Like of the Week: Leather Jackets! Leather Jackets! Leather Jackets!

The Leather Jacket in all it's glory!

Well, kids, Labor Day is upon us. That means that Summer is packing it’s bags and heading into hibernation soon, gently leading us into those fair-weather Fall months. It’s time to start thinking about that Autumnal wardrobe and if there is one Fall fashion must have to have in your closet this year it’s the super sexy, super sleek leather jacket.

This is a style that’s coming back in a huge way this season and truthfully no one can deny the instant appeal. Put on a leather jacket and you are instantly bad ass (hellooo, the Fonz anyone?).

Plus, there are so many well-made and tailored options out there now that weren’t available before. Not to mention the styles and cuts and are endless; bombers, blazer cuts, trenches, crinkled leather, brushed leather -there are literally no limits when it comes to this classic jacket.

Also, if real leather isn’t your bag, then there are a plethora of amazing synthetic and or vegan leathers choices out there that are just as worthy of your wear and won’t compromise the overall look. We’re now reaching a fashion arena where faux is just as fashionable as the real deal, and let’s be honest here, it’s a lot easier on the old wallet.

I myself actually recently purchased this synthetic leather jacket at Uniqlo and every time I wear it out, people always seem to think it’s 100% authentic when in reality it was a fraction of the price. You can also find great options at shops like H&M.

So check out some styles, shop around, find your leathery look, but make sure you get in on this Fall fashion trend for 2010. Trust me, all the cool kids are going to be wearing them.

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The Padded Panty

Dislike of the Week: Padded Panties for Insecure Ass People in the World

Ass Men beware. There is a new trend running rampant on the streets. The terrifying, the ludicrous, the

bizarre, Padded Panty is on websites and in stores near you!

Now, I know there are times when women look in the mirror and wish that they had the rump of say, J. Lo or anyone in the Kardashian clan but seriously, people, glorified Spanx with built in butt enhancers?! Is this what we’ve come to? Chicken cutlets meant for our ass?!

I actually happened to come across a pair of these atrocious undies in a store recently and it took every ounce of my being not to guffaw at this ridiculous product and ask the sales women if anyone had actually ever purchased it. I even spoke to one of my guy friends about this trend and what he told me was pretty honest and overall very understandable.

Just like women who use the padded bras and chicken cutlets to enhance their bust and give the illusion of Playboy Bunny curves, these padded panties, or “buttock enhancing garments” are merely image tools that are, to be quite frank, just straight up false advertising.

They’re a blatant lie to the public and opposite sex in general. Think about it for a second, who wouldn’t be disappointed heading toward the boudoir with a buxom Kim Kardashian only to find out they’re more of a rail-thin Kate Moss type in the end. (When it’s put like that, it’s sort of difficult to argue with.)

At the end of the day these granny panties are really just fat-assed girdles. So women (or men) who are craving a little junk in your trunk – shake what your Mama gave you and be proud of it. Own it. Don’t buy it. Especially not for $39.99 in a nylon lycra blend.

Like of the Week: Klik Klik’s Futuristic Accessories Show Magnets Can Be More Than Just Child’s Play

Klik Klik's Magentic Jewelry

Now how bad ass is this! Imagine if you could design and then recreate your own jewelry in a matter of minutes. Then, when you get sick of it, you can just take it apart and invent something completely brand new! Well, the future has arrived because that is exactly what you can do with new magnetic jewelry kit and collection, titled, Klik Klik, inspired by Brooklyn-based designers, Al Kelly and and Kellar Williams.

The kits come fully equipped with 300 magnets in a variety of shapes to fully let your creative mind take flight. With 28 metal wands, 56 polished cubes and 300 nickel-plated spherical magnets, there’s no limit to what you can create. From delicate chokers to ornate bracelets, necklaces and armbands – everything you need to configure your own show-stopping accessories can be found in this one dynamic kit and the best part is, it’s only $65!

Not only is this a fantastic gift for anyone with an artistic eye and passion for fashion, but the Klik Klik website even has an online gallery where you can see how numerous designs are constructed with step-by-step video instructions on how to recreate these looks on your own.

I can’t say enough awesome things about this cutting edge and innovative collection. If this is the future of fashion, then consider me on board!

Dislike of the Week: The New Face of Sleepwear – Blanket meets Burqa?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MthSUD8cMqk

Ooooookay, where to begin, wheeeeeere to begin…

I have to admit I sort of love this commercial only because whoever created this is clearly going on the assumption that people are stupid enough to pay $14.99 for a flap of fabric that hangs over their faces like a burqa in an attempt to get some shut eye.

Then there is the name of this fearless product: The Snazzy Napper. I have yet to meet anyone who could put these two words in the same sentence let alone the same product, so kudos to their branding team, I guess.

The Snazzy Napper

Next, I’d like to discuss the infomercial that introduced all of humanity to this monstrosity that’s claims it’s got your solution to sleep no matter where you might be; the bus, the park, or maybe the waiting room of your dentist’s office while waiting for the pesky teeth cleaning.

Yes siree, we have a real winner when it comes to human intelligence. I think my favorite part in this infomercial might be how this one woman decides to just bust out this fabric, face-cover-up while sitting in what appears to be a waiting room with other normal and civilized-looking people sitting right next to her. What’s even more hilarious is that they just go on about their business and completely ignore the fact that there is a crazy person taking a nap with a sheet over their head. Now THAT’S some acting!

I don’t know what’s worse, the fact that there is a cartoon sheep mid-leap wearing sunglasses emblazoned on the front of this sorry excuse for a blanket or the fact there is a larger size (for $24.99) that resembles a Snuggie for when you REALLY want to make people around you uncomfortable.

Either way, when it comes to the Snazzy Napper, kids, just say NO!

Like of the Week: Super Simple (DIY) Shredded Tee

Shredded tee

Feel like an end of the summer DIY project that will result in turning something banal and everyday into something fun, edgy and slightly gothic? Then look no further. Not only will you be able to spruce up a plain, old boring t-shirt in less than a few hours but people won’t believe that you were able to construct this look all on your own. Trust me. I’ve made a couple of these bad boys and every time I’ve worn it out it’s been an instant hit. Not to mention they’re practically foolproof!

Now, if you’re not entirely familiar with this unisex trend then let me give you the rundown. Shredded tees have been all the rage this summer, from celebs to musicians, this rough-and-tumble look has found its niche in fashion in a very unexpected and stylish way. The “destroyed look” has become chic and trendy again, harkening back to the grunge era in a fresh new way, and now you can make this look your very own, minus the $143 price tag!

There are tons of video tutorials showcasing the proper or best way to create this anything-goes masterpiece but I found just going in for the kill with no qualms or fear of “ruining” the shirt is best. Let’s face it, with a look this jagged, you’re not going for flawless here.

Give it a try- you’ll be surprised at how simple it is to make your very own.
Plus, it’s fun, unexpected and surprisingly sexy. Not to mention the fact that it’s a t-shirt with built in air conditioning?! Consider your prayers answered.

Dislike of the Week: The Poncho (I’ll wait until you stop screaming)

Booty Buddy Blanket

As I was perusing the Internet for some Fall-worthy duds I came across this monstrosity of a frock on the Urban Outfitters site, a store that I am very fond of (just goes to show that no one’s perfect). Oh the dreaded poncho. You can try to take it out, dress up it up and work it like there’s no tomorrow but there’s still something so dreadfully passé about it. The description for the “Booty Buddy Blanket” (yes, yes, that’s really what it’s called!) had this to say (with my own little additives, of course):

“It’s a blanket AND an oversized, cozy poncho sure to keep you warm no matter what you’re doing [Uhhh, like carting drugs over the Mexican border]. Snuggle up in the Booty Buddy, with a super soft fleece lining and allover Southwestern-style print [aka, a pattern that looks like a Disney character might have vomited all over it]. Topped with an oversized hood, it’s like the most comfortable hug ever.”[Has the person who wrote this ever had a hug, cuz I’m pretty sure this poncho can’t provide the warmth of another human being. Preeeeetty sure.]

Still, I thought perhaps maybe I was being a little too critical, until I asked some of my friends their opinions on it as well…this was what they had to say…

“ It looks like a glorified $68 Snuggie.”

“ I swear there is a Native American somewhere looking for his tent.”

“ It looks like a reject from the ‘Ugly Betty’ poncho collection.”

“ Whoever made that needs to be punched in the face.”

Well, there you have it. I would have posted more but I have to keep soooome decorum. The peanut gallery has spoken and the world is just not ready for the poncho to be released back into the wild. Lock it back up, boys, and turn off the lights. This trend needs to go into hiding for a long, long time.

First off, Happy Friday the 13th, everybody!!! Let’s kick this weekend off right…

Like of the Week: Inkers Everywhere, Rejoice!

Tattoo Brite

On the tattoo front, I personally happen to be virgin, but a vast majority of my friends are inked and have fantastic body art that they proudly flaunt. Sadly, however, even some of the best tattoos can fade over time.

Enter Tattoo Brite! This magical lotion not only boasts it can lighten and brighten your tattoos, giving them crisper, cleaner lines but it also has long term anti-fading properties to ensure that your tat makes it through just about anything. It even has SPF 20!

According to the site, Tattoo Brite “restores the ink, making the colors immediately brighter, more intense, more brilliant, while fighting the inflammation that causes tattoo fading.”

So far the product has garnered rave reviews and has been used on a variety of film sets, music videos and photo shoots. You can purchase your own tube of Tattoo Brite for $24.99 at Ricky’s NYC, Urban Outfitters (coming soon) and other locations or directly through their site.

Dislike of the Week: The Ever-So-Stylish…“Cockroach Cameo”?

Cockroach Cameo

If you live anywhere within the vicinity of Manhattan then you are probably no stranger to the vile creature known as the cockroach. As much as I’d like to think I’m not a squeamish person, there is something slightly revolting about a living thing that wears its skeleton on the outside of it’s body (Thus the nauseating crunch when they are crushed underfoot…shudder).

Let’s face it, these creepy crawlers are known to give people the heebie-jeebies, so you normally wouldn’t see one pristinely encased in a Victorian necklace…that is, until now.

Benjamin Hubert has created the “Cockroach Cameo,” part of Tetanus Jewelry, his brand new line which will feature, “sometimes creepy, always beautiful accessories made from bugs, bones, teeth, fire, stones, found objects, antique and oxidized metals.” Creepy….yes. Always beautiful…questionable at best.

This is not a look for the light-hearted and Gentlemen, please, unless your girlfriend is an entomologist or an avid fan of all things creepy and crawly, I would advise against giving this as a gift. Just saying….

, a holiday that many consider the most magical time of the year. No longer is this day just a celebration for the 12 and under crowd, but one that appeals to the 21 and over crowd as well and begs the question, “What are you going to be for Halloween this year?”

Now, if you’re like me then you’ve probably had your Halloween costume mapped out since around August (don’t judge)…but for those of you who are still racking your brain in search of the perfect ensemble, or for those of you who like to take the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants approach, fret not.

Throughout the past month or so, I have devoted myself to analyzing and drawing up predictions for the costumes that will reign supreme this Halloween. In my research, I have kept up with current news & events, popular award shows, celebrity deaths and the recent on slew of trendy vampires. I’ve read up on what retailers are forecasting and stalked out places like Halloween Adventure and Ricky’s here in Manhattan, and now I’m sharing these insights with you.

So if you’re still unsure of what you’re going to be wearing on October 31st let me help you get into the creative spirit.

For starters, it didn’t take long for me to realize that fangs were high on the popularity scale, so pale people rejoice because this is your year! Thank you, “True Blood”, Twilight, “Vampire Diaries”, and The Vampire’s Assistant. The undead seem to be in the lead and what’s more is that it’s not just the blood suckers that people are going to be emulating this year, both werewolves and zombies are also ranking high on the list for 2009.

Aside from the vampire mania, many people I spoke to are opting for the celebrity route. I can see that, even I have donned an outfit as “Posh” Beckham in my time. It’s been a good year…there was the whole Kanye/ Taylor Swift VMA fiasco that occurred less than a month ago, Lady Gaga has certainly been topping the charts as well as perplexing the masses with her odd fashion trends (I’m secretly praying to see if someone out there can pull off the “Kermit the Frog” frock she sported at an interview) and let’s not forget the fact that many will undoubtedly pay homage to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Movies and T.V. are also creating quite the costume stir as well, so prepare to see a good amount of G.I. Joe’s, possible District 9 aliens and girls decked out in blood-splattered prom gowns a la Jennifer’s Body. Jigsaw is also a possibility considering they keep spewing out Saw movies like their hot cakes, but let’s face it, it’s been done. On the prime time side there will probably be a few characters from hit shows like “30 Rock” and the “Office” (There was that recent Pam and Jim wedding, after all)

So, let’s recap on some of the top Halloween costume predictions of 2009 (in no particular order, of course):

1. The “Vampire Brigade” (This includes all Edward Cullen’s, Bill Compton’s, Sookie Stackhouses, Bella’s and so forth)

2. Bruno

3. Sam from the 2009 horror film, Trick ‘r Treat

4. Top Charting Pop Singing Divas (Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Beyonce, etc.)

5. Jon & Kate Gosselin

6. Action Heroes/ Villains from recent blockbuster movies (G.I. Joe, Transformers, Wolverine, Jennifer Check from Jennifer’s Body, etc.)

7. Tim Gunn & Heidi Klum from “Project Runway”

8. Iconic recently deceased celebs (R.I.P. Michael Jackson, honorary “Golden Girl” Bea Arthur, Farah Fawcett, etc.)

9. Kanye West / Taylor Swift

10. Prime Time TV characters (Calling all “30 Rock” Liz Lemon’s, “Office” Dwight’s and “Gossip Girls”…)

Other honorable pop/icon mentions are: Any one of the Kardashian sisters (this may require about 10 lbs of make-up), gossip columnist Perez Hilton, and even our President, Obama (be sure to cash in on his recent Nobel Prize win for extra points!).

If these options still don’t tickle your fancy, there will always be the “fall-backs”. Superheroes never seem to go out of style (thanks to Hollywood’s continuous re-makes) and who doesn’t love the occasional Ghost Buster or well-done Chewbacca? And for the females out there, there is always an endless supply of “sexy” nurses, cops, storybook characters, and French maids; you can pretty much pick your poison. Sometimes the best costumes can come from your own closet with just a pinch of creativity. It’s the one night a year when anything goes…

And if all else fails, then wrap up in tin foil and go as a left over. Or my personal favorite, dressing up from head to toe in black, then covering yourself in glow in the dark stars and if when people ask you what you’re supposed to be, you can retort back with an ever-confident, “What are you? I’m the night sky…Duh!”

I’ve always been fascinated with the world of the unknown. I think it all began when I was fifteen years old. My first after-school job was working for an elderly couple who ran a B&B in upstate New York. I’d heard the house itself was haunted and in my short time working there I felt and saw strange things that to this day I still cannot explain (doors inexplicably shutting by themselves after I had just opened them, pounding footsteps that would repeatedly race up and down the stairs when I was in the house alone, and then there was just that eerie feeling in room #8, where even the guests would often admit to seeing strange things and acknowledge that they always felt like there was someone or something else right there in the room with them…), yet, instead of being threatened by all of this, I found it fascinating and intriguing at the same time. To this day, I enjoy the idea that there are spirits and forces that meld their world with ours.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why I jumped at the chance to go and see a historical “haunted house” in Connecticut while I was visiting my good friend, Kate, in her hometown of Madison late in August. Maybe it was also the fact that I had recently rented the movie ‘A Haunting in Connecticut’, or that I had a few friends who would often regale me with tales of ghosts and paranormal instances which they recalled from their youth while growing up only an hour and a half away from the very house we were invited to visit. Whatever it was, I felt compelled to see this house.

It was Kate’s childhood friend, Chris, a part-time volunteer member of the Guilford Keeping Society (a historical group within the town of Guilford, CT) who graciously offered to give us a private tour of the Medad Stone Tavern.

This house has a bizarre history that is unlike others; in the 1600’s the foundation of the house was built on Faulkner’s Island, roughly 6.7 miles from where it resides now. The family who owned it on the island had to evacuate, and rather than leave their home behind, they had the entire house moved over to Guilford where it remains to this day. It’s unknown as to why the family chose to make such an extreme decision in regards to the house itself, but it has been speculated that the house now holds a profusion of distinct energy often associated with its changes in locality. The house was restructured and additional rooms were added in 1803 in order for the house to be used as a tavern, yet strangely enough and for reasons unclear, it never fully opened. Instead, it was passed on through generations until its last and final descendant died, leaving it to the Guilford Keeping Society in 2001. It’s only within the last few years that the house has become open to the public as a landmark location and museum.

So in we ventured, my friends Kate, Olivia and I, with Chris, our faithful tour guide. We were told that the last living holder of the house was an elderly man named Len Hubbard, who was said to be a “strange” man, who led a sheltered life, rarely leaving or letting anyone into the house in his last few years alive. Also mentioned were the rumors that some of the volunteers had seen his spirit inhabit the rooms at the top of the stairs and a few even experienced paranormal activity when alone in the home. Chris also slid in the fact that he never stayed inside the house past dark.

One thing is certain, there is veiled and ambiguous aura that resides within the house, and you can’t help but sense as though you might see or feel something slightly out of the ordinary at any given moment. There were a few places we were privileged enough to see despite the fact that they are not normally on the tour or open to the public – these areas are the attic and the basement. Two staircases which lead to what horror films would have us believe to be some of the most iconic and paranormal regions in any classic haunted house.

The attic was where the servants used to hang and cure the meat, which seemed alarmingly odd considering the kitchen was nearly two flights down from this narrow closet that in reality against the dim afternoon light drifting in through the stained glass windows, looked more like a serial killer’s meat locker than a place where livestock was kept and hung to dry out.

The basement, however, was by far the most dilapidated area. The perfect setting for any haunting or paranormal occurrence; it was a filmy sea of overhead cobwebs that precariously threatened contact as we stumbled down the narrow staircase onto the rough, dirt floor of the cellar. Wooden planks created complex and limiting obstacle courses beneath our feet as we tried to carefully maneuver our way through the graveyard of discarded bottles and dusty furniture yet to be rediscovered. Despite the fact that the house has become a historical landmark, many of the rooms still contained remnants of its previous owners and need to be filtered through. It felt eerie and strange, to look over the belongings of someone else, who had died in the very house we were wandering through. It was a strange window into our adjoining world.

“We’re pretty sure this was basement was used as the slave quarters.” Chris told us, as the rest of us exchanged dubious looks and studied the gloomy surroundings in the dusky glow of the fading sunlight that filtered through the few grime encased windows the cellar offered.

Then we heard it. Maybe it was all in our heads. Perhaps our imaginations had reached a paranormal level of sensitivity, but we all did hear it. Similar to the sound a stack of heavy books being dropped about four feet from the ground might sound like, or maybe a hardwood chair loudly smacking against the floorboards, but something made a noise, and that sound had come from upstairs. Suddenly it became very clear that the daylight was shifting to twilight and a deafening silence was now an ominous and eminent presence in the house.

“It’s time to go.” Chris announced quickly and our tour was over.

From building recognition for her dance and choreography skills ( she started a Dance company called Border Crossing Collective with two dancers from her native home of Canada), developing her own fashion line, Robot Arms Clothing (where Elena hand -makes every item in her own apartment), blogging about art, dance and life in her blog, entitled Watch Me Move and last but not least, working as a stylist on video and photo shoots all over NYC. She’s got it together and knows what she wants, and she does it all with a smile and an amazing outlook on life. If you didn’t know about Elena V. before, it’s time to start reading up.

A.G. : Elena, you’ve definitely proven yourself to be a jack of all trades so to speak; you are a choreographer, fashion stylist and artist…how did you fall into these professions and how did you get the idea to combine your passions?

E.V.: Dance has always been what I wanted to do, as far back as I remember. As a kid my inspirations were pretty typical: Fame, Flash Dance, Michael, Madonna as well as those beautiful ballerina’s of The National Ballet of Canada. I fell in love with the idea of movement and living as an artist. The dream was so glamorous being broke and living amongst creative people. That’s what brought me to New York. I thought you couldn’t truly be an artist without paying your dues in the most inspiring city in the world. As for my involvement in fashion, costuming plays a HUGE role in performance. My mother and grandmother made most of my dance costumes, while I hid under the sewing machine gluing sequins and learning how to make clothes. So I was always exposed to the art of making things! The fashion styling thing happened by fluke when a good friend couldn’t do a job and asked if I’d be interested. It sounded pretty exciting and after the first job I realized how closely knit my experiences were thus far, so I decided to ride the wave and I never looked back.

A.G.: What was your upbringing like and how did it land you into such a creative zone?

E.V.: I grew up in Canada in a small town 40 minutes east of Toronto. My parents are Chilean and Greek immigrants and I’m the middle child of three girls. My mother escaped Pinochet’s coup in the ’70s and my father was a Greek farm boy who travelled the world as a Communications Engineer for the Greek Air force. They had pretty eclectic tastes, so growing up there were books by Gloria Steinem, The Greek Classics, Neruda, Nikos Kazantzakis lying around. We had instruments everywhere. The music of Victoria Parra, Maria Calas, classic Greek folkloric, Pavaroti, flamenco, and gypsy music were always playing. My mother even had us listen to the speeches of Allende and Che. You know, a typical South American mom. We didn’t have much money growing up but my parents always found a way to enroll me in dance classes, music lessons and whatever creative interests I had. They created an environment that made me believe that being an artist was ok. Thanks to them I never thought twice about choosing a career as a dancer.

A.G.: You have a line called Robot Arms Clothing, can you describe the idea behind it and how you came up with the name?

E.V.: When I was 18 I started dancing in a company called Phem Phat. It was a hip hop dance company and the Choreographer Jae Blaze would throw down these crazy hard core combos; we where chicks but the movement was definitely masculine. Anyway, after a routine was executed we’d all be in this serious focused mood and to break that tension we’d all bust into the Robot. It would make us laugh hysterically every time. So I decided to name the line Robot Arms considering I started with dancer inspired Tees.

A.G.: You’ve designed for some of NYC’s club circuit and DJ’s, as well as the Queen of all costumes, Lady Gaga herself. How does it make you feel to know that people are wearing what you put together for the world to see?

Elena (left) with Lady Gaga (right)

E.V.: To be honest, it’s all part of the hustle and pretty much comes out of the necessity of various jobs: “I can hire you but you need to bring your own wardrobe”. Ok, I’ll make myself a costume, kinda-thing. The night I worked with Lady Gaga was a night like any other. This was a good year before she exploded and we were both working the club circuit. A job’s a job right? We needed costumes for the night so I whipped out some fabrics and sewed some up before we started our shift. Then months later, Gaga was all over the place! It was nice to see her cutting her teeth and working like the rest of us. I guess what I’m trying to say that it does feel good that people trust me enough to provide them with something that in essence will represent, at least for a brief moment, a glimpse into their personality.

A.G.: How would you define your own style? What do you wear on a casual day vs. a night out on the town?

E.V.: My style is all about comfort. I run around 90% of the time so if I can’t move in, it I ain’t wearing it! Most of the time I try to wear something during the day that I can overlap into the evening; I’ll wear Chuck’s with a cute dress during the A.M. then stuff a pair of fab heels in my bag to throw on for dinner.

A.G.: Do you have any fashion or styling mottos that you work and live by?

E.V.: If you don’t feel comfortable in it, CHANGE it. This rule applies especially for heels! If you can’t walk heel-toe in them, take them off.

A.G.: Your clothing line has a very tough and industrial side to it but also features some flowy, girly, one-of-a-kind styles. How long does it take you to create your designs and see them through from start to finish?

E.V.: Well I do everything by hand. The cutting, sewing and stenciling [is done] from my one bedroom in the Lower East Side, which I inhabit with my hubby and my cat! My bedroom is a sweatshop with a bed in it. Most of the time I’ll grab some really nice jersey [material] from the store down the street. I use jersey a lot because I love the way it moves and its flexibility is perfect for dancers and performers. I’ll start fooling around with it, draping it, folding it. Eventually, my brain says: Ok. Cut. And I cut… I don’t know how to work with patterns so I don’t use them. I have a great eye and use my grandmother’s old trick of counting with my fingers. At this point however I do plan to learn all the technical stuff. I have some ideas that require the savvy of pattern making…

A.G.: You also have a Dance company formed with two other friends from Canada, when did you decide to begin this venture and what style of dance do you all perform and when?

E.V.: Border Crossing Collective was formed October of 2008. Our style is definitely an eclectic fusion of different of dance. From Hip-hop, Ballet, to Contemporary, it all plays a role when we develop new works. We just wrapped a music video for School of Seven Bells, where I styled and made costumes, as well as directed the choreography. Our Next project will be a Faculty Show at Long Island University in the fall, choreographed by Krista Martins. Andrea, Krista and I have been working in the business for over 10 years. They were also company members of Phem Phat back in Canada. Last year we were discussing and contemplating our personal futures in dance and what “the next step” would be. We’re not 19 or 20 trying to “make it” anymore. We’ve all gone through that period, survived it and had a blast. Eventually you yearn for something more than auditioning and giggin’ it. You develop a need to speak your own thoughts and develop your own work. That’s when we realized why not now? We seemed ready for the change and BCC was formed. BCC is the culmination of our friendship as dancers over the last 10 years.

A.G.: You’ve performed with Shakira in the 2006 MTV VMA’s, what was that like for you? Do you feel at ease on the stage immediately, or do nerves every play a part?

E.V.: Oh shit no. I’m a nervous wreck! Always right before, standing in the wings before I go on, but as soon as my foot touches that stage…its freakin’ magic and I zone in.

A.G.: Have you ever had any terrible fashion mishaps or wardrobe malfunctions while dancing?

E.V.: Other then my ghetto fab period in the early to mid 90′s? Gel curls down the side of my face, Aliyah style baggy pants, Tu Pac bandana wrapped around my head… Enough said.

A.G.: You’ve gotten to rub elbows with some very prominent fashion icons at the moment, Lady Gaga and Christian Siriano; do you ever get star-struck?

E.V.: It’s not even like that. That’s the beauty of New York City. Their hustle is no different than mine. We didn’t meet at some industry party where everything is calculated included the guest list. It was either working or at a friend’s pad who happened to throw a get together, except when I saw Madonna DJ at a Misshapes party back in ’05. I was pretty dumb-founded.

A.G.: What are some of your summer fashion must haves for 2009?

E.V.: Tons of those really light weight tees. I would layer a couple of them and tuck them into a high-waisted skirt or shorts with come cute flats for the day. Evening: I’d grab a well constructed dress, definitely well fitted but not too tight, black sheer hose and killer heels or anything by Givenchy Ready to Wear 2009.

A.G.: What styles right now make you cringe?

E.V.: Those flip flops slash ankle boots? I don’t get it.

A.G.: You’ve done dance spots for Fuse and Nike, how did you fall into these things?

E.V.: Well Nike was a straight up audition that I booked. That led to another Nike project out in Portland. Some people had called their friends at Nike to recommend a dancer for a project they were doing in NYC. My name came up which then led to a video project for TV on the Radio which then led to Fuse. See where I’m going with this? My whole life is Kevin Bacon.

A.G.: In two such fabulous industries that you’ve created a name for in each…does it ever all come to a head? Do you ever feel spread too thin?

E.V.: It’s definitely a precarious balance! You never want your art to suffer because you can’t devote 110% of your time to it. With that being said I am slowly finding a rhythm to make sure I respect every project that comes my way. I don’t have the luxury of a limitless back account! No one has ever payed my rent. I don’t have a trust fund. And my man doesn’t pay my way. I’ve just been lucky enough to find a way to do the things that I love and where one supports the other. During the day I style and in the evenings I dance. I’m picky with my projects and make sure that I can dedicate my life at that moment to it.

A.G.: You also have a blog called ‘Watch me Move’ which chronicles you in rehearsals and has pics of photo shoots you’ve styled for, which also showcases your writing ability, do you use this tool as just another outlet for self expression and has it been useful to get your name out there?

E.V.: Both really. It’s an inexpensive website and it’s definitely a great tool to get my work out there. I’ve always enjoyed writing so it serves as yet another creative outlet.

A.G.: How do you come up with your inspiration for dance and fashion designing?

E.V.: New York City is my inspiration, my parents are my inspiration, Lou Reed is my inspiration, and my friends are my inspiration. It’s all a big pool of crazy that keep my creating. I can’t shut my brain off. Like right now, Tom Waits is playing in the background; my brain is developing a duet. Does it make sense? Who cares? I love my life.

A.G.: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? How about in 10?

E.V.: Hopefully choreographing for my company of 10-12 talented and beautifully gifted dancers funded by the generosity of the NYFA and others who believe in the importance of making art as a medium to explore thought and advance communities.

A.G.: If you could dance with any famous figure, who would it be and why?

E.V.: Bill T Jones or Jiri Kylian because their work is so profound, and Madonna because she’s Madonna.

A.G.: If you could design an outfit for any celebrity, who would it be?

E.V.: Lykee Li, Allison Mosshart of The Kills, Maja Ivarsson lead singer of The Sounds.

A.G.: What are 3 things about you that no one knows?

E.V.: I’m the bird and trees in TV on the Radio’s “ME-I” video, I went to my first Iron Maiden concert last year, and my husband was my boss at Centro-fly where I coat checked when I first moved to the states.

A.G.: and last but not least, if youdidn’t live here in NYC, where do you think you would like to be?

E.V.: Paros Greece, Paris or Berlin.

If you would like to hear more about Elena Vazintaris and her various projects, look to the following websites or you can contact her directly at: evazintaris@gmail.com

• http://www.myspace.com/robotarmsclothingcompany

• www.dripbook.com/elenavazintaris

• http://www.starsandinfinitedarkness.com/robotarms.html

• http://shop.unsungdesigners.com/designersrobotarms.aspx

To describe the market to someone who has never been (and is equally as obsessed with the world of fashion, clothes, and all things accessory related), I only have this to say:  Imagine being four again and making a trip to Santa’s workshop…that, my friends is the best way that I can describe my jubilation in a nutshell upon entering this giant smorgasbord of fashion bliss!

This week I focused on just a few of the gifted designers, but I hope to cover much, much more in the future! Check them out!

Tina Wang is a brand new designer on the scene and a recent graduate of F.I.T, but I can easily imagine her fashions walking down the runway and being coveted by all!

Tina hand makes every item of clothing that she sells in her own apartment.  Not only is she talented beyond belief but she is a sweetheart on top of that, when I told her I was doing a piece on up and coming designers she was eager to give me all the info I needed and even pulled out her digital camera and showed me pictures of her friend modeling one of her fabulous creations like we were old friends!

Her styles are flirty and feminine and her choice in fabrics and colors are youthful, fashionable and perfect for almost every occasion. I instantly fell in love with a peachy hued strapless dress that was to die for, and it only took Wang three days to construct from start to finish! Her attention to detail and flair for creating the most flattering of feminine shapes only goes to show how gifted and truly skillful in her designs she is. Check out her work on her website and at Etsy.com!

www.shoptinaw.com

www.shoptinaw.etsy.com

Iris Shiloh is another bright and trendy designer who focuses mainly on accessories, and as we all know, accessories do have the ability to instantly transform any outfit in less than three seconds flat, and with Iris, this is absolutely the case.

Specializing in cute, waist-cinching belts in a bold variety of colors and patterns, this tiny accessory is a great way to amp up a tunic dress or to pair over a blouse and pencil skirt for the office.

She designs each belt herself and the versatile styles and detailing make these the perfect addition when transforming a simple outfit into a stunning outfit. I photographed Iris at the market this weekend wearing an eye-catching black and gold belt, which not only completed her outfit with a natural ease, but added a different element entirely.

You can find Iris and her fabulous belts at the Soho Young Designers Market or e-mail her to purchase at   Shilohiris@gmail.com

Elena Volovelsky crafts elegantly whimsical and delicate pieces of jewelry for her line, Fair Leia.

Made from sterling silver or gold, Elena composes delightfully crafted pieces that can be worn for any occasion and thoughtfully have more to them than meets the eye.

The designer claimed past experience on her amusing and fresh idea of slipping mini hoop earrings and polished silver hair clips on thin chains for the hectic girl on the go. An innovation erected from sheer brilliance and a sure-fire gift for any young woman who has ever wanted to change up their look on the impulse…Fair Leia’s collection just seems to make it possible.

See all her goods on Etsy at www.fairleia.etsy.com!

Tarot Vintage

Unfortunately there were no cards available for Tarot Vintage due to the fact that are still in the process of setting up their brand new website, yet, they were sweet enough to send me a link to their myspace page in order to learn more about their fashion creed.

Tarot Vintage is all about making classic vintage affordable, and in this day and age with the economy the way it is, why shouldn’t people be able to buy great clothes at great prices? The variety and styles Tarot Vintage offers range from summery retro dresses to stylish rompers, and their phenomenal vintage shoe collection alone, was enough to make me stop and salivate.

Prices tend to range from around $50 per garment, and their dazzling collection of vintage shoes goes for about $25 a pair!

These fashions are so fun and unique that you can’t help but want to grab them right off the rack. Check them out on their myspace site for more info: www.myspace.com/tarotvintage, or come visit them weekends at the Young Designers Market.

Please come out and support NYC’s local designers every weekend at the Young Designers Market (www.themarketnyc.com), located on 268 Mulberry Street in New York City.

What I like about Raimi is that he embraces the fact that his movies are not award winning caliber and that some films are just meant to entertain, and this one does it all! Featuring up and coming actors from “blink-and-you’ll miss-them” roles such as Alison Lohman (“White Oleander”, Matchstick Men”, yes, with Nicholas Cage!!!), and Justin Long (movies like “Waiting” and of course being associated as one of Drew Barrymore many revolving boyfriends on call), the casting and acting are actually quite superb.
Lohman’s character is endearing and Long is the ever-supportive boyfriend who completes her picture perfect world before it is shattered by Lorna Raver’s character, Mrs. Ganush.

The basic storyline is that of a classic morality tale; a young woman named Christine (Lohman) works as a loan officer in a California bank and is desperate to prove to her boss and snooty co-worker that she has what it takes to snag the new assistant manager position available, so when she denies an old woman an extension on her house loans to prove she has a backbone, all Hell breaks loose! The old woman, who Raimi makes no qualms about when featuring her repulsiveness, later waits for Christine to leave work before claiming her revenge on the young girl by dragging her into one of the most raucous, action –packed, violently gruesome and horrific girl-on-hideously old woman fights theater-goers have seen in years! Afterwards, she places a curse on Lohman’s character and the ramifications are far from desirable; a demon torments the accursed for 3 days before descending on them and, as the title depicts, dragging them to hell to burn for all eternity. Her only chance at survival is to find a way to pass off the curse to someone else within the allotted time, or else suffer the consequences…

This movie’s got the lockdown on suspense and the plot moves at a great pace, leaving no gruesome stone unturned, from the customary séance to rid the evil spirit to the ritualistic animal sacrifices. The audience becomes a fly on the wall as Christine’s world crumbles in both a comedic and horrific way with suspenseful twists and turns around every corner. By the end of the film we see a changed heroine whose fate leaves the audience riveted down to the last seconds of the film.

What I like about this movie is that Raimi doesn’t take himself too seriously. Too many horror movies nowadays try to recreate something that’s already been done and fail miserably, but Raimi proves that campy imagery and gory special effects can translate themselves into a new quirky genre of horror all on its own. I laughed, I cringed, I inwardly shrieked, and had the best time I’ve had in the theater in a very long time!

In the castle of broken dreams and sorrows ridden

She sees not what lies before her eyes and so denies what truths arise

The rose tint glasses help conceal the pain that once refused to heal

She’s lost the key but still insists that what she hopes for still exists

Yet the lacquered structure she believes, confuses prey and then deceives

And victimized she wants to see not how things are but what could be

So lock the door and take the key, this castle needs no enemies

What’s come undone can’t be repaired despite the promises declared

The vigil kept with dreams gone dark will not ignite with hope’s faint spark

And yet she reaches out her hand to feel the cold where no one stands

And sees with all her foolish pride, she stands alone, he’s left her side.