Angelina Jolie Talks Rebellious Years in ELLE: Decked in black leather, Angelina Jolie graces the cover of Elle’s June issue, opening up about her “rebellious” days of yesteryear. Rehashing her shotgun wedding to Billy Bob Thorton, among other things, the now-settled-down actress explains that she was simply making the most of life. “I realized that very young—that a life where you don’t live to your full potential, or you don’t experiment, or you’re afraid, or you hesitate, or there are things you know you should do but you just don’t get around to them, is a life that I’d be miserable living,” she says. “And, the only way to feel that I’m on the right path is just to be true to myself, whatever that may be, and that tends to come with stepping out of something that’s maybe safe or traditional.” [Refinery29]
Shape Magazine Shuns Blogger's "After" Photos: After years battling weight issues, Illinois blogger Brooke Birmingham finally shed 172 pounds, inspiring countless men and women who followed her journey. Shape magazine was quick to praise Birmingham for her impressive loss, selecting the blogger to appear in its “Success Stories” feature, which includes before and after photos alongside a personal interview. However, things soon went sour when the beauty and fitness publication received Birmingham’s “after” photo, showing the transformed blogger and her now excess skin in a bikini. Shape quickly requested an image of Birmingham in a shirt, sparking controversy. After an exchange of e-mails, the glossy said their decision to omit bikini photos was an “editorial policy,” leading Birmingham to politely pull her profile and make her discussion with the magainze public on her personal blog. [XOJane]
The Possibilities of J. Crew Mercantile: On Tuesday, Mickey Drexler—J. Crew Group Inc.’s chairman and chief executive officer—opened up to WWD about the future possibilities of the clothing retailer. J. Crew Mercantile, which as of late has only become a name trademarked by the company, could be the next big thing. While speculations have been raised on many possibilities for the potential line, including new products, a lower-priced store concept, and re-branding the store's factory outlets, Drexler stresses that it’s “just a thought—not a distraction whatsoever. We have not conceptualized or internalized it. We are exploring whether or not we want to use it.” [WWD]
