Solange Knowles steps out (and WAY in front of the other Knowles sister) with a fresh and fun sound on her new CD, SoL-AngeL and the Hadley St. Dreams. The album features a dream team of collaborators including three-times Grammy award-winning music producer Mark Ronson, the ever-so-funky Cee-Lo, Pharrell, Jack Splash, The Neptunes, the legendary award-winning Lamont Dozier, and Bilal.
Here’s the good word:
Inspired by the ’60s and early ’70s, Solange showcases a Motown influenced sound that has been given a brand-new kick while at the same time offering her love of London-inspired Electronica on a few select hits. Highlight tracks on SoL-AngeL and the Hadley St. Dreams include The Neptunes produced “I Decided - PT1,” and the Freemasons version of the same tune, “I Decided - PT2,” the Soulshock & Karlin produced “Sandcastle Disco,” the Cee-Lo penned “T.O.N.Y” and the honest and revealing co-written and co-produced by Solange, “God Given Name.” A new video for “Sandcastle Disco,” directed by Solange herself, recently debuted on MTV’s F’N MTV and BET’s 106 & Park. —Marketwatch.com
Greenaid by Lovegrove & Repucci is a reusable shopping bag with a message. With a neoprene outer shell and reusable polyester shopping bag within, on your next run to Walgreens you’ll find yourself saying “I don’t need a bag,” with pride! Just clip it on your key chain!
I have crazy-good vision and have never needed glasses, let alone contacts, but this contact lens case is BEYOND cute! Maybe I can buy it and put Tic Tacs in Bear and Kitty.
The Vêtements collection by Paraphernalia features gorgeous, trompe l’oeil vintage neckwear illustrations. The handmade chokers are made of printed and cut acrylic, which is light, and slightly translucent, making them easy to wear. Each piece adds a playful yet elegant element to any outfit!
I quickly added the polka dot bow tie piece to my wish list and at $30, my bank account will forgive me!
Last week I had the honor and pleasure of attending the Ladies Lotto meeting in NYC. I have enjoyed all the meeting I have attended on both coast’s. The attendees are always an amazing and talented group and the guest speakers always inspiring. I was especially excited for this meeting in particular as the guest speaker was Camella Elhke, the original founder and designer of 555 Soul (Triple 5 Soul). We gathered at I Heart and spent an evening with Camella as she talked with us about her beginnings in fashion (before there was the term “streetwear”). Know your roots. Be inspired ladies.
We recently had the pleasure of hearing Ben Kuchler, Reebok’s Lifestyle Design Director, talk about some of Reebok’s newest releases including two new styles for women - the Vollee and the Courtee. Both styles are made from lasts (shoe molds) for women. This may not seem like a big deal but it is. Rather than just using the men’s last and sizing them down, Reebok has taken into consideration the unique contours of the female foot to develop these new silhouettes. Both styles are part of the “My Generation” Collection, sneakers designed for women that embrace the brand’s heritage while incorporating trendy, street elements.
The Courtee (pictured below right) is based on a traditional basketball silhouette and is available in many color ways. A mid Courtee style is set for release later in the year in time for holiday. The Vollee (pictured below right) may seem a bit familiar to you. That’s because it’s based off of the ever-popular freestyle with design elements borrowed from the Freestyle including the strap velcro band, the out-sole and mid-sole, and the quilted ankle details. The Vollee will also be available in many color ways.
Pictured above from left to right: Volleee, Courtee. This solid gold color way releases in November 2008. Pictures of more color ways after the jump.
During Ben’s talk, we also got a glimpse of some men’s product - see below for some stuff we know the boys will like. The thing is, I like the boys stuff way better. I’m a high-top girl to begin with but I also find the color combinations more refreshing, wearable and relevant. What do you guys think? Am I crazy? We sat down with Ben for an exclusive Q & A about the differences in design between the men’s and the women’s shoes. We’d love to hear YOUR input so please comment on this post with your thoughts! Check out the exclusive Q & A M.I.S.S. had with the designer and more pics of the women’s Courtee & Vollee after the jump!
Pictured above: Top row Pump Omni Lite, Bottom Row Sir Jam Mid.
I love lipstick. I’ve always wished I could be one of those girls that could pull it off, but alas, I’m not. But it I were, I would wear every shade of red from the brightest fire engine reds to the deepest, darkest reds. This fall season, MAC has the perfect reds for you - all revolving around the cult of cherry. From bright red cherry to black cherry, MAC has the deliciously sweet shades of the “cult of cherry.” The complimentary eye palettes all feature dark chocolate-y colors to balance out cherry shades. You can purchase the collection online here. You should also check out the “Cult of Cherry” video featuring a cameo by designer Erin Fethersonhere.
Here’s another amazing event to put in your calendars:
DUALITY OF HUMANITY
New Works by Shepard Fairey
Opening Reception - September 13th, 7-10pm
Exhibition Dates - September 13th - October 4th
White Walls Gallery
835 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 9410
415.931.1500
Over 100 pieces will go on display at White Walls in a timely new show called “Duality in Humanity.” The show marks a bit of a departure for the artist, whose unique form of reverse propaganda emerged from the spirit of the punk movement. With this show, Shepard takes a step back from the ‘calls to action’ against mindless consumerism and war evidenced in previous shows like 1984ia, E Pluribus Venom and Imperfect Union. “The difference between this show and the previous ones is that now Obama is in the mix,” Shepard said. His recent work reflects his own personal shift towards a new optimism, a direct result of his involvement with, and inspiration by, the powerful political ideals of Barack Obama.
The title of the show, “Duality of Humanity,” is inspired by the peace-sign wearing US soldier in Vietnam, ‘Joker,’ in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket. A central piece is a child with a gun in his hand and a flower in his hat. That theme of soldiers and weapons bearing peace signs, or peace signs comprised of military effects, runs through many pieces in the show. Environmental themes also appear in some pieces, illustrating the tenuous balance between our dangerously uncontrolled consumption of non-renewable resources, and our well-intentioned eco-concerns. Suffering and hope are seamlessly merged in a visual mash-up that defies expectations and easy answers.
“Duality of Humanity” includes larger mixed media pieces on paper that has been covered with carefully collaged Ephemera, self-printed patterns and found clippings from printed media. The backgrounds provide a seductive painterly texture and visual subtext, often allowing apropos words and images to bleed through the iconic images printed over them. The multiple layers create a sense of depth, but also bring in temporal elements through preserved newsclippings, historic images and vintage printing effects. It is the images in the foreground, however, that give the work its power. They are crisp and provocative, communicating in a way that is direct and clear.
Fruition Las Vegas recently re-launched their site with a brand new look - and it looks amazing! Their look book is incredible with the most delectable vintage street wear finds mixed in with modern pieces. They always manage to create great looks and photos are beautiful. They also had the pleasure of working with Nikki Jean who can be seen in their new look book. If you’re ever in Vegas this is one of the places you must go see. Not only are the products unique, the folks behind Fruition are genuinely sweet.
Just a note to let you know that Liz and I are in Vegas to cover the trade shows so we can give you sneak peaks of all the hottest women’s product. That said, since we’re running around, posts may be slow for the next day or two, but hang tight there will be much, much more to come!
