Wednesday, July 20, 2011

I designed this at Converse.com

I designed this at Converse.com

I think that now that I've left LA, it's finally been able to have an influence on me and my style. It's quite possible to so overwhelmed with life, that you miss out on living. Now THAT is a tragedy. Write that down (in my Van Wilder voice)

Sunday, June 19, 2011

100 Greatest Artists of All Time...well at least according to Rolling Stone

When I was a little girl, my mom would have The O’Jays, Luther Vandross, Diana Ross and other R&B staples playing when we would clean the house. My dad would have Miles Davis or Aretha Franklin playing as we cooked dinner. I grew up in the 80s, during the dawn of MTV and BET. This exposed me to more than the music that played in my home. I consider myself a music enthusiast.  So when I saw Rolling Stone Magazine’s The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, I had to buy it.

Of course I knew that The Beatles would be #1, but I was really surprised to find that Michael Jackson was #35! What?!?!? The late great King of Pop who has countless hits, countless awards & hundreds of millions of albums sold worldwide was ranked #35 in Rolling Stone even though he appeared on their cover almost a dozen times. Even though I was disappointed at the pop king’s ranking, I was quite please to see that the magazine included artists from every genre in American music. From Rock to Rap, R&B to heavy metal, the best and most influential artists were included.

I was definitely happy to see so many Rap Artists included but even more so to learn about so many other artists. Artists that rappers have sampled from or white pop artists that used R&B music to cross-over in the early days of Rock & Roll were discussed by other artists & music execs that have influenced them along the way. If you pass by one, definitely pick it up. If the wonderful artwork doesn’t interest you, the stories about these amazing artists and how their work has influenced music will.

Monday, June 13, 2011

My Journey thru LA's Fashion District

In the land where you can see women wearing sundresses with combat boots, and Ray Bans & Chuck Taylors are staples, it was time for me to dive into the LA fashion scene. On my pilgrimage into the fashion district, I searched for inspiration. At first I only found discount suit stores with church suits & gator shoes. Stacey Adams for him and her, and quiceniera dresses as far as the eye can see. But as I turned the corner onto 9th street, I found myself in the Superdry warehouse store and I mean I literally FOUND MYSELF. This is definitely the home of the designer jeans, trendy vintage tees and hooded sweatshirts. As I walked thru the store past the buyers, celebrity pictures and real “Housewives” with their personal shoppers it dawned on me that these were the sexiest jeans I’ve seen. Dylan George & Company nailed the perfect design for women’s jeans; the perfect wash, a sexy cut & precise detail to stitching. Alas there is hope, so I continue on my journey.

As I continued down 9th street, I found a very cool consignment shop with funky designs, interesting wedges, handmade jewelry and Native American inspired belts. Virgo, was worlds away from Superdry yet only less than 50ft away & had everything for the trendy fashionista. The welcoming staff assisted interns, writers and reality stars alike. There was an positive and inviting spirit throughout the store and the store‘s décor was laced with posters of Betty Paige florescent signs saying “Keep it Real” over a shotgun and vintage Playboy magazine. This store is the epitome of what people who AREN’T from LA think of trendy boutiques with one of a kind pieces. I loved it.

I walked around for about 2 hours going in and out of fabric stores with the most beautiful knits and silks. Through the flower district I gained inspiration for my own designs understanding why this isn’t just the land of dreams but why it’s a fashion capital. LA fashion and street style is unique and allows people to express themselves in the most outlandish way without judgment. I think this is what makes fashion fun. I look forward to continuing to learn more about the City of Angels and what it has to offer in the world of fashion, music, art & life.