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.
On the first day of summer 2011, the rumor about Donatella Versace designing for H&M was confirmed, becoming the latest high fashion label to collaborate with the Swedish high street brand. Although Donatella refused the offer, back in 2008, claiming that "A high street diffusion line simply wasn't the Versace way", the idea of this line being sold as an Iconic Collection (as opposed to diffusion) made her changer her mind after all... That, and maybe the fact that the Lanvin collaboration form last year sold out in just a matter of minutes. But I don't know, just maybe!
So last night, almost 5 months after this announcement was made, a specially designed building along the Hudson River in NYC, hosted a Versace for H&M catwalk show. Bold colors, bright prints and reinterpretations of iconic Versace pieces strolled down the runway, the same way the legendary design house has done it, since it's founder, Gianni Versace, first started in 1978.
Sitting front row at the show (and tapping their fancy footwork to the rhythm of the music) were celebrities like Uma Thurman and Selma Blair, designers, musicians, models and bloggers, as well as Blake Lively (who is such a sweet heart) and the entire Gossip Girl cast - well almost.
The show was (of course) followed by an afterparty which featured exclusive performances by Donatella's special guests, Prince and Nicki Minaj - which got me thinking; If these two stars ever had a child, it wold look exactly like Miss. Versace herself. Creepy!
So anyway, the event was a huge success that will have people talking, tweeting and blogging for the next couple of days, or weeks. The collection, which contains woman and men's wear, as well as certain home pieces and accessories, hits stores on November 17th. So if you plan visiting an H&M store around that date, a word of advice: Don't forget to wear your combat boots!
Teen-drama-shows; a growing phenomena that has been going on for more that two decades now. Some might say they're stupid and vain, true. Others might call it a guilty pleasure, also true. But at the end of the day, we end up watch them and enjoy every second of it! Specially when they've done such a great job at casting beautiful young male actors to play the parts.
Flash back 21 years ago. The year: 1990. The place: Beverly Hills, 90210. The boys: Dylan, Brandon and David - pretty cute! Fast forward to 2003. The place: Orange County, California. The boys: Ryan, Seth and Zac - still, pretty cute! But the scandals, the glamour and evidently, the boys got ten times better in 2007, when the drama moved all the way to New York City. The boys...? Chuck, Nate and Dan - there are flames coming out of those names, btw!
So at its 5th season, Gossip Girl has got us hooked more than ever, so, it just felt right to dedicate this Secret Sunday Lover post to my favorite Gossip Boy, lonely boy.
Name: Penn Badgley // Age: 25 // Profession: Actor // Why We Love Him: His perfect nose, pout and smile. His deep and incredibly sexy voice. His ex-girl friend and co-star Blake Lively (although his currently dating Zoe Kravitz, we still like S better). The most surprising thing on his ipod is Coldplay. He's been around for much longer than we think (he was nominated for the Young Actors Award in 2001) and is starring opposite Jeremy Irons and Kevin Spacey in Fall's sharpest psychological thriller, Margin Call... Oh, and did I mention he beat out both James Franco and Rob Pattinson for the lead role in the much-desired Jeff Buckley bio-pic? Pretty impressive, right?
*And since he turned 25 on November 1st, you get a birthday gift in his honor, courtesy of NYLON TV, enjoy!
All-Hallows-Eve, that is, the night before All Hallows Day... most commonly known as Halloween: A cultural tradition that's been celebrated since the 16th century. Of course, a celebration that was originally created to honoring the dead has evolved into a night dedicated to A) trick-or-treating B) attending costume parties C) carving jack-o'-lanterns D) telling scary stories / watching horror movies E) all of the above... So yeah, the list of activities surrounding this annual holiday is way too long to fit into one single night.
Luckily, Halloween falls on a Monday this year, giving you the rare opportunity to maximize your weekend of tricking, treating and looking "drop-dead-gorgeous" (literally) five whole nights. So naturally, a lot of people have been asking, what you'll be doing this Halloween. And, of course, there's more than only one right answer. So for those locals living in Mexico City, or if you happen to be visiting our lovely city, here's a list of activities Mexico City's diabolical nightlife has to offer.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27th
Noche de Monstruos IV @Leonor ft. La Royal - If you're looking for a small yet crowded place to start of your weekend, this is the place to be and be seen // Dresscode: Costume
Rhodesian Haunted Mansion @Club Social Rhodesia ft. Club 303, Hoodie Hoo! and Andree VII - If you're a "the more the merrier" kind of person, the CSR will definitely suit your style, guaranteed to be a crowed pleaser // Dresscode: Movie characters (Try your best, you could win an ipad 2)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28th
Metronomy Live Show @José Cuervo Salón - It's been almost three years since their last visit, but their back (from the dead) and ready to make our little bones dance like they do in the English Riviera // Dresscode: Dia de los Muertos.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29th
Kitsuné Halloween Club Night @Pasaguero ft. Is Tropical, Beataucue and Database - By Saturday you might be feeling like a zombie, but don't stop now! Kitsuné has a UK / France / Brazilian team of DJ's to pump up the volume centro histórico style // Dresscode: Halloween
So there you have it, a three-day-weekend agenda to choose from. And if you're up for it, I'm thinking of throwing an exclusive "Dia de los Muertos inspired night of cocktails and small bites" sometimes next week. (*FYI, no slutty pumpkins, witches, vampires or anything else of the sort allowed)
There are certain people you just need to know about. Take Gabriela Artigas, who turns _ _ years old today. You could try guessing what the two missing digits are, but the truth is, you'll never know how old she really is based on her looks and personality. Anyway, I've been wanting to post something about her for a while now, and I figured today being her birthday would be the perfect opportunity.
Some of you might remember her from a post I did almost a year ago, related to her first ever jewelry sale here in Mexico City. Others might have seen her, or her work in a variety of magazines and fashion shows she's done over the years. But to me Gabriela is simply Gaby, my (not so) older cousin, and an inspiration in many ways.
If you'd met her a a couple of years ago, you'd have never guessed she'd be the girl she is today. She was sweet, discreet, she always got what she wanted and she could never be good. Good was overrated. Now, things are pretty much the same, except... she's not exactly shy - Although she'll probably tell you she is. But what I really mean when I say she's become someone else, is not because she went from being the quiet girl to the party girl, or from discreet to over-the-top. But from uncertain to confident and from relying-on to independent. She is the living proof of "go big or go home" - and she's done it so well without losing her head or her heart.
When asked about what she likes, her answer is "I love snowboard, whisky, good boys, fast cars, diamonds and you. What else do you need to know?". When asked about love, she answer "The heart wants what the heart wants". When asked about herself, she says "I like that I am someone who's anything but perfect".
With more than 8 different collections, over 24 retail stores around the world and an increasing number of press mentions, Lady Artigas is young, talented and a bit of a rebel. She inspired me to exchange all my silver jewelry to golden and always leaves me wanting more.
For more on Gabriela Artigas, her latest collection, RAVEN, and the rest of her lovely designs, click here - http://www.gabrielaartigas.com/
A couple of months back I did a post on a collaboration between the American brand, Madwell and a young British lady, Alexa Chung. Well, the style star has officially released a sequel to her first Madewell collaboration and for all of those interested, is now available online and in stores.
But today, Alexa is not the star of the story. Don't get me wrong, I love her and everything, but it's only fair someone else gets some well deserved attention. So this time, Madewell has choses Annie Clark of St. Vincent as their Music Muse... why? Well, she's got mad guitar skills, 3 critically acclaimed albums (it's no wonder everyone from Beck to Suffian Stephens has wanted to work with her) and an elegant and quirky closet... plus, she's super sweet and really charming.
So she might not haver her own clothing line, or be a rockstars ex-girlfriend, but if you feel like getting some denim inspiration, while listening to great music, just tune into Saint Vincent, look at how Annie wears Madewell jeans and you're good to go!
Less is more - great phrase! And one I (almost) always stand by. Today's Secret Sunday Lover is a clear example of how this phrase can either go wright, or go very wrong. But first, you'll have to read this story in order to understand what I really mean...
So, yesterday I went to the movies and watched "Last Night", which I really liked. The story is not exactly pretty... in fact, it's pretty f*cked up. Anyway, there's this lovely french actor who I completely fell in love with, so, naturally I come home and Google him: Guillaume Canet. His name doesn't immediately ring a bell, but his face, I'd remember - You see, I have a great ability to remember faces, and that ability increases if you're, well, hot - So, my next guess is he's pretty new in the business, and there is no way I've seen this guy before.
So I go to his filmography, apparently he's been around for a while, directed a couple of movies, been in a couple more, two which I've actually seen. Which means, in theory, Guillaume should be in my "hot -male-memory-account"... but he's not! So that's when I go to Google Images to verify this information, only to find that it is true, I had seen him before. So, why couldn't I remember him? Oh, right, he wasn't hot in his other films.
As I scrolled through Guillaume's images, I noticed the the main reason he didn't look as good in his other films was because he had a shorter haircut, no facial hair and wore t-shirts instead of shirts and trench-coats, which make him look completely ordinary and blah!
Anyway, after I noticed he wasn't as cute as I thought he was, I remembered him as Alex, his character form "Last Night" and realized what made him so attractive was not exactly his face, or his amazing body, or his perfectly achieved french look. What really made Keira Knightley (and me) fall for this guy was his adorably smile, his undeniable charm and his oh-so-casual-cool personality... not to mention that cute little french accent. So,
Lesson 1: "less is not more" LESS hair = Non, merci! // MORE hair = Mais, oui!
Lesson 2: "less is more" LESS (evident) sex appeal can (sometimes) mean MORE emotional happiness.
Name: Guillaume Canet // Age: 38 // Profession: Actor and director. Why we love him: Watch the trailer and see for yourself ...
So, Arctic Monkeys: First album, huge! Second album, huge! Third album, huge! Fourth albums are always trickier, still, huge! So, I guess it goes without saying, but we're talking about a pretty huge band - pretty huge fan too! NME gave "Suck It And See" a 9/10 and said, quote, "They've aced it, well and truly". True story. But today you don't get a professional album review, you just get a music video and my personal opinion.
Considering the title of the song, it didn't surprise me that an attractive-near-naked-girl would stroll around a motel with her badass boyfriend by her side. Although the song tells the story of a guy who's head over heels for this one of a kind gal, who doesn't exactly love him back, the video is kind of the other way around. A girl who's in love with a complete douchebag, who, besides her obvious good looks and demanding attention, just couldn't care less about her... Aww! And they say romance is dead!
So yeah, this is yet another "love vs. hate" scenario, but the video is actually pretty cool and the song is simply amazing. Oh, Fun Fact: the on-screen couple is actually the bands drummer Matt Helders and real-life girlfriend - move over Alexa Chung!
The French; responsible for macarons, french kissing and most recently, Clement Chabernaud. Ranked #4 in the Top 50 Male Models, this dark blonde, blue eyes beau is not only a fashion favorite, but a lucy favorite too.
Name: Clement Chabernaud // Age: 22 // Profession: Model // Why we love him: Well first of all, he's French, enough said. He's one of those young guys who looks older, so you can totally crave him without feeling like a pedophile. He has been (and still is) on every runway and ad campaign you can possibly imagine, whether it's super high fashion houses like Balmain or Jil Sander to lower budget brands like H&M (we like a man who can dress up and down). But what I love most about him is the perfect balance between a pretty boy and a manly figure - not to pretty, not too rough and just the right amount of muscle.
Up until mid July, I was personally quite disappointed by the lack of (good) live music shows that Mexico City was experiencing this year. Luckily, over the summer the amount of bands confirmed to play the following months grew almost 50%, causing the "oh, hello lucy concert calendar" to overflow and consequently, making me (and many other music lovers) very very happy - seeing a band perform live is one of the things I enjoy the most in life!
One of my favorite albums of the year, so far, is The Kills fourth and most recent studio album "Blood Pressure" - I spent the entire summer listening to it. So, when I found out they were coming to town, I, naturally, freaked, and on wednesday night they proved me right. The minute the lights went off and these two imposing figures walk on stage, the crowd went crazy - But a good crazy, like when the crowd is composed entirely by true fans, who are there to sing their lungs out and just enjoy every single moment - but with a little bit of craziness to it, mexican style.
Anyway, back to the band. Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince are not only great musicians, but true 21st century rockstars. Just by looking at a picture of them in black leather jackets, smoking a cigarette or leaning against a wall, you can feel their bad-ass attitude. So watching them perform was like taking that still moment into motion and fully understanding what they are all about. The way he plays the guitar and the way she holds the microphone and adjusts her body movements to every word that comes out of her mouth is so intoxicating, you wish you could feel what she is feeling that very moment.
The setlist was a great combination of all four albums (with a larger selection of songs from their latest one) including some of my personal favorites like "Satellite", "Future Starts Slow", "DNA" and "You Don't Own The Road" + "URA Fever" and "Tape Song" from Midnight Boom. After playing for an hour and a half the band bowed, waved goodbye, smiled and left the stage leaving 2,500 fully satisfied screaming fans behind.
If you were there, you're probably still suffering from the effects of post-concert-excitement. I hate to say this but, there is no cure for this condition, so, enjoy it while it lasts.
Once upon a time, vodka met tonic, and the world was good. Sometime later, burgers met french fries, and the world was better. Now, pizza is about to meet champaign, and the world might never be the same.
There are certain things in life that are just meant to be together. And other that are clearly, not (no offense if you actually enjoy the idea of mixing pizza and champaign). But sometimes, the world surprises you and slaps you in the face by putting two complete opposites together and actually making it work. For example, Lanvin (aka champaign) and Pitbull (aka pizza) coming together for the brands Fall / Winter Campaign Video... Go ahead, pinch yourself!
Lanvin, like champaign, are both known for being expensive, stylish, sophisticated. Everybody wants a taste of it, but only a few privileged ones can actually enjoy a whole "bottle". Now pizza, and Pitbull for that matter, are both cheap, dirty, unhealthy. And yet, for some strange reason we keep coming back to them, because every once in a while, we like to get our hands "dirty".
So, what do you get when a High Fashion House makes a bunch of models (in perfectly designed, luxurious outfits) dance to the rhythm of "I know you want me" - ??? A combination of (adorably) awkward beautiful people dancing like pop starts and an amazing fall campaign, shot by Steven Meisel. In other words, a fancy high-society-pizza-party... not bad right?
So todays advice, watch this video and stick around to the end. Please note: A desire to put on your fanciest outfit and go clubbing afterwards is totally natural.
Britney, Christina, Justin and... Ryan? Perhaps you didn't know, but Mr. Gosling was once a young mouseketeer for the Mickey Mouse Club back in the 90's. It's hard to imagine a talented actor like him dancing and singing along with the rest of that cast, but, unlike them, Ryan has done pretty damn well for himself over the past years. He's built an amazing reputation for playing a wide (and when I say wide, I mean W I D E) variety of characters, mostly in independent fils.
From a fanatic neo-natzi (The Believer) to a drug-addict teacher (Half Nelson) to a socially inept loner (Nars And The Real Girl) to his most recent role as a metro-sexual womanizer (Crazy Stupid Love) this guy can play any role you give him, literally! He took a one year break his from film work in 2008 and focused mainly on his band, Dead Man's Bones, releasing a debut album and touring North America.
Oh, and on top of that, he just happens to be DROP-DEAD-GORGEOUS. So, clearly he's Secret Sunday Lover material.
Name: Ryan (Thomas) Gosling // Age: 31 // Profession: Actor and musician// Why we love him? He has maintained a clean, sane and undercover profile throughout the years. He looks great in a beard. He is funny, charming and down to earth. He has a band that actually sounds good. He loves Disneyland and sandwiches. He can make any man cry. And most of all, he's got a super-hot-non-photo-shopped body.
Although there are still 30 days until fall season officially kicks in, it already feels like summer has ended. Oh, summer time. That time of the year when you just can't wait to go outside and soak in as much sun, music and free-floating joie de vivre as you possibly can. All of which feels so much better with a little iced coffee on the side... or maybe that's just me.
But really, think about it. No mater where or how you spend your summer, it always has that special "something" that makes us all go woohoo!! It's like your brain stops working and you just can't get enough of anything anymore - whether it's exploring new things, behaving like a crazy spring breaker, or just relaxing at home reading or listening to your favorite music. Or perhaps, all of the above.
Well, my summer consisted of pretty much four main activities: eating / sleeping / sun bathing and tumblr-ing (oh yeah, the addiction got even worst). BTW, If you think that sounds like fun, try doing it for a whole month and you'll see it gets pretty boring after the first 2 weeks. Either way, I cant complain. I love california and I actually loved spending some quality time with the family and hanging out with one of my BFF's who's about to get married.
Anyway, here are a couple of things that make up my summer '11 for me... what's on your summer memory box?
It is a rare person indeed who (in 2011) does not know about the existence of the one and only Marc Jacobs. The Parsons graduate who's been around for more than ten years now has conquered the fashion world (and ours) in so many ways, sometimes it's hard to keep up.
One of the things I love about Jacobs is his uniqueness and his bizarre concept of beauty. His distinctive sense of style is perfectly reflected in every single one of his creations (for both Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton) which makes his trademark incredibly powerful.
I recently saw a video called "Marc's Models" - it brought to my attention something I had previously thought of, but never really analyzed: his model selection. Since his first show, back in 1991, the industry has closely observed the seasonal casting choice made by the Mr. Jacobs and the taken those faces as an indicator of which faces will dominate the catwalks throughout Fashion Week London / Milan and Paris.
Anyway, here's the video... hope you like it! (i love the song too)
"To be chosen for the show, the models have to embody the spirit of youthful cool, be of strong character and have an irreverent attitude. They wear the clothes, the clothes don't wear them" says Alister Mackie, menswear stylist for Marc by Marc Jacobs.
