Smoke signals mean nothing to a city girl

It is time. To confess. My undying love. For pizza. No, that is not me with the faux feather as seen above, but! it very well could have been me posted up next to the pizza stand... ok, a couple times the course of Bonnaroo (and most likely why I wasn't asked to be in any stylin' pictures.) In order to emphasize my infatuation for my fav food group: one time, this guy kept asking to take me out: "Hang out at the house?" No. "Come to the lake?" No. "Pizza and a *french kiss?" --but he did not say f*rench kiss---and I seriously stopped to ponder, thinking "...I do like pizza..."
So, anyway, Bonnaroo. If you are unfamiliar and/or did not check out the multiple aforementioned links: four days, Manchester, Tennessee (home to Heidi's boyfriend Jack), 80,000 people pitching 25,000 tents in the middle of nowhere, 200+ bands playing to everyone and their token' hippie, and somehow, a limo and Drew Barrymore were there. Ok, I don't know that they came together, but both were very stylin' for the middle of nowhere.
So, after what pieced together to make a full day spent in the car, we rolled up just in time to re-energize for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs featuring the one and only Karen O. The lead singer for the New York based trio, Miss O. stands as indie rocks' most daring female. From a distance, I believed Miss O. to be sporting an ethereal white kimono with traditional print accents. Note: when it comes to the Indie genre, never mistakenly label anything "traditional" as that's why it's called 'indie'. I've read many disagreed or altogether disliked what surely is a custom outfit, but after a bit of research, I get it now.

Note: the pic on the right is a nod to their website and latest disc "It's Blitz!"; one may decipher interpretation of the left picture on their own. Much love to the incredible Lucinda Williams; always have been a fan, always will be, but sister was looking rough. If Ray Wylie Hubbard were there, I would have a) had a case of amnesia whereby attempting to alleviate my disillusion with b) a nap. Anywho, wasn't really feeling it and was joined in the belief that, neither was she.
Photo courtesy this blog, which offers a great--both pictorial and editorial review of what can be had at Bonnaroo. Speaking of naps: it was astonishing how many people found comfort in the middle of nowhere. No really. They would lie down and sleep in the middle of nowhere. While watching Lu, there was a strange, occasional noise accompanied by heat. Huh? Looking around, we discovered a gas-filled torch that, when lit, shot up huge smoke rings that could be seen 'round the grounds. (Me and Lu happened to be nearby.) So, en route to actually see where this random heat was coming from, we saw this guy asleep in the lawn. I thought it rude to take a picture of a clearly exhausted person, but also needed evidence of what I'm talkin'. I took this picture just as he woke to a stranger lying down with him for his Kodak moment, when he honestly woke up with this expression:
Quite honestly, I saw way too many acts to name and think my running mate Dave nailed it when he said "I've heard so much about them, I don't know who I've actually seen!" The Beastie Boys were nothing but energy; Jenny Lewis was everything I remembered her to be: purely poetic and always stunning. Bon Iver, The Decemberists, NIN--if there is one tip I could offer anyone due to make a subsequent trek: if there is a show you want to see, be sure you want to be there beginning to end. Tardiness or lax motivation gets you nothing (at times, not even an eye on the stage, Ex: Phoenix) if you are indeed there for the music.

I was able to see Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3 on a recommendation and would extend the same rec for those of you heading to Austin for ACL. An elder Hitchcock jazzed the audience with impressive bluesy rifts and folk melody often compared to Bob Dylan.

Grammy winning Raphael Saadiq was a phenomenal throw-back to the traditional indie line-up. Motown sound paired with a discerning, modern eye for style, Saadiq was my pick for the festival. Oh, and if you'll recall, Saadiq is formerly of R&B group Tony! Toni! Tone (eeek.)

And so it pains me to tell this next part of the story. How everyone wanted to see MGMT. How I missed my opportunity to hang with The Bruce in VIP. How a random conversation with two tech's in Memphis hooked me up with MGMT's sound engineer at the Roo; how I was supposed to meet him and MGMT at "8:00, stage right..."-- six hours before the 2 a.m. show and how then, I would have totally missed NIN "last show" going down at the exact same time.

So, no, it didn't happen. But now I totally understand why some opted for a re-charge nap in the middle of nowhere.

Check out Style.com and Lucky Magazine's Bonnaroo Style Report for more looks from Bonnaroo 2009.
And no, I didn't totally miss MGMT. I just had a different point of view.

Ugh! I forgot my feathers!

Did you check out Bonnaroo?? I did :)
In short, it was impressive. And to be fair, I'll need to get back to you on the course of events. But I want to go ahead and post some of the pics I took in earnest search of personal style--which is hard to define amongst 80,000 people. The thing is, one can be different. One can be the one and only. But if you are different, the one and only, and you start a trend, well now that is impressive. Check out these potential trendsetters and consider the different ways you could work the looks.
Ok, maybe not this look. BUT! If you are a fan of Aaliyah and can't let her go, I'm right there with ya. You can hardly tell, but this girl is wearing a sherpa. The first pic I took she was making this face


--granted, I opened with "Aren't you hot??", the obvious answer clear, but more so evident was her commitment to the look. (Yes, I complimented her on it--it's how I got the pic.)



If you look closely, those are lobsters. Embroidered lobsters.

I knew I forgot something for the MGMT show (i.e. neo-native headress).

I'll delve deeper into exactly where each of these looks were seen, and of course the scene of the seen. But at this juncture, I want spend a little more time exercising what may come more difficult for some. Multi-tasking.

Business Trip

Am off to Bonnaroo 2009. If you are unfamiliar with Bonnaroo, ...actually, I have no time to even try to explain what I believe to be Bonnaroo. Click any of the aforementioned links I've hyperlinked and start reading.

Two questions:

Is three days and 80,000 people a good sample size for personal style?

Is three purses, two hats, and bag full of necklaces overkill?

Stimulus, Check!

Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1951

When was the last time you learned something 'new'? Hold that thought. Outside of your mouth.
---
So the other night, I learned two things about children: one) it's not always a guarantee they make it inside the toilet. And two) "children bite themselves when they are bored." When my friend Jessica stated the latter, I instantly envisioned a room full of toddlers gnawing on their arms, a "I don't know any better but this is interesting..." look in their eyes. "They bite themselves, Jess??" No, not themselves, but rather each other. Oh. Apparently, and this makes sense, they need to be adequately entertained or have consistent adult interaction. I'm pretty sure I have found my fingers in my mouth more times these past months than I have ever before. I am absolutely bored out of my gourd.
Originally, I suspected my lack of creativity was a result of 'just a funk': a condition evidently onset by excusable lingo such as "recession" and "decline". A visceral funk with little or no defense mech--heck, we were afraid to die by Swine Flu and eyeah, I still found my fingers in my mouth; an actual funk with far less fatalities than the more common strain--lest I remind, it's still out there folks.
So, it's still out there. The lack thereof. The non-inspiring. The 'new'found celebrities and their supposed inherent style. Alas, I realize, the search for all things good often come despite and long after giving up. "Happiness is a journey, not a destination", right? (I also agree "Happiness is a journey, but almost never a song by Journey.")

Here are a couple looks to check yo' stimulus:

True Religion "Jordan" Boyfriend Jean, $246

Ha! You know as well as I do, there is no rationale behind spending this kind of money on rip-torn jeans. But comfort and style are two reasons to bust out the blade and bleach and do it yourself. Recycle a baggy fit or check out your local thrift shop for a men's pair; length is unimportant as this fit and style should always be worn rolled up to complete the lax look.

Levi's 501 cut-offs, American Apparel, $48

I know it's hot out if my legs are sweating. The same goes for you. Like summertime, there are few other options when the heat hits. Lunges, baby.

Off the Shoulder 3/4 Sleeve, $55
Head to thigh, this look is exactly what I'm gunning for. (You should know what's on the feet.) A great find, modal is one of the most comfortable fabrics through many seasons and the 3/4 length sleeve is appropriate at any age.

Max and Chloe Cabochon Ring, $20

A sophisticated dose of colour, I'm really loving all things bauble this summer. Summer Boho is all about textures and prints (and lots o skin); if you are hesitant any combination of the above is too much 'dirty hippy', mix up the eras with clean-line enamel accessories to freshen your look.
Check out my style book for more samples.

Eisenstaedt on Marilyn Monroe, 1961

A recent trip to my beloved cities' flee market, I came across an interesting book I couldn't walk away from. A most famous photographer, Alfred Eisenstaedt captured some of the most unforgettable images in American history, most notably of V-J Day and the infamous sailor kissing the nurse, 1945. The subjects of that classic picture are unknown, as Eisenstaedt hurriedly captured the unexpected moment and was unable to cite their names. Eisenstaedt on Eisenstaedt, a beautiful pictorial history by the artist and author, came to me much the same, as an unexpected gift from my Aunt. Thank you Ana! Like Eisenstaedt, your timing is always perfect.

As for how I discovered children don't always make it inside the toilet: let's just say my only argument with my favourite look of the moment, jumpsuits, is the wrenching time it takes to unbutton/un-do, and the pool of clothing left to go no where but at your feet, which apparently, in a house full of kiddos, is along with other said pool.

Alas, I suppose one can never really expect the unexpected.

Shvitzing to the oldies (but goodies)

On the evening of Friday, May 8th, between the hours of 6 and 9 P.M., three men separately approached me to say "I really like your shoes."

Now, that may or may not come as a surprise to you, but it did me, especially given the details of the first approach. I stepped outside The Chat Room to better hear an important call--whoa, hold the phone. The weather of the past week has retained a mortifying 90% humidity, and when I say mortifying, I mean, it's been funky. (At one point, I thought 'I'm going to make my clean-but-it-looks-greasy-anyway hair look good...this (has to be)--the--look of the moment,'-- just to make myself feel better.) So, here I am, no where to go but outdoors, instantly sopping wet head to toe; the thick air choking my face, my body, my lungs. There was one other person on the patio (by choice!) and I tried to distance myself to minimize humiliation. (Girls don't sweat, right?) I even ended up using the cocktail napkins I had been furiously taking notes on to soak the stagnant pools off my face; it was that bad. I could see the guy leaving, thankful I would soon be shvitzing alone, when he yelled toward the corner I kept myself in "I really like your shoes." I gave him a little nod and a wave given the total situation, when he continued "They are really awesome. I've not seen those before..."

Now, I don't know how one overlooks their own sweaty feet, but I have never received a more unexpected compliment, much less three, from three men, within three hours....which leads me to discuss this article: "How to wear 'new trends". I knew something other than the humidity was up and that would be adjectives: "The 'new' gladiator sandal, the 'new' biker jacket..." I'll admit, I had a hard time throwing down for the 'new' gladiators when the 'old' ones I had were just fine! But I think above and beyond the parts of speech, the point is these guys noticed something different. Thing is, there really is nothing different when it comes to style for the next few months: it's just new, which means something, to someone, be it you or three blind men. Refresh your wardrobe with these hot updates given *humid conditions.
*Note: I like the sample sentence offered on dictionary.com: "It's not the heat, it's the humidity that tires me out."

Russe at ShopStyle" src="http://www.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png">

P.S--I am really diggin' the writers for the Times' Style online. Check out "The Statement Dress" article. The first paragraph should sound familiar...and I had no luck finding a picture of the show stopper shoes. Guess you'll just have to trust me.

I get it from my momma

I better kick a shout out to my mom.
I'll be honest, we are not the most 'serious' women. If, when reading my blog, you have noticed much ends with a 'bada bing' or rimshot, believe that is characteristic of my relationship with my mother. Sure we can have serious conversation--well, like one time, things got a little heated when I argued the importance of quirky manners. "I don't understand saying "Bless you" when someone sneezes. I mean, there is no weight in the actual words. I'm just making you feel better by saying it! And if I don't say anything, then I'm 'rude'!" She said "You do it. You just...do it!" I continued my rave on faux courtesy and the time spent making people feel better, dissatisfied with her "just do it" defense. We split the room (well, our arguments did), she off to the living room, I getting myself together; a partition apart and disagreement in the air.
One minute later, I heard "achoo" within earshot.
I forced a caustic but genuine "Bless you Mother!"
She thanked me in equal tone.
And then we laughed in harmony.
So we disagree over 'things that don't matter', but there is plenty in which we agree. My mom has never questioned my sense of style which in turn has allowed me to be daringly unique and independently confident. No, she didn't create Nike but she did make me who I am.
Here's to all the Mothers who just do it!

I love you mom, my fair lady.

Designer Front

I wanted to share some pictures from the Stiletto Event, a community effort to highlight local business and an opportunity to showcase regional fashion designers. Fellow fashionista and recent Art Institute grad Yasmina Johnston presented her collection Xhonder, and I must say, was the highlight of night. Check out a few of the looks from the collection.










Bravo! and much success Yas!

Intervention happens

"I shut my eyes in order to see."
-Paul Gauguin

I had an interesting conversation with a friend once over the statement "Everything happens for a reason." I have discovered more times than not agreement in this cliche and was taken aback when she did not. The points of her debate were far more serious than the capacity of this blog, but basically, we moved to agree sometimes, shit happens.

I was watching a most interesting episode of "What Not to Wear"--you know, the fashion friendly, drug-free version of "Intervention" on TLC? This eps. was interesting because the abuser was in fact a producer of runway shows. You know, the person in charge of making sure it all looks good? Calls the shots, translates the vision, relays the tone and tempo for the designers--? She is the one at the center of it all! Who--not only sees first hand, but coordinates the ebb and flow of progressive style!?!

The argument is always the same--"I work all the time," "I have kids," "I can't create a look to save myself. From that show,"-- and what happened with her isn't any different, as she lost sight of herself and focused on what works for others.
I want you, then, to go shopping for someone else. (Hey, I do it for you all the time:) One of my girlfriends used to say "That looks like you," which is the best and sweetest compliment, and I in turn offer it to others. Problem is, everyone has worked it against me! "Oh, that looks like you," as if they cannot see themselves in commendable style. Be it here or in the stores, I want you to create three looks for three different models:

1) the "All Business" Woman

2) the Woman who makes the toughest job look easy (aka "Stacey's Mom" as, she "has got it goin' on")

3) the Woman that gets all the looks. But not ones that get you on that show.

I want you to close your eyes and imagine the prototype of what these women look like.

Now show me.
(Note: some of you may be thinking 'But I wear two or more of those hats' which should be any combination of #3. Bravo! Then, just as you would in those roles, you should be attempting to master equal parts.)

There are no wrong answers! Stacy London said it herself in effort to encourage the producer to pick what she had in mind for her runway models: "Style is all about trying and failing." If this is true, you are hearing it from the biggest losers! The key is to move you to think outside yourself. To see what others see and to feel your way through it. Check out my style book for tips and refreshers; while there are no wrong answers, try to guide your looks according to earlier options I have provided. And remember, as long as you are any combination of number three, then the show is not about you. Now close your eyes and see! But feel free to sing along.

Briefly

I am about to have to bust it outta here to a "Suspenders" party but just wanted to get a quick post out to jump off the weekend. I don't have suspenders, yet, so I will have to improvise for this themed deal. It got me thinking "What then, shall I wear?" So spenders makes me think of nerds, cropped pants and glasses. Ah! I did see those girls just the other day wearing the big, black frame glasses with the lenses popped out...works for me! And that is where you should be pulling for inspiration: the reserves all around you. I was out with some friends the other night when one of the guys I didn't know too well asked if he could touch my shorts. "Huh?" guy? "I know that's weird but...they look...like underwear. They look comfortable!" he said with a sheepish smile. Didn't know my attire could cross gender! So now I'm thinking hmm, that guy noticed I looked comfortable...in my underwear (it was not underwear)...I do want more of these boxer looking shorts, and apparently he would too...hence, briefly :)
Posting some pics to get you thinking along these inspiration lines.

At your service, Part II

"No talking." would be my catch phrase if ever I am deemed worthy a verbal trademark. Ironic, I know, seeing as how I am a communicator!, but sometimes*, I just like to say "no talking" and expect everyone to understand mums' the word. zzzip. no. nil.

So I have been in a 'no talking' mode, as one can see from my sparse posting. There are a couple reasons for this--unmotivated, un-inspired, addicted to carbs...you feel me don't you?, but the best of such is it would be terrible. The post would be an awful attempt to weave weighty world events and fashion or be downright frivolous when I am against the very act! (Hellooo, why hasn't anyone made mention Michelle Obama is really the "Great American Blank Canvas" we have knowingly stroked over with a true American icon?)

Alas, I am going to push on and once again bring forth the issue of presentation. (Hellooo, why hasn't anyone talked to me?!) I wrote about--not only the importance of presentation, but the value of feedback according to translation in "At your service, Part I." Go back and read it, folks, so you can see where I am coming from and where not to go. That goes for you too Michelle....waiting...


...ready?

I have heard many of you find your looks in the most obvious place. One, that like a review, merely gets me in the door but does not feed me full of what I am looking for. I speak of the mannequin folks, found in store windows which offers a mere smear of endless possibilities--which are better found on the racks. I get it: you aren't very good at putting together looks questioning the cohesiveness or just don't enjoy searching. Some--hmm, all of my favourite finds took a little work, a little patience to discover the merit of the dig.

Mannequin style is ideal; the look comes from a team of stylists who get together and determine the direction of an ad campaign and align their stores to reflect a constant tone. But you should be reading 'they decide what half of America wears,' as most buyers stop there, at exactly what is found on the doll. As does any artist, it is the goal of a stylist to inspire the buyer to the next aesthetic--to get you to showcase your skills a-la "My Kid Could Paint That!" or "I can do better than that!"

The point is: prove it.
Start before you hit the stores by drafting your own looks stemming from options I have provided (shopstyle.com). I tend to pull pieces according to two criteria: 1) if I think you will wear it, and 2) cost, usually under $100, as I leave it to you to find comparable style--no matter the cost, for less. That is your reward for the dig! And get inspired! I did a double-take when I saw the cutest girls walking down the street wearing the old Steve Urkel glasses with no lenses! He made nerds look cool! Er, "The Urkel", which I know you attempted at least once...

Don't get stuck in the shadow of a doll, as it your unique position that will catch attention. Or at least, revive a phrase delivered, of course, with a smile.

*"sometimes" is my reservation to occasionally post empty body. It just means 'I am here and am looking for the right words and 'that's hot!' style.' :)