Born into a musical family, Ke$ha (originally Kesha Sebert) may be just another upcoming pop star from LA but she's definitely making waves on the pop scene...even if it may not be at first in the US. A friend suggested her song Tik Tok (PDiddy) to me. One of her friends living in Spain said that every nightclub plays the song and she's become obsessed with it. Not surprising. At first listen it's an agglomeration of hysterical and somewhat satirical lyrics, but with an awesome beat that can't be ignored. And those lyrics, they're exactly what clubbers and pop lovers (and even pop-haters who hold it only as a secret guilty pleasure) adore.

listen to Tik Tok by Ke$ha

''don't speak about the cycles of life, 'cause your thoughts are so soft i can cut 'em with a spork''



© dylanlockman

lovely mon story

MON.

Meta, Metee, and Nalina three artists who have collaborated to create Mon. Mon is a clothing and accessory line that combines delightfully original artwork with splashes of bright colors on wonderfully soft cottons. A photographer (Meta Decha), a ceramic artist (Metee Decha), and an illustrator (Nalina Tangkanokvitaya) work together to make a wide variety of dresses, tank tops, jewelry, and purses that stand out because of their graphics and colors. From hand drawings of cities literally exploding with color to sad caged birds to cherubs painting rainbows on Mon's shirts, sweatshirts, and purses to necklaces with ceramic cameras, floppy disks, and skulls, each piece is a work of art. No, really. Everything is hand made - hand drawn, hand printed, hand dyed. Since Mon's gotten larger, it is now based out of Thailand. But it still has a crew of faithfuls who hold down the fort in London for those looking to buy.


http://www.lovelymonstory.com/index.htm

oyster card, scarf, camera - go

Boom - Anjulie
Spare-Ohs - Andrew Bird
We Are Golden - MIKA
Paparazzi - Lady GaGa
Wake Up - The Arcade Fire
Little Bribes - Death Cab for Cutie
White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes

The Old Smoke

I was told when I arrived in London that I would want to blend in because I would not want to stand out as an American. I agreed. In the way of fashion, there were a few simple guidelines to follow: 1 - British do not wear bright colors 2 - British wear practical things 3 - British are always put together. In a city notorious for its rainy days and cloudy weather, London's fashion choices seemed appropriate. I prepared to mesh by packing more dark clothes than usual, but am happy to report that rules 1-3 have been dispelled. 1 - A trip to Spitalfield Markets, Brick Lane, and Sunday Up Market proves that color is a popular choice with a variety of Londoners. Black may forever be chic, but there's no denying that neon pink or green is simply more fun. 2 - London women love heels. And I'm sorry but there is nothing practical about trekking around the city in 4 inch heels...though it does mean said women have killer calves. 3 - Perhaps the only rule that is truly debatable. Though I've seen plenty of Brits who dressed to the nines on a Tuesday morning for no apparent reason, I have also seen many who seem to have taken the more boho, messy approach to getting dressed. Hair tousled in short layers or long tresses, girls in leggings under over-sized dresses or shirts, with sweaters falling off their shoulders, and long strapped purses across their chests look far from put together. But in their chaos there is something calculated. Maybe rule 3 still applies. But for now I am happy to pull out my green acid wash v-neck and bright purple State Radio shirt without feeling too foreign. I feel as though I'm starting to properly blend in. If only I could walk 5 miles in heels...

sources:
Sunday(Up)Market
SpitalfieldsMarket
BrickLane

can you kick it?

stampd' LA

Chris Stamp created Stampd' LA after working for Conveyor at Fred Segal, where he custom designed sneakers. Working on a larger, more accessible and costumer-friendly level, Stampd' creates different designs that are silk-screened or printed onto different shoes. The sneaker patterns range from simplistic (with this fall's "White Slow" shoe) to vibrant colors (like the splatter paint-esque "Duffld" or this summer's "Red Slow). Though Stamp is making the shoes on a wider field than previously, only 100-200 of many of the styles are released worldwide, making them pretty hot commodities. The vibe and marketing of Stampd' is inebriating though. With their bright colors, young faces, and overall cool demeanor, Stampd' seems to be more of an art form, a style transforming footwear into much more than just foot protection. Footwear has become more and more in vogue recently, and Stampd' pushes it further, proving that shoes can be and are an art of their own.

Stampd' has been featured in many magazines, including those above.
http://www.stampdla.com/

i got my money, let's spend it up

This summer the Black Eyed Peas released a new song called "I've Gotta Feeling." The first time I heard it I thought it was The Jonas Brothers or some other teen-y band. The song is somewhat tamer, less sexual than some of their past songs, though seemingly catchy and just as popular as "Boom Boom Pow," "My Humps," and "Let's Get It Started."But there's another unusual thing about the song: the inclusion of Hebrew words like l'chaim and mazel tov. Words not often heard in Top 40 songs, they make "I've Gotta Feeling" seem like it's made for bar and bat mitzvahs. The song is played almost hourly on popular radio stations, and despite the Black Eyed Peas newer direction, there is no doubt that every Jewish 13 year-old will have this song playing at their bar/bat mitzvah parties this year.

robert polidori

Black & white photography can be striking, but photographer Robert Polidori enters a completely different realm with his vivid, detailed, and engrossing photos. The Montreal native's photographs have such a high degree of detail it seems similar to high definition television and movies, where every tiny blemish can be seen. Likewise, Polidori's work seizes not only the atmosphere of the subject, but also more minute elements like peeling wallpaper on the abandonded nurseries in Chernobyl or a remaining Southern Comfort advertisment on the wall of a living room that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Some of Polidori's work is currently on display at the Musee d'Art Contemporain de Montreal, he has numerous books of his work in various countries and cities, and his work is often published in The New Yorker magazine and Vogue.

summer's slow terminus

skinny love - bon iver
(listen)

© Michael Drzal

cigarettes & alcohol

AMC's Mad Men overthrew cable television three seasons ago when it first premiered. Such exquisitely written and directed shows are usually reserved for premium channels like HBO and Showtime. Mad Men reveals the grittiness and corruption of an era that is usually idealized for its white-picket fences, perfectly groomed families, and wholesomeness. But Matthew Weiner, the show's creator, explores the generation's infidelity, deceit, restlessness, and even alcoholism. Some of these are done more subtly than others. While the men on Madison Avenue are constantly cheating on their wives and making lewd comments to their secretaries, they are also always drinking and smoking. Mad Men's themes are perceptible in both the character's actions and inactions. The sets of the show are also magnificent; transporting the viewer into the venal offices of the ad men or to the restless housewife's domicile. The Golden Globes exemplify the show's popularity, Mad Men has won numerous awards in the last two years, including best television drama. The show is definitely one of the few things on the tube that doesn't make you feel as though your brain is leaking out of your ear.

urban bikes

urban outfitters has done clothes, housewear, books, art, and apartmentwear.
but apparently they're still bored because they've moved on to bikes.

yes, now urban outfitters has created a line of custom made bikes. you have the freedom to chose the color of everything from the frame to the chain. but is $399 too much for bike color freedom and staying green?

your choice. design your own here.

i think Leighton can do better

sky ferreira

proclaimed next big pop star.

collaborating with britney.



















predicted to knock lady gaga off her feet.
http://www.myspace.com/skyferreiramusic

i am totally okay with taking on the role of new york city poser if it allows me to wear this bomb apparel.

http://www.onlynylives.com/

introducing life. up to now, this blog has been solely music & movies, but i'm starting to think i'm limiting myself, so here's to introducing life into the mix. enjoy!