Guest Post : Hampton’s 2012 Summer Fashion Trends

Tags

2012, accessories, Airy dresses, Alexandra Jacobs, ballet flats, beach, beachwear, beauty, bikini, blog, casual clothing, classy, clothing, Color Blocking, daytime look. nightime look, Design, Destination Vacation, dress pants, easy to wear, fashion, Fashionista, Floral patterns, Guest post, Hamptons Vacation Rentals, heels, how to wear neon, inspiration, interesting, lace dress, lacquered flats, Latest Trends, Lifestyle, Light clothing, mens polo. swim trunks, Menswear, mix and match, nautical colors, nautical prints, Neon, neutral colors, New York, people, photo, pictures, popular, red white and blue, shirt, skinny jeans, solid colors, sophisticated style, spring summer 2012, style, Summer Fashion, Swimsuits, Tanning, The Hamptons, travel, trendy, upscale, vacation, Wedges, what not to wear, White dress, writing

Fashionisabitch : I love blogging, tweeting, facebooking; it just seems as though I come across such wonderful people and especially incredibly talented, smart and fashionable WOMEN! Recently I connected (Via Social Networking!) with a wonderful woman named Alexandra. As a fellow blogger, fashionista , and travel junkie, she has amazing insight on “What Women Want” and better, what they should  be shopping for! She has written an article that taught me about Hampton’s Fashion! Enjoy the read , and make sure to follow her on Twitter and her Blog. Thanks Alexandra.

Fashion Trends for The Hamptons 2012

By Alexandra Jacobs

Spring in the Hamptons has begun with summer soon to follow. If you live there, or plan to spend a relaxing vacation in one of the many luxurious Hamptons rental homes this summer, you should be aware of what to have in your wardrobe. Keep in mind that the Hamptons is a sophisticated, warm environment with high style standards. Stay on top of upscale and casual fashion trends that keep you feeling comfortable and confident.

Daytime wear should always be light, airy, and colorful. Short neon tops layered over a cute tank with shorts is always a “Do”. Solid colored or floral patterned summer dresses are also always in fashion; add easy to wear matching wedges with a shiny cuff bracelet and you’ll be good to go. For a more casual daytime look, try a pair of colored skinny jeans with a striped top and a colorful belt, matched with neutral colored ballet flats. For guys, go with a colorful polo and khaki or black shorts and neutral colored sandals for a casual look. You can spice up the casual style a bit by throwing on a nautical designed t-shirt and black or navy flats.

As for beachwear, stick to nautical colors.  They are always so classy.  A nice navy blue, red, white, or neutral bikini is a must.  Neon and floral patterned bikinis are also popular. It’s acceptable to mix and match your bottoms with your tops, as long as the look doesn’t contrast too much. A string bikini top and regular panty cut is the simplest choice. If you want to be more glamorous, try a one piece with abstract open cuts on the abdominal and back area. Halter’s are also in style and tend to be an easy and flattering choice. For boys, don’t wear floral swim trunks, as those are past their fashion prime and now appear tacky. Go for nautical or solid colored swim trunks.

Nightwear in the Hamptons has to be upscale and sharp. Ladies should always go for an easy white, black, or solid colored one piece dress. If you want to mix and match with skirts, keep it simple. Color blocking is popular, so go ahead and throw in a little neon and color in the dress, skirt or heels.  High-heels are preferred, but shiny, lacquered flats are also trendy. Men’s night wear should be conservative and simple as possible. Go for the classic solid colored dress shirt or polo, and matching dress pants. If you choose to be more casual, wear a graphic t-shirt with black jeans and some shiny dress shoes.

Alexandra is a travel enthusiast who loves to write about tourism, beaches, food, and the wonderful things in the world.  She provides her own insights on vacationing to the blogosphere.  If you would like to learn more about her, follow her on twitter  @alexsjourneys or visit her blog alexsjourneys.wordpress.com

Spring 2012 Men’s Trends : The Fashion Forward Male

Tags

all about men, andre the giant, asos.com, bamboo sunglasses, Band of Outsiders, beige, ben sherman canvas shoe, Best Dressed, Blazer, bloomingdales, blue seersucker suit, bringing the 90s back, bullet tie clip, casual suit, classic white comfortable shoe, clothing for every occasion, colored khakis, comfortable shoes, dockers, eclectic mens clothing, fashion, fresh, green toy watch, handsome, how to be fashionable, how to wear a suit, mad men, Mens, mens makeover, Menswear, modern, neiman marcus mens, new mens wardrobe, Obey anchor grey hat, obey clothing, obey grey shirt, On sale, ralph lauren, recommendations, shepard fairey, skinny tie, slim fit khakis, Spring 2012, spring summer 2012, street style, tailored slacks, teal blue pants, toms herringbone slip on, unique tie clip, Urban Outfitters, well dressed man, what colors to wear spring 2012, what to wear, white hooded windbreaker

Mens Spring Fashion Finds 

To my readers who happen to be Men ,  (a demographic i would like to appeal to more often) , I have carefully picked some items I believe are perfect for the YOU this spring.

There are so many trends flying around at the moment, that it may be hard to find where your style and the runway’s style begins and ends. No worries! Below is a combination of brain racking and 4 hours of research, picking and choosing the best of the best.

Most of my inspiration for Men’s fashion comes from my husband. He is a fashion forward male with swagger (that’s kinda why I married him!) I love watching him pick out clothes. I enjoy sitting at the coffee shop in ATL and scanning the guys “who just don’t give a ‘what’ “as they walk by wearing the clothes they picked from their laundry pile last night. Mix that with the runway and you have “real life fashion.” ‘Street Couture’ If you must.

We have two outfits or “styles” from which you can take inspiration and create a combination you love, or purchase the items that are listed.

The first Style is what I am calling the ‘Modern Mad Man’

Lauren Ralph Lauren Blue Seersucker
macys.com

Let’s just say right now, that a suit is no longer something you just wear to work . You wouldn’t believe how appropriate this suit would be (paired with the following accessories) to wear to any afternoon/night event including birthdays, weddings, and best of all, a date. It is a lightweight, perfectly tailored 2-button blazer, and a flat front, tapered skinny trouser. I would like to wear this if I could. It’s that beautiful.

Band of Outsiders Solid Skinny Tie
$125 - barneys.com

You might think , “Brielle , what the hell are you thinking?” when I pair this beige tie along with the lightest blue Seersucker Suit you’ve ever seen. I am doing this! You ARE going to wear this tie with that suit. It is perfect. Keeping with the ‘Modern’ take on a Mad Men style outfit, this skinny tie is the perfect addition to whatever shirt you would wear under it . Love Love Love.

Gentry Bullet Bar Tie clip
gentryman.com

Every fashion forward male knows what a Tie Clip is. If you do not, I am sorry , but you are fired; officially. If this is the first tie clip you have seen, you’re in luck, because it is so beyond fun. Bullets, Shells, and Guns are being seen everywhere in the underground fashion scene. This trend has not been “washed” yet, but because of the witty and fun design of all things weaponry, it soon will. So wear it while you still can. Then again, most people are afraid to wear anything different from their “Fraternity” motto tie clip, you may truly be the only one on the block with this “little buddy”.

Waiting For The Sun Redux Data Bamboo Sunglasses

$224 - asos.com

 Bamboo Shades: Now we’re talking!  Eco friendly, (as bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world) and what innovative designer would NOT think to use this material to create a wonderfully sturdy accessory? Don’t cringe at the price, as sunglasses are an essential part of your “get up” all year-long! The Dark Brown Bamboo and square frames make Ray Bans look like a thing of the past.

Toy Watch Mens Me03gr Green Steel Strap Watch
$251 - asos.com

This watch is rockin’. Everyone will be “green with envy.”  With the monochromatic beige and browns, you will need this pop of color. As your shake hands with your buddies, slap your significant other’s bottom, or wave your hands in the air “like you just don’t care,” this sweet piece of bling will emerge and blind people, in such a pleasurable way. You will be asked a million times where you purchased that thing. Keep the secret , just tell them “I know people.”

TOMS Overton Herringbone Slip-On

$100 - neimanmarcus.com

Nothing like a comfortable, beachy, feel like your walking in your bare feet, pair of Toms to finish the ensemble. These are Herringbone Classic Tom Style Slip-ons. If you know anything about me, my pinterest, my instagram, you would realize how much I love these shoes. I recently garment-glued mine back together. I have had them for four years and will never find my “one of a kinds” again. Get these! Even if you just wear them with jeans, Toms are so versatile : This pair will take the suit from “I’m at work” to  ”yeah I wear this kind of stuff everyday.”

The Second Style is a straightforward “Street Ready” outfit

Victorinox Clipper Hooded Windbreaker
$175 - bloomingdales.com

Windbreakers? What is it 1988 again? Yes, in fact it is, but in 2012. Fashion is cyclical and we are wearing what we wore when we were teenagers, just 100x classier. White is the “color” for spring/summer . I get scared when I wear white, but a windbreaker is different. They are usually waterproof, so “gon brush your shoulders off” No worries about stains. This Hooded ‘breaker is light enough to wear throughout the next few seasons. Wear it in the beachy breeze, or around the awesome fire pit all your friends will be dancing around.

T-shirt
obeyclothing.com

I am in love with the street artist Shepard Fairey , He is responsible for the stencil tagging of Andre the Giant lining the streets of  LA, NY, and the rest of the world. He is the brain behind ‘Obey’ the brand, and frankly, their clothing is a high fashion take on ‘street.’ Love this T-shirt sporting the stenciled     ‘Andre’ and the key word: OBEY you must and purchase this shirt,

Dockers® Dockers Slim Fit Khaki Pants
$59 - bloomingdales.com

You are either the guy who has 1 pair of jeans that have existed since middle school and despite the holes you cannot part with them, or you’re the guy who has so many pairs of jeans he can’t fit them in his closet and dresser combined! Let’s change that. Some men on the runway are wearing pastel yellows, greens, or neon purple pants, but I will not do that to you. It took me an hour to find a pair of colored khakis that were “none of the above.” Surprisingly, these Teal Slim Fits happen to be Dockers. But who can hate on such a ‘wise old sage’ of a company , they obviously know what they are doing. These pants are a must have.

Obey Obey Salty Dog Snapback Hat
$34 - urbanoutfitters.com

Cut and Dry. Men look good in hats. This again is an OBEY hat. The grey balances with the shirt and is a great combination with the shoes below. There is not much else to say but go ahead with your bad self.

Ben Sherman Mayfair Canvas
$105 - piperlime.gap.com

Excuse me- Move aside as this hunk comes through the crowd in his so fresh and so clean, crisp , white Canvas dress-up dress-down shoes. I think I like men’s fashion as much as I do women’s because I am about to purchase these…for my hubby. “Fresh” that’s all. You want to be the ultimate Fashionisto ? Pull out your dusty Shoe Cleaning Kit (the one you used to use for your air-force ones) and keep these suckers RIGHT.

That’s about all gentlemen. I would like some feedback on what you think about these outfits and what you would wear or what you would add!!

-fashionisabitch

The Not Wedding : Not Your Average Bridal Show

Tags

2012, A Town A list, accessories, Achor and Eden Photography, affordable wedding decorations, Ambient Plus Studios, Antique Rentals, atlanta, Band, bang for your buck, beautiful, bloomingdales, Bottles, Boudoir, Bouquets, boutique, Bridal, Bridal Event, Bride, Bridesmaids, Buzzy Craftery, Callie Murray, Cardstock, Center Pieces, Ceremony, China Plates, Church Pews, classy, cocktails, Couture, Creative, Customized Invitations, delicious, DIY, Embroidery Circles, Event, Extraordinary, Extravagant, Facebook, fashion, fine and fleurie, Flower Arrangements, Follow, Follow Friday, Food, Four Inch Fold, Gertie Mae's Floral Design, Groom, Hair, Hanging Wreaths, High End, Juli Vaughn Desings, Like, Links, makeup, Mismatched, Officiant, one stop shop, Orlando, Paper goods, Photography, Planning, Raney O Keefe, Re-purposed, re-usable brown bag, Reception, Rentals, rununculu, rustic white photography, San Diego, Sarah Esther Photography, Sexy, Spoken Word, Spring 2012, Sun in My Belly Catering, Tablescapes, The Majestic Photo Booth Company, The Not Wedding, The Wobble Dance, top of the line, tunnel of love, Twitter, unique, Vanities, vendors, Websites, wedding accessories, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Vendors

Traveling to the West End of Atlanta is not something I usually do, at night, by myself. But I was too excited about this incredibly unique event, that I got gussied up, and ready to wreck the town; actually to attend Atlanta’s hottest Bridal Event, “The Not Wedding”. As I parked on a dark street and made my way over broken sidewalks and potholes, ( in stilettos) I arrived at the door that seemed to be attached to a run down warehouse. Never judge a book by its cover. I didn’t and yet I was still blown away . Above the door read ‘Ambient+ Studios’ , and before I could read those two simple words, the door had been opened, and I was escorted  into a beautifully designed stairwell by an attractive young gentleman wearing a tuxedo. Although I had seen pictures of this event before: a faux wedding ceremony followed by a full reception with a catered dinner, beautiful cakes, boutique cocktails, and a band, I still had not envisioned such a classy and uniquely hosted event. Callie Murray, co-owner with her brother Aaron, of Achor & Eden Photography, started “The Not Wedding” in 2008, and it has been gaining exposure by the day. In their 5th year, Callie and her trustee group of exclusive and high-end (let’s call it ‘bridal couture’) vendors, worked together to surprise potential brides by giving them more than their $35 ticket was worth. Each Atlanta vendor, such as Buzzy Craftery (that designed the beautiful hanging bottles, flowers, and paper decorations on the way in), Four Inch Fold (vintage rentals, such as the church pews, vanities, chairs, typewriters and much more) , Gertie Mae’s Floral Studio (responsible for all of the unique flower designs), and Juli Vaughn Designs (tablescapes and awesome hanging floral embroidery wreaths), collaborated and transformed Ambient Studios into a Bride’s paradise. The hand-picked vendors were responsible for everything down to the makeup and hair of the “bride” and “bridesmaids. Raney O’Keefe , a highly talented freelance Atlanta makeup and hair artist , enhanced the beauty of the girls with wonderful a palette of peach and neutral brown and beige. This was the colour swatch for the event, and frankly the designers hit the nail on the head. Upon entrance, I received a high quality, embossed cardstock menu, and ceremony program. This was no Red Carpet Event, this was a Black Carpet Event! As the beautiful bride walked down the “sparkly black carpet” to meet her groom (her husband in real life, because that kiss was simply killer!) they were taken through a five-minute, poetic”spoken word” ceremony, and then the rest was history. Actually what followed was history in the making. Brides-to-be stepped up to the dinner spread, catered by the oh so wonderful Sun in my Belly Restaurant and Catering Co., greeted with mismatching authentic china plates and miso glazed salmon and chanterelle ravioli to top it off. We were all encouraged to step through the “Tunnel of Love” which is where the bride’s and their beaus would personally meet every vendor. Because of the inviting yet exclusivity of the event, The Not Wedding is loyal to their vendors, keeping only about 20 personally run companies, all with different expertise. A special Thank you to Robert and Tiffany from Rustic White Photography for providing all of the pictures for this blog post. As you can see, they are an amazing duo that knows how to capture the heart and soul of an event, not to mention their impeccable customer service!  I received a “Medium Brown Bag” (reusable) from Bloomie’s and filled it with the little goodies that were offered. Handmade organic beeswax lip balm by Raney, cute hair pins by Fine and Fleurie , and best of all, a wonderful picture keepsake from The Majestic Photobooth Co. (a vintage style photobooth company that was started 7 years ago, before photobooths were all the rage!)

Me and My date Ansley in The Majestic Photo Booth

I got to touch base with an acquaintance and now a friend, Sarah Esther with Sarah Esther Photography, who offers and incredibly unique service: Classy Boudoir Photography. She makes it possible for brides to give their husband a little “steamy” pic to put in their wallet!! I felt pampered, and secretly, I was not a Bride-to-Be. To end the event, ‘A Town A List’ brought us through the cupid shuffle and a new dance I learned, The Wobble. I have never been one for bands at a wedding but these guys are the ultimate entertainers. Both Lead Singers tag teaming it to everything from 70s Disco to Usher , while shuffling their feet to “Moves Like Jagger.” What a wonderful experience. Thank you Callie and your team for such a unique and rewarding experience. If you are from Atlanta or the Tri-State area, Orlando, or San Diego please give some love to these local vendors and hire them for your next event (it does not have to be a wedding!)

Do not forget to follow them on FB and Twitter. You can see a complete list of the vendors for Atlanta, Orlando, and San Diego here .

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2012 : Runway Religion

Tags

2012, Backstage, care, change, Controversial, Custo Barcelona, dressing for fashion week, encouragement, fashion, Fashion and Religion, fashion industry, fashion week, Humanitarian, interesting, love, Mara Hoffman, MBFW, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, models, non profit organization, prayer, religion haters, Runway, thought provoking, Volunteers, Youth WIth a Mission

Backstage at Custo Barcelona MBFW 2012

I tend to live vicariously through those who attend Fashion Week all around the world. As I do my research around NY Fashion Week (to blog about the many beautiful up and coming designers,) I come across some pretty interesting things.

Considering myself a Humanitarian, as I have traveled the world to love on street children in India and the destitute in the Philippines as well as other parts of asia, I naturally gravitate toward anything that combines religion and philanthropy with High Fashion. It’s controversial and thought-provoking.

Most of the time people have the sneaking suspicion or hardcore belief that religious groups HATE fashion, think it is shallow and narcissistic, but I have come across quite an interesting story and have gotten a firsthand interview with Angela Nennie, PR for Designer Custo Barcelona . She is also the Fashion Liason for YWAM NYC.

YWAM is a Non Profit Organization, Non Denominational, Christian Based Humanitarian Organization, and the NYC chapter is loving on, and highly involved with the High Fashion industry.They are in no way trying to force religion on anyone but to simply give encouragement to the designers and models.

Angela Nennie for Custo Barcelona 2012

This MBFW, Angela and a few volunteers (makeup artists, fashion students, and YWAM students) all helped backstage to make Custo Barcelona’s Runway show  run like glass!

Here is a snippet from Angela and her experience with the models, designers, and what she thinks needs to change in the fashion industry.

‘Every Fashion Week, teams from Christian missions organization ,Youth With A Mission (YWAM), descend on New York from various regions of the country and the globe. They are young and beautiful, fashion savvy and fancy-free and yet against all odds, they are compelled by a force much greater than themselves.

Each season, the YWAM teams become interns for various fashion labels. This gives
them access to work backstage in varying capacities. Operating check-in services for
press and guests, dressing models, ushering and running errands are just some of the
ways that they become involved.

While serving in these positions, they are presented
with opportunities to share the message of hope with fashion professionals. They also take time to pray with industry people and encourage them. On many occasions, they’ve been granted direct access to the designers.

Organizing Runway Show for Custo Barcelona

One volunteer shared the following experience from the recent MBFW.

“I will never forget talking to designer, Mara Hoffman. The Lord told me to tell her that
He delights in her designs and that He watches her create these beautiful expressions
of art and loves every second of it! He wanted me to remind her that He opened these
doors into the fashion industry for her, so that his glory might be brought out in her
designs.”
She was so pleased and shocked by the words that I spoke to her. These designers get
swarmed by people after the shows are finished, but I could tell that no one had ever
come up to her and said anything like what I had just spoken. As quickly as our
exchange of words happened, her assistant insisted that Mara need follow her away
from all of the backstage madness.”

Custo Barcelona 2012 Runway

If I was asked to use five words to describe the atmosphere at Fashion Week, I would
have to say Competition, Pride, Excess, Insecurity and Selfishness. That’s why it’s so important for Christians to be involved. With God’s presence comes Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness,Gentleness and Self Control. I speak from experience when I say that those are cravings of people working in such a competitive environment. My prayer is that by seeing such a contrast, fashion professionals will be jealous to be reconciled to God who delights in their creativity and designs.

Whether you believe in religion or not, these volunteers have hearts to encourage, not to push a product. I think this is pretty wonderful. Fashion is about creativity and a passion for the art.

Angela Nennie’s Information is below if you would like to contact her with any questions about MBFW. Please do not send any hateful comments her way, as she is a fashion activist and loves the industry.

Angela Nennie

Australia Born, NYC Residing Fashionista. PR Consultant for Custo Barcelona and Fashion Liason for YWAM NYC, who loves to have fun, don the latest fashion trends, and share her love for people.

Email: ange@ywamnyc.org

                            Website: www.ywamnyc.org

Valentines Gifting the Right Way

Tags

Alcohol gifts, Andy Warhol Collection for Iphone, beach bum, Bullet Cufflinks, CurateGifts.com, etsy.com, Gift service, Gifts for Men, Iphone Case, knob creek, Musicians, Outoftheashes, Paper Cufflinks, Personalized Bourbon Bottle Label, Pick Maker, Pick Punch for Guitar players, Reef Bottle opener sandals, shopping, Stylish Men, Uncommongoods.com, Unique gifts, Valentines Day, Wantful.com

Valentines Day is coming up and women generally have a hard time picking the proper gift for their significant other.

Here are some of my favorite gifts this year, and with 10 days left you can still find great shipping without paying extra for a rush!

For our stylish Men:

Cufflinks! If your man is the “classy entrepeneur” or just simply loves to dress up, a good set of cufflinks is a great gift.

OutoftheAshes on Etsy.com is great place to find a beautiful pair of handmade cufflinks. My favorite : Bullet Cufflinks ($24 – Free Shipping)

Gorgeous Folded Paper “Word” Cufflinks with sterling silver backing ($56) from CurateGifts.com

For our Liquid Enthusiast:

Alcohol is always a great gift, and I have learned a lot from my husband and his love for all things drinkable.

Grab a Personalized Bottle of (preferably “small batch”) Knob Creek Bourbon (about $35-$45 at your best liquor store). You will need to purchase a bottle of Knob Creek and Create the Personalized Label online .

Example:

For your beach bum beer Guy:

A pair of Reef “Fanning” Bottle Opener Sandals ($56) My husband has these and loves them. Great for summer coming up!

For your Musician:

Don’t they always yell “where is that damn pick i had in my pocket yesterday” Well hunny, it has already been mangled in the washer.

We can fix this with the handy-dandy “Pick Punch” ($25) . It is small enough to be carried in their guitar case, and when in a grind they can find one of those dumb key fobs from the gym they don’t go to anymore and punch two picks out of it. Voila! No more musician mishaps.

For the Technological and Artistic Man:

Choose a famous Andy Warhol Design Iphone Case. My pick, “Made With Care” Case love it! ($36)

And if these don’t suffice – Let your Man choose his gift.

Wantful.com has created an amazing way of compiling a set of gift ideas. You go to the website, push “Get Started” and it takes you to the portion where you tell a little bit about your Man’s personality. They then list a bunch of wonderful and unique gifts. A book is created and shipped , your “other” picks his favorite gift and you submit the given gift code to Wantful. They then ship the gift to you. Talk about Door to Door service, and it will make your Beau feel incredibly loved!

Don’t forget a hug and kiss, and maybe some “steam” in the bedroom!

Happy Shopping! Let me know what you are going to get your Man.

Tattoos: Cultural Beauty

Tags

Anil Gupta, atlanta, Atlanta Tattoo Artists, Body Art, Body Modification, Cultural Beauty, decatur ga, Flower Tattoos, Ink and Dagger Tattoo, Inkline Studios, Knuckle Tattoos, Kurt Fagerland, malia reynolds, Memorial Tattoo, Mentawai Tribe, Negative Connotation, NYC Tattoo Artists, Tapping Method, Tattoo History, Tattooed Mummies, Tattoos, Teeth Sharpening, The Illustrated Lady, Tribal Tattoos, Vegetable Sleeve, video, Women and Tattoos, youtube

I think Tattoos are (sometimes) the most amazing pieces of art, not in a museum but on a person’s body.

We are not talking about those who go to “the shop down the street” and pick from the flippy demonstrations of sailors , although if done right, they can look quite interesting. I don’t know if I should talk, I have a recently inked gun on my hand and a cupcake on my foot. Really?

Tattooed Woman 1907

But just like my goofy tattoos, most people get tattooed for the sentimental value of what they are placing on their bodies, the experience, or simply the painful rush. Mine , along with my 3 beautiful other pieces (that mean a lot to me) have been done with best friends as a bonding experience. Will I regret it when I am 70? Probably not, “Tomorrow is not promised to anyone!”

"The Illustrated Lady"

Living in Atlanta, I see ugly, but mostly incredibly beautiful works of art just by walking down the street. It’s sad that ATL doesn’t rate (AT ALL) on the “Most Inked Cities” List. We are rivaling with places like :

Austin, Tex.: It seems that their “Free Tattoo With Every Pulled Pork Sandwich” campaign has finally paid off.

Tattoos will never be a dying art as it has existed for centuries , dating from the fourth to fifth millennium BC.

Tattoo found on the Arm of an Ancient Mummy

The negative tattoo connotation should not even exist, as it exists as a form of cultural “branding” and beauty. This video is about the Mentawai Tribe who performs the traditional Tribal “Tap Method” of Inking and body modification such as teeth sharpening. This shows the painful process of a hammer and needle taking a girl into womanhood. Most importantly , you should always look for a tattoo artist who smokes a joint while performing his art.

One of my favorite tattoo artists would be a NYC Indian man , Anil Gupta with his personally run Inkline Studios. He has not a single tattoo on his body, but he has tattooed many (with a huge wait list). His art surpasses any I have seen before, and his specialty is reproducing classic works of fine art and portraits onto people’s’ bodies.. Who else can produce a highly detailed – full colour quarter size thumbnail of The Mona Lisa. Only he. He is known for his miniatures.

Another two artists, who actually reside here in ATL (that blow my mind) are Kurt Fagerland, who transferred from Ink and Dagger Tattoo in Decatur, to Memorial Tattoo in Cabbagetown and Malia Reynolds, a LA native, relocated to Atlanta and is presently working at Memorial Tattoo on Moreland Ave. Both of these artists are amazing with colour and creating a design from simply a few descriptive words.

My favorite piece by Kurt would be his (in process) and amazing “Vegetable Sleeve.” It is breathtaking and not just because I’m a Veggie.

Malia is well-known for her detailed flowers, but lets not peg her there. She is an amazing artist, and I have had the honor of being tattooed by her. She gave me the most beautiful Ranunculus from wrist to elbow (as a reminder of how much i love my sister; she had them in her wedding bouquet.)

I’m not pushing body art on anyone, I just love the culture and what these amazing artists bring to our generation. Tattoos are truly a representation of Cultural Beauty.

Please feel free to post pictures of your tattoos and favorite artists as i always love to learn more about our growing culture.

Jeffrey Campbell: “Living Life Below the Ankle”

Tags

2012, Almost Famous, celebrities, everyday woman, JC Resort Collection, Jeffrey Campbell, Lady Gaga, Lita Bootie, Los Angeles, Men's Shoes, Pink Rocks, Shoes, Teen shoes, The Damned Collection, Wedges, wildfox couture

Jeffrey Campbell is now a household name, and it should be. He has been creating shoes since he was 18 years old. His career in footwear started while working at a local Nordstrom’s Store in Los Angeles (where Campbell is from and currently resides.) As of year 2000, he started to design and create shoes in his garage. Wood carved wedges, crazy hand dyed colours, and vintage flower patterns, unique fabric choices, made him “The Wedge King.”  The now, well-known Campbell dynasty, has always been and will be a family affair. He is joined in designing and marketing by his 2 daughters and wife Christine. Campbell is incredibly humble, shy and stays behind the scenes (taken from the picture above, that was the only one I could find in 30 minutes of looking on the web.)

Brigite Campbell, oldest daughter of Jeffrey and Christine, has become quite the entrepeneur, going from being the best sales person at Campbell’s trade shows, she now has rein over her Dad’s Teen collection.

In Spring of 2010 Brigite encouraged Dad to put his shoe designs in various shades of pink. They called it the “Pink Rocks” Collection.

“We picked some of our more popular styles and made them available in pink” Campbell’s publicist stated. This was a great success for them. Pink being a  universally magnetic color for most women around the globe, helped to draw his younger audience. He now has had an underground teen following wearing  some “easier to walk in” wedges and heels.

“Our inspiration comes from the everyday woman, the girl on the street, the lady on the subway, the inspiration is YOU” Campbell stated.

His grassroots, turn “go to” shoes for Celebs (Like Lady Gaga), the modern woman, and chic teens has inspired him over the last 12 years to branch out and create a line for men and collaborate with a few major clothing designers.

Campbell and Wildfox Couture- LA based  vintage inspired knits encapsulating the feel of the backstage “Band-Aids” in Cameron Crowe’s smash hit Almost famous, have come together to create a classy Ballet style/ rock inspired wedges will be available in select retailers as of February 2012.

Wildfox Couture Ad 2011

“It was a shoe love affair from the start, so it just made sense,” notes Gordon (co-founder of Wildfox couture, also an illustrator and photographer)

Campbell says that he some of his muses are people and places including “Chloe S, Mary Kate, Music, After-party, NYLON, London, Street, Short Shorts, Brooklyn, L.A., FUN!!! and Brunch, Sienna, Style vs. Fashion, My Daughters.” 

Jeffrey Campbell Men’s Collection named “The Damned” is much talked about and will be on the retail scene in 2012. He has taken some of his female designs and reincarnated them for his male clientele. They are certainly geared toward the fashion experimentalists. Take a look at the link above for his new men’s line.

JC has a knack of predicting what will be in style for each season. His inspiration guides him to create, and it always seems to be in the right direction. These Colorblocking Wedges named “Shy Town” (ON SALE!! $44)  by J. Campbell are applicable for this winter (although open-toed …wear some tights!!) as colorblocking is in.

Of course he created what many publications have been calling the “2011 Shoe of the Year”  “Lita” ($160) by Jeffrey Campbell. These can be hard to find but click on the link and you will able to buy! They are also available in men’s sizes as well.

"Shoe of the Year" Lita Bootie by J. Campbell

Looking toward 2012, the JC Resort Collection Spring 2012 , is exciting. It’s “A love affair with LA.” Add some animal print, flames, and don’t forget the rainbow design; These shoes will go fast so look out.

All things said, Jeffrey Campbell is a family man, successful entrepreneur, and artist. His shoes will be in style history books in years to come. Thank you JC.

About a Boy : Andrej Pejic in Her Own Skin

Tags

Andrej Pejic, Androgyny, Banned Magazine Cover, Barnes and Noble, Controversy, Dossier, Female Models, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Male Models, Marc Jacobs, Runway, Schon! Magazine

All opinions aside (except for mine and most of the world’s), this is one pretty man.

Andrej Pejic (pronounced Andréi Page) is a 19 year old model who rocked the runway in 2011. A Bosnian, Australian raised, teen was discovered while working at Mc Donald’s at age 17. From that time, he has been found on the runways of Jean-Paul Gaultier , as his claimed “Muse”, Marc Jacobs, and many others.

What a Beautiful Man

No surgeries involved (absolutely no breast implants or facial contouring), Pejic has modeled as a man and woman, and is known for his controversial magazine covers. He has stated in NY Mag, “My whole life is controversy. What can I do? I’m like Britney Spears!” As of September 2011, he ranked no. 18 on the models.com Top 50 Male Models list, and he was ranked no. 98 in FHMmagazine’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2011. Unfortunately his covers were too “explicit” and were taken of the shelves of Borders (RIP) and Barnes and Noble.

Pejic's Dossier Cover which was banned

Pejic never intends to “push the envelope” in the fashion industry. In fact he doesn’t LOVE the constant talk about androgyny. He is what he is, and the fashion industry is certainly happy with that. Quiet about his sexual orientation, it is a constant question in every interview.

“I know people want me to sort of defend myself, to sit here and be like, ‘I’m a boy, but I wear makeup sometimes.’ But, you know, to me, it doesn’t really matter. I don’t really have that sort of strong gender identity—I identify as what I am.”

He views himself as a piece of moldable art, adapting to the fashion industry and catering to the amazing designers that want to book him. ‘I guess professionally I’ve left my gender open to artistic interpretation.’ Everyone wants to book him! Not for the WOW factor , but because he is simply handsome and gorgeous all at the same time. And don’t forget his runway walk; It’s Fierce, in every sense of the word.

How does he do it? Talent, a beautiful face and a great makeup artist. High cheekbones, tailored brows, beautiful natural blonde locks, and two distinctive beauty marks above his upper lip make him “attractive.”

Canadian Fashion Magazine for Feb 2012

Fashion is evolving and always ahead of the curve. It’s art and art in its craziest form. The Shock factor of these ads and this article might offend you (and I’m kind of sorry) , but fashion is a bitch. Don’t forget it.

Follow Andrej Pejic this Spring 2012 as he will be quite the center of attention!

Men: How to Dress this Holiday Season

Tags

All body shapes, Blazer, cardigan, dress shirt, holiday dress, jeans, levii's, men, new years resolution, penny stock, Top Man

While I have mostly women followers (whom I appreciate very much) I want to reach out to the men who care about how they dress, or simply WANT to care how they dress. Many New Year’s Resolutions are going to be made, and I know some are going to be “I’m going to dress nicer this year.” C’mon Men, attract those women!  Although we occasionally love the scruffy (how shall I say, “homeless look”) woman are mostly attracted to a man who puts a little effort into their dress.

Have messy hair, have a beard, wear chucks, but pair it with some nice jeans and a classy shirt or jacket. You will be getting double takes in no time.

This article is also applicable for women as they may have a man in their life who needs a tiny makeover.

Start with the Jeans. They are the most important component to the outfit. The proper fit is important for any man: tall/thin, robust, or beautifully height challenged (I love shorter guys. I’m married to one and he is gorgeous.)

Jeans

Levi’s is a company that has been around forever, and they really do make the best jeans for Men (and women.) When I see a man walking by in a pair of Levi’s I think, “That’s just right!” Funny but true.

Tall and Thin

Try Levi’s ” 514 Slim Straight Jeans .” ($55) This particular jean is straight legged , slim fit (but not too skinny) and low waist sitting. These would simply look great on a taller, skinny man, and they come in many color “washes.” My favorites , “Green Forest” and “Midnight Train.” But don’t be afraid to try a different wash, such as the “Grey Steel.”

Robust (blessed buttocks)

Again Levi’s just hits the nail on the head with every body shape. Don’t be offended by the word “Robust” I really do mean “blessed in the back.” Woman like a little booty.

The 527 Bootcut Jeans ($45) are a perfect fit as they sit lower in the front and higher in the back (so when you sit down, crack won’t kill.) They have a straight leg, but not a tapered leg, which would make the “blessed in the back” look less heavy in the bottom and prevents from appearing too disproportionate toward the bottom of the leg . With 29% polyester your’re going to get a little stretch, which is important for those who need some breathing room. These will not hug too tight so do not worry.

I love them in “Supernova” and “Arrowhead.” Two totally different washes.

Beautifully Height Challenged

I have noticed, because of my husband and father (who don’t reach past 5’7″), that a pair of Slimmer fitting jeans, with a partially tapered bottom, creates amazing length. It is hard to find jeans that go down to a size 28 legnth but Top Man (originally from the UK, gotta love the British , they are fashion forward!) has them. You can get your regular waist, size (28-36), and they vary in legnth depending on the waist size, (assuming that people are porportianate), but it is nice to find a pair of jeans that go from (28-32 waist) in “short” or (s).

The “Mid Wash Slim Leg Jean” ($55)  is a wonderful cut for those who feel like they need to lengthen. They are slightly tappered at the bottom with a comfortable straight leg. If these don’t seem to suffice length wise, do not be afraid to go to a great tailor. It will cost about $15 to have your jeans tailored perfectly according to your height. Try this with any type of Jean you may like but which do not fit legnthwise.

Dress Shirts and Blazers

This is easy.  Men simply look great in a good long sleeved dress shirt in a casual design.  You can go for solids, but why ignore all the great patterns out there?

Dress Shirts

Top Man is a powerhouse in creating classy men’s clothing.  They have many dress shirts for amazing prices as well as heavy coats to add to the “New You.”

Their “Charcoal Striped Shirt” ($28) is a good balance between dressy and casual and can be worn under a plain coloured cardigan or dressed up even more with a blazer (or worn by itself). Pair all of this with the great pair of jeans we recommended and you have an amazing outfit for the holidays and for everyday.

Cardigans and Blazers

To pair with the dress shirt above, try the “Red Elbow Patch Vee Cardigan” ($80) by Top Man. The colour may be a little jarring at first glance, but you will love it! I promise. Fashion is all about being ahead in the game and trying things most people wouldn’t.

Blazer

The “Penny Blazer” ($100) by Penny Stock is classy and casual with it’s Herringbone and Tweed texture. It can be worn over any plain colored dress shirt or even regualr T-shirt. Play around with it.

These are some awesome options for you men out there! Explore these links as you may find even more things you like. If you have any questions about men’s clothing please feel free to comment.

Enjoy looking great in this upcoming new year.