We Love "I Love"

Dontcha just love when designers give back to the world? Well Rockstars and Angels, lead by Aussie designer Tyler Atkins (formerly shadowed by a certain Hilton heiress tag-along {God Paris, you just take and take and take!}) is doing just that. He is partnering with celebrities to create his "I Love" campaign. 

It basically goes something like this: quirky photographs of celebrities wearing Rockstars and Angels  and having a feisty good time (and rest assured Mr. Atkins knows all about feisty good times!)printed onto t-shirts with the logo "I Love" above it. Profits are donated to the celebrities charity of choice. First up was Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr, whos tees were sold at Kitson LA. The proceeds went to the Fred Hollows Foundation, an Aussie, New Zealand, and UK based foundation to fight "unnecessary" blindness around the world. The follow up second release of tees will be with, once again, a Australian supermodel, Jess Hart. So aside from being a modelizer with an accent (though Paris isn't a "model" sorry Paris ;) ), Tyler is definitely making his charitable stamp on the world. And that is something worth loving.

Rockstars and Angels is sold here in the US at Kitson LA and H.Lorenzo, in Australia at Always Habit and Wabi-Sabi and about a trillion places in Japan where we all know they love just about everything. "Soh Soweeee! hahahahahaha"

Look for their online boutique coming soon at rockstarsandangels.com

True Vintage

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Vintage. Everyone has that T-shirt they picked up at that funky store in Paris or maybe those jeans that fit perfectly that are from 1979. But if you haven't noticed, although it maybe have been previously worn, it sometimes isn't any cheaper. And while I personally love finding a dress that you know no one has or a bizarre old handbag, I certainly don't want to pay any more than I have to for something that was formerly owned. So, this weekend, I decided to check out some true vintage à la Goodwill. No matter where you live, the trick to finding a good one is by going to the ritziest neighborhood that houses a location. In New York, I found Louis Vuitton luggage at their West 79th St. location and their Third Avenue store had awesome beaded and sequined skirts circa the 1960s. There's also a huge mega-Goodwill in Harlem on 5th Avenue that I'm sure will have everything from godawful sweaters to wearable treasures. If you want to skip digging through racks of Wrangler jeans, then try Housing Works. With several locations in the New York City area, this chain of stores takes high-end donations and donates the proceeds to people living with HIV/AIDS. I found three Dianne von Furstenburg dresses, a Chloe suit, and a Dolce & Gabbana coat that were all under $100. Don't live in the New York area? No worries. Try Double Exposure, a high-end consignment shop with bargain base prices in Chicago, Jet Rag in LA, or Garage Sale in Boston if you're in need of furniture instead of clothing. So forget paying vintage prices for things that you know good and well still shouldn't be in the triple digits. It may take a bit longer to find a gem, but the savings are certainly worth it.

Paper or Plastic? The New Modern Magazine.

So this week, Blender announced that its April issue will be its last. This is interesting news since Blender was one of the top music magazines out there. 30 jobs were lost from the 8 year old magazine. 

This makes me think. Is a music magazine really relevant at this time? With all the phone applications and the sheer vastness of the internet and what you can do on it, are magazines, as we know them, a dying breed?

Well thank God I work for CHAOS! Because not only are we the only magazine of our kind out there, but we're also...DIGITAL! Though we may print once a year just for fun. ;) That is if you people out there want us to. It's all about demand. You want it? We'll give it, simple as that. This is what I believe to be the direction of information as we know it. Everyone nowadays is all about having their personal little computers in their pocket. You can read books, play Nintendo games, even find where you parked from the palm of your hand. So, why not get fashion news the same way? Of course there are some moguls like Vogue, W, Bazaar, etc that will never die...ever. But, who wants to trudge to the bookstore or Walgreens to pick up a 800 page magazine that's just full of advertisements anyway? How much longer can we expect the ancient magazine to last, especially today when paper distribution is just not economical?

Thank you, Blender magazine for all the coolness that you provided over the years. Unfortunately for you, on this end of the decade the Plastics are here to stay.

Designing Down: Everyone's Doing It

Both H&M and Target have recruited famous designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, Siegerson Morrison and the like but now Japanese budget fashion chain, Uniqlo, is getting into the mix. Jil Sander, the German designer famous for her minimalist designs, will be first up to craft a collection for the store.

Doing well in a less than ideal retail climate, Uniqlo will offer a Fall/Winter collection from Sander that will stay in line with their famous $30 jeans and $15 parkas.

Sounds like a smart business model. With stores like Saks and Barney's struggling to sell top labels, it only makes sense to let the masses finally get their hands on some affordable garments.

Even though it's barely Spring, we're looking forward to next season!

Nintendo Chic? Beer Bling?

Maybe it's just me, but I'm straight up bored with how homogenized and sterile accessories have become. Chunky necklace? Got it. Big earrings? Been there, done that. Cute T-shirts with artsy graphics and cute sayings? Well, I'm sure you can guess what's coming.

But never fear. Maybe it's the fact that the economy is in the tanker or maybe it's just that designers themselvs have gotten fed up recycling trends but there has been a trickle of truly inspired and creative designs making there way into the market.

Leave it to the artists. At Bambi Gallery in Philadelphia, you can purchase beer cap cufflinks which is a funky way to bring formal wear into the everyday wear realm. Warning: Lookout for the hipster who has to unbotton his sleeves to roll them up at the bar.

Tired of your drab, Pottery Barn sofa throw? Then check out New Hampshire-based designer Punzie who crafts pixel-quilted blankets, pillows, etc. that are straight out of your childhood video game memories.

And then there's hats, which are entirely underrated and underappreciated in my opinion. What better way to make a statement? In New York, Selima sells one-a-kind chapeaus that will run you far less than a Philip Treacy creation and you'll know nobody has your look.

iPod Worthy: Augustana

Augustana, a private and selective college for liberal arts and sciences...oops, wrong one. What I actually mean to write about is the San Diego based band Augustana who released their third and latest album, Can't Love Can't Hurt, in April 2008 selling 400,000 copies and counting.

Their first album Midwest Skies and Sleepless Mondays was released in 2003 with a yawn-worthy 1,000 produced copies. But once band members Dan Layus and Josiah Rosen packed up in Greenville, Illinois and headed for the Sunshine State, they found both their drummer and a record deal with Grammy-Award winning producer Stephen Short. The band quickly realized how successful they could be when their second album, All the Stars and Boulevards sold over 300,000 copies including over 1,000,000 copies of their single "Boston".

Augustana tours with the likes of Maroon 5, Dashboard Confessional, the Goo Goo Dolls and more. So, you can pretty much guess what style of music they put out there. It's a bit of bluegrassey whispers mixed with some electric guitar and drums piled on top of lost love and heartaches. It sounds tired but trust me, it's anything but. Girls and gay men apparently are swooning for lead singer Dan Layus (spittin' image of Ian Sommerhalder *yum*) who's video for "Sweet and Low" (haha, sweet'n'low) features him singing into a misty morning and rocking in his antique rocking chair. My personal favorite, "I Still Ain't Over You" takes me back to those days of young misunderstood love and the idea of the one that got away and I like that.

Their music is sweet with a hint of sadness but the beats are definitely up (in a country version of Snow Patrol sort of way). We're anxiously awaiting the release of their 4th album (title TBD) due in later this year.

Check them out on myspace or at augustanamusic.com

Model Watch: Shaun Ross

Have you ever wandered what an angel would look like as a model in 2009? No? Was that just me? OK, well Shaun Ross is my answer. I had no idea there was a market for an African American albino male model but now that there is, I'm getting a frequent shopper card. Shaun is represented by djameemodels located in downtown NYC. Shaun has been doing mostly runway since 2008 ranging from H&M's Comme de Garçons collection and Dos Komitee in Germany, to Gap (who btw has been very, VERY diversified lately).  He also has been featured on a few European covers (Mykro-Amsterdam; LURVE-Berlin). 

At 17 years old and 6'1" Shaun sports the teenage angst look way better than I have seen in a long time (sorry Mandy). Born in the Bronx, he attends high school in upstate NY. And his eye color changes along with his mood! Goddamn, I'm captivated already and all I have to go by are his stats. He has been tagged as alot of things: futuristic robot, alien, god-sent prodigy, etc etc. but he has remained immune to it and continues to focus on his career. Realistically speaking, in a world where Tyson Beckford is considered the standard for male black models, Shaun has some work to do, but CHAOS-MAG supports this kid all the way! Thumbs up for being uniquely beautiful and breaking male model stereotypes. Thumbs down for being cooler than me.

Ten Hut! At Ease, International Joke, I mean Jock

"These Erector Brief's are the most unusual and exciting briefs in the entire International Jock collection!" 

I'm going to follow that up with a nice, hearty guffaw. So it seems that International Jock , an L.A. based company which specializes in well, jocks (and a generous diverse collection of them, too) has hit an all-time high of ridiculousness. A "Balls In One Erector Brief", and thong version available as well, that has "...a cool mesh pouch for your sack..." *bwahahahaha* "...and a vertical, tubular compartment that holds your shaft in an erect position".

So, underwear that is made specifically for an erect penis...nothing more? Like there are men who just have constant boners walking around and require specially made underwear to cater to their engorged shafts (ew). OK, I get the point. Yea, getting an erection while wearing tightey-whiteys can be an uncomfortable experience. But usually men are in one of two situations when that happens. Either take your pants off and get busy! Or, get rid of your boner because you're probably  in a place or setting where sporting a boner is highly inappropriate. And the thought of some guy out there walking around with a boner all the time, the same guy who would purchase this underwear, is really creepy. 

And what about the guys with the REALLY big shafts. Does this underwear come in magnum? Looking at the size of the standard shaft it seems to be made for, most guy who are larger than 5 inches would be busting these seams out.

But it's also hilarious because International Jock sells primarily sporting jocks (obviously) and I can't help but envision some guy playing sports or running or whatever else with an erection nestled comfortably in his moisture-wicking empowered cool mesh pouch.

Save your $19.95 for something else mister. And go jerk off because you have things to do and having a full mast full-time is NOT OK.

Thumbs down for pure ridiculousness and creepy thoughts. Thumbs up for making me, and hopefully you, laugh.

Bust Out the Corsage: Prom Style is In

Of course, most people have probably suppressed their memories of Jessica McClintock gowns and make-out sessions with braces but while Spring may be tax season and allergy season, it's also prom time. Now, you probably aren't attending one of these crepe paper decorated and parent chaperoned functions this year but I must say, the prom look is definitely in for Spring.

Don't believe me? Then why would Camilla and Marc decide to drape and carnation it up on their new collection? Why would Alexander McQueen go for the funky Greek goddess look? And Preen's power bandage dress looks like what that cool girl with the blue hair in art class would have worn to the big dance.

And when it comes to accessories, it's almost as if designer's were channelling their inner Molly Ringwald. Vivienne Westwood, by far, has the most playful and affordable designs of the season. Her teddy bear necklace looks like the glammed up version of jewelry you would have borrowed from your best friend down the street.

So don't be afraid of big style this season. And when you hear the prom, don't think David's Bridal or some tragic rack at Macy's that looks like it was attacked by raging teenage girls (because it probably was). Think big, bold, and colorful with some flair and don't be afraid to to try to incorporate some of these elements into your day time look as well.

MADE me happy

If you don't know who Alexa Chung is, I suggest you find out. fast. She is my current obsession, and if she's my current obsession, she definitely should be yours too. 25 year old indie chick, part time TV presenter, model and arm candy of Alex Turner (he of Arctic Monkey and Last Shadow Puppets fame) this girl KNOWS how to dress. It is through Chung that I discovered MADE UK

MADE is the brainchild of Christina Cisilino who after having spent many years in fashion wanted to "give something back." MADE is all about fair trade, with the emphasis on trade not aid. Accessories such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings are designed by a range of influential designers, then all materials are sourced and created within disadvantage communities across East Africa. So committed to the cause are MADE that they provide full training of craftsmanship for workers, a fair wage and even use recycled materials such as brass door handles, bath taps and padlocks to create their products. All of this do-gooding would be enough to sell me on parting withmy hard earned cash, but here's ethical cherry on the fair trade cake - the accessories are GORGEOUS. Weighty brass chains with delightfully chunky trinkets adorning them? Skulls? Unicorns? Daisies? Yes please! No wonder the Alexa Chung desgned skull necklace has been out of stock almost constantly for a year. Chaos Magazine gives these accessories a big thumbs up, I've just ordered the Unicorn Pendant I'm sure I'll be MADE up with it.

Get Your Own Style!

The 20's and 30's were known for flapper flair, zoot suits and little black dresses. The 40's and 50's were known for hourglass shapes, cinched waists, and fedoras. The 60's and 70's were revolutionized through hippie everything, headbands, zany prints, and of course brown plaid. The 80's and 90's, as we could forget, were just a mess. Neon colors, ripped everything, metallics, metal band graphic tees and a complete break from the "norm" (if you can define that). 

That leaves us where we are now. What will our decade be remembered for? Hmmm...mixing everything from the 20th century all together in an non-cohesive fenzy? 

Not having a defining style is something that doesn't bother me for some reason but does for another. It doesn't bother me because we're saying that we are so open and free with fashion that there are no rules to follow. Everything is allowed and everything is in style, as long as you wear it right. However, not having a defining style bothers me because well...we're just a bunch of copy cats. Aside from the popular American Apparel-esque styles of plain oversized plunging v-neck tees, white trimmed hoodies, and skinny jeans (all of which have been featured in Olivia Newton John's 'Physical' video {so I guess that too is just copycatted}) we have nothing from a fashion standpoint that belongs to us. 

Sure, everything in fashion is reinvented but please tell me when ripped jeans, cut off sweatshirts and fluorescent leggings were popular in any decade before 1980. Think about itttt...seriously. 

I'd like to hear your thoughts. Is it completely OK that we will be remembered for nothing but ripping off everything that came before? Or am I overanalyzing because that too in itself could be considered a style?

And...GO!

Teva's Ugly Step-Child

Just as every season brings about some new soon-to-be forgotten clothing trend, lipstick shade, and handbag, shoes seem to be the one item that are getting more and more ridiculous every season. Sure, I'm all for going outside of the box--I mean, who wants to wear flip-flops all season?--but when shoes stop functioning as well, shoes, then we have a problem. Which brings me to the collar sandal.

First of all, what exactly do these even go with? If you were to wear a skirt or dress, then you run the risk of rocking the cankle look. If you wear them with jeans, then wouldn't it be unpleasant to have your pants leg bunching up over the already awkward top of the shoe?

And suede? Isn't suede the worst material possible to wear in hot weather? Who wants to have ankle sweat while your toes are exposed?

But all practicality aside, these gladiator sandals-meets-ankle boots are just plain ugly. But if you can somehow find a way to pull them off, then we'd love to see some pictures.

Can We Please Get A Re-Count?

Who wouldda thought that the day would come when John Galliano would tone down anything? Well folks, that day has arrived. It's also arrived for Betsey Johnson, Narciso Rodriguez, Oscar de la Renta, dSquared, and a slew of others. Yes gang, I'm talking about the effects of the *shhh* recession. Let's face it, we're all scrimping and saving, cutting corners and eating a lot more in than out. Well, except for Whitney and her gang of merry models on MTV's The City. It seems like they're actually getting richer. Isn't she just an intern or something? Anyways, the effects are being felt and these top notch designers, designers who have pioneered fashion, who are the best of the best are feeling it too. There has been lots of "edits" we'll call them for the Fall/Winter '09 show compared to the Spring/Summer '09 show. For example, Mr. Galliano went from 47 looks in the Spring to 30 in the Fall, Armani went from 92 to 69 and the biggest loser is Betsey Johnson who started with 51 in the Spring and ended up with 25 in the Fall. I can't help but be reminded of a little point in time known as the Great Depression, when designers had to look to other forms of inspiration to make ends meet (dropped hemlines, backless dresses, and a renewed neo-classic sense of fashion). One can only hope that history repeats itself this go-around. Thumbs up for a brighter future in fashion, thumbs down for getting into this mess in the first place. 

Bordelle-oh oh OH!

I hate Lady GaGa. I would go so far as to say I LOATHE her. From her ridiculous name, to her even more ridiculous style, she does not have one redeeming feature. Poker face?? I certainly would like to use a poker on her face....so an email titled "GaGa inspired lingerie" did little to whet my fashion appetite. I was very pleasantly surprised to find not some cheap, nylon granny pants intended to be worn as some form of fashion statement, but a link to Bordelle lingerie. The London based lingerie designer was founded by Alex Popa an investment banker who apparently realised after a few years number punching, her real passion lay in, well exactly that - passion.

The idea of Bordelle lingerie is handmade couture underwear that strive to blur the lines between garment classification "giving rise to the terminology Bodywear" This sounds like total garbage spurted directly from the PR's mouth, but when it looks this good, I really couldn't give a toss. These bondage inspired lycra and leather multi-strapped pieces are underwear so sexy, so striking, so damned beautiful, it would be a crime to not wear it as outerwear.

The website is pretty sparse on info, but it does have some AMAZING photo's. http://www.bordelle.co.uk/, and there are a limited number of pieces available to buy online at Peacock&Strutt. But be warned, these prices aren't for the faint of heart.

CHAOS Website Update

Click the "View Issues" button on the above menu to visit our issues archive. Be sure to check out the multimedia extras accompanying our latest Spring Issue, including videos from The Takeover UK, Tyler Mumma & Ra Ra Riot. A downloadable PDF of the latest issue will be available soon.

Press Play

No, I'm not talking about P.Diddy's hit 2006 album (available at Tragic, er I mean Target, for $11.98) I'm talking about this remarkable little invention brought to us by DJ Techtools (www.djtechtools.com)

This little doo-dad actually is made to cover up that lit up apple on the top of your laptop (assuming that you are a Mac consumer) Macs are great! We're not hating on Mr. Jobs but the Apple light is a little generic and well unoriginal now especially since everyone has a Mac nowadays. With this sticker, which is applied directly over the light you can totally claim your laptop as something unique that no one else has. Plus it 'promotes your passion, not a brand'. The stickers are available for a mere $6.99 @ (www.djtechtools.com). The pack comes with two DJ Techtools stickers too. The Press Play sticker is available in white, black or silver and you can get it with or without the apple leaf. *snicker-snicker* (oooh, a Snickers sounds amazing right now) We are just full of cross-branding today aren't we? I better get checks from all of you guys! This hungry blogger gives the Press Play sticker a thumbs up for, well, being the first ever of its kind ... and for being simply awesome. 

Doin' Too Much

The late great Coco Chanel always said, "When in doubt, simply remove the last thing you put on before going out". (That wasn't meant to rhyme btw) Well, maybe gal #3 should remove everything altogether and just start over, or stay in instead. I'm not even going to touch on that fur tote, and those acid wash jeans and gold pumps? Not so much. We all laughed when Mugatu revealed his Derelict collection in Zoolander, thinking how ridiculous it was! Well....take a look around and you'll see that what we have is a clear case of homeless 'chic' running amuck. I personally don't get it. I'm a well-traveled chap, I consider myself adventurous when it comes to style but I know when to stop. That brown Rick Owens yeti coat is nothing short of atrocious. Snuffeluffagus himself would not be caught in that. Can someone please tell me why I think of Sigourney Weaver when I see this pic? It's one thing to see it on the runway but quite another to go to Dean & Deluca in it. And that New Mexico pancho would perform much better has a chunky scarf. I think the little old Native American woman who made it is still trapped in there somewhere. My point is this: Tone it down a bit. We get it, you're eccentric! But you're also obnoxious, distasteful, and most of all, just plain not cute. Thumbs down all the way! 

Pulling a Fast one.

Spotlight for my virgin post as a CHAOS mag blogger falls on knitwear extraordinaire Mark Fast. The 28 year old Canadian studied at knitwear at world renowned Central Saint Martins College, London for 5 years; showing his critically acclaimed MA collection February 2008.

The capsule collection comprised of taut, tight bandage knits with strategic cutouts in inky black, barely nude and a delicious burnt ember in shapes reminiscent of cling king Azzedine Alaia. Fast's girls followed the distinct "rock chick" feel of the show with slicked back sweat soaked hair, coal smudged eyes and matte coral lips, pairing their barely there wispy knits with heavy set ankle boots.

His debut collection was snapped up by Joan Burnstein (owner of Browns London and she who bought McQueen's entire first collection) and his name was the buzz word on everyone's LFW lips, this golden boy looks a sure fire bet to shine; with his fit to touch frocks so perfectly of the moment. I definitely want to be a Fast girl, do you?

Where to Click Away Your Money

Online shopping is never as rewarding or fun as going to a store and outright buying the item yourself. But on Etsy.com, you actually get that satisfaction because you're buying such amazing, creative merchandise made by individual sellers. And, even better, the site is set up to match you to your color preference, or by the fashion of other people's style you admire, or even by the birthdays of the site's members.

Giving designers exposure is something that we here at CHAOS always support. And with items like flapper headbands and hand embroidered coin purses, you really can stock up on one-of-a kind accessories and clothes without breaking the bank.

Personally, I am a huge fan of the roadkill scarf. That's definitely something you are not going to find at Intermix.

Model Watch: Mandy van den Barselaar

Put on your wooden shoes and braid your hair because it's all about what's going on in the Netherlands right now! And one big little thing happening is  Mandy van den Barselaar. This 13 year old (wow) lolita is making her splash thanks to Micha Models. At 5'8" her pouts and subtle inner angst (you can tell by the way she twists her hair frustratingly) are sure to thrill the likes of Calvin Klein soon enough. I can totally see her walking through a black and white pasture holding hands in nothing but jeans and a fitted tank top. Say it with me: *obsession*. I do wonder when she'll find time to squeeze in her Algebra homework amidst running Europe's fashion scene. Oh well. Chaos Mag gives this pre-pubescent pretty girl a thumbs up for fresh faced pouts and a promising career. Thumbs down for skipping class. 

India is on a Roll

I don't need to go into the India-mania that has swept America but one neglected, and undeservedly so, event needs to get its props. India fashion week (technically Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week and New Delhi Fashion Week in a simultaneous run) was incredibly inspired and creative and a far cry from the mostly boring looks the big four fashion weeks gave us.

Why doesn't the media cover lesser known fashion weeks? I have no idea because LA, Berlin and certainly New Delhi deserve to get recognized because their designers are less concerned about reviews and more interested in producing some really great clothes.

But no worries. You're reading CHAOS right? So now you know. Now if only we could figure out how to buy these great designs...

Peek-A-Boo @ Peachoo

Ok, so you can thank my 2nd vodka grapefruit for this blog. Tomorrow, I'll thank it for my headache but for now, the only thing I can thank for that is Peachoo + Krejberg. When I saw the 'Cousin It' ensemble from their Fall/Winter 2009 collection, I was hoping for something totally eccentric and hopefully fabulous (in an Eastern European sort of way). However, disappointment ensued. They, as a design house, "don't believe in a specific inspiration for a collection" and it shows. The off-centered tank tops and dangling poplin-esque blouses (?) are hardly inspirational at all. Take a look and you'll see why. I don't know if it's the way the samples were photographed or the way they're made but the busts are popping out so far I can't help channel Pamela Anderson as the only person who would find this interesting. This CHAOS blogger gives Peekaboo and Krashburn a thumbs down for sheer laziness. However, they must be doing something right. Thumbs up for getting my attention. 

Shoe Torture

I would just like to take a minute and talk about one thing...the Spring 2009 amazingness brought to us by Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte. Specifically, the shoes. If you know anything about current fashion, then you know what I'm referring to. If you don't, then put a condom on your head because I think I may have just blew your mind. These shoes have been spotted on the streets of Paris recently worn by a Miss Sally Singer (Vogue), a woman with fabulous fashion sense but terrible hair. Now, everywhere you look, or at least everywhere I have been looking, which are places you should be looking too, I have seen a shoe trend...buckles. But not just any buckles, strappy buckles, multiple strappy buckles. Shoes asphyxiated by straps...and it's turning me on. No, I'm not into S&M, unless it has to do with Gucci's new Babouska sandal ($1,295) or Jimmy Choo's Glenys Elaphe snakeskin sandal (also $1,295). I have been pretty "meh" about the overuse of them recently but once I saw the Rodarte beauties, with the gold D-rings and metallic chunk heel, I converted to a full on masochist. Check out Mr. Kirkwood's shoe collection and you too will fall in love...or lust. Just remember the safety word.

Model Upgrade?

Have you heard of the hottest model to hit fashion? Although she hasn't hit the catwalk yet--that event is scheduled for later this month--she has already made quite a stir. Give up? Well here's a hint--she's not your tradional stilletto stomper. In fact, she's not even human.

On Monday, Japanese researchers unveiled the first ever robot model. HRP-4C is programmed to look like a runway model, walk like one, and even pose like one. And, at 95 pounds, this she-bot even weighs the same a as a model.

The team of scientists who invented the robot hope to market it to Japanese designers as an alternative to its flesh and blood counterparts. But models shouldn't be too worried just yet. There's still one invaluable task this she-bot can't perform--the thirty-second quick change behind stage at a fashion show.

I Had A Dream

No really, I did! It was a few months ago, BEFORE the Spring 2009 Dolce & Gabbana men's ad campaign came out. In this dream, I met a boy. He had blonde hair. It was super short buzzed on the sides (bout 1/4"), fading longer to the top and slicked Richie Cunningham style. Totally a new fresh modern take on retro 50's style. I woke up and immediately picked up my clippers. Fast forward to last week and what do I see? Dolce, Dolce, Dolce! The same hairstyle featured in my dream, featured in their huge new mens collection! Am I a prodigy or what? Of course, my version is a little cleaner with some serious Tressemme shalacked on top. Seriously though, everyone knows that 50's style is adorable to play and experiment with. Nerd chic is definitely in right now but this new do for men (and even women! I'm telling you!) is the cat's pajamas. Finish it up with a straight edged part and give the bangs a little Greaser action with your buck 50 fine tooth comb. As an added bonus, I rock my geeky Hugo Boss Buddy Holly-esque faux reading glasses (inspiration thanks to Rachel Zoe's handy dandy cry me a river assistant, Brad). You will be turning heads and having EVERYONE say, golly gee, love the hair!

St. Patty's Day Style

St. Patrick's Day is usually associated with beer and barf but rarely with fashion (shamrocks are pretty bold though). But that doesn't mean you have to hit the bar, or after work get together, without a little green flair.

We're not talking about green Dr. Seuss hats or Mardi Gras beads. There actually are chic options that can be worn post-March 17th.

The best? Jane Pope earrings. The Caged Green Glass pendant is perfect for day or night--and, if that isn't quite your fancy, you can email Jane yourself to custom design your own piece of fantastic jewelry.

If you don't want to splurge on jewelry, when was the last time you updated your wallet? Jutta Neumann makes super slinky custom made leather goods in bright colors (like green!) that would be perfect to lighten up your day and your Spring wardrobe.

And if you want to go all out? Then there's nothing more on point than jumpsuits and Rag & Bone's green Teddy Jumper is perfect for the occasion.

If you're truly a fashionista, you'll somehow figure out to rock all these trends. Just remember to not get pinched!

CHAOS Magazine Releasing Issue 2 Today!

We've been getting a few emails and we just wanted to do a post and let you all know that....... YES! We are releasing numero two today. We are using a new flash platform for the online viewing so things are going to be a bit different but trust me that you will love it. Sorry it is coming to you two days later than schedule but we had some traveling to do and are now in Berlin for the next few months working on our next issue. Time change, jetlag, you get the idea. We are settled and should have the issue live for you today. Thanks for bearing with us through the last few days, I know you all are excited for the new issue, we are excited to share it with you. Check back soon...

Spring 2009 Issue 2

Sorry for the delay of the Spring Issue- 

We will be releasing the flash flipbook version later today.

Model DJs

Have you ever been to a party and thought it was too bad that the DJ wasn't as attractive as the models gallivanting about? Well, maybe not but having someone gorgeous be in charge of the playlist couldn't hurt right? So maybe it isn't a crucial issue, but for the husband and wife team who founded Stadj Model DJs in New York, it certainly was. Fed up with chubby physiqued, soul-patch faced music mixers at clubs and parties, they decided they were going to do something about it. Now, their company currently has 15 model Djs and they are hoping to double that amount by the summer. So next time you are planning an event--don't forget the retired model who could mix the music. Hey, it beats the hell out of posing for a J.Jill catalog.

Sound Off: A New Trend that Must Be Stopped

It's not dorky glasses or mom jeans or even those weird chin/lip piercings. It's far more offensive than that.

We're talking about shorts, people. Not just any shorts though--cutoffs. Cutoffs with tights.

Who is responsible for this? Probably some celebrity who saw some cold homeless person who had to make due. And if I saw someone who looked poor or homeless, I would not judge--but I certainly wouldn't copy them. Besides, the only people I've seen wear this are rich college kids.

So please, please if you are guilty of this gawdawful fashion statement, reassess before you leave your home. Unless you are painting houses or coming home from dance class, put on some article clothing that covers your legs in one garment (i.e. pants).

Spruce Up Your Abode

So we've all heard of Spring cleaning. But what about Spring decorating? If you want to get over that Winter hump, then the best thing could be re-assessing your walls and decor. This isn't a major overhaul we're talking about--just a few simple changes can make a world of difference and brighten your mood . A great place for prints is the antiqueprintstore.com. There, you can find lovely prints of landscapes, fruit, what strikes your fancy and it will usually cost you less than $100. Want some new throw pillows for your couch? Don't go out to Target and get them. Sew them yourself with fabric you design. At spoonflower.com, you can do just that. Just send them your fancy art and they will turn it into a print textile for you. Not an artist? No worries. They have some pretty cool designs on hand for you to choose from. Finally, a great way to re-invent your home's look is just to switch up the dinnerware. Of course, this can usually set you back quite a bit but not if you shop at overrun stores such as fishseddy.com. There, you can buy anything from Alice and Wonderland plates to retro cat and dog mugs. Just as you would invest in your wardrobe for Spring, don't forget to invest in your home. You can't be fabulous from head to toe without being chic floor to ceiling.

Too Complex to Dress

Take 2 parts bed sheet, and 4 parts nomad, throw in a dash of urban youth and you have what Complex Geometries has decided to be their Spring/Summer 09 collection. Based on functionality and movement, this collection has certainly mastered that just got out of bed look, except the bed sheets are still on. It's a Montreal version of American Apparel and it certainly has its fan base. The designers rely on simple colors and voluminous silhouettes to create a collection that is a) androgynous (even though most critics deny this), 2) wearable, and d) stylish (above all else). Their 'stockists' locations include their home base of Canada, US, Japan, Indonesia, UK, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, and randomly enough, Panama. I recommend size 0 and under only apply for this wardrobe. Too much volume yields just that...too much volume. Survey says: thumbs up for lazy chic, thumbs down for catering only to waifs. But shouldn't we all look emaciated anyways?

CHAOS loves Max!

We sure do! Max Sokolov, 25 is a nimble thing hailing from the icy streets of Russia. A former dancer by day and model by night, this 6'1 statuesqe red version of David is sure turning heads and grabbing this bloggers attention at a high frequency. You can see him dancing his way through the pages of nearly every gentleman's fashion magazine poised in barely there garbs from Hugo Boss, Paul Smith and a very effeminate cape sponsored by Yves Saint Laurent. With the ample amounts of exposed tush and some nondescript bush, who cares who he's wearing? Chaos-Mag.com gives this Soviet a firm salute!

New Totes for Spring

So it's (kind of) getting warmer out but you can't bust out the sandals and short skirts just yet. So how do you spruce up your wardrobe in a t-shirt by day, jacket by night climate? And, more importantly, what's the most useful and stylish way to make your hard-earned cash go the furthest this Spring?

Well, I must say, after years and years of it-bags à la Marc Jacobs, it's high time that tote bags got their due. While not as flashy as say Murakami pop art splashed across the glossy finished leather of your clutch, there are in fact plenty of cool and classy totes out there that can double as your weekend do-it-all bag or just serve as a chic carrier for your gym clothes. They're often half the price of their fancier handbag counterparts.

Some of the best are actually from some of the brands that usually produce the the most ho-hum designs. But not this year. Longchamp's Xlight tote comes in fuschia (!) and neutraul and is a far cry from their usual plain design and color. Coach just introduced a line of durable, canvas bags that have no interlocking C's to be found (praise be!). If you're in the mood to splurge, Mulberry has some great designs that come in less than $500.

So don't be afraid to invest in some sturdy fashion gear this season. Maybe you'll even get enough use out of it to write it off on your taxes next year. If you have too much money left over? Well, you can always start a savings fund for that Ralph Lauren Mongolian lamb fur coat for fall.

Bundle up, this Hotel is made entirely of ICE!

Have you heard of Sweden's ICEHOTEL? Also, Sweden's #1 destination for travel. Hmm, don't you think they get enough of the cold? The entire ICEHOTEL is on loan from the rushing Torne River and is turned into a place where time stops. The hotel has 80 guest rooms, a swanky bar, lobby and  everything is made from ice. As soon as the winter season arrives, a team of snow builders designers, artists and architects from across the globe come together in the small town of Jukkasjärvi far north of the Arctic Circle. Under the direction of the ICEHOTEL Art & Design Group, they start work on each year's version of the hotel. The hotel lasts for 4 months till spring arrives and the ICEHOTEL gives back to the Torne River till next winter. If you want to take a different kind of vacation and experience something totally out of the norm then visiting the ICEHOTEL in Sweden should definitely be on the list!

Sports Chic

Trends, no matter how faddish, are some times so sweeping that you don't know why you were wearing those wedge heels or shagging you hair when you cringe as you're editing your Flickr account. And in Milan and Paris this week, designers put forth some bold designs that looked like, if you wore them, they could be potential blackmail photos in your future. But I have to admit, regardless of how insane these sports-inspired looks seem, they miraculously came off as wearable. Now that's good design.
The craziest? Prada waders. Yes, waders. You might be thinking how does fishing gear work for every day but, honestly, don't ask me, ask Miuccia. Girl made it work.
There was also Nina Ricci's riding hats. They were equestrian-like but somehow seemed fitting if you saw some one walking down the street on a rainy day or meeting a friend for lunch.
And Balenciaga did not dissapoint either. The Kimono meets Karate silk outfits were part evening, part pajamas, part super-bitch power suit. I'm not sure how they came up with the designs but it was certainly inspired.

It was almost as if the European designers thought were daring us not to be boring. Balmain parachute pants with snow boots? Make that a double-dog dare.

Lazy Afternoon? Leave it to the Pros

After the Oscars, it always feels as if Hollywood is just biding it's time until summer for some decent movies to hit theaters. (Madea Goes to Jail has been at the top of the box office for a past several weeks. I rest my case.) Well, forget new movies, what about old ones? In major cities around the country, theaters are revitalizing classic films that haven't seen theaters in several decades. So no worries--you won't have to spend your afternoon debating whether to see Jonas Brothers 3D out of pure boredome or resort to enduring Julie Roberts flashing her teeth at Clive Owen. You can have a chic, retro afternoon almost any weekday or weekend. Here are just a few films that will be out over the next week (check local listings).
New York: Leave Her to Heaven (1946); Gene Tierney, Vincent Price; Film Forum Ellen Berent has a tragic flaw--she loves too much. As her nerosis begins to unravel her marriage, and all the men she's ever loved, the film probes the merits of life and death. Martin Scorsese calls it "a film noir in color."
Los Angeles: Rear Window (1954); Grace Kelly, James Stewart; ArcLight Cinemas Laid up with a bad leg, L.B. Jefferies resort to spying on his neighbors until one day he witnesses something he wishes he hadn't seen. One of Alfred Hitcocks' most famous and frightening films.
Chicago: Portrait of Jenny (1948); Joseph Cotton, Jennifer Jones; Normal Theater A struggling artist encounters a mysterious girl in a New York park on a foggy evening. You can imagine what ensues.

Forget Citibank--Italy Bails Out Fashion

Leave it to the Italians to get their priorities straight. Instead of throwing taxpayers' dollars at CEOs and insolvent banks, they’ve decided to line the pockets of fashion’s biggest names. Last month, when the Italian government gave $2.5 billion to its auto makers, Italy's Chamber of Fashion head Mario Boselli (yes, they have a Chamber of Fashion in Italy) cried foul and insisted that the government do the same for its stylish economic counterpart. He told WWD, “I can understand helping the automotive industry but wouldn’t fashion deserve the same, if not more, consideration than the furniture industry?” (“Furniture industry”? Wow, that's sassy.) While the amount of money remains up for debate, the Italian minister of economic development, Claudio Scajola, promised that the first capital injections will occur next month.

Needless to say, this makes our country’s fashion elites look almost pitiable as they hope--pray, even--that Michelle Obama gives them an economic boost. Apparently, if this were Italy, all we would need is for Timothy Geitner and Ben Bernanke to don some Ferragamo loafers to get motivated to help the stalwarts of style. Hey, with all the money they’re giving away you never know. If Obama is looking for another cabinet member, I nominate Dianne von Furstenburg for Secretary of Fashion.

Dracula ... Again.

Most of us have read Twilight or have seen the various television shows that are a dime-a-dozen these days ... America, even the entire world, is ob-sessed with vampires! Yeah, yeah, we know the story - once you have gotten bit, you enter this extremely romanticized world of eternal life and beauty; that story's been around for centuries ... and it's showing NO signs of stopping! But nothing says living forever like sunglasses, right?

Designer Karen Walker, known to be somewhat of an extremist, is participating in a lookbook dedicated to the glorified creatures of the night; she literally is breaking out all of the stops - or in this case, fangs - for her Spring 2009 eyewear collection.

What's the lookbook's working title? Celebrate Sun. And I thought I've heard it all...

Music to Our Ears

With all the technological advancements to keep us abreast of our friends’ lives (Twitter), the best restaurants and recipes (Chowhound), even online shopping consolidation of our favorite brands and styles (Shopstyle), the one thing that hasn’t gotten any easier is figuring out how to sift through the endless of array of good (or atrocious) music. If you’re a college student, then yeah, you can listen to your school’s radio station, spend hours at the record store (since college towns still tend to have those), go to random shows just for the hell of it, or burn your roommate’s playlists. But what about the rest of us?

Well it seems that the times are beginning to catch up with us. Hype Machine (http://hypem.com/) which has been around for a few years now, let’s you listen to online radio, web streams of the most popular artists, and constant updates of threads with new songs. Then there's Largeheartedboy.com that keeps track of the latest album releases and features free downloads. There’s also musicforbusypeople.com that has a slightly different model—instead of you checking their web page daily, they periodically notify you via email with a list of the best and most interesting new music that recently has just come out (currently, this is a member only site but you can still sign up for the waitlist).

While there’s no ideal way to find out about the latest and greatest new artists without risking your 99 cents on iTunes, at least these and other sites are a start. Even Apple has noticed that their customers are anxious for a different way to try and experience music before they commit their hard earned dollars to it and will soon be offering a season pass feature (details to come). But for now, we can at least have some options before we click “Buy.”

Fruit Roll-Ups

Today I made a purchase: ladies denim roll-up shorts. Now, these have been popping up in a lot of places nowadays and everyone is sporting them. So based on this and the fact that I love showing off my legs, I splurged the $19.50 and invested. These are great for lots of summery occasions and aren't very atypical. That is, unless of course  a 6'3 white man is wearing them. This is where the term fashion comes in. To me, fashion is defined not just as what is in style but what isn't...yet. Sure, everything has been reinvented and this isn't the first time a man has worn denim shorts. However, it is the first time in the last 20 years or so that the shorts haven't been something found on an episode of Blossom, Fresh Prince, or Martin. You know, with the cargo pocket or painter's tab, and hanging halfway off the ass. So let's unite, men! Dig out your circa 1993 denim shorts, cut off the tab, and roll em up just past your knee. Or, you could just spend the $19.50. 

I Heart the 90s?

With London Fashion Week 2009 behind us, one must wonder, "does history really repeat itself? It sure looks like it! I'm talking about whether or not the 90s are back ... and with quite a vengeance.

The 90s were a time of grunge rock, greasy hair, and chunky doc martens paired with a lab coat - I'm sure you all can attest to wearing some combination of the above mentioned ... thinking you were "all that" and a trend-setter. Perhaps you were.

The catwalk in London was chock-full of "Tank Girl" looks and little numbers that could pass off as something straight out of Courtney Love's closet! Even prominent designer Richard Nicholl - who teamed up with Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs in the past - hopped on the "runaway train." He framed cutesy tailored lab coats and undone lingerie ... how "Vogue" of him!

Now I want to hear from you, our adoring readers: Will you be running to your nearest department store, rummaging for a baby doll dress and butterfly clips?

Cocktail Time

Have your ever thrown a dinner party or gone to some trendy roof top bar and thought to yourself, “I’ll be damned if I have to drink one more boring passion fruit mojito”? You know you can only have so many dressed-up vodka martinis before you can’t believe you’ve just blown $40 on what tastes like Smirnoff and Snapple. Never fear, though, we’ll rescue you from your liquor ennui.

One of the most misunderstood and perfectly delicious on it’s own cocktails is pure absinthe. While the US only recently began to allow the sale of absinthe domestically (it was banned back in 1915), really good quality brands have made there way on the market. Now we know what you’re thinking, “Absinthe? Isn’t that the stuff that Van Gogh was drinking when he cut off his ear?” Perhaps, but it turns out that the FDA and the EU did some extensive testing and it does not cause hallucinations, delirium, panic, or any other 19th century-esque ailment. Apparently, Van Gogh was just plain crazy.

Lucid, a French made absinthe, and Kubler, a Swiss one, are sold here in the United States. Another particularly complex Swiss absinthe, Mansinthe (named for Marilyn Manson), has some limited availability. If you are picking up a bottle for a party, it will run you about $60-$70 but, since absinthe is like scotch and meant to be enjoyed leisurely, you should get your money’s worth. And, considering you won’t have to by any lycee berries, maraschino cherries, mint, or God-knows-what-else special ingredient to make vodka palatable, you’ll probably end up saving money in the long haul. Now that’s something to drink to.