Viewing entries tagged
fashion
So we had a really great time shooting up at the sand dunes this past wk with Jen Drewyore Beck and our good friends Brittlind and LB. Took some good pics, rep'd our New Design "Such Small Hands" designed by Alisha Murray! Who if you haven't checked out her work yet creep it HERE! And we got to shoot some fun behind the scenes action and collaborated with one of our favorite songs by our boys in Lake Effect! Check out the video here !
2015 needs to slow down, because I feel like I did my August favorites yesterday...... LETS GET RIGHT INTO IT!!!!!!!!
BEAUTY :
Sephora Bright Future Gel Serum
Contouring is still the huge make up trend still this month it seems, and earlier this month I told myself I'd stop using my Kat Von D foundation that's too light for me, as a concealer (IT'S FULL COVERAGE DON'T JUDGE ME.) I wandered into Sephora on a mall visit that I shouldn't have been buying makeup on, and saw they had just came out with a new concealer, and BOOM. I asked an associate at the store about it, and she said it was a dupe for the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (which I love but it's too expensive for me to justify buying) so I was instantly sold. It's definitely not as full coverage with the first layer, like the NARS concealer, but it's definitely buildable. The NARS concealer is $29, and the Sephora one is only $14 and pretty comparable, so it's definitely a new favorite! It blends easily, it comes in 20 shades, it's affordable, and is perfect for a highlight! I'll be repurchasing when I run out for sure!
FASHION:
Warm Beanie
This seems like such a basic thing, but where I live is in a ridiculous in between weather kind of thing right now. It's really warm during the day, and it gets really cool at night, and having a mostly shaved head, I always need to keep a beanie nearby to cover my head and ears. It's easy to throw on, be warm, comfy, and beanies look cute with just about anything, in my opinion!
INSTAGRAM PAGE:
@StudioMucci :
I came across this page through my explore page, and it caught my eye because of a bright pink colored picture like most of the pictures on Amina's feed! Amina Mucciolo is the founder of Studio Mucci Luxury Handmade Goods, a shop of home and party decal! She's best described as a unicorn in human form.
This month was pretty magical, because I got to see Purity Ring in concert, I went to my first Gay Pride festivities and meet some of my favorite drag queens! Overall, it was a pretty good month, but I'm excited to get into October, the spoopiest month of the year! I love Halloween so much, and my costume is going to be MAJOR. I'll probably do a video about that next month, so keep en eye out!
XO
MELANIE
I wear a hat every single day, so I'm always on the lookout for new hat styles to wear! I'm really into snapbacks and fitted caps recently! I have quite a few of them, so I can always match to what I'm wearing that day!
Drake once said, "Text from a centerfold, I ain't reply, let 'em know I read it though," and I've never loved a lyric so much, because I can't tell you how many times I've done that. So when I first found Trius Garments, one of their most popular hats, went hand in hand with that idea, with their "I miss you read at 1:43AM," I got a good laugh out of it, and followed their Instagram for more! Trius has some tees, but I feel like they're mostly about their hats, and these hats are major!! I think they go very well with the whole 90's, internet, pale, minimal, style that's been very popular recently!
Definitely check out all of their merchandise, on the Trius website, but I also love their Instagram feed (@triusgarments) , so check them both out!
Trius on Instagram: @triusgarments
Follow the owners of Trius on Instagram:
@bobby_knight
@popenorwalk
@m.m.milhouse
I've been on this random kick of obsessing over everything latex, and oil slick. I think it's from watching so many Violet Chachki videos, and consistently lurking her instagram, and watching Rihanna's "S&M" music video a hundred times.
I've always loved vinyl, and latex and I've been especially into it all recently, because I'm planning for my Halloween costume, because I'm going to be Him from Power Puff Girls, and wanted to wear a latex catsuit as skin instead of painting my whole body red. Yesterday, I stumbled across the London / Milan based company, Dead Lotus Couture, and immediately wanted basically everything.
"Dead Lotus Couture's identity is bourne of an emotional world, comprising sinuous, sensual shapes that reveal a dark spiky elegance with a sophisticated touch. Volumes and devious geometry are combined to bring out your foxiest alter ego."
A big part of what DLC stands by, is the way their garments hugs the wearer, so that every curve you want to see, is accentuated to the fullest, and shape your body to it's absolute best! A big part of why I love DLC so much is the photography on their entire site, including their product shots on the listings. All of the women look very powerful, and very sexy!
Follow Dead Lotus Couture on Instagram:
@nange.magro_dead.lotus.couture
XO
MELANIE
As we all know, but probably don't want to admit to ourselves, Summer 2015 is coming to an unfortunate end. Anyone else feel like they did absolutely NOTHING? I can always tell Summer is just about over when I start to see back to school commercials, and advertisements with deals and sales! It's amazing because who doesn't like a good back to school sale discount. It's a bittersweet time, but we can all get through it together! Let's talk Fall and Winter fashion, shall we?
Fall is my favorite season of the year because of the fashion! I love cool weather, layering, leather, plaid, and knitted sweaters, and all of the above are fashion factors in the upcoming season! The photo above is of me last Winter, wearing my Vile "Some Like it Vile" bodysuit!
So in celebration for the upcoming season, I'll be giving a quick run down of some pieces I think are pretty essential for the Fall/Winter season fashions!
THE LEATHER JACKET / BLACK BOOTS
"I thought my life would suddenly improve if I got a leather jacket, and I was literally 100% totally right." What more can I say about a leather jacket, honestly? Also, black booties, or combat boots instantly make an outfit look 10 times more bad-ass, with so little effort. Wear both of these babies together, and you'll be stopping traffic.
THE LONG CARDIGAN / PLAID
A long, draped cardigan is the perfect cherry on top of just about any outfit. An outfit as simple as a t-shirt, and denim shorts (or dungarees like shown here) can be amplified with a cardigan like this one, to give it an instant Fall, chic vibe!
THE DENIM SHIRT / BOOTS+SOCKS
One of my favorite things about fall fashion is mixing baggy, oversized silhouettes with tight, fitted silhouettes like this oversized denim shirt, and these velvet leggings! Another favorite is wearing socks peeked out over a pair of boots, over leggings like I imagine wearing this outfit!
SHORTS+TIGHTS / BOMBER JACKET
Even though the weather will be cooling down, that doesn't mean you have to pack away your shorts just yet! Throw a pair of tights under them, and you've got a signature fall fashion style! I personally don't get very cold on my legs, so this works for me through fall and most of winter as well!
I'd say my biggest inspiration for Fall fashion would have to be NYC based fashion blogger Luanna Perez of LE HAPPY! I've been following her for so many years now, and it's so amazing to see how far her blog has gone, and all of the opportunities she's been given! Her looks are so well put together, and I love to see all of her looks in the Fall and Winter season!
Follow Luanna Perez on Instagram: @Luanna90
XO
MELANIE
I feel like this trend is going to be here for awhile, so I'm finally going to chime in about it! I thought this one was a temporary fad that was going to fade in a couple months, but I'm so happy I get to actually post about it, because I see it sticking around for awhile! Yes, I'm talking about the beautiful Septum Jewelry Clicker Rings! I can't even begin to explain how beautiful I find this jewelry!
The first times I saw these rings, I was fascinated to say the least. Some of them look like little nose chandeliers, and it gets me every damn time. I also feel like they look regal as hell, and can make anyone look like a queen. I have my septum pierced, but I have to be very particular about what jewelry I wear in my septum, because if it hangs too low, it'll interfere with my philtrum lip piercing! Until I find one I like, that I feel like will look fine with my other piercings, I'll just admire all of the beautiful people I see wearing them! Some of my favorite fashion icons like Rihanna, FKA Twigs, Zoe Kravitz, Lady Gaga, and so many more have all been spotted rocking this look, and wearing it all too well.
If you like the look, but are squeamish about piercings, and needles, or you're not sure about the commitment of getting the piercing, NO FEAR. There are just as many faux septum clickers, as there are actual septum clicker rings (maybe even more faux ones, than pierced ones honestly..) So if you just want to try it out, you have plenty of options!
Some of my favorite shops that have these rings are the LA based Handmade Jewelry Company, VIDAKUSH and UK based shoe and accessory company LAMODA! I've ordered one from Vidakush before, as a gift to a friend and when it came in, I was so pleased with how gorgeous, and well made it was! Also, you can find tons and tons of them on Etsy, and Amazon! If you're not sure about spending the money on a clicker online, and want to see some in person, head over to your local, reputable piercer at a tattoo and piercing shop, and take a look at the selection they may have. Since this trend is so big right now, more and more shops are beginning to carry these!
XO
MELANIE
Aya Sato and Bambi are two women from Japan who basically do it all! The first time I had seen them was while aimlessly scrolling through Facebook, and coming across a video of these two badass babes dancing their asses off, looking cool as hell doing it too! Of course being the Japanese fashion nerd I am, I was instantly interested by just what they were wearing. It was when I researched a little further, that I realized that they were a couple, and I fell even more in love.
Talented on all levels, Aya and Bambi are models, photographers, fashion icons, and most impressively dancers! The two are madly in love, engaged to be married, and they are not shy about it, despite Japan isn't a gay marriage legal country. The two are able to do what they love together, and that's so inspirational. I'm so tired of hearing this, but.... GOALS. Their following on social media is expanding by the day! Aya and Bambi have been working side by side with the queen Madonna herself, as her backup dancers! CLICK HERE to watch Madonna, Aya and Bambi performing 'Living for Love' on The Ellen Show from earlier this year! An absolutely visually Vile performance! The two were also spotted on the Vogue Magazine Instagram page modeling/dancing in "The 10 Best Bridal Dresses of the Season." I can't wait to see what their wedding is like, and what they end up wearing!
I'm such a sucker for Japanese fashion of all sorts, and they are doing it all right. The fishnets, platforms, harnesses, leather, lace, spikes, buckles, chains, all black everything, body piercings, shaved hair and typically dark makeup all just work so well together. Somewhere between BDSM and 80's punk fashion, Aya and Bambi are truly a different breed of fashionistas! Dancing in this fashion seems like it would be very hard to do, but nothing could stop these ladies. Keep an eye out for this power couple, I see them going very far! Even if their style isn't quite your cup of tea, I'm sure you'll at least be able to appreciate their spectacular dancing because it's really like nothing I've ever seen before!
Follow Aya on Instagram: @ayasato1006
Follow Bambi on Instagram: @bambi_0615
XO
MELANIE
First things first, before I start talking about this absolute queen of a human being, we need to have a definition of the word "androgynous":
androgynous
adjective an·drog·y·nous \an-ˈdrä-jə-nəs\
: having both male and female characteristics or qualities
: suitable for both men and women
Meet Ari Fitz, formerly known as Arielle Patrice Scott. Ari is a filmmaker, Youtube personality, and star of MTV's "Real World Ex-Plosion" and called "Most Compelling Cast Member" of the season, and was also voted on Buzzfeed as one of fifteen "Androdgynous Models you have to Follow on Instagram!" Ari was discovered by a photographer at a local festival she was attending, and was introduced to a top modeling agency in San Fransisco , and instantly attracted some really big name clients like Levi's Sprint, Michael Kors, and Macy's! When she had time between all of her modeling work, she began to chase her dream of pursuing filmmaking as she always wanted to! With just $200, Ari put together her first short film "The Anniversary," which led her to be discovered by MTV, and that's when they contacted her about doing The Real World. She jokingly responded about being on the show, landed the part, and ended up being a crowd favorite!
After the show aired, she wanted to find a creative outlet to utilize her talent in film, and interact with her growing audience, and that's when she started her self titled YouTube channel! In just a few months, her channel took off and in no time she had over 500k views. TOMBOYISH started right there with her channel as it all started to take off! TOMBOYISH is a segment of her YouTube channel where she visits different androgynous women fashion icons all over the country, who are everything from fashion designers, rappers, bloggers and models, about what androgynous fashion means to them, all while giving fashion advice for anyone looking for guidance for dressing more tomboy! All of these women are so inspiring, and I fell absolutely in love with the TOMBOYISH segment instantly when a friend introduced me to it!
With the success of her YouTube channel, and the great response the TOMBOYISH series, Fitz then started TOMBOYISH the clothing line because there aren't many options for those that are a little tomboyish! SHOP TOMBOYISH HERE!
I couldn't think of a better time to write about Ari than right now, with the recent legalization of same sex marriage in the entire United States! I know yesterday was the last day of Pride Month, but I'm just going to continue celebrating this huge milestone we've reached as a country!
Ari Fitz is such a style inspiration for me, especially since I'm in this very transitional phase with styles right now, and I'm trying to find a style that works for me again. I feel like this YouTube channel is exactly what I've been looking for, so I will definitely be pulling inspiration, and ideas from a lot of the styling TOMBOYISH videos! I HIGHLY suggest checking out her styling videos, and the TOMBOYISH segment on her channel!
FOR MORE ARI FITZ (because I know I definitely can't get enough of this beautiful soul)
https://instagram.com/itsarifitz
https://twitter.com/itsarifitz
http://itsarifitz.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/itsarifitz
XO
MELANIE
Demode Clothing is a Raleigh, NC/New York based clothing company ran by A Johnson (@OnlyFame on Instagram.) Releasing new pieces almost several times a week, and always coming up with new silhouettes, Demode is definitely on the map for local fashion designers here in Raleigh.
Demode has been seen on Disney star Zendaya Coleman, and Vine famous KingBach himself!
I've been working closely with Demode Clothing for quite awhile now, and in that time, we've shot LookBoots, and I've modeled a handful of the pieces that have been released! I think my favorite thing about Demode is the obvious minimal and clean chic vibe that all of the pieces embody perfectly. It just goes to show that not everything has to be flashy and in your face to still be eye catching. The monochrome black and white designs keep it simple and chic, while still serving a high fashion street wear aesthetic.
At the beginning of Demode, it was a lot of menswear, and as of lately, it has been marketing more towards women's fashion! I'd say most of their t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories are unisex, wearable, and affordable! I was able to interview A. Johnson and pick his brain about his future plans for Demode, and how he gets his inspiration for his brand!
What's your name?
- haha .. great way to start, my first name is Arkim, pronounced like R-Kim
Where are you from?
- I feel like im from everywhere, born and raised in Long Island, NY. Lived in NC for some years as well as Cali and Japan for a year
How old are you/how old were you when you started Demode?
- Currently 25, just turned 25. Began Demode in 2012 so that would make me 22 when I started.
Why "Demode"? Where did the name come from, and what does it mean to you? How does it reflect the stylistic aesthetic of the brand?
- Demode sounds exotic, very different. I came across the word on google translator, looking up different words for fashion in different languages when I saw it I was like I can work with this. It means out of style, out of date, retro. Its an oxymoron to the brand yet very relevant because fashion changes daily and I create daily so to me designs become very out of style on a mainstream level but on a consumer based level its still very wearable. I like to make people think beyond a word. hahaha...
Can you tell us a little bit about the background of Demode, and how you got started?
- Demode is a reflection of me and how I see things. The brand is completely personal and my ideas just so happen to be relative to the supporters. I started this brand simply to design for myself, I began to post photos wearing my horrible first designs but to my amazement people wanted them. Thats when it began. I self-taught myself how to do everything from screen-printing to sewing, so I can grow at the same pace the brand would. Its been a learning process and you can't let it get to you when things don't go right. I saved up money and kept investing it into the brand, sacrifice and hard work are important.
Where/how do you get inspiration for your designs?
-Traveling inspires me, people inspire me, other forms of art inspire me. Its all about the way you look at things. I get my inspiration by just paying attention to detail whether its from other brands or from what I see people asking for.
You do quite a bit of traveling- what are some of your favorite places to go, and favorite things to do there?
- Yeah... traveling inspires me, it allows me to see the world from different views. NYC is definitely home to me, it has so much culture you see people from all over the world in one area. It allows for more designs and creations. I just like to network, meet people, take photos and just live.
How would you describe the brand (& yourself) in 5 words or less?
- Growing, Consistent, Original, Inspirational.
What's your team for Demode like?
- In the works, don't really have a team just yet, its been all me for the most part with some help from close friends here and there.
What is your goal with Demode/how far do you plan on taking Demode?
- Right now, i'm in the process of finishing a new collection, as well as the look-book. Then hopefully by june have a flagship store either in NC or in NYC, still debating. I plan on going as far as I can, I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.
How do you feel the power of social media has aided the power of marketing for your brand?
- Social Media is incredible, it has honestly been a main source of branding and marketing for me because its so convenient. Im always designing, or out handling other things for the brand so its great that I can reach people by simply posting a photo in a matter of seconds.
Would you like to collaborate with any brands?
- It's definitely a possibility right now i'm still establishing Demode and building its following.
What are your plans for the future of Demode?
- A store in NYC, Miami, LA, or London. I have ideas that constantly revolve in my head, so you have to just wait and see.
Merci,
A. Johnson
He's very dedicated, and goal driven. Something to admire for sure.
Shop DemodeClothing, and use code "Melanie" at checkout for 10% your entire purchase!
Melanie XO
When I think of reflective clothes, I just think of a traffic conductor, the people I see running every morning, or your average bicyclist. For the most part, I've only seen reflective clothes be more for fitness purpose. The first time I've ever heard of this reflective fabric being used in fashion, was when Alexander McQueen created these looks on the runway for his 2004 Fall Collection in Paris.
So how does it work? Well, first things first, not to be confused with A glow in the dark SURFACE that works as simple as turnING the lights out and that's how it glows. However, reflective objects and fabrics, work off of a separate source of light like a flashlight, camera flash, head lights, etc, to flash light back at you! It's initial purpose was to be able to be seen in the night time, for safety reasons of course. So bikers, police officers, runners, and traffic directors wear reflective vests, and reflective patches, to avoid being hit by cars if they're out at night! At first glance, the reflective material itself usually just looks like a almost metallic grey surface, but when a light is pointed on the material, it reflects back, giving off the white luminescent glow!
More recently, the flashy reflective look taking on more than just a sporty look, and it's slowly evolving to be more of a casual/street style trend. NIKE specifically has started to run with this trend, and while still being a sports oriented brand, most people wear NIKE as more of a fashion statement nowadays. Like most sport oriented brands, the logos on their shoes or apparel would be reflective, so if the wearer is on a run at night, and a car is coming by, they can be spotted and avoided easily. The trend is on the come up as a flashy thing for pictures! I see this trend in men's fashion a lot, but I need to see my ladies wearing this look more! It looks sick on men and women alike!
I recently came across a United Kingdom based clothing and accessories company called LFLECT who incorporates reflective elements in all of their pieces, with everything from head-bands, apparel, and even reflective yarn and iron-ons, so you like to DIY like I do, you can make your own custom reflective pieces! Shop LFLECT HERE
I haven't gotten my hands on any reflective pieces yet, but it is definitely at the top of the list of my must haves for Spring 2015.
Thanks for reading!
I'm very excited to be part of the Vile Blogging team!
xx
Melanie
Karolina Laskowska is a niche lingerie brand, with a focus on creating luxurious, sophisticated garments, with a cheeky erotic twist. and a sense of fun. Drawing inspiration from the world of fetish and contrasting it with sophisticated feminine accents and materials, this is lingerie for the modern, and fashion-forward woman. The most recent collections focus on showcasing exquisite and rare artisanal textiles, from Vintage Kimono Silks to antique Victorian Chantilly Lace. Up-cycling gives these beautiful fabrics a stunning new lease of life. Due to the limited quantities of these materials, many designs are strictly limited edition - once they're gone they are impossible to recreate!
In addition to her 'Classic' strapping-based garments, and limited edition sets, Karolina also offers a Bespoke service for hard-to-find sizes, and more intricate styles.
You can view her entire look book, current product inventory, and place a custom order from her here.
xo,
Sar Elle
The Blonde Locks brand was started in June of 2011 by the well-established industry model, Bridget Blonde. When Bridget began modeling several years ago for some well-known street wear brands, she was introduced to a predominantly men’s fashion world that she was very much an integral part of, as a woman. Ironically, tomboys in the street scene have very few brand options to choose from, most girls like Bridget would buy men’s clothes and refashion them to make them for their own personalities and bodies.
TBL was originally created to satisfy the needs of women like Bridget; women who want to run with the boys but don’t want to give up their sexy, fashion forward female identity. Of course, a girl who’s been cutting her boyfriend’s t-shirts her whole life, will always cut t-shirts. So it naturally followed for TBL to make some unisex and men’s wear, as well.
In July, Jocelyn joined TBL Team and, together, Bridget and Jocelyn have been making a name for the brand within the industry- and everywhere else.
Shop TBL, here.
xo,
Sar
Vaunt & Sol is a line of Eastern-inspired RTW dedicated to functional beauty & wearable art. Made for a woman of the world, V&S delivers “sophistication at ease." Designed with sustainability in mind, V&S is made in NYC.
Vaunt & Sol was started in 2013 by best friends and creative partners Nicole Vaunt & Najva Sol.
Nicole is an art model, couture latex designer, and editorial photographer. She attended RISD, and currently lives in Philadelphia.
View more Vaunt & Sol here.
xo,
Sar
Sisters of the Black Moon opened its matte black gates in February 2010. Sara, Alecia, and Rachel had a collective dream of opening a shop that would reflect their own personal styles and visions. All designers and collaborations featured by SOTBM, are carefully curated or designed, by the founders themselves.
In January 2013, SOTBM launched their own Disir collection. The trifecta continually aims to preserve the purity of creative thought and expression, while expanding the realm of possibility in the fashion and beauty world.
With two of the founders residing in Texas, and one in Sweden, you can guarantee that SOTBM will have a beautifully curated array of items for you to love.
View more beautiful pieces from SOTBM, here.
xo, Sar
Hand crafted, hand painted, couture shoes, made specially for you, with love, in Indiana.
If you can imagine it, Gillian can hand create it just for you. She uses acrylic paint, oil paint, charcoal, oil pastels, art pencils, markers, glitter, and other pigments. She seals the pieces with a clear spray varnish to ensure their durability and a long, magical lifetime.
If you're interested in your very own pair of couture, hand painted shoes, or just about any other custom piece (within reason,) visit her Etsy Shop.
I think the whole Vile Fam needs a pair of these, don't you?
xo
Sar
Lingerie Hand Made to order in Los Angeles, California. Kelly Calabrese crafts gorgeous, cruelty free, eco-friendly, hand made, chic, timeless, empowering pieces.
From her sexy lingerie to her exquisite dresses, each piece is delicately hand crafted, and sure to make you feel sexy in your own skin. Kelly Calabrese's Pieces leave you feeling feminine and sexy, while providing practical support in styles that are comfortable enough for daily wear, and beautiful enough for you more glamorous moments.
To view her current line, commission a custom order, or simply to fawn over her beautiful artistry, visit here.
No trends forecasting, no seasons, no cares of what's "hot" or "in style". Just plain ol vintage style tees, made to beloved by their owner's.
These tees are probably best worn while watching Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," riding off into the sunset on your '75 Honda Cafe Racer, or drinking Cheap Whiskey at your favorite Local Dive.
Regardless of how you don Bandit Brand, you're going to look like one Hell of a Badass.
Go get your Vintage Art, or Hand Drawn Tees and remember... Ladies love Outlaws,
xo, Sar.
