Lights, Camera, Murder

There are some films that make such an impression, that they stick with us for the rest of our lives. Maybe it's the shock of witnessing a groundbreaking style, or the excitement of meeting unforgettable characters that seduces us as viewers. Whatever it is, something about Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow Up is addictive even upon a first viewing. Of course the Mod elements of the film are enrapturing, but it's the subtle way in which mystery, suspense and sexuality are interwoven into the story that really inspires me. Great storytelling comes in many forms, but it's always eye-opening to look at the documentation of new and innovative ways to tell those stories. Even though Blow Up was released in 1966 it's still fresh and evocative, in more ways than one. I can't deny that this Yardbirds scene is eerily reminiscent of some Brooklyn shows I've been to. I guess some things never change.

Four-Eyes Are Better Than Two

If you're looking for the perfect pair of glasses then look no further. My friends Jordan and Erik over at Silver Lining Opticians are NYC's most successful glasses gurus. I kid you not. They have the uncanny ability to look at your face and instantly know exactly what will fit. It probably helps that they have an unbelievable collection of both vintage deadstock and contemporary independent brands, but I like to think that their powers are more mystical than that. Even with the onslaught of celebrity visits to their Soho shop, they still have the time and patience to match you with your perfect pair of lenses. Take a peek at Jordan talking shop, and at some of Silver Lining's coveted pieces:

Giggles Meet Glamour

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

New York Magazine has a great feature this week about home design, and the growing trend of "the new old." I've always preferred a mixture of old and new when it comes to my surroundings, and it's interesting to see how other people experiment with this particular aesthetic. There's the "NeoVictorians" who obsess over late 1800s, and the clean, airy spaces of those who prefer "NeoCountry." Any way you slice it, these people love interior design, and that love is found in the details of their homes. So flip through some of the slide shows, and feast your eyes on some major inspiration.

Via New York Magazine
Photograph by The Selby

The Bigger, The Better

Well, well, well. It seems as though my signature look is making it's way into the mainstream. It's not like I was ever re-inventing the hair wheel, but I liked to think that my obsession with big hair was only reflected in rock stars, geriatrics, and retro chicks. Now high fashion is honing in on the fine tooth comb that makes it all possible, unless of course you're one of the lazy ones who opts for a Bump It. For shame! We all know that backcombing, a little root booster, and some Goth Juice does the trick. I refuse to let my hair go flat, but I guess now I have some competition based on this New York Times slideshow. I still think I could beat those broads in a tease off - they're no match for my finely honed skills!

Have You Heard?

Spring is almost upon us, and with that comes the search for the perfect summer soundtrack. Sometimes you have to go looking for music that makes your heart swell, but sometimes you're lucky and the music finds you. There are so many young musicians out there trying to make the perfect record, but very few of them have what it takes to succeed. It's not that they aren't trying, often times they try too hard. And then there are those few, those musicians by happenstance, that find their calling through song. Christopher Owens of San Fransisco band Girls is one of those people. His story is so far fetched, so chaotic and poetic, that it could easily be the plot for a Russell Banks novel. Born into the Children of God cult, Owens was shielded from music and the outside world until his teenage years. His story is best told through his own words, and this interview tells it best. But regardless, you really don't need to know about Owens to like Girls. Their influences range from Buddy Holly and Elvis, to the Beach Boys and Nirvana. It's all there in a whirlwind of sun, hair, and above all: love.

Mad About Edie

Andy Warhol's first book of photos, Andy Warhol's Exposures, was published in 1979, and of course many of the images that he initially wanted to include in it didn't make the cut. Thankfully the rejects have made it into a second book, Andy Warhol Unexposed Exposures. The images are currently on view at New York City's Steven Kasher Gallery until April 10th. The show looks like a real gem, and as Edie would say: "I'm pulverized by this latest thing!"

Andy Warhol, Edie Beale, ca. 1976-79. © The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. Courtesy Steven Kasher Gallery, New York

Via Flavorwire

Bad Romance

There are an endless amount of films that explore the relationships between men and women, but until the late 1960s it was rare to encounter a couple like Bonnie and Clyde. Young and rebellious, they acted out of desperation and recklessness. After all, it was the Great Depression and there were only so many ways to make a buck. They were both in their early 20s when they were killed in the infamous rural ambush, brutally memorialized in Arthur Penn's 1967 classic Bonnie & Clyde. Although many theories and controversies still surround their lives and their demise, they will forever hold their place in the annals of Americana. They were, after all, love addled outlaws - romanticized, demonized and forever scrutinized.

The real Bonnie & Clyde in March 1933.

A Right Delayed Is A Right Denied

Photographer Charles Moore captured some of the most powerful images from the civil rights movement. He died last week at the age of 79, but his photographs will continue to speak volumes about a time that for many seems far removed. There's something incredibly contemporary about his images, even though they capture a distant and incredibly tumultuous time in history. Maybe it's because when I look at this photograph in particular, I can transpose myself and my friends onto the faces of those young women. My gratitude will forever rest on their weary shoulders.

The First Lady of Rockabilly

Where would we be without rockabilly? As one of the earliest forms of rock 'n roll to emerge in the 1950s, rockabilly allowed mainstream audiences to get a 'lil taste for the outlaw. Sure there were already manly country outlaws like Cash, but rockabilly was something wholly different that opened up the stage to some saucy ladies. Two parts rock 'n roll and one part hillbilly, rockabilly was all the more memorable (and addictive). Wanda Jackson was just a country girl from Oklahoma, but after performing with Elvis on many occasions, she garnered a lot of attention for her unique vocals and style. She was "the female Elvis," according to the man himself, and that's quite a moniker for a woman in the 50s. Sassy, brash, and glamorous all at once, Jackson's music will whip any respectable lady into a frenzy. Her songs 'Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad' and 'Funnel of Love' make me want to smooth on some red lipstick and get into some good ole trouble. Yeehaw!

A Very Dizzy Sunday

In the bubbly spirit of social media, I attended a fantastic brunch this Sunday organized by fellow TRACE alum and elixir vixen Miss Selena from The Dizzy Fizz. Although the brunch focused on cocktail culture, and I was the only "lifestyle blogger" there, I have to admit everyone made me feel right at home! Held in the backroom of Brooklyn's Clover Club, the vibe was energetic, cozy and fun. Not only were we served a delicious brunch, but there were representatives from both Sombra Mezcal and Partida Tequila on hand to answer questions and introduce us to the wide world of agave. What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon! The revival of old school cocktails, and the popularity of cocktail culture means I have a lot to learn. But thanks to The Dizzy Fizz and her blogger buddies, I'm confident that I have a great network of teachers - and that's something I can toast to!

Photographs courtesy of Lush Life Productions

A Woman's Scorn...

New York Times mega-fail!

The Video Vault

After seeing the francophilic new film Youth In Revolt last weekend, I started thinking about all the French stereotypes that have made their way into North America. The most common would surely be the suave, effortlessly cool man, and the coquettish lady that spends her time reading Camus and Sartre. But we fail to remember that like most countries that boast their uniqueness, the French are also guilty of finding inspiration in others. Case in point singer, composer and actor Jacques Dutronc. His song "Les Cactus" is featured in Youth In Revolt and is totally full of kitschy, Kinks-inspired fun. Check out the video to see some French stereotypes in action:

It's All In The Hair

If I am as amazing as Margaret Bold when I'm old, I'll be one lucky lady!

Déjà Vu: Good Golly Miss Dolly!

Dolly Parton is the kind of Diva that I can get behind. She's not just any run of the mill Diva - her bubbly personality, music and style have made her a legend. It's obvious that I abide by her cardinal rule (which inspired the name of this blog), but what's not obvious is my current obsession with classic country. I never gave country music a second thought until this year, and sweet sassy molassey have I been missing out! Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette - the list of classic country crooners goes on and on. And apparently I'm not the only one that's been sneaking in some country behind closed doors. Check out the 1983 country hit "Islands in the Stream" by Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and the Bee Gees, and then take a listen to the 1998 hip hop hit "Ghetto Superstar" by Pras, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Mya. It's like hip hop is giving classic country a solid fist pump!

It's A Bird! It's A Plane! It's A PC?

Long ago I was a PC user, standing behind my desktop until it took it's last choking breath. I said sayonara to the PC in 2007, and never looked back - until now. Form versus function is taking on a whole new meaning here, so much so, that I actually considered cheating on my MacBook with this stunner. This is the Philco PC, and unfortunately at the moment it's just the beautiful brainchild of designer Dave Schultze. Inspired by the Philco Predicta televisions of the 1950s, Schultze has managed to remake the PC into something spectacular. The monitor itself is a gem, but upon further inspection the stylized keyboard, tower, and mouse help to create an unbelievable combination. The video below includes some primo close ups of the product - now let's just hope that one day it comes to fruition!

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

Vintage objects tell a story, and it's up to us to listen. Whether it's an old toy, a vase, or a set of vintage postcards, it's hard to imagine how many tales can be spun from just one item. Outside of New York City, it's easy to stumble across pristine vintage finds (I'm talking about you Detroit!), but within the confines of this city these gems are rare and pricey. However, some stores in Manhattan and its boroughs, continue to pride themselves on amassing items that evoke the beauty of the past without a hefty fee. Le Grenier (pictured above) is located on the waterfront in Greenpoint, just a few subway stops away from the city. The owner Maya Marzolf is a former producer of fashion photography who has worked with Steven Meisel and Mark Seliger, so you know her aesthetic is romantic and warm. The store is full of great antiques and housewares, and they also provide prop rentals for photo, film and other special events. Thankfully, they even carry replica Edison bulbs which are surprisingly hard to find in a city that is obsessed with recreating retro looks in both public and private spaces. But if you thought for one minute that Le Grenier was anything but authentic, think again. Marzolf's own home was recently featured on a blog, and although she "consider[ed] it a bit cringe-worthy to be “promoting” [her] own house" she spoke eloquently about the experience:

"I choose to share my own space with you just to illustrate that what I’m doing here at Le Grenier truly is a labor of love. As one of my dear friends phrased it, what better way to illustrate that my style is sincere? What I offer you at Le Grenier is not just something that I’m trying to sell; instead, it’s an aesthetic and lifestyle in which I myself partake."

And what a lovely aesthetic and lifestyle it is. Take a peek at Le Grenier's website, or saunter over to Brooklyn to check it out in person.

Lykke Li, Sång Fågel

I first met Li Lykke Zachrisson on a cold winter evening almost two years ago when I was working on a piece for Trace Magazine. Although the article never came to fruition, meeting the young songstress was a refreshing experience. At only 21 years old she was confident and eloquent - this was someone you could tell had figured out who she was from a young age. She told me how as a child she traveled a lot with her family, and those experiences helped shape her music. Li's music is a strange mix of upbeat pop songs coupled, with darker stripped down pieces. It's within these songs where she shows both her vulnerability and a softer side. The live rendition of "Tonight" filmed by Christian Haag, from her 2008 album Youth Novels, showcases her talent as both a performer and musician. Also if you're a fan of The Shirelles like I am, check out Li's homepage for a cover of their 1960 hit "Will You Love Me Tomorrow." Expect big things from this Swedish song bird:

The Age of Blossoms

Wong Kar-wai's films are like photographs strung together with music and motion. His film In the Mood for Love is a perfect example of this. Set in Hong Kong in the 60s, the film tells the story of two people who become neighbors by chance, and soon realize that their spouses are cheating on them with each other. There's a quiet sadness to their relationship, and their rather innocent relationship becomes a place of solace and comfort. In the clip below we see the beginning of their relationship forming - the physical proximity of the two characters, coupled with the lethargic pace of the scene build an almost unbearable amount of tension. It's hard to explain just how powerful the performances, cinematography, and music are in this film, so it's best to start with a short clip. Whet your appetite with this, and then watch the film in its entirety as soon as you can.