He is extremely talented and has worked with me… sitting there so I can add or remove something to make it more my own. He has written & produced hundreds of songs and has taught me so many things about recording an album. As of now, I have written all of my songs.

I see you are also involved in other singers’ albums. What are both the attractions and challenges you face when working behind the boards on something that’s not a Danni Penge record?
I love to help people in the industry whether it be with lyrics, ideas, or even just for words of support/motivation. I enjoy recording but I also think this industry needs more people who are team-related. I also like demoing songwriters’ songs to help them get that chance to shop their own music. Challenges? I am very blunt and honest. Sometimes I say things that people may not want to hear or like. It gets tricky but I choose to always stay true to what I believe in musically. If I don’t like a track, I will say it. If I love the track, I will jump up and down like it is Christmas morning and make the producer feel that it’s a hit!

Do you have conscious influences?
I am influenced by people who are musically driven, hardworking, talented, and have their own style. I grew up loving Mariah Carey for her voice. Then as the years went on I found a tremendous amount of respect for Pink. She is so badass and does whatever she wants. She is a great performer and is unique in her lyrics. She can sing pop, rock, or any genre thrown her way.

Tell me something nobody knows about you?
Well now they will know! Haha. I would have to go with—closet nerd. I wear glasses, read books, and love animals. My musical side is something that I use as a gateway from real life. It helps me express myself and walk into a world of adventure and spice. I grew up being in bands and orchestras and did not like to tell people. I was scared of who I was and now that I am older can not believe I hid things like that!

Is there anybody you’d like to work with in the future?
Mariah, Pink, Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Neyo, Akon, Rascal Flatts, and Dr Dre.

Why should people seek out “Danni”?
I am a girl who just loves the arts. I adore making my own songs and can write things that people can relate to. I understand how humans work and think. I have the experience with lyrics to pull someone deep into the song. I really think that anything worthwhile takes a tremendous amount of dedication so I applaud anyone who is in the music industry. I will continue to write music for a very long time and hope to one day share it with the world. I am thankful to be born with this talent and will use it as best as I can.

Stay tuned: Y&F will be following Danni backstage on her upcoming NYC gig. Keep your eyes locked here!

• Technology killed the man: I love my iPhone but texting has replaced the pomp and circumstance behind the awkward phone call. How easy is it to text, “I had a great time. L8ter”? The ease, comfort, speed, and directness of this medium has made dating even more impersonal.

  But what’s equally worse is dating a person with an aversion to gadgets. Making plans is as difficult as drafting the Magna Carta. He’d respond to a phone call or a text two days later, claiming he was traveling or he left the phone in his room. Get off it!

• Too many options: Back then, you had two choices: you either met face-to-face or you picked up the phone. Now you can e-mail, text, Facebook, MySpace, Skype, Twitter, IM, or meet via webcam.
• Limitations and Great Expectations (smiley face): One of my very good friends described a pretty accurate scenario. “Look, I can be a complete jerk to this girl with my text. But all I have to do is add a wink face, and she’ll think it’s a joke or a tease. I’ll be forgiven in a heart beat.” He was right. The girl winked back.

  The laws behind the “two-day call back” can now be applied to the mediums I mentioned earlier. Don’t text too quickly! He’ll think you’re too enthusiastic. When can you change your Facebook status from “Single” to “In a Relationship with…”?

• Digital Get Down: Remember that 20/20 segment on sexting? Even this intimate act has creeped into our digital devices.
• Public Lover or Enemy? Remember internet famous Julia Allison of NonSociety.com? Julia’s (then) relationship with Jakob Lodwick of Vimeo/College Humor became public as they blogged their flowering romance. Having spent more than 5 years as a dating columnist, she claimed blogging was a natural progression in analyzing an evolving relationship. Your love life may be as public as theirs.

Series to be continued…

]]> http://theyoungandfabulous.com/2009/12/26/modern-dating-tech-bites/feed/ 0 http://theyoungandfabulous.com/2009/05/31/italian-hand-gestures/ http://theyoungandfabulous.com/2009/05/31/italian-hand-gestures/#comments Sun, 31 May 2009 23:01:42 +0000 Beverly Rose http://theyoungandfabulous.com/?p=162 After spending time with my roommates and Italian friends, you learn a thing or two about the culture. It’s not hard to see that fifty-percent of the Italian language is made up of hand motions. Many gestures are just meant to emphasize normal conversations. Some others belong to the category of Parolacce (bad words — but we won’t explore that here). Nada’s Italy gives a quick and fun tutorial. Divertisi!

Read the rest of the post to view the video.

]]> http://theyoungandfabulous.com/2009/05/31/italian-hand-gestures/feed/ 3 http://theyoungandfabulous.com/2009/05/18/prenzlauer-berg-germany/ http://theyoungandfabulous.com/2009/05/18/prenzlauer-berg-germany/#comments Tue, 19 May 2009 05:14:49 +0000 Beverly Rose http://theyoungandfabulous.com/?p=120 Once the hipster area, Prenzlauer Berg has passed the torch the uber-trendy title to Mitte district. The glitterati have moved east, and Prenzl’berg has become baby central. The area still has more cool pubs, shops, and eateries than most other Berlin realms, and holds a special place in history for its lightning transformation from punk holdout to hip GDR art center to yuppified playground.

Click here to read more on Prenzl’berg.

Post-reunification of Germany, Prenzlauer Berg was one of the first parts of East Berlin to be discovered and colonized by West Germans. Decrepit buildings were bought by developers at rock-bottom prices, restoration projects were subsidized by the city. This sense of resurrection made Prenzlauer Berg popular among students, artists, and free-spirits from the West.


Photo by erdbeerblond25Mishkabear, Rabbitaroundtheworld, Linda Gavin, Marber

]]> http://theyoungandfabulous.com/2009/05/18/prenzlauer-berg-germany/feed/ 0 http://theyoungandfabulous.com/2009/05/11/apartment-luxe/ http://theyoungandfabulous.com/2009/05/11/apartment-luxe/#comments Tue, 12 May 2009 06:44:25 +0000 Beverly Rose http://theyoungandfabulous.com/?p=49 Mind the fixtures

If you want to give your place an expensive feel, look to the small details. Handles may not be the focal point of a room, but it can be a prominent feature. Upgrading kitchen & bathroom cabinet handles can make a world of difference at a fraction of the cost of replacing your entire unit.

Consider switching up your doorbells, switchplates, door knobs, and even your house numbers.

Look outside your big box retailers. Decorative, custom made, and handmade hinges, knobs, pulls, and handles are all the rage. Try larger flea markets that feature furniture, Craigslist.org, and drive around your neighborhood. You may find small mom-and-pop shops that specialize in hardware.








more to come…
]]> http://theyoungandfabulous.com/2009/05/11/apartment-luxe/feed/ 1 http://theyoungandfabulous.com/2009/05/08/little-ashes/ http://theyoungandfabulous.com/2009/05/08/little-ashes/#comments Sat, 09 May 2009 01:56:54 +0000 Beverly Rose http://theyoungandfabulous.com/?p=5 Subject: The 1922 meeting of three soon-to-be-world-reknowned artists — poet and playwright Federico García Lorca, filmmaker Luis Buñuel, painter Salvador Dalí — at the Residencia de Estudiantes, a Madrid arts institute.

Spanish TV actor, Javier Beltrán, carries on as the García Lorca with grace. He steals the spotlight. Matthew McNulty, who looks nothing like the famed filmmaker, dives into his homophobic yet unrelentingly supportive character with ease. But its Rob Pattinson, cast just before the Twilight craze, who seems out of place and insufficient as Dalí. However Pattinson did mimic Dalí’s growing flamboyance well.

But this is not a film review. I want to talk more about the production itself. The UK-Spanish production was vividly captured by cinematographer Adam Suschitzky. From the growing military presence on the streets to the elegantly appointed homes of the upper class. Suschitzky took advantage of Spain’s rich settings, including Dalí’s home in the seaside town of Cadaques and Lorca’s in Andalusia.

Director Paul Morrison decided to shoot this movie in hi-def video, yet still resulting in beautiful hues with rich and warm tones. Costume design was superbly done by Antonio Belart — two-toned shoes, argyle sweaters, creamy wool suits. The film embodied the flapper culture — the age that defied conventions of acceptable behavior — with short hair, short skirts, turned down hose, powdered knees for women; tweed cloth, lace-up style shoes, shaped silk ties, black bowler hats and the sacque suit for men.






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