If These Jewels Could Talk...

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top: silver ring from israel, koi fish bracelet, meandro garnet bracelet middle: necklaces passed down from my grandmother's cousin, markus humer leather cuff last: snake twisty bracelet worn as an arm band, fake gold bangle

..they'd have many stories to tell. Since I was around 7 years old, my grandmother and I have had a tradition of playing "show and tell". She does more of the showing and telling, I listen, with my eyes "ooing and ahhing". We sit on her bed with a multitude of jewelry boxes-- a mix of beautifully lacquered ones with painted Japanese cherry blossoms, and freebie white boxes with Macy's logos and synthetic cotton-candy cushions. When I showed her my new crystal koi fish bracelet it ignited her childlike spirit. "Let's play!" she said. I've inherited from my grandmother a love of adornment. It doesn't matter if it's made of a rare gem stone or a piece of plastic, we get the same amount of pleasure. Value is measured by the uniqueness of the piece and all of the memories it triggers. My grandmother's philosophy of consumption is purely about what makes her happy. This also applies to what she eats. She loves everything she buys and enjoys rediscovering pieces in her closet. I've learned from her, that jewelry helps you remember things. Every single piece (going back to the 1940s), has a story for how she found it, where she bought it, or who gave it to her. As we went through she came across a gold choker necklace (not real gold, but some mystery metal). She said everyone thought it was real "It's all in how you carry it". She called it her "date necklace". My grandmother rarely parts with anything from her collection, but she decided I should have this one to bring me luck.

My favorite pieces of jewelry become a part of me the more I wear them, even though the piece may have had a completely unique life before it came to me. I've lost pieces of sentimental value over the years, but I try not to get too broken up, because I still have my memories. When I think of a piece that got lost or broken along the way, I know I really loved it.

Rock N' Roll Style Guide: Betty Blowtorch

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all images courtesy of google images

I recently watched Anthony Scarpa’s wonderful documentary "Betty Blowtorch: And Her Amazing True Life Adventures" about the late great rock band. It was bittersweet. Four ferocious women break ground on the LA rock scene, come close to achieving some commercial success, and then lose everything due to the untimely death of lead singer and bassist Bianca “Butthole” Halstead. Their music was a combination of 80’s style hair metal with a bit of pop/ punk mixed in.

The film was shot with a small DV camera. The beauty of the low-fi approach is that you feel like you’re living moment to moment with the band on the road. Nowadays, everything has such high production value. Just because 24p and HD cameras are readily available doesn’t mean they’re appropriate for the content. Some scenes feel like a fan captured them on their camera phone. The effect is a raw quality that a high gloss “Behind the Music” episode could never have. The interviews with Bianca feel especially candid. You see her sprawled out on her leopard couch, casually recounting stories as if she were hanging with one of her best friends.

The film opens with a Betty Boop cartoon. She wiggles her hips while singing a song about how to keep your "girlish" figure. When the songs stops, drums kick in, and you hear the roar, "We're from Hollywoooood" as the four foul mouthed, hard rocking women, with greasy hair and tattoos launch into the anthem "Hell on Wheels". While they share the namesake of the 1930’s cartoon star, Betty Boop’s restrained sexiness and demure “girlish” charm is a far cry from Betty Blowtorch’s in-your-face explicitness.

Betty Blowtorch were disciples of the Runaways, further paving new territory for women in the hard rock genre. As a feminist, I often have to reconcile my love of hard rock with my disdain for misogynist lyrics. Whether or not it’s right, it’s refreshing to hear a song like “Size Queen”…it feels like the answer to GNR’s “It’s So Easy”. Most of their songs were purely fun and tongue-in-cheek, but others pact a “personal is political” punch. “Get off”, confronts incest and “Rock my World” is an anthem of sexual autonomy. Bianca Halstead and Betty Blowtorch will be sorely missed, but hopefully their legacy will inspire the next generation of women in rock.

For more info on the film check out bettyblowtorch.com. Watch the trailer here.

Now just for fun.. if you want to look like a hard rocking biker chick, I’ve supplied you with the goods. Grab your bass, drum set, or guitar and you’re ready to rock!

topshop tank $36, pimkie boustier , sailor jerry belt buckle $24 , forever 21 vest $40 , von zipper sunglasses $90, ash sneaker heels $186 , french connection leather pants $260 , alexander mcqueen spiked cuff , sam edelman boots $112 , sang a clutch , luxury divas studded belt $13

Rock N' Roll Style Guide: Keith Richards

"Fashion thinks more about me than what I think about it" says Keith, and I'm not surprised. When you're Keith Richards entire collections are built around you. Does Balmain Fall 2010 come to mind? Keith Richards is a classic rock star for a reason, he hasn't changed his signature sound or style in the past 40 years. When you have a good thing going..why change?

Style Breakdown: Glam, hippie, pirate, gypsy. Perfectly tailored suits accented with statement pieces (feather boas, sequin waistcoats, printed scarves, velvet bell bottoms). The frame of mind that you must wear everything you'd need for a month long tour all at once.

The Essentials

• Layers: You see a hint of polka dot underneath a pin striped blazer, a paisley scarf braided with a solid one. His layers and pattern mixing keep you wondering "what's underneath?". Layering should work is such a way that each layer you remove still reveals a complete look. Even if you're shirtless! When Keith removed a layer there were always necklaces and scarfs underneath. Not every layer has to be a statement piece, the statement is the completed look. You can add variation and contrast by mixing layers with prints all in the same color scheme, or by wearing a few different textured or colored fabrics in similar prints.

• Bell Bottoms: Tight on the thigh, belled below the knee, in jean, crushed velvet, and leather.

• The Perfect Suit: Well cut, high-waisted, and three-piece.

• Glam Accessories: Feather boas, sequin vests, leather cuffs, silk scarfs, statement belts

Get Keith Richards' look..etro top $380, mathew williamson vest $1000+, lucky brand necklace $39, lucky brand scarf $50, lucky brand leather belt $49, jbrand jeans $180, cavalli top $580, isabel marant earrings $120, lucky brand fabric belt$50, lucky brand shoes $110

I recommend finding less expensive versions of the tops in stores like Zara or Century 21. Another option is scouring the men's sale racks at department stores. Guys are less likely to purchase wild prints and smaller sizes are often left over and heavily discounted. Despite it's $1,000 price tag, I like that this vest is a nuetral color which makes layering easy. A great sequin vest shouldn't be hard to find in a vintage store. The Lucky Brand accessories are great for finishing off the look... lots of authentic looking accessories at a fairly reasonable price.

Take a Picture

collage created w/screen shots from Filter's "Take a Picture" directed by David Meyers

While I don't exactly "feel like a newborn" while watching "Take a Picture", it definitely triggers the fairytale loving child in me. The video plays like a modern fairytale with its mermaid imagery, star filled sky, glistening night sea, and sunken treasures. Interestingly enough.. the song was written about Richard Patrick's experience getting naked on a plane while inebriated. No matter how hard you dig I'll doubt you'll find the symbolism. The David Meyer's directed video premeired in 2000. At the time, CGI (computer generated imagery used often in conjunction with a green screen) was becoming the major force in the special effects world. "Take a Picture" is a fantastic melding of CGI with man-made sets. The layering of the two gives you that other-worldly sensation where you're not sure where the set ends and the CGI begins. I'm completely bewildered by the house flooding scene.

The song was Filter's biggest commercial hit, but not the best representation of their much harder, electronic sound. A few years ago, I saw Richard Patrick play at the Bowery Ballroom with Army of Anyone. He's one of the few men with the ability to scream in tune. During the show, Richard threw an open water bottle out into the crowd which managed to land right on my friend's head. She was drenched, but just shook out her hair and continued to jive to the music. After the show, much to our surprise, Richard ran up to us and sincerely apologized to her. He was an extremely cool, down-to-earth man, very much the opposite of the rock star stereotype.

Rock N' Roll Style Guide: PJ Harvey

The so-called "effortless" look was all the rage this year. It was about trying to look as though you rolled out of bed without actually having rolled out of bed. The look was cool in that it was inspired by 90s grunge, but it quickly became tired and contrived when attempted by socialite party-people. Calculated looks can be as cool as effortless ones depending on how you carry them. The quintessential example of effortless, raw, low maintenance style is PJ Harvey. Her outfits look like she literally grabbed some random items from a pile lying next to her bed with her eyes closed. She gets away with it because she is PJ Harvey, one of the rawest singer songwriters of our time. Her look is believable because she wrote "Big Exit", and "Rid of Me". Everything she wears looks naturally faded and worn, not cut up or DIYed. The only rationalization I have for people purchasing pre-faded t-shirts or "destroyed" denim is that they are trying to buy style. In high school, I used to tote around in a pair of jeans, which were so badly tattered that at the end of their run there were more patches than original jean material. They became like a second skin, so it was hard to stop wearing them. The people who gave me strange looks and comments were the same people buying up pre-distressed denim the next year. It's easy to get swept into the desire for something new, especially when you immerse yourself in fashion blogs, but if you truly have a style of your own, then none of your old clothes will look stale. PJ's look makes me appreciate the raggedy things in my closet that may not look glamorous, but definitely have stories to tell.

Style Breakdown: Haphazard combos of undersized hammy-downs paired with remnants from a stripper's closet.

The Essentials:

• T-shirt from your 10 year old sibling's closet paired with a sequin or latex mini skirt
  
• Thrift store stripper boots
• A patchwork dress made of a cheesy pop culture icon like the "Spice Girls"
• A zip-up top zipped down to your belly button
• A choker necklace
• Lingerie worn as outerwear
  
• A cotton tube top paired with sleeves cut off from a long sleeve shirt
• Choppy short hair and bangs that look like you lopped it off yourself
• Loads of black eyeliner and lipstick
  

Still Obsessed

collage created with stills from Garbage's "I Think I'm Paranoid"

Another one of my favorite videos. Shirley Manson has her own unique brand of sex appeal. 100% ferocious-"take no BS"-feline, 0% pathetic-sex-object-kitty.

Fluff

Collage using screen shots from STP's "Interstate Love Song" directed by Kevin Kerslake

As you can see..I'm still on my 90's binge. So, in order to complete my full 90's look I need a fluffy, shaggy, feathery, downright over-the-top coat. There was a bit of a glam revival in the 90's, but it wasn't like 70's glam.. it had more grit. The feathery 90's jacket was dirty. I've been searching for 90's music videos that feature the crazy fluffster, but all I could find was Shirley's shaggy one in the "Vow" video and Scott's pink feather one in "Interstate Love Song". I am aware of the abundance of fluffy, shaggy and feathery vests this season, but they're not the same. If you are gonna go for the look..you gotta go full on.

You can thank me for finding several affordable options. I want one in every color.

reddish pink 90's blue multi purple (each color is a link to a coat)

Try to ignore the cheesiness of the smiling model in the links above. I have a strong feeling that the jackets will look dope on anyone else. Oh.. and if you are thinking.."What do I need a coat for? I'm already thinking about spring". Well, we have two more months of winter to go, and I'll be wearing mine throughout the summer.

Teen Spirit

This is my take on the mid 90's color palette inspired by music video directors like Samuel Bayer, and Kevin Kerslake. "Vow" by Garbage provided the perfect soundtrack while shooting.

When it Rains

Collage inspired by Garbage's "I'm Only Happy When it Rains", Directed by Samuel Bayer

Lately I'm on a Garbage kick..well, a 90's kick in general. It's possible that my nostalgia is due to the fact that we've hit the 20 year mark. The music of the 90's never went stale for me, but the aesthetic sure did. I never imagined turquoise eyeshadow was acceptable on the street, until yesterday. My crushed velvet orange purse is finally getting some use. The 90's aesthetic was all about complimentary colors, contrasting patterns/textures, fish eye, and blur effects. Stay tuned for my take on the 90's look, next post...

Bad Reputation

As much as I love a good film, I rarely go the movies. The truth is, most Hollywood films bore me. Films intended for a female audience (chick flicks) tend to be embarrassing to our sex. That being said, I'm dying to see the "The Runaways", because not only is it one of my favorite genres, a biopic, it's a rock biopic about one of the first all girl rock bands. Of course I'm going in with the expectation that the story will play like a glorified "Behind the Music" episode. For some reason the cliché "sex, drugs and rock n' roll” story entices me again and again. Even if “The Runaways” script is mediocre at best, we can still expect a killer wardrobe and soundtrack.

When I heard Kristen Stewart would be playing Joan Jett, I was skeptic. However, after seeing the trailer I can't imagine any other actress who could wear Joan's iconic mullet as well as Kristen.

I watched a few recent performances and interviews with Joan Jett, and she happens to be vibrant as ever. I love female rockers, because they refuse to shrivel up and go into hiding. Like Souxsie, and Chrissie, Joan is in her 50's and can still pull off an all leather-clad ensemble. The photo on the upper left hand corner of my collage is RECENT! Again, it's my theory..stay creative, do what you love, and nature will reward you.

I came across these two great interviews in which Joan spawns the following quotes...

"People say are you a tough girl? I mean can handle myself if I need to, but I don't go around looking for trouble".

"I want a certain sort of fame. When they write the ultimate rock n' roll history book, I want my name to be there, standing for something."

"People always said to me, 'Why don't you dress like a girl? Why don't you wear a dress, wear your hair different or have a lighter image?’..Even if I were still in school I wouldn't have gone to prom, I wouldn’t put on a prom dress for any money. No way! That's like posing nude for me."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgA2TBEBCn4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BA6R15iVGM

I didn't go to prom either. We need more role models like Joan Jett..and every little girl should have Joan Jett Barbie.

Jigsaw Feeling

With the abundance of black and goth inspired fashion on the Fall '09 runways, I found it absurd that no magazine did a Siouxsie Sioux inspired editorial. Interview magazine's December cover of Penelope Cruz was the only thing that came close, with Penelope channeling Siouxsie's signature eye makeup and eyebrows. John Richmond paid homage in his Spring 2010 collection with Siouxsie graphic tees. Unfortunately, I'll never own one, since John Richmond still hasn't opened an NYC location.

It goes with out saying what a sick performer and vocalist Siouxsie is, but her style is unsurpassed. I love the way she makes classic black and white interesting. She would often perform in a tuxedo. A tux is one of the sexiest things a woman can wear..blows mini skirts out of the water. It shouldn't come as a suprise that I idolize this woman. Notice the tee! My collage focuses mostly on her face, but you can easily google her and find plenty of over the top outfits.

Classic Tracks.. "Christine", "Jigsaw Feeling", "Metal Postcard", "Cities in Dust", "Oh Baby"

Happy Holidays!

Chrissie Cool

A thick tie usually brings to mind a wall street shark in an ill fitting, boxy cut suit..or Chrisse Hynde. She is one of the few people who can make a thick tie look cool. Beauty and confidence seems to radiates from her. I think the secret to staying eternally young and beautiful is not necessarily being a vegan (in Chrissie's case) but continually creating, dreaming, chipping away at new ideas and attempting to contribute to society. I had a professor in college who was so vibrant and young in both spirit and appearance..he looked no older than 60..the man was a 77 year old artist (he was one of the first people to experiment with video as an artform and continues to make and show his work.

The Pretenders released their new album "Break up the Concrete" a few months ago. Her voice is pure and crisp, her iconic pop/rock songs are girl power anthems. She is constantly on tour bringing unsurpassed energy. Chrissie forbids meat products from entering the venues she plays. Beauty is standing by your convictions. Chrissie Hynde is one of the few celebrity rockers who has not been injected, cut open, and molded. I love Chrissie's natural low maintenance look, her signature bangs, her t-shirts and jeans.

I do a lot of ranting here on some of my heroes, but it's because there are very few mainstream celebrities who aren't famous for any reason other than being what our current mainstream society thinks is valuable.. fame for fame's sake. The idea of internal beauty is a commonplace truism, but credit should be given when credit is due. I like to use my blog as a platform to recognize creators who have a strong personal aesthetic that reflects their personal creativity.

Thank you all for your mind blowing comments and for your beautiful blogs. They continue to inspire me. I am so proud to be part of this blog revolution.

For Another Place

Paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe -Google Images
On me: Sweater and Shearling Vest, La Rock Crocheted Sweater, Bebe Crocheted Tank Tunic

Have you ever had this feeling while staring at a painting that if you stare hard enough you could be teleported through it? No, I'm not talking about Gumby or any psychedelic substance.. just the pure, intangible, childlike feeling that something mystical could take place through looking. It's a dreamlike sensation that screws with your sense of reality..at least for a moment. I'm fantasizing about a land enveloped with sky. Here in NY, I have to peak through concrete to get a glimpse.

In my opinion the southwest has one of the most beautiful climates in the US.. not to mention the anti-frizz conditions. My mother used to make fun of me for coming home everyday with what she called, "The Hair Report" which was my run down of how well my hair fared against the humidity. I've gotten better at managing my natural curls, but NY weather prevents me from fully taming the best. I am not so vain as to fantasize about New Mexico for the sake of my hair, but I just thought I'd mention an added perk of living there. Most importantly there is this market.

There are two new Ash Fox/ Tit Tees features that I've added to my side bar. BIG thank you to Christian Castillo for my feature on "Hi, I'm Christian", and thank you Urban Outfitters for featuring me on Urban Outfitters Blog.


Edit: I just want to note that although I am wearing some items from Ralf Lauren they were purchased over 3 years ago. I refuse to purchase anything from his brand in the future. While photoshopping is standard practice in the fashion world, Lauren's team took it to another level. He should be ashamed for perpetuating anorexia and for firing Filippa Hamilton unjustly. I will no longer support his brand. While we are on the topic.. I am also adding Karl Lagerfeld to the list of designers who no longer have my respect for his comments this week.

Scott Weiland's Hybrid Style

Photo Credits: Belowempty.com, GettyImages, Corbis, Google Images

Stone Temple Pilots, challenged the grunge of the 90’s with melodic Beatles-y pop, infused with Zepplinesque riffs, tied together with Weiland’s stream of conscious lyrics which conjured images of black clouds and purple flowers. Scott Weiland's music does not neatly fit into any sub genres of rock, yet is unquestionably rock n' roll. Likewise, his style encapsulates the best aspects of rock n’ roll fashion.

After going through the picture archives on belowempty.com (the source for everything STP related) it is clear that Scott Weiland is a true showman who understands that a concert is an audio experience as well as visual spectacle. Weiland's style takes its cues from rock legends such as David Bowie, John Lennon, Keith Richards and Iggy Pop.

If you have seen Scott Weiland live you know what a dynamic performer he is, but for the purposes of this post I will focus on his stage outfit. He is serious musician who clearly has fun dressing up. Weiland has performed wearing Kiss makeup, dressed as Hedwig, and even like a member of Judas Priest. A typical show will go as follows: Weiland takes the stage fully layered and accessorized with a leather jacket, fitted blazer, or fur coat, mirrored aviators, assorted scarves and a hat. After the first few songs, the hat and shades come off and he sheds a layer to reveal a patterned button down, a vintage t-shirt, or a simple white tank. The songs ensue, he dances, and his chemistry with the audience is infectious. For the last two songs including the anthem “Sex Type Thing” Scott is shirtless displaying his lithe torso and arms adorned in tattoos. On one particular STP tour, Scott ended the show by stripping down to nothing more that an American Flag wrapped around his waist. Unfortunately I didn’t have the privilege of being at that show or for any of STP's performances before 2008 (I became a fan a little late in the game). These days he performs in a three piece suit, or a simple blazer accented with a bare chest.

Fortunately for all SW fans Scott Weiland now has a clothing line, a collaboration with Christopher Wicks’ of “English Laundry”. “Scott Weiland for English Laundry” is a collection of blazers, button downs, and vests all evocative of Weiland’s signature look. I assume the collection is intended for a male consumer, but I’m sure girls can also pull it off. I often take men’s clothes to the tailor to get fitted. All this talk about Scott Weiland’s style makes me wonder if I’m more psyched for English Laundry or the upcoming Stone Temple Pilots album?

Check out Scott Weiland for English Laundry here.

Bad Ass Chicks: Juliette Lewis

I saw Juliette Lewis for the first time playing with Camp Freddy at the Roxy in LA last summer. It was a show full of men until this incredibly talented lady stepped on stage and the energy of the room completely changed. She rocked harder than any male rock star I have ever seen. She is an amazing showwoman. Her voice is loud, powerful, gritty, and upbeat. You can always tell that she is having an amazing time. Her band "Juliette and the Licks" released two hard rocking and insanely catchy albums. "Sticky Honey" was stuck in my head all last summer..and my ring tone happens to be "Hot Kiss". The Licks recently disbanded but Juliette Lewis is releasing a solo album in September, which I am psyched for.

Check out http://www.myspace.com/juliettelewis . Listen to "Terra Incognita" and "Fantasy Bar". Of course rock n' roll and fashion are synonymous with each other. Juliette always looks chic with a rock edge, on and off stage. Would love to see her rocking a Tit Tee some day.

images from: Corbis, Gettyimages, and Google Images