Category: Fashion & Beauty
Street Style Profile: Julien Cahen
Julien Cahen is our latest and most James Dean-like subject thus far. Though slightly less American than Dean, Julien hails from the French countryside. His style is laid back yet polished, and always unique. He is currently living in and enjoying Athens culture and all it has to offer in the way of food, music, and entertainment. This week we find out about his influences, some things he just can’t live without, and the best advice he’s ever gotten. And scroll down to hear a playlist of his favorite songs!
How would you describe your personal style?
I’d say its a balance between rugged and refined. I look to classic movie stars like Sinatra, Clark Gable and Cary Grant. Not down to every detail of their dress, but their essence and how they carry themselves. I’m influenced by the spirit of the American gentleman. Growing up, my dad loved watching American Westerns. Stars like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood were strong, confident personalities. I’m a fan of the gentleman-farmer look. Marlboro Classic is a brand that exudes this feeling – it’s outdoor adventure clothing but with a stylish twist. Casual but durable American ranch-wear with Italian influences in the tailoring…don’t get me wrong though – I like a good pair of sweatpants and a hoodie.
What are ten things you can’t live without ?
1. A good chopping knife- I just got a new one I can’t wait to use.
2. My fiancé – she’s my muse.
3. The NPR podcast Radio Lab- I like to listen to it on long drives.
4. My garden – I’m trying to walk in the footsteps of my dad who is a farmer. We just got our first two tomatoes of the season – pretty exciting!
5. Action movies, preferably with zombies.
6. Garlic is an essential ingredient for me in the kitchen. It makes everything taste better.
7. Brunch.
8. A cup of tea or espresso everyday – it’s soothing and cozy. It’s my afternoon routine.
9. Soccer or running is important for me and helps me center myself.
10. My weekly phone calls to me family back in France.
What is your Spirit Animal ?
I was told it was a whale once, because I’m peaceful but powerful…so I don’t know, but the Chinese calendar says I’m the rat – go figure.
What are your future aspirations – or at least for the next five years?
To retire to the beach within the next five years. … just kidding. I’ve always wanted to open a
restaurant.
If you could pick a superpower, what would it be?
To stop or control time.
What is something you learned since moving to the U.S?
Being more open-minded. Moving to a new place can be challenging but rewarding. I think everyone should move somewhere totally different at least once in their life.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received ?
I grew up in a very family-oriented culture, and I was always told to give time to my elders. This advice has served me well. I have so much respect for older generations and the wisdom they share. Also, my dad told me once, if you ever want to seduce a girl, be friends with her mom first…so far that’s worked.
Street Style Profile: Kristin Karch
This week, we talk with Athens-based student and photographer, Kristin Karch. Kristin’s style – as well as her personality – is an equal balance of sweet and sassy. She’s mastered the art of style, but always with a certain coolness that says she can go with the flow; somewhere in between the girl next door and the girl all the bad guys want.
Below, we have her featured in an American Apparel dress, Marc Jacobs shoes and her all-American Polo sunglasses – the perfect ensemble for this sunny summer day.
Apart from her excellent wardrobe, Kristin’s work as a photographer is always impressive, poignant and refined. She seems to be able to capture a certain story through her pictures – some of which we’ve included below.
Read on to see collections of her favorite things and to find out about her inspirations. Also, scroll down to check out her exclusive playlist made especially for Vinyl Mag – enjoy!
1) How do you approach dress, and what influences your personal style?
I wear a lot of dresses, because it is so easy to make a whole outfit with just one piece. I am currently obsessed with printed babydoll dresses from American Apparel. Other then that, I like to balance solid staple pieces like high wasted jeans or crop tops with other pieces that are a little more fun. Even though I have a ton of clothes, I catch myself wearing the same five things a lot of the time.
2) What is your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession is an old metal suitcase that my grandmother gave me. It is filled with old photographs from her childhood and also some 19th century photographs. This imagery has come to be a crucial part of my artwork and has also influenced the way I think about photography.
3) We know you’re an amazing photographer. Can you tell us a little about how you got into photography and about your creative process?
I got into photography around freshman year of high school when I bought my first 35mm camera. I continued to shoot film for a couple years until I got my first digital camera. I had a darkroom set up in my house and was pretty big on doing things completely analog. I shoot mostly digital now and do a lot of work with scanning. Vintage prints and film still have a large influence in my work.
4) What or who is influencing you and your work now?
Elverum from Mount Eerie has been a huge source of inspiration from the time I was 15. It is hard to explain, but his music is exactly the mood I feel when I make work. He produced a record called “Mount Eerie Pts. 6 & 7” that came with a large photo book, and when I look at it and listen at the same time, it creates this bizarre but incredible feeling.
5) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I am lucky that I have been able to travel a lot for my age. Excluding all of the places I have already been, I would love to go to Iceland if I could go anywhere. I don’t know much about it, but pictures I have seen from there are strange, foggy and mysterious. All things I love.
Kristin’s Playlist:
Street Style Profile: Tito Carlo Piero Mazzetta
Tito Carlo Piero Mazzetta is an aspiring Atlanta-based DJ whose personal style is truly unique. Coming from an artistic family with an international background, he has a laid back and confident air about him that shows through and makes him truly magnetic. Today we talk to him about what influences his style, the ways that music brings people together and the direction of Dance and Electro from his perspective. Make sure to scroll down for Tito’s special Vinyl Mag edition playlist, and be sure to check out the link to his Soundcloud for some originals by the man himself.
How would you describe your personal style? What or who influences and inspires you and the way you approach dress?
I would say my personal style is eclectic and somewhat eccentric. I know how to be formal but when I am dressing casually I like to a unique style that subtly sticks out. I love graphic tees with crazy graphics on it. For example, I have this one with a picture of the statue of Perseus holding up Medusa’s head. I try to mix urban and sophisticated styles when one talks about the whole range of my wardrobe.
Can you tell us a little bit about your music making background and process?
I had some piano lessons when I was younger and would always fiddle around on the various electric keyboards that my dad would give. I have been making electronic music since 2006. I was so obsessed with learning how to make music that I would just fidget on my computer for hours figuring the ins and outs of the rudimentary Garageband. I took an electronic music course in high school to further my knowledge and give me a good understanding of other more sophisticated software such as Logic. I currently use Ableton 9 live to create my music. The music creation process starts with playing around and making a melody or a bass line or a drumbeat from scratch and then I just build and add layers on top of that. It’s a very progressive and experimental process. I try to not use samples. If I do it would be for a vocal bit. I feel like music creation in its essence is very therapeutic.
Do you feel like your time living and traveling abroad has impacted or informed your taste in general and in music?
I would absolutely say that my time traveling and visiting friends/family abroad has impacted my music taste. It is the whole reason why I have such an obsession with all the different types of electronic music. I remember when I was around 14 and I was in Italy and I started actually getting interested in music and partying. I would hear this kind of music that I would never hear in the States. I would think to myself “What kind of music is that?” “Who is that artist?” . I love the way this makes me feel and how it makes large groups of other people feel. The vibes that encompassed the people around me when listening to this music was magical to me. At that point in time it started me on my never ending journey of music discovery. I started becoming hyper-obsessed with underground electronic music. I went on a journey through jungle, happy hardcore, liquid and 2-step drum & bass, techno, indie-dance, nu-disco, funky house, jackin house, acid house, hard house, breaks etc. I just kept hearing new stuff which would make me want to know and fathom everything about that genre and its corresponding sub genres. I started DJing as a way to show my deep obsession and appreciation with this kind of music. I got my first turntables in around 2007, and to this day I follow 200+ labels and dissect 50-200 tracks a day digging for new music for my next set whichever direction I decide to go in. Whatever vibe the crowd or setting I’m in is giving off- I have something to go with it. But I always stick to the underground. When I create my DJ set it is like telling a story from scratch. Every set I make I have 95% new or unused tracks I want my listeners experience to be special and unique with me. I want them to have to have a powerful experience and an amazing time dancing and grooving to tracks that they will only hear from me and nobody else that they go and see. Whether its soulful and melodic, or hard and techy, I always have a different story I can tell. To sum things up, It all started from the experiences I had spending my summers in Italy, and traveling around different parts of Europe.
How do you feel about the current state of Electro and Dance music as a genre in the United States- Do you think this genre is meant to stay an underground or niche movement, or do you believe it can be appreciated by a larger American audience?
I think that EDM as they call it these days is growing exponentially throughout the United States. New York, Miami, LA, Chicago, Detroit have always been associated with great places to hear amazing DJs in the electronic music world. Techno was actually created in Detroit and is the grandfather of a lot of the genres that you hear today. I think that what you hear in the commercial clubs of today is no longer underground and is already appreciated by larger audiences. Take a look at the main stage at Tommorowworld. It was packed to the max with all EDM DJs. Playing the same tracks over and over. EDM is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to electronic music. I don’t want to sound pretentious but the people that come to see real underground music usually have a more sophisticated taste in electronic music. They have a deeper understanding of the vibes. They have been on that journey and are now deep into underground. I have never met someone that goes backwards once they get the feel of an underground dance party. Whether it’s a hard techno warehouse party or a sophisticated invite only pool party atop a 5 star hotel. There is an underground vibe for everyone. It’s all a matter of whether people want to go on that journey of self-discovery or not to uncover partying at its quintessence. It is a place where DJ’s take the chance in the tracks they play, and do so as an art of self-expression rather than a soulless form of playing top 40 charts.
Well said, but lastly and most importantly- if you went the Daft Punk route and decided to perform with a mask or costume- we want to know, what would your altar ego/mask be?
Hmm I don’t know about this one. I think if I had to wear a piece of apparel it would be some 1940’s WW2 Airplane pilot Goggles.
*Check out the playlist that Tito made for us below!
Makeup Artistry: The Best Makeup Artists Out There
There’s a reason I’ve always felt weird about putting on makeup in front of boyfriends. It’s as if the curtain has risen, and behind it I’m a little less perfect and a lot more vain – and I blame it on the frivolous associations that people have with makeup. But I’m putting my foot down. Makeup is art, and the wielders of the brushes are true artists, using their powders and creams like any painter would pigments. My proof? The spectacular makeup artists below.
Best All-Around: Pat McGrath
Damn, does this Brit have a killer lineup: she’s done makeup for Vogue, W and Harper’s Bazaar covers, and fashion shows from Prada and Dolce & Gabbana to Miu Miu. If that wasn’t enough, this year she was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to the beauty and fashion industries. It’s no surprise why: she can do it all, from tame, glowing skin at Dolce to unbelievably abstract, colorful eyes at Dior.
The Mod Man: Tom Pecheux
As an avid lover of the 60s, the looks Tom Pecheux creates nearly strike me dead. They’re bold and graphic and look great on the pages of a magazine, no doubt the reason photographers like Patrick Demarchelier and Mario Testino are head over heels for his work. He’s also a fashion house favorite, from mod white eyes at Moschino to sassy pink liner at Derek Lam.
The All-American: Gucci Westman
Some of America’s favorite girls next door have been made up by the legendary Gucci Westman: Drew Barrymore, Natalie Portman, and Cameron Diaz, to name a few. Her looks are stunningly gorgeous, yes, but also made to flatter the everywoman. A few key moments: sparkling bronze eyes at J. Mendel and a fresh take on the cat eye at Rag & Bone. Don’t worry, though, she’s not always tame – see her look for Dior below for proof.
The Sexy Swede: Linda Hallberg
Yes, she’s Swedish, and yes, she’s sexy, but the key here is that this talented blogger creates looks that inspire other women to look their sexiest, too. She’s a master of color, but the amazing thing to me is that she never, ever looks overdone. I’m obsessed with her sunset eyes and flawless lip color application. You’ve likely seen her creations splashed all over Pinterest without even realizing it! Check out her YouTube – she’s behind BangerBeauty – for some of the best tutorials you’ll see.
The Scary Swede: Sandra Holmbom
Sorry for the Swedish obsession, but I couldn’t resist including Sandra Holbom, one of the most incredible artists out there. Take one look at her blog, Psycho Sandra, and watch as she transforms the human face into her canvas. She’s recreated scenes from Alice in Wonderland and made artful use of abstract patterns on her eyelids, and even regularly morphs herself into various animals. Plus, she’s a master of special effects makeup, the motive for the “scary” label. For your awe and amazement, see the collage of some of her best eye looks below.
Finals Fashion Feature
Thank you for stumbling onto Vinyl and reading this article. Seriously, I’m in the midst of finals hell and writing this has given me SUCH an excuse to procrastinate just a little bit longer. Aside from all the studying, though, I’ve got one other worry on my mind: managing to stay fashionable and comfortable at the same time. I mean, who wants to squeeze into skinny jeans and stress over cleavage when you’re sitting in the library for hours on end? But if, like me, you refuse to go all-out frump, there’s no need to fret – just find inspiration from these cool-yet-cozy options below.
The Cool Crop Combo
Let the world know how you really feel about studying with this comfy crop top. Add easy cutoffs and fresh white sneaks for walking from final to final. Slip on a bright beanie to cover that bedhead – it’s cool, none of us had time to shower.
(Topshop shorts, Forever 21 top and beanie, and Converse sneakers)
The Bad Gal Combo
I’m constantly building fashionable outfits I can still relax in around my leather leggings. SO comfortable, and they look flawless with oversize tees. Add a printed flat for flair – I like cheetah – and a gold necklace, and you’re set.
(Helmut Lang leggings, True Decadence top, Isaac Mizrahi shoes, and First People necklace)
The Nature Girl Combo
May sound crazy to wear a dress to finals, but hey, I can’t argue with no wedgies. White cotton is so loose and breathable, and with a few key accessories, can look totally chic. Mix a few bright colors – I love the blue and orange mix here – and cinch your waist with a belt if you feel so inclined.
(Acne dress, H&M belt, Steve Madden shoes, and ABS by Allen Schwartz bangles)
The Best Water and Sweat Proof Beauty Products
There’s no doubt about it: the wavering weather patterns are over, and now it’s smooth sailing through months of unstoppable heat. Well, maybe “smooth” isn’t exactly the right word, at least when it comes to our makeup. This time of year, insane sunshine equals sweat equals cake-y foundation, running eye makeup and faded lipstick. Thankfully, I’m starting to finally feel like we live in the future – beauty brands are seriously KILLING it in terms of water and sweat proof products. I’ve tried out all of the ones here, and feel 100% confident backing their ability to keep you gorgeous during each and every cannonball and sweat avalanche.
Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer
This concealer is so good that I say skip foundation on the hottest days and just apply this on problem areas and under the eyes. It’s said to stay for an unbelievable 12 hours, and won’t do that obnoxious thing where it mixes with sweat and pools in lines under the eyes. In conclusion, you should probably buy this year-round, but it’s especially valuable in the summer.
NYX Rouge Cream Blush
In all honesty, the vast majority of the NYX line is pretty damn good at staying put, especially when you consider how cheap it is, but this blush is especially so. It’s easy to apply and blends well, and as it’s a cream formula, will absorb into the skin rather than sitting on top of it. What does this mean for you? You’ll still look radiant after a long day in the sun.
Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Eyeshadow
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this is one of my Holy Grail beauty products, hands down. Without even using an eyeshadow primer, this stuff seriously LASTS, no creases, no fading. And bonus points for the massive amount of colors to choose from! My favorite? Bold Gold.
Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara
Think of all the obnoxious things about wearing mascara in the water or in sweltering weather. We’re talking crunchy lashes and flaking, not to mention raccoon eyes. I kid you not, this mascara solves it all. I dare you to don it in the pool – step out and your lashes will be just as thick and bold as before, and even super soft. Run, don’t walk, to pick some up.
Lime Crime Velvetines
I’m Kate Foster, and I’m a Velvetine addict. Seriously, this stuff comes in six shades now, and I have every single stashed in my purse for a touchup at a moment’s notice. It applies easily like a gloss, but dries to a perfect, gorgeous matte in just a few seconds. Do all the smooching and munching that you desire, because this stuff’s not going anywhere.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Seal
Want one product that does it all? Mix this with all the stuff you’ve already got and apply. Done.
Fashion Inspired by Famous Paintings
In a cosmic clash of paint, ink and fabric, all of my dreams are coming true. Why might that be, you ask? Because at this very moment, my three favorite things – writing, fashion and art history – are colliding in one story. Inspired by the fun I had creating fashion collages based off of trend-setting literary characters, I decided to do the same with some of history’s most renowned paintings. Just one word of caution: don’t be afraid. You might look like a walking Picasso, but, hey, how cool is that?
The Starry Night
“It often seems to me that night is still more richly colored than the day, having hues of the most intense violets, blues and greens. If only you pay attention to it you will see that certain stars are lemon yellow, others pink or a green, blue and forget-me-not brilliance.” – Vincent van Gogh
(Body Central dress, Max and Chloe necklace, Milly clutch, and Barbara Bui shoes)
Guernica
“What do you think an artist is? …He is a political being, constantly aware of the heartbreaking, passionate or delightful things that happen in the world, shaping himself completely in their image. Painting is not done to decorate apartments. It is an instrument of war.” – Pablo Picasso
(McQ Alexander McQueen sweater, Debenhams skirt, Ssense clutch, and Miu Miu shoes)
The Kiss
“All art is erotic.” – Gustav Klimt
(Dolce & Gabbana dress, ASOS floral crown, Fossil clutch wallet, and Kori shoes)
Water Lilies
“It took me time to understand my water lilies. I had planted them for the pleasure of it; I grew them without ever thinking of painting them.” – Claude Monet
(Ted Baker dress, Stella McCartney blazer, Charlotte Olympia clutch, and Jonak shoes)
Wide-Awake Makeup Tutorial
Ahh, nothing like forthcoming finals to make you remember that your skin is not invincible. The stress, lack of sleep and crappy food can all add up to a big, ruddy mess on your face. But I’ve devised a face makeup routine that will totally cover those purple bags, dull skin, and any blemishes you may have acquired. All it takes is a little careful coverage.
1. Start with clean, moisturized skin.
2. Dot a liquid foundation, like Flower About Face Foundation with Primer, on the back of your hand.
3. Starting from the middle of your face, use a Beauty Blender sponge to apply the foundation. Use a dabbing motion, and utilize the sponge’s tiny tip to target areas that get ruddy easily: your nostrils, in between your eyebrows and right below your mouth.
4. Use that same tip to apply the foundation under the eyes, making sure to get as close to the lower lash line as possible.
5. Blend the foundation into the neck so that you have even color all over.
6. Use a concealer/brightener duo, like Benefit Boi-ing Eyebright Compact. Start with the concealer, applying it under the eyes in a triangular shape down your face. Make sure to blend well!
7. Dab the brightener part of the duo in the inner and outer corners of your eyes, blending upward into your brow bone. This makes the eyes look lifted and less tired.
8. Use a concealer to cover up any blemishes with your finger. I prefer a powder formula, like BareMinerals Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Concealer.
9. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks using any blush brush. A peachy shade, such as MAC Honey Jasmine Blush will make you look the most awake.
*Many tend to include highlighter in a wide-awake makeup look, but I think the shimmer draws attention to bags and sallow skin. Skip it!
Done! Now you look like you’ve gotten a full eight hours of sleep, even if it’s a downright lie.
The New Age of the Sneaker
In the wake of news that Sarah Jessica Parker has grown an extra bone in her foot from her many years of towering Manolos, sneakers have never looked better. And while, yes, I’m forever grateful for the fashion inspiration that Miss Carrie Bradshaw’s feet have provided, it’s time for me to move on. Thankfully, the fashion world seems to be in agreement. From sneaker wedges to snakeskin sneaks and even straight-up tennis shoes, the Spring and Fall 2014 runways were the stomping grounds of all kinds of comfy kicks. Best of all: you better believe this is one trend you can find at a reasonable price.
Classic High Tops
I spend a lot of time at my college’s art school, which is where I spy all kinds of below-the-radar trends about a month before they hit it big. Lately, it’s been white high top Converse. They’re so fresh and perfect for spring, and go with absolutely everything you own. If you’re feeling like going a little bolder, I’m loving rose gold and studded options. You can even DIY the latter.
(All shoes by Converse)
Vibrant Sneaker Wedges
It’s like the gods wanted us to go out in our favorite pair of gym tennies and still feel sexy, so they popped a comfy wedge heel on there for good measure. This style has been around for a season or two, but designers like Tommy Hilfiger revamped it with bright shades and color block patterns. I dare you to not steal the spotlight in these puppies.
(Shoes by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Puma, and Ash)
Tennies with a Twist
When Cara Delevigne walked the Fall 2014 Chanel catwalk – designed to look like a grocery store – in tweed athletic sneakers, I almost laughed. Ten years ago, designers would have thought it was the frumpiest thing ever. Today, we know that Karl just has our backs. Sport your Nikes, Adidas, or Reeboks with whatever. Just make sure they’re in crazy colors or in a thrilling new material.
(Shoes by Jeremy Scott for Adidas, Kenzo, and Nike)
Flatform Kicks
Alright, we’ve seen the flatform on everything now, especially sandals. But it’s so insanely punk rock on sneakers. You’ll give yourself some height and lengthen your legs, but won’t feel a smidge of aching. Here, take a break from the brights; this look is too cool to wear in anything but black or metallic.
(First two shoes by ASOS, third by Y.R.U.)
Open Toe Season and the Polish to Go With It
Summer’s here, and open toe shoes are out on the sidewalks again, which means one thing for me: time to frantically buff all of the winter scales off of my feet and choose my first toenail polish of the season. But there are so many sassy shoe trends on the horizon, and picking a cohesive shade can be tough. I dug through the newest shoe and nail trends to bring you your newest look – from the ankle down, that is.
Earthy Gladiators + Subtle Shimmer
This season’s gladiator is dramatic and to the knee, so don’t let your polish compete. Choose a nude with a teensy bit of shimmer so things don’t get dull down there.
(Via Spiga sandal and Butter London Nail Lacquer in Boho Rock)
Black Mules + Deep Shimmery Blue
Blue polish this spring has hints of green that make the shade entirely dimensional. It’ll kick your mules up a notch, but keep the look entirely moody.
(Maison Martin Margiela mules and Marc Jacobs Nail Lacquer in Sally)
Color Blocked Low Heel Sandals + Latte
Latte is THE nude right now, and the perfect partner for thick-strapped, low heel sandals in a multitude of tones. No foot ache and less noticeable chipping? Count me in.
(Kenzo sandal and OPI Nail Lacquer in Barefoot in Barcelona)
Dark Strappy Sandals + Classic Red
The strappy sandal is currently a little goth, with snakeskin elements and the style of a bootie. Avoid going too Vampira by sticking with a classic cherry red on your tootsies.
(Gucci bootie and Essie Nail Lacquer in Hip-Anema)
Metallic Pumps + Clean White
Ahh, Calvin Klein would be proud. This look is all about clean minimalism – we’re talking everyday pumps in bold silver with oh-so-easy white toenails.
(Oscar de la Renta pump and Ciate Paint Pot in Snow Virgin)