Just Can't Get Enough- Hip Pop

Switch Up!
For some reason this song seems to go with the whole flow of this W layoutAnd its been stuck in my head for about two weeks nowHave been a HUGE Black Eyed Peas fan since I bought my first album of theirs Monkey Business"Just Can't Get Enough"By. The Black Eyed Peas 

So today I wanted to share with you a couple of photographs from this months W magazine.  I usually don't read W, but after seeing the edgy cut throught picture of January Jones on the cover, I decided to give it a try.  I haven't finished it, but the articles and layouts I did get the chance to read were great, but my favorite part of this months issue was the "Hip Pop" layout of all the "Kaleidoscopic colors and op art prints," which are intended to "blow our tiny minds."  Short and sweet and simple the pictures speak for themselves.

A Quick Play By Play

This is a Story of a Girl..

Some would call her mysterious while others would just call her goofy (a better word for weird, not a good word, just a better one)

Normal is an adjective she doesn't like to use when decribing herself neither is simple or extravagent 

Surprises appear from every which way in the daily life of a girl living outside the borders of routine and structure

Shy?

Quiet?

NOT

"Bad to the bone?" they say “chill your crazy,” it takes one to know one!

You think you have her figured out?

H&M Sweater

H&M Skirt

Aldo Combat Boots

Random Belt

Even More Random Necklace

H&M Sunglasses

I THINK NOT..

You may or may not be able to tell that I am totally obsessed with Vogue Magazine, though Vogue is my number one obsession; I do frequently read other fashion magazines too.  This month I add Elle and W to my reading list.  Considering I want to become a magazine editor in the future, (specifically at Vogue) I actually read all the articles (okay I skip Health and Beauty) and study the amazing spreads that greats like Grace Coddington put together.  So I thought I would do something a little different, instead of writing 3 paragraphs about my life or my latest fashion or history lesson I have chosen to do a brief summary of each of my pictures from the last day of my North Carolina trip-as the magazines do.  Here's a mini photo shoot I took 10 minutes, before changing to head back to Jersey; an outfit I was planning on wearing to school Monday.  Though I had to wait an extra day due to my absence on Monday, better late than never (must through a corny cliché in there every now and then), this new patched elbow sweater I picked up at H&M must be showed off somewhere!  Photos taken by my bestfriend Tyler!

South Bound

My mini weekend trip to North Carolina to visit my best friend Tyler was quite the successful one. Tyler was very helpful in giving me great photography ideas and helping me through some crucial "should I wear this belt with these shoes" moments.  I must say coming down south I thought I would find little inspiration because of the fashion limbo most southern states have fallen into.  The slow pace lifestyle and southern hospitality of the state comes with its ups and downs, (I would much rather the rude pushy New Yorkers; walking around in Prada, smelling of Starbucks as opposed to Bojangles).  

The trends that once swept the street scene of all the major cities in the world; then the runway, continuing down to the specialty, department, and retail stores, fall short, or come to the south during an untimely period-when New York City stores are already being stocked with the new styles for the next season.  But the shot gun rides in my friends Volvo, while I mocked how country she has gotten since moving here 2 years prior, has sparked a different kind of thought process.  As appose to my usual bitter banter about my small little town in Jersey where I live, I have learn to appreciate my upbringing.  While walking in the malls I realized how much I truly value the North, and dare I say it, I'm glad I was raised in New Jersey.  For my closet's sake, it may have been the best thing that has ever happen to my style and outlook on life.  My suburban town has produce some of the most well respected artist, and actors, with some hard work and dedication on my behalf maybe my small town will work a little of its magic on me. 

Urban Outfitters Dress

Men's Perry Ellis Shirt (stolen from my dad's closet)

My Friend Tyler's Chain

My Grandma's Old Vintage Bag

Urban Outfitters Lace Ankle Socks

Kimchi Blue Suede Block Heels

Random Black Sunglasses

Photos taken by my best friend Tyler

Her camera is actually AMAZING

oh and so is her house and backyard which I took the pictures in

 

Mini Weekend Trip

Tastemakers NJ

So as a way to expand my sense of fashion, while shedding light on a pretty cool bunch of people, I choose to step out of my comfort zone of commentating on this new designers collection, and that old designers untimely demise, and focus on a new fresh idea.  One day while on FaceBook (like my fan page "Bobbie Austin's Closet") my friend Angela posted a video on my wall.  Being the curious person that I am, I decided to check it out.  A Youtube film of a group of college students appeared, and in case you didn't know I am a HUGE lurk, if I find someone or something interesting enough, trust me I will not hesetate to google it.  So google away I went; discovering that these young college students roaming around New York, Philly, and of course the place I loathe to call home New Jersy, are all a part of TastemakersNJ, a lifestyle and clothing brand founded by college student Phil Meyer.  Starting TastemakersNJ during the summer of 2009 (while he was still in high school) Phil, "didn’t really take full advantage of the name and it’s potential as a social movement," until he got to college that is.  

So what lifestyle does a Tastemaker live?  I asked Phil that in my little Q&A I emailed him a little while ago, and this was his response, "anyone who influences current trends or styles, whether in fashion, the arts, or your respective craft." Which in good taste, does make sense(snicker snicker, my corny jokes do actually make me giggle a bit).  In the blogging world we know all about being a "tastemaker;"the pioneers of certain ideas in the blogging world have an enormous amount of followers that all the advertisements in the world couldn't bring. 

The idea of Tastemakers NJ in my opinion is great concept that somehow reminds me of other brands, but the reality of it is way more than a Tee Shirt company that puts a few letters on to an Alternate Apparel sweatshirt.  I may say I'm open to all different types of fashion but 85% of the time I'm going for a-designer straight off the runway inspired look-rather than a 90's hip hop feel, but a mix between the two is indeed possible at any time.  Phil proved this by explaining how he "did a spin on the 'LV' Louis Vuitton in my Fall/Winter ’10 collection – combining a little bit of high fashion with urban streetwear apparel." As soon as I read that I immediately smiled (then googled), mixing different styles, and completely different price values of clothing is what makes me fall in love with fashion again each and every day. 

Even though there is a musical side of the group-full of talented young up and coming hip hop musicians (I’m calling them young as if I’m not still in high school with braces and geeky eyeglasses)-let’s not forget why TastemakersNJ was created-as a clothing brand!  And what sets it apart from other urban brands is that they are trying to bring back originality, a thing many artist have abandon in order to try and stay current as well as relevant.  The next artist I hear with a pop song that sounds like a Gaga track instead of their usual music, will receive quite a nasty little less than happy fan letter from me.  The 90's feel that TastemakersNJ reflects shows as they attempt to bring back "a greater sense of confidence in fashion and music."
When asked where does he see TastemakersNJ going in 5 years Phil answered, "being a household name and strong figure on the East coast – hosting events, shows, and concerts.” After reviewing some of the talent, and designs that have been released from TastemakersNJ I can see this brand accomplishing such goals.  With a little more time to grow and expand I think Phil and the rest of the group would give his inspirations “Taz Arnold from TI$A, Nigo from Bape, and just other local independent brands such as Award Tour” a little bit of competition.  

Some of the looks from the
Fall/Winter 2010 Look Book

Phil what’s in your closet?

·         Favorite Hat-

o   My favorite hat is my black Supreme box logo camp hat. It’s so comfortable and goes with everything. It’s a simple hat, yet says a lot.

·         Favorite Shoes-

o   My favorite shoes ? I’ve been collecting sneakers for about 6 years now and this question always stumps me lol. This is probably a tie between my True Blue Jordan 3s and my Clarks Wallabees. Both are so comfortable and give strength to any outfit.

·         Favorite Jeans-

o   Any pair of my Uniqlo jeans would have to be my favorite. The Japanese denim is like none other.

·         Favorite Top-

o   This would have to be a plaid RL Polo shirt that I found for a steal on eBay.  Instead of the common polo jockey logo, it has the Polo bear, which I thought was so dope.

Part of my Q&A About Tastemakers NJ

What are the bumper stickers about?

o   The stickers just enhance this idea and our movement. By asking, “ Are You a Tastemaker?” it simply causes one to ask themselves if they are a leader, originator, trendsetter, etc. The attitude and confidence that we want to bring back.

Your blog says tastemakers NJ gets most of its inspiration from the early 90’s, what trend or trends from the 90’s would you most like to see make a comeback?

o   Yes, it does. I just feel like there was a greater sense of confidence in fashion and music that I want to see return. People weren’t really concerned about the next guy, they were simply out to “make their own taste” rather than following others.

Do you think the musicians who are also apart of Tastemakers NJ set fashion trends or have a good fashion sense, and if yes give an example.

o   They wouldn’t be a part of TastemakersNJ if they didn’t LOL. For example, one of our artists, Mars, is known for his pair of all yellow Air Max 1s with royal blue accent simply because he thought they were so fire. He makes his own taste. We all came together so nicely because we all share the same fashion sense that reflects Tastemakers Clothing.

Being a guy, do you find it difficult designing apparel that you think both men and women would like?

o   I do, and I have yet to fully cater to women’s articles. However, I have managed to key in on designs that I feel are unisex to those who love the TMNJ style. I’m always open for female feedback though.

If someone is to buy one of your tees or sweaters what do you suggest they wear it with?

o   I’ve seen many of my tees and sweaters worn with a variety of things and I love that. There’s no formula for fashion, I believe. I would say when putting on Tastemakers Clothing, do whatever feels good and first comes to mind.

Who is your biggest fashion inspiration?

o   Besides the many styles of the 90s, I look up to the likings of Taz Arnold from TI$A, Nigo from Bape, and just other local independent brands such as Award Tour.

What magazine are you currently reading?

o   I’m currently reading the latest issue of Complex mag with Wiz Khalifa and Danny McBride on the cover. Complex is one of my favorite magazines.

You can find out more about Tastemakers NJ..
http://tastemakersnj.com/blog/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tastemakers-Clothing/108189149207218
http://twitter.com/#!/tastemakersnj

Inspiration- Worst Day Ever

Hip Hip Hooray!..ehhh
Adele
Someone Like You

It's just one of those days..

Bad hair day? .. No

Nothing  to wear... No
-Levi Denim Jacket
-Random Tank Top
-Stripped UO skirt
-My moms old brown boots
-Black knit hat
-My scarf from South Africa


Left my Mickey Mouse notebook at a UHB's (unidentified human boy's) house.


Valuable lesson learned today, don't count on an old person when they are brand new
It's kind of like counting on your tarnished rain boots to keep your feet dry in a rain storm


Adele makes everything so much better, no matter what type of shitty mood I'm in


No matter how old the temp phone I was using today and how ugly my iPod was today, I was thankful I had one friend on the phone and 200 in my iPod


I can't even imagine posting any type of happy go lucky models in collections from designers I would give a kidney to in a heart beat


So here are just some pictures of how I'm feeling right now, of course some of them are fashion related, just because my world is falling apart doesn't mean I have lost hope in all things I love, the 287 pages of Vogue were with me every step of the way today.  Balancing out my high and low points of the day.

Todays Inspiration
Couldn't cry so I had to let the little clown boy shed tears for us both
Something I thought I got over always comes back to bite me on the butt

Anthropologie Apron I fell in love with! (Highlight of my day!)

Another one of my fav songs is need because it too got me through the day

Heart of the Matter

India Arie

Coachella 2011

Let The Good Times Roll

I love hearing about new events that I one day hope to be a part of and today I decided to review Coachella.  A music and arts festival that just recently came to an end, but looked as if the celebs and socialites who attended never wanted it to.  A day full of hanging out listening to some of the hottest artist out it was a goodtime for all who experienced it.  After looking at some of the pictures of this year Coachella, I might be planning a trip to California just around the same time next year!

Alexa Chung

Amira (She so stole my name)

Dorothea Barth Jorgensen

Harley Viera-Newton

Heloise

Leah Adicoff

Luna White

Phillip Lim

Simone van Werkhoven

Photographed By Cara Stricker

Photos taken from Vogue.com

Celebs Take Over

Usher & Rihanna

Lauryn Hill

Katy Perry