Ok, so it's one thing flicking through magazines, window shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue and day dreaming of how great that Lanvin dress would look on you - or how nice your feet would feel in those Christian Louboutin pumps; or that Celine Tote that's been on your wish-list since, forever!! - and it's a complete different thing actually affording any of this luxurious brands.
Well, that's kind of where ZARA comes in. For the past couple of years this Spanish retailer has made thousands of young woman really really happy (me included) by creating low-prize-look-alike products of popular, high-end clothing fashions labels. And although copy cats are not something we like or admire, it's impossible not to give some credit to the people behind this.
Although I've been a loyal customer for a while, this year I literally had to make a sacrifice not to buy something every time I walked into that store. Whether it was clothes, bags or shoes, ZARA was my go-to store all year long, and from the look of it, I wasn't the only one. Most of the street style shots from tumblr and other fashion blogs had at least one ZARA item in them.
Their website is great because you get to see their entire collection, their campaign (which normally features beautiful girls and boys, such a Sean O'pry), international events related to the brand, a lookbook which can help as a source of inspiration on what pieces to buy (let's call it the pre-shopping experience) and finally, the PEOPLE section, which consists of regular people uploading their look, wearing at least 2 pieces from the season collection and winning 300 euros to spend in store - is that awesome or what?
Now that we're done with music, let's move on to fashion. So, you might love or hate the whole fashion industry and the way it controls society and the rest of the world. But if you think about it, it's a pretty interesting field, not only from the design aspect or esthetically speaking, but the entire idea behind it.
For centuries, fashion has defined important periods of time, in the same way that architecture, science, ideology, religion or any other cultural matter has. The fashion industry, as a mass business is a product of the modern age, and it is what it is today because of the amount of media that surrounds it. Fashion journalism, blogs and televised fashion shows have made it possible for people all around the globe, to enjoy this for of art and the brilliant minds behind it.
BEST IN FASHION - DESIGNER: FASHION HOUSE
This year my favorite collection was Raf Simons (for Jil Sander) Spring / Summer ready-to-wear from Milan Fashion Week. Known for her bold colors and minimal silhouettes, this collection was no exception. Although the vast majority of the pieces are wide and flowy and not your average "sexy", this belgian designer; who's been creative director at Jil Sander since 2005, knows the perfect balance between fun and formal, also known as casual cool... but fancier, obviously. The color selection was beautiful, the contrast between the classic white t-shirt and the volume of the skirts. Ahh, I love, love, love it!!
And not only did they nail the catwalk (the hair and make-up was just as perfect); the ad campaign was bright and fabulous, for both woman and man. And don't forget that amazing plastic bag. It might look like a regular grocery bag, but it's the only plastic grocery bag worth paying $150 dollar for.
So here we are, day nine of resolution season. How's that going by the way? I've personally given up. I've tried it too many times, only to realize I never (truly) get any of my resolutions done. It's not that I can't commit to something, or that I have no willpower what so ever. But, I guess compromise is not an institution I'm very comfortable with - *restriction may apply.
So anyway, let's go back. Way back. All the way back to 2011. We still have a couple of Best Of's to get rid of, like the other half of "Best in Music"...
BEST IN MUSIC - LIVE ACT
This year I went to a little over 10 concerts. And although I missed out on some pretty amazing live acts (including the Strokes, The Rapture and Portishead) in what's probably Mexico City's biggest music event of the year, the Corona Capital Festival, I can't really complain about the shows I did go to.
Choosing my favorite was a though decision, but it really came down to three: Ratatat, The Kills and Feist. All three shows were unbelievably good, yet completely different from one another, which made it even harder.
The thing is, when you go to a concert, there are three main factors that pretty much make or break the show: 1) The musical talent. 2) The connection between the band (or artists) and the crowd. 3) The crowd itself. - It is a combination of the three that define a show. So when I compared all three shows, it was clear that Feist was the one.
1) Musically, it was as close to perfection as an artist can possible be. There were no flaws, not one tiny error. Not from Leslie, not from her band members, not from her three backup singers (who looked like greek muses). Perfection people, complete perfection that was.
2) The interaction this woman has with her audience is unlike any other I've seen. She is not only charming, funny and adorable, but she created the kind of environment that made everyone feel as if you actually knew her. As if, she was just a friend, playing for you in your living room.
3) If you can control and manipulate a crowd in Mexico City, you can do it anywhere in the world. We Mexicans are well knows for being loud and crazy... all the time. Yet, somehow, those of us who attended any of the four shows Feist gave last december, will testify being under some kind of spell. We could not speak, scream, or move. Singing along was more like whispering along, and the only time our body would allow us to clap or let out any sort of noise, was after mademoiselle Leslie had finished either singing or talking.
So yeah, it comes as no surprise she's been called the Queen of Indie music. Her lyrics are as beautiful and powerful as her stage presence and personality. Her fifth album, Metals, is as good as any of her previous ones. And if I ever turn gay, I totally want to date her.
While focusing on the true meaning of the holidays - all the parties, family get togethers, the last minute shopping - I barely had time to make a list, check it twice or write a single post for over a month. I really do hate not finding the time to write, but sometimes a girl's got to to, what a girls got to do... specially when it involves buying presents for a bunch of people I love. After all "a gift is worth a thousand world". But now that Christmas is out of the way, lets focus on something else.
All year long, we are bombarded by thousands of less-than-awesome stuff "we", as a young modern society should accept, admire and worst, desire. Of course, among this vast variety of so called "stuff", there is a small (but unbelievably awesome) percentage, that are actually worth mentioning. So with 2012 just days away (more like hours away) I think it's time to go down, if not memory lane, then maybe just a (personal) overall look at this years Best of... and by overall I actually mean, music, fashion and people.
BEST IN MUSIC - LP
Choosing a favorite album is never easy. Each year, there is always at least a hand full of real good LP's everyone seems to be talking about. Some you might agree with, some you might not. Well, this year, my list of favorite albums was a weird collection of sounds and artists, that ranged from Adele and Lykke Li to Washed Out and The Kills. But as the year came to an end, I was convinced that there was only one album that really had it all: James Blake's self titled debut-album.
Unlike many contemporary musicians his age, this 23 year old, London based talent is truly one of a kind. His minimal, melancholic and absolutely brilliant style and sound blew everyone away before the LP was even released. Every single song has an individual charm, yet the general feel of the album has the power to really takes you to a different place, when listened to properly.
"Making music is something I've done all my life, for purely personal gain" - and his album is the result of a lifelong obsession with his own, and no one else's, sonic pleasure.
A true gentlemen is rare indeed. They do exist, but in today's world, they can often be hard to find. Even after centuries of trying, becoming a modern gentlemen is still something that all men aspire to. Many argue that it cant be taught, that the formula remains a mystery. Those who know, know. Those who are, are.
As a general rule, a modern gent can take care of himself in any situation, is not flashy or vulgar, is well informed and takes pride in his appearance. Grooming is taken seriously and he would prefer never to appear in public looking anything less than his best. He is as selfless as he is generous, courageous as he is adventurous, an aficionado of the finer things in life and always, infallibly and with honor, dedicated to the cause of fine mostachery.
For several years now, gentlemen have dedicated their face to Movember, the month long charity event that raises funds (and awareness) for prostate cancer. Every year, these generous individuals, known as Mo Bros, unite in supporting men's health by growing a Mo. At the end of the month, participants and their female supporters (known as Mo Sistas) celebrate their gallantry by either throwing their own Movember Party or attending one of the many Gala Partés held throughout the world.
So, although we're half way through Movember, it's never too late to take action. And, I'm sure a lot of you Mo Sistas are probably wondering what you can do to help, that doesn't require growing a Mo. Well, there's a lot of things you can do, like, donating a part of your savings (I know, that lovely pair of shoes sounded like a better investment) or spread the word to all the people you know. Maybe you could host an amazing party or become a Mo-Stylist throughout the entire month. Or you could just... have sex with a guy with a mustache? Yes, November 18 has been officially declared the "Have Sex With A Guy With A Moustache Day" by the American Mustache Institute, so I guess it's kind of legal - and weird!
So there you have it, either be a gentlemen or have sex with one. Two very different traditions you can chose from. For more (real) information on Movember, go to MOVEMBER.COM.
There are just over 52 weeks in a year. So, there should be just as many sundays, and therefor, 52 gorgeous guys for the Secret Sunday Lovers post. Only 52 a year? 4 every month, 1 for each week? That shouldn't be a problem, right?
Well, you might be surprised, but every now and then (and only every now ad then) I find myself sitting in front of my computer, completely blanked out, with no celebrity hotties to crush on. I've contemplated the idea of posting about hot guys I actually know, but then I think it would be not only harder (since the amount of hot guys I actually know is pretty darn small) but also, kinda weird / stalker. So, bad idea.
Luckily, today is not one of those days. Tonight's SSL is (and has been for the past 10 years, approximately) without a doubt one of my personal-top-3-favorite male figures. Some might call it a "90's girl problem" issue. Other might say he looks like a 90's girl himself. I see him as one of the most beautiful guys in the music business. I've had the privilege of seeing him (and the rest of the band) perform five times, including last nights show, here in Mexico City and I have to say, he just gets cuter with time.
So, I really don't care what you might think of me, or if you stop reading my blog from now onwards. I'm a true and proud Hanson fan, so, deal with it! Haha
Name: Taylor Hanson // Age: 28 // Profession: Musician // Why we love him: His beautiful voice. He plays so many instruments he could start a one man show (he plays keyboards, piano, percussions, bongos, drums, tambourine, guitar, bass guitar and the harmonica). He's not only hot and talented but he's a good person - he and his brothers started the "Take The Walk" movement, which raises funds to support 5 different causes creating great challenges in Africa (for more info on this go here: http://www.takethewalk.net/ ). He sometimes dresses like a J. Crew model. He has a lovely family (wife Natalie and 4 kids). Ahhh, he is just so perfect I wanna die!
William Shakespeare once said the (now legendary) phrase: What's in a name? Well, actually Juliet said that, but it was Shakespeare who came up with this brilliant saying. So simple, yet, so complicated. What is in a name, really. Why are things, people and places named the way they are?
Like band names. Where do band names come from? What makes a band say, "Dude, I think we should call ourselves ___________. Do they follow a trend, like the classic "The" before a random second (or third) word(s): The Smiths. The Strokes. The Teenagers. The White Stripes. The Velvet Underground". Do they find inspiration from technology: VHS or Beta, TV on the Radio, or from every day objects: Spoon, Plain White T's, Little Boots. Or places: Phoenix, Of Montreal, Little Ethiopia.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure every band gets it's name from a special something, or someone. But today, as I was driving back home I heard the best band name to ever walk the planet, literally - (some serious drug use may have been involved too) - TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINC DINOSAURS! WTF, right? It would have been a total waste if the song that followed this amazing name was actually shitty, but luckily enough, the song was pretty damn good. So, I thought I'd make this friday a Music-Friday and spread the love.
The video, of course is kind of freaky and the singer, a kinda freaky-geek looking kid. To be expected.
