Monthly Archives: October 2009

happy.hallowiener

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ny.ny

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World Premiere: “Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z (Feat. Alicia Keys)

It would be wrong as a New Yorker and a hip-hop fan not to post this vid. I must admit, watching Hov and Keys open game 2 of the World Series made me reconsider hating BP3…and baseball.

arm.me

Picture 277I met Justin Melnick at the door of some club my freshman year of college. Almost five years later (and with a trip to the Middle East under his belt), Justin Melnick has quit the life of club impresario to explore the world of socially-conscious photography. Most notably, his “Arm.Me” series; in which he uses weaponry to examine and exploit the disarmingly forceful effects of luxury designer brands, defines loaded statement. It’s also a perfect marriage of high fashion and hip-hop fit for Smoke & Mirrors.

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photos courtesy of justin melnick

r.e.d

icebergWorld Premiere: “Big Money” – Game

Producers Cool & Dre have concocted Game’s latest beat out of what sounds like a growling old modem and a couple of handclaps. Sounding like something out of a Michael Mann movie, it more than works. It’s funny that while Game is on his ill-received Hova diss campaign, he hops atop a bigger beat than anything on BP3. While you wait for Detox, let this mothafucka bump. The R.E.D. Album drops December 8, 2009.

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v.62

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Natalia plays muse to Nicola Formichetti and Hedi Slimane in Givenchy couture for the latest V magazine shoot. Issue 62 hits newstands November 3rd, 2009. Be ready.

russian.roulette

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Not a fan of Ri-Ri’s latest Bond-sounding single even though the content matter is more than appealing. Adam Hadrys Russian Roulette ring is the perfect compromise to a horrible first single choice.

riarussianroulette

free.willy

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Song of the Day: “I’m Good (Remix)” – Clipse (Feat. Pharrell & Rick Ross)

Clipse is pretty much my favorite rap group ever. Wasn’t feeling the Virginia rappers’ initial drop with Cam’Ron (“Popular Demand”), so, I’m pleased they’ve redeemed themselves with a video for their summer ’09 effort featuring a hook and production by Pharrell (and added verse by Rick Ross). ‘Til The Casket Drops in stores and online December 8, 2009.  Even in a drought…Clipse hits hard.

worth.it

ccp09ccp091

Jackson has yet to choose his “graduation gift.” I dare him to ask for this Carol Christian Poell jacket. Rivaling Balmain in price, it’s only $6,500…but for good reason: it’s entirely made of aged gray kangaroo leather with retractable gloves and is limited in its production to a very select few. It’s by far this season’s best men’s jacket!

yo.del

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World Premiere: “Echo” – R.Kelly


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Kells takes on Jewel and Julie Andrews in his latest tune “Echo” off the upcoming Untitled album. Don’t think the von Trapp family will be taking this on their next tour of Austria. But perhaps the von Trapstarz will.

pe.ta

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This is the very reason I wear fur.
Peta
– get it together.

sci.fly

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Ever wonder what made up your silver, gold, or platinum trinkets? Design duo, Joe Johnson and Jeanju Choi-Johnson, a.k.a. ITSNONAME, gives you answers in the form of rings – periodic rings! Chemistry has never been so chic.

measure.up

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McQueen
‘s hooves will eat your other footwear alive.

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photos courtesy of vogue.co.uk

second.best

10.for.10

Honorable Mentions

Smoke & Mirrors‘ list of second bests from the S/S 2010 Collections

00290m-5Francesco Scognamiglio
Plays ruff like none other.

00040m-4Tim Hamilton
Did I style this?

00070m-400230m-3
Dolce & Gabbana
A witchy 90′s revival.

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Dries Van Noten
The prints only get better.

00030m-2Versace
Saran wrap skirts!

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Guy Laroche

Tampon tie-dye and slit sleeves…I think yes.

click here to view the 10 best.

photos courtesy of style.com & wwd

drag.on

balenciaga_travelThe Balenciaga Arena Trolley bag
Disclaimer: never check this bag.
Caution: scuff it and die.

nu.tots

amy-boobs-2Picture 269

Look who got new titties! Janet welcomes you to the club…
You’re in good company.

missoni.hotel

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Missoni Hotel
— wha????
Book your trip to Edinburgh today.

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strange.folk

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Peep my girl, Lindsey Thornburg‘s signature cloak on none other than Devendra Banhart. Utter perfection.

bad.boy

6292World Premiere: “Love Come Down” – Dirty Money
(Diddy, Dawn, & Kaleena)

Sean Combs has too much money for his own good. I remember buying Puff’s Forever album in ’99, crying. It was so terrible – wanting and needing Puff Daddy & The Family’s No Way Out back; we haven’t been the same since. Other than my guilty pleasure being Making The Band(s), Diddy and I have put our relationship on hold. From what I’ve heard of Last Train To Paris, his televised [Making His Band] concept album with ex-Danity Kane member Dawn and newbie Kaleena, he might be able to rekindle our former flame. Is there another “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems” in the man/corporation? With too many wrongs to right, Diddy disappears behind a new name once again. “Dirty Money” is what seems like his 12th name change. The result is a tribal street banger only dirty money could buy (“Love Come Down”). Though, sadly, it would be a better endeavor altogether were the boss left off.

PuffDaddyNoWayOutMo’ Money, Mo’ Problems indeed.

fashion focus: clog.hog

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It’s most certainly my Scandinavian heritage that’s harvested my love for clogs. I’ve grown to incorporate the pointy-toed elf shoes into some of my most unorthodox looks. The connotations of clogs stateside are somewhat pejorative. Most see Crocs, Berkeley lesbians, Heidi and gardeners as clog’s only friends. For Spring ’10, Chanel opted for clog’s mainland farm look, adding a wooden heel to a leather-topped mule for the fashion set. Brazilian plastic shoemaker, Melissa, has created my favorite rendition of the classic footwear to date, in collaboration with designer Edson Matsuo (worn in photo). It seems like it’s finally time to let your inner gnome thrive!

chanelclogs_blogChanel / Spring 2010 / Paris Fashion Week
Picture 268Melissa Clog by Edson Matsuo

the.clutch

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Fendi has the sickest clutches for S/S 2010.
They remind me of these…
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heater.muzik

3-1World Premiere: “Gun Harmonizing” – Royce Da 5’9
(Feat. Crooked I)

I was in the vocal jazz choir in high school, but we never scat like that.

necro.nomicon

giger03
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Alexander McQueen / Spring 2010 / Paris Fashion Week

robo.legs

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You think Amy Thompson‘s plastic robo-leggings sound the same way track pants did in the 4th grade?
tracksuit

track anatomy: thug love

“Piggy Bank” – 50 Cent
=

“Sonet Shekspira” – Alla Pugacheva
Dupont don’t pretend
______

“Doing Anything” – Freeway
=

“Baby Come Back” – Player
Officially Philly’s time to shine.

good.face

theface_01Could this be true? Rumor has it one of my all-time favorite mags: The Face, is to return as a digital-only monthly? Pretty, pretty please. Need an editor?

looky.booky

lg_4ae0b00a-8bf0-4bfc-ac54-12744b7db902_1256239114_look30Another day, another dolla.
Vote for your boy at lookbooks.com
Picture 263(mighty munchkin)

photos courtesy of Catharina x lookbooks.com

my.favourite.game

CardigansGranTurismo

The Cardigans’ Gran Turismo (1998) LP still stands as one of the best albums of the 1990s. Timeless in its production, Turismo dodges definition. “My Favourite Game” sounds as relevant today as it did yesterday. “Do You Believe” is something Portishead or The Knife or The Faint or even Missy Elliott wished they’d done. The Cardigan’s icy Swedish delicacies are inexplicably bright. Take a listen.

Song of the Day, Pt. 1: “Do You Believe” – The Cardigans

Song of the Day, Pt. 2: “My Favourite Game” – The Cardigans

thriller.jkt

JULIUS-ADFINALJulius’ new collection is a Thriller.
Available exclusively at Atelier New York.

grow.yo

ring-1_1

Product designers do the darndest things! Look to Hafsteinn Juliusson’s line of growing garden jewelry for living (literally) proof. The collection of mini-moss gardens come in one, two, or knuckle-ring varieties and are handmade in Iceland. Get your shit growin’ here.

i.love.your.smile

Song of the Day: “I Love Your Smile” – Shanice

In ’92, Shanice had the #2 single in the country. She was the “easy listening” equivalent to Janet Jackson who kinda-sorta looked like that chick from Family Matters. While she only had one solid crack at the top ten, “I Love Your Smile” stands as one of the most defined sounds of the early 1990′s. Perfect for Kids Incorporated or MMC.

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