MUSHION

The Future

2009-03-11T01:41:00.000-07:00

Mushion.blogspot.com is dead like rave culture.

MUSHION is our new home.

OBESITY AND SPEED is all you need.

2009-03-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

I've been obsessing, so now I'm sharing. Obesity and Speed never fail me. Their f/w 09 line is radddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd. The end .

Blown Away in Slow Motion

2009-03-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

Gareth Pugh's A/W 09 was made into a video. It is one of the best things I've ever watched. And his clothes, I want it all. Especially the ripped up long sleeve shirt. From the hair, to the nails, to the boots, everything is bitchin' . The use of space while manipulating silhouettes, that's for you to find out.

A/W 09 Video

!@^#&^!)%#&!

2009-03-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

Goooood shiiiiiiit. Can I say, Dsquared2 and Ann-Sofie Back got this shit down.

Les Copains

Gareth Pugh

DSquared2

Diesel Black and Gold

C'N'C Costume National 2

Burberry Prorsum

Betsey Johnson

Ann-Sofie Back

Alexander Wang

Marc Jacobs

If I Know You

2009-03-01T01:57:00.000-08:00

Fairly new Presets video I can't stop watching. Directed by Eva Husson who also directed M83's video "Kim and Jessie". What's better than dancing your way through life?

Justice & Coke Make Love

2009-02-17T22:45:00.000-08:00

Interesting... Cute. The Coke bottle glows. Thought I'd share it.

How is YOUR skeleton?

2009-02-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

I'd do whatever she tells me to:

leather and fur

2009-02-05T17:56:00.000-08:00

Leather and fur will keep you warm. Whatever it may be (shoes, jackets, scarves, jackets, pants, gloves), it will do you good. So lets add to your wardrobe for this fall, because you can never have too many choices.

Camp, Kitch, Creep: Lux Interior 1948-2009

2009-02-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

NOOOOoooooooooooooo!

WAHHhhhhhhh!

Lux Interior, lead singer of the The Cramps and all around crazy person died this morning y'all. Well, I didn't really expect him to last even this long, so congratulations on making it to age 62. I mean seriously, how did he not die from almost 40 years of bad behavior and questionable decisions? I don't know, but his was one of the better shows I had been to, way back in the heydays of 9th grade. They were the first band that I ever saw twice, I think (thanks Aldana for the free tix, twice). My 14 year old self was of course enamored of all things ridiculously obscene, and that he was. I remember Poison Ivy (his wife of over 30 years) looking kind of like my ideal of what hellions in, well, hell must look like. Lux came out wearing the world's tightest pair of black leather pants. In person, he was quite possibly the scariest human I had ever seen on stage. He was either wearing a grill of some sort on his teeth that looked like black-ish silver metal, or he had an aweful lot of cavities. He growled and kind of writhed around and to be honest, I don't even remember what they played, but I must have liked some of it. And around the end of their set, in true creeper fashion, wah-blam! those pants split right down the middle. Lux did not wear underwear. I have yet to see anything more insane.

True love, ya'll

Oh yeah, this is kind of what it looked like.

Thanks for all the bad music!

Viva Westwood! (and wtf Simon Costin)

2009-02-01T12:50:00.000-08:00

via Trend Hunter Magazine

While I loved the orb all by itself, these just made me love her more. But for some bizzare reason, they reminded me of this:

via The Met Blog

That, my dearies, is the Simon Costin "Incubus" necklace. You don't want to know what that yellow stuff is.

Anyways, Pamela Anderson is the new face of Vivienne Westwood.

No comment.

Shoes!

This is a keychain from one of her purses. Simon and Vivienne separated at birth?

You said it girl.

Its Here.

2009-01-30T10:44:00.000-08:00

Line-Ups, eh... everyone I guessed that would be on there is playing so I'm thinking of going.. Also, there are always fun pool parties and raging after parties which is always a plus.

Little Girls

2009-01-29T15:03:00.000-08:00

I can't find anything about Little Girls on the internets, other then their myspace. So...yeah...

They are my new favs anyways. Well I do know they are from Toronto and are signed to Captured Tracks (which has a lot of other great bands). Other then that, I gots nothing. Oh, and I do know they are awesome. "Youth Tunes" is especially good.

They kind of remind me of possible background music for this blog: 4Q Conditioning, who are also awesome.

I should probably buy a thesaurus, huh? Awesome.

I should start using words I used to use that are kind of like awesome, like cool, bomb, sweet, rad, or gnar. (I never used that last one, swear.)

This post needs a pic:

Michael Pitt kind of scares me sometimes. I think actors have a little of every character they play in them before or after they take roles. Let us just examine his career, no?

Hedwig & the Angry Inch - I don't think I need to even explain this one.

Murder By Numbers - Okay, okay, he's not necessarily the worst one.

The Dreamers - Hey, he's actually the most sane one in this one.

The Village - What? I don't even remember him in this one.

Silk - Alright, maybe he's not taking on bad personas in movies.

Who else misses Mass Appeal? :(

Not Fucking Around in 09

2009-01-29T00:23:00.000-08:00

Spring should be over, and Summer should be skipped. Designers like Alexander McQueen and Viktor & Rolf aren't messing around, or designing for the shy and sweet. Its dark, edgy, sassy, and intimidating with pieces like stiletto boots and fur jackets. Just my cup of tea. What more could you ask for...

This Is England: our skinhead obsession continues

2009-01-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

We are not racist. We do not condone racism. We (hopefully just like you) do not like racist things. Unfortunately for us, one of the most bomb styles from the past, oh, 50 years or so, has been hijacked by a movement. So unfair. I'm sure more people would adopt this style if they didn't think it would be like saying "I'm a skinhead and I hate ____".

But anyways, before the disclaimer, This Is England is a pretty good movie. It's an emotionally charged film about what happened to a lot of directionless and probably fatherless boys in working class towns in England during the 1980s. It shows how the National Front could indoctrinate and brainwash so many. Blah blah blah. Let's be honest. I mostly like it for Woody. I like Milky's style too.

Dem boots.

Da Bag: Elvie

2009-01-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

Never in my right mind would I ever consider buying this bag. It's $2,435. But I would consider renting it for a week for $60. Alexander McQueen knows how to make a girl waste money.

An experiment on a bird in the air pump

2009-01-24T15:52:00.000-08:00

Rarely do all things collide to be perfect. All senses must be taken care of (some of them anyhow). Sight (you have to look good). Sound (you have to sound good). Okay, I'm not sure, but I bet they smell alright, too. An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump, named after a 1768 oil painting by Joseph Wright, are one such example of auditory and visual awesomeness. Mix equal parts Joy Division atmosphere, sixties girl group vocals and other times channelling Siouxsie Sioux, and add a dash of garage and you get this:

Also, bomb haircuts.

In other news: We Also Love Grey!

2009-01-23T21:47:00.000-08:00

Oscar de la Renta

Proenza Schouler

J. Mendel

Doo.Ri

Phi

Lanvin

Black is wonderful and all, but might I suggest something different? Grey. (yeah yeah, I know it's only a diluted black, but that is the point, we're not too into hues). I've been wearing varying shades of black since, oh, about the same time I had a crush on Trent Reznor (6th grade, weird child, I know), but I never quite got into grey. But as the country world plummets into mass financial (and probable social and moral) chaos, I am probably the only one excited about it (I'm looking on the bright side okay), for the way its getting interpreted by designers. Fall 09 previews have been slowly coming out, and who knew recession fashion would continue? Probably everyone, because duh, so does the recession (can we start calling it the Depression now?) Well, in this depressed world, the only thing harsher (more awesome!) then black, is grey. Grey says "blah, I'm so depressed I can't even be intense, I just have to be drab" (but in an obviously stylin' way). LONG LIVE FINANCIAL INSECURITY!

I Wish I Was a Boy.

2009-01-23T14:08:00.000-08:00

Fall 2009: MENSWEAR
My favorite picks from recent runway shows, and yes, Cole was in plenty of shows.
P.S. Black will never fucking leave.

Alexander McQueen

Burberry Prorsum

DSquared

GUCCI

Jean Paul Gaultier

John Varvatos

Missoni

Prada

Yohji Yamamoto

Yves Saint Laurent

My favorite collections this year is Gucci and Alexander McQueen. Bravo Frida Giannini. They say its Power Pop influenced, but I see a bit of glam. punk-rock in there too. I love the way the pants fit Cole in Burberry Prorsum. I think I'll be obsessed with those pants for a while..

Lost & Found

2009-01-20T23:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a glimpse of one of their graphic tees.

Click on the logo to see more. Check out their latest season. It's worth checking out.

The Cast

2009-01-15T03:45:00.000-08:00

24K Gold Vermeil Ashtray (Cigarettes fit neatly in the teeth cavities)

Oh, and they sell clothes too. Don't get me started on their one-of-a-kind leather jackets, some with removable sleeves.. or their must-have graphic tees.. GO CHECK IT.

Style & Music with a hint of Bad-Ass.

2009-01-15T03:25:00.000-08:00

The lead vocalist for The Kills, Alison Mosshart is one talented, stylish, bad-ass that doesn't give a shit about nothing. The Kills music along with their style makes you want to drink plenty of beer and play pool, while smoking packs of cigarettes until the sun comes up. (which isn't always a bad thing)

I <3 STUDS

2008-12-29T02:13:00.000-08:00

Studs were something that were related to punks or were considered as a "weapon" (according to House of Blues) in the past. Now it has been refined, polished, and more fabulous and bad-ass than ever. (Sorry Clash fans, studs are becoming a bit more glamorized). Meaning girls like Lauren Conrad (gag), thinks she's punk and can get away with wearing a large studded belt. NO. I don't think so.
Anyway, here are some options designers gave us and that I have chosen to those who still have a little punk in us. Why get rid of it when you can get in touch with it?

(I want these Rodarte platforms so bad...)

"It is about God, yeah."

2008-12-25T01:06:00.001-08:00

So I recently found out that one of my favorite songs is not about a girl, not about life, not even about a damn sandwich, but about God. I was blown away and I almost had to stop the car. Cat told me to listen to the lyrics carefully and that it would make more sense. Yea, I can see it as a song for God/Jesus, but i thought he was talking about a girl, or a boy, I didn't care; just not God.. You could take MGMT's "Electric Feel" song, take out 'girl', 'baby', and 'she', and you have yourself a deep, hip, religious song.
This discovery has led me to more research, finding out his father is a gospel minister and a recording artist. Also, according to Wiki, "In a video interview, Sparro confirmed that the song's subject is his religious faith, saying "It is about God, yeah. [...] I do like to have faith in something that is bigger than me." So there you have it, a hipster electronica, pop, religious song..
Oh and did I mention he is openly gay as well? Talk about mixing labels and categories.. its making it harder for Cat and me to categorize these things.. Reaching out through hipsters.. Its either genius, or embarrassing.. I haven't decided yet.
On the other hand, he made a song called 'Cottonmouth'. 'Black and Gold' and 'Cottonmouth' have a real high contrast between each other.. Possibly that was his past, and now he's cleaning up.

Interesting.

So I guess South Park was right... You can turn any love song into a Christian song, vise versa.

Well anyway, here's "Black and Gold". The video is pleasing. Male models in fitted tuxedos and top hats. Can't ask for more.

MEGAPUSS

2008-12-16T02:17:00.000-08:00

Rodrigo Amarante, Fab Moretti & Devendra Banhart just to name a few involved.

So good. So fantastic.

the end.

don't believe me? See it for yourself.

Boots are made for kicking ass.

2008-12-15T17:19:00.000-08:00

So this winter, with the snow and all (finally), I was seeking out to find sturdy boots that wouldn't tear after a rock scratches it, or a heel getting fucked up from walking around too much on unpaved roads. Looking through cute boots from various websites and designers, I realized, these aren't going to last in the snow/ice, and unpaved roads, let alone have any traction, forcing me to eat shit, as I am walking through the snow, drunk. (that is a possibility)
As I have been searching far and wide for comfortable, sturdy, yet aesthetically attractive boots, I came to realize, Dr. Martin's. DUH. So after looking through some of those, I was planning to purchase simple black leather Dr. Martin boots, until I found these babies.

Coincidentally, it snowed a lot today (4 inches), and so I tested out these boots and boy did they suffice. I shoveled snow and walked place to place in these boots. They are my favorite pair of shoes at the moment. And the touch of combat boot makes it ten times better and they match with my clothes just fine.

SupperClub

2008-12-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

Finally, FINALLY, a place where everything that has to do with art is open to the public and is successful. And, you know what's even better about it?? They serve food because it is a restaurant as well.

SupperClub is this growing trend of restaurants that not only serves food, but also serves all different types of art, such as, music, dancing, performing, painting, etc. It's like a nightclub/ restaurant for people who are sick of seeing sleezy old men, or a million of look alike girls in their Bebe or Marcianos outfits attempting to dance but can't because they don't know what dancing is besides rubbing their groin on each other. (I almost puked thinking about it)

They are sort of like a society, building up their name by having their own music, their own magazine, and even their own vodka. (that seems to be the trend nowadays, your own vodka label..) This concept is almost too good to be true, and with this recession going on, let us pray SupperClub does not go down the drain.

This place is a must go, see, eat, and drink. They have various locations: Amsterdam, Istanbul, San Francisco, and Singapore. I believe all of the locations have a fixed menu, and everyday is a different event, so click on agenda and if you find a night you think you'll enjoy, make sure to RSVP before it's too late.

Latest Obsession: Lykke Li

2008-11-25T02:56:00.000-08:00

Straight out of Stockholm, Sweden, Lykke Li (Li Lykke Timotej Zachrisson), brings a unique voice, sound, and style. At first, I did not think anything of her, but the more and more I researched and listened, she gave me that sense of "something new". It is like a piece of art work that is easy on the eye, but avante-garde at the same time. Her style and presence is strange but beautiful. After watching "Little Bit", the top bun never looked so good with a silver jacket and striped shirt. Also, it might be safe to say that she is definitely bringing the bun back. Another trend you will see in her videos are dancing; unique and interesting dancing. Why not? She does have a past of dancing on Swedish T.V. shows.
Not only does Li have an interesting voice, but her clothing and style are up to par as well. She keeps her color palette quite simple by wearing colors like black, grey, and white, with some gold jewelry. Her style definitely defines and represents European street fashion. She' so cute and fierce at the same time. I can't get enough of her.

Oh, and I recommend watching live acoustic videos of her because her voice live will blow you away.

Here is "I'm Good, I'm Gone" music video.

DECONSTRUCT, DECONSTRUCT

2008-11-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

Deconstruction at its finest. It is a growing trend in and out of the fashion industry. Clothing that have been deconstructed, are seen everywhere from the runway, on to the streets of Stockholm and any other popular cities.
Remember when Christian Siriano was complaining on Project Runway, "Deconstruct, deconstruct. All they want us to do is deconstruct. Its so elementary."? (Well, he said something close to that). Too bad Christian, looks like deconstruction is back in full force this year, and probably next year too. Designers from Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, and the notorious Rodarte with their deconstructed tights, are all in the hype of deconstructing their clothes. So if you think your clothes look tattered and ripped up (intentionally but not, kind of), do not fret, you are on the path of following a trend.

Yves Saint Laurent

Vivenne Westwood

Rodarte

Maison Martin Margiela

Jean Paul Gaultier

Givenchy

Dior Homme

Costume National

Comme de Garçon

Christian Lacroix

Blaak+Homme

Tycho ISO50

2008-11-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

Scott Hansen is a genius.

I was listening to his "The Disconnect" and a friend listening in said that it "sounds like colour", which is so spot on, but such an odd way of describing sound. How can music sound like colour? I'm not sure, but it does, and it looks like his posters, which are the best reimagining of late 60s early 70s advertisements, besides being classic good design. I attribute this visual/auditory awesomeness to his design influences, which he and others write about in his popular blog. I get a lot of a Northern California influence feeling from a lot of his posters, and it specifically reminds me of this one Walnut Creek area house I was once in that had wood panelling and basement type place with chartreuse shag carpeting, but it was built in to the side of a hill, so we could see into the woods. Also kind of reminds me of the house I grew up in, built in the 70s, it had that pumpkin orange and brown tiling and a lamp made out of that translucent seashell material. Anyways, I can't get enough of his style.

So Good, but a Bit Expensive

2008-11-05T18:05:00.000-08:00

Having trouble finding Euro-styled clothing in America?
Well I got an amazing store for you. Pixie Market. The price is not cheap, but not ridiculously expensive. If you got some moneys, you should spend it at Pixie Market. Everything from their dresses, coats, shoes, and accessories will blow your mind. They got lace ankle boots, braided scarves, jumper dresses, tapered trousers, and more. I can't get enough. Cat and I give it a thumbs up.

Here are some samplings of their amazing-ness.

Everyone wants Mohr.

2008-10-30T02:32:00.000-07:00

Big hype. Huge deal. If you're in our world, you will probably agree.

The big hype and the huge deal, is someone who has been internationally everywhere in the fashion industry. I have been wanting to mention him for a while now, because every time I pick up a men's magazine (I prefer men's fashion most of the time), I always run into his face for some ad or photo-shoot. In addition, whenever I am viewing photographs from a runway show, there he is, walking down the runway for designers like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Dior Homme, Dries Van Noten, Hermès, John Galliano, Burberry, just to name a few..

So why is Cole Mohr, Texas-born, punk-rock loving, edgy, goofy, yet sarcastic boy so popular and wanted by everyone from NY to Japan? Here's why.

Oui.

I don't think I have to write anything persuasive about his strong, yet soft face, complimented with his big blue, eyes, plus bitchin' jaw-line, and how he can pull off a plethora of looks. Even though he is everywhere, his face will never get old. He is always doing something daring, and completely different, while looking good doing it. Plus, his taste in music is pretty elite and his tattoos give him street cred.

Next 'vintage'?

2008-10-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

60s, 70s, 80s. These are the generic decades of vintage fashion and music. Supposedly the nostalgia for an era gone by reaches its peak about 20 years after. If this is the case, then this is what's next:

(Bobby works out and reads and likes to stay home. Or he did back in 1989 anyhows.)

And I'm okay with that. The fact that what can be called vintage, classic or retro is starting to creep up on the day I was born makes me feel really old, but even so, I can't wait for people to start bringing back neon leotards. Seriously, thats the last time in the last 20 years that I can think of when clothing was really kitchy and odd and kind of lame. I think the 90s were kind of lame, but I like that. We need a little more lameness. We already have this 'grunge revival' thing happening (plaid much?) but please dear lord on the other side don't bring light wash back.

Fashionably lame:

Pluses: bandage dresses

Minuses: oversized 'career' jacket

Future Mrs. Urkle has a bomb jacket. Zee end.

My favorite early 90s style whores, Pats and Eddy.

It kind of feels like the 90s just ended, but really 1999 was basically a decade ago. Yet no one has said bust out your denim overalls, thank goodness.

Will Marc and Maya revive 1990?

Should Marc just relaunch his breakout line?

Jeremy Scott (with MIA again, why is she so cool? dunno... )

On a side note, how awesome is this tux hoody from Jeremy Scott for Adidas?

I use to have this pink pullover from Japan that had a dog on it that had two ear flaps that said 'hello' and 'goodbye' on each of them when you turned them up. It was quite possibly the lamest thing I've ever owned. I was six, but I'm pretty sure I'm never going to be cooler then when I was six. To me, that was the 90s, and thats how I want 90s revival to look. Like a pink dog sweater. With stirrup pants.

Lookbook: a style database?

2008-10-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

For those who aren't in the know, Lookbook.nu is a site where the fashionable can upload their favorite looks and everyone else belonging to the site can "hype" them. Its a pretty interesting idea, like they said, "inspired by The Sartorialist", but with feedback from others. I question the motive behind catagorizing "Brands", but I almost kind of like the exclusivity of "invite only" that the site promotes, in other words, if you don't pass their style test, you can't even upload. I suppose it gets rid of the frim fram. There is a little element of ridiculous, kind of like hotornot for those fabric-ly inclined. Opinionizing aside, these are some of my favorite looks/users of the site.

Johnny D - Swedish guy (why are they so cool?) who reminds me of Tom Vek

Michael W - guy from Vegas who's got the eccentric millionaire look down pat

Aris V - really cool looks from this girl across the pond

Bien sur, M is on it as well.

oh, coco

2008-10-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

So here at TAL, we are a little obsessed with menswear, male models and dude stuff. BUT, we swear we like them girls too. Aside from Agyness, I haven't seen a lot of great faces (besides the crazy goodness that is Karen Elson), until I saw Coco Rocha a few seasons ago.

She has such a distinct look, despite not really having anything too crazy about her. I think its her nose.

...with my other favorite redhead

2009, Keep It Bold

2008-08-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

Photographs off the runway for the 2009 Resort lines are out. Scanning through the photographs of the runway shows of designers like Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli, Nicole Miller, Bottega Veneta, Diane Von Furstenberg, and etc., I received a clear message that 2009 is about color, bold prints, bold pieces and the reminiscence of the 80's, but there's nothing wrong with the 80's when it is done right. Some of the pieces and the way the models are dressed made me flashback to the oh, so, popular online fashion blogger Yvan, or A.K.A., The FaceHunter. There are definitely looks inspired by street style from young, hip, European gals, walking the streets Helsinki, Copenhagen, or Stockholm. It is young, fresh, cool, and clean. So start sporting your fuchsia, yellow, electric blue, and any other bright, bold colors you have, but please don't be tacky and trashy.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Bottega Veneta

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs

Nicole Miller

Stella McCartney

Michael Kors

ALBERT HAMMOND JR.

2008-07-02T03:09:00.000-07:00

'Yours to Keep' was amazing but will ‘¿Cómo Te Llama?’ going live up the first???
They've posted songs from their upcoming album, releasing on July 8, 2008, on their MySpace to allow the public to take a listen at what is going to be in stores. I can never dislike Hammond, but so far, none of the songs have captured my likings me right away. Some of the songs sound similar or they are just not quite interesting. Okay, I'll be honest; they're OKAY. I wouldn't go out of my way to get my hands on this album from what I am hearing so far unlike the album 'Yours to Keep' which held catchy, captivating songs. Listening to the album, honestly is like reading a book that interested you since you enjoyed the book the author previously have written in the past, but once you start reading it, you realize it is a bit uninteresting unlike the other books you've read, that when you are reading it, you can't really remember what is going on besides the characters.

I still love Albert Hammond Jr. and speaking of Albert, is he and his other band, The Strokes going to create another addicting, impressive album? Well according to their official site, Nikolai Fraiture said: "I'd like to say that I'm still looking very forward to a fourth album release. We just need to work out a few technical kinks." Fraiture also added, "It's been a long break but much needed for us to remain together as a productive band". Since their last album 'First Impressions of Earth' released in 2006, they have been under the radar for the past two years and hung low, not sending any distinct details about their future plans besides a brief mention about a fourth album. I can't wait.

OH, BOYD.

2008-05-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

The buzz around Boyd Holbrook is something to consider since his resume consists of working with Dior Homme, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Missoni, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli and Gucci to name a few. His portfolio is probably more than enough and has probably worked with more than one has wished for. And if you haven't been around, he's the face for Viktor and Rolf's cologne, Antidote. Boyd was discovered by a girl in Kentucky working as a carpenter for a theater. She watched him and asked him if he wanted to move to New York to become a model.
Sifting through different photographs of him on and off the runway, he is very versatile. He's gone through several looks and has taken part of different characters. Another interesting thing about Boyd is he is also an artist. He mostly sculpts in his studio in New York. Coming from me, liking Boyd is probably a shock since I don't even give any thought or care about blonde models.
I've always been attracted to dark-haired models, male or female, but Boyd caught my eye with his striking eyes, strong jaw line, and like I said earlier, his versatility in the modeling industry. I love it. He goes from grunge-man, to rockabilly, to classy-nerd, to avante-garde, high-fashion, queen. (that's a compliment) Also, I believe his personality really shines through his face and that is what makes me want to take a chance and get to know him. Honestly, he does look like a pompous, "douche-bag", in some of the photographs, but read upon him and try to get to know him better. It might change your perception. It changed mine. (click on photographs to enlarge)

Era Style: Mods (and Skinheads)

2008-05-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

The mods were young, well dressed, probably rich urban dwellers that frequented 60's London whose style is the quintessential "clean" look. Its really funny how such a select group of people influenced the style of so many subsequent generations. A mod was originally identified as having well tailored clothing that fit close to the body. As with any style, bands adopted and conversely influenced their listeners' style. An obvs mod band (at least in the beginning) were the Beatles:

Skinny black tie? check
Tailored Suit? check
Mop top? check

The Jam (more on revival side), Small Faces, and The Kinks also adopted the style:

The Jam

The Kinks

Small Faces

The mods disappeared, but their style continued to be adopted by those into Northern Soul/Skinhead movement, Third Wave Ska and subsequently this new crop of Brit Rock (as I call it):

First! A clear up on what I mean (and it really does mean) by the term "skinhead". This issue perturbs me. I had a boss a whiles ago that schooled me on where exactly the term came from and what it evolved into. Jamaican immigrants who immigrated to the UK in the 50s and 60s met with working class youths. They had shaved heads, and in a show of unity, British kids shaved their heads as well, hence "skinheads". They went to dancehalls and listened to reggae. Yay! This was in stark contrast to the Mods, of whose style I am currently proclaiming the virtues of, who could afford to get fancy Beatles-esque haircuts. I'm sure it was way easier to shave ones head. Anywhooss, time passes and these low income youths were recruited sometime in the 70s by the National Front, who are duh... racist. Its so crazy that a look that defined unity among the lower class, no matter what race, was turned into the fashion of a white supremist movement. Its so sad that this look is associated with racism (wtf... why couldn't they stick to their white dressrobes with tall hoods). A typical skinhead look:

Cute! He's got a scooter! (hope he's not racist)

Hmm... the link between mods and skinheads you ask? Progressivism of the mind and social welfare. Mods were interested in beatnik philosophies (existentialism) and skinheads (and later punks) were interested in social progressivism to improve their living conditions.

Anywhooss, history lesson aside, here are some more mod looks I love:

I love this look updated, but I hate cheaters! Die Jude Die! (I mean really, did you SEE that nanny)

Miss Mod herself, Twiggy

Jean Shrimpton + Lambretta = Mod

Fav new mod: Laura Hollins

Ska kiddies with mod style influence:

The Specials

Fred Perry - a fav of mods and skinheads

Neil Barrett

DSQUARED

Dirty Pete lookin' sharp

Ben Sherman

I kind of loathe baggy clothing, it exudes... sloppiness. Therefore, mod tailored or skinhead skintight is some of my favorite elements to include in an outfit.
Next time I'll tackle punk, mod's dirty cousin.

Style Icon: Dita von Teese (and Evan Rachel Wood is lame)

2008-04-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, so how much do I love everything she wears? A whole lot. I excuse the freaky marriage to Marilyn Manson (even though it kind of made sense), and any other craziness that might be lurking in her mind, because she is committed. Seriously though, think about how long it must take her to get dressed in the morning. She took a look and was like, "this is going to be me, everyday, extra fabulous". She is also in fact a diminutive 5'3" and models... yay for short people! Blah blah blah I love her and this is why:

Ew... girl you can do better then THAT thing...

In Marchesa

In head to toe Dior

ooo! purist!

So, this is what you get when 'tard blonde girls try and jack your perfectly referenced historical style:

come hither? i'd rather not, thanks...

"prom sucks... lets go listen to some.. uh... manson.."

I'm kind of a history nerd, so I love fashion that represents some era from the past. Wood is like that girl in class that talks about the 50s as polka dot Grease and pouf dresses, and Dita raises her hand and is all "not really, there was a lot of repression within suburbia and McCarthyism scared progressive liberals and the economy was running on false credit... and thats why I wear pencil skirts better then you".

Velocifero

2008-04-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

Some of you may wonder, "what happened to Ladytron?" "Are they still together?" "Are they still making music?" "Will they ever go on tour again?" Well those questions can be answered. For the past couple of months, they have been hiding out in Studio de la Grande Armée, Paris recording their new album Velocifero. They have collaborated with Alessandro Cortini from Modwheelmood and NIN and Vicarious Bliss from Ed Banger Records. After recording, it was then completed and mixed in Los Angeles with Michael Patterson who has worked with Beck and P. Diddy.

I look forward to listening their new album which will be released in June 2008, and especially because they have worked on this album with one of the finest people in the music industry. Hopefully the music will live up to the people they have worked with, and will compliment the works they have done in the past.

They will officially start their tour in Europe on April 30th and will continue to tour Europe until May 16th. Then the North American Tour will kick off on May 20th until July 4th. Find the nearest place they will be playing and find a ticket!

Click on the link below to hear their newest track from their new album Velocifero called "Black Cat". It is available for download on their MySpace and official website.

For official tour dates click here: Ladytron

Oxfords

2008-03-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, if you're a female who has the slightest interest in high fashion, you should know by now after about 2 years that oxford heels and women's dress shoes inspired by men's dress shoes are the shit. They are definitely a must have, and will be a timeless trend. They add tons of character and uniqueness to your outfit.
If you aren't familiar with such styles of oxfords and men's dress shoes, apprise yourselves.

These are brown and black laced oxfords platforms by Marc Jacobs

These are brown leather laced oxford platform by Jeffrey Campbell (who makes amazing shoes at a reasonable price)

These are grey patent leather laced oxford platforms by Michael Kors (love the grey and patent leather)

This one is the Jeffrey Campbell wing-tipped brown leather shoe which I personally own.

They're amazing, comfortable and definitely a one-of-a-kind.

I suggest everyone (male or female), invest in a pair of modern-classic dress shoes.
They make a boring outfit exceptional.

Music and fashion

2008-03-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

I've always thought that fashion and style originates on the streets. Fashion and music go hand in hand because they are all forms of expression and they way people present themselves (blah blah blah), so who started it first (because this is the quintessential question for one upping the person next to you)?
I'm not sure.
Evidence:

Refused
I remember the first time I saw the video for "New Noise" and I thought "Oooo... Dennis is a fine dresser" with his kind of high water black skinny trousers and black sweater with the white button-down inside and just a hint of a black tie. Its a classic style, but where'd he get the idea to dress this way from? Certainly not from his earlier incarnation as grungy Swedish teenager. Ugh. It was minimalist, like their music aesthetic. So this, I feel is the music influencing fashion, most definitely.

Conversely, an obviously recent trend is epitomized in the Cool Kids.
Of course they are going to look like they walked out of 1992, they are 1992. In 1992, they were watching Barney just like everyone else (don't get me started on light blue jeans and neon colours). They grew up, figured this was a great way to show what era they felt was the best and mimicked it. Is this necessarily a bad thing? Not in all cases. If you're going to dress like a particular scene that has fallen by the wayside and been recycled yet again into fashion, don't get the most obvious things and "mix it up" or whatever with something present. No one wants to be so authentic that they look like an extra on Saved By the Bell. I smell eau de new rave coming off of this pic.

In short, I find its quite easy to predict what a person listens to by the way they dress. Puhlease don't give me that "ooo... I'm so more dynamic then what you're labeling me as" stuff. Then DRESS more dynamic.

JUSTICE - DVNO

2008-03-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

The music video for Justice's mix "DVNO" is out directed by So Me/Machine Molle. With the video, you can now catch onto the lyrics and what he's really saying. For example, I did not know he says "no offense" in the beginning. But I still do not know what "DVNO" means.. Whatever. Check it out. It's creative and catchy as always.

Justice - DVNO

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Spring 08 - Tribute to Blow

2008-03-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

Alexander McQueen's spring and fall 08 lines consisted of outrageous hats with over-the-top, sassy and classy garments that were eye-catching and different. His inspiration and muse all came from one person who discovered him and has helped him throughout is fashion career. Her name was Isabella Blow who passed away on May 6, 2007. She is known for being a fashionista who wore unique, avant-garde hats, where some covered her face. In the remembrance of Blow, McQueen has designed looks representing Blow.

Christian Lacroix

2008-02-20T21:06:00.003-08:00

Christian Lacroix never fails me, no matter how ridiculous or unusual his designs are. Yes, of course his Spring 2008 Couture line was amazing, breath-taking, and flat out fabulous, but one specific thing that caught my eye were his tights he incorporated throughout the line. He used different shades of blues, pinks, yellows, greens, depending on the whole outfit, and created them to fade from the color, starting at the feet, and then into white, up the thighs. They're amazing and I definitely want a pair in each color.

Steak

2008-02-19T23:03:00.000-08:00

So, new film out with some of our favorite musicians starring, directing and composing the film score as well. Quentin Dupieux, also known as Mr. Oizo, directed this movie about teenagers in the future who get plastic surgery to fit in. Uhhhh... so while I haven't seen the movie (and its already received terrible reviews) the talent outside of this film is great. From previews, it reminds me a little bit of A Clockwork Orange, with the outfits, gangs, drinking milk, beating people up. Who cares! Kavinsky and SebastiAn are in it, 'nuff said.

The standout track from the film is "Chivers as Female" by Oizo, SebastiAn, and Sebastien Tellier (0f Air). Watch it, don't watch it, but DO listen to this:

A Different Take on Men's Trousers

2008-02-19T15:35:00.000-08:00

There has been a low-key phenomenon within the fashion industry and some street walkers who has embraced this idea of an "over-sized" trouser. Pleated, tapered, or just all around baggy, designers like Dior Homme, Vivienne Westwood, Bottega Veneta, Belstaff, Salvatore Ferragamo and few others have embraced this new art of "over-sized" men's trousers. Dior has taken full force of a new way of manipulating pleated dress pants by making them bulge out and come back in at the ankle.

For those of you who wants to be a part of this sensation but wants to take it down a notch, Ferragamo's "over-sized" trousers are well proportioned with less volume and is more casual, but still classy. I have only seen a few men in public wearing "over-sized" trousers and as long you can work it and pair it with a great loafers or dress-shoes, it looks amazing. Seeing a man wearing a pair on the streets with a fitted cardigan with loafers is definitely a feast for the eyes.
Its different, modern, and unique, with a classic perception.

Dior Homme

Dior Homme

Vivienne Westwood

Emanuel Engaro

Blaak

Salvatore Ferragamo

Bottega Veneta

Menswear F/W 08 - The Cropped Pant

2008-02-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

Crop yo pants and you'll look better.

Dsquared2

Dsquared2

Dsquared2

John Varvatos

Marc By Marc Jacobs

Comme Des Garcons

Post One! le Beret

2008-02-12T22:44:00.001-08:00

One thing you should have by now but probably don't: a BERET!

Berets are eternally fashionable, they're french for goodness sakes. From high fashion chic to grummy hobo ... chic, every style can adopt this hair perfecting look.

From T to B: Marc by Marc, Betsey Johnson, Miss Sixty
(all from NY Fashion Week F/W 08)

MUSHION

The Future

OBESITY AND SPEED is all you need.

Blown Away in Slow Motion

!@^#&*^!)%#*&!

If I Know You

Justice & Coke Make Love

How is YOUR skeleton?

leather and fur

Camp, Kitch, Creep: Lux Interior 1948-2009

Viva Westwood! (and wtf Simon Costin)

Its Here.

Little Girls

Not Fucking Around in 09

This Is England: our skinhead obsession continues

Da Bag: Elvie

An experiment on a bird in the air pump

In other news: We Also Love Grey!

I Wish I Was a Boy.

Lost & Found

The Cast

Style & Music with a hint of Bad-Ass.

I <3 STUDS

"It is about God, yeah."

MEGAPUSS

Boots are made for kicking ass.

SupperClub

Latest Obsession: Lykke Li

DECONSTRUCT, DECONSTRUCT

Tycho ISO50

So Good, but a Bit Expensive

Everyone wants Mohr.

Next 'vintage'?

Lookbook: a style database?

oh, coco

2009, Keep It Bold

ALBERT HAMMOND JR.

OH, BOYD.

Era Style: Mods (and Skinheads)

Style Icon: Dita von Teese (and Evan Rachel Wood is lame)

Velocifero

Oxfords

Music and fashion

JUSTICE - DVNO

Spring 08 - Tribute to Blow

Christian Lacroix

Steak

A Different Take on Men's Trousers

Menswear F/W 08 - The Cropped Pant

Post One! le Beret

!@^#&^!)%#&!