Elle Rex

I spotted this lovely lady at BFD while she was busy photographing Designer Drugs.  When I first saw her I thought, wait a tick, is that Agyness Deyn?!  She definitely had the body of a runway model and the attitude of a rockstar's girlfriend but this lady is actually Elle Rex, a music/party photographer from Brooklyn.  Elle Rex was wearing a bangin' mini red dress, killer chain necklace and leather bracelets.  I LOVED the way she looked because even though it was 150 degrees (sure felt like it!) she did not look like the heat was taking a toll on her.

Elle Rex

  

Agyness

Agyness photo by style.com

Check out Elle Rex's work- 

http://www.ellerex.net

http://www.myspace.com/elrexthebest

No Lil Kim

My favorite hobby is people watching.  I like to admire how a person puts himself/herself together and I especially appreciate originality and creativity because it gets so boring to see people wearing jeans and tee shirts over and over again.  Now, before hell breaks loose I gotta clarify that I'm not a total jeans and tee shirt basher if you are rocking that outfit with cool accessories and dope shoes. You also pass the awesomeness meter if you are wearing let's say, bellbottom denim pants with a vintage tee from the 70's or maybe acid washed skinny jeans with a Hellz Bellz limited edition tee.  

Living in a suburb 30 miles from San Francisco is not the ideal location to people watch.  I'm not even going to mention what type of atrocities people wear in my city, but let's just say they only shop at the Gap.  My obsession with people watching led me to the idea to begin blogging about street style since I'm pretty enamored with all the awesome blogs dedicated to just that. I created a separate blog to do this, cleverly titled DOPE ARE US but for the time being I'll just post the photographs of the individuals who I've come across with here on this blog.  I'm just not in the mood to have two blogs going...

The first person who I asked to photograph was this lovely lady at BFD Music Festival.  Rock shows are always the ideal location for people watching because there are a lot of people who look like rock stars themselves.  This lady who I unfortunately did not ask for her name, caught my eye because she reminded me of my favorite nasty girl Lil Kim. There is nothing nasty about this lady pictured bellow, but I thought she looked totally sexy even though she was wearing jeans and a tee.  She made the outfit work because of all the cuts all over, which she confessed she customized herself!  I also appreciated the metal detail in her chocker necklace and the chain hanging from her pocket.  Her hair was wild and beautiful and I wish people took the time to rock an outfit like this.

Saturday Morning Flossin'

Saturday morning outfit worn out to breakfast: My brand new customized Beatles tee, vintage snake trimmed sunglasses, vintage cashmere cardigan from Scotland, H&M denim (on sale for $20!), patent black booties with a houndstooth detail at the top and two bracelets via China. The bag was purchased at NYC's Chinatown in a dark apt in some random alley.  Yes we were shopping for knock offs and yes I was terrified out of my mind I was gonna get caught and beat with a baton by a 5-0 and deported back to MX. That was a stupid shopping experience now that I think about it...

Fitted to See the Yeah Yeah Yeah's

Check out the punk rocker look I was sporting last Saturday when I went to BFD.  I had to make a cut through my Yeah Yeah Yeah's tee because it was hella tight, but it was fun wearing it as a vest because I don't really wear vests too often.  I also cut tiny holes through my nylons for a little texture. Actually I'm not gonna lie, I had a run and I just went a bit crazy with the scissors so I wouldn't have to throw them away.  I love my little vintage bag gifted to me by my dear friend Savvy, but sadly the little gold crocodile fell off during the mosh pit, thanks Steve Aoki. Btw I'm trying to start a trend: transforming little purses into fanny packs.  It's hard to find a cute fanny pack that's not too casual. The ones I've seen are nylon and even though they are precious the outfits that you can wear them with are limited, plus transforming a purse to a fanny pack is FREE!

Ps- I realize that I did not talk about the Yeah Yeah Yeah's at BFD in my last post and that's because I had a shitty spot and the sound was horrible.  Honestly, I don't really feel like I got a good feel of their performance, sad.

BFD 2009 Recap: It was HAWT

It's taken half the day to recuperate from yesterday's BFD, but alas I'm starting to feel like my old self again- minus the ringing ears and sore throat.  The Subsonic Tent was the shit.  I got to catch the following acts: Steve Aoki, Zion-I, Mike Realm, Designer Drugs, DJ Am and Crystal Castles. Not bad for $25, but even better FREE :)  My top favorite act was surprisingly DJ AM, seriously.  To be honest I had never heard his music prior to the festival because I totally prejudged him.  I thought, DJ AM who the hell cares if he dated Nicole Ritchie and became super popular deejaying some Hollywood parties- he probably just turns on his ipod and presses play. The cool part about DJ AM is that he mixes well and he mixes: System of a Down, Biggie Smalls, the Killers, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Jay Z and probably stuff you've danced to at Popscene about a million times and makes it work.  It's difficult to mix music from different genres in one set- metal, indie rock, electronic, 80's and hip hop and he was able to do it in a manner that flowed really smoothly and it fit like a size 4 after starving for a month. Now, you may say, well he is like every other LA deejay in the sense that he just mixes and shouts into the microphone to get the party pumped up, except for the fact that he can SCRATCH.  I seriously thought I was at a hip hop show for a second, but then I heard "I see a little silhouetto of a man/Scaramouche,scaramouche will you do the fandango/Thunderbolt and lightning-very very frightening me/Galileo, Galileo/Galileo galileo/Galileo figaro-magnifico" and remembered that I was in a super packed tent with hundreds of hipsters and PLUR kids (yes, really I saw some neon and fuzzy boots) dancing like a robots.

photo via djam.com

Rats in the Big Apple

Recently I've been perusing my photos from my last visit to New York City (October 2008) and came across the above photos of public art.  The first stencil could have been easily missed, but I was obsessed with finding graffiti when I was there and literally checked every wall and pavement for any traces. The "Let Them Eat Crack" piece almost gave me a heart attack when I spotted it because it is HUGE in person as you can see.  I am not sure what the message of the piece is, but I enjoy seeing the word "crack" in large proportion.  The rat art is a total departure from the image of actual living rats running around like lunatics in the subways, which remained embedded in my head from my first ever visit to the city in 2007.  Art rats are so much better.

DC Part 1

Just bought my airplane ticket for DC yesterday evening.  One of my bffs is getting hitched!!!  I've known this lady since the sixth grade when she popped at my school via Peru.  I remember the first time I saw her because she was wearing a blue sweater with a giant daisy on it.  I really did not like her at first because I thought she was annoying, but that only lasted for a few months and even though she parted ways and left California for Utah when we started college she's still part of my life.  My friends and I always predicted that she'd be the first to get married because she's Mormon and so far the bet is 1/5, four more girlfriends unmarried.  I think I'm 3 or 4 on that list but I'm going to go ahead and move myself to slot 5 because there is no way in hell I'm going to get married anytime soon, shizz I'm still a baby! ;)

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

I almost forgot about this!  I took this photo the other day in Union Square.  This might be my favorite SF heart statue.  The city embarked on a public art project a few years ago and "Hearts in San Francisco" are painted by different artists.  The statues are mostly located throughout the downtown area I've noticed.  They're pretty big in person and I like that they change them up consistently so there is something to look forward to when hanging out in that super busy area.

American Porn

Damn, soft porn?  I guess their ads are cool because they are very minimal and d.i.y., but American Apparel is trying way too hard in my opinion.  "Buy our shit we are so indie and artsy."  I still haven't actually purchased anything from their store.  I like the fact that they have a little photo of what the actual garment looks like on a person next to the article of clothing, but as soon as I see how hyphy the salespeople look I change my mind and put the dress back on the rack.  I mean should I really take seriously an emo kid wearing tight yellow pants, a white tee with a bright red hoodie and a sweat headband?  I'd rather not.

Shoes on the Brain!

The above are the hawt Jeffrery Campbell studded platforms I saw at Nordstrom's while shopping for gifts (April 10th post).  I know, that was forever ago but I can't get them out of my head!  These shoes are so badass and cool, you're sure to be the lady with the best shoes anywhere you go really.

And did you know that Carlos Santana makes shoes?  They sell them at Macy's and that's where I first saw his collection.  The shoes are alright, but there are some gems like the ones above.  My mother almost bought me a pair yesterday, but I had to tell her it was totally not necessary even though I really want them!  They are on sale for $47 and if I'm still thinking about them (I know I will) by the end of the month I'm going to have to go in the store and buy them myself.  Wouldn't they make the most perfect pair on summer shoes?  I'm even more in love because I tried them on when I had bellbottoms on and I couldn't stop imagining that it was 1973.

My Wardrobe

Vintage Aremis Pucci inspired dress.  I bought this little gem and cropped it to a mini proportion at the Wasteland on Haight Street in San Francisco.  Gotta have the gaudy inexpensive pearl ring from Forever 21 and the giant rainbow feather hair piece purchased from an art supplies shop to transform it into the perfect birthday party dress.

My mom hates this blue polka dotted vintage dress I bought for less than $5 at Savers.  I wear it at least once a week with a slip underneath.  I've also worn this dress with "gladiator" sandals since we've seen warmer days lately.  The cardigan is one of my numerous I have stashed up in my closet.  It's from Scotland and it's made from the softest cashmere.

The only truly vintage piece I'm wearing in this outfit is the scarf, which I borrowed from an equally stylish male friend.  The dress I've had for a few years now and it was purchased at Target, shirt from the Gap, and the shrunken jacket is a staple in many of my outfits because it's very soft and and it barely weighs anything.

I fell in love with this orange dress from H&M via Crossroads on Haight Street when I saw it on the rack and I was so giddy that it fit so perfectly well.  The boots are not vintage, but they totally feel like it because the leather is a bit worn off in some spots.

My jungle outfit as I like to call it because of the fabulous photo consists of two vintage pieces: the shirt and ankle brown boots purchased at Savers for pennies.  This was the last time I wore this shirt because every time I put it on to wear I feel like a balloon!  All my jewelry was purchased at various spots here and there across the Bay.

The animal print dress is kick ass in person because it has a built in black lace slip on the inside which peeks out a bit.  I bought it about a year ago from Macy's for like $10 and the emerald beaded cardigan from my last days working for the Gap for less than $10 as well.  Can you tell I like to bargain shop?

Finally, this houndstooth dress which I adore was gifted to me by my little brother when I turned 23.  It's via Target and it's so short I have to wear tick leggings underneath.  It's hard to tell from this shot, but my shoes are the bomb!  They're copper, faux snaked skin platforms from Chinese Laundry and they're the comfiest ever.

I noticed that I don't really post photos of my daily outfits so this may be the first.  I'm bummed that I've been lagging on this, fashion is after all my mistress.  My style is definitely a combination of vintage and modern or vintage inspired with a little dash of rock and roll.  My fashion "muses" are not necessarily women either, Keith Richards and Jimi Hendrix are my main ones, but I adore the style of ladies such as Marianne Faithful and Janis Joplin.  High fashion and street fashion are also two of the spots I always hit for inspiration and I have subscriptions to Harper's Bazaar, W, Nylon, and film noir is always in the back of my brain when putting my look together (check out my cat eye liner).

Summer Festivals!

I look forward to summer not only for the warm weather, but for the music festivals!  San Francisco and the Bay Area in general hosts several festivals.  BFD (Big Fucking Day) used to be the shit a few year's ago when bands such as the Von Bondies, the Yeah Yeah Yeah's and Interpol played together the same day, but lately the station has been in some sort of shitty place because the best they can come up with is the Offspring and Alkaline Trio. No disrespect if you like those bands, but I'm not enticed to buy a $25 dollar ticket to check them out.  The Subsonic Tent, which is a rave/dance party of some sorts enclosed in a tent and happening in alignment with the horrid bands playing is crackin' this year- Crystal Castles, DJ AM, Villains, Steve Aoki, Mike Relm, Zion I, Paparazzi, The Limousines, Designer Drugs, DJ Omar, and DJ Miles.  I missed Crystal Castles twice, once here and also in NYC at CMJ Music Festival and will be the highlight of the day for sure.  Steve Aoki is a menace on those tables, he creates a fun vibe and everyone including him is dancing and jumping up and down.  The awesome Yeah Yeah Yeah's will be the only band on the main stage I am dying to see so it looks like you most likely catch me in the tent.  Can't wait!

A New Tradition

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  I wouldn't be all giddy about it a year ago because even though I'm Mexican  my family never celebrates this day.  You see, this holiday is celebrated here in the states, but not in Mexico (where we were born).  The date marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, when Mexico beat the French resistance under Napoleon.  Being the "hard-core" Mexican that I am I never bought into the holiday because frankly it's kinda random.  Why not go all out on September 16th, the date of the Mexican Independence instead?  Yesterday I was doing a little reading about the holiday and I realized that Mexicans here in the states (mainly in CA) celebrate it for patriotism.  Apparently Mexican Americans began celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the 1860's to begin a tradition in the new country.  I'm all about preserving tradition so this year marks the date when I will begin remembering this holiday.  Let the party begin!

Viva Vinyl!

I just opened my copy of of The Raconteurs' Salute Your Solution Record.  I've had it for a while, but for some reason I kept telling myself not to open it because I want to keep it in absolute prime condition.  I'm listening to the record as I type this and it's absolutely marvelous.  I'm pretty sure I've heard these two songs before: "Salute Your Solution" and "Top Yourself (Bluegrass Version)", but I'm listening to them with new ears since this is my firs time listening to them on vinyl.

Vinyl rocks.

Which by the way reminds me of an episode of No Reservations when Anthony Bourdain travels to Jamaica and hangs out with a musician who tells him about this circle of life/mega recycling process that occurs with records. Apparently dancehall musicians cherish vinyl to this day and is what they send to djs in hopes their music will be played on the radio or at a party.  If their record doesn't sell then it's recycled and made into a new record.  How cool is that?!

"Don't Read Them, Smoke Them"

Getting My Martha Stewart On

The day in pictures...

I saw this sign on my way to shop for two gifts at Street Light Records and decided to stop by for some tasty seafood, in this case "si food"...

The fish tacos were not as good as I expected.  They were $7 (a little pricey) and there was barely any fish in them!  But they look so good in this photo right?

I had the hardest time shopping for the gifts!  I spent at least thirty minutes at Streetlight and left without buying anything.  I decided to go to the mall, which I never do by the way because I dislike spending money on big companies that don't really need any more money to begin with and frankly, shopping at thrift stores is so much more fun because you never know what you are going to find.  The mall is also a place I don't really want to be at because I worked in one for four years.  The first store I went to was Nordstroms and totally got distracted at the shoe department.  Ibiza and Steve Madden seriously make the sexiest shoes ever.  I will have to search for all the cool ones I drooled over today and post pictures soon.  I left the mall without purchasing anything, but I did find inspiration at Urban Outfitters.  I totally fell in love with the following headband and I know the lady I'd be giving it to would appreciate it...

It's really cool looking in person and I like that it's girly, but tough.  I've also been seeing zippers all over the place and absolutely loved the idea of making a rose out of one.  I checked the price tag for this cute headband and it was $24 and that's when it clicked!  I can buy $24 worth of materials at the craft store and make a dozen headbands, so that's exactly what I did, except I spent less than $10.

I honestly thought it would be a piece of cake to whip up a rose out of a zipper but let me tell you that it's not walk in the park.  I gave up after a good hour and opted to make a bow instead...

The bow took at least thirty minutes to put together, not an easy task but patience is a virtue. I also wrapped the head bands in black ribbon which was also very tedious and I totally burned off the first layer of my skin with the hot glue gun, ouch!

I found this little brooch at the craft store and had to incorporate it into a head band as well.  I think I did a beautiful job if I may say so myself.  This second headband will be gifted to lady #2 who is celebrating her graduation.  

Times like these make me realize that making something yourself is a lot more successful, not only is it a lot cheaper but you are working your brain and hands!

I WANT THIS

It's so damn hard finding THE perfect leather jacket. I think this comes very close to what I'm looking for. Shall I buy?

Urban Renewal Hooded Leather Bomber, $168 Urban Outfitters

Coachella Blues

Next weekend is Coachella and I am not going :( My cousin Rosa and I hoped to go this year, but after planning it out the trip was going to cost an arm and a leg. The fiasco of figuring out where to stay in Indio for the night and how to get to and from the festival was so unattractive I totally gave up trying to make it work. In addition to that, attending a three day music festival is a really big commitment. Last year I went to the Outside Lands Music Festival at Golden Gate Park for three days and I was so pooped out after day one! The sun really kills you because it's beating down on your body and squeezing out the energy. There are a lot of cool bands I would have loved to see live:

Crystal Castles
Franz Ferdinand
Girl Talk
Molotov
N.A.S.A.
Paul McCartney
Peanut Butter Wolf
Steve Aoki
The Crystal Method
The Black Keys
Atmosphere
Band Of Horses
Booker T
Gang Gang Dance
Glasvegas
Liars
M.I.A
The Chemical Brothers (DJ Set)
The Killers
TRV$DJ-AM
TV On The Radio
Antony and the Johnsons
Brian Jonestown Massacre
Devendra Banhart
Lupe Fiasco
My Bloody Valentine
Public Enemy
The Cure
The Kills
Yeah Yeah Yeah's

...but I am sure they will have a show in the bay sometime in the coming months. Summer is my favorite time for live shows because of the outdoor music festivals such as Outside Lands, Rock the Bells and BFD and it's so much more convenient to go to those because admission is not $400 and they take place within 30 miles of my home. Ain't I glad I live near a popping place!

More San Francisco Art

Now, is this made by Girafa or is it an ode to Girafa?

And this clown totally reminded me of "Smile Now, Cry Later"...

Tormenta Tropical San Jose

Today I had the most beautiful day at the beach. The sun was out, the wind was tamed, the sea was amazing and I even found a sand dollar, weeee!! It's still Spring Break for another week and you know I'll be watching The Birds for the fifth time, listening to the Botticellis and counting the days til' Tormenta Tropical hits downtown SJ!! This is mos def my favorite cumbia party. If you don't know much about cumbia, you gotta know that it's amazing music from Colombia that sounds like this...



There are a few DJs around the world who have put a twist on cumbia and mixed it with electronic, hip hop and even rancheras.
In the bay there are two djs Oro 11 www.myspace.com/oro11 and Disco Shawn http://www.myspace.com/discoshawndj who have been throwing the dopest cumbia parties in San Francisco, recently Los Angeles, and now........SAN JOSE!




I know, I'm too cool....Hope to see you there, it's going to be hawt!