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)
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
In the past few years, the speakeasy theme has been a growing undercurrent in the NYC club scene, particularly because NYers don’t seem to like to dance, but certainly love to drink. Some places handled this charge poorly, failing economically due to too much concept and not enough content or just a pathetic reliance on theme but not pulling in a crowd that was down to play perpetual dress-up. Fortunately, there are places like Ella, which has outlasted what was once just a trend and seems to be in it for the long haul.
Part of Ella’s appeal is that despite its speakeasy appearance (all the way down to the bartender’s outfits), it remains modern by way of its fabulous DJ bookings. With a Wednesday night party c/o of Nicky Digital et al for SMILE and several other regular nights, they retain their style without losing an edge. One other such person who contributes to Ella’s continued relevance is NSR, whom we profiled as one of our first interviewees here at Retail DJ.
Though still MCing, he DJs quite a bit as well, and thank goodness for it. His style is diverse and incorporates several genres, almost a must for DJs nowadays, but something that he does naturally. NSR has a regular night at Ella (Fridays), so be sure to check him out. In the meantime, here’s a little taste of his set (this time around, of the light, nuevo disco pop variety) with a modern take on speakeasy chic. Get dressed to this . . .
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:
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:
In this case, when I say “my humps,” I am not talking about that Black Eyed Peas song with Fergie at the helm, I am talking about a twisted, structured take on the tulip dress by AllSaints Spitalfields and a fabulous mix by Camel that incorporates tech house and classic house with such smooth grace that it gave me chills on a hot and humid day.
Though this dress and its structure is quite rigid and dark (the dress is stiff and corsetted at the waist and more pronounced areas), the cut is still sexy without losing its charm. It can be dressed down with more brightly colored jewelry or made more intense with darker metals and accessories. Considering that this set of Get Dressed to This posts are about easing you all into fall, I figured I’d make a compromise with a light yet intense approach
I hope you enjoy this mix and outfit as much as I had picking them!
If Frankenstein became a disco go-go dancer in a pre-historic club, this is what his shoes would look like. Why, Jeffrey Campbell, why?
Jeffrey Campbell "Roks" Wedge
The price? $148. The amount of money spent of hospital bills from falling in these suckers? $5000. The fact that NOT buying these can save you years of medical care and embarrassment? Priceless.
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:
Despite his ever-evolving and multi-layered musical tastes and talents, at the end of the day, EZRAKH likes to define himself as “simple” and “classic” when it comes to style. A big fan of Uniqlo, EZRAKH’s main concerns are comfort and fit. Yet within this aesthetic, style is not lost. With touches of color, hints of texture, and the inclusion of accessories chock full of sentimental value and backstories, you could say that EZRAKH’s style can get as deep as his music does. With that said, come with us for a moment as we Get Ready With EZRAKH:
BEFORE
Retail DJ: What makes your “comfy jeans” so comfy? Are they worn in or were they like that already?
EZRAKH: They are worn in but comfortable when I bought them. They are selvedge, from Uniqlo. Uniqlo is like my favorite brand as of now. I like more fitted clothing. These definitely fit me pretty well. They’re worn in, as you can see. I had to patch the whole underside of them. I guess also because the denim is a little more worn, it makes them feel less stiff.
EZRAKH showing us the underside of the shirt
Retail DJ: Where is your shirt from? EZRAKH: This is actually an old Abercrombie & Fitch shirt. That’s where I worked when I worked in retail. But it fits so well, but I don’t like that print on it.
Retail DJ: Oh so that’s why you wear it on the wrong side?
EZRAKH: Yeah, the other side says “Baghdad Ass Up”
Retail DJ: Ah no wonder you wear it in reverse! I was wondering about that. Can you show us the print? [demonstrates] Why would they ever make a shirt like that!??! Were you there during the Asian shirts controversy? EZRAKH: I was there toward the end of it. I was in high school. That was like my first real job. And I remember being like, “Whoa, Abercrombie!” That was the cool thing then. They always used to give us free clothes. But yeah, even this shirt is pretty offensive. It was right around the time of the war—right after shock and awe in Iraq. And then they put this shirt out. It’s like ok, it sounds like “back dat ass up,” but using Baghdad, especially at this time—it was pretty offensive.
Retail DJ: Your pants are form Uniqlo. Your belt is from. . . ? do you remember?
EZRAKH: No, some random store.
Retail DJ: Where is your jacket from?
EZRAKH: This one I found at Urban Outfitters a couple years ago. Retail DJ: I like the yellow lining. It’s a nice touch.
EZRAKH: Yeah, it’s a good accent on it right? Retail DJ: And your scarf is from?
EZRAKH: Uniqlo. I love Uniqlo. It’s a really good store. I wasn’t messing around!
Retail DJ: Buttons!
EZRAKH: Yeah, my students like it too. I actually got it from one of my students, come to think about it. Retail DJ: That’s awesome
Retail DJ: Is there anything you have to have on accessory-wise? For example, do you always wear this watch?
EZRAKH: Yeah, I got it this summer. I was like, “I want to start getting serious about things.” I mean, yeah, obviously I was doing music before then and other jobs and whatever, but I never really had a watch—with the exception of when I was a kid. But back then, you know, watches—you’d lose them, break them, whatever. But I realized, “Ok, I need to get a serious watch, and keep the exact time on it.” I wanted to be more prudent when it came to getting to places I needed to be, especially given the fact that I am DJing and I have to travel to different places to DJ, etc. People are paying me, and if I want to get paid again or paid the full amount, or just, in general, to provide a good service, the least I can do is get there on time.
I find myself looking at it a lot for no reason. For example, someone might ask, “What’s the date?” and I end up looking at my watch to answer, even though that’s not on there. [laughs] Even when asked about dates of future events etc, I’ll look at it. For some reason, I guess I just associate time (in general) with my watch now. That’s a good thing. It makes me feel mature, and it’s a good accessory to have.
Retail DJ: The shoes?
EZRAKH: They are Clarks. I have flat feet unfortunately, it sucks. But these are comfortable, and I put these Dr. Scholl’s insoles in to make them even more so. Retail DJ: When you’re performing, do you wear those shoes as well, or do you wear something different considering you know you will be on your feet for long periods of time?
EZRAKH: These are probably the most comfortable to wear when I’m DJing. I like Vans a lot too. It’s like, my favorite shoe. I like Vans and Clarks for their simplicity. But I am generally a pretty simple dude when it comes to physical stuff.
outfit 1
Retail DJ: Is that a word you would use to describe your style in general: Simple?
EZRAKH: I guess “Classic’ would be the best word. I mean you have these trends that come through, like Hammer pants and now there’s a big streetwear revival. I feel like jeans and a t-shirt or jeans and an Oxford [shirt] if it’s an occasion.. . or even chinos, khaki pants. Retail DJ: They never go out of style.
EZRAKH: Yeah, exactly. Those are classic pieces. You can find people, at least in western countries, all around the world, wearing those styles. It’s just the most comfortable. You don’t have to worry about wasting your money. Sometimes, it’s cool to be trendy. Take my glasses for example. At the time I bought them, I honestly needed glasses. Call them a trend if you will, but I think they fit my face, I know I didn’t want wire frames. I wanted something strong and durable. I bought them for next to nothing at the optometrist. Given the fact that they’re not necessarily the “in style” glasses for everyone, they were cheap, so I tried them on. I tried on several types, not just the wayfarer styles, but I wanted something that felt like it had some weight durability wise. I didn’t want something that would break easily. You obviously see people out there—no offense to people with small heads—with smaller facial structures wearing these big wide glasses that don’t fit too well (and you can even get variations on that style that fit their faces better).
EZRAKH:But like I said—stick to classic stuff and add things like colors. I like grays a lot. Grays, reds, purple, and once in a while, orange. This winter, I’ve been wearing this orange jacket that I love. Retail DJ: Is that your favorite color right now?
EZRAKH: Well, it’s my favorite color jacket to wear right now [laughs] It’s reversible too! I bought it from Uniqlo! Retail DJ: You are going to get a kickback from them for this interview! [laughs]
Retail DJ: So to go back, you mentioned you like purple. When I heard that, I immediately started playing “We All Wanna Be Prince” by Felix da Housecat in my head!
outfit 2
Retail DJ: Are you influenced by any artists style-wise? EZRAKH: Consciously, I don’t think so. I don’t go so far as to wear Sgt. Pepper outfits and 4-inch heels like Prince. I mean, you see people like Kanye West. He’ll sometimes randomly go on this outlandish kick and put on something that makes you go, “Whoa, that’s wild.” But generally, when he tones it down a little, you could maybe compare it to that. But like I said, I don’t really think so. It’s more about “Can I wear that?” and “Would it look good one me” rather than, “Hey, I wanna get that because it looks so awesome . . . on him.” You know? Retail DJ: [laughs] Like, “Am I Kanye West?” [laughs] Retail DJ: Quote of the day! [laughs]
Retail DJ: So back to fashion trends. . . did you fall into any bad ones?
EZRAKH: Abercrombie & Fitch. But it’s because I worked there. I feel like that was a bad fashion trend . . . yeah, that was bad! Retail DJ: Well was everything you wore from Abercrombie? Is that how bad it was?
EZRAKH: Yeah. I worked there. It was my first job. I’d get 40% off everything. Randomly, they’d give out pairs of jeans, new stuff that was coming out, etc. They’d give it to the workers because they have this idea of brand representation—which a lot of stores too—but theirs is hardline. Even in the 5th avenue store—my girlfriend used to work there—they pick out your outfit there. You’d have to go in 30 minutes before work and they would dress you, which I guess is cool, but like…what? I thought I just wanted to fold clothes and get some money. I didn’t know I was gonna have to do all that and wear a uniform. Retail DJ: Well even for guys, aren’t they usually shirtless and in a pair of pants? I mean sometimes you walk by, and it’s like, “Where is your shirt? Where are your clothes? Do you sell clothes?” [laughs]
EZRAKH: Yeah, I know, right?! I feel like they sell more of an idea to people, an idea that you can be like the people you see on the advertising. And sure, a lot of companies do that, but they are more hardcore about it. It’s practically porno.
Retail DJ: Well I see you use Scope. Are there certain brand favorites?
EZRAKH: I was raised in a vegan household, eating all natural stuff, no chemicals. The only thing we’d use for mouthwash was this hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. That’s the safest for you apparently because there are tons of other stuff in that. [pointing to the Scope] I actually bought that when I was on my way to Chicago.
Retail DJ: Do you get really hot when you play?
EZRAKH: Yeah, that’s the thing. I wouldn’t wear a button-up in the summer. It would be something light like a t-shirt. Even in the winter, indoor places, unless it’s a special occasion, I don’t really favor dressing up too much. It’s a good look, though, if I am going to a show or out to dinner, but only for special occasions.
Retail DJ: Who taught you how to tie a tie?
EZRAKH: Honestly? I taught myself. I know that sounds sooo bullsh*t. But considering I am in a single-parent home, and my single parent is a mother. . . There were tied ties in a drawer from my brother when he had gone off to school, and I was like, “Whoa, I need to stop with these clip-ons.” I saw the ties and I would take them apart and try to tie them on my own. I finally mastered it. The process was messy. But I remember one weekend, I went to go see my dad, and he cleared it up for me. [laughs]
Retail DJ: What kind of knot do you typically use? EZRAKH: Windsor not. Half Windsor, depending on the length of the tie (like if it’s a short tie, I’ll use a half-Windsor).
Retail DJ: If we had to stock your green room, what would we put in it?
EZRAKH: Mine would be dark chocolate—68%. I love chocolate, but I really like dark chocolate. It’s amazing. It’s really good and good for you. It has tons of antioxidants, it’s calming, etc. I would also want Guinness . . . and Trader Joe’s kettle corn.
EZRAKH wearing the hat while DJing
Retail DJ: What about music performance essentials for you? Any items you always need, clothing or otherwise? EZRAKH: I usually wear this gray hat a lot. I wear it everywhere—when I am DJing, when I’m not. It’s more of a winter thing. Retail DJ: Is it lucky or anything, or just a habit?
EZRAKH: I like the look of it. I feel like when i wear it with the peacoat especially, I feel very official . . . and naval. Like, I’m down at the docks! [laughs] I’m just kidding! I think it fits me. If something works for me, I’m not going to change it.
To see the entire Get Ready With EZRAKH photoshoot, check out the slideshow by clicking HERE
Inspired by old biker pics of James Dean, I thought I’d make today’s Get Dressed to This post all about looking tough and dancing tougher. But when I say tough, I don’t mean knock ‘em down, drag ‘em out, fighting-style tough, I mean the tough that makes people stop in their tracks and go “Dayyyyumn, you’s a sexy b*tch!” or something along those lines
Going out and looking good doesn’t always mean wearing little. This lesson rings particularly true in the winter, when wearing little just makes people shake their heads and think you’re stupid. You can cover yourself up entirely and still make traffic stop. With that said, I give you Retail DJ’s take on rebellion with legendary DJ, promoter, and all-around awesome person Larry’s Tee’s Club Badd Mix from 2008 as the soundtrack.
From tracks like “My P*ssy” “Let’s Make Nasty,” and “Licky,” this mix is sure to put you in a naughty mood, or at the very least make you dance like you’re in one. As per usual, the tracklist is available in the Music Archive.
After reading the What’s Good? Interviews (Part One) (Part Two) with NSR, you may have thought we’d have run out of questions. You thought wrong.
We spent some more time with NSR and were joined by his friend and manager Ben Molinari for a hilarious session of shooting the bull about our other half: fashion. We invite you to sit back, relax, and check out the serious sartorial knowledge being dropped as we Get Ready With NSR!
Noah Souder-Russo aka NSR
Retail DJ: Noah, tell us about your outfit and where everything came from.
NSR: Nike Vintage Vandal Highs in red. I got them from Nike, when I used to have the hookup – which I still do, actually. Shout out to Nike! Levi 511 khakis. John Varvatos cardigan. And the only brand of t-shirt that I wear: BDG, purchased at Urban Outfitters. It’s the most comfortable, best fitting t-shirt ever!
Ben: Don’t get the tri-blend!
NSR: Right. Don’t get those. They shrink!
NSR: Oh and the scarf I bought in Istanbul. Retail DJ: Cool. Is it a street buy?
NSR: Yeah, it’s a street buy from the Grand Bazaar. Retail DJ: Did you buy this during your Self-Discovery Tour?
NSR: Yeah [laughs]
Ben Molinari
Retail DJ: Ben, can you tell us a little about your outfit?
Ben: This jacket is from Zara when Zara was cool like 3 years ago, before they made everything all shiny and weird.
NSR: Yeah, Zara has gone way downhill.
Ben: The hooodie is American Apparel. Jeans are Levi’s 511s. Shoes are from Banana Republic, like 3 years ago. Pocket square is Ralph Lauren. Watch is a Breitling. I think that’s all I’m wearing. Oh, underwear is Calvin Klein.
Retail DJ: Are you wearing socks? Ben: [laughs] I mean, they are completely different, both of them. So the left one is Adidas, the right one is some sort of other…I’m not even trying. Socks to me are kind of an afterthought, like, “I actually have to wear these?”
After a long night at Gallery Bar...
Retail DJ: Do you have a routine to get ready? NSR: No. What I tend to do is pick out outfits that I probably won’t wear and try things on. Then I always resort back to the same sh*t. For example, I’ll have new things I wanna wear, and I’ll want to put together, but then I just resort back to what’s comfortable.
BEFORE
Retail DJ: That’s what you did today too, right?
NSR: That’s exactly what I do, every single day of my life. I should just face the fact that I’m gonna wear a t-shirt every day of my life. BUT. . . it’s about how you accessorize the t-shirt. [Ben is] totally different! There’s also a difference between wearing a size 14 shoe, being 6’2”, and being a slender good looking dude like this one [points to Ben] – a nice, slender, Italian male. [laughs]
I think the most important thing about fashion is, regardless of labels and anything else, wearing things that fit your body type and that look good on you. I think, ultimately, that’s what it’s about.
Retail DJ: So for you, is comfort above style?
NSR: Yeah. I think if you’re comfortable and you’re confident in what you’re wearing, that will show. I feel that if you’re 300 lbs, maybe you shouldn’t wear skinny jeans. It is what it is. But then again, if you’re 125 lbs soaking wet, why are you wearing XXL t-shirts? You can fit into nice clothes that work for your body type. Also, I find that certain colors accentuate features.
Retail DJ: Is that one of your major fashion faux-pas—when people don’t wear clothes that best suit their bodies?
NSR: I think that’s what bothers me the most, aside from the issue of brands. I do have specific brands and trends that I hate, like graphic tees.
Ben: Yeah, overall, graphic tees just never should have been invented.
NSR: I like colors that pop. You can wear some nice muted colors, then couple that with accessories –whether it’s sneakers, scarves, etc. I think that’s dope. Though, too much color I think is horrible. I think overly matching is also really bad. You know, you’ve gotta keep it in the same palette. [all laugh]
Ben: I don’t even know colors exist. [all laugh].
Retail DJ: So now a serious question: Do you watch Jersey Shore?
NSR: Oh yeah, but I didn’t see the last episode. Did you, Ben?
Ben: Yeah, I did. And you want a secret confession?
NSR: What, you watched it twice? Retail DJ: You dated Snooks?
Ben: [laughs] I did not date Snooks. . . Retail DJ: JWoww?
Ben: [laughs] Nah. But I am actually FROM the Jersey Shore Retail DJ: Awesome!
Ben: Born and raised. The northern most part, though. Retail DJ: Riiiight. The city limits!
Ben: Yeah, the part where people actually LIVE! Though as you can see, it didn’t reflect on my graphic tee game [all laugh]
Retail DJ: So as you know, they have the GTL lifestyle: Gym, Tanning, and Laundry
NSR: Hell yeah! Retail DJ: What’s your slogan? What’s your GTL? NSR: Oh my God! [laughs] My GTL is GIP. Retail DJ: Which is…? NSR: Get It Poppin’! [all laugh] It works with everything! If you’re gonna do something, you’ve gotta get it poppin’—whether it’s going out, what you’re wearing—just go hard. Go hard or go home.
Retail DJ: Put that on a shirt!
NSR: Yeah, GIP!
Ben: I concur. [laughs]
NSR: That food he just ate? Get it poppin’!
Ben: Yeah. I attacked that. [all laugh]
AFTER
Retail DJ: Do you have any products that you really really like or that you’re completely reliant upon before you go out? NSR: Deodorant. Deodorant and Q-tips. Listerine.
Retail DJ: Any hair products or stuff you bring with you when you’re going to do a show? Anything that’s essential? NSR: This is essential. This is all-day—the original Chapstick. I literally can’t go a day without it, especially in the wintertime. Are you serious? Apply and re-apply.
Ben: Do you wear facial cream?
NSR: Nah. [laughs] Oh I know what else—hand lotion! Definitely. Hand lotion is big. Retail DJ: Any preferred brand? NSR: I like Jergens. Retail DJ: Get it poppin’ with Jergens! [all laugh]
NSR: That has a whole different connotation![laughs]
I have a love/hate relationship with Urban Outfitters. I like some of their stuff and many things that come from their sister companies Anthropologie and Free People. However, some of their business practices are less than cool, one of them being the excessive over-pricing even the simplest of their goods.
Case meet Point:
You know you live in an industrialized country when you have the privilege to pay a lot of money for a shirt that looks like you washed it in a tub of razorblades and bleach.
Many items at Urban Outfitters have this appearance, as do the items at several other ridiculously priced stores (like Abercrombie and Fitch…also accused of very bad and very racist business practices, among others).
I find this audacious display of fashion idiocy hilarious, particularly in light of recent reports that Urban Outfitters TRASHES its unsold wares. Is this some kind of marketing tool to reach their painfully ironic hipster market? Vom, much? Maybe they should just dig into their own back bins and save themselves some time.
The other day on the A train, I saw a young man get on who most likely was coming back from vacation; he had a suitcase with him and looked well rested. But beyond this, homeboy was stylish. He was wearing a burgundy letter sweater, with navy blue pants, a light gray dress shirt, a black trilby hat, black rimmed Buddy Holly glasses, and multi-fabric sneakers. He had what I recall seeing quite a bit when I was in Lisbon, easily one of my favorite cities in Europe: a little bit hipster, yet polished and neat. Imagine, if you can, a hipster who irons his clothes and dresses a bit like his grandfather, who is also very well put together. There is a confidence in his walk, but not a cockiness that we see all too often. He is himself, young and still hanging onto the lessons his parents taught him, but daring here and there to tweak his style to match his more bohemian peers. He goes to LuxFragil some weekends, but remembers to go by his grandmother’s on Fridays for bacalhau.
I saw a lot of this in Lisbon, a style that didn’t scream trying to hard. It was well-played and subtle, leaving you to admire the wearer and his choices, the fit, and colors, as opposed to the garish glare of a self-conscious, tv-dictated outfit. With that, I give you Lisbon with a touch of hipster (“alternativo”) and a mix by Portuguese DJ prodigy Ka§par, who is, by far, one of my favorite and highly underrated djs from the Iberian Peninsula. Come with me across the ocean, and get dressed to this:
Today, I am returning to New York, my new home, from Memphis, my home town. I’ve lived in NYC since 2002, thus it’s been the place where I have spent the entirety of my adulthood (save the year I spent in Brazil). In many ways, NYC is more my home than the place I was born. I say that with no tinge of negativity. It’s just my reality. Even before I moved away from home, there was a part of me in terms of both my style and diverse music taste that screamed “New York!” and in recognizing that, I followed my heart. And as so many things about my new home change on a regular basis, there are always certain things that will always be the same.
With that said, this “Get Dressed to This” Thursday feature is about finding your way home, the centerpiece being a compass pendant, accompanied by an amazing mix by Munk (the Gomma label backed musical genius behind the super sexy tracks “Live Fast, Die Old” featuring Asia Argento and “Down In L.A.“). Enjoy:
1. The Phenomenal Handclap Band – You’ll Disappear (Munk Remix)
2. Breakbot – Happy Rabbit
3. Die Sterne vs Munk – Neblige Lichter
4. Diskokaine – Hall Of Shame (King Of Kong Remix)
5. Crazy P – Caught Up (Still Going Remix)
6. Munk – Back Down (L.U.C.A. Remix)
7. Midnight Express – Danger Zone
8. Die Sterne vs Munk – Nach Fest kommt Lose (Instrumental)
9. Captain Delicious – Make Noise
10. Dr Feelgood – Roxette
11. Eastbound Expressway – Never Let Go
12. Camaro’s Gang – Fuerza Majo (Tensnake Remix)
13. Munk – Back Down (Cut Copy Remix)
14. Theo Vaness – Bad Boy (Ray Mang Edit)
15. Couchois – Visibility Zero
When I was living in Brazil, I’d occasionally peruse the digital pages of UrbanOutfitters.com to see what Stateside trends I was missing out on. Fortunately, I didn’t miss much.
It seems as though all of Hollywood and its fashion followers (life imitating art, or art imitating life?) jumped onto the “cage shoe” bandwagon. Shoes all of a sudden became torturous contraptions that were lattice tanline-creating, blister-inducing, little leather nightmares. To top it all off, we’ve already seen this trend before. It didn’t look good then, and it looks even worse now as we attempt the comeback. Everyone seems to be wearing them, yet no one has noticed the utter terrorist act it commits on the shape of one’s legs. If you want your leg to look like an asymetrical triangle, that’s your business, but in my case, I’d rather they look, you know, normal and not like sausages stuffed into a cowskin meatgrinder. Thanks.
Since the summer, buyers for Urban Outfitters and Piperlime have been trying to continue this trend deep into the frigid air of a New York winter, reminding us that we might need leather lattice work in the cold, too! Because nothing says warmth like a shoe that has a ton of holes in it, right? Lattice heeled sandals transformed into lattice boots, boots with chunks missing, BOOTS WITH OPEN TOES! I was shocked. Had these people lost it? They attempted to redeem themselves by injecting common sense here and there, only to yield even uglier results. Take, for example, the rehashing of the schoolmarm shoe, only in boot form, or what I like to call “The Wallabee Wedge,” a hideous combination of the suede sole soother by Clark’s and, well, a wedge. I could leave you to imagine all these things, but I’ve decided to supply you with pictures just in case your imagination wasn’t strong enough to come up with these monstrosities on its own. Look at your own risk:
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The other day on the A train, I saw a young man get on who most likely was coming back from vacation; he had a suitcase with him and looked well rested. But beyond this, homeboy was stylish. He was wearing a burgundy letter sweater, with navy blue pants, a light gray dress shirt, a black trilby hat, black rimmed Buddy Holly glasses, and multi-fabric sneakers. He had what I recall seeing quite a bit when I was in Lisbon, easily one of my favorite cities in Europe: a little bit hipster, yet polished and neat. Imagine, if you can, a hipster who irons his clothes and dresses a bit like his grandfather, who is also very well put together. There is a confidence in his walk, but not a cockiness that we see all too often. He is himself, young and still hanging onto the lessons his parents taught him, but daring here and there to tweak his style to match his more bohemian peers. He goes to 
Today, I am returning to New York, my new home, from Memphis, my home town. I’ve lived in NYC since 2002, thus it’s been the place where I have spent the entirety of my adulthood (save the year I spent in Brazil). In many ways, NYC is more my home than the place I was born. I say that with no tinge of negativity. It’s just my reality. Even before I moved away from home, there was a part of me in terms of both my style and diverse music taste that screamed “New York!” and in recognizing that, I followed my heart. And as so many things about my new home change on a regular basis, there are always certain things that will always be the same.
When I was living in Brazil, I’d occasionally peruse the digital pages of UrbanOutfitters.com to see what Stateside trends I was missing out on. Fortunately, I didn’t miss much.
