Tag Archives: melissa

The Power of Love

31 Jul

Famed Brazilian jelly-shoe line Melissa has a new collection out for (Brazilian) spring/summer 2012! It’s a light, super-feminine line with lots of pastels, dainty details, and even Disney villainesses. It’s quite a contrast to the fall/winter 2011 collection Time Code, which showed its allegiance to the slick, structured stylings of 80s business attire. The Power of Love collection, much like many fashion items for the American fall/winter season, pays homage to the 60s and 70s with shoes fitting for anyone from flower children to disco divas.

Here’s the video “footbook,” along with a few personal favorites + clothes that fit the bill. For those of you in search of looks for next summer (when they will hit American shores) or vacationing in Brazil in the spring/summer, these looks will certainly offer a little inspiration:

Power of Love Footbook:

My favorites + matching looks: 

look #1

+

sparkle & fade micro mini skirt, urban outfitters, $34 USD

 +

john & yoko graphic tee, forever 21, $16 USD

look #2

+

rock star jeggings, old navy, $35 USD

+

go sweet racer tunic, modcloth, $55 USD

 +

year-round cardigan, eddie bauer, $30 USD

look #3


+

diane von furstenberg bellancia silk jumpsuit, sakf fifth avenue, $375 USD

+

cinberblock necklace in silver, kiel mead jewelry, $120 USD

more faves:

(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…)

Melissa Time Code

10 Feb

"Making" ankle boot from the Melissa Time Code fall/winter collection

The video lookbook for Brazilian shoe company Melissa’s new fall/winter line is out! The look is futuristic, sleek, and sophisticated, as suggested by its name: Time Code. In what seems to be an homage to the powersuit-laden 1980s, the shoes are reminiscent of what we thought the future would look like, with dark hues and slick silhouettes. The collection is a bit like Blade Runner with a little Lady Gaga thrown in for modern measure.

As per usual, all the shoes are made of rubber, plastic, and metal, and retain their patent leather, high-gloss profile. Though as customary of the fall/winter collections (as those are the approaching seasons in Brazil), some of the shoes are made in the “flocada” style or, in other words, given a fuzzy, velvet-like finish.

But don’t take my word for it. Check out the video lookbook for this extensive collection for yourself:

- Retail DJ

Her Name Was Rio . . .

31 Aug

There's more to Rio than this

Oh Rio. Most people who visit Brazil flock to this city for its beaches, its iconic architecture (Big Jesus, anyone?), and its mix of nature and modern technology (they’ve got a forest and a subway a few kilometers away from each other).

To me, it’s a bit like one big Brazilian Disneyworld (or Universal Studios around the more rough, favela-accented parts), but it definitely has its less kitschy, more hidden treasures as well. One of them happens to be what Wallpaper Magazine considers one of the MUST SEE spots in Brazil: Muggia.

I wrote about Muggia about little over a year ago after having bought one of their bags in Sao Paulo (they sell their wares in boutiques and stores throughout Brazil and Europe) at the Galeria Melissa (the Clockwork Orange meets Star Trek-esque hub for all things related to Melissa shoes) on Oscar Freire in Sao Paulo. It was love at first sight, and I knew I’d have to hunt them down if I ever happened to be in Rio.

Luckily, I had the opportunity to pay the atelier a visit last week . . .

(more…)

Melissa Amazonista!

25 Aug

Ultragirl (w/ Amazon print)

Melissa, my favorite brand of plastic fantastic, has a new line of shoes out for the spring/summer season in Brazil. While it’s not my favorite collection to date (Afromania wins hands down, thus far), there are a few standouts. I got my hands (eyes?) on the new video lookbook a few days ago and after having paid Sao Paulo Melissa store a visit last week, I felt Retail DJ was long overdue for a post on the magic that is Melissa. I also noted recently on the Retail DJ facebook page that Melissa has come out with a line for men that is anticipated to launch in the fall, so be on the lookout for my review of the new M-Zero line as well. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view!

Melissa Shoes - Lookbook, Spring/Summer (Brazil) 2011

my favorite thus far:

Campana Costela de Adao

- Retail DJ

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…)

Dressed to Win

17 Jun

It’s pretty obvious which team I hope wins this year’s World Cup, but just in case you’re not a big follower of the blog, I’ll give you a hint: their flag’s colors are yellow, blue, and green and they just want a little “order and progress.”

Unfortunately, I find team jerseys to be a bit cheesy and not very flattering (at least, on women) and wanted to provide an alternative way to cheer on your team with meaning you have to wear numbered mesh. Here are some dresses that allow you to jump up and down sans flash and dance to your heart’s content:

Aerial View Dress, Modcloth, %57 USD

 

Sci-Fi Heroine Dress, Modcloth, $48 USD

 

Exaggerated One Shoulder Pencil Dress, Asos, $82 USD

 

Kimono Sleeve Dress in Yellow, SteveJ & YoniP, $288 USD

Stretch Jersey Dress, Rugby by Ralph Lauren, $108

and let’s not forget these adorable shoes by Melissa, aptly named “Cute”

Cute by Melissa, $60 reais

- Retail DJ

Mix On Tap: Lovers

12 Jun

Today is O Dia dos Namorados in Brazil. Known as the “Brazilian Valentine’s Day,” it’s a special day for folks in love, heavy like, or who just feel like buying red and pink things filled with chocolate for well, anyone. It certainly has a far more romantic premise than the American version (on which you are more than welcome to give you teacher, mom, little sister, and best friend a Valentine’s Day goodie), though much like the American version, it’s a huge commercial success and yet another manufactured holiday to boost the economy and line the pockets of many a company.

Even Melissa came out with a promotion related to Dia dos Namorados involving an all-red version of “Royale,” one of the shoes from their newest line “Melissa et Circenses“:

Anyway, in order to honor this Brazilian tradition and give my American readers something to keep them cool this summer, I give you a great Frozen Strawberry Marguerita recipe as well as a mix that is romantic enough at time to enjoy with your boo, but that has the necessary dance-cred to entertain even the least romantic. . .

The Drink

Frozen Strawberry Marguerita (c/o Guy Fieri)

ingredients: 2 cups crushed ice, 1/2 cup strawberry puree (frozen can or fresh strawberries, pureed), 1 cup tequila, 2 limes, juiced, splash of Triple Sec, splash of simple syrup (equal amounts sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves, then cooled)

Combine in a blender, ice, strawberry water, tequila, lime juice, Triple Sec and simple syrup. Puree until smooth. Pour into rocks glasses and serve.

The Music

Evil Nine – For Lovers Mixtape

:: FOR LOVERS :: MIXTAPE NO.1 by Evil Nine

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

tracklist after the jump

(more…)

Saturday Site Love: United Nude

22 May

United Nude in Neon Pink

Yesterday, I went to a Melissa Shoes sample sale in Chelsea* where I felt like a kid in a candy store. All those bright colors, all that yummy-smelling plastic and rubber, and the designs…so many designs! I was also thrilled to see many a pair from seasons past, versions that had been discontinued, and shoes in colors that were no longer manufactured. Overjoyed is not the word. Special thanks to the Melissa distributors who were incredibly helpful, patient, and generous (I got two free pairs of shoes!).

While Melissa is my staple of shoes these days, I thought I’d pay a little homage today to United Nude, who also utilizes a form os plastic for some of their shoes, and always thrill the buying public with their architectural masterpieces made just for your feet. With shoes that resemble modern art more than something you’d walk in, United Nude is surely a brand that cannot be overlooked. Now that they have their own, brand-new flagship store in NYC (!!!), United Nude is even more accesible, but for those of you who live out of town or who just don’t have the time to stop by their 268 Elizabeth Street location, give their site a looksie. Their prices, particularly considering the work that goes into these shoes, are not so bad, and you can often find their wares on sale. So enjoy the view as you check out United Nude:

from their collaboration with K-Swiss:

Eamz X Elastic:

Loop Hi (back angled view):

Coral:

Frame:

Block Pump Hi:

for more, check out UnitedNude.com

*Thanks to Lilibeth and Kristal for the tip on the sample sale!

- Retail DJ

Get Dressed To This: Good Ship Lollipop

13 May

The nautical look always resurfaces for spring, but it’s often a little overdone and cliche. I wanted to put together a look today that looks more like cute cruise guest than pirate or an Anything Goes extra. The look always needs a little modernizing, so by way of these fun Melissa shoes and a more up-to-date take on the bow-style collar, this nautical look will help you dance the night away. As will this mix by Star Eyes, awesome NYC singer/DJ whom you can always rely on for an amazing night. Her DJ sets are well-known for their depth and entertainment level, but this one for XLR8R takes the cake, or should I say the lollipop? Enjoy:

the music:

Star Eyes – Love from NY Mix, XLR8R Podcast no. 114

(click to download / right click + save as to download, or follow this link for both)

tracklist below after the jump

the look:

1. Dress: Pins and Needles Knit Stripe Ruffle Bow Dress, UrbanOutfitters, $58 USD

2. Shoes: Vivienne Westwood T-Strap Wedges (in red) by Melissa, eBay, $35 – 60 USD

3. Earrings: Gold-Tone, Nautical, Clip-On Earrings by Edismiles, Esty, $4 USD

4. Purse: Vintage Gold Clutch with Chain Strap, Posiesforlulu on Etsy, $29 USD

(more…)

Melissa Brasil: Fall/Winter Collection Out!

17 Mar

It’s Schoolgirl Cool over at Melissa, the amazing Brazilian company that is the source of my shoe affections. With their recyclable plastics, good company ethics, and innovative designs, Melissa wins my heart every time. The fall/winter collection  (as Brazil’s getting a bit colder right now as we warm up) “Melissa Et Circenses” revives some of the left-overs from the most recent “Love Pirates” and “Afromania” collections with extra cute details like stitching, buttons, and even cherries! I hope you enjoy the new collection as much as I do, and be sure to take a look at the older ones. It also helps that the music for each video lookbook is great!

Want to buy Melissa shoes? Read more after the jump.

(more…)

Saturday Site Love: Melissa!

16 Jan

Yes, those are shoes!

Sao Paulo Fashion Week begins tomorrow (!!!!) and seeing information about the upcoming shows reminded me of the love affair that I led while living in Brazil…

not with a person, mind you, but with a shoe company by the name of Melissa! Their shoes are beautiful, creative and, get this, recyclable. The shoes are often made almost entirely of plastic!Nuts, right? They are easy to dance in and can be worn with a variety of clothing styles. 

Right now, their I <3 Pirates Collection is out:

Previous lined include Secret Gardens (spring/summer 2009):

and

Afromania (fall/winter 2009):

These shoes are pretty coveted in Brazil. While living there, my roommate actually STOLE a pair of mine (not even kidding). They are up there price wise for plastic shoes, but I’d say the fashion plus their ecologically friendly philosophy and respect for their workers make it all worth it. In the States, they can be found on eBay, Karamaloop, and even Saks Fifth Avenue, and with unfortunate price tags. Here, the prices are practically doubled due to shipping, taxation, etc, so if you ever happen to be in Brazil (you never know!), pick them up…or make friends with people who live there and frequent the States. In what almost feels like a drug run, I have a Brazilian friend whose family lives in Sao Paulo bringing back a pair for me that look like woodgrain:

Totally addicted!

Check out the Melissa website (blog too!) here: http://www.melissa.com.br

If you don’t understand Portuguese, you should still be fine. Just follow the pictures. Even if you STILL are lost, click everything. It’s worth checking out!

- Retail DJ

Get Dressed to This: Primary Colors

31 Dec

Red, yellow, and blue remind me of kindergarten. These three colors are the first ones we learn and, sadly, the ones we avoid putting together in our clothing choice as adults. Despite the peanut butter and jelly nostalgia these typically evoke, there’s a way to make sure the colors look all grown up.

With that said, I give you the first official “Get Dressed to This,” beginning with the colors we know best (music: “Plant House Mix” by La Fleur; tracklist below):

La Fleur – Plant House Mix by lafleur
Download Here (Right Click, Save Target As)

1. Vintage Marco Polo Navy Blue Stewardess Dress, eBay, $25 USD

2. Campana Favela Flocada Flat in Burgundy by Melissa (various: gilt.com, ebay, lojamelissa.com.br, prices will vary)

3. Mustard Yellow Opaque Hose, American Apparel, $14 USD

4. Vintage Chunky Costume Gold Star Clip-On Earrings, Esty, $3 USD

6. Off White Leather Convertible Clutch Purse, Esty, $16 USD

7. “Rusty” Ring, Naughty Secretary Club, $14 USD

                                           

–

La Fleur Plant House Mix Tracklist:

40 Thieves – Don’t turn it off /Chinatown
Unknown – We See Us (Original mix) /We See Us
Lauhaus – Give It Up (Ray Ok Paralysedit) /Remote Areas
Alex Niggemann – Black Rose /Supernature
And i.d. – First Talk /Mobilee records
Dan Curtin – Other /Mobilee Records
Blagger – Strange Behaviour (Dj Koze aka Swahimi remix) /Perspectiv Records
The Runners – Woman Pleaser (Jay Shepheard remix) /Dirt Crew
Falko Brocksieper – Adobe (Original mix) /Contexterrior
Oxia – Whole Life (Original mix) /8 Bit
Mendo – Everybody I got him /Clarisse Records

- Retail DJ

Throwback Post: Flying Down to Rio

30 Dec

While I was living in Sao Paulo, Brazil recently, I created a temporary blog about music and fashion (which ended up being the baby for Retail DJ). Here’s a post that I thought was appropriate to include about an awesome little boutique in Rio and a few throwback tracks worth giving a listen as you check out their wares.

- Retail DJ

——

 i recently bought a gigantic purse from the galeria melissa (huge melissa shoe store in sao paulo) that, while out of my usual price range for purposes, is amazing. it’s big enough for me to sit in, meaning it’s perfect for me, the average new yorker who carries around half of her fridge, closet, and desk drawer in her purse. it’s much cuter in person, but here’s a pic for the hell of it:

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the bag “goes both ways,” meaning it has straps on both sides. via the shorter leather straps, it’s more of a bucket shape. via the side clothes draped straps, it’s more of a teardrop shape. the fabric: canvas. the print: handpainted images of people working along with random splotches of color, trees,and other miscellaneous items. the designer: muggia

muggia is a rio-based boutique located in one of rio’s most upscale neighborhoods, botafogo. the store, whose owners twin sisters Ana Beatriz e Juliana Suassuna have always had a pension for design, opened in 2005 to a brazil hungry for original wares. they make clothes, jewelry, and other accessories, but are best known for their jewelry and bags, which they distribute throughout brazil.

here’s an inside look at the atelier:

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one of the owners:

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OMG SHE’S WEARING TABI SHOES!!! HOW CUTE IS THAT??!?!?!

here’s a look at the bags (swoon):

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muggia:
rua real grandeza, 182, casa 8, botafogo, rio de janeiro (21) 3511-5470
***

and just an added extra…

RIO, by the bumblebeez (amazing australian band):

re-worked by Herve (amazing british dj):

and as re-worked by crookers, amazing italian dj duo (whom i had the pleasure of seeing perform live while on vacation in portugal at Lux, a club owned by john malkovich in lisbon (Random!!!)):

ahhh globalization…

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