Modern Guilt

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.

SSL#9 - OMGosling

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.

Sunny Side Up

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?

Marc's Models

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.

SSL#8 - Adam Devine

I know, I know, yet another Secret Sunday Lover that has been moved to Monday, I'm sorry. But, I'm sure you'll forgive me after what I bring to you today. He has been part of my "Top 5 Man Candy" for quite a while. I've had the privilege of seeing him preform live twice - Saturday night would've been my third time, but the front rows were sold out, and c'mon what's the point in going to a Maroon 5 concert if you don't have good seats, right? Anyway, I figured it was time for Adam to join the Secret Sunday Lover Club.

 
Name: Adam Levine // Age: 32 // Profession: Front man and guitarist for Maroon 5 // Why we love him? Pff, where do I even start... HE IS TRUBO-HOT. He is one of those "Every girl wants to date him, every guy wants to be him" guys. He's a bad-boy turned nice-guy, but still has that bad ass attitude that drives us crazy. He is a great performer. He is not single, but has a drop dead gorgeous girlfriend (model Anne Vyalitsyna) so, you really can't complain. Oh, I could go on and on (and on) about all the things we love about Adam, but I'd rather not - I could do without those tattoos, though.

It was hard choosing a particular video, he looks so good in all of them, but that grease-look in "Misery" the first single from Maroon 5's latest album, is something To-Dye-For!! Enjoy

Printed Matters Vol.2

So, this "Printed Matter - Part two" was never part of the original plan, but, the funnies thing just happened. Remember Self Service Magazine? Remember Garance Doré? And remember  how many times I've mentioned how amazing that woman and her blog are? Well, here's the part where everything comes together (apart from the fact that Garance and I share (another) thing in common).
I was reading her blog earlier today and her most recent post is about her "collaboration" with Self Service. They asked her to make a selection of her favorite images as well as little interview for their online magazine, which is also super cool.

This pretty much rounds up my entire point. If you're cool like Garance, you get cool magazines to ask you to work with them / If you have a cool magazine, you can ask cool people like Garance to work for your magazine... and so on. 

Here's a link to her lovely blog, which has another link to another lovely blog - if you're cool, you'll check out and spread the love! http://www.garancedore.fr/en/

 

Printed Matters

Another thing I love about New York is, it's one of the few cities you can find everything, and I mean every-single-thing you can possibly imagine. 

For example, I was walking around Soho, minding my own business, when all of a sudden I walk by this little shit-hole magazine store... and what do I see? A huge collection of the worlds most beautiful magazines on the window display. Those magazines you see over and over again on blogs or online and wish you could hold and flick through with your own two hands. Those beautifully printed pages that are actually books but like to call themselves magazines to keep a low profile and make suckers like me WANT them so badly we want to cry... yeah, "those". 

Anyway, that lovely shit hole had thousands of "those". Of course I wanted them all. And of course, "those" cost a fortune, so I was only able to get two: "the gentlewoman" and "Self Service" - both great magazines, graphically speaking. But the editorial content as well as the entire concept of "the gentlewoman" really really blew me away. What an incredibly well executed, designed, thought-out piece of work, literally intoxicating. 

Here's the link to their official site - you can find out more about the idea behind it, and see part of the magazine too... if you're interested! 

http://www.thegentlewoman.com/  

I Heart NY

When we think of New York, there's not a particular thought that comes to mind. Sure, we think Statue of Liberty, sky scrapers, Broadway, 5th Av... but the truth is, NY is so many things at the same time, you can't really define it as one. This city has such a huge global impact on finance, media, art, fashion, gastronomy, education, entertainment - and more -  that makes it not only unique, but fascinating.

It is well known that New York is home to some of the worlds most luxurious hotels, restaurants, clubs and stores... that is if you are Chuck Bass, or if you're traveling with your parents, or you're a rich dick who loves to spend daddy's money - no offense! But the amazing thing about NY is you can actually enjoy the city, have some of the best food you'll ever taste, walk into some amazing little shops and be incredibly happy, while still sleeping on the couch (or the floor) of you're friends Brooklyn apartment.

Yes, my NY summer of 2011 experience was very different to my previous visits... never the less, I had such an amazing time, it was well worth it - It's practically impossible not to love New York. So, I made a little list of my favorite places I'd like to share with you:

To Eat:
Cafe Colette / Egg: For Brooklyn locals
Rbbts / Ruby's: SoHo's best burgers and sandwiches + hot (real) hipsters around, guaranteed!
The Standard Grill: If you feel like mimosas and eggs benedict - always ask for a table outside.
Sun Rise Mart: For Japanese lovers - cheap and yummy Japanese food and products
Cafe Select: Best croque madam - plus, we hear Kirsten Dunst is a regular customer

To Drink:
For coffee: Blue Bottle Coffee in Brooklyn - the best freshly brewed coffee.
For Beer: The Lot On Tap or BierGarten at the Highline  - communal tables, always a good way to meet the perfect stranger.

To Snack:
Sweet: Magnolia Bakery - best cupcakes ever!
Frozen Treat: La Newyorkina - Mexican Ice Pop, ask for Mango-Chile

To Shop (or window shop):
Creatures of Comfort: hand picked selection of boutique brands and local pieces
Saturdays: jeans and t-shirts for the NYC surf scene + they have a coffee bar and some good lookin people in there
OAK: dark but beautiful pieces

To See:
Museum: Alexander McQueen - Savage Beauty exhibition at the Met Museum (completely breathtaking)
Stores: Comme Des Garçons / Balenciaga stores at Chelsea (the store is like a museum)

Oh, New York... just thinking of you makes me smile!

SSL#7 - Mystery Man

It's been almost a month since my last post. Sad, but true. I don't know why I haven't been posting as much as I did before. I could say I've just been busy (which is partly true) but honestly, I was under a severe "lack of inspiration" phase that has finally come to an end - hurray to that - thanks to a recent and unexpected trip to NYC. That place is too f*cking amazing. There are so many unbelievably cool places to go to, so many unbelievably delicious dishes to eat, so many unbelievably breathtaking things to see, so many unbelievably gorgeous people to stare at... WhoaaWhoaaaWhoaa!! I wanna go back - so badly.

But, since that won't be possible, at least not for a while, I guess I'm just left with a bunch of stories to tell and a bunch of things to share... But that's coming up later this week, because today, it's sunday, and today's Secret Sunday Lover is a young man who I've had a crush on for a while now, and who'd maintained his identity secret until earlier today.

Name: James Hampson // Age: 21 // Profession: Model // Why we love him: He likes to surf, snowboard, skateboard, musical instruments and curry. His favorite piece of clothing is a knitted jumper from the 60's his dad gave him. He is so beautiful ( I wish I could say handsome) he reminds us of Daria Werbowy - but the reason I love he most is... He looks great with a toothbrush in his mouth!

SSL#6 - The Daddy Issue

Fathers Day. A celebration honoring fathers, fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in society. Well, that's for the rest of the world. For me, it's just an excuse to remember all the good looking daddies out there, and imagine what my children's father is gonna look like... which btw, I still can't decide.

Lucky for you, it's also a great excuse for a Secret Sunday Lover post. So today, you don't get one, you don't get two... but six handsome gentlemen I've happily selected for you.

Happy fathers day indeed!!

Casual Friday

Tonight, Im feeling more bubble bath than bubbly, so this week's friday music choices don't exactly scream PPPAAARRRTTTYYY. However, this doesn't mean it'll put you to sleep, in fact, I'm pretty sure it will make you wanna turn your night down a notch... or not. 

Either way, tonight's pics are two perfectly well executed covers, by two perfectly amazing artists. The first one is the lovely Florence Welch (a.k.a Florence + The Machine) taking on the Buddy Holly classic track "Not Fade Away". Dig it? Get this song and more on the Rave On Buddy Holly tribute album, out June 28!

The second tune is "Need You Tonight". Most of us (girls) hold this song deep in our hearts, thanks to that scene in "Coyote Ugly" where the hot aussie guy strips down, so hot! Yeah, you know which one I'm talking about... right? Or was that just me? Anyway, this song originally performed from INXS has now been covered by the one and only, Beck (ft. Saint Vincent - Boom! Coolness bomb coming your way.) You have to love it! 

- Enjoy the weekend!! - 

 

Beautiful Garbage

Hello, my name is Lucia... and I'm an addict. A tumbler addict. Just when I thought I couldn't possibly waist more time on the internet, I decide to open a tumbler account. I've had it for a little over a month now, and still, sparks fly whenever I log in and find all the amazing stuff in there. It's seriously intoxicating (in a good way of course).
What I love about it, besides the coolness going 'round, is the fact that it's an extension of one's personality. It's incredible how well a bunch of images, videos, phrases or songs can define someone's style. Whether it's color, fashion, people, details or architecture, once they all come together everything makes sense and becomes a beautiful collection of ideas... or a pile of beautiful garbage!

If you want to check out my new baby - STAY RELEVANT (more from ohhellolucy) - http://ohhellolucy.tumblr.com/

If you want to follow some other lovely tumblerettes, these are my favorites:


THE YOUNG CANTU (the coolest 18 year old out there) - http://theyoungcantu.tumblr.com/

THE LEISURE SWEET (the waisted talent) - http://theleisuresuite.tumblr.com/

STILL ILL (the amazing mexican) - http://durbecq.tumblr.com/#5

CROSSES AND HATS (the complete stranger) - http://crossesandhats.tumblr.com/

SSL#5- Spanish Inquisition

Today, Spanish guys are the enemy. Nothing personal, I'm just pissed at Rafa Nadal for taking Roger Federer's throne at the Roland Garros final. But, this handsome young man from Bilbao kept popping up all throughout the week. Clearly he wanted to be part of this "oh, hello lucy" Sunday tradition... and pff, how could I resist, right?

Name: Jon Kortajarena // Age: 25 // Profession: Model (actor) // Why we love him: His perfectly done hair, his cheekbones, his full pout, and that piercing stare. He's one of The Worlds 10 Most Successful Male Models (we can see why). His 5 minutes appearance in Tom Fords "A Single Man" made his character Carlos, memorable for everyone who watched it.

*You can follow him on twitter - @Jon_Kortajarena - or on Tumbler - http://jonkortajarena.tumblr.com/

The Kids Are All Right

It is difficult to describe a band using only one word, or rather, choosing that particular word that fully illustrates the concept, the sound and the members that is so difficult. Well, for The Drums, that word is definitely retro.

The first time I heard about these guys was in a NYLON magazine last year. After watching their "Forever And Ever, Amen" video I figured it wouldn't take long before they were everywhere. That video could have easily been shot 20 (or even 30) years ago. They had something truly unique and they were about to go big... at least in the indie music world. 

They played here in Mexico City for a private event last fall, and they did it again this week at an MTV party. Luckily, this time I was on the list. The venue was the perfect spot, small but great acoustic. The problem, the occasion. An MTV party, sure, sounds like a music related event, but I was clearly mistaken. Most of people were there for the free booze and the social scene, but not at all interested in the bands playing. At about 11:15pm, four young boys (and a cute drummer who's not part of the official band) came on stage. Their outfits matched their crazy hair styles, which at the same time, corresponded to their bizarre movements. Every single band member has their own personality but together, they fit perfectly. 

Their performance, speaking musically was pretty awesome, but shadowed by the lack of stage presence and band / audience interaction. I first though it was directly related to the fact that they were playing for about 300 people and only 50 were actually watching the show. I later ran into this interview...

... and everything made a little more sense. The jet-lag, the "last night on tour" thing... whatever. The good thing is, I got to watch them (and I really enjoyed it). The bad part, they came across as a bunch of asses. But, oh well, what rockstar isn't an ass, right? Maybe on their next tour I can leave this all behind. 

Local Heat Wave!!

It's friday, which means everything has pretty much stopped making sense... specially with this crazy heat wave that's been killing us softly, here in Mexico City. But hey, it's the weekend and we couldn't be happier. School's out, summer's in and there's so many cool things going on this weekend, we won't even notice it's hot outside.

So, if you're looking for fun ways to spend your weekend, here are a couple of options:


SUEÑOS DE UNA NOCHE DE VERANO

What: Verano Local- Fiesta de Inaguración
When: Friday, May 27th - 9pm
Where: Teatro Fru Fru - Donceles 24, Centro
Why: Anyone who's been to a party by Distrito Global or Sicario know they're in for a good one. Good music, nice people and lots of dancing.
Who: Boys and girls (over 18) from different local colleges... and hopefully some good lookin foreigners too.

*It will get hot! So, do wear your nicest summer outfit!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=202276796476427


WOLF + LAMB
vs SOUL CLAP

What: DJ Kicks presents Wolf + Lamb vs Soul Clap.
When: Friday, May 27th - 10pm
Where: Terraza Uróboros - Madero 20, Roof Top, Centro Histórico
Why: If you're a fan of house and techno, this is the place to be tonight. Guaranteed to make your feet burn from dancing and your head explode with beats.
Who: Anyone over 18 who's not afraid of something crazy


http://www.facebook.com/rocketsmusik?sk=app_4949752878






CORREDOR CULTURAL ROMA CONDESA (CCRC)

What: A day dedicated to contemporary art and design.
When: Saturday, May 28th - 10am to 9pm
Where: Condesa and Roma
Why: Not only does the CCRC aim to encourage the city's society to recover public space and take advantage of all the cool spots these two hip neighborhoods have to offer. It's also the perfect saturday plan for anyone who loves art, design, fashion and food.
Who: Dogs, children, families, couples, friends.... anyone!

http://www.ccromacondesa.mx/prensa.htm

Enjoy the weekend. Enjoy the city. Enjoy the sun.

How Does It Feel?

It is difficult to imagine what music would be like today, without certain artists or bands from a couple of decades back. Bob Dylan is definitely on that list of top influential individuals and, unlike far too many of his creative peers who were taken before their time, the man turned 70 today.

The 1960's folk music hero has become a legend in his own right, having inspired so many musicians, artists, poets and in-betweens for more than five decades. He began his music career as a solo musician, whose evocative lyrics surpassed an unusual singing voice and secured his songs as anthems for several political movements around the US.


His personal style has also gained significance in the world of fashion and pop culture. From being photographed by Richard Avedon to being portrayed by some of Hollywoods biggest stars (such as Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett), his unique personality and legendary path have made him a true icon.

It comes as no surprise that bands like Kings of Leon, Slash and Arcade Fire are among the musicians who have been paying tribute to Mr. Dylan on his 70th birthday. So, I guess we can try to do the same.

Oh, and if you're a real fan, go on this link and checkout  how Rolling Stone magazine is wishing Bob a Happy Birthday. >> http://www1.rollingstone.com/dylan/

SSL#4 - Luck Of The Irish

There's a bunch of good looking guys out there. Some, decide to remain unknown, grow up and live a normal-low-profile life. They go to school, get married have children and are often remembered as the "high school hottie", the "gorgeous co worker", or the untouchable "D.I.L.F". 

   

Others, are born equally gorgeous, but decide to use their good looks for the well being of earth's human kind and become models. They sell their souls (or should I say, their bodies) to the fashion industry, are later forced to walk down endless cat walks and pose in front of a camera for several hours a day. They are condemned to a life of parties, free clothes, world traveling, and worst of all... a collection of stalkers. 

To all the models out there, and specially to this weeks' Secret Sunday Lover, I just want to say, we are very grateful for your services. 

Name: Jamie Dornan // Age: 29 // Profession: Model, actor and occasional musician. Why we love him: I think the question is, what don't we love about him. He conquered Marie Antoinettes heart (and ours) in Sofia Coppola's movie, as the quiet and mysterious french soldier. He (surely) made Kate Moss and Eva Mendes weak in the knees at the Calvin Klein lingerie shoot. He has that oh, so sexy irish accent  and a smile that will make you (literally) wanna die. Plus, he loves burgers... Pff, marry me?!

Don't believe me? See for yourself...

... not enough? Check out this video from his ZARA 2001 campaign  >> http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category/mx/en/zara-S2011/72503 

 

C'est Si Bon!

Some say Parisian style is wild and luxurious. Other say it is timeless and classic. But for French model and designer Ines de la Fressange, "Parisian style is an attitude, a stat of mind. Between rocker and flat-bourgeois"... and with that thought in mind, she writes the opening pages of her new style guide, Parisian Chic.

For me, Paris is where it all started, and Parisian style is a mixture of all of the above. A combination of modern and delicacy, classic but funky. One thing's for sure, it is very unique (you can spot a Frenchy from miles away) but surtout, Parisian style is effortlessly beautiful. So, if you're a fan of the french look or lifestyle and love recreating it on an everyday basis, then Parisian Chic is definitely the style guide for you.

While a how-to-dress doctrine has the potential to be dislikable and alienating, this lovely little red book could not be more inviting. Including everything from where to find the best cashmere sweaters, to Paris' premier florists and secrete antique stores, to what you should pack for a weekend getaway, Parisian Chic is part advice, part insiders guide to the City of Lights... and the best part is, Miss. De la Fressange's narrative tone is the same tone your BFF would use while out shopping together - which can go from a sweet wink to brutal honesty... which we can handle!

* In case you need more convincing - this video explains why her guide is "the little red book everyone should have".

Late SSL#3

I know Im one day late for the weekly SSL post, but yesterday was a very busy day (work and the U2 concert took up a lot of my day) so, I apologize to all those ladies (or gents) whom I left wanting some sunday delight. But, not to worry, for this special occasion, our sunday lover moved to monday. Enjoy!

Name: Caleb Followill // Age: 29 // Profession: Lead vocals and rhythm guitar of Kings of Leon // Why we love him: He's 1/4 of one of the sexiest southern rock bands ever. He's sweet and charming. He loves beer (and beer pong). His sex is on fire and, as if that wasn't enough, he just got married to Victoria Secret model Lily Aldrige... Burn!

Take a look at him... and sigh.

Now take a look at the (hot) and happy couple... and cry!

What's Your Flavor?

Fact #1. Snog = British slang word used for kissing.
Random Fact #1. Song = British Frozen Yoghurt brand.

Fact #2. Pash = Australian slag word used for kissing.
Random Fact #2 = Australian Frozen Yoghurt brand.

Is it me, or is the ice cream industry trying to make a point about the power this product has among lovers?

Call me old fashion, but the idea of going for ice cream on a date has got c-u-t-e written all over the place. So Im not surprised "Foxy's", the Aussie brand behind this new pashing-frozen-yoghurt idea, is sharing this concept with the world. In fact, they have a whole love strategy behind it. Four different flavors to try on four different dates, guaranteed to make you go from Zero to Hero!! All you need to do is follow these basic instructions and voilà! (Trust me, not even your love therapist could've said it better)