Slither Into Fall

I don't know about everyone else but I am starting to notice that snakeskin is becoming the must have pattern for fall.

Now I'm not too sure how I feel about an all snakeskin dress or pants but I am definitely being drawn toward the shoes and bags.

Snakeskin is very classic. It has a great sleek look to it and it's a piece that never goes out of style. Snakeskin gives off a vibe of elegance and chicness. You are always safe with a snakeskin in black, gray or navy.

If you want to be a little more daring then you can always try a snakeskin print in hot pink or yellow. But if your going to do that make the print the focus of your outfit. I would suggest sticking with a shoe or a purse in a wild color.

-Erin Jones

Introducing Paisley

It seems this season's trends are all over the map, ranging from ultra-edgy and futuristic to decadently gorgeous '40's. This upcoming season is all about expressing yourself in different personalities or generations and I think it's going to be a great season.

Okay so I've covered many trends from biker chick to military solider but I have to introduce something new to the mix. The idea of a paisley print. While you're trying on your leather pants or structured military jacket throw in a paisley print to make it a little more feminine. Get in touch with your inner hippie. With its swiry patterns and folk art detailing it adds a little character to your fall wardrobe.

If your not too keen on the print and don't want it to over power your outfit, look for a scarf or a bracelet with the paisley inspired print. It doesn't have to be the focus of the outfit. But it certainly is a great accent piece.

-Erin Jones

The September Issue

Now I don't know how many of you fell in love with The Devil Wears Prada but I certaintly did. For me that movie is the reason I got into fashion. It is said that Meryl Streep's character was suppose to be inspired by Anna Wintour, but let's face it if anyone is going to portray Anna it will be herself.

The indie film The September Issue, which is consider to be the "real" devil wears prada will be released in New York on August 28th, and in Los Angeles and select cities on September 11th.

The September Issue takes the viewer inside a world they only think they know. It follows legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine, Anna Wintour, as she prepares the September issue of Vogue. It is an intimate, funny and surprising look at Anna Wintour and her team of larger-than-life editors as they create this must-have Bible of fashion. Viewers are taken behind the scenes of Fashion Week, on shoots and re-shoots and into closed-door staff meetings. It shows you every place you wish you were.

The dates for this movie release should be marked on every fashionistas calendar; I know they are circled on mine. It is the one time when followers of Vogue are allowed into the world they only wish they were apart of. This movie will help you understand what it takes to make it in the cut throat world of fashion.

-Erin Jones

Bondage Leggings

Yup, that's right bondage leggings. Honestly, I am not sure if that is what they are really calling them but it works for me. Clearly the boring black legging just isn't doing it anymore so we've starting ripping them (which I love) cutting them (also love) and um now bonding them? I'm not sure if I love this yet, time will tell. Though I think they're pretty interesting, might try em out. I do like the ones in the photo, they look pretty rad.

What do you guys think? Are we going too crazy with the legging craze?

The Resurrection of the Polaroid- The Impossible Project

What is the "The Impossible Project" you might ask? Well, even though we cried our eyes out when we heard Polaroid was discontinuing film and cameras. We can now rest assured that is not the case. The Impossible Project is in collaboration with Urban Outfitters to re-start production of analog instant film for vintage Polaroid cameras in 2010! This is just amazing news! Almost as amazing as hearing that the Vietnam War ended in April 1975, because that was some pretty freaking amazing news as well.... though I wasn't even thought of then my "Mum" told me it was. :)

Anyway I hope you didn't eBay your Polaroid vintage camera because you will wish you didn't. I also hope you aren't spending hundreds on stocking up on film because those aren't going to be 80 for a 3 packs of 10 anymore. Hold out, it'll be worth it. They're talking end of year to get the film out since they are ahead of schedule and that is right around the corner. How perfect for Christmas. I know what I want in my stocking!

Read more about The Impossible Project here

Fashion Meets Art in the Hamptons

If you are headed out to the tip of Long Island in the next few weeks, then check out "The Art of Fashion" exhibit at Guild Hall in East Hampton. Ten designers (Tory Burch, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Reed Krakoff, Ralph Lauren, Nicole Miller, Elie Tahari, and Vera Wang) displayed "vignettes" that match equally prominent artists with the designer's clothes.

Co-curated by Pamela Fiori, Editor-in-Chief of Town & Country, and Stan Herman, designer and past president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the designers worked with the curators to pick artwork that would complement their clothing designs. The event opened last Friday (August 14th) and the designers were at the exhibit to discuss their choices and their artistic inspiration.

So perhaps it's not the most creative idea in the world, but hey, it's the Hamptons, not Berlin. And everyone needs a break from the beach and shopping once in a while.

--Daphne Muller

Standing at Attention

ATTENTION! I hate to interrupt you from the planning of your fall wardrobe but there is one more trend you should consider before you start shopping.

It seems that for fall a girl can have multiple personalities. She can be the punk rock princess, the biker chick and now she can also be on the defense with this years military inspired trend.

The almighty military jacket is embroidered with gold detailing and ornate trims. These jackets all fall at any length from your waist to your knee. They can easily be paired with leggings or skinny pants or for a softer look it can be paired with a full skirt.

When out searching for the perfect military jacket look for a jacket with a high-stand collar and a strong uniform style, choose one in either navy blue, black or red. There are going to be various amounts of jackets with different detailing and fits, and if you're going to venture in to the military jacket you have to go all the way. Choose the jacket that is double breasted or the jacket with the officer style with brass-buttoned sleeves.

Fall is all about bringing out the different personalities that are hiding inside of you. Fall is for all the girls who ever thought "I wonder what it would be like to be in the military or to ride a motorcycle." Now you get to find out!

- Erin Jones

Mark Your Calendar for Fashion's Night Out

Why didn't someone think of this before? On September 10th, thousands of retailers all over the world have agreed to leave their doors open until 11 PM while hosting fashion shows, giveaways, charity tie-ins, model and celebrity appearances, parties with food and drink, live music and DJs, makeovers, product launches, and raffles.

The event is co-sponsored by Vogue and the event coincides with the first day of fashion week in New York. Over seven hundred retailers in the U.S. have agreed to participate including most Macy's and all Neiman Marcus retailers. If you will be in New York then, Manolo Blahnik, Kenneth Cole, Sean Combs, Carolina Herrera, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Derek Lam, Nanette Lepore, Isaac Mizrahi, Narciso Rodriguez, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, and Jason Wu have all said they are going to host events.

Some highlights? Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen will be bartending at Barney's, Stuart Weitzman will be hosting a ping-pong tournatment and Oscar de la Renta promised to sing at his Madison Avenue boutique.

For more information go here.

--Daphne Muller

No Lie... Well, Maybe...

Too... many... emotions! Can't... dictate...

Oakland natives, Cryptacize, have done it again for the first time! Stolen my heart, that is, with the classic sound of their new album, Mythomania. Its fifties jingle influence jogs a memory I never had about a time in which I never lived. The faux-nostalgic experience of another life.

Hear it for yourself!

mp3:

Cryptacize :: Mythomania

<3

mathr

Fancy A Schwim?

I do. So do these guys.

This shall be the first of many posts to mention the upcoming 2009 Polaris Music Prize, to be presented in mid-September. Follow the link for more info.

Great Lake Swimmers have been around... and around. In 2003, they made their mark and cut deep with a self-titled album that "tap[s] into an essence of times gone by, unfolding a sad vibe that doesn't force itself on you." [allmusic] Honest words for an honest record.

Never mind that. That was then and this is now. This year's record may very well take home the toonies... all ten thousand of them. I haven't decided where my vote lies, but I have decided that I love, love, love this song. Love it.

I just know you'll love it, more.

mp3:

Great Lake Swimmers :: Everything is Moving So Fast

<3

mathr

Bust Out Some Neon

It's August. It's hot. It's raining one minute and humid the next. You want spruce up your wardrobe but you don't want to buy any more summer clothes.

What to do?

Buy some neon!

Yes, neon. The perfect color for summer and fall. Jil Sander and Tory Burch both make amazing colored flats and Nine West has very bright strappy heels. Both H&M and TopShop have amazing bargain priced pieces or, if you want to go all out, spurge on a Michael Kors shift dress and this amazing Nina Ricci ensemble (see insert).

If you're not brave enough to brighten up your wardrobe just yet, then you could always accessorize--Lulu Guiness makes fabulous bright pink lip clutch and Sephora makes an array of punchy eye shadows.

So don't be a fashion coward. Wear some neon. Go on, we dare you.

Radiohead's New Track - A Tribute to a War Hero

Radiohead has just released a new single in honor of the late Harry Patch, WWI's last war veteran. Touched by Patch's story and character, Thom Yorke rallied together his own troupes to create the track, aptly named "Harry Patch (In Memory Of)." The song was recorded a mere two weeks before Patch's death - He died July 25th at the age of 111. He also held the title of the world's third oldest man.

Known for being an avid critic against the war, the haunting lyrics are actual quotes from Patch himself. Paired with a somber abundance of strings and Yorke's distinct vocals, it makes for a hell of a tribute in my opinion.
This will have to sustain us Radiohead fans for a long while since, according to the group, they wont be releasing any new albums anytime soon.

Radiohead - Harry Patch (In Memory Of)

I am the only one that got through
The others died where ever they fell
It was an ambush
They came up from all sides
Give your leaders each a gun and then let them fight it out themselves
I've seen devils coming up from the ground
I've seen hell upon this earth
The next will be chemical but they will never learn

Cheers,
Caitlin

The L Word

I know I can't be the only one excited for fall/winter. And no I don't mean I'm excited for the drastic weather changes, I'm stoked for the trends.

Every girl has a wild side to them, there is a secret biked chick hiding in all of us and I dare you to prove me wrong.

It's all about leather for the approaching season. Pants, skirts, jackets, knee length boots, leggings it's all about the L word.

Leather is timeless and this time around it is more feminine and soft. It still represents sexiness and rock and roll but not with such a hard edge. It is now delicate enough to make the transition from the bike to the boardroom.

Okay so maybe you not too keen on the all leather outfit but it doesn't have to be so outrageous. Choose one leather piece like a skirt or a pant and pair it with a a pretty feminine floral print in silk or sheer. Or make it a classic look by adding cashmere.

Leather doesn't have to be harsh, it's now exciting and modern. Leather has embraced a ladylike spin this season.

If you are only making one big purchase this upcoming season, do yourself a favour and make a leather piece your staple item. I guarantee you won't regret it.

- Erin Jones

Sartorialist: The Book

So who hasn't spent a slow afternoon at work browsing through The Sartorialist's blog that chronicles fashion all over the world? Scott Schuman, the man behind the camera, has now come out with a book that features his best and most intriguing photos.

In case you are unfamiliar with Schuman's work, he travels to different cities and photographs everyday people looking fabulous. If you're ever in a fashion funk, it's always refreshing to visit his blog and see what someone in Paris or Dublin is wearing.

Always the savvy publisher, Penguin has decided to publish the photography book in paperback so that it's not just another expensive, heavy tome to leave on your coffee table. And, that's a wise decision given that at 500 plus pages, it's just light enough for you to take to the beach or on the subway.

Happy persuing!

--Daphne Muller

Copycats on the Catwalk

Okay so this post is going to be a little different. I'm not going to be concentrating on the latest trend or which fashion designer is about to retire, I want to introduce you to the idea of something called The Design Piracy Prohibition Act.

For years it has been pointed out how the fashion industry has been an example of a high creative industry that has thrived without the use of copyright. Now all of a sudden some big name designers have been lobbying Congress to pass new law that would institute a special copyright for fashion design. But what's the point?

For as long as I can remember I have always been told that history always repeats itself. And fashion has proven this statement to be very true. Nothing ever goes out of style completely. It may go out of style for a couple of years or even a decade but it will always come back one way or another.

I can't understand how this act is going to be a good idea because if it is passed a designer can go out claim that pants and shirts and their design therefore meaning that no other designer can make pants or shirts. How does that make any sense?

The fashion industry is all about being incredibly innovative and involves an enormous amount of competition. It is the job of a designer to try and take an old design and enhance it. Now if that design becomes copyrighted fashion will start to get very boring. Designers will not be able to draw on a historical design for inspiration. No one will be able to come up with fresh ideas.

Personally I really don't think The Design Piracy Prohibition Act is such a good idea. I mean I understand the idea of not ripping off someone else's work but the world of fashion is different. Styles from different era's are always recreated and this new act is going to drive fashion to a halt.

Question for you: Can you tell which dress from the picture above is the knockoff?

- Erin Jones

New Owen!

I'll just come out and say it... I've never really cared for the Kinsellas' music. None of it. Not that it's bad... just that I never could understand where it's coming from... or where it's going.

That is, until now. Because this song is amazing. It makes me think that maybe... just maybe, my ears are developing a taste for this odd and quirky little niche that Mike Kinsella has carved out for himself.

The track is from the forthcoming album under Kinsella's solo effort, Owen, entitled New Leaves. His lyrics are both candid and charming while the music lends itself, for once, to the pulsating rhythm of cradlesong. Needless to say, me likee.

Pre-order the album, directly from Polyvinyl and get a free sticker! Huzzah!

mp3:

Owen :: A Trenchant Critique

<3

Destroyer's "Bay of Pigs"

I've said it before but I'll gladly say it again. 2009 has been a damn fine year for music. From Grizzly Bear and Beirut to Black Moth and Passion Pit, the hits just keep on coming. Wowzer!

I know the year's only half over but August is proving to be no exception with Destroyer on the prowl, serving up a new 12" vinyl release entitled Bay of Pigs. The 2 song EP drops August 18th and is currently available for pre-order via Merge Records. However, the release is limited (100 copies) so get it while you can.

I'd say more, but this track really speaks for itself.

mp3:

Destroyer :: Bay of Pigs

lyrics:

Listen, I've been drinking, as our house lies in ruin. I don't know what I'm doing: alone, in the dark, at the park or at the pier, watching ships disappear in the rain.

1) The world's just bones. The world is black stones dressed up in the rain with no place to go but home, just like Nancy! On a night like this, why, she's pro stars! pro sky!

2) All lit up and sick of fighting beneath the diseased lighting of the discotheque at night, it don't mean a thing, it never means a thing, it don't meant, it never means a thing. It's got that swing...

3) I've seen it all ... I've seen it all. Magnolia's a girl. Her heart's made of wood. As apocalypses go that's pretty good, wouldn't you say? Sha la la...

4) Please remove your spurs. Come to think of it, remove your antlers. Haven't seen you

for ages. I still fly into rages at the mention of your name: Christine White! I think about you often, off in the desert, laughing your head off in the forests of the night. Say a prayer for the light...

5) So now I live well. I live in the mine. I'm still slinging mud at the towers all the time. I took a walk ... And threw up in an English garden...

6) I was born in the north, but my father's from the south. Love is a political beast with jaws for a mouth, I don't care. You're upset and have every right to be. Regretfully you decline. Every night was a waste of time. Every night, Every night, Every night...

7) You were on the side of good. I was inside of the sea's guts: a crumbling beauty trapped in a river of ice. A crumbling beauty trapped in paradise. Oh, it was paradise.

8) The tide comes in and the tide goes out again. I suppose this is the kind of thing we see every day. The tide comes in; the tide goes away. Oh the tide comes in, yeah the tide! Yes, the tide...

9) A ransom note written on the night sky above remind's me what, in particular, about this wine I love. Like a punctured beast better off dead, compliments going to my head... la da da la da da!

10) And speaking of my mind, the sunflower. And speaking of a world turning sour on you. I was 20 years old in 1992. I was bathed in golden sunlight, alright!!

11) I was ripped on dope, you were a ray of sunshine. I was a hopeless romantic, you were swine. You got to spend money to make money. You got to stop calling me "honey"...

12) Oh world!, you fucking explosion that turns us around. The searchlight slumps over, it's so sick of the night and the kids on the boats, busted in the shipyard, going down down down down down down down...

13) You travel light, all night ,every night, to arrive at the conclusion of the world's inutterable secret ... And you shut your mouth...

Free and easy, gentle, gentle ... The wind through the trees makes you mental for me ... Nancy, in a state of crisis, on a cloud...

<3

mathr

Sydney Wayser wows the West

Watching Brooklyn-based darling Sydney Wayser perform is like spying on a young girl alone in her room. Despite the presence of her new boy-packed back-up band, Wayser’s downcast eyes and demure demeanor conjure up an innocence that is otherworldly. This quality paired with her expressive voice is truly spellbinding. Last week, I was lucky enough to catch Wayser at San Francisco’s Make-Out Room finishing up her west coast mini-tour to promote her sophomore album The Colorful.

Wayser’s appearance may evoke images of youth, but her new album features songs examining new experiences, growing up, and uncomfortable emotions. Tracks are simple and uncomplicated, but showcase a sophistication way beyond Wayser’s twenty-two years. Grounded by piano melodies, Wayser’s voice sores painting colorful depictions of New York, crying loved ones, and awkward silences.

mp3:

Sydney Wayser :: Lullaby

Sydney Wayser :: Bells

Kisses,

Lisa Hampton

Naomi Sims, First Black Supermodel, Passes Away

Naomi Sims, who many consider to have been the first black supermodel, died earlier this week in New Jersey from breast cancer. She was 61.

In the late 1960s, Sims appeared on the covers of Vogue, Life, Ladies Home Journal, and the New York Times fashion magazine.

She is often credited for paving the way for the other black supermodels who followed closely in her footsteps--Pat Cleveland, Alva Chinn and Beverly Johnson are just some of the models whose careers blossomed a decade after her success.

In her later years, she founded one of the first cosmetic and hair care lines for women of color. Her business prowess did not go unnoticed: According to the Washington Post, both Harvard Business School and Oprah Winfrey "singled out" her creative entrepreneurship in the fashion business.

An style inspiration and innovator, she surely will be missed.

--Daphne Muller

In Her Shoes

Shoes are a weakness for every girl. No matter how hard you may try to disagree, deep down you know I'm right. I'll even admit it. I am a shoeoholic. But I am proud of it.

This summer has been great for shoes. It is all about show-stopping heels. It's about the details and the embellishments. It's about ordinary black heels being transformed into the focus of any outfit.

When shopping around for a new pair of shoes look for something with lace or zippers. Choose something strappy with buckles or studs. Draw attention to yourself with jewels and bold prints.

I am in love with stud detailed shoes. They allow you to look fashionable but they also allow you to release that punk rock princess that is hiding inside of you. It's time for you to free your inner punk rock princess, she has been waiting for her time to shine. And it has finally arrived.

If the punk rock thing isn't your cup of tea then I suggest something sparkly. Just like the age old saying goes "Diamonds are a girls best friend." So why not wear them on your feet?

It's like I always say "If the shoe fits, buy it in every colour." Or in this case buy it with every eye catching detail. Summer 2009 is shaping up to be an unforgettable summer of fashion.

-Erin Jones

Wear Today, Gone Tomorrow

So we've all been there--that evening gown that we wanted to buy for a big event but couldn't cough up the cash, a coveted outfit for date night that probably would amount to some folks' college tuition, a handbag that would equal some third world nation's GDP if we had no scruples about maxing out our credit cards. Face it, fashion is expensive. But now, if you truly want to wear a Badgley Mischka gown to your friend's wedding or bust out Tracy Reese on a job interview, you can thanks to a new site, weartodaygonetomorrow.com.

Joining is free and all you have to do is rent whatever item you want for a fraction of the actual retail cost (about 90% off). Delivery takes 2-3 days and you can keep it for as long as you need it. And, if you decide you love it, the site will sell you the item at a discount.

The only downside? Currently, this site only offers women's fashions. But hopefully that will change soon. There are certainly some men out there that could use a Band of Outsiders tux for their next party.

--Daphne Muller

Fashion Forecast

Alright here's the deal, we wait all year for our 3 months of summer only to have them drowned out by rain.

For months we sit and carefully plan our summer wardrobe and the first day of summer arrives and all our new clothes have been washed out by the rain. So what's a girl to do?

Well just because it rains doesn't mean you can't look fabulous. Personally I suggest wearing something bright and fun on a rainy day. If the sun isn't out add a little sunshine to your outfit. Don't let a little drizzle control your summer attire.

Anything with an outrageous colourful pattern is proving to be summers hottest trend. Look for something with a bold block print or an abstract shape, don't be afraid to draw attention to yourself. Another great summer piece is a vibrant coloured fringe piece. And obviously no girl can go wrong with a flirty floral print.

So the next time you pull back the curtains only to be faced with a dark and depressed looking day don't run for cover in your over sized sweats, pull something bright from your wardrobe and bring a little sunshine to your day.

- Erin Jones

Los Campesinos! hate the kids...

...but they also love the kids. To prove it, they've launched a competition called the Record Box Project. The giveaway will be an integral part of their upcoming US tour (which kicks off next Tuesday with a gig in good ol' NY, NY)!

Here's the video but for more on the Welsh band, please visit their blog.

No official news, yet, on the status of the new album. It's supposedly been finished since June but the band has stated that they 'cannot wait until we can properly TALK ABOUT IT and stuff." hahaha... that's a good.

Now you go out and you listen to this band... you do it, right now!

Don't argue... just dance.

mp3:

Los Campesinos! :: We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed

<3

mathr