Category: Features
Street Style Profile: Lawson Chambers
Lawson Chambers is a stylish Athenian who thinks of himself in general terms as “a story-teller.” Whether he’s performing stand up comedy, hosting his local radio show or working hard to earn his animation degree at UGA, he’s keep himself busy, and he looks sharp doing it. We sat down to find out more about Lawson and – most importantly – what his super power of choice would be!
VM: When it comes to your personal style, where do you get your inspiration?
Lawson Chambers: Well, I like to think that what you wear is reflexive of your personality, as if you were a cartoon character, so I try to wear things that represent a facet of my life. I may wear a Neutral Milk Hotel shirt with a leather jacket, so people can correctly assume I work at a radio station. Or I might wear a Homestar Runner shirt to make friends with other nerds. Usually though, I try to wear nicer clothes with bold colors to show that I care about how I look, but don’t take myself too seriously. I also like doing this, because whenever I perform stand-up, it helps me get across the kind of person I am. This practice is also an admittedly blatant rip-off of my favorite comedian, Paul F. Tompkins. To answer more succinctly why I like to wear nice clothes, I’ll quote Paul: “I dunno, I just like dressin’ up… (smiles) It’s fun.”
VM: You’re currently pursuing a fine arts degree, correct? What are you studying, and what is it that speaks to you within the realm of art?
LC: Not exactly; I’m actually pursuing an Independent Studies degree in Animation. I don’t know if I actually want a career in animation, but since I take both theater and visual art classes, I get to nurture two skill-sets that are important to me. I do like animation though, as all of my interest in art comes from the want to entertain, make people laugh, and to tell a story. Ideally I’ll end up working a lot of different, smaller jobs where I’ll get to do a variety of things; performing stand-up, writing for a TV show, cartooning, or going back in time to tour with a vaudeville troupe.
VM: As for stand up comedy, has this long been an interest of yours or it it a new hobby? And how nervous were you your first time on stage?
LC: I’ve always been a huge comedy nerd, but for a long time my only experience in doing it myself was creating silly comics about secret agent monkeys or singer-songwriter Morrissey. I didn’t think about doing it myself until a couple of years ago when I started listening to podcasts like The Nerdist where I would hear comedians talk about themselves, and I realized I was a lot like them. I shared both their love of comedy and a system of neuroses and anxieties that propels one to seek attention from strangers. So I first went on stage about two years ago, and it was horrible. I was extremely nervous, and I visibly shook. I think I may have gotten one laugh. But if you do anything long enough, and you care about it, you get better at it. So I’m still performing every week and getting slightly less horrible with each time I go up.
VM: Do you have any upcoming projects or shows you’re looking forward to?
LC: I have an ongoing radio show and podcast called Comedic Conversation with Colorful Characters that I greatly love doing. It airs on WUOG 90.5 FM on Tuesdays at 7 PM, and is available for download on iTunes or comedicconversations.tumblr.com. Basically, we invite on different comedians from around Athens and Atlanta to talk, play games, and just act silly. Other than that, I’m starting to get more into sketch and improv comedy, and hope to get some comedy friends of mine together soon to put on a variety show. Also, I want to make a web-comic series about a dad just being a dad and doing dad things.
VM: If you had one superpower what would it be?
LC: The only acceptable answer to this question is flying, or telekinesis – which would also give you the ability to fly. Popular opinion is that most people will say flying, but if they were being honest with themselves they would choose to read minds or turn invisible. I say that’s bull-honkey. It would be amazing to fly: at any speed and at any height. What kind of whimsy-less monster would rather hear gossip about themselves than soar through the air like a majestic bird of prey? Flying.
Check out Lawson’s playlist below!
Style Steal: Kurt Cobain
Jimi Hendrix rocked Woodstock in the 60s, Led Zeppelin rocked the entire United States in the 70s, and hair band after hair band sold out stadiums throughout the 80s. But the next music genre that swept the nation was something much more subtle than these rock giants. Polished, intense guitar sounds were replaced by raw, grungier music. And that’s how it got its name. “Grunge” music came out of nowhere, or actually, to be more exact, Seattle. And perhaps one of the most influential grunge rock and roll bands was Nirvana, led by front man and style icon Kurt Cobain. From converse, to flannels, to ripped-up jeans and t-shirts, Kurt Cobain changed the game. Now, as we see styles recycled, clothing too is being recycled and this worn out clothing has become the newest thing. We updated Cobain’s raw style to create a look that was both grungy and modern.
For this first look, Will Stewart, avid Nirvana fan and guitar enthusiast, wore a classic 90s style flannel we found at a thrift store layered over a worn out Hard Rock Café t-shirt. Any washed out, old, holy t-shirt fits the grunge style, especially underneath a flannel. Paired with old khaki shorts and worn out worker’s boots, anyone can go from Seattle factory worker to grungy rock star.
For this next outfit, bartender and art student Maggie Adams posed in red converse and another thrift store flannel for this shot. She rocked a striped shirt, a style Kurt basically cherished, that I found at a garage sale. The look is completed with black tights and ripped up jean shorts we made ourselves from old thrift store high rise jeans.
For our last look, Danielle Jordan, who works at American Threads in Athens, wore a fake leather asymmetric skirt from American Threads with knee highs and grungy green shirt, also from American Threads. Paired with another thrift shop flannel, Kurt Cobain is channeled through modern day fashion.
Kurt Cobain was much different than his predecessors. He favored thrift store clothing to elaborate costumes, and flannels to fringe. He favored holes to sequins and stripes to tie-dye. He dressed the way he played: stripped down, raw, and real. Using these qualities, we built modern pieces through which Kurt Cobain and his grunge music can live on in the modern world.
Awards Season 2014: Top 10 Best-Dressed
What’s awards season without some of the world’s most gorgeous designer gowns? This year, from Lupita to Lady Gaga, celebrities were seriously on their A-game. In a flurry of gorgeous brights and shimmering metallics, I bring you this year’s top 10 of the Grammys and Oscars. The Tony and Emmy Awards have some SERIOUS catching up to do later this year, no?
10. Ariana Grande in Dolce & Gabbana at the Grammys
D&G florals are eternal classics, and I love the retro look of this one in particular. Tea length? Check. Sweetheart neckline? Check. Old school satin? Check. In this gown, Grande emulates a 50s bombshell beautifully.
9. Katy Perry in Valentino at the Grammys
Vinyl featured this gown in our couture show coverage, and I’m just as in love with it as ever. It has a wonderful whimsy to it but also a pop of personality with the musical notes. So Katy Perry, am I right? And what better place to wear it to than the Grammys?
8. Julie Delpy in Jenny Packham at the Oscars
I’m convinced that this is what Janis Joplin would wear to the awards if she were alive today. Love love LOVE the batwing sleeves – they make the deep cleavage totally sophisticated, not trashy. Plus, it incorporates just the right amount of sparkle. Only a frenchie could rock this dress so flawlessly.
7. Lady Gaga in Versace at the Oscars
Alright, I’ve got to admit it: this gown was featured on dozens of worst-dressed lists. But I’m totally lost as to why. Donatella’s favorite pop star looks absolutely stunning in this textural, lilac dress, and honestly, it’s so much tamer than, say, a meat dress. Do what you please, Gaga. Apparently they’re going to judge you either way.
Beyoncé in Michael Costello at the Grammys
Can Beyoncé do anything wrong? No? Okay, glad we’re all agreed. She absolutely shines in this sheer number and somehow manages to make it look totally classy. And, best of all, it hugs her curves in all the right places before ending in a mermaid-y train at the floor. Jay-Z is a lucky man.
5. Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani at the Oscars
I’m in disbelief that this woman is 44. I mean, this looks like something T-Swift would wear – but we’ll get to her later. It seems like we’ve seen a million sheer gowns, but this one is different somehow. Maybe it’s the way the flowers pop off of the dress so perfectly, or the bedazzled details. Either way, I’m sold.
4. Kristin Chenoweth in Cavalli at the Oscars
I’ll spare you the joke about Chenoweth looking like the Oscars trophy in this gown, and instead opt to gush about the fact that she looks like a work of art. That texture! That glitter! I also love that the gown almost has a punk flair with the subtle plaid below the hips. This dress is everything I’ve dreamed of and more.
3. Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab at the Oscars
I’m definitely an Angelina fan, but here I’ve got to give most of the credit to Elie Saab. The sparkle at the bust looks almost like a cityscape, reflecting flawlessly at the collarbone. It’s sexy and flattering with a nipped-in waist. If I keep typing about how perfect this gown is, maybe Saab will send me one? A girl can dream.
2. Taylor Swift in Gucci at the Grammys
Just as everyone was getting a little sick of Swift’s good girl display, she whipped out this chainmail-esque stunner. The mixed metals are so now, especially with the silver detailing just her neck and waist. No wonder T-Swift topped a dozen other best-dressed lists.
1. Lupita Nyong’o in Prada
Guys, I am actually gasping for air right now. Nyong’o couldn’t have looked more gorgeous for her win – the pale blue shines against her dark skin, making her look like a goddess when paired with the cleavage and drapery of the gown. And now I’ve realized the bottom is shimmery, too. Someone call me an ambulance, please?
Tutorial: Suno Gold Leaf Hair Part
If your wardrobe’s feeling plain Jane these days, add a little gold to your… hair part? No, I’m not insane, just a little obsessed with Fashion Week’s beauty trends. And this one’s got some staying power, thanks to Dries Van Noten last season and Suno this time around. The best part is that it’s insanely easy to do: all you’ll need is an eyeshadow brush and Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in Comex Gold (which includes Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eye Primer).
1. Part your hair down the middle, and pull the rest back in a ponytail. Make sure the ponytail is super tight so you can easily access your part.
2. Mix a couple of drops of the Stila Primer and a thick coat of the Stila Eyeshadow on the back of your hand.
3. Dip the eyeshadow brush into the mixture – try to focus the shadow on the ends of the brush so you’ll be able to apply it more precisely. Begin applying it to the front of your part, tapering the glitter out in the front so you don’t have a hard line at your hairline.
4. Continue applying the shadow down the part, being careful to keep the glitter from getting in the hair around the part.
5. Finish the line. At the Suno show, the line stopped abruptly at the back of the part.
Voila! A brand-new part!
Street Style Profile: Sydney Eloise
Sydney Eloise is an Atlanta singer and songwriter with a little something special. She is charming and bubbly, confident and humble. She is the kind of girl that can pull anything off and seems to do so in quite a flawless way. So naturally, we were dying to know more about her method of dress and of life- and make sure to scroll to the links below to put a voice to the name of Sydney Eloise.
How do you approach dress and what influences your personal style?
Dressing is expressing how I am feeling that day. I have always enjoyed using clothing as a reflection of my personality and character. I adore vintage and most anything from my grandmother’s closet. I feel my vibe is usually disco earthy. I love mostly mixing with just a little matching.
Do you have something that you wear with a special story attached?
The vest I am wearing in that delectable pink Goodwill prom dress is actually my grandfathers- my grandmother made it for him. My grandparents owed their own dance studio, Rico’s International School of Dancing, and my grandmother made all of their outfits. Though I never had the chance of meeting my grandpa Rico – wearing his vest makes me feel a part of him and close to my family…and also extremely groovy.
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to and how has it influenced you?
Ah, that’s a tough one. I would say it is a tie between Spain and Morocco. Both are so rich in culture and spiciness. Morocco blew my mind, and I felt I was on another planet. All of my worldly travels will forever shape me and change me, and I am grateful to continue adapting and growing.
What are some of your favorite places around ATL to eat/shop/see a show?
Being a city gal most of my life I would say I still love hanging out at Piedmont Park on nice afternoons and seeing a good show at The Earl in East Atlanta Village after sundown. Most of my shopping happens at thrift stores, and there is always Rag-O-Rama in L5Ps with some rare finds.
You write all your own music. Can you tell us a little about your process and how you approach writing a new song?
If I am lucky, the song writes itself. The process is never the same. Most of my songs are written about situations in my life or stories overheard that have happened months before- I think it takes my brain a bit of time to process everything and put it out into song.
Do you have any exciting projects/songs you’re currently working ?
I do! I am currently recording at The Cottage in East Atlanta with Damon Moon working on some new music. I feel I have really honed my sound and writing style over the last year and feel great readiness to share it with the world… There’s no real timeline for that right now, but I’m looking forward to the day! In the meantime, I am practicing with my very talented and handsome band, and we’re looking forward to playing a lot of shows this summer in ATL.
Ok get ready- big question: What are some of your future life goals?
My life goal is to be happy. To be around loving people all the time. I have a love for children and teaching, and I hope to be running a Montessori School in my old age. Until then- it’s just make great records, write songs, travel, and enjoy the ride.
Don’t miss music!
And her Bandcamp for some older tunes
Preview: Savannah Stopover
Savannah in March has got to be one of the best places in time to experience. Reason number one being that it is Savannah: the river and those cobble stones and the many squares with the garden-like-ways and trees with that moss that everyone loves so much. It’s definitely the perfect place for a parade. Perhaps you think of St. Patrick’s Day when I say Savannah in March, but before that green wave of madness rolls through town, something really quite unique for Savannah happens, and that is reason number two that I love Savannah in March: Savannah Stopover Music Festival.
Savannah Stopover is coming into it’s fourth year, and until recently, I was really under the impression that Savannah Stopover was purely a product of Savannah, when in actuality, Savannah just happens to sit in a really convenient place, at interstates 95 and 10, for musicians to pull over, play some shows, and continue on their way to Austin, Texas for SXSW. But how fortunate it is! It’s such a neat place to have the opportunity to discover new music or to perhaps see one of your favorite artists. The scene just slides so nicely into place in the city that is a such a beautiful work of history and thick with gothic air and already thriving in the arts. It’s no wonder that it is becoming a music destination in its own right.
There’s a long list of bands scheduled to be at Stopover the first weekend in March, many that I don’t know a lot about, so I will definitely be exposing myself to all kinds of new music. Every time I try to get a handle on maintaining some sort of schedule while I’m there, I feel a little overwhelmed. But really, there’s no need to panic. First, there are a small number of venues officially involved (10 total, one of them being Ellis Park); next, I have never had trouble getting a taxi in Savannah when I’ve needed to; and last, it need be mentioned, you can drink on the street, making it easy to quickly hop from one venue to the next without having to finish your drink first. So I’m going to be hopping from venue to venue, listening to new music, but there are a handful of bands that I am looking forward to seeing specifically.
First and foremost is Small Black, four guys that just released their second full length, Limits of Desire, in 2013. Limits of Desire is one of my favorite albums of 2013, and I am so stoked to get to hear this music live. I think their sound would be labeled as electro-indie pop, but Lo fi Synthpop is more accurate to my ears. Check it out. The first track is Free At Dawn, and all I can think about is how big that sound is going to be and how fast it’s going to fill me up with all the wavy notes and chest reaching lyrics. It’s deep breathing, chest opening sky music. I’m expecting a moving experience as part of their audience at Stopover. It’ll be at the end of a long winded three day weekend! You can catch their show Saturday night, one o’clock a.m. at Knights of Columbus.
The next two bands I specifically want to experience are Those Darlins and Future Islands. I mention them together, because they are scheduled at the same time at two different venues. That is unfortunate. I have decided where I will be at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday the 6th, and that is at Club One with Future Islands. I know this is a good decision, but it still makes me cringe to be missing Those Darlins!
I’ve already had the pleasure of being an audience member to Those Darlins at The Green Room In Athens, Georgia. They’re an interesting foursome, two guys and two gals from Tennessee. You can hear the concrete country in the accent of their words. And they know how to make a scene. Just check out the cover of their latest album, Blur the Line. They caused a big scene back home when they had that blown up and hung in town. I’m sure they’ll put on a worthy show at Knights of Columbus, and I’m really sorry to be missing them, but perhaps I’ll catch up to them at SXSW.
Future Islands, I’ve never seen before. They’re performing at Club One, which really just nailed the decision down. I don’t know if I’m more excited about the venue or the band?! I used to go to Club One, Savannah’s gay club, when I was in college. There are three levels, the top in which I saw many drag performances, but I’ve never seen a band take the stage. I like the idea of being in such a familiar old place with music that may not be so new, but is new to my ears. I’m hoping I’ll hear some of my favorites, such as Beach Foam from their 2008 album, Wave Like Home. But I expect I’m more likely to hear popular songs from their most recent album, On The Water, released in 2011. The music from this album makes me feel like dancing in a swaying kind of fashion. Songs like Balance and Before the Bridge have a way of being upbeat with full meaning in that special way that electro-pop presents itself. I’m looking forward to reporting back my experience at this Future Islands performance.
So there you have it, I’m magic markered in for Small Black and Future Islands with a side of longing for Those Darlins! I’m sure the other bands on the roster (Whiskey Dick, The Black Cadillacs, and Christopher Paul Stelling, just to name a few that caught my eye) will fill that void until my musical cup is flowing over with brand new sounds, and I’m sure the city of Savannah will be just as beautiful and full of life as ever.
A Style Monarch: Why London Ruled Fall Fashion Week
My typical favorite Fashion Week cities are as follows: Milan, New York and Paris tied for second, and finally, London. But this season, British designers from Tom Ford to Christopher Kane brought some serious sequins, lace and a dash of quintessential Brit humor. So, even with Paris Fashion Week before us, I’m declaring London this season’s best. Here’s why it simply can’t get any better than the city of tea, grunge, and Big Ben for Fall 2014.
It’s undeniable: London’s designers did everything those in New York and Milan did, but better. Love Marchesa’s sheer, lacy looks? Upgrade to Temperley London, where you’ll find the same delicate florals, but with a gilded baroque flair. Or if you’re more magnetized by bold sheer designs, House of Holland is your go-to. Its show featured rainbow tops and skirts with sexy chiffon cutouts – not for the faint of heart, but certainly for the attention-seeker.
One of New York Fashion Week’s highlights was Rodarte’s gowns printed with Star Wars characters and scenes. Besides making us pray for celebrities to walk the red carpet donning images of C-3PO or the Death Star, we love the nerd-chic humor of it all. But might we argue that Tom Ford did wit just a little better in London? Taking a cue from Jay-Z’s song “Tom Ford” – “I don’t pop molly, I rock Tom Ford” – Ford sent models down the runway in glittery, numbered dresses with the word “molly” crossed out near the waist. No doubt Hova was in the audience having a good hearty laugh.
Finally, there’s the battle of the art punks: New York’s Jeremy Scott versus London’s Christopher Kane. While Scott is usually one of my all-time favorites, this year he went a tad too far for me. Call me a girly girl, but I’m not one in favor of seeing kneepads on high fashion runways. But while Scott was sporting it up, Kane went in a more sophisticated direction, albeit still totally artsy. Continuing his love of graphic flowers, he placed blown-up images of them behind boxy panels on an otherwise basic skirt suit, and then proceeded to create chiffon dresses with dozens of book-like pages. The piece’s movement was, in a word, unreal.
We salute you, London, and Paris? Good luck.
Target x Peter Pilotto Collaboration
Target is a company full of geniuses. Right in time for Fashion Week, when we’re all coveting the world’s most expensive clothing, the mass retailer dropped its collaboration with designer duo Peter Pilotto – a range of clothing items priced from $14.99-$79.99. From sexy skirts and jackets to quirky sunglasses and bathing suits, the collaboration makes it easy to look like a million bucks without maxing out your credit card.
Peter Pilotto – the brain child of designers Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos – is a brand known for its eye-catching prints and joyful colors; thankfully, they didn’t let their creativity slip when they began work on the Target line. In a collection eerily – and excitingly – similar to that of their Spring 2014 Ready-to-Wear show, neon-bright yellows, blues, reds and oranges pop out of graphic patterns like a call for summer from all us fashionistas.
My favorite piece in the collection is a sunny yellow bikini top structured like a bustier, with a blue and black floral print creeping up to the bust. It’s playful and attention grabbing, but still sophisticated enough to be flattering. And who could resist all those fitted printed dresses? They could take you from work to cocktails in a pinch. Finally, for all those shy gals out there, you can get your pattern fix with fun accessories like rounded sunglasses, slip-on sneakers and beach totes and towels.
The collaboration was released February 9 and is still surging strong through London Fashion Week. I suggest ordering your favorites online – stores are emptying out like it’s the Apocalypse! But, hey, who could blame shoppers for picking up thousand dollar designs for less than $80? I say join ‘em.
Style Steal: Jimi Hendrix
Our generation has been called the hippies of the new millennium; pot is legal, alternative couples can marry, and love and music are abounding in our culture and in our lives. And just as history repeats itself, so does fashion. Styles come back around and gypsy clothing has seen a new era of popularity. Who better to take fashion tips on that style than the man who led the Band of Gypsies himself? Jimi Hendrix truly pioneered the psychedelic look. Yet while styles come back around, they change and adapt; they take on new meanings and new variations to reflect the new people that are wearing them. Danielle Jordan, sales associate at American Threads, and I put together some modern looks inspired by the big man himself.
There’s no doubt Mr. Hendrix was the king of bright colors and fringe. This first outfit was inspired by Jimi’s outfit at the legendary Woodstock Music Festival. We paired this cream fringe kimono and velvet bell bottoms from American Threads with a brightly colored crop top from NastyGal.com to create a look that is equally prepared to take the stage at Woodstock or go out on a Friday night. Don’t be afraid to mix colors and prints that don’t traditionally go together. If people had never mixed musical instruments that did not “belong” together, we would have never had rock and roll. Get your grandmother’s fashion rules out of your head. She may make delicious cookies but I’m betting she never lit a guitar on fire in front of thousands of applauding audience members.
This next look was inspired by Hendrix’s passion for fur and hats. We layered a fur vest on top of a vintage dress (both found at Goodwill!) and topped it off with a black hat from American Threads. Bad hair day? Throw on a groovy hat and fix everything while looking totally cool. So simple. The shape of the hat is a bit more feminine and updated than the traditional top hat Jimi loved to wear, but it brings a bit of a contemporary feel to the outfit. Layering is imperative for the modern woman. You can wear as much or as little of it as you want based on the temperature or vibes of the day as it progresses.
The top in this next outfit is a total original. Danielle found it at a shop during Hulaween Music Festival last fall. Luckily, we found some similar dresses and tops on StyleHive.com. The shirt paired with homemade jean cut-offs and Minnetonka moccasin boots is pulled together by the flower crown atop Ms. Jordan’s head… that she made herself. Head to Pinterest.com or Google to find tips on how to make one of your own. With the fringe, brightness and flower-child halo, Jimi would certainly have been proud.
The last outfit we put together was one inspired by Hendrix’s use of earth tones and, of course, tie-dye. These bell bottom pants were another unique creation of Danielle’s. She started with white pants and tie-dyed them before bleaching the bottoms. However, if you don’t have the time or creative energy to tie-dye a pair of pants yourself, you’re in luck; we found a similar style on ThreadSence.com. The handmade bottoms went perfectly with the white linen, embroidered top. The shirt was my Mom’s from “back in the day” and of course, she has no idea how she came across it. However, a little searching on Etsy.com came back with a bunch of similar tops. We topped it off with a totally radical headband from American Threads and plenty of rings and bracelets.
Hendrix’s love and talent for music made him a legend; his style made him an icon. Whether he was playing an extended psychedelic version of the “Star – Spangled Banner” or shredding on his Fender Stratocaster while it was behind his head, he was always decked out, head to toe, in bright colors, far out patterns, fur, fringe, and tie-dye. His style was completely original and, in the end, timeless. Inspired by his appearance and mixed with a bit of modern fashion sense, you can be a real “Foxy Lady.”
Burberry Prorsum Womenswear Autumn/Winter 2014 Show – Burberry introduces The Bloomsbury Girls
Burberry has unveiled the Burberry Prorsum womenswear Autumn/Winter 2014 collection, The Bloomsbury Girls.
The collection takes creative inspiration from the British decorative art of the Bloomsbury set and Charleston, the country home and meeting place for the writers, painters and intellectuals who formed the group. The show marks the start of a partnership with the Charleston Trust, on a project to help protect the creative and cultural heritage of Charleston for the public.
Live British music performance
As the show started the custom-built show space opened up to reveal British musicians Paloma Faith, Ed Harcourt and Rhodes performing live to the 1500 guests at London’s Kensington Gardens. The specially arranged runway tracks will be available for download on iTunes, evolving the brand’s Runway Made to Order service and creating a dedicated home for Burberry music on iTunes.
