Why I'll pay for online news

The Daily Camera -- my former employer -- announced today they'll begin charging for access to unlimited news online. 

(Insert slow clap here). 

Here's the thing: This isn't going to be the most popular decision, sure -- but it needs to happen. Think of it this way: Every day, you pick up your co-worker and drive him to work ... for 10 years. Then, you're like, 'Hey, friend, do you think you could pitch in a little gas money?'

Basically, the free ride is coming to an end. Newspapers have generously given away quality content for years, and now they're asking for a little gas money in return to continue fueling the news machine.  Newsrooms are running as efficiently as possible. Ask a reporter when is the last time he got a raise. I double-dog dare you. Newspapers need a bump on the revenue side. Mobile readership is growing -- but your iPhone can only hold so many advertisements. You don't want to play Whack-A-Mole with pop-up ads on the full website. 

Obviously, a paywall isn't a popular decision because it's tough to start paying for something that you've been getting for free. But, it's about time, gosh darnit. 

After reading some comments on the Camera's article about the planned paywall, here's my response: 

Sign me up.

I'll definitely pay the small fee for a service that informs me, entertains me, acts as a watchdog, publishes my fellow community members' letters to the editor, lets me know what's happening at my alma mater, staffs the newsroom overnight to deliver up-to-date information about a flood, etc. In my book, that's a good investment and part of being an engaged, well-informed citizen. The fact of the matter is there's costs associated with conducting quality reporting -- fees associated with open records requests, for example, or the cost of police records. I'm cool with essentially being a shareholder in the Fourth Estate. $10 a month for all of this? Deal!

On the topic of Bloggers Vs. Journalists ... Will a blogger travel to a meeting, sit through the entire meeting and write a breaking news story for the web even if it's the middle of night -- all while providing all sides of the story? And while you're on that blog, can you also find a preps score, get a round up of what entertainment options you have for the weekend, etc?

Back in the "old" days of journalism -- before news was constantly breaking and being updated online -- there was little excuse to have grammatical errors or typos in stories because reporters and editors had all day to polish the story for the sole, final edition. I'm OK if there's a minor typo in a breaking news story. It's likely temporary. Hey, if there's a gas line break on the highway and a reporter rushes to get a story up on the web about U.S. 36 being closed in one direction, well, then thank you for saving me from sitting in traffic -- I'll gladly excuse a brief typo.

Happy Halloween from the master of Trick or Treating

Happy Halloween from Tyson Barkford -- a foodie who claims he invented "trick or treating." 

On a side note, aren't tights great? They hide pale legs and will compensate for lackluster pumpkin-carving skills. Here are a few hosiery trends I'm loving this season -- in addition to using them to cover pumpkins. 

-- Brittany 

(Vest with fur collar from Target. Martha Stewart hosiery pumpkin covers from Michael's)

So much fall in one outfit

(I found this camel-colored sweater at Old Navy, now on sale for $15. It's a much-needed classic piece to balance out my pattern-obsessed closet. Chain-brimmed floppy hat from Charlotte Russe).

Boots, plaid scarf, floppy hat, burgundy and a leaf backdrop. That, my friends, is cramming a whole lotta' fall into one outfit. But go ahead and deduct 10 fall points because -- gulp, confession -- I don't like the taste of the highly revered, oh my gah Pumpkin Spice Latte. The Starbucks region of my tastebuds haven't turned into real grown ups and evolved past a hot chocolate order. 

This past weekend was a win in my book because I took Kevin on a chase to find "strip mall" Chinese food -- you know, the kind that is somewhere between "won't make you sick" but is far from fancy. That's where you find the best lemon chicken.  We also went to a boolesque show in Denver, met my mom's newly adopted dog that looks like Toto with an endearing underbite, caught up with friends and family and got in the Halloween spirit with The Conjouring and new season of American Horror Story. So many activities. It was like fall day camp. 

-- Brittany 

Hat season

(Manon Floppy Hat from Anthropologie, Brown Combo Plaid Shirt from Old Navy).

Hat season by brittanyanas featuring lucky brand hats

Some how, some way, I’m missing the “shoe obsession” in my female genetic make-up. I’d be perfectly happy barefoot in the sand at all times. But the enthusiasm that I lack in the shoe department is more than compensated with other accessories -- like scarves and hats. I prefer my accessories in the head/neck region it seems? 

Last year, my grandma and I saw the Yves St. Laurent exhibit together and I loved how hats seemed to put the polishing touch on outfits -- with styles borrowed from the boys. Last year this time, I was obsessing over fedoras and cloches. This fall, I’m drawn to bolder, wide-brimmed hats with less structure, more flop -- like this Manon Floppy Hat from Anthropologie. I also picked up this red chained floppy hat for $16. A low side bun + hat is my go-to disguise for a bad hair day.

-- Brittany

Polka & Pink

To make this shirt, I just cut out a pair of polka dot tights, put them on my arms and then tossed a plain black T-shirt on top. And, Ta-Da!

Just keeding. Did you believe me, though? I mean these kinda' look like arm-tights if arm-tights were a thing, yes? 

I found the top at H&M. Here's a similar one -- with bigger dots. My polka dots shrunk in the wash, apparently.

Last year around Christmas, I saw Britney Spears on the cover of Lucky Mag in a sheer polka dot top and I loved how that comeback pop tart was wearing it. Everybody else, however, was paying attention to her bad wig it seems. 

-- Brittany

Vacation style

Menswear trends from New York Fashion Week

"What will a well-dressed man look like in spring 2014?

Designers debuted dozens of spring and summer collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City earlier this month. Stylish guys in the foreseeable future will be embracing prints, the catwalks showed us, with everything from golf course plaids to tropical pineapples appearing on trousers. And, come spring, guys can relive their glory days via varsity jackets — so long as they don't dig up their vintage keepsakes from their moms' basements." 

Read my full New York Fashion Week round-up in The Denver Post. 

A few other fashion-related news nuggets I've written about this week: 

- Gap & GQ Magazine team up for designer collections

- T.J. Maxx quietly starts selling designer brands online

- Seven annoying gym sins you might be committing

-- Brittany