Tag Archives: get dressed to this

Long Time, No See

31 Dec

nye (new year's eve): iyf (in your face)

Wow…it’s been a while, huh? Grad school has kept me firmly buried 6 feet under piles and piles of reading, papers, and whole host and other work, so Retail DJ got the shaft. Fortunately, Xmas break always works as a great catchup time, so I’ll be posting a little more regularly for the next few weeks. We’ll see what happens once school starts back hehe.

To celebrate my brief (though hopefully extended) return, I thought I’d share some fun music to pump you up tonight.

I recently made a mix to help my fellow classmates get through finals/papers week called “Energy Mix.” It’s a rough, unedited bit that I put together in less than an hour (all improv stuff), but it’s fuuuun!

(click to stream; click the small arrow on the right to download)

Also, the ever-magnificent Ohio-based DJ saint., whom some of you may remember from our exclusive interview with her back in May, has put out a new mix called “Midnight Mix,” a name that is undeniably fitting for tonight’s festivities.

(click to stream; no download)

Enjoy these mixes and be on the lookout for my December/January podcast, which will be coming your way very soon. Party safe tonight, everyone, and have a fun, happy, and healthy New Year!

- Retail DJ

Get Dressed To This: Art Department

29 Jul

Art Department

Fall is right around the corner, but you wouldn’t know it by this weather! It’s still hot hot hot, and many of us are trying to stay in season while simultaneously staying cool. The key? Thin knitwear/jersey items in warm tones that signal the approaching season. For today’s “Get Dressed To This,” I’ve chosen a piece that matches the name of the mix artist Art Department, the Toronto-based duo putting out truly innovative house music. The dress, which comes to us care of ModCloth, looks a bit like it’s made of the fabric usually used for those flowy, bohemian, draped dresses high school art teachers love. But unlike the art teacher get up, this piece is sexy and perfect for dancing on a warm August evening.

The mix by Art Department really needs no introduction. It’s a mellow house mix that works really well for getting ready to go out, and I’d rather let the music speak for itself!

That said, press play and gear up for some fun while you Get Dressed To This:

The Music:

Art Department – W Hotel Barcelona DJ Set (June 2011)

(click to play; click the small arrow on the right to download)

The Outfit:

Dress: Coconut Grove Dress (in “sand), ModCloth, $58 USD

Jewelry: Gold Ring, H&M, $10 USD

 

 Shoes: Sashay Heels, Anthropologie, $198 USD

 

 

 

Latico Ashley Cross-Body Convertible Clutch (in “gold”), Endless, $115 USD

 

- Retail DJ

Get Dressed to This: Got My Groove Back

11 Jun

COCOLORES

Lately, I’ve been in a bit of a funk – albeit, not an emotional one. Every party I’ve received an invite for or every mix I’ve come across on soundcloud and other sites/blogs just hasn’t done anything for me. I’ve felt a lack of excitement for almost any and all nightlife-related activities. Some call it boredom, but I call it burnout.

Nevertheless, there is always a mix that comes along that stands out. One that makes me to dance. One that stands up to my 10-play test. One that never gets old. This time around, it’s the house-heavy mix for Exploited Records by Cocolores.

It’s the 13th podcast for Exploited, and while some say that might be the sign of a curse, I see it as nothing but luck. This mix is incredible, right from the beginning to the very last second, and with its upbeat tone, perfect for summer. The Coco boys entitled the mix “Turn Off the Dark,” and for good reason, as it just exudes light.

But off course, I couldn’t let you just listen to it. I wanted you to have some bright visuals too! It’s rainy here in NYC today, and for those of you going out tonight, I had a feeling you’d need a little extra motivation. So there you have it, folks. Take a moment to press play and get dressed to this!

The Music:

Cocolores – Exploited Records Podcast No. 13

(click to play; visit the Exploited Records podbean page to download)

tracklist (below) after the jump

 

The Outfit: 

1. Dress: TFNC One Shoulder Dress With Waist Embellishment (in “tomato”), ASOS, $78 USD

 

close-up shot of embellishment:

2. Shoes: Diane Von Furstenburg Kourion Sandals, Zappos, $270 USD

 

3. Earrings: Mirador Earrings, Anthropologie, $38 USD

 

(more…)

Get Dressed To This: Bruised

14 Apr

More Courtney Love than Retail DJ?

Do you ever come home covered in bruises and have no idea why? I do…

Wait, that sounds kinda bad. I am not in a fight club, nor do I get drunk to the point of passing out or falling down. But sometimes, I come home with all these mysterious purple marks whose respective origins remain unknown. And then it hits me!

It’s the music. Or better, the dancing.

Not that I am an arms-out flailing type of anything, but sometimes, the music is just so good that you dance until it hurts, until you literally hit things and forget that it even happened because the good sounds are so distracting. It’s been quite some time that the music I have heard while out has sent me into such a frenzy, but there are still mixes that come across my “desk” that make it happen. This week, such a mix comes to us by way of Idiotproof, whose latest mix for the Jackmode podcast is so energetic that I can’t help but give it the recognition it deserves. Every.single.track on the mix is hard-hitting and might serve up a post-dance punishment for those of you who get as into the music as I.

But in between all the dancing, hopefully you’ll have some time to get dressed. To go along with the intense music, I’ve decided to put together an outfit that has a hard exterior, but a few whimsical notes to welcome you. A mix of vintage, new, and handcrafted items, this outfit is full of conversation pieces. That is, if you have any time for that between all the moves you’ll be doing.

But enough of me. Time for the music. Press play and take a bit to Get Dressed To This . . .

The Music:

Idiotproof – Jackmode April 2011 Podcast

(click to play; click the small arrow on the right to download)

tracklist (below) after the jump

The Outfit:

(click the photos for purchasing & additional photos)

1. Smock Dress by In God We Trust, Beacon’s Closet, $35 USD

In God We Trust Dress, Beacons Closet

2. Mr Mustache Ring by AngelInChina, Etsy, $33 USD

Mr. Mustache Ring, Etsy

3. Flick Flack Clutch Bag, Irregular Choice (UK), £ 35 GBP

Flick Flack Clutch, Irregular Choice

5. Roxy Body Harness by SultryAffair, Etsy, $45 USD

Roxy Body Harness, Etsy

6. Patchuli II Wedges, Melissa, R$ 160 BRL

Patchuli II, Melissa Brasil

(more…)

Get Dressed To This: Neon Queen

12 Mar

Bright colors are in for spring 2011 and thankfully, flower-covered, calico-style frumpfests are not in high abundance. Music is following suit, with many dance music mixes taking a turn for the bold and daring. The fact that these two are having their moment simultaneously is fitting for Get Dressed To This, of course, as I encourage everyone to make their look match their favorite sounds. For this week’s installment, I’ve got a FIERCE mix by Qween Beat Productions CEO and ballroom (vogue style) DJ/producer Mike Q and lots of bold clothing that makes neon new again without veering into 80s cheese. Enjoy:

The Music:

DJ Mike Q  - XLR8R Podcast (2.22.11)

(click to play; right click + save as to download)

tracklist (below) after the jump

The Outfit:

1. Whistles Animal Chevron Dress, ASOS, $268.95 USD


2. Brian Atwood Maniac Pumps, My Theresa, $649 USD

3. Boxy Flat Lock Clutch, ASOS, $35.86 USD

(more…)

Get Dressed To This: Shower Scene

12 Feb

Your skin's screaming for some TLC!

We often play music when we get ready, but shower time usually gets neglected or left to the torture of our own voices across the plastic curtain. Yeah, singing in the shower is fine, but every now and then, you need an actual track. Whereas most are known for putting their vocal cords to the test under the nozzle, I give my feet some work by dancing in the shower instead. So when Homework came out with a 15 minute mix for Data Transmission, I knew I had found my soundtrack.

The mix features some old favorites along with some new stuff and a slightly more soulful sound. Oh and did I mention it’s great to dance to?

But beyond dancing, I wanted to actually provide you with some product suggestions for curing winter dryness without wasting time as all these products can be used in the shower! Anyway, lather up and Get [showered] Dressed To This:

The Music:

Homework – Minimix for Data Transmisson


(click to play; click the small arrow on the right to download)

tracklist (below) after the jump

The Goods:

1. Whipped Pudding by Oyin: smells like chocolate and can be used as body butter or deep conditioner for people with super dry skin/hair

2. Ultra Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner by Ojon: reduces frizz, gives hair a glossy finish, and leaves a rich, buttery scent

3. Brown Sugar Body Polish by Fresh: this citrus-y delight is super refreshing and helps buff away flaky, dead, dry skin in just one use

4. Face Butter by Carol’s Daughter: while it sounds like a facial skin nightmare, this moisture-rich, non-greasy treatment helps keep your face radiant in the cold

5. Advanced Care Moisturizing Cream by Aveeno: a leader in dry skin care, Aveeno’s moisturizing cream is excellent for dry, cracked skin (try sleeping with it on covered hands and feet at night to wake up with super soft results)

6. Egyptian Fennel with Grapefruit & Sweet Orange Lipcare by Pangea Organics: keeps your lips moisturized and soft without a greasy mess

(more…)

Get Dressed to This: Unlikely Pairings

4 Feb

I will never forget Tevye, the father in Fiddler on the Roof, saying to Chava,  one of his daughters, “As the good book says ‘Each shall seek his own kind’. In other words a bird may love a fish but where would they build a home together?” It’s a comment in this case that references Chava’s intention to marry Fyedka, a Russian who is not of the Jewish faith, but it’s also a phrase that applies to other unlikely pairing, be they in love, business, or other arrangements.

But I have to say that I disagree with Tevye. Fish and birds CAN be a happy pairing, especially in fashion :-)

My own personal style aesthetic relies on pairing something basic with something bold, being sure not to overdo it by combining too many patterns and overpowering the look. For this week’s Get Dressed to This, I have chosen to feature, quite literally, fish and fowl.

For the music this time around, I’ve added something a little different as well. By way of the French blog Fluokids, comes this interesting mix by Darabi displaying a genre called “Machine Funk.” Imagine if you put a house or funk DJ inside of a tin can and instructed him to beat out his music instead of playing it on records, and there you have it.

Anyway Happy Friday, and have fun as you Get Dressed to This:

(click to play; click the small arrow on the right to download)

 

1. Sally LaPointe Black Hip Mini Dress, Oak, $748 USD

2. Report Annona Booties (in gray), Zappos, $72.82 USD


3. Statement Feather Earring, Urban Outfitters, $29 USD

4. Scale Tight, Urban Outfitters, $14 USD


- Retail DJ

 

Get Dressed To This: Babydoll

23 Oct

The decades of the 20th century always find their way back to our closets. They sneak in via shoulder pads, wacky neon prints, lipstick colors, and heel heights, but a few of them have nothing to hide and brazenly broadcast their presence with the help of simplicity. Certain styles are basic enough to stick around with the help of seasonal or trend-based updates (like a sleeve alteration or a new pattern). One of them is the babydoll dress.

Though we’ve seen it in several different incarnations, the basics are simple: falls mid-thigh, has short sleeves, is tighter around the bust and/or has an empire waist, and has delicate, “feminine” details. Though this dress style was all the rage in the 1960s and 1990s, it has come back full-force in the 2nd decade of the 2000s. Fortunately, we don’t always interpret things as literally anymore, so the exaggerated cut and styling for this type of dress has ceased, and subtlety reigns supreme.

For this Get Dressed to This, I wanted to focus on the lighter side of fall fashion with an homage to the dress that never dies: the babydoll. The music is by the Round Table Knights, and as per usual, it’s a luscious, deep house mix that starts off slow and increases in intensity with each minute it plays. With tracks by Homework, Jesse Rose, Justin Martin, and more! Enjoy:

The Music

Round Table Knights – Autumn Mix 2010

(click to play; right click + save target as to download)

tracklist (below) after the jump

The Outfit

1. Beans on Toast, Irregular Choice, $150 USD

2. Chocolate Brown and Tan Mini Dress with Lace Bust and Bow, patriciavalery store on Etsy, $49 USD


3. Transparenze Dora Wool Rib Over Knee Socks, MyTights.com, $14 USD


4. Cassonade Coat, Anthropologie, $198 USD

click below for the tracklist!

(more…)

Get Dressed to This: Taking a Beating

6 Oct

Getting Punished . . . by my workload

Ahhh time, the inevitable aspect of my life that continues to follow me like a shadow and chase me like a hunter into my days and dreams, haunting me as I work and even moreso when I sleep. In moments when I feel overwhelmed with all that must be done – an article here, a podcast there, an interview here, a photoshoot there – my subconscious takes over and does strange things. Case: I stayed up until 6 am the other day listening to over 400 songs and mixes to piece together the tracklist for the September/October Retail DJ podcast. Point: I had a dream in which I had to strangle rats the size of bears, but then my feelings got the best of me when one began to lick my hand like a puppy and I couldn’t kill it.

Sounds like fun, right?

Welcome to just one night in the life of my stressed-out, over-worked brain. Luckily, music is always here to come to the rescue. This time around, the mix that’ motivated me as I got ready to go out is the latest Resident Advisor Podcast: Detroit Beatdown. Though only released on Monday, I go out on Tuesdays, so last night it really put me in the mood to dance and to continue doing so inside and outside of my house. For the outfit this week, I’ve chosen a dark number to fall right in line with this cold weather, with a little bit of color for contrast. The inspiration piece for this outfit were the boots from AllSaints, which look like they have taken a little beating of their own, though in a neat, aesthetically pleasing way, of course.

So take a moment to play and prepare to destroy the dancefloor after you Get Dressed to This:

The Music

Resident Advisor Podcast no. 227: Detroit Beatdown

(by DJs Norm Talley Delano Smith, and Mike Clark)

(click here to get this podcast)

The Outfit

1. Savitr Boot, AllSaints Spitalfields, $450 USD

2. V-Neck Pleat Waist Knitted Dress, ASOS, $54 USD

3. Blazer, Ohne Titel (for purchase @ YOOX), $480 USD

4. Falling Star Earrings, Anthropologie, $148 USD

5. Deerskin Leather Purse at Mano Bello,cync00′s Esty page, $215 USD

 6. Dara Ettinger Chelsea Ring, Urban Outfitters, $80 USD

 - Retail DJ

Get Dressed to This: Enter the Ninja

16 Sep

I believe the Jacques Renault and Marcos Cabral, the two masterminds behind Runaway, are men after my heart. With their newest work for the White Light Mix Series (headed up by DJ Neoteric and Matty C, both marvelous DJs in their own right), Runaway has taken the time to sneak softly and quietly into our souls with a carefully crafted combination of house and nuevo disco. The first track on the mix (which happens to not have a tracklist in order to, in their words, hold true to the old mix-tape style that required your listening to an entire set and not jumping around from track to track) is one that, without fail, makes me cry every time I hear it. The rest is truly a journey for the ears, fitting perfectly into the White Light Mix Series mission of providing listeners with music for “night driving introspection and taking the time to listen from start to finish.”

It’s a mission I appreciate, especially considering we are given so much music to hear, but not to which we are directed to truly listen and reflect on. The mission here at Retail DJ of course is different, but it nevertheless pushes an active engagement with music, requesting that the listeners (and the DJs who create the mixes) connect their visual and their aural, what they see as they pick out their clothes for a night out or a day at work with what they hear. It’s all about finding motivation in music, and fortunately, Runaway’s newest mix works for just that.

For the outfit this time around, I’ve chosen something that is dark, much like the mix, but that has a liquid-like flow from top to bottom. Channeling the concept of the ninja, dark and silent, yet on a mission, I’ve put together an outfit that will cause others to do a double take, even if they don’t hear you approaching in the distance. So take this time, press play, and Get Dressed to This . . .

The Music:

Runaway – White Light Mix 30

(click to play; right click + save as to download)

The Outfit:

1. Split Toe Tabi Flats by Maison Martin Margiela, shopbop.com, $775 USD


2. Hidden Horticulture Tights, Anthropologie, $18 USD


3. Dahlia Dress, AllSaints, $180 USD


4. Eco Friendly Jellyfish Clutch (in sea foam green), Sea Oats Etsy Store, $28 USD


5. Coral Glass Ear Plugs (4g), AZ Hot Shop Etsy Store, $23 USD


- Retail DJ

Get Dressed to This: Smoking in the Boys’ Room

13 Sep

I tend to cover clothes for the ladies here on Retail DJ, but every now and then, I give a nod to males of the species. It’s a bit odd really, how men are in the forefront in music (production, frontmen, DJs, band members, etc etc etc), but they’re a bit ignored by the fashion world. Fortunately, men’s casual wear is coming quite into its own, and a few creative labels out there are producing interesting pieces (many of which bend the lines of gender, which is perfect considering that the androgynous look is “all the rage” this season). What’s great about this outfit is that while it’s made for men, it would work on women as well (same styling, possibility different sizes).

In terms of the music this time around, I’m also stepping a bit out of my element and putting the shine on a rock mix. Though Edu K normally makes electronic and funk carioca tracks/remixes, the famed Brazilian producer likes to rock out as well. It’s what kept me awake during a long day at work last week, so surely it will get you revved up for a night out (or even tomorrow morning’s commute). Be daring and press play for this heavy metal meets heavy bass mix. Get Dressed to This:

The Music:

Edu K – Man Recordings Podcast No. 006

Man FM 006 – Edu K by MANRECORDINGS

(click to play ; click the small arrow on the right or here to download)


The Outfit:

1. Grey Weight Hoodie by Odeur, Oak, $252 USD

2. Comune Nudge Skinny Jean, Urban Outfitters, $68 USD

3. Driggs Boot by John Varvatos (in black), Zappos.com, $302 USD

4. Noble Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt, Ben Sherman, £15.00 (GBP)

5. “Icons of Rock” Morrissey Shoulder Bag, Diesel, $90 USD


- Retail DJ

Get Dressed to This: Stop Making Sense

12 Sep

Isa GT in action

Isa GT recently recorded a promo mix for the Stop Making Sense festival, and it’s fabulous. It involves a lot of funk carioca, dance rock, and cumbia, and she somehow makes them all go together. Though better known (in the States, at least) for her tracks like Pela’o and Pa’las Mamasitas, Isa GT is a prolific DJ (and performer) who is super well-versed in music and who puts together tracks quite creatively, particularly those you wouldn’t necessary imagine meshing, yet in her hands, they magically seem to work out.

For this Get Dressed to This, I thought I’d highlight music mixed by the queen of color herself and not worry so much about making sense. While summer is often seen as the “no rules” in terms of color, who says fall can’t follow suit? That said, press play on this mis and Get Dressed to This:

The Music

Isa GT – SMS 2010 Mix

(click to play; click here to download)

tracklist (below) after the jump

The Outfit

1. Marimekko Platform Heels, Julia Lundsten (can be purchased at Beacon’s Closet), $70 USD


2. Diva Skinny Jean (in “Rinse”), Old Navy, $30 USD


3. Silence and Noise Pleated Silk Cami (in Green), Urban Outfitters, $54 USD


4. Van Wrinkle Sweater by Moth, Anthropologie, $118 USD

(more…)

Get Dressed to This: La Vie Boheme

11 Sep

The bohemian look is always a good go-to for fall fashion because it inevitably involves comfort, layering, and darker colors. For this Get Dressed to This, I wanted to included a “boho” look versatile enough for day and night and to give you some music that serves an equal purpose. The boots are truly the centerpiece for this look, and are actually what I chose first in putting together the outfit. The mix from some of my DJs, trio Kraak & Smaak comes care of the Data Transmission Podcast (which, might I add, is fabulous, and at 124 episodes thus far, a cure for the empty playlist). It’s a fun set, this time with the boys dabbling in a little hip hop without veering too far out of their usual fun, soulful, and super danceable sound. The mix literally compelled me to start dancing before I could even put my clothes on!

Anyway, it’s Saturday night, so I’m off to get to a little dancing of my own, but I hope this mix helps you as you prepare for your own. So plug in the speaker and Get Dressed to This:

The Music:

Kraak & Smaak – Data Transmission Podcast No. 120

(click to play; right click + save as to download)

tracklist (below) after the jump

subscribe to the Data Transmission Podcast here


The Outfit:

1. Martingale Boots, Anthropologie, $238 USD


2. Birds Scarf (in ivory cashmere), We Are Owls (can be purchases at ShopBop.com), $218 USD


3. Viscose Knit Top (in cream), Forever 21, $15 USD


4. Supersoft Cardigan, The Gap, $50 USD


5. Slouch Pocket Bag, Ash Marzia (can be purchased at ASOS.com), $674 USD

6. “The Shorts of It” Shorts (in charcoal), ModCloth, $35 USD


7. Sheer Over-the-Knee Socks , Urban Outfitters, $8USD

(more…)

Get Dressed to This: All A-Flutter

10 Sep

photo credit: Marielle (marielliot)

This morning, when I woke up from my hour of sleep (yes, one hour), I was delighted to know that even while under a down comforter, I remained slightly cold, the temperature outside barely reaching the mid-60s. As the weather cools and the leaves turn, thus so does my soul. It’s no surprise to the people who read Retail DJ that I am a big fan of this season, the justification possibily being my actual date of birth, but for those of you didn’t know this, you’ve come at a great time. As I mentioned last night, as an homage to the coming of fall, I’m posting a new Get Dressed to This outfit + mix piece every night for a week. 

For this edition Get Dressed to This, I’ve decided to show my true crush on fall with some highly feminine pieces, though of course “edged” up by way of accessories and creative tailoring. Though this outfit is clearly for dancing, it’s also nice for a dinner date, small get together, or a people-watching centric walk with friends (for which fall is perfect!). This outfit is set to the music from the most recent Fool’s Gold podcast (“Foolcast”) by way of Style of Eye. It perfectly matches the outfit, volleying between soft and hard, disco and dubstep, catchy lyrics and heavy bass. So start your night with a nice beat and some sartorial inspiration/ Press play and Get Dressed to This: 

The Music:

 Style of Eye – Foolcast 016

(click to play; right click + save as to download) 

tracklist (below) after the jump 

 

The Outfit: 

1. Lorinna Dress, AllSaints, $180 USD 

flattering and "girly," yet with an edge

 

2. All Pain, No Gain Boots, Irregular Choice, $199 USD 

pewter patches

check out the peek-a-boo colored strip

 

 3. Super Suspender Tight, House of Holland (via Urban Outfitters), $28 USD 

the garter look, without the fuss

 

4. Extra Large Bright Red Beaded Vintage Earrings, Vintage Repeats (via Etsy), $13 USD 

bright, indeed

5. The Clingy Wallet (in teal), 49 Square Miles, $250 USD 

small, but can hold your phone + keys

  (more…)

Get Dressed to This: Fall Back

9 Sep

Fall is baaaaaack, and I am more excited than ever this time around. I’m not packing to go away to college or starting my first day of school, but I’m thrilled all the same. Fall and winter happen to be my favorite seasons – not only because of the cold weather, but also because it’s one of the richest times of the year for fashion. Thanks to quality fabrics, creative layering, and bursts of bold design, clothing options for the next two seasons happen to be my very favorite.

That being said, I’d like to welcome the new season with a little homage of my own. Starting tomorrow night, I’ll be featuring a “Get Dressed to This” post every day for the next week, with new mixes and fun fashion for nights out when sweating before arriving at the venue has a much lower likelihood.

Stay tuned for more!

- Retail DJ

Get Dressed to This: An Excuse for the Blues

2 Sep

Yes, it’s odd to be back from Brazil, and for those of you who follow me here or on facebook/twitter, you already know this. Fortunately, this time around, when I say “blues,” I’m not talking about melancholy, I’m referring to to the color.

While most fashion mags were stuck on blue for spring and peddling “nude”/”camel”/”caramel for summer and fall, I’m not really feeling it. The more and more I am told I should like something, the less and less interested I am in terms of considering it a viable option. But now that they have finally let the blue craze die, I’m more in the mood for it. Fall often means darker colors, but it doesn’t mean they have to be boring.

For this week’s Get Dressed to This, I’ve put together a fun fall outfit (that happens to work for day AND night) to the music of LA-based house great Lee Foss, whose latest podcast for Ibiza Voice made me want to dance the blues away. So press play and come along with me to Get Dressed to This:

The Music:

Lee Foss – Podcast for Ibiza Voice (192)

(follow the link to play / download)

The Outfit:

1. Wrap Kimono Dress, Topshop, $125 USD


2. Ted Baker Svana Peep Toe (Metallic Croc) Pump, ASOS, $236 USD

3. Rula Hoop Earrings, AllSaints Spitalfields, $65 USD

4. Lip of Luxury (in “Cougar”), Too Faced (available at Sephora), $18 USD

- Retail DJ

Get Dressed to This: Sao Paulo Edition

21 Aug

Last Friday, when I got off the plane and headed for the airport bus to the metro, the temperature was a tad bit chilly, but nothing unusual for Sao Paulo. About 24 hours later, however, SP pulled le grand Bait and Switch and turned into a live action Frigidaire, complete with foggy windows and freezing winds. Oddly, that’s not what weather.com had predicted, having lied to me entirely about a little number in the 70s and not one in the 50s. Despite my having left my warm jacket at home and being equipped solely with a grandpa sweater I dreamed that a drugged up club-goer couldn’t stop touching and black skinny jeans as my warmest attire, I made do. Though I can’t say I wasn’t helped by a little guardian angel who always keeps me warm called Music.

For most of the plane ride, walking around the city, and frequent subway rides, my soundtrack of choice was a newish mix by France’s Bobmo, the electronic music prodigy who graced the world with his ghettotech-happy presence and gave me a whole lot to be thankful for in my headphones. This is technically his SUMMER 2010 mix, but it worked out well for a Brazilian winter.

In addition, I wanted to show SP some attention in terms of fashion trends as well. As it’s winter, there’s little to note beyond basics, jeans, sweaters, and coats, but the high heeled boots became the highlight of SP’s super-chilly nights. Many say that Brazil is “behind” the US in terms of fashion, looking to us much as we look to Europe for fashion inspiration, yet I’ve found that in Brazil’s slightly less trend-obsessed (enslaved?) culture, there is more room to play, particularly with hair styles and accessories. It’s also a big nod to sustainability insofar as consumerism is concerned. By that, I’m hinting at the fact that the look I am displaying here is one that’s been in style in Brazil for quite some time.

Anyway, enjoy the music and the view, and don’t forget to check back in a day or two to hear about my other adventures in Sao Paulo and hopefully a few from Salvador (where I am at present)! Get dressed to this…

The Music:

Bobmo – Summer 2010 Mix

(click to play; right click + save as to download)

tracklist (below) after the jump

The Outfit:

1. Veronique Wrapped Strap Boots (in Black), Rosegold, $260 USD

2. Silence & Noise “Twig” Jean in Gray, Urban Outfitters, $39 USD


3. Long-sleeve Scoop Neck Tee (in White), Topshop, $20

4. Long-Sleeve Cape Tee (in black), LnA, $98 USD

(more…)

Get Dressed to This: Last Night, A DJ Saved My Life

6 Aug

Last night, The Retail DJ “Get Dressed for This” Showcase took place at B.East. I had an amazing time, as did the many guests who came out to show their support for the DJs, the site, and for the people who put forth a lot of hard work to make it happen! It’s hard for me to put into words how proud I felt to see the realtime articulation of this site out there on the dance floor, but I felt it in my soul last night, as I was on the verge of tears watching so many people enjoy themselves and really get into the beautiful venue, the positive vibe, and, of course, the music.

For tonight’s Get Dressed to This, I wanted to show those who were there (and those of you who missed out) exactly what I wore and where I bought it. After lots of compliments for the outfit, I thought it’d be more than fitting to give credit to the artists and stores who made it all happen.

Of course, I wouldn’t be able to tell the story of my outfit without a little music in the background, and what better music to use as I narrate than the music of DJ Shomi Noise. While she was unable to play at the event live, she was kind enough to create a mix for the party. Shomi’s “Ghost Set” was used as the DJs transitioned from one set to the next, making the plugging in of wires and readjustment of mixers not so quiet and boring. Now it’s yours to play and download to recreate a little piece of last night’s magic in your own home!

Without much further ado, here’s the final piece of the Get Dressed to This Megapost. The party is over, but the look and the sound last forever. Get Dressed to This:

DJ Shomi Noise – “Ghost Set” for The Retail DJ “Get Dressed for This” Showcase

DJ Shomi Noise – “Ghost Set” for The “Get Dressed for This” Showcase by RetailDJ

(click to play; click the small arrow on the right to download)

tracklist (below) after the jump

1. The Dress!

Aditya Dress, AllSaints Spitalfields, $180 USD (the photo doesn’t do it justice! It’s more dynamic in person, with the full asymmetrical bottom and voluminous collar/hood piece)

Description from AllSaints: 

Sleeveless, cotton wrap dress with herringbone tape self-tie at waist and a bubble hem. The Aditya dress features a voluminous button down collar that can be worn as a hood and has inverted pleats at front and back.

2. The Shoes!

Melissa + Karim Rashid design, flocked and in gray, Galeria Melissa in Sao Paulo, approx. $200 Reais (you can purchase the slick, pewter or gold version here)

3. The Accessories!

 Fascinator Cocktail Hat, Artikal, ArtikalNYC store on Etsy, $40

 

 

Description from Artikal.com :

Handcrafted velour fascinator cocktail hat.Created from millinery velour and is a stunning accent and topper to any oufit.It comes attached to a comb.

(I received so many compliments for this!Artist Holly really outdid herself with this amazing piece for her millinery company Artikal!  She makes beautiful hats and hair accessories. Definitely check out her site and Esty page.)

- my key necklace (I wear it all the time, almost every single day): simply a key on a dogtag chain!

- black fishnet stockings

- pearl stud earrings

(more…)

Get Dressed to This: Late Night Groove

3 Aug

B.East, venue for the Retail DJ "Get Dressed for This" Showcase

One thing that I considering one of my personal values is always giving credit when it’s due. Above all else, I find that it’s important to recognize people for their talent, for their contributions, and for their hard work. I don’t give people praise whom I don’t feel deserve it. I take that seriously here at Retail DJ, especially considering the hundreds of songs and mixes I listen to on a daily basis, filtering out all the crap so that you all can get nothing but the goods.

I say all of this because the mixes I have included this week for the Get Dressed to This Megapost leading up the big event really all are great and have some meaning to me. For today’s mix, I have a set that came to me by way of EZRAKH. I asked him if he could put together something especially for this, and he created this phenomenal mix without hesitation (and in such a short time frame, might I add). This mix is a follow up to his first Late Night Grooves Mix, which you can find HERE. In volume two, he pulls out all the stops, turning it into a curated audio museum of house music, ranging from the American Chicago/Detroit style to French House to the more recent incarnation of tech house. Infused with some soul and funk, the mix as a whole is a complete work and one that is truly reflective of the type of music you will hear from him Wednesday night (though, to be sure, this is just a sampling – you ain’t heard nothin’ yet until you see him play live).

In terms of the outfit, I’ve put together what would have been my outfit for the party. This dress was the runner up for tomorrow night, but I chose another dress at the last minute. This dress has a few grooves of its own, which you can see if you do a zoom on the AllSaints site. With slight texturing and subtle blue and peach stripes, this dress, though delicate in color, is heavy on the tailoring, with the rigid draping (oxymoronic, yes, but accurate) going on inside and out.

Anyway, check out the awesomeness and Get Dressed to This:

The Music:

EZRAKH – Late Night Grooves Mix Vol. 2

EZRAKH – Late Grooves Mix v2 by RetailDJ

(click to play; click the small arrow on the right to download)

Tracklist (Below) after the jump

The Outfit:

1. Urien Dress, AllSaints Spitalfields, $190 USD


2.  “Bria” Platform Sandal in Light Grey, Pour La Victoire, $171 USD


3. Bright Blue Leather Clutch Bag, Delacyonline Etsy Store, $69

(more…)

Get Dressed to This: Lovely Layers

2 Aug

In this 6th installment of the special Get Dressed to This megapost leading up to the Retail DJ “Get Dressed for This” Showcase on Wednesday, I thought I’d focus on a favorite of mine in both music and fashion: layers.

In the fall, I love playing with proportion and layers to create a distorted effect – obscuring the body and bringing the focus entirely to the clothes, the many intricacies of each part of the outfit heightened by the fact that they came in folds, layers, and levels. With each movement–a turn here, a twist there–the outfit becomes reborn. The music I like is often the same way–heavily layered, that is. I like music that starts off simply then adds on itself until it’s something with far more depth than initially anticipated. Daft Punk’s Homework is a perfect example of this, with each song technically having so many within it thanks to the introduction of hidden beats and changes within the track. Solo’s recent mix via Jackmode does similar work, adding surprise details here and there to each minute of the mix, creating a layered effect of its own.

Without much further ado, jump into the fold, and Get Dressed to This:

The Music:

Solo- Jackmode July Mix 2010

SOLO – JACKMODE JULY MIX 2010 by Jackmode

 The Outfit:

1. Lamira Top, AllSaints Spitalfields, $130 USD

2. Hitch Mini Skirt (in Washed Black), AllSaints Spitalfields, $67 USD

 

side view

 3. Agatha Jacket, AllSaints Spitalfields, $95 USD

4. Cambodia Boot, Max Studio, $139 USD

- Retail DJ

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