The daily chronicle of a fashion-and-beauty obsessed, style-writing, pseudo-Angeleno who made her way from the Great White North to La-La Land -- otherwise known as Los Angeles, California -- and back again.
Till the next big city calls out her name, that is.
About Me
Name: Haute Hippie
Location: Everywhere and anywhere
I'm a Vancouverite who moonlighted as an Angeleno. My momma is the best in the entire world, and I'll argue you hoarse on that one. I've been in love only once in my life. The East Coast calls me but the West Coast is in my blood. Social butterflies -- and party animals -- are a great species. Fashion and writing will be the death of me, but what a way to go. Carine Roitfeld is fabulous. I would die a painful death if art, design, photography, fashion, music and dancing did not exist. Always kind of wondered why Smurfette was the only girl in town. I can't draw. Absolutely believe everything happens for a reason. I feel so lucky to have the girlfriends that I do. I'm a total sun baby. Think I might be a workaholic. I may have slight road rage. Ice cream and hockey are religions. I buy too many glossy magazines. Nothing beats someone with a killer sense of humor. Chivalry is really not dead. I'm a victim of minor vertigo and a serious lead foot. Always up for meeting people from paths different than mine and crossing paths with old friends. At the very end of it all, I want to be able to look back and say: Yeah, I sure lived a damn good life.
If you're living in New York, please -- for the love of all that is sartorial -- get down to Uniqlo and pick up one of Mister Wang's dresses for $50 to $60, which rolled out earlier today. Apparently, doors opened at this morning to special editors, stylists and FOAs (Friends of Alex), all of whom were sipping Bellinis at 9 am.
Yes, folks, bellinis at 9 in the morning. Helps to be a Conde Nastie or Hearst babe.
Anyhoo, once the initial racks run out, 200 more dresses in each style will go up, at which point I assume that'll be it.
You can't have Erin Wasson and the girls at Nylon be the only chiquitas in town rocking the Alexander Wang for Uniqlo, right??
I'm Lovin' it: This picture of Marc Jacobs is worth a thousand Martin Margiela Spotlight clutches. It is widely believed he's making a childish statement to Suzy Menkes of IHT, though he denies it to this day. Either way, it's still really, really, really hilarious.
I'm Over it: Stress levels are increasing...work is one of the culprits...need a glass of something either red or white...
Music of the Day: Cut Copy. From Melbourne, Australia. Exceptionally catchy stuff, especially "Feel The Love".
* Photos property of refinery29.com, style.com, nymag.com, krui.files.wordpress.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Please, fellas -- for the love of god -- do NOT purchase and wear these mandals from Raf Simons.
I respect Raf, but these horrific excuses for shoes are not beautiful or sexy or hot.
They're just plain butt. And they cost over two grand.
Review below. I'm sure you'll agree with me (except for my new favorite fashion blogger Bryanboy, who not only loves these mandals, but also claims he's so gay, he sweats glitter).
I'm Lovin' it: This Apple vending machine in New York. Um, iPod Nano anyone?
I'm Over it: OMG! I almost had a heart attack. The Detroit Red Wings almost scored to tie up game three with the Pittsburgh Penguins. I'm all about Sid the Kid winning this year.
Photo of the Day: This rather regal one of Anna Wintour in her custom-made Chanel haute couture gown from the Costume Institute gala. She looks like some majestic alien queen, like the mother of Natalie Portman's Queen Padme Amidala or something.
* Photos property of bryanboy.com, i.cnn.net.com, racked.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
This morning, I happened across a picture of the stylish Rachel Bilson at the Rogan for Target debut at Barneys in Beverly Hills.
She, as always, looked hip and put together (boyfriend blazer over short loose dress), but this time she really brought it home with the gorgeous shoes that were on her feet: Martin Margiela open-toe ankle boots in nude.
With its four-inch wedge heel and wide band, these babies are super fashion-forward and slightly remind me of the shoe silhouettes coming out from the House of Chloe (remember the pair on Kate Bosworth at LAX?).
Right now, it seems the only retailers carrying them are eLuxury and Barneys, which means their cost is on the luxe side -- as in $595 USD.
I'll give Steve Madden and Nine West a few months to knock them off.
I'm Lovin' it: Most likely Turkey. In July for a few days. With good friends. Iyi kere! (apparently, this means "good times")
I'm Over it: Why is it that I can hang up all the clothes on my bed one moment, only to find a new stack on there at day's end? It's not like a do five outfit changes throughout the day. No, honestly, I don't...
Album of the Day: Here's a blast from the past: Nirvana Unplugged, possibly the greatest unplugged albums ever made. Kenzo had it playing on our drive to the 'burbs on Sunday, and I remembered exactly why Kurt Cobain was so awesome. Plus, Woxy was playing Nirvana for their Memorial Day weekend "Modern Rock 500" show, bringing me back to the 90s in an auditory flash.
* Photos property of eluxury.com, turkishplaces.co.uk, nipissingu.ca and are used solely for commentary purposes
Whomever is behind the French label Balmain -- founded by the late Pierre Balmain in the early 20th century -- is a genius.
Ever since that short, black Balmain number made it onto the Zone Diet bodies of Celine Dion and Diane Kruger, I've been taking special note of one-shouldered frocks from the French house making paparazzi-worthy appearances.
Like these ones on French Vogue editrix (and my fashion hero) Carine Roitfeld and her equally stylish daughter Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, both snapped during a day at Cannes.
I noticed a few one-shouldered tops and dresses, a la Balmain, at the new downtown H&M that just opened up here -- ah, how I wish I spoke to the MisShapes' Leigh Lezark instead of lamely taking a camera phone picture! -- and seeing as how it is H&M, the price tag will obviously be a whole lot more affordable than an original.
Though I highly doubt putting on a one-shouldered will get me anywhere looking like either Roitfeld, but hey, a girl can dream.
I'm Lovin' it: Beach Saturdays and BBQ Sundays. A huge crew of us trekked to Kid-d's mom's place out in the boonie 'burbs so the guys could have a few go-rounds of paintball, followed by a delicious BBQ and a few hours of chilling in nature. It was a far cry from the constant police sirens and crazy people yelling at each other outside my apartment building. And you know, it really was kind of nice.
I'm Over it: Pesky mosquitos from those few hours of chilling in nature. It made me remember the pros of city living.
Track of the Day: For someone who enjoys a lot of different kinds of music, I will sheepishly admit to not having listened to much of hippie-dippie Devendra Banhart. Yesterday on the drive back from the 'burbs, Kenzo threw on some Banhart for the Sher Bear and I to hear. His song "Little Yellow Spider" is pretty funny, a sort of cutesy kind of tribute to animals of the world. My favorite verse? Hands down this one:
"Well, I came upon a dancing crab, and I stopped to watch it shake I said, "Dance for me just one more time Before you hibernate and you come out a crab cake."
Sher Bear and I burst out laughing when that came on. God, I love crab cakes.
* Photos property of popsugar.com, jameskendi.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Brian Jones from The Rolling Stones provided Herr Lagerfeld with obvious inspiration, down to the hat and haircut on opening/closing model Sasha Pivovarova.
And on Diane Kruger, too.
That Kruger, always showing up at events and looking so goshdarn amazing.
PS. Anyone know that name of this particular hat silhouette?? It's not a porkpie and it's not a fedora...what is it?
* Photos property of style.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
I spent a very lazy Sunday hanging out with my girls Aims and Berry on the streets of Robson and Granville, checking out what fashion had in store for me on the long weekend.
Well, it had in store for me these AH-MAY-ZING Spring/Summer '08, bondage-inspired "Macy" heels from the rock 'n' roll peeps over at Miss Sixty.
The multiple straps, open-toe, zipper back and Miss Sixty side signatures made me hyperventilate as soon as I spotted them, and I continued to hyperventilate as I slipped them on.
And then over-hyperventilation kicked in when I saw the price tag.
Little ole me wasn't fully prepared to fork over $300 for the Macy, considering my upcoming voyages this summer (more details later), so back on the B2 Shoes shelf it went.
I will, however, put them on in my mind and rock out to some Pat Benatar.
Or Allison Mosshart.
Either or would do.
I'm Lovin' it: The chance to see Leigh Lezark, live and in person at the H&M opening tonight. She's cool, but you all already knew that. Greg and Geordon are aight, too -- they rock the bowl-cut better than no other.
I'm Over it: Go away, swollen lymph node in the back of my neck. It's currently a bit sore and making my nose run, since Mister Lymph Node is obviously not taking his job seriously and regulating my immune system as well as he's supposed to be. Yes, I made it male, and for good reason, too. Ha, just kidding, boys.
Track of the Day: My pals and I took in the Kaskade show on Sunday night and he played his version of Robin S.'s Show Me Love. Dance Mix '93, what!
* Photos property of Miss Sixty, shoes.com, nymag.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
It's all about color, color, color when spring and summer roll around.
Pucci prints, Missoni motifs, Jackson Pollock-inspired spatter patterns, neons, pastels, bright jewels -- each is fair game come SS '(insert year)!
Office supply chain Staples is making sure that your closet matches your desk by launching the M by Staples stationary and office collection. They've got luggage, journals, notebooks, file folders, thumbtacks and bulldog clips in enough patterns and colors to rival your Crayola box (assuming you still have yours kicking around from grade one).
Their new ad campaign is wickedly clever, too.
Filing bills and receipts being stylish?
I woulda never thought.
I'm Lovin' it: Getting my Maria Sharapova on with Scoots and Viv at le tennis courts this evening. Okay, Maria's slightly better than me. Whatever.
I'm Over it: Uggs hired L.A.-based designer Rozae Nichols to design their apparel line, which will begin as a 14-piece collection. Will it be shearling-lined and ugly?? My guess is yay and yay, but you never know.
Track of the Day: Cheap and Cheerful from sexy electro-rock band The Kills' new album "Midnight Boom". Jamie Hince and Allison Mosshart were apparently inspired by Pizza Pizza Daddy-O, a 1960s documentary about inner-city schools. That'll explain the sing-song vibe and occasional hand claps. It all works, and makes this Kills album one of my favorites of '08 so far. Oh, and dammit, they were in town doing a show yesterday and I didn't know till last minute.
* Photos property of mbystaples.com, Taylor PR, weddingbee.com, stereogum.com, style.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
My girlfriend Sangria just got back from Australia last Friday and couldn't stop talking about how well-dressed the folks Down Under were all the time.
Sounds like my kind of people!
I've seen quite a few friends take off to Oz in the past few years: my buddy Skirts, my pal Jibba and my old boss/mentor Kate, formerly the Western Editor of FASHION Magazine, with whom I credit for making me fully realize my sartorial and writing inclinations.
I can see why Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast are ideal places to live: beautiful beaches, blue waters, adorable accents, practically year-round sun, cute koalas, baby Joeys, Sass & Bide, Ksubi, Zambesi, Jayson Brunsdon, Alex Perry, Lisa Ho, Michelle Jank and Kirrily Johnston.
Ah, Kirrily.
I wanted every single, blouson-y, casual chic piece in her High Summer 07-08 collection. Her color palette consisted of three colors -- white, black and this bright pop of pinky-purple. The silhouettes were youthful, yet tasteful with drawstring, big pockets, collars and elasticized waists serving as perfect embellishments. That white jacket with ruffled collar had me bug-eyed with ecstasy, and the contrast between voluminous and body-skimming was a harmonious dynamic.
Mate, I really wasn't kidding when I said I wanted everything in this collection.
I'm Lovin' it: My best guy friend K-Dizzle rocked a grey-striped red tie with his navy blue suit on Saturday night (he was coming off his accounting convocation dinner), and I appreciated the boldness of the red against the navy. That's why I was super excited when I came across Cyberoptix Tie Lab, which touts that their ties "don't suck". Well, they don't. Call 'em ties for the dandy dude.
I'm Over it: Think there's an itsy-bitsy spider hiding in my bed, because I woke up with bites on my finger and back.
Music of the Day: Ladyhawke. Her real name is Pip Brown from Sydney and her electro-rock gets into your head. Make sure to check out these three remixes of her track "Back Of The Van" off her official website: Mock & Toof (trance-ish), Ultimate Beverly from Fred Falke (disco house) and Van She Tech (hardcore electronica, a la Simian Mobile Disco or Digitalism). Sooooo good.
* Photos property of kirrilyjohnston.com, cyberoptix.com, 2depressed2getdressed.blogspot.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Brands and retailers are loving the pop-up shop concept lately, like Repetto, Earnest Sewn, Camper and Comme des Garcons.
Now there's a Made in HK, a pop-up store that opened on Lafayette in New York last week, housing a bunch of indie clothing, accessories and objects labels from Hong Kong -- like Muse, G.O.D. and The Mint -- for a month. This project is the brainchild of project-based retail venturer Multiple Choice.
The store closes shop (literally) on May 31st, so if you're tired of things made in the USA, then Made In HK is probably for you.
* Photo property of multiplechoiceonline.com and is used solely for commentary purposes
It seemed a lot weird to most Sex and the City fans that the movie's premiere was taking place in London, and not the show's "fifth lady" and first love: New York.
Despite the brouhaha, the SATC premiere has come and gone today in London, bringing heaps of fans out to see what the lovely quartet were wearing on the red carpet.
Sarah Jessica Parker channeled Carrie Bradshaw in every way, wearing a pale green tulle and feather strapless Alexander McQueen and a sky-high, garden-themed Phillip Treacy Hat with her trademark curly locks down and loose. It is TBD whether the shoes on her feet were Manolos.
Kim Cattrall picked racy red Vivienne Westwood, Cynthia Nixon looked stunning in a rather revealing black Calvin Klein and Kristin Davis was sugary sweet in her pretty-looking vintage.
After trying to get this film up and running for awhile, the girls have finally done it -- martinis, Manolos, Magnolia, men and all.
It's been a long four years, but May 28th will be worth the wait.
I'm Lovin' it: These SS08 Givenchy gladiator heels, because they remind me so much of the Christian Dior pair SJP wears with that amazing green and white dress in a scene with Chris "Big" Noth (as seen from those promo stills and pap shots).
I'm Over it: More than two weeks till the North American SATC premiere. Obviously.
Track of the Day: All Dressed In Love by Jennifer Hudson, for the Sex and the City movie soundtrack. It's such an SATC song. Kudos to Jennifer Hudson for scoring a role as Carrie's assistant, too. Getting kicked off American Idol was the best thing to happen to J-Hud! Also "The Heart of the Matter", that Eagles hit redone by India Arie from , which seems to serve as the movie's new theme song.
* Photos property of shopbop.com, sexandthecitymovie.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Mint is probably the greatest little green leaf to ever grow on this earth.
Mint juleps, mojitos, those mint chocolates from the bulk bins at grocery stores (I can probably eat 50 of those in one sitting, but that would be gross...not that I've ever, um, tried), the mint chocolate syrup for waffles at Cafe Medina, mint Chapstick, minty Colgate toothpaste, Wrigley Doublemint gum...
But my absolute favorite mint-infused product of late isn't edible.
Philosophy's Empowermint handwash is tingly clean and leaves your mitts smelling more fresh than first-year college kids. Jenks has a bottle of it in his guest bathroom, enticing me to wash my hands more than the daily requirement -- and trust me, I'm already a chronic handwasher.
Empowermint rings up at the cash register at around $12 USD, which is equivalent to three mint hot chocolates from Starbucks.
Plus it saves you hundreds of ingested, minty evil calories. What a blessing -- bikini season is here!
Time to wash my hands again...
I'm Lovin' it: The fact that the muse for Karl Lagerfeld's newest accessory collection with ANG is, well, Karl Lagerfeld. Think lots of rock 'n' roll hardware. I just heart the Kaiser -- narcissism, hatred for fat people and children and all.
I'm Over it: The ticketing jerks who spotted my California-plated car in a permit zone and got me towed instead of giving a girl a break. Imagine my surprise leaving work this afternoon. Yaaaay, surprise. Busters Towing, you're going down. And so are those dudes who called me in. Yeah, I know it's my fault. Shoulda known better.
Track of the Day: "Up In The Clock Tower" by The Photographic, an ambient, instrumental rock duo from Louisville, Kentucky. Jamey See Tai and Chad Blevins met in study hall back in the day, which goes to show that being kept in after school isn't always a complete waste of time.
* Photos property of amazon.com, manolomen.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
1. Paris fashion labels April 77 and Kitsune having their own music labels. The latter touts psychedelic rock, garage and post-punk, while Kitsune does electronica. Heard of Klaxons, The Gossip and Digitalism? You have the Kitsune Maison CD compilations to thank for that.
2. Aussie Fashion Week. I'm enamored with Tina Kalivas. Her Hex 2008 collection looks like something out of Judy Jetson's closet. If she was into Balenciaga and Prada, that is. Futuristic warrior princesses, unite. Note: I'm dedicating an entire post on Tina tomorrow.
3. This quote from Carrie Bradshaw, given the fact I'm currently writing away at a coffee shop, sipping on a London Fog and dreaming of couture:
“Just your typical day. Breakfast with Balenciaga. Mid-morning coffee with Vivienne Westwood. Lunch with Lacroix … and de la Renta. And for dessert –- Karl Lagerfeld."
4. The new plastic water bottle my roomie got me as a birthday pressie. It's got this piece you put in the freezer so your H2O stays cool like that (Digable Planets reference!) all day.
5. A hilarious blog Jenks sent me called The Arab Parrot. Basically, it follows the shenanigans of this L.A. hipster, Middle Eastern dude with Weird Al Yankovich curls, a mustache, plenty of crazy hipster friends and no obvious line of work except partying, picture taking and blogging. And he thinks Kanye West is super gay.
6. Getting a shout-out from a yuppie mom sitting at Starbucks today, who was openly admiring my bright teal Lifetime Collective jacket.
7. Discovering a hidden chocolate cafe in English Bay while heading to my bday dins on Sunday with K-Dizzle, Mikey, Kenzo, Berry and Ads. I feel a girls night coming on!
8. Model of the moment Agyness Deyn actually sounding pretty good in her single "Who" with NYC band Five O'Clock Heroes.
9. The smoked salmon and dill cream cheese benny consumed by me and Berry for lunch at Phat today. Kenzo, you missed out by eating that chicken club AND refusing chocolate chip cookie offers.
10. Five words: Notorious B.I.G. Greatest Hits CD.
Not Cool:
1. Heidi Montag's "Heidiwood" collection with Anchor Blue. How many ways can you look like a cheap hooker? As many pieces as are in her very bad collection, I say.
2. Since when do London Fogs cost $3.50! Damn you, Blenz. That's what you get for trying to use their free wireless, as in it ain't really that free after all.
3. Getting my car washed and vacuumed yesterday at Elephant Car Wash near Quebec Street and feeling a little at odds with how many people were working on it for me. Think I counted ten individuals -- two to vacuum, four to wash and four to dry and windex. It seemed horribly, horribly wrong. Didn't the Emanciapation Proclamation come out like a century and a half ago?
4. The damn 1-800 and 1-416 numbers that keep calling me without leaving messages. I don't know you, so I won't answer but please -- for the love of god, sorry to all atheists -- at least tell me who you are via voicemail if you're going to call twice every day.
5. My ringtone. I dig Outkast a lot, but considering I'm getting to be in my mid-late twenties, it may be wiser to revert back to a standard ringtone. My sincerest apologies to Andre and Big Boi, but I just can't have "Atliens" telling everyone to "throw your hands in the ay-air" every time my phone blows up.
6. Uh, when did everyone decide to come into this coffee shop and take up all the wireless while I'm trying to work?! I'm out. Like Eric on Gossip Girl last Monday.
* Photos property of homageclothing. com, berlinista.com, elle.se, static.it, celebrityclothingline.com, tinakavilas.com, sensorialtrip.wordpress.com, everything-outkast.com, netweed.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Just wanted to say congratulations to Stacey Bendet!
The adorably cute designer for alice + olivia is expecting her first child with fiance Eric Eisner (of the Disney Eisners).
I had the good fortune of interviewing her a few years back during my time fashion contributing at 944 Magazine in L.A., and she's one of the sweetest people I've ever chatted with for an article.
Plus, she makes the greatest party dresses ever.
* Photo property of racked.com and is used solely for commentary purposes
Yesterday was the fashion industry's biggest event -- some even call it the Oscars of the east coast.
I'm talking about the Costume Institute gala at the New York Metropolitan Museum, sponsored by Vogue every year and co-sponsored by Giorgio Armani this year.
Superheroes was the theme this time around, and although most ladies shied away from keeping up with the theme, there sure was still an eyeful of gorgeous dresses to oogle.
My personal favorites? Kate Mara in a yellow Zac Posen, Camilla Belle in Armani Prive, Diane Kruger in a short grey Alberta Ferretti, Thandie Newton in Chanel Haute Couture, Anna Wintour in custom-made Chanel, Christy Turlington Burns in Escada, Eva Longoria Parker in Marchesa, Ivanka Trump in J. Mendel with a gorgeous jewel head piece, Coco Rocha in Pucci, Lisa Airan in custom-made Rodarte, Michelle Trachtenberg in vintage, Julie Gilhart in Christopher Kane, Claudia Schiffer in Valentino, Vogue's Valerie Boster in Jonathan Saunders and Balenciaga, Gisele Bundchen in Versace, Lauren Santo Domingo in Nina Ricci, Blake Lively in Ralph Lauren and Rachel Bilson in Calvin Klein.
I think the best of the night had to be UK designer Gareth Pugh, though.
He came dressed as Karl Lagerfeld, who is his personal superhero.
I'm Lovin' it: The heels photographed here on Style.com's Candy Pratts Price! This woman is awesome, seriously. Her accessories slideshows are always the highlight of my Style.com visits. The lady's got a good eye.
I'm Over it: The hard callous forming on my right thumb from whacking balls at the driving range after work with Tom Tom yesterday.
Photo of the Day: This photo of Blake Lively taken for a spread in Vanity Fair during the Spring/Summer '08 collections in Paris. What makes the shot particularly amazing is the contrast in colors, hands down. It almost makes it seem as if Lively is super-imposed onto a Parisian backdrop, but we know she's not.
* Photos property of style.com, vanityfair.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
New York Daily News is saying it and so is Oprah -- the Sex and the City movie is a good one, y'all!
The ladies made an appearance with Oprah last Thursday, chit-chatting about the movie and life in general. O gave the film fantastical reviews, as have reviewers who have screened the flick.
SJP had a total of 81 outfit changes during the filming, and while the other three had about 200 between them. Yeow, that's a lot of Manolos and Loubs.
I already have a SATC movie day planned out with my gals, which includes eats, heels, Carrie hair and a cocktail or ten.
Am I excited for May 30th?
In the words of Big himself (earmuffs for those under 18): Absa-fucking-lutely.
I'm Lovin' it: I've been digging the color nude lately, after seeing a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs pumps in that shade at Gravity Pope a month ago. Sam Edelman has his fantastic Gilda gladiator sandals in the hue, as well as in a python print version of the same style, which I spotted while perusing one of my favorite Yaletown shops yesterday. It'll look great against tanned skin -- real or otherwise.
I'm Lovin' it, Part II: My dad, for his extremely generous gift for my birthday this year!! It was almost too much to handle, but thanks dad...
I'm Over it: My current pile of laundry. I never let it get this bad! Also, Hedi Slimane took some very gorgeous shots of Sasha Pivovarova, but I never really realized how thin Sasha is -- she has no chest whatsoever. Pivovarova is one of the best models out there, but honey, please eat a cupcake or something.
Art of the Day: My buddy J. Davis and I are checking out the Raif Adelberg art opening on Thursday. Adelberg is an artist, designer and mag publisher all in one, and this will be his first exhibition. It should be rather cool, I'd like to think. If you're in town, make sure to check it out, too.
* Photos property of SATC, Raif Adelberg, revolveclothing.com, hedislimane.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
So it's kind of dark and gloomy outside, which means VRBF will be a rainy one.
Or not at all.
It's been a crazy, crazy busy week with a lot of things coming up.
Let's hope Erin Wasson -- one of my favorite models out there right now -- gets better soon, having broke her foot while doing a photo shoot with Justin Timberlake for his William Rast line. Word is her foot was so fragile and delicate from years of wearing heels, the high-impact was enough for it to snap. Yeow!
Anyway, Erin, get well soon because Alexander Wang needs you.
Happy Friday, y'all!
I'm Lovin' it: Gangsta Rap Friday. With Keith's.
I'm Over it: Rain. Again. Nice.
Track of the Day: M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel's version of I Should Have Known Better by The Beatles. It's like a very Hawaiian tropic take on the original. Relaxing enough for you to pretend to believe you just might be chilling at a luau in Maui.
* Photos property of She & Him, askmen.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Girl Talk's Night Ripper album was one of my favorites for 2007 -- the number of songs Gregg Gillis sampled from is mind-boggling.
Part of the fun of listening to Girl Talk -- besides dancing to it -- is in trying to name each sample as it comes up in 15 to 20 second intervals.
There was a song in Girl Talk's track "Warm It Up" that I didn't know, but was dying to find out who did the original. Thanks to Woxy -- the internet radio station we listen to at cut & SHOW -- I found out it's called "Heartbeat" by Swedish chanteuse Annie.
The section I'm particularly talking about comes in at 30 seconds into both "Heartbeat" and "Warm It Up" -- I've posted the music videos respectively below.
Google went and got itself some serious style in the last few days.
The internet giant recently launched its "Artist Themes" after lassoing 68 artists, musicians and designers to create skins for people to pimp out their Google pages.
We're talking Coldplay, Diane Von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Shepard Fairey, Phillipe Starck, Oscar de le Renta, Marc Ecko, Lance Armstrong, Jeff Koons, Todd Oldham and Dolce & Gabbana, the latter whom I chose to pretty up my iGoogle.
You can personalize the page even further by adding date & time, a Things To Do notepad, news, horoscopes, a section called Places To See Before You Die, weather, Word of the Day, a YouTube search and more. Add or delete said options, rearrange the sections as you please and change up your skin whenever you want.
I'm thinking of putting up Shepard Fairey next. So rad.
And now when I want to Google some new designer, I've got a little leopard skin Dolce & Gabbana to help me out.
PS. Check out my iGoogle below! PPS. Yes, I'm a Taurus.
I'm Lovin' it: Aims' birthday dinner last night was fun, fun, fun. She and Kid-d introduced me to this delicious -- and artery clogging -- condiment called Three Cheese Butter. Only at The Keg. And only once every year, unless I feel like a cardiac arrest before reaching 30.
Laugh of the Day: I'm not over anything today, so instead I'll post this hilarious parody of Anya Hindmarch's uber popular, eco-friendly "I'm Not A Plastic Bag". Yes, folks. It says, "I'm Not A Douche Bag". HAHAHAHA!
Music of the Day: OMG. I'm so into Grovesnor right now. Rob Smoughton -- the former drummer for Hot Chip -- is now churning out kick-ass music under the Grovesnor name, which one can only describe as being this cool mix of electro, soul, new wave, 80s and synth pop. His version of "Nitemoves" is slick, but my favorite track is called "The One". Chill as hell. Get his new album "Drive Your Car" now -- music video to the song of the same name is below.
* Photos property of Google, cafepress.com, Fashion Indie, Grovesnor and are used solely for commentary purposes
