Fashion Film Friday: Andy Warhol's Debbie Harry and Friends

It is Debbie Harry! I really wanted to be like her when I was a kid. Mind you I am all of 22, by the time I was into Blondie they were already played out. But I love Andy Warhol films and it is possible you do too. What else is there to say? The shimmery fabrics in the last take are inspiration for a new year's eve outfit I won't have time to construct but still dream about. And...I want the shorts that guy is wearing. What is your favorite piece in the video?

PS. I am back to posting and my usual jive. I have missed my readers very much!

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Fashion Film Friday: Naughty and Nice

Happy Holidays! I will not deny you another Fashion Film Friday, even if it is coming a little late. 'Tis the season of giving so I am presenting two videos today of polar opposite. I hope you are all well. If you are not at your destination yet have safe travels. I am taking a much needed break, see you soon for more fun!

Acousmatic: Vera Ivanova; Directed, cut, camera: Andrey Nikolaev; Starring: Natasha Sych; Styling: Danila Polyakov; Producer: Oleg Rozenthal

The naughty: This first video reminds me of Black Swan and the crappy feeling of standing all day at work with 3 hours of sleep. The soundtrack and poise of the models is what attracted me to this video in the first place. There is some allure in creepy things. The music was produced in 2001 with the theremin, a creepy instrument in its own right that takes years and years to play properly. Simplicity adds to the uncertain nature of this film. Expect to hear more on this blog about the director Andrey Nikolaev.

Director - David Lemm; Sound - The Gothenburg Address; Styling - Alexandra Fiddes, Frances Spencer; Principle photographer on shoot- Darran Barton; Hair and make up - Katie Angus; Assistant - Emma Segal; Model - Romane at Superior Model Management; Location - Jack Kane Community Centre, Edinburgh

The nice: David Lemm is good at the moving lookbook. He does fast paced editorials as well that leave the viewer salivating for just a few more glimpses. The first video is from the e-shop Moon and Mars, who have some really cute Carin Wester boots on sale. The second video is an oldie of Lemm's that is more a fashion jewelry video but I have yet to see any director or stylist do it quite like this. This falls into the nice category because sparkles and smiles and dance music always do! Let me know what you think of the films below!

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D. 

Fave albums of...2010

This is a fashion blog but I figured I would clue you in to what my musical favorites have been over the past 12 months. This isn't a complete list because blogger somehow deleted the other half of this post. I can do favorite songs of the month if you are interested so please give me your feedback.

Soulja Boy

Teenage Millionares

 Soulja Boy - Pretty Boy Swagg by broreis 

+Death Note

LISTEN HERE

Chris Brown

"Graffiti"

Okay. The album looks awful, just my opinion, but Deuces is a classic.

 Chris Brown - Deuces by flying_high 

The Dodos

"Time To Die"

 The Dodos - Fables by Wichita Recordings

That Kanye album

"My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"

What can I say, this album just sounds awesome. But I can definitely tell that the emotion....just isn't there.

   12 Lost In the World feat. Bon Iver by bahay kubo

The Walkmen

"Lisbon"

 The Walkmen - Victory by everythingstartssomewhere


Life is beautiful, let's share a little.
Joy D.

A-night-to-remember2.jpg

I love seeing my friends out and about. For two months now it has meant more to me to be around the one I love and the ones that love me back. Going out has been so much fun because I am able to de-stress. Also, there are some wicked awesome Djs in my town so there is a surprising array of music out there to be exposed to. Hell, even my roommates boyfriend is a Dj. So yes I wouldn't suggest that Bmore is "the place to be" for Djs but I have a good time and always dance my...but off. This time around Cult Baltimore was having an event at Club Phoenix.

All photos of myself were taken by Lynley B. All photos were edited by Joy D.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Help a sister out....

Joking titles aside...

A friend of mine Sister Wolf, who has delighted me with satire about the fashion world for a year now, is in dire need of a roof repair. Wendy Brandes as the great philanthropic is donating over half of the funds from every necklace purchased to help Sister Wolf out. As a limited time perk Wendy is donating money to the cause for every swear ring set purchased. $1455 has been raised this far, so just in time for the holidays give TWO gifts in one!

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

We are in Business!

If you follow me on Twitter than you know the first five listings are up on my Etsy page. This is a Nancy Bracoloni number that I wish I could squeeze into myself. I am excited to have a full fledged studio in a week's time. A few more listings will be up tonight and tomorrow. Expect new listings every week! A long time coming for a book worm like me. Next month I will start taking personal shopper requests. I already have a few clients! I hope you all are well prepared for the holiday and the New Year, I have sent out my holiday cards, you should receive them in a few days.

Sidenote: Being productive for me is like a yogi reaching nirvana. Working on the things I am passionate about keeps me happy so I am thrilled about the upcoming projects I am working on. And before we all know it Fashion Month will be back with a vengeance.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Carine and Curly cue updates

|There was going to be this whole convoluted post about the Carine Roitfeld departure from Vogue, but...

I will just do it here. First of all, WTF? The rumors have been piling in from regular media and fashion media a like. Is it true she will be the editor until March? Some of the stories just don't add up but I do love a juicy fashion story. Who knows maybe this is the next great fashion editor shift of Summer 2010. (Do you guys even remember that, it happened so fast.)

Thank you to Abdu for taking this lovely photo.

Scarf: Virginia vintage/ Sweater: Crofts and Barron/ Pants: vintage, hemmed by Granny

I am really loving my hair, it doesn't hurt getting compliment all the time. It is nice to know that I can get a maximum of 10 hours over 5 days and still look somewhat presentable. Ugh, I hate finals week. The worst is over: one of the many projects I had included a sock puppet allegory of post-modernism. Ok so it was just sock puppets and stock footage of....well here, see for yourself:

I don't rap like Tavi or Christina, I make crazy-silly videos.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Blogger Alert!: EatOnThis.com

I know I am filling the blog with a lot of Baltimore love but I think it is a little over due. Abdu is one righteous fashion blogger that speaks from his heart with every post. He is an inspiration to me because he pulls only from his own interests. His blog is EatOnThis.com, take a look and I guarantee you will become enamored. I had the pleasure of doing a photo shoot with him recently and even in his bundled up attire he managed to work it! 

1. What is your name? Abdu "Ali" Eaton with a capital A.

2. Why do you blog about fashion? Do you see it as a career? It has always been apart of my upbringing from my momz making sure I was fresh with all the Tommy Hilfiger gear, the latest timberland boots, and Felas too. So I always had pride in my attire and the way that I presented my self but I did not grow a passion for it until high school. I joined a fashion group, coped me a Harpers Bazaar. And there it was: the fashion bug done bit my ass. So I've been in a committed relationship with her(fashion) since I was 15. What a romance. Not only do I see blogging about fashion as a career, I see it as a lifelong dream of inspirations.

Why Resort and Pre-fall Collections Count

                    < A.P.C's Resort Collection >

We see them nestled in between each season and wax poetic about these smaller collections. Collections that often offer a little more of a relationship with creativity and commodity. Why do they exist? Who the heck invented this idea of a resort collection? I am definitely going to talk a little bit about the former but will leave the latter for some necessary research paper for class. I find that both resort and pre-fall collections are relevant to the flow of the creative process of the designer. At the same time I see the collections as more marketable. 

Who knows how the resort collection was originally conceived. But the idea was to present a special selection of high fashion that was for that wonderful holiday. Chanel Resort was my favorite last season. That would definitely lend itself to the idea that resort is for playing around on the beaches of St. Tropez. Karl Lagerfeld is especially famous for evoking this "airy" and "light" feeling during his resort collections. For me it is easier to see and observe where a designer is coming from during Resort because they are working with this weird constricting concept of traveling in warm weather. So how does pre-fall fit in? 

Pre-fall collections are my favorite! They always define classic. I use A.P.C as an example because it is a good model for how most pre-fall collections want to appeal to a broader consumer. Ports 1961 is another example of clean cuts, rich colors, and creativity in the presentation. There seems to be less pressure for designers to present a def-defying cut or concept during the pre-fall and so the word casual is used quite often. Casual seems too bland. However I, as a consumer, would love to own more from pre-fall collections because they seem less fussy. This is the point! We are in time when designers not only feel pressure to create but also to create a brand in order to make money. There is nothing wrong with it but it produces interesting collections.

Before posting this mini essay I talked with two friends, Amanda and Jp, and they were quite helpful. I asked a few other friends off handedly and the general public consensus is that while these collections are vague in meaning they serve a relevant purpose to both the designer and the consumer.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Baltimore Favorites: Cult Baltimore

As I reflect on where my life is going at the moment I realize there is a constant urge to do more. That is because I am constantly pushed by the creatives in my town. Along with my friends this town manages to ground me somehow so why not show off the town that has birthed Billie Holiday, Beach House, and Frank Zappa. This is a spotlight on some of the fun things about Baltimore ,a place I have grown to love. A little while ago I interviewed JP, the owner of Cult: a store with an amazing selection of garments.

Why did you open Cult?I like denim, vintage sneakers and leather jacket. There is no real place to really buy them. I thought if we [Baltimore] had a shop that we curated ourselves, with no flares or butterfly collars, that focused on sharp and angular vintage it would be a fun place to go.

Did you have any inspiration for opening the shop? No people really, more so music. Around the late 70s early 80s. There was a strong aesthetic and DIY scene going on. And I have always been drawn to it.

What are some of your favorite pieces in the shop? There is a Helmut Lang dress from the runway. It is quintessential Helmut Lang from around 1998/1999. When we first opened we had a lot of Ksubi, my favorite was the best dressed vest. Also there was a Ralph Lauren sweater called a “Picture's knit”. It had a lot of Ralph Lauren iconography pieced together, highly collectable. And those are just the ones that pop through my head immediately.

How did you decide the location for Cult?Well when we first got the building it was kind of shabby but we lucked out. I live in Mt. Vernon and it is a part of Baltimore that I most appreciate.

 Who designs for Cult? Myself, Arthur, Eliot, and a bunch of others that form a design collective. Eliot has a line called Gan Banthat has a similar aesthetic. Holden takes very good pictures and has a good eye. He is able to work with me sporadically and organically.

Where do you like to shop? I don't know where my clothes come from. Because I sell so much high quality items that I usually fall by the waist side. I just throw on whatever and go to work. I don't really shop much but I collect sneakers. A lot of things I stumble upon. Maybe not good denim, because they are so hard to find. Mostly, I find old things and chop it up to fit.

How much of you is in the shop? Well, you get inspired by different things at all times of the day. Even when I am sleeping I think about the shop.

To purchase or inquire about anything CULT....
salutcult.bigcartel.com
http://deathcultbaltimore.wordpress.com/

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D

Fashion Film Friday: Veja's Indigenious Lookbook

I say to myself: "Oh Joy, you've done it again. You have let a great company go unrepresented on the blogosphere." Then Steve over at Style Savage refreshed my memory. He's good at that. Until October I had talked with Veja staff and had been intrigued at how they managed to market their brand. The video above is a behind the scenes look at their Indigenos shoot that features several international artists and designers wearing Veja. I am personally inspired by the makeup even though I don't know who did the makeup for the shoot.They are an environment friendly brand that has now worked with many artists to make it"cool" to be eco-conscious. Although I am not a fan of words and subcultures that dwell on the notions of saving the planet Veja is much different in their approach.

"Actions remain scarce but words abound. Beyond movies about the environment, beyond multinational companies building green windows to hide disasters, beyond the Copenhagen speeches filled with words and political promise…."  -Veja Staff

They want you to know that this is a call to action. This stood out to me on their website and I was hooked to their cause of motivating change through clothing. And this expands to their research in organic materials such as Amazonian rubber and organic cottons. Did I mention they make a great shoe?  It has been so long since I have been to London, if I go back their studio will be my first stop!

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

An outfit post: Contemplating on stress

Haha, stress season has hit! I am in the midst of cataloging research for school, inventory for Etsy, and so on and so forth. I wish stress was a person, he/she would deserve a good talking to. What music do you listen to in order to de-stress? I am listening to Animal Collective. It is a little cliche but they always put me in an active and cheerful mood. Yes, music has the power to do lots of things. And yes is cold and it has been difficult to adjust quickly to gusting winds. Because of the oodles of other writing I have been doing in other frontiers I have run out of fun stuff for you readers so I have let my camera do the talking this time. Working on taking photographs has been a fun struggle.
I have really been enjoying all of your feedback and I will continue to respond.

 Vintage crocheted dress: Thrift/ Pink slip: vintage/ Socks: found/ Shoes: Cougar/ Coat: vintage Army Surplus/ Ring(not shown): Charlotte Russe

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

My weekend in a nutshell

A diary of sorts. And no, I didn't get to Art Basel.....

Friday: PICTURE TIME

I went to Deep in the Game with guest performer Sewn Leather. Two of my friend's had birthdays. I do remember a toasting to being old (i.e. 22) with my pals Sharela, Dain, and Anna. 

Goodtimes were had and I really enjoyed myself. And I totally got a free sub at the end of night, thanks to some mystery guy.

Saturday: Totally exhausted. A bunch of kids stampeded my job, we got it under control in a matter of minutes. I felt like a super hero but was too tired to go out. Super heroes need rest too....

Sunday: Yesterday was a blue-collar day in every sense of the word. I worked 9 hours and came home to the football game. Although the team I was rooting for lost I was consoled by the fact that it was a good day all in all.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Fashion Film Friday: Yokoo

Yokoo makes scarves, lots of scarves. Over one thousand to be approximate. And it is a rather special endeavor that she has handmade them all herself. I am lucky to know her, even if it is only through virtual reality. On occasion we go back and forth giving words of encouragement to one another and it does really keep me going. Her work ethic is impeccable but if you asked her it is just who she is, no special formula to calculate.

She was documented on Etsy earlier this week and in my opinion it was a long time coming. Possibly her shyness got in the way? The video itself really captures Yokoo's work ethic, background, and environment of creativity. Anything more and I will spoil the video for you. As always give feedback below....

Handmade Portraits: YOKOO from Etsy on Vimeo.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

You Go Boy: Larry Scott as shot by William Davidson

Russh magazine is a great read. I was originally introduced to them via Queen Michelle of Kingdom of Style. This rugged editorial is just what the Australian magazine is good for. The full editorial also includes cameos from the famous Irina Lazareanu, so tumultuous! But today Larry Scott is put into the You Go Boy spotlight because he never falls short of raw and appealing. This editorial reminds me of summer and the need to run to vacant areas and hang out. Now that the winter has set in I am more prone to cuddle up with a book or episode of south park with my cat in bed. All the glamour aside it has been a fun couple of days, hanging out with my family and eating too much food.

all photos taken from The Fashionisto

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Arc Square Tube Dress: an outfit post

I am really into the clothes Anka makes, she hails from Poland. We have been communicating for about a year now and I don't regret it. Oh how time flies. Simply put her designs offer something a little different. A cut and a shape I have not see much of and made specifically for you.  This is me wearing the sheer dress(as a skirt) with Tibet boots, a vintage hat, and an American Apparel onepiece. 

You can purchase her pieces at:      http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArcSquare

 

 

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D. 

Fashion Film Friday: Uniqlo's Uniqlok

Uniqlo has been a favorite for a while although it has only been a couple of years since I have been able to get my hands on their clothes. This is all thanks to their New York flagship which I cannot wait to visit in February. Above is a video of which I can't really explain. I know if you click on the Uniqlok link on their site it will take you there and the video will play in a continuous loop. I encourage you to go to the site and experience it for yourself. Tell me what you think below!

Life is beautiful, let's share a little.

Joy D.

Yes Please: Style Stalker's Desert Fox Collection

As a sucker for sassy basics (yes sassy) I was pleased when Style Stalker's new look book landed in my inbox. Thank goodness Sue Ann and Rachel used the theme of desert biker. I was yearning for a better interpretation of this idea since that Abbey Lee Kershaw Pop Magazine cover. The feel of this collection is rugged but clean and definitely durable. The whole collection was mouth watering, maybe I was too transfixed on the desert theme. I selected a few of my favorite pieces all of which are now available on their site to purchase! If you couldn't tell, I am obssesed with their snakebite leggings.

http://www.stylestalker.com

http://www.stylestalkerblog.com/

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

SALE!: Alwaysnever webshop

Peter Nguyen is pretty awesome. So awesome he is having a sale over at his webshop that boasts a healthy selection Lerario Beatriz and Robert Geller that you can't really get everywhere. As they say...'Tis the season and I would not mind dressing up myself up in a dress from former and a coat from the latter. If you want to read more about what I think about Peter you can skip to this post here.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

This ring...

Ring: Courtesy of Charlotte Russe

I can't seem to take it off. It is just so light weight and looks like a precious stone. It is my perfect type of item: not too luxurious but looks amazing. And of course it comes from the fast fashion store with lots of surprises.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

You Go Girl/ Fashion Film Friday: Full Time Fabulous friends!

I have the pleasure of having two blog friends participating in the first annual Full Time Fabulous blogging competition. This competition is moderated by Sunglass Hut. The competition boasts great opportunities for the winning blogger including travel expenses, a plush NYC apartment, and cushy stipend to spend Here are the videos of my friends Lesley W. of Creative Cookie and Christina of Profresh Style. While it is too late to vote (it ended 2 days ago) please send them good vibes in the hopes that they get some much needed exposure for their amazing writing talent!

Lesley W. of Creative Cookie

Christina of Profresh Style

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Sponsored post!: Cougar Boots

There is a first time for everything and I am glad that the time has come for my first sponsored post. It was a month, or so, ago that I was contacted by an affiliate company to help promote Cougar Shoes, as a fun brand, to the States. What an opportunity! I was not familiar with the brand so, being the responsible blogger and historian, I did a little research and fell in love with Cougar Inc.'s message and product. And who doesn't want a sturdy boot for heavy precipitation? Now it is your turn to wax poetic. Cougar Shoes would like to know what you think! For every person that fills out this survey Matchstick, the affliate company, will donate a small sum to the Red Cross. I know, it's a survey, but it is for a good cause. Just think about some of the disasters that could be aided: Haiti, the ever present oil spill victims, and the Red Cross's blood bank that has facilitated health for many years. To fill out the survey click here.

When you first land on the Cougar Inc. site you will notice a lovely video playing in the background. It was a warm feeling I got from it all, the music helps too. The companies goal is to create a family friendly environment. While I would not call my blog family friendly I am definitely on board for tender feelings and cozy fires, which is how the boots make me feel. Yes, Cougar sent over two pairs of their shoes for me to try out! It was fun pairing clothes in my wardrobe with their Tibet and Ringo Star styles. 


The Tibet

A pretty unassuming boot but with great character. It is made of pure rubber and has a polar fleece lining. It IS as cozy as it sounds. Here is the kicker: it can withstand 32°F to -11°F (or 0°C to -24°C)! My feeling in these was that of a punk, no joke. I felt like i could do some real stomping in these. Since it has yet to snow I won't know their real magical powers until then I am happy to kick in some doors while waiting.

The Ringo Star

I must admit I giggled a bit at the name but I do feel like a Russian supermodel in these boots. They are made of nylon with a lining  made of Cougar's famous polar plush. (All I want to say is Yum!) The key with these styles is that they are unassuming but get the job done. By unassuming I mean there are no bells and whistles (grommets, studs, and etc.) on the outside to put the average customer off to a really well made shoe. On the inside they are really comfortable and easy to take on and off. This is particularly great since I was, ugh, "blessed" with a high instep.

Again a big thanks to Matchstick and Cougar Inc!

Dress: Thrift

Hat: Grandmother's

Ring: Charlotte Russe 

 Life is beautiful, let's share a little.

Joy D.

I could have danced all night: music and photography from da club (picture heavy)

Here are a few shots of my friends and I at various dance parties around the city. Can I say that I love to party because I do. Baltimore isn't necessarily known for its club scene but I never have a boring experience. My friends are always around and there is at least one club with a good dj. I would like to take this time to give a shout out to Dj Schwarz and the Mustache Crew who made the booty shaking happen in these photos. So for all my out of town friends, get your butts over here so we can dance! 


Deep in the Game @ Club Hippo

Club Phoenix

The Music

 Deep in the game, vol. 1 by cexman 

The Outfit

This leopard coat has been a continuous lifesaver although it makes me look like a bear. Thank you to everyone for being swell the past week! I have enjoyed your comments of encouragement. Stay tuned for some great things including me implementing some of your ideas! 

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.