CHI Stylezs. San Diego-based label promoting the
infinite chi, sharing positive energy with every soul it touches, and handcrafting just-plain-sick leather accessories from reusable resources. Discovered them at the Hillcrest Farmers' Market.
Kind of obsessed with the rainbow leather cuff.
While sipping on a satisfying Iced Mexican Mocha, courtesy of Claire de Lune's, I strolled into MATERIAL, a little North Park boutique I've been wanting to check out. So glad I did - the place was rad. The owner, Dave, was super friendly and laid-back, in his fresh little fedora. The space was cozy and eclectic, with an artsy urban vibe. Cultured. Great selection of men's & women's apparel - Classic Levi's. Mavi. Great little Free People frocks. Funky accessories. Pretty much, I wanted everything. Just an all around cool spot to shop. If North Park is this up-and-coming neighborhood where local artists thrive, then MATERIAL is perfectly North Park. Check it out. I think you'll dig it.
When: Friday, All Hallow's Eve's...Eve
Where: Winston's, OB
This 4-piece funk/rock/jam band, fresh back from a Nippon tour (which scores automatic points), killed it at Winston's. Dig the guitarist's flowing mane and crocheted jacket.
You and I, we're not tied to the ground
Not falling but rising like rolling around
Eyes closed above the rooftops
Eyes closed, we're gonna spin through the stars
Our arms wide as the sky
We gonna ride the blue all the way to the end of the world
To the end of the world
Oh, and when the kids are old enough
We're gonna teach them to fly...
Music, always bringing people from all walks of life together - moving, inspiring, connecting them. Such a fan of DMB and totally loving the video for this song, "You and Me", off their newest album, Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King. Check out the video HERE.
Featured in the November issue of Vogue Paris, photographed by Mario Sorrenti and styled by the "so effortlessly stylish it hurts", Emmanuelle Alt (such a fan!), the Graffi-Couture editorial is a visual pleasure! Dig the juxtoposition of a classic beauty, like Zimmerman, clothed in bold futuristic pieces, against layers of graphic graffiti.
Love this last shot! I'm so over blond starlets straight up imitating Marilyn - same here, same make-up, same poses. Not an ounce of originality. But this shot channels Monroe's sensuality and grace, with a fresh, modern take and I think its beautiful.
Interesting. So then the question still stands: Are we a product of our environment or is it the other way around?
Another great video from Ted.com, a non-profit devoted to spreading Ideas Worth Spreading, bringing together people from 3 realms: Technology, Entertainment, and Design.
Loved Balenciaga's Spring 2010 collection! Loved the faux-denim (they're actually leather!) skinnys. Loved the leather hoodies. Loved the geometric colorblocks. Mod, but modern. Edgy (of course), but sophisticated. Feminine, but with hints of that androgyny I love so very much. Well done, Ghesquiere.
PB&J, oreos & milk, jeans & a tee...classic combinations that have withstood the test of time. Think its about time to add denim & leather to that list. From the rugged Western days of ruddy denim shirts and leather chaps, to today's modern spin-a fitted denim button down and ultra-sexy leather skinnys-its a mix that is simulatneously traditional, edgy, and fuckin fantastic.
Case in point, this insane Alexander Wang moto jacket:
photo: www.rdujour.com
I'll be holding out for Volcom's version, at $80, though because...you know, I still need to eat.
Alexander McQueen is truly an artist. He does not merely design beautiful clothes-he creates masterpieces. His Spring 2010 Collection, with its truly unique & breathtaking aesthetic, is a mind-blowing exhibition further blurring the lines between fashion & art. I mean, how amazing would it be to own a piece of his artwork?
The shoes for this collection were equally shocking, in the best way possible. The deconstructed steel heel booties are sick! And how creepy/beautiful are the morphing-alien-esque platforms? And then there's the juxtaposition of the the uber-feminine, as only McQueen could do it-bronze platform ballet slippers and heavily embellished...I don't even know what to call it. They kind of remind of elephants actually. Anyway, they're stunning! All images: www.style.com
They say every artist should have a muse. Well, at the point that I'm ready to consider myself an artist, I'd make the lovely Ms. Freja Beha Erichsen my muse in a heartbeat. The Dorian Gray to my Basil Hallward, minus the whole soul transfering into the painting mess. Adding spice to a world full of token leggy blonds, season after season, she's walked every major runway at fashion week. She's got some 18 tattoos (which automatically scores major points in my book). She's got this badass, laid-back street style...leather jackets, tees, and black...lots of black Androgyny. Edge. A great smile. And....that swagger...damn. The girl is beautiful and all I'm saying is...I'd kick it with her.
The man can do no wrong. Seriously, every piece, from the distressed army green skinnys to the sequined military jackets, is perfection! I'll take one of everything, please! Well, a girl can dream...
As promised, here is the first installment of a little style series inspired by memorable Johnny Depp roles. Depp is known for his edgy nonchalance, his intriguing, dark beauty...his unassuming swagger. Whether its a curious boy with scissors for hands, a swashbuckling pirate, or an overzealous candy factory owner, Depp manages to bring humanity, charm, and style to every character.
So, what better way to start off the official Halloween season (which I'm totally stoked about, by the way) than with the movie that inspired this style series...
Depp's Sweeney Todd look is old England meets rock'n'roll...as only Burton and Depp could do it. The denim/leather combo is spot on for Fall 09, as are the lace-up boots. In the film, Todd also wears this incredible denim waterfall jacket I can't stop thinking about. I guess the quest begins for my Sweeney Todd jacket...
is his incredible editorial showcase in Harper's Bazaar's October issue - a haunting fusion of style and art. Dark, intriguing, and beautifully twisted...the editorial not only showcases fall's latest runway trends, but Burton's trademark standard of quiet, grotesque beauty. No Johnny Depp, but nonetheless, the spread is whimsical, and humorous, edgy, eerie, and completely stunning...classic Tim Burton!
I just re-watched Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd last night and have been inspired. Johnny Depp's interpretation of Todd is absolutely fantastic. The man wears the most amazing denim jacket and double-breasted vest. Stay tuned for a Depp-inspired style series...
I was perusing Anthropologie's fabulously whimsical site, as I usual do late at night, and came across this image on their main shoe page. For some reason, I'm just totally amused by it. Funny how the slightest rotation of a shoe can create so much personality. If you ask me, it was the blue boot...in the closet, with the rope. I guess in a shoe line-up, my "Most Wanted" would be:
So hot, yet so elusive. The search continues for affordable motorcycle boots...
September's finally here! And although the 80 degree weather may say otherwise, we are officially into the Fall season. When the temperatures finally settle down, when the air becomes a little crisper, when the trees become vibrant shades of orange and red, and thoughts of Halloween dance in my head...these are the pieces I'll be coveting to satisfy my Fall wardrobe.
1. Military details. 3.1 Philip Lim military cardigan. 2. Silver accents. Nancy Caten silver chain bracelet. 3. Denim shirt. Current/Elliot perfect denim shirt. 4. (Not just a) Plain white tee. Alexander Wang cage tee. 5. Mineral-rinse skinnys. Members Only cloudy jeans. 6. Sheer Blouse. Alexander McQueen sheer blouse. 7. Quilted leather. Balmain quilted leather jacket. 8. Black flat boots. Thomas Wylde buckled up leather boots. 9. Waterfall jacket. TopShop waterfall jacket.
Classic all-American rock'n'roll reminiscent of the 70's mixing it up with some modern girl edge. Ms. Grace Potter, a musical force who rocks it out on a Hammond B3 organ (among other instruments), fronts this Vermont-based blues/rock jam band. Her raspy, soulful voice rings clear and defiant. The band's toured with such rock'n'roll acts as Gov't Mule and The Black Crowes. And I'm just totally diggin their vibe. Trackin these guys for sure because from what I've seen, I'm guessing their pretty incredible live. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, ladies and gentlemen. Check'em out:
america's answer to the greek gods walked the red carpet in smouldering perfection at the premiere of brad's new tarantino flick, Inglorious Basterds. brad, oozing sensual nonchalance in a great blacks suit & stunna shades. angelina, looking the hotness in a little black dress...done in leather...as only she could. and in true badass fashion, she accessorizes the little leather number with sky-high patent heels and a few well-placed tattoos.
photo:www.foxnews.com
Two ways to rock Angelina's look, arm candy & ink not included:
As if the strong shoulder jacket wasn't badass enough, Decarnin had to go and do it in quilted leather...with chain detailing. I mean, this jacket is incredible. Rock it casual for day with my favorites - white tank & distressed skinnies - or class it up at night with a sheer black blouse, a great pair of slim cropped trousers, & an insane pair of bright heels.
MJ's the shit. Just can't mess with the guy. Often imitated, never duplicated-Michael Jackson is, and always will be, THE King of Pop. And to this day, no one even comes closing to nabbing the "Prince of Pop" title. Musically, one of the greatest innovators, fusing rock & soul into one incredibly distinct sound. His choreography was sexual and raw, but so smooth and so uniquely him. And don't get me started on his style. It was ALL about the details-from the infamous embellished glove, to the perfectly dipped fedora, the red motorcycle jacket, the motorcycle pants, the layers of belts...probably, hands down, one of the sickest closets to raid.
And then there's the countless good times I've had jammin' out to classic MJ. I remember spending every recess in 1st grade choreographing a dance routine to "Black or White". I remember watching the kids perfomring "Heal the World" during the Superbowl. Dance recitals. Freeing Willy. Shufflin' to the Jackson 5. Nearly two decades of rockin & movin with friends in the car-PYT, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Thriller, The Way You Make Me Feel, They Don't Care About Us, Remember the Time...the list goes on and on, every single song sparking memory after memory.
MJ is legendary.
His soul will forever thrive through his music - music that has changed the world too greatly to ever die or be forgotten.