Usher = Murderer and Rapist?

Ummm... what? Ok, so Usher isn't really a murderer OR a rapist (not to my knowledge anyway), but he did channel one in his 1998 video for "My Way" (click here to watch it). Yes, that was nearly 10 years ago, but I feel like the scandalous figure his attire was inspired by has gone unnoticed by many. Who is he dressed like? Why, Alex DeLarge of course.

Alex DeLarge is the protagonist of the Anthony Burgess novel A Clockwork Orange, published in 1962. The novel was adapted to film in 1971 by Stanley Kubrick. The iconic figure, played by Malcolm McDowell, is immediately recognizable to any fan of the film. The main characteristics are suspenders, a bowler hat, a cane, and the most important touch: dramatic false eyelashes accenting the right eye.

Check out McDowell as DeLarge here:

So why the sudden interest? It just so happens I decided to be my own version of Mr. Delarge for Halloween this year (I'll post pictures later for all you curious cats). Unfortunately, many of my friends had no idea what I was talking about when describing my costume, until I mentioned Usher's video. Then it dawned on me: what a strange character to depict when singing a love song. However, I still think that it's awesome, and done quite well.

• He has the costume down right: suspenders, hat, cane, button-down shirt, eyelashes.
  
• There is a scene where he and his "droogs" (or gang members) are running down an abandoned tunnel wreaking havoc, like in the movie (although Usher doesn't beat up any old men along the way).
  
• ...and there is the obligatory gang fight/dance off.

Although I wanted to be a sort of female DeLarge, I took a cue from Usher and added a little sparkle and flair to my own costume. So I've taken a few ideas that can be considered vintage or old school, and mixed them with a little modern day pizazz.

Where can you find it?
I bought the accessories for my costume at Costume World, click here for a map. If you're a big Stanley Kubrick fan, Warner Bros. will be releasing the Stanley Kubrick Collection soon! That includes A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and more.

Haunted by The Misfits

I previously posted about the time-spanning popularity of The Rolling Stones band t-shirts, and lately I've seen people wearing t-shirts of a much lesser-known band. It seems that everywhere I turn I am greeted with shirts bearing the "Fiend Skull," (left) the symbol of the band the

The Misfits are a hardcore punk band from New Jersey that made their debut 30 years ago. However they have been getting more recognition now than ever before. Here is an excerpt from their website bio that explains their style:

"What further separated the band from their hard-core peers of the 70's punk scene was their inspired fixation on horror movies. It was from that inspiration that they created an entire world out of a passion for the genre. Utilizing B-movie-style artwork, the band appeared with slick, black "devil lock" hairstyles and horror make-up. The Misfits cast a fiendish aura of mystery embodied by ghoulish charm and landed themselves a massive cult following. That following continues to expand world wide on a daily basis."

Isn't that perfectly appropriate just in time for Halloween? Any band that sites horror movies as an influence is fine by me.

Quite honestly, I think the sudden popularity of the band is due to their "Fiend Skull" symbol. Last year skulls appeared on everything, and the Misfits logo just looked trendy. This may have either allowed old fans to come out strong, or created new fans who wondered what this band was all about. I also suspect that many people wear their t-shirts completely unaware that they are actually wearing a band tee. (NOTE: Don't embarrass yourself by wearing a kick-ass band's t-shirt without knowing at least one of their songs, never underestimate the passion of a hardcore fan.)

This recent vintage fetish phenomena is present in music as well as fashion, as there is an intense need to be surrounded by everything old and seemingly forgotten. Although vintage clothing has been popular for some time, the trend expanded into vintage concert tees, and eventually old school music. There is a divide between current artists using the newest technology to create their sound, and the resurgence of bands from the 80s and earlier. Personally I love it all, and I think the current mash-up between the two is really exciting.

Here is the Misfit's video for "Dig Up Her Bones" (isn't that sweet?):

Where can you find it?
You can find some Misfits merch at Hot Topic, check it out here.

Countdown to Halloween

Since one of my favorite holidays (tied with Thanksgiving, mmm the gluttony) is just around the corner, I've decided to dedicate a few posts to it. Starting with this one.

Because MAC is awesome and I can't get enough of them, I'm going to mention them again. Every year they feature a section on their website with ideas about how to do your own amazingly awesome and original Halloween makeup. It's actually really inspiring for anyone who has a creative flair and wants to try something new and out-of-the-box. Check it out.

Now, for the music tie-in: The obvious costume would be to dress like your favorite rock star. Classic old school go-tos like Madonna, Boy George, Kiss, and the Misfits are great. Britney Spears could be a fun one to do this year also. But why not try a play on words? For example: The Pixies. Dress up like a pixie and carry around a guitar.

Others to try:

• 50 Cent
• Eminem
• Arctic Monkys
• The Beatles
• Dead Kennedys (but this may be a little tricky... you don't want to offend anyone)
• Bee Gees
• Dr. Dre
• Salt N Peppa

Just think of a band or artist that has a cool name that you can do a witty play on words with. You may have to answer a lot of questions about what the hell you are, but I guarantee once you explain yourself people will be impressed by your clever originality.

Where can you find it?
Look around your house, scavange a Halloween costume shop, or a vintage store for ideas. I usually let my costume come to me, I find that I come across better inspiration that way.

MAC and McQueen?!

My heart nearly stopped when I visited the official MAC Cosmetics site and found THIS. My favorite cosmetics company, and one of the most bad-ass designers around, Alexander McQueen, have teamed up to do a limited edition line. It is all inspired by the makeup used for his Fall 2007 runway show, which I previously blogged about (yay me).

I love the description they have on their site:

"Backstage at Alexander McQueen Fall '07, looks veered colourfully to the dark side. Celebrating the designer's historic inspiration: ultra-pale lips and eyes shadowed lid-to-brow with a magnetizing cat's eye. Powerful...and bewitchingly McQueen."

The new line looks pretty enticing, and I will definitely be checking it out. I'm a sucker for a dramatic eye and a pale lip. Even if you wouldn't wear this everyday, the look can still be inspiring: Cleopatra-from-the-Future costume anyone? Halloween is just around the corner.
Actually, in an interesting connection to Halloween... after looking at McQueen's website, I noticed he dedicated his autumn/winter collection as follows:

"IN MEMORY OF ELIZABETH HOW, SALEM 1692"

Interesting... but why? After a little online investigation I discovered that McQueen is apparently an ancestor of the accused witch. Elizabeth How (or Howe), was hanged July 19, 1692, at Gallows Hill (here is a brief timeline of the events). According to fashiontelevision.com, his show was "complete with a red pentagram traced in sand and a macabre film opening the show." He's a little creepy, and I like it.

What music did he use to send out the witchy vibe?

• "NY Excuse" by Soulwax
• "Spellbound" by Siouxsie and the Banshees
• "Red Tape" by Agent Provocateur
• "I Put A Spell On You" by Nina Simone

Where Can You Find It?
Find the McQueen makeup collection at your local MAC store. But, be warned: their limited edition collections tend to fly off the shelves, and never come back. So if you love it, get it before it's too late!

MIKA: A New Fashion Icon?

He wants to be like Grace Kelly, and thinks big girls are beautiful.

Mika's album, Life In Cartoon Motion, is a colorful pop adventure that contains songs about lollipops, big girls, Grace Kelly, and love. The album cover reflects the mostly upbeat and vibrant mood of the album, and his vocals even remind me of a cartoon version of Freddie Mercury, in a good way!

His official web page is just as fun, and the opening lines of his bio are classic:

"Welcome to his world: where some louche dilettante is throwing the greatest party in the universe and everyone is invited under his very own cherry moon... Both astonishingly musical and profoundly thoughtful, his tunes combine a heady euphoric rush with darker unexpected elements: daytime melodramas and night-time tales of love, loss, abandonment, hope and happiness."

His style reflects his music beautifully. It's colorful, fun, unique, and still a little old-school classy. I would describe it as one part Frank Sinatra, one part 80s pop color palette, a dash of David Bowie eccentricity, all stirred with a multicultural stick that only a childhood spent in Lebanon, Paris, and London could create. Mmm, delicious.

Seriously, keep an eye out for this guy. He's already big in the UK, and is currently on a European tour (fine, deprive us Mika). His music is nothing but good times, and any guy could learn a thing or two from him on how to look positively dapper.

Anyway, check out one of my fave songs from him:

Where can you find it?
Buy his album online. I would say buy some of his merchandise, but I checked it out and it wasn't very impressive... see for yourself here.

Androgyny Is Sooo Hot

Top to bottom, three icons of androgyny: Annie Lennox, David Bowie, and Grace Jones.

Each of these musicians were popular in the 80s, and they were part of a long list of artists who decided conventional depictions of gender just weren't cool anymore.

This sort of unisex style has mad a minor comeback recently as well. For instance, I work in a women's clothing store, and many young men have come in to purchase our skinny jeans. It's to the point where I no longer find it strange, although it is strange to walk by a guy wearing the same pair of jeans as me.

Also, it's become more acceptable for guys to rock some guyliner. That's just eyeliner for guys by the way, makes sense right? Rock stars like Jared Leto (singer, 30 Seconds To Mars), Pete Wentz (bassist, Fall Out Boy), Brandon Flowers (siner, The Killers), Billie Joe (singer, Green Day), and loads more, have been seen wearing sexy bedroom eyes for guys.

What about hair? I've seen way too many boys with hair prettier than mine lately. How to they get it to flip so beautifully when they toss their heads? It just isn't fair.

But it's not all just the fellas stealing the ladies' looks. Tailored suits cut in men's style, and cropped jackets paired with high-waisted pants that play with the female figure, are very trendy this fall.

The brightside:

• You can stay at your boyfriend/girlfriend's house and not worry about lacking a change of clothes in the morning, because they already borrowed your pants!
• The same goes for makeup. Just use theirs.
• Office uniforms can be even more uniformed. Everyone must wear the same pants, jacket, and collared button-down shirt. Perfect for the company that wants everyone to look the same... although, I'm not particularly fond of that. Individuality people!

Where can you find it?
Wherever your significant other shops, now you guys can actually have fun shopping together! Or for some nice women's suiting, check out Express. They also have a sweater called "the boyfriend sweater," coincidence? I think not.

Gimme More? Mmm... no.

It pains me to watch someone like Britney Spears go from a person who can take such beautiful high fashion pictures (like the one I have here), to THIS.

In my very first post I mentioned the fashion phenomenon that Britney Spears started with her naughty school girl style. HOWEVER, in her new video for Gimme More I don't see anything worth running to Macy's for. If ripped fishnets, booty shorts, and um.... bedazzled mini biker vests(?) ever become fashionable, I quit. Oh wait, don't forget the faux tattoo of The Blob on her arm, it's so classy! Even her rumored album cover is scandalous. I understand she's supposed to be a stripper, or whatever, but she is capable of so much better. I was willing to let that little VMA slip-up slide too...

Don't get me wrong I think her new song is pretty damn catchy, it's on my iPod and everything, but she lost her fashion sense somewhere between UGG boots and the all-denim outfit she wore to match Justin Timberlake (love him) long ago.

Speaking of UGG boots... they're great in the winter, up north, where there actually is snow. Florida doesn't really have winter, it's waaayyy south, and there is NO snow. Do you see where I'm going with this? A tank top, mini-skirt, Coach bag, and UGG boots isn't cute. It makes no sense. I'm sure I'll start seeing it soon since it's getting to be that time of year though. The bottom line: save cold clothes for cold weather and snow, not palm trees and sunshine.

So much negativity! Here, cleanse yourself with some classic Britney bubble-gum pop:

Where Can You Find It?
If you MUST buy UGG boots, they sell them everywhere, seriously. But please, wear your UGGs responsibly. Remember: COLD weather, and attire to match.

Stuck A Flower In Her Hair and Called It Rockabilly

For some time now, I have noticed girls wearing their hair in a particular style (me being one of them) that I couldn't figure a name for. Generally, the front few pieces of hair are clipped back and pushed forward (sometimes teasing the roots for extra volume) to form a "poof." The remaining hair is either left loose, or pulled straight back into a ponytail.

Finally, I came across Rockabilly style.

I've been unknowingly drawn to this style that I never knew the name for, and now I'm obsessed.

A quick and dirty history (beginning with the music, of course):

• It originated in the 1950s, had a revival in the '70s, and still has a strong following today.
  
• It has country roots with rhythm and blues influences.
  
• The term rockabilly is a cross between the words rock 'n' roll and hillbilly.
• The sound all about emotion, rebellion, and having a good time. It's usually loud, fast, and up-tempo.
• The style reflects the sound, being rebellious but fun. Girls are meant to be "sexy but tough," much like Rosie the Riveter.
• Some of the better known, earlier artists of the genre are, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. One later reviver of the style is Brian Setzer.

One great web site has compiled an extensive history of ROCKABILLLY, where I retrieved most of these facts. Check it out HERE.

The rockabilly style is close to greaser styles of the 1950s. In modern day rockabilly fashion tight jeans, and fitted t-shirts, sometimes bowling team or gas attendant inspired, are worn. Women wear pencil skirts, fitted dresses, horn-rimmed glasses, red lips, and tight sweaters. The female style is reflects a tough but feminine attitude, and is greatly inspired by pin-up fashion. One icon often referred to is classic pin-up, Bettie Page (pictured above). The favorite patterns used are polka-dots and leopard print. Both sexes generally tend to sport a tattoo or two as well.

The guys wear hair slicked back and curled in the front a la John Travolta in Grease. The girls wear their hair poofed, curled, and/or short bangs that are also curled, sometimes putting a flower behind their ear. Click here for better hairstyle details.


After reading about it, the movie Crybaby starring Johnny Depp came to mind. It's so fitting because the characters in it wear a sort of rockabilly style, and it's a musical! Here's a clip:

Where Can You Find It?
Many vintage stores in the area carry rockabilly fashions, but I found a great site online! It's called babygirlboutique.com, and has an amazing variety of clothes, bags, and accessories. (I'm planning on ordering one of their bags!) There is also free shipping on orders over $100, sweet. If you want to get connected with other Rockabillies in South Florida, check out this myspace group. Also, if you really want to get hardcore, check out the Rock-a-Billy tattoo and piercing studio in Lauderhill, they're pretty amazing, and very respectable.

From Anarchy to the Runway: Punk

"Punk first emerged in the mid 1970s in London as an anarchic and aggressive movement... Closely aligned was a music movement that took the name punk."

Isn't it amazing how lovely music and fashion go hand in hand? In the case of punk music/fashion, this is especially true. One great website I found (the quotes above and below were taken from it) has a detailed timeline of different fashion styles, sometimes focusing on specific radical trends. On the site they mention the influence of Malcom McLaren of the punk group the Sex Pistols, and Vivienne Westwood. (click here for the section)


This is another great article outlining punk, also citing Vivienne Westwood and the Sex Pistols.


Who is responsible for bringing punk fashion to the runways? The website fashion-era.com says it's Zandra Rhodes.

"Around 1977, Zandra Rhodes the British dress designer, took elements of the punk style and used it in her collections making refined and more elegant versions in bright colours which were more acceptable to the rich and famous. She used gold safety pins and gold chains to connect and decorate uneven hems and slashed holes. The carefully placed holes were edged with gold thread and the hems adorned with exquisite embroidery."

Definitely check out her website. The influences of punk are clear... if that's not your bag, check it out anyway. Her crazy hair is worth a gander.

What began as a subculture phenomenon, has now become so mainstream you can find its influence nearly everywhere. It's not uncommon to find droves of people walking around wearing plaid, torn jeans, piercings in places other than the ears, and/or garments with entirely impractical zipper placement.

Here's a little Sex Pistols (interpreted by a random 5-year-old):

Where can you find it?
Well, I looked at some of Zandra Rhodes "Punk Chic" jewlery online... and I think most people would be better off DIY (do-it-yourself). Unless you'd like to spend over £305 on a safety pin... I suggest you go to your local arts-and-crafts store and get a few safety pins (they usually sell over sized ones as well), then bedazzle the hell out of them... and call it couture. Seriously, look how chic safety pins CAN BE. Besides, isn't that where the whole punk idea came from?

"I'm a little L.A.M.B....

...who's lost in the wood." Yes, these are lyrics from a classic Gershwin standard ("Someone To Watch Over Me"), but it's not totally random. It seems that lately I can't escape Gwen Stefani's clothing line, L.A.M.B.

I can't honestly remember all of the places I've seen it pop up, but the name has been a constant whisper in my ear for some time. Finally, I decided to put the dancing sheep in my head to rest, and I checked out the L.AM.B. website.

Initially, I was impressed. There are a few key items that stand out. I love the zebra spy coat, but at $685 it's a little out of my price range. I also loved her shoes! Particularly the oxford pumps that come in a few different colors. There are other high fashion items, casual track suits, and even some Rasta hats.

It's a very eclectic collection. If you want to know where she draws inspiration from, and what celebrities show her their support, check this out.

Where can you find it?
You can buy L.A.M.B. online, or at department stores such as Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more. You can also find it at these locations.

Hoodies: The New Way to Look Mysterious

In the pictures:

(top) The guys of Gym Class Heroes.

(bottom) Gabe Saporta, lead singer of Cobra Starship. (He's actually wearing a Clandestine hoodie designed by his buddy, Pete Wentz).


In the past, celebrities have worn sunglasses at all times to cover their eyes and shroud themselves in unobtainable mystery. Many fans have tried to emulate this by wearing their sunglasses indoors and at night. (A suggestion: Don't do this unless you actually are a movie/rock star, otherwise, you just look like you're trying really hard to look cool, and no one should ever look like they're trying... just be cool.)

Now, many musicians of the hip-hop and punk/emo genres have been wearing over sized hoodies with the hood pulled over their head at all times (no, not just when it's a little nippy out). It's almost like a modern day cape: it covers just enough of the face to either disguise them, or leave people wanting to see more.

Here are a few different ways to wear them:

• Over sized and baggy, either with or without a baseball cap under the hood. (I recommend this for guys though, it's a bit masculine for girls...) This is usually the way you see hip-hop artists wearing them.
• Fitted. A lot of the fitted types come in vibrant colors and fun patterns. These are usually found in stores that sell more punk or emo type gear, or skater wear. Good for guys and girls.
• Fitted, and cropped. Think, the Pussycat Dolls. They are usually more feminine and definitely recommended for the ladies, sorry guys.
  

Where Can You Find it?
Tactics.com has a wide variety for guys, and stylinonline.com features some fun themes with comic book characters, video games, cartoons, and bands. Forever 21 also has a ton of cute styles for girls that you can buy online, or in their store. (If you're in the area, check out the Forever 21 in Sawgrass Mills Mall, it's huge!)

Make a T-Shirt Your Ticket To The Stage

A classic Rolling Stones t-shirt is one example of a band tee that will never go out of style. The open mouth and thrashing tongue instantly bring to mind the Stones, and images of classic concerts and bad-ass attitude.

Like in the 70s and 80s, t-shirts with fun and quirky phrases, cartoons, or band logos have popped up everywhere. One of the easiest ways to dress it up and look totally rock star is to wear your favorite witty tee, a pair of jeans that say "so what", and a fitted vest. The vest ties it all together and adds a bit of business class to a casual look. Throw on some chunky jewelry (an assortment of bracelets, big hoops, or a long necklace), mess up your hair, and instantly feel like your about to rock out on stage with your favorite band.

If you've scoured every retail store and can't find anything unique, witty, or to your liking... why don't you just create your own? Seriously. The website threadless.com features designs done by average people, and anyone can submit their ideas. You can find some really unique and interesting shirts here, and you get to vote for which ones you want to get created.

Carrie Underwood wears a similar look in her video for Before He Cheats.

Justice's video for D.A.N.C.E. features just how cool a t-shirt can be, and it was even nominated for an MTV Award for Best Video:

Where Can You Find It?
My favorite place to buy fun and quirky t-shirts is dELiAs. They have a wide range in their store, the tees are always buy one get the second half-off, and they usually get new ones in every week. Also, don't forget to check out threadless.com, it's deliciously addicting.