Do The (Tutu) D.A.N.C.E

It's pretty clear that there's a certain traditional dance style, more commonly known as Ballet, is having something of a moment right now. Whether it's movies, fashion or music, this social fascination is slowly starting to be reflect.

The Best Actress in a Dramatic Film prize went to Natalie Portman for her role in Black Swan. I (still) haven't seen it, but Im guessing it was well deserved, after all, playing a psychotic lesbian ballerina can't be easy.

If we talk music, "Runaway" Kanye West's newest video, has a darker, more urbanized view on this particular trend, and a more artsy perspective on his cover album.












http://www.youtube.com/resultssearch_query=runaway+kanye+west&aq=0

As far as fashion goes, ballet aesthetics is shaping up to be one of spring / summer 2011's key trends. The Ballerina inspired shapes and colors, the clean simple lines, the pale and dreamy palette of the art, are being perfectly kept with the restrained but oh so pretty silhouettes and light airy shades, set to dominate this season.

       

*All looks by Chloé Spring 2011

Of course, the idea of floating around in slippers and ghostly fabrics might not suite everyone; so perhaps, the place where ballet is making it's best contribution is in hair and beauty. The sleek pulled back up-do, paired with minimal make-up has a youthful freshness that reflects confidence and effortless chic.  

  

A Sartorial Point Of View

OMG, I can't believe I'd forgot to create this post!! I've been wanting to do it for a while now,  but there's been so much going on lately, that for one reason or another I just never got around to it. So today's the day.

It's about Scott Schumann, better know for his work on GQ magazine, and for his world wide known blog The Sartorialist. He is the man behind street photography blogs, the one, the only, the original. He is also the man behind my addiction (because it really is an addiction) to style blogs, and responsible for the amount of hours I've invested (for the past 4 years) looking at his and girl friend Garance Doré's amazing pictures. (We'll talk about mademoiselle Doré some other time, she's the best).

So, first came "The Sartorialis: The Book" a wide selection of his thousands of street shots, a brief introduction and a couple of comments about some of the (random and not so random) people he's captured on the streets of NY, Paris, Milan and other fashionable cities.


*Mr. Schumann copy.















* Mrs. Cantú's copy.

So it's only natural someone would come up with the idea of "The Sartorialist: A Documentary"... (too bad that person wasn't me) But I'm glad for who ever did, 'cause this short documentary is pretty darn cool. I don't wanna spoil the surprise so, just go ahead and watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5NgG5koPZU&feature=player_embedded

More! More!! More!!!

I just saw the new PRADA Spring / Summer 2011 campaign video... pff, this is all i have to say:

WWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!

... Ok, no! The "wooaahhh" only describes the way it makes me feel. Clearly there's so much more you can say about it. Like the electrifying mood-lift that penetrates your body as you listen to Ratatat.* Or the amaaazing prints and colors on every single outfit, that make you wanna party somewhere in the French Riviera, with a nice cocktail in one hand and an even nicer french beau in the other. Oh, to happy hour like the french! I think I'm more than ready for the summer time....

So, yeah, I'm having a more, more, more PRADA moment. Can you blame me?


*omg, im soo excited about their live show next month... its gonna be da-shiiit


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBBGE7vz02s

Back To Basics

So, the last couple of posts have all been fashion or music related... in fact, they might all be fashion or music related. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I mean, clearly they're things we all love, specially music... or fashion? no definitely music... I think.

Anyway, it's time I introduce the other love of my life: graphic design. I know, it's weird. Me being a graphic designer and yet, there's been so little of it on the blog. I kinda feel bad now that I think about it, like I've somehow betrayed visual arts. I mean, there are sooo many cool and talented graphic designers out there I've yet to show you, starting with this super cute short film by Italian designer Alessandro Novelli. It shows the alphabet, in 60 seconds, with a pretty amazing variety of typographies that go from all time classics like Didot, to modern day fonts like MOD... plus the way it's been put together and the french music is just sooo beautiful.

So, conclusion of the day: Graphic Design is here to stay! Which means oh, hello lucy is about to get that much cooler... haha!!

http://vimeo.com/18499580

A Splash Of Color

While we're still talking fashion + color, here's some PRADA... ahh, I love it!!

Ciao Bello!!

Ciao and Bello. Probably the two most important words from the Italian dictionary every girl should know. Specially if you're in Milan during Fashion week and you're surrounded my beautiful young male models, and not so young Italian men. No really, when it comes to Italians, the older the better... at least when it comes to dressing. They have the most amazing sense of style, and Im not just talking about the men (for a change).

Anyway, lets get back to Fashion Week and the amazing shows that some of the biggest names in Fashion have put together for this years fall / winter collection. Once again, I'm no fashion expert, so my contribution to this blog is pure entertainment... Having said that (haha) I must say, I loved the bright vs. neutral color combinations many designer used this season, specially Jil Sander and Burberry. There's lots of texture, lots of man purses (I personally wouldn't mind having), lots of coats and lots of leather... we like that!!

So, here's a quick peek at what's going on... but c'mon, a quick peek is no way near enough! So I suggest you click here >>  http://www.fuckingyoung.es/  and scroll down all the amazing looks the guys at Fucking Young! have selected for their amazing blog.

Last Night In LA

So, I know it's not the Oscars, or the Grammy Awards, and I'm guessing for some, The Golden Globe might mean nothing at all. But for other, it means the Red Carpet season has officially started... it means we get to play fashion police!! We get to judge who wore the best (and the worst) outfits, which Hollywood couple looked cuter, who deserved to win, who didn't, who had the best speech, etc.

So last night I turned on the TV for the pre-show, and surprise, Ryan Gosling was the presenter on E! It can't get any better that this, I said to myself. But then Robert Pattinson stepped in, followed by Brad Pitt, James Franco, Jake Gyllenhaal, Christian Bale (looking kindda hobo, but still hot)  Jon Hamm, Jeff Bridges... every single Hollywood hunk (except for Jude Law) was there. Clearly, I hit a WTF moment! (Ryan Gosling being the main reason for my idiotic stat of mind). Fortunately, for my mental health, that only lasted for a couple of minutes, since the show was about to start and well, he had to get inside and find his seat... next to Michelle Williams btw (heart-burn).

Anyway, moving on to the important part of the ceremony. It appears I've been living out of focus for the past months, cause both "Glee" and "The Social Network" were last nights big winners, and well, I haven't seen either. In fact, I haven't watched many of the nominated movies. Which means if you (like myself) haven't seen "Black Swan", "The Social Network", "The Kids Are All Right", "The Tourist" and / or "The King's Speech", we must do so before Oscar night!

Other than that, it was an interesting night. There was good and bad humor (as usual), drama, happiness and a lot of surprised involved. I guess the next couple of award shows will be something to look forward to.

For the moment, here's my personal Golden Globe List... you can also check out the real winners on the official GG page (if you're interested).

http://www.goldenglobes.org/goldenglobeawards/






    

We lykke her!!

After almost 3 years since her debut album "Youth Novels" came out, the swedish indie singer is ready for you to Get Some! Yep, Likke Li is back, and she sure knows how to build up some hype for her new album.

Although "Wounded Rhymes" wont drop till March, her pre-released single (and video) "Get Some" has already made a dramatic impact in both music and fashion. She's on the January cover of FADER magazine, featured on Dazed And Confused and her fist single has already being remixed by big faces like Beck...pff! You get the idea.

If you haven't heard it, nows your chance. If you haven't seen it, WARNING!! Weird // Freaky // Provocative (yet undeniably) Cool is what you're about to Get!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TTPGAy5H_E&feature=player_embedded

Now it's the weekend, go out and
play!

- xoxo -

Fix Up, Look Sharp!!

Those who know me, know that among the many things I love and cherish in this world, BOYS and J.CREW hold a very special place in my heart. Those of you who didn't.... well, now you do!

But can you imagine what happens when these two beautiful things are combined? Oh yeah, the perfect guy! No, really! Them j.crew models (and certain store assistants) really know how to make a girl weak in the knees.

So since one of my new-years-resolutions is after all "help other around me", I think its time for everyone to meet Jack, who i believe will not only help other around me look great, but will also make the male population of this world happy... and the female population happier!

If you really want to get down and dirty, click on the link below to read Jack's in-depth resolutions.

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/jackknowsbest.jsp

  

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM Maison Martin Margiela

This is not the first time I've posted something related to Monsieur Margiela, but I don't think I've given him the right introduction. So, it's only fair i do so, specially if he is wishing us all a Happy New Year.

Martin Margiela is a Belgian fashion designer who graduated from Antwerp's Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 1980 and founded Maison Martin Margiela in 1988. His work is closely associated with the deconstructionist fashion movement from the 1980's and is characterized by a poetic appreciation of imperfection, personality and eccentricity. His men and women collections are indeed a combination of both "freak" and "beauty" that only some people can pull off (think Lady Gaga). However, he does have a couple of incredibly cool accessories that we, the normal kind, might just look good in.    

Never the less, if you ever come across any of his world wide stores, please do go inside and take a look. I've only been to his US stores (in NYC and LA) and one of his three store in London, pff... insane! The store concept as a whole, and the amount of detail that has gone into every single element is something truly fascinating.   

So, once again happy new year, this time courtesy of MMM. 

(For winter sparkles and champaign, click on the link below) 

http://www.maisonmartinmargiela.com/Happy2011/ 

     

California Waiting

We're not even 10 days into the new year, and already the music industry is creating its annual "Band Army", perfectly trained to destroy the millions of fans that come together every year, waiting to have a massive party unleashed on their asses.

We hear Indio California will host the first battle of the year: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Rumor has it the lineup this year is pretty out there. Rumor also has it there's a British legend rolling around the headliners. But I don't really like spreading rumors, so why don't you read it yourself. These are the bands that are "rumored" and "confirmed" to play on this edition of Coachella Festival 2011, the biggest music festival on the west coast. Lets all go to Californiaaaa!!

- Arcade Fire - CONFIRMED
- Beastie Boys
- Broken Social Scene - CONFIRMED
- Caifanes - CONFIRMED
- Clare Maguire
- Cold War Kids
- Crystal Castles
- Cults
- Cut Copy
- Daft Punk
- Die Antwoord
- Dj Honda - CONFIRMED
- Fujiya & Miyagi
- Garry Numan
- Glassjaw - CONFIRMED
- Gayngs - CONFIRMED
- Health
- High Contrast - CONFIRMED
- Interpol - CONFIRMED
- Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia - CONFIRMED
- Klaxons
- Kylie Minogue
- Mogwai
- Of Montreal
- Phosphorescent
- Robyn - CONFIRMED
- Rusko
- Sasha - CONFIRMED
- Sven Väth - CONFIRMED
- Swedish House Mafia
- The Black Keys
- The Chemical Brothers
- The National
- The Pains Of being Pure At Heart
- The Rolling Stones
- The Strokes
- The Thermals - CONFIRMED
- The Twelves
- The Cribs
- Twin Shadow
- Warpaint
- Wire - CONFIRMED
- Yacht - CONFIRMED
- Zola Jesus

La Blogotheque

A Blog: A kind of website maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, description of events, or other materials such as graphics or videos.

Yes, a blog is exactly that... if your look at it from a Wikipedia point of view. But for others, a blog is so much more than that. I personally like to think of it as a source of inspiration, and a big one for that matter. It is also part of my every day entertainment routine. I have a collection of favorite blogs and websites I check almost every day, form where I collect all sorts of cool stuff, including photos, reviews, recommendations etc. most of which I save in different folders, depending on the category... I know. I'm weird.

So, I created a little table with my favorite 10 blogs of 2010, some of which I've been a fan of for a bit longer. They are all pretty awesome, you should definitely look around. Maybe they'll inspire you to create your own, just like it happened to me...

... Well that, and a little help from my friends (you know who you are :)

 

A Room With A View

I've never been good at making / keeping New Years resolutions. In fact, I don't think I've ever kept one... at all. So this year, I'm done lying yo myself.  I mean, the next 364 days could hold any number of potential surprises, and let's face it, sometimes things are so bad, they're good. So this year I'm trying out something new, something I believe is called Reverse Psychology, or what I like to call, the Anti-Resolutions. I know for a fact Urban Daddy highly recommends it, so, why the hell not.  

For the time being, here's my first pic of the year titled: "Greetings from my window". That in the back is downtown San Diego, viewed from the my apartment on the 14th floor. Someday, hopefully, I'll have a similar picture taken form my NY flat, with Manhattan and Central Park on the back... wishfully thinking, I know. But don't worry, it's all part of the whole Anti-Resolutions-thing, haha!! 

... I'll let you know how that turns out over the next couple of months :)

- Xoxo - 

Past Present // Future Perfect

2010, we'll never forget you. But just to be safe, I'd like to share bits and pieces of what made this past year worth remembering... which could, possibly make your A list this year.

In other words: "He who laughs last, laughs best". So the best fo 2010, will wait for 2011.

Let's talk fashion... or style? What's more important, fashion or style? When it comes to fashion, I'm no one really. I mean, I love it, it's part of my every day life. I enjoy picking out outfits, getting ready for a night out with the girls or something a little more special. I LOVE shopping, (even if it's only window shopping) and looking at fashion magazines and blogs. But really? I don't work in the fashion industry (yet, haha) so my concept of fashion is purely based on my personal style, and what I think and feel suites me. So, Im guessing, style is more important than fashion after all... Tough question though. Ha!

Anyway, the point of all this was really an introduction to, the "IT GIRL'S" of 2010; a group of girls that are just too damn stylish for this world... And by stylish I don't only mean they always (or almost always) look unbelievably good, but that their unique taste in fashion has evolved from a just style to a personality or concept as a whole, and not just as a fashion statement.


So, here they are: Boys wanna date
them. Girls wanna bee like them.
The It Girls:

P.S: Look them up, and get inspired!

Black Meets White

If they were a color, they'd be black. If they were a movie, they'd be a thriller. If they were a piece of clothing, they'd be leather. But thankfully, they're a band... and not just any band. Jack White (The White Stripes / The Raconteurs), Alison Moshart (The Kills / Discount), Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age), Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs / The Greenhorns). Together, they are The Dead Weather, or what I like to call, the Dark Lords and Lady of Rock.

They first wowed me in 2009 with their "Treat Me Like Your Mother" video from their debut album "Horehound". A couple of weeks after I saw them live in Mexico City; although I barely new them, and could've gotten killed due to a very energetic mosh pit (a.k.a the mexican concert crowed) it was definitely one of my favorite concerts of the year. I quickly became a fan.

This year however, their second album, "Sea Of Cowards" really took it to a whole new different level. I saw them again this summer in San Diego, again, made it to the top of my concert list. The dead weather has a sounds that no other alternative / rock band can re-create. With guitar solos that will literally blow your mind, and lyrics that are not only intelligent but entertaining ( in a dark / creepy way) in every track, you'd be a "coward" not to like them.

Without further introduction, ladies and gent, I give you the No.1 album  of the year.

Hell Yea!!

No. 2 - Yeasayer "Odd Blood"

It's funny how one song can make like a band so much. I remember listening to"Ambling Alp" (the pre-released single from Yeasayer's second album) on my way to school, about a year ago. It's one of those songs that makes you smile while driving, or at least it made me smile. It's also one of those songs you wanna tell your friends about, so the cheer can be spread... or something like that. Haha

Despite the fact that experimental rock might not sound like a total crowd pleaser, like "Ambling Alp", Odd Blood itself should appeal to a lot of people. And although I fell in love with that particular single,  it was the Avant Guard mood in songs like "O.N.E", "Love Me Girl" and "Mondegreen" that really turn me on.

So, if you forgot someone on your list this year... well, you know what to do.

A Total Must

No.3 - Foals "Total Life Forever"

"Within the first seconds of Total Life Forever opener "Blue Blood", it becomes clear that Foals has taken a leap." As Pitchfork well states in their TLF review, the second album from the 5-piece band from Oxford is not only different, but better than their first, Antidotes, which despite some great tunes, did not get much media attention.

TLF is one of those albums that can actually be defined as gorgeous (in the most manly possible way). Every song feels like you could design an audio-visual masterpiece inside your head. The fusion created by the diversity of sounds and the lead singers voice, is truly soothing. Yet, the evident funk that surrounds not only the band, but the entire album, makes it so (damn) easy to enjoy.

These guys were also part of the Corona Capital Lineup, which I sadly missed. Rumor has it they were the best act out of them all. Hopefully they liked Mexico as much as Mexico likes them, and we'll get to see them again :)

*Recommendation of the day: Watch "Spanish Sahara" video.

Only 2 more left...

Jingle Bell Rock

No. 4 - Broken Bells "broken Bells"

Up until a couple of days ago, the only thing I new about Broken Bells was how unbelievably good their first self titled album was. I later learned the two master minds behind it were Brian Burton (a.k.a Danger Mouse) and James Mercer from the Shins. Everything made sense after that.

From the moment I first listed to "The High Road" I seriously couldn't stop playing it. The same happened with "The Ghost Inside", "Citizen" and "Mongrel Heart". The album is good from start to finish, and quite addictive I must add.


"It turns out the two science-pop geeks are a perfect match" Rolling Stone Magazine.

An education

No.7 - Vampire Weekend "Contra"

I must admit, the first couple of times I heard both "Horchata" and "Cousins" (the first two singles released from Contra) not only did I find them ridiculous, but I thought to myself: damn, Vampire Weekend just went down the drain. Which was sad considering how much I liked their first album. The next couple of times, they started growing on me and by the time I heard the entire album I actually liked them... a lot.

Haters will always hate these four preppy, yet hip Columbia boys, but I personally think they are such a cool band. Their style is completely different to everything and everyone else out there; their multicultural sounds (afro-pop, orchestral pieces, reggae, etc) makes it different to define their music genre, yet it all sounds so good as a whole; and they have the most amazing art direction. They have the coolest, almost home made music videos / their web design is pretty awesome too / both album covers are simple yet undeniably eye catching.

(If you haven't seen "Giving Up The Gun", please do so)

 

Doubt No More..

No.6 -  Delphic "Acolyte"

Although the Manchester trio might sounds like something you've hear before (say, Klaxons or even Friendly Fires) it's undeniable these guys make you wanna grab some neon glow sticks and head staight to the dancefloor. It is their use and combination of keyboards,  electric chords and layered vocals, that male songs like "Counterpoint", "Doubt" and "Halcyon" so desirable for any indie rock lover. 

They played at the Corona Capital Festival in Mexico City back in october... sadly I was on a plane that day and couldn't see them, but i heard some pretty cool things. Hope i get to see them soon.

So, who'll be No.5? Find out tomorrow... haha 

P.S: Merry Christmas!!