Pinky Swear

Nasty Gal is trying to make me put a ring on it... I'm currently lusting (and about to pull my debit card out for) over these costume rings. Truly one of my favorite retailers, online or land-line.

Foot Fetish

Yeezy's main squeezy rocking the Burberry Prorsum booties we've all been lusting over for the last few months.

Can I holla
... at the shoes?
I want to have their baby!

Now I'm a Star

Lauryn Hill, Live at the Apollo when she was only 13 years old, singing "Who's Loving You Now".

She won the crowd over... the star was emerging.

Buckle Up

I bought these version 2.0 wedges yesterday from our Secret Store and I must profess that they are incredibly comfortable. Normally, my feet are too small and the heel to high for me to feel comfortable in shoes such as these, but this pair is lightweight, angled properly, and an all-around dream to wear with a cute pair of socks or tights. Plus, they only cost this much.

I call them version 2.0's because they're a knock off of the Chole Sevigny x Opening Ceremony Wedges.

Punk in Africa

Punk in Africa is what looks to be a very promising documentary in the works by Meerkat Media, exploring the evolution of the punk music scene in South Africa. For the past three decades while punk flourished in democratic Western countries like England and the US, it existed as a largely underground anti-fascist movement in a country ruled by a fascist, apartheid regime. This discourse is explored in the backdrop of Punk in Africa's chronicling of the rise of South Africa's original pioneering punk band National Wake.

The below is a teaser from the film, which is still in production in Johannesburg. Hopefully we don't have to wait too long for the release date... really excited to see this in some format.

Call Me, Theo?

Because I am NOT obsessed with Theophilus London, I repeat NOT obsessed... you should check out this interview with my boo! He talks about hats, pins, Ian Curtis, and ROMANTIC SONGS. Apparently, these "romantic songs" are not about me. But they totally should be.

Theo, call me??

MTV Shows

(Via MTV/ Green Label Sounds)

Sex of Various Varieties: Part 2

Sade Adu's first single in 10 years is called Soldier of Love and it debuted today.

She is 50 years old, but that doesn't stop her from being aural sex. Or any other kind of sex.

Listen to Soldier of Love.

Bedrock

Who cares about all these other barneys in this video (Drake + Weezy included)? It's all about Nicki Minaj in the Ashish x Topshop zebra wedges. She stepped her pussy--I mean shoe game-- up.

The top goal of my new 5 Year Plan is definitely to stop being a Strawberry Shortcake and become an Alfred Bitchcock. Because using the Nictionary is the only thing that makes me feel smart these days...

Medley Makes Me Giggle.

Pearl and the Beard - Will Smith Medley from Goddamn Cobras Collective on Vimeo.

I spotted this video over on LATFH. It made me extremely happy and giddy. Also, giggly. Definitely giggly.

God, I am such a fucking hipster.

My Lucky Star

I want to look like this and feel like this every day, forever.

The older I get, the more understanding I am of Madonna. Musically, she's legendary, but not necessarily my cup of chai. What I care about more than her music is the very tangible femininity she is associated with. As we move more towards gender equality (didn't say were there yet-- just moving more towards it!), I really like that she has created a sense of being a woman, without tying it to ideals that are necessarily feminine in nature.

Things like.
Strength.
Sex.
Independence.
Confrontation.
Transformation.
Longevity.

These things. They are all ideals that have traditionally belonged to the masculine sector of our society, but I'm really inspired by the way that she reclaims these qualities and infuses them with a unique sense of womanhood. That is what I want to capture every day, forever. Also, maybe "Holiday". But not required.

Sweatin' Her Stylist: Round Two

Princess Rhi Rhi on the set of her new video "Go Hard" sporting a truly unique take on the Mickey Mouse ears trend. With the bullet casing bra top and super cut off shorts, the look is the perfect pairing of my three fashion live-by rules: try to look tough, add a little sexy and always keep it sweet.

(Via Bossip)

Keep It In the Closet

I forgot until just now that I ran into it again how inspired I am by this video. MJ was making a statement about his sexuality and confronting rumors with this song. The visual choice to keep it sepia-toned, and based around a simple black-and-white color scheme (including the actors-- Michael, at this point was "white", while Naomi Campbell's skin tone is a rich darkness) allowed Michael's performance and the camera work to do the mind-bending work. The video does an inspiring job of conveying the idea that surface-level simple "black and white" ideas such as gender, sexuality, or race are often more complicated and fluid than expected.

Plus, the song is inexplicably enjoyable.

King Warrior Magician Love

Whoever wrote up a treatment that combines tandem bikes, strippers, track n' field and Alife-- sir, you deserve my vote, and a cupcake.

Roy Roy--Fur In My Cap

I Need a Supply

I've known about online retailer Need Supply for a good amount of time now, but it's been a while since I've checked in with their site, mostly because I've been boycotting all online shopping in an attempt not to further max out my credit card. My debt runs deep! But that's another story... I logged on to Need Supply recently and fell in LOVE with their selection of shoes, particularly the range of low heeled, sassy booties.

Ummm... two words: GIMME, please!

Check out my picks below...

Industry. The Low Wedge Bootie.

Jeffrey Campbell. The Everybody.

Dolce Vita. The Brylee.

She's Back...

Princess Rhi-Rhi at her album release party showing off the tattoos and rockin' a safety pin earring. Still sweatin' her! Or her stylist that is.

Doot Do Da Loot Loot...

I bow down to the wonders of my lady lover Absquatulation for introducing me to perhaps one of the single most entertaining things I've seen since Tyra decided to do that episode about botched booty implants (the hilarious horrors!).

Apparently, Nardwuar the Human Serviette is kind of a big deal. Like, he's interviewed musical ICONS! Like Sonic Youth. And Too $hort. Also, other people who are not icons at all. People like The Killers. Anyway, this is a list of things about Nardwuar the Human Serviette that are really neat:

1. He is from Canada.
2. He got Vanilla Ice to do a really bad freestyle. And dance too.
3. He wears a very fresh plaid driving cap. With a pom-pom atop it.
4. He knows his way around a library better than that antisocial kid you roomed with Freshman year.
5. He is a menace with the mic. And by menace I mean that he jams it so far up everyone's face that he might as well start smacking them upside the head with it.

Nardwuar, you are officially more entertaining than Tyra's five head and bad weaves! And that speaks volumes in itself. Watch his interview with Pharrell and Shay below, it is phenomenal!

Let the Wild Rumpus Start!

So now that WTWTA pandemonium has officially subsided, I can start liking Wild Things again without feeling like a huge d-bag, a-hole, or jerk. Or any number of synonyms for those words.

Things I like that are Wild Things influenced?

Where the Wild Things Are Slipper from Urban

WTWTA x Opening Ceremony Judith Vest


WTWTA x Pamela Love Ira Claw Bracelet

WTWTA x Roadkill Max and Carol Pendants

I Am Not a Stalker?

Everyone knows that I love Theophilus London. This is proof, and this is more proof. What is NOT proof is the time I stalked him after his show. Definitely not proof. Pftt, whatever!!

Anyways, he recorded a new version of Humdrum from his This Charming Mixtape featuring a new instrumental by Mark Ronson, as well as a new verse. Listen to it here.

(Via The Fader)

I Wanna Rock!

So, yeah, recently I had the chance to catch up with New York based band The Jett Blackk Heart Attack, and they are KIND of really interesting! The band, which has collectively played together in some form or another for over 20 years, is a throwback to the roots of metal and rock and roll. Although I am not the biggest hard rocker, I appreciate all forms of music and have a super huge respect for 1970s metal, because a lot of 90s grunge rock took great influence from earlier metal. Plus, the guys in The Jett Blackk Heart Attack rock some wickedly awesome old school style creepers, so I automatically had a soft spot in my heart for them!

Recently, they have had a string of gigs all over New York state and are working on a record, tentatively titled Needle To the Groove. So, it was as good of a time as any to learn a bit more about their sound and what they have in store for the future...

TLF: The Jett Blackk Heart Attack is a combination of "roots of metal" and... what else? Describe the sounds that influence you as a group, as well as each of you personally. Do you feel like the combination of your personal and group influences meshes well, or are some of you guys working with influences that an audience would never expect?

JBHA: For us, the "roots of metal" lie within the hard rock of the late 60's and early 70's. Bands like Deep purple, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin really shaped everything that came after them. We are influenced by many of the bands of that era- aside from the aforementioned holy trinity of hard rock, we're also influenced heavily by bands like AC/DC, MC5, Blue Cheer, The Sonics, ZZ Top, and Jimi Hendrix. But there are some influences that our audience wouldn't expect- modern influences like the Swedish band- Dungen, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Death From above 1979, and Velvet Revolver. It's all about true hard rock when it comes to what we do in The Jett Blackk Heart Attack. All of us in the band are lovers of all types of music. But what we are doing in this band, is really striving for pure hard rock, in a classic sense.

TLF: You all have been playing together for almost 20 years, correct? How did you meet and form, and what were the trials and tribulations along the way (there has to have been at least one you can share with us!)?

JBHA: To clarify, on and off for 20 years. We had a few bands together. First we were called "False pride", that was from 89-90. We thought we were so cool... ha ha man were we wrong! But, a few years later we started a hardcore band called "Tension*" with my brother Mike on vocals. That went from 92-2000. Many trials, many tribulations, many great stories and many great memories. Growing up back then in the Long Island Hardcore scene, we were an untouchable family. Every weekend there was a show with close to 1000 kids, and everyone knew everyone. It wasn't just a trend, it was a lifestyle..and many friendships were bonded, that's actually when we first met Dave Case. He was playing bass in a band called "Cleanser" and that's also where a lot of the bigger bands like Taking back Sunday, Glassjaw,Brand new and Head automatica all came from.We all hung out together and played shows together. No barricades, no bouncers, no egos, just family and friends .The bands and the fans were all on one level. After Tension* had broken up in 2000, we all went on to do other things. In 2007 we had a reunion show as Tension* and decided to keep playing together, but take the music in a different direction That's when we recruited Dave Case, who was exactly what we needed to complete the Jett Blackk sound.

TLF:Live performance is a big part of any band-- describe a The JBHA performance in three words! Who are some of your performance idols, and what do you hope fans walk away with after each show?

JBHA: The JBHA performance in 3 words: exhilarating, nostalgic, memorable. Lets face it, these days if you are not at least exhilarating to watch then why am I paying good money and wasting my time to go "see" your band? They call it a show, put one on please! Nostalgic, because our show musically lends itself to an era that gave birth to a lot of music that is still being listened to and appreciated today by fans both young and old. Although it may be your first time seeing us, it still seems familiar; comfortable almost. And third, memorable because every time we look out into the crowd, we see everyone singing along to every song. That speaks for itself.
As far as having performance idols... some of the slinkier types of performers, like Scott Weiland, Layne Staley and the late great jim morrison. Man, that guy didn't have to do shit and it was genius!! And of course those front men had world class performers onstage with them with which to interact, so we make sure to have good physical alchemy while performing. It is very important to look like you love each other and are happy to be sharing the stage, which is very easy for us 'cause we do, and we are.

TLF: There are a lot of "roots of metal" bands out there, but what do you think sets The JBHA apart from the rest of the modern musical landscape? What makes you unique, in addition to your sound?

JBHA: Because of our age (early 30's) All of us in the Jett Blackk Heart Attack grew up on the metal of the 80's (Metallica, Judas Priest, Slayer, Exodus, Voivod, Megadeth, Nuclear Assault etc) our first bands early in our careers were modeled after those bands in one way or another. As we've grown up we also were well aware and respectful of the bands that are considered "Roots of Rock and Roll". I think the best hard rock bands and artists in rock history are based off of blues and legends such as Led Zeppelin, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, Deep Purple, ZZ Top etc. Most people will argue the sweet years of rock were from 1968-1978. Rock bands had so many different ways of musically expressing themselves without any real boundaries or expectations back then. They just went out and kicked ass. That's what makes us unique. It's our ability to connect all age groups. We love young kids skateboarding to connect with us all the way up to adults that lived the good old days of rock back in the day. It's really trying to combine the "classic" with the "modern" eras.

TLF: Lastly-- tell us what's up with you guys in the future! Any shows, CDs, EPs, or events we should know about?

JBHA: Basically The JBHA is a band that will always be doin' our thing.and as much as any band would like to "get signed"..we refuse to just sit around and wait to make things happen. Especially in a time where bands should only be counting on themselves to make the moves they need to make to succeed. We are very lucky to have a lot of talented friends in our corner helping us out. As of right now we are in the process of recording our first full length record titled "NEEDLE TO THE GROOVE" with producer Joe Cincotta of Fullforce studios.
We also just finished our video for the single "Hell or high water" with director Christian Winters. We just finished our website www.thejbha.com.We also have The Jett Blackk Heart Attack iphone app that can be purchased in the itunes app store. We are like rock n roll sharks,we gotta keep eatin and we gotta keep movin!! There's a lot goin on with us at the moment and we wouldn't have it any other way.Its how we roll. we love what we do and we stand poised to take on the world..because the future is JETT BLACKK!!!!

Excuse me while I go rock out now. Hard.

Find out more about The Jett Blackk Heart Attack on their website, and keep up with their release date info and tour stops!

Song and Dance in Bel Air

Obviously, the most epic show of all time is The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Wills, Hills, Ash and Carls made us laugh about EVERYTHING! And I seriously mean everything. Like... Drugs. Guns. Bullies. Blackmail. Strippers. Baby Mommas. Tyra Banks attempting to act. All of those things are super funny, right?

But the best were song and dance moments. There were so many on the show that sometimes it felt like I was watching feel good musicals like Singing in the Rain or Grease. Except with black people. And I challenge you to find anything more amusing than songs, dances, and black people (ask Carlton)!

Here are some of my favorite song-and-dance moments from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air that will make you laugh, cry, and laugh again.

CARLTON'S COMING FOR YOU STEVIE!


BOOTY, BOOTY POPPIN!


WHY DID THIS NEVER HAPPEN AT MY SCHOOL PLAYS?!


SO REALLLLL!


THE INFAMOUS


MAKE IT RAIN, CARLTON!


G GETS DOWN!!


TAKE IT TO CHUCHHHH!


I CAN'T EVEN!!!

Girl Crush: Va$htie Kola

How do you say hero in every language possible?

My other home on the webs, M.I.S.S. has featured her numerous times as a Woman Making History, and I even wrote about her new website. The girl is dope. Beyond her style, I love her ability just because it's so personally connected to my vision for myself. Talented, smart, the perfect ratio of bummy to beautiful that only so few art school graduates get right these days.

Swoon!

Flashback Fridays

In tough recession times like these, it's best to take heed to the words of Gwen Guthrie because, real talk, there really AIN'T nothin goin on but the rent!

Gwen Guthrie - Ain't Nothin' Goin' on Bu
by funkyvincent

Westside Story Meets Bedford Ave

Am I late on this one? Because I haven't heard of Thunderheist yet. But I REALLY like this song. And this video makes me think of The Warriors. Except instead of cuttin' people with knives while on skates, these crazy kids kill 'em with lame dance moves, while on heels.

Ah, you gotta love the kids!

[Via Attorney Street]

Horchata is a Drink Best Served Cold

Oh Em GEEZIES!! Lyke, superzzzzz hot college cuties Vampire Weekend just released a new song called Horchata. You can totally downloads it for free here!

I, like, totally luv horchata almost as much as I love tall soy lattes. ALMOST.

Heavy Metal

These are some of the accessories I'm adoring lately. Heavy, punky, spikey, metals with a teeny tiny bit of quirky appeal. I especially love bracelets that "swoosh" with you when you move. Truly perfect pieces for wearing while dancing in long tanks, liquid leggings, and a pair of slim combat boots. Preferably while dancing along to New Order.

Pieces are all available for reasonable prices at NastyGal Vintage.

Did You Know?

That I manage this blog for Eighteenth?

That I produced this video?

And this one too ?

If you don't know... now you know.

Summary

This picture kind of sums up what my life has been like the past couple of weeks:

KIND of a blur

KIND of dramatical

KIND of hilarious

KIND of warm-spirited

KIND of confusing

This is rare for me. Generally life is pretty hectic and full of unenjoyable events. But lately, life has been hectic and full of enjoyable, lively moments.

I'm happy and it's lovely!

The Time Has Come

Thank the lordy they're accepting all major credit cards! Couldn't care less if it bumps my monthly minimum up a couple of bucks, you know I'm going to be coppin left and right!

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH, so excited!

Where the Wild Things x Vice Party

The only thing that will make me forget the sad pang of missing a free screening of Where the Wild Things Are is a vodka open bar...

Got the World In My Palm

High end jeweler Philippe Tournaire has created a signature line of incredibly detailed rings inspired by global architecture, featuring gilded versions of buildings in France, Japan, and what looks to be ancient Arabia.

Shoutout to my non-existent boyfriend, hook it up dude! Who gives a shit about diamonds?Clearly architecturally influenced knuckle-dusters complete with Arch de Triumphs are a girl's best friend!

[Via MissChico]

The V-Neck Wars

Tabatha over at MOB recently ranted about American Appy ads and the whole ongoing controversy surrounding the proliferation of nearly nude ladies in compromising positions awaiting some type of "good times" in what horny men can only imagine to be the near future.

Yes, the ads are ultimately sexist. Yes, Dov Charney is one step away from perv of the year (the dude has leered at more multi-culti co-eds than any 40+ year old man should ever be allowed to leer at). Yes, a hairy, creepy Dov Charney is a pretty decent explanation of why I can't date a Jewish guy (much to my mother's chagrin). And yes, everyone who buys more than just Ts and leggings (and the occasional pair of socks) at AA is kind of a really big douchebag.

But, yes, as creepy as Dov's ads are, they do promote a healthier body image than the Dior ads in the subway that have been airbrushed to death. I can't stand the fact that it's still sex that sells... but at least it's sex whose owner's got a fatty, like most girls (including me, holla!)! I hate that an upskirt contributes to really silly-high sales... but at least it's an upskirt that doesn't belong to someone with blonde hair and blue eyes.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, American Apparel ads are creepy. But I'm mostly alright with that...

Subway Styles

I have no idea who this girl is, but I am really vibing with this picture and her style. Love the short hair, love the glasses, love the flannel and barely there shorts. She is swell!

Major Lazer Macks It With Aide of Nintendo

The Creepy Touch team and Mishka shot this video at the Mad Decent block party in Philly a few weeks ago.

It is really rad!

Make sure you watch to the end, because you get to see Skerrit Boy execute what is arguably one of the most fucking brilliant pick up lines I have ever heard! Also, you need a reminder of how hot Diplo really is.

Betsey's Back!

What more can be said about Betsey Johnson that most girls don't already know? She is an icon, a legend, and now a Re-Issue collection at NY and LA based boutiques Opening Ceremony.

The Betsey John Archive Collection consists of 35 pieces that "look back to the future, reviving Betsey's original designs curated from the span of her 35-year career". The pieces are not reinterpretations of her past design sensibility, but rather exact re-issues of some of her favorite pieces from the beloved Paraphernalia and Alley Cat collections.

The prices may be recession-boggling, but items with this much fashion history are well worth the hefty price tags, including the Rosebud jumpsuit and Cherries Mini Dress.

Want to know more about Betsey? Check out this exhaustively detailed piece that my homegirl Absquatulation wrote for Missomnimedia. She covered every corner of Betsey history, from her sketches to her licensing troubles to her infamous cartwheels on the runway. It's so thorough that even Betsey herself couldn't believe it! Amazing, you go girllll!

(Via Nitrolicious)

That's What Little Boys Are Made Of

This picture of a bunch of little boys revolting in the streets screams "frogs, snail, and puppy dog tails". I cannot wait for this destructive gang of little boys to grow up, so they can become guys I am obsessively interested in for no good reason other than the fact that they enjoy "accidentally" setting things on fire on a drunken Saturday night whilst freestyling.

And yes, there will be Colt 45 involved.

(Via Vice)

Who Gives a Damn About Yeezy?!

It was all about Asher Roth and his lady at the VMAs last night! How brilliant is this duo?! To quote the Golden Arches, "I'm Lovin' It!".

(Via Bossip)

This Charming Concert

Theophilus is the man. In fact, so much of the man that we featured him a really long time ago, before he became "the man". He was way too awesome, even then.

He is playing a show this Saturday night in New York. If you live in the vicinity, you should check him out because it is cheap, and because he will make you laugh, cry, dance, think, and sing along to Whitney Houston all in the same performance.

Who's That Lady?

The sexy beast that is Paula Patton recently posed for a gender-bending photoshoot featured in this past Sunday's New York Times Style Magazine. The styling is impeccable. The parallel between the breakdown of gender roles and deconstructed scenery is brilliance. And I really admire the way she can capture character through her posturing, be it man or woman.

Robin Thicke is one lucky dude!