Get ready to die

OK. I'm sorry. That is a little brash. BUT, I don't know how else to warn of this killer pain in my chest. All I know is, I watched this video, and now my heart feels like it is going to explode. Is it love? Yes, yes--I believe it is. Thank goodness I have viable means of relief. But I might be dead come Thursday. I'm just sayin'.
If laughter is the best medicine--until Thursday, then I am happy to post this hilarious video.

Southern Comfort

Ok. It's time for a couple of disclaimers. Number one, I am no photographer. I used to say I am just not one of those camera carrying girls until I took my brothers camera on a trip and took quality pictures. I was addicted! I return and opt for a camera--and now, what? All of a sudden I take terrible pictures?! So disclaimer no. two is--assuming said sprawling industry has influenced 'good' photography, no. 2 is the actual camera makes all the difference.

Back to business, I was so stoked to recently ride it out southbound to the great capital city Austin for the annual festivus SXSW. This was my first go, so I had minimal clue as what to expect. (If you are like me and wiki everything, it's worth the look up on stats.)
It's also worth the trip (every sense of the word), the cost--which, if you know where you are going, many times is free, and very worth the time it takes to get together a great look as everyone is a rock star, which means everyone is pretty hot, and everyone wants to be your boyfriend. This is just my experience.
The Fader Fort was where it was at. Aside from the complimentary tasty bevs, it truly was eye candy galore. Disclaimer no. 3 would be, I'm not supposed to be the one taking pictures as, not only am I clearly terrible at it, but it totally jacks with the steeze.
So that picture way up there is of my favourite discovery in Austin, one half of Andrew Andrew,
an "interdisciplinary creative team," the wildly entertaining MC's for the event. I stopped Andrew as he was passing through (doesn't matter which one), to say how much I appreciated the intermission. He said 'thank you', reaching into his pocket to present--and I mean present, his card which simply read "ANDREW ANDREW" cradled in both hands as if offering a cool drink on a hot summer day. I went to recover the card--I felt like I was discovering gold, when he flipped it to the back to read "DOT COM".
Check them out on East Village Radio, a free online LIVE Stream that features the best of music, art, and culture from said locale.

I also discovered how delish "SoCo and Diet whatever" is. Yum-O Rachel Ray! I'm telling you... Come to think of it, maybe it was the SoCo that tricked my eye into loving the prairie girl boots everyone was rocking. I'm guessing these were the Comfort shoe of the festival because I don't know when else they would be appropriate. Ok, scratch that: disclaimer no. 4 would be I am totally rocking the boots because I now remember they were my absolute favourite shoe as a kid. I also know I will be the only one doing So in my Social cirque Soo...I am drafting a post as we speak of new impending styles I'm calling first. OH! Which leads me to say, see below: That's a fanny pack ladies and gentleman (Blaine). It was not originally a fanny pack as it was a long shoulder bag, but that's how re-invention works. Next post. It's coming, it's coming.

As for the musical entertainment which brought us all together, my discoveries were many. Dark Dark Dark was a lovely four piece compilation I would compare to Devotchka.
Dark x 3 has one up given the statuesque voice and beauty of their leading lady who also plays the accordion. It was this show I met Ashley--actually, I met Ashley through Lupe, a real life therapy dog folks, that--nevermind anything going on outside his arm span, this dog was the show. Ashley introduced me to The Elements, a southern rock group out of Oklahoma. She was pretty adamant about making this show and later revealed exactly why. Well, you can see for yourself: the lead singer looks just like Emile Hirsch. Helloooo! Oh, and they were good too.

Francis and the Lights were very entertaining. Mesmerizing actually. I would recommend Francis for good tunes and sweet dance moves.


I randomly took a picture of the band on stage at Fader to send to my friend: "This is The Hot Dogs" I messaged, not entirely sure their name, yet knowing it would go over her head as well.
After a hard days flirt, some guy trailing behind ran into the garbage can and howled holding his head from the 'accident'. I turned around to nurse the schmuck, when I realized "Hey! We saw you!! Where did we see you?!!?!" Ah, The Hot Melts informed me of who and where we had seen them. Really nice, fun guys--I would say Blink 182 meets The Beach Boys from the UK. Speaking of head rush, Lissy Trullie is truly a sight to behold. I was instantly enamoured with her style: cool (temperature and otherwise) in a cropped leather jacket, black stockings and mini-skirt--check her out in this mic clutch shot.

I know what I'm talkin': Oscar de la Renta Jr.'s muse..? Yes!

We saw a handful of other excellent acts: Tricky "The Father of trip-hop" and my fav, Passion Pit. I fell in love with White Lies a la a cd mix Julie made me but just learned Absolutely Rachel hearted them first (natch). Ten out of Tenn, Black Cherry, Michna which gets Andrew Andrews' vote to ski to. I met a couple fellas from Dephonic, a jazz infused beat band out of Philadelphia. Seeing as how The Roots are on lock down with insert-favourite-foul-word-Jimmy Fallon, my next big bet is on Dephonic.

I suppose disclaimer no. 5 would be first, I had an elusive ghost, and now spotty i-net as it has been nearly non-existent the past couple weeks. As for the next few days, my only excuse is: research baby, as you can find me furthermore south in sunny 70's on that little isle of ours we call Isabel. Take that East Village Radio! I'll be sure to send you tunes to surf to.

Essen-YOU-al

"Now accepting applications" should be the title of this post. No, no, no--actually it should be something of intrusive urgence like that simply complicated one liner in interviews: "Tell me about yourself." I used to think I was good at meetings, or wooing people but have discovered the opposite--indeed disturbing for a self professed social. Could you explain me according to a PCD?

"So, tell me about yourself..." today means I need to explain my sense of style--why often I am complimented "You always look good!" (--Meaning my clothes look good. I'm no model of perfection.) I don't know the answer. I don't know how to break 'me' down. It takes a distinct sense of self: an awareness, a goal, a motive or solution. That much I know. But I also know it takes practice and living in the great land of unpredictable weather, I am most familiar with change.
Every day is different. Some days, I want to be a sophisticated lady lunching; others I refrain from wearing a bandanna with my low-rider, So. Cal inspired board shorts. I can pretty much look like anybody and that's the beauty of playing with your look. It's still you folks! You will still hear "You always look good!"

So if you would like to be paid a constant compliment and skip that part of the interview, listen up.

Five Pieces That Do the Talking

#1. Of course, I would say a Dress.

This season, I am looking for embroidered details. I am particularly drawn to the bright florals that have a Spanish or Moroccan lean, or crisp eyelet detail, as I believe retailers will soon re-discover the local art from our southern neighbours. Grab anything reasonable when it comes to the detail, but be much more keen to the Spanish lean. (One more thing I can't explain..my ridiculous rhyme.)

The key is to zero in on one detail that sets you apart but still maintains the general function, i.e. can transcend your look however you mix it up. Don't limit yourself!! With each piece, you should have a multitude of options be it with a simple shoe change, by adding a wrap or cardigan, or even simplifying or dramatising your make up.
#2. A comfort 'blanket'.

Absolutely Rachels' Chihuahua dog Darla goes crazy when she pulls out this colourful, two sided quilt she has. She bounces around top to bottom, burrows herself into the wrinkles and will snap at you if you try to hog it all. (She's also 14 years old.) I feel you sister: this is exactly how one should feel in their cardigan or wrap. I've mentioned before the value of a nice shawl, but now would like to edit the function: I throw my wrap over everything. It is, after all, a cover up. Interchange the two, cardigan or shawl, as personal style is a matter of comfort.

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#3. We love short, Shorts.

That's not true. I like any and all shorts. Hold it! None-a-this "I hate my legs." "I don't look good in shorts." yada, etc. (I used to think the same of flip flops. Flip flops!) The thing about shorts is, there are rules. If you opt for the leggy exposure, consider the balance. Think of your body according to two halfs:

• Short-shorts, typically a 9" inseam, look best when paired with a long sleeve top, or by adding layers. It's an eyeball thing. The attention is drawn to what attracts the eye so take the viewer where you want them to go, i.e to the top. Needless to say, minimize the shoe volume.


• Longer shorts, on the other hand, are the attraction (more material) thus appearing best displayed by minimizing up above. Longer shorts look great with a sleek, sleeveless top, or strappy blouse and highlight such exposed features. Longer shorts are also great to work an unexpected heel, such as a fun platform, thus highlighting the bottom half of your body.
  
  But if you're like me and hate rules, just wear them all the time.
  

#4. Long sleeve Dress Shirt.

I love mine and not because it has "dress" in the name. ...Although, it does speak for itself. A cotton-blend, slightly over-sized dress shirt can create a multitude of looks. When I don't have time nor want to think about even dressing myself, I opt for my long sleeve dress shirt paired with whatever I can lay my hands on. Cardigan a little much given the weather or just feeling more casual? A simple dress shirt acts as both a basic and an accent--it's like an oxymoron! It doesn't make sense, yet it does; use the intended function as your function. A loosely rolled up sleeve is casual, while a perfectly proportioned cuff implies otherwise. The same applies to colour and detail. Remember, your dress shirt is talking for you. Just make sure it's not dirty talk.

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#5. Statement Jewel.


Unfortunately, I have lost a series of statement jewels over the years. Thus, I use the term loosely. My statement jewel (until that damned day) is a skinny band, marcasite encrusted ring. I get compliments on it often. IT. I get compliments on it. Yet, I can't go without it. By all means, I have the potential to lose it through whatever it is I am doing, but take the chance anyhow. Why? Because that's life! Not only does it draw compliment, it compliments me. My taste, my choice--it speaks of the essence I wish to embody.


With or without, win some lose some, you are essential to what makes such things work. Remember, it's still you, so it still has to be you. Otherwise, it's just an application.

Ghost Buster

Strange.
My mother and I have been at odds over a ceiling fan. It works when it wants to. We have had several people look at it. Re-place, re-wire--some professional, some not. I find it is the problem of whomever put it in. "Call them to come fix it!!" I shout. "I can't," she says slowly to level the tension. "They've done everything. What ceiling fan has a ghost???" And that is how our argument ends. (Note: that is how most of our arguments end--mom digs deep, I'm telling you.)
But, she is not wrong. My blood, sweat and tears post that disappeared?? Has a ghost!! This is it! It is amongst us! I am posting what remained of that fateful moment: a Maria Elena inspired look to work these next early days of spring. And am now off to call an exorcist.

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Condolences are in order

There has been an accident. A terrible, horrible accident.
I lost my words.
I'd been working on a most excellent post about this, when I dontknowwhatIdid, but it...was...gone.
I've now resorted to bullets.

• My newest philanthropy.
• The next big thing.
• A Pretty Cheap Dress for sale.

Someone take the gun away.

A Most Excellent Resolve

I'm not gonna lie (unlike some people): I believe in retail therapy. I don't care how short lived it is, whatever you are buying to make yourself feel better, should carry over the full extent til the day you wear it. It's been my selling point thus far. A pretty cheap dress that is.
Retail therapy: "shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyers mood or disposition." Apparently, a European study found that 33% of shoppers had a rash or unnecessary addiction to shopping, the worse cases found amongst the Scottish. I say, rash therapy from Scotch or shopping?? Don't make me choose.
And so, I have not been very inspired as of late. There are certain things that make you want to--at very least, look pretty, be it an occasion, mood determination, or even an effort to impress. One of my favourite lines comes from Nathaniel Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown: "With this excellent resolve for the future, Goodman Brown felt himself justified in making more haste on his present evil purpose."
Much analysis has been debated over Hawthornes' story; the irony in naming the flawed central character 'Good'man Brown and of course the mission at hand: should the Young Puritan have journeyed into the notoriously evil forest as if seeking temptation?
I think my position reverts back to one of my original posts: Colour You (me) Baddd. Meaning, if you're gonna do it, it better be worth it.
And it is. As proven below.

My dear friend Rachel (AbsolutelyRachel that is) had it out for the dress on the far right, comparable to this one. I was requested to find that dress for much cheaper (than $343)--which just meant do what I do best. Thank you! and all, please continue to send me your requests. If I can't find it online, then I may find it at, as my mother says, 'one of my gettin' places'--and it will surely be a one of a kind. :)
Note: I know what it's like to get your heart set on something particular (and expensive, where nothing else will do, except that you are minus dividends), which is why you need to go with what I got.
My favourite of my comparable finds is this brush stroke print by Kensie, Macy's $88. The battaeu neckline and full skirt add for a comfortable fit; shown paired nicely with tights, with or without, this look would be great for 'it's just dinner' or as a super fun party dress. This v-neck floral, shown below, would be a great Sunday (funday) dress, featuring braided straps and slight pleat detail. (Nordstrom, $58)



This C&C California bubble dress is also a fun find, and very reasonable at $39 (marked down from $110). Come summer, I live in my cotton dresses and can guarantee you will too. A string of bad luck, I ruined several in a matter of no time from sun tan oil, or somethin'. Let it be known: a bronze glow means nothing when you have a heartbreak! You're just burnt in your spotted dress! Opt for heavy prints and a good mix of colour in effort to conceal mini-mishaps.
I am also digging the lovely--I call them 'housewives' dresses, popularized by my icon Lucy. She always seemed so comfortable haggling with Ricky for a part in 'his' show, or hosting the albeit neighbors Fred and Ethel Mertz. (Did you know: early in the show, producers required Ethel to appear more homely and carry a few extra pounds because she was actually younger than Lucy. Later in the show--having gained a following, Ethel (Vivian Vance) contested the stipulation and was allowed to return to norm.) Newport, $39

Return to norm! Kick off your spring thing gifting yourself a couple of these comfortable, easy go-to dresses. I'm not telling you to lose yourself in a buying frenzy, rather reminding it's ok to check out the forest because you will find your way out. Of course, it will take a most excellent resolve. And you will need a Pretty Cheap Dress.

The Pin Show

I actually have no idea why it's called The Pin Show. But I can tell you what it is: such fun! I learned of The Pin Show after taking Project Make--a seven week course in which, upon completion, even the most amateur (hand in air) learns to sew. But honestly, Project Make became more to me than learning how to construct. Working with owner and operator Julie McCollough Kim was truly inspiring as I also learned of her tenacious vision for the Bishop Arts District. The woman is fearless--a heavy hand and undeniable force behind the re-emergence of Dallas' Historic Bishop Avenue. Day or night, I've seen her confront booming, disruptive, (scary looking) passers-by, running into the street like a pit-bull parent defending her lot. Yet, she has a way of making you feel important--intricate and necessary to do your part in the local community.
Joined by Rachel Nichelson, Julies' infectious vision for local artists spread from her quaint studio to create the Pin Show--an 'Independent Fashion Event' hosted this year at the train stop Union Station. Encouraged by my mentor, Julie had told me to volunteer for the show as a burgeoning stylist; truth be known, I was completely unaware of the depth and scale, and held reservation. Good thing! That thing was sold out!

Twenty-five designers, 50 some/odd plus models, a fleet of local hair and make-up artists--all celebs in their own right, numerous crews of photographers, and of course, not to mention the stylists. This was my first show folks, --which was impressive to a few of my fellow counterparts, so forgive me as I can't recall the names of all my favourite designers, nor took even decent pictures. From back stage :)

Cooper by Courtney had a lovely, feminine vision featuring girly, clean lines in colour block dresses, such as the Brianna shown left. Reading her biography, Courtney shares a similar belief to a PCD: "The perfect dress, can completely change a woman's attitude and give the confidence they need to change the world and achieve their dreams."
Cooper by Courtney has many outlets across the states so be sure to keep an eye--and ask! your local boutiques for this talented designer.
Antithesis was another highly anticipated designer. Some designs required accessories to complete the look--but not Antithesis. The fabric, the cuts, each piece spoke for itself and told a stand-out story. "The opposite of ordinary," Antithesis designs for the Woman, the Lady and the Lover, the silent story every woman wants to tell with just a glance.

I first saw Meling Chang's extraordinary knit wear this past fall at the Make Studio. Chang magically blends organic cottons, polyester, and silk in a way I have not seen before for her line Meline. No matter the content, each piece is assured a special hand; think of the receiving blanket you would bring your baby home in and that's the wonderment Meline wishes to provide. Chang introduced menswear at the show and was quite a hit. Comfortable yet complimenting, a breathable wear; just check out the happy models(!) to my left and right.
The Pin Show was a great mix of comfort and couture. Shemura was the most tenured in the formal wear category featuring lovely elegant pleat work and intricate beading. I recently learned of an upcoming show featuring this design house and hope to learn more of their aesthetic.

I was so thrilled to see a former classmate, Abbiee Qyewole, introduce her line Qetura. Abbiee has a skillful way of blending Western elegance with African inspired print. While her colour palette is a rich blend of mature neutrals, the cuts and prints scream something fierce. Abbiee herself could be a model and carries that attribute to her clothes. Great job Abbiee! and I can't wait to see what the future holds!
Going into the Pin Show, I wasn't sure what to expect. One part of me wanted to act a fool, get lost in the racks, let out a squeal, and ask the make-up artists to apply eyelashes. Another part had to take hold and repeat "Don't screw up. You're working. Don't scr....ohh!! EEEEEKKKK!!"
I allowed the latter for the finale of the show. I absolutely lost it for newcomers Tracey Villancana and Casey Smith's collaborative line Classic Edge, an impressive build of rock and roll formal wear. I was like a stalker. I seriously followed the thing around back stage, gazing deeply into the black sheen, admiring each sparkle in the silver grommets. The final moments before she took stage, I screamed to my new friends Jasmine and Yasmina "She's going on!! She's going on!" and ran to the side stage, keeping on eye for the first steps and listening for crowd gasps. I didn't hear them, rather an excited applause and whistle, of course once I stopped doing so myself.
Bravo to Julie and Rachel for bringing such vision to the Metroplex and to all the many people who make it happen. Get involved folks, for you never know where the next train stops.