How much do I love this boy...

I cannot believe that I havn't written anything about Mika yet. He's my muse, my ultimate muse! In 2007 I discovered his music, and the rest is history. Now, two years later I am still absolutley in love with everything about him. He's a physical embodiment of a dream come true. There's really no way to duplicate such talent, such unique style. His identity is all his own, and I cannot wait for his next album to come out in the fall. It's going to be epic!

Like it was yesterday, June 11th 2007...

mikasounds.com

Vintage Mika...wow, never thought I'd say that!

An Appetite For Destruction...

Let me start by justifying what really does not need to be justified. I have an obsession with Guns N' Roses. It's not a subtle one either. The fact of the matter is, whenever something...anything intrigues me, it becomes me. It wasn't the disturbingly poetic lyrics, or even just the music itself. It was more a feeling of "This is how Rock N' Roll was meant to be." I write this today because on my way to class this morning a rare blast of confetti exploded from my ipod. Okay maybe not rare, but still...on a day like today, when I really needed that confetti...it's presence was much appreciated. Sweet Child O' Mine... That song never fails me. The result, pure bliss walking down S. Michigan Ave. I must admit, I feel that loving Guns the way that I do doesn't really fit in with how music is progressing. It will never be like it was in 1987 or even 1992. Things have evolved, and here and there I find bands that are completley wonderful, completley unique. But none will ever have what Guns did. Those guys didn't need fireworks or props...They didn't need to be strung up on cables, lowered down from the rafters. All they really needed was the dynamic they created just by walking out on stage.

There was Steven, the fun loving, smiling drug addict (though they were all addicted at some point) There was Izzy, the slightly mysterious guitarist. There was Duff, the blonde bass player with the stoned eyes.

Last but not least come the two members that I believe were the pillars of the band. Slash, with his exotic moodiness and perminent cigarette dangling between his lips (a side note to his trademark fixture, a top hat.) And then of course, Axl. Axl Rose, I consider to be one of the best frontmen of all time. He created the art on the stage with the way he moved, the way he threw a tantrum, the way he dressed. Let's talk about the way he dressed. I loved his style, absolutley loved it. No one could ever and will ever rock a bandana the way that Axl used to. No one could ever wear leather pants, cowboy boots and flannel and produce that same effect. There was power in Axl alone...He was (and still is to some degree) a genius. Obviously, the original members of Guns have parted ways. It's been that way for over a decade. But let me say this: If they ever (EVER) decided to reunite every single one of the originals, I would be the happiest groupie on the earth. Will they still have it? I think so... From what I know (and I know alot about this) when all five members first played together in the Mid 1980's (When they were writing their lyrics on pizza boxes) there was a unanimous feeling of perfection. I think that feeling can and will be produced again...But not by any of today's goth punky types. (Just saying!)

Little Ashes

Last night I saw the movie 'Little Ashes' at the Landmark. It may not be a surprise to anyone, but let's be honest and say that I went to see Robert Pattinson. I was not at all expecting him to be very good in the role of Salvador Dali. But I thought it was bold and very brave of him to take on the part. Thus, I wanted to somehow cheer him on. He totally surprised me! Dali is not just a character, because no such fictional person (I am convinced) could ever exist. He was probably the strangest, most eccentric artist to ever live. I felt that Pattinson did extremely well. He's really showing alot of range with the films he has been choosing, and I know he will continue to climb...climb to a place where very few actors go. I think for sure he can conquer any character now. I will also say that I think in the years to come he has the potential to become the next Johnny Depp. Though Johnny will forever be the only Johnny and no one can replace him, I think Pattinson can be as good as he is one day.

Another impressive character in the film was Federico Garcia Lorca, a poet who loved Dali but was executed for being outwardly gay. The actor who played him, Javier Beltran, was brilliant. He convinced me of his troubled poetic soul. He convinced me of his love for Dali.

An adorable scene from the movie

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7BlNbL9eFQ

Cris Barros, Brazilian designer

Last night I was watching America's Next Top model and they featured this beautiful Brazillian designer named Cris Barros. I found that I was having a very positive reaction to her clothes. They were so airy and light and seemed to transport me into a world draped in cotton candy shades. The colors and the textures were everything I would want in my dream closet. I live with the basic syle principle that simplicity speaks volumes. I find that I travel between two ends of the spectrum when I choose an outfit: on the one hand, I live in my Equestrian black riding boots and black skinnies. I love the sleek lines and opportunity for bold color on top of the ensemble and even bright accesories to match. On the other hand, pull out something that looks like it should be at the top of a cake and I will flip over it. Soft colors, light pastels, breezy fabrics and dainty prints are irresistable to me. Barros captures all of this and more. She has the ability to bring strength to dainty beauty. She can empower a woman's grace without compromising this indescribable gift that we have to let our clothes do the talking. The delicate looks do not supress us, instead they transport us somewhere in the fairy tale.

Flare it out!

I've been a devoted fan of the skinny jean since it's reincarnation into the 21st century. I live in my skinnies... Recently though, I was thinking about the 1960's and 70's. Specifically, the era of Jesus Christ Superstar. I know... I know. But, if you really take the time to disect the fashion in that movie, I can't see how you wouldn't be inspired. The closest thing that anyone can get to a bellbottom (whitout really wearing a bellbottom) is a great pair of flare jeans.

They're not so disco-licious as to say "Let's go to studio 54 and inject heroin into our veins." They're more of a wink, a silent ode to the groovy generation. A flare jean can go two ways: The free flowing flowery business or the anime hooded video game bandit. If you're not careful, a flare jean can make you look at the oldest, fourteen years old. There are a few things you can do to avoid this: Please...please please please DO NOT FLIP FLOP IT... I think those "shoes", if they must be worn, should be worn at the beach (alone). Also, avoid the hoodie and the sneaker or anything too casual on top. (you're already in denim!) To make the look grown up, and pay tribute to the best generation of all time: Pair the jeans with a heal. Espadrilles would rock it out, or any other kind of platformed shoe. Want to be "comfortable"? Alright fine, work it out with the gladiator sandal I mentioned above or any other flat strappy number. Now if you think about what kind of tops look really great with skinnies, you might think of flowy, generally loose fitting blouses. Well now think of the flare. You've got the flow at the bottom of the ensemble now, so nip it in at the top. Not too much, avoid tight t-shirts. Button downs would work, basically anything that isn't a tent. You can still do flowy on top, depending on how much of Janis Joplin you want to channel but to keep the look modern stick to somewhere in the middle.

I want to mention that I don't think skinnies are going anywhere anytime soon. They're amazing and will eternally be sexy (depending on who wears them!) But let's work with the flare, give it back it's dignity!

Valentino: The Last Emperor

So, a few weeks ago my sister, her husband and I spontaneously decided to see this documentary about Valentino. It was it's first weekend in Chicago, and the turn out was very very good. With that said, we huddled in the front of the theater to watch the film. To our great surprise, the director came out to introduce his movie! Matt Tyrnauer, a journalist from New York (Vanity Fair...hello future profession) had spent two years with a camera crew following the legendary designer while capturing every tantrum, tear, beautiful gown etc...

The movie itself was made for people like me. It glorified fashion. It made it important. So often, people put people in the fashion industry at the top of the pyramid but fail to give them respect because what they do isn't "important." Like hell it isn't! Even the most fashion challenged person out there as a favorite pair of shoes, or a dress that makes them feel good. You breathe it and don't even know it.

I knew the movie would make me cry, because it's all about the end of this empire. For the last 45 years Valentino has been the ultimate designer: untouched and ranked as the best. Now he's retired, and the fashion industry will never be the same. Who knows if that's necessarily bad. IT could just be that it's evolving.

One thing you'll notice is that he adores women. Everything about a woman: From head to toe, he appreciates beauty and most importantly respects it. If all straight men could move past the "hot" adjective and learn to describe a beautiful woman as a gay man does, than I'm sure they'd have better luck with a certain kind of lady. I see that quality, celebrating and empowering women, in a few designers today: Zac Posen and Marc Jacobs especially.

What do women want? "They want to be beautiful."

Long Live Valentino!

Bringin Sexy Back Part 1: MGMT

So, when I know something, I know it well. Rocker sex appeal...THAT I know. In the new millenium, we've seen eye liner,spiked hair,black nail polish etc... I was tired of it. Than a little band came into my life the summer of 2008. Hello lover! Where have you been all my life?! I love MGMT.There's no way to justify it. They're amazing. The music is an acid trip without the actual acid. After hearing a few songs for the first time, I declared myself a fan. However, as soon as I stumbled upon their pictures, I realized that YES, THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! These guys are the reincarnation of 1967, in a nut shell. To be a grungy, hippy trippy, adorable, flower child, while still belonging to the 21st century...well, that's just groovy, outa sight and completley rad. Let us ponder these lovely boys :) It must be said, I am partial to Andrew. He rocks my world...

Note. Photo Below is NOT Andrew, but still a cute drummer for the band... ;)

CROCS: Don't walk this way!

Okay, so I havn't written in this blog for a long time! Life got in the way. But, now I'm on my Spring Break and have some time to reflect on some things. I was inspired to write this blog while watching What Not To Wear. I saw a woman wearing these...Oh hell no. no no no... I hate when people play the "They're comfortable!" card. Please, I'd rather you go barefoot than wear Barney's footwear. Forget the plethora of ultra violet colors to choose from, these shoes are ridiculous. There are only two kinds of people who can wear these: Clowns and the occasional chef, like the great Mario Batali.

"We're not gonna pay RENT!"

"Cuz everything is REEEEENNNT!"

I just found out that the musical, RENT, is coming back to Chicago in the Spring. But this time, with a little something special: The original cast members to play Roger and Mark are back! Yes, the two from the movie version :) Those two are some of my favorites;Adam Pascal (roger) is beautifulllll. And, I don't think anyone can play Mark like Anthony Rapp... So to say I'm excited for this is a complete understatement! RENT is a story that should be told over and over again. The theme of the play is definatley love, and you feel it the second the curtain rises. I saw a production of it a few years ago, probably when I was about 15 years old. I loved it then! But now, at 18...going to college in Chicago has altered my perception of the message; things are different. There's a bond that unites friends in college that doesn't unite friend's in high school.(Especially when you're trying to make it in a big city that can be scary at times) You know, At this age (entering adulthood and trying to figure stuff out)we're all united in a common struggle. But the struggle isn't bad or hurtful. It's exciting because it's a part of growing up and you never know where it will take you. That's what RENT symbolizes for me I guess: Honest friendship, a celebration of love and the hard times that make us who we are. The battles we fight in the name of what we love and for the person we want to become make us stronger.

Take me away...

A Sweet Escape...

I'm sitting in my living room, freezing. My house has too many large windows, and they feel like sheets of ice. It's cold.My insides even feel cold. Everything has been zapped of color...it's all gone grey and diseased. The snow is somewhat glittery, but that's the only semblance of "pretty" within my sight.

I'm remembering a few days in June spent in Playa Del Carmen Mexico (just outside of Cancun) for my sister's wedding. I don't think I've ever felt warmer! I had never seen a shooting star before this trip! There are alot of lights in the city you know... My hair was always luscious and curly, borderline frizz but I didn't care! My skin was kissed, actually kind of bitten by the sun. I swam in The Carribean Sea for the first time, almost died but whatever. I miss Mexico on days like this. I appreciate this ice, snow, sleet, bitter harsh wind because it's a part of Winter. I love Winter, and I miss it in the summer! See, that's how it is with me: The grass is always greener on the other side. I'm only satisfied for a little while. For the moment, I'm living inside of a memory: stretched out on a blue and white striped beach chair, sprawled out, tanned, my skin hot and my eyes unable to stay open for too long. The sun eclipses everything, and I can breathe the fresh air drenched in tropical aromas. No where to go, no one to see...just me and the Carribean. Where are the pirates?

Let's go back to Cancun my darlings...

The Dumpster Chic Subculture Part 2: Mary-Kate Olsen

Mary-Kate Olsen

So, here's the deal. I started notcing MK's style changing when the big apple hit her. All of a sudden, she was this little twig in platforms and moo moo dresses. I loved it! In the beginning of her transition to DUMPSTER, there really wasn't any CHIC yet. She was sloppy, and college-ish with her "I don't care...lemme hold a starbucks in this hand and my copy of vogue in the other." (a.k.a my day to day gear) But the girl was definatley on to something. I would probably say that she was the one to reintroduce hobo, sexy slop. Magazines started calling her look "Dumpster Chic." That's originally where I heard the term. I completely fell in love with the idea. This thought of not caring, but obviously being pretty calculated in deciding what rip goes where on your citizen of humanity jeans, completely rocked my world. Now, her style has transitioned. Again, no doubt the influence of moving to Soho New York. She's a little sleeker, but not too "I'm an artist from New York, so I'm gonna wear all black from now on" (ewww) No, on the red carpet she's a class act in long , retro dresses...eye popping accesories and that trusty pout that is all MK. When papped by the paparazzi, she's "Oh my god, don't look at me..." in her huge sunglasses, signature anklet boots that extend probably 5 inches off of the ground (kudos to a fellow short girl who understands the importance of heels). And she's more GRUNGE now. That's the thing, 2008 was the year of the return of GRUNGE. People still havn't completley fallen back in love with the music (though its one of the best genres EVER) but everyone understands how hot a flannel shirt looks with some skinny jeans or tied around your waist. Simply irresistable. On guys, forget it! On girls, it's like a high and proud middle finger to Hollister or some other overpriced t-shirt shop. Obviously I'm a fan of this resergance of grunge. Like I said, the early nineties were pretty fierce for fashion. But you know, this generation's doing something very interesting with it. They're making grunge, sleek and classic by actually fitting their bodies! My God, who'd a thought what a difference darting would make in a flannel shirt! Anyway, back to MK. She's brilliant. I love what she's done for her image. She takes fashion seriously. She sees it as an art. Whereas other celebrities have stylists and people to help them look good because THEY LIKE LOOKING GOOD. Those people are not in love with fashion, they're in love with themselves.

The Dumpster Chic Subculture Part 1: Zoë Kravitz

What is Dumpster Chic?

It is the perfect semblance of effortless grunge and flowery bohemian. It doesn't mean you're dirty. It means you splatter yourself with the theme of the day, whatever that may be. You are a walking collage of things you threw together to reflect what you feel, who you are and what you dream of.

Zoë Kravitz

Her DNA leaks hippy chic, rock star cool. Right now, she's my style inspiration. The collages of jewelry, fabrics, prints and colors is always undeniably fierce on her. With parents like Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz, she could have easily drifted to two places: hippy, trippy, crunchy granola cool or inked, metallic, sequined glam rocker. Zoë is somewhere in between, at a happy medium. Rock it, girl.