FashionIndie » williamsburg

The Devil Wears Blogger: New Novel Pays Subtle Homage to Bryanboy

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:09:23 +0000

Alex Gilvarry‘s debut novel, From the Memoirs of a Non-Enemy Combatant tells the tale of a flamboyant Filipino fashionista named Boy. Sound familiar?

“Fashion terrorist” Boyet Hernandez is living the glamorous life as a young designer on the rise in Williamsburg. In his “size 30 skinny jeans” and his hair “classically fashioned after the major hip-hop artists of the 1980s,” Boy becomes enmeshed with the photographers, stylists, models et al that make up that “incestuous machine with one purpose: to create beauty.”

The glamorous life loses a bit of its luster after Boy is mistaken for a terrorist and is imprisoned at Guantánamo Bay. There, his efforts to stay au courant – including making some much-needed alterations to his standard-issue orange jumpsuit — make him an easy target of the guards as well as his fellow prisoners. While imprisoned, however, Boy writes his memoirs on the Philippines and the Williamsburg fashion scene.

“My initial idea was to write about an artist from a superficial world thrown into a political world,” Gilvarry told The New York Times. “That’s how I came up with Boy.” Only later did the author, who is half-Filipino himself, realize that his character bore a striking resemblance to blogger-cum-businesswoman, Bryanboy. Which is totally believable considering that Bryanboy would never be caught dead in a “size 30″ anything. [NYT]

Designer Daily Menswear: Serum Versus Venom a.k.a. SVSV

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:30:39 +0000

There’s a rebel with a cause out in Williamsburg. The one I’m referring to is David Gensler, designer of Serum Versus Venom. With 100% of production happening in his own facility in-house, he has the resources and the drive to buck the fashion system. SVSV is created and marketed at its own pace (read, efficient), piece by piece, and the team believes “the existing industry calendar is only helping to perpetuate a archaic system which has no place in the modern, digital age.” They have no desire to enter the mass market, for that which is new will not stay that way very long. A responsible system of production involves no waste and no surplus, which is why they use interesting vintage textiles that stand the test of time. See the super innovative collection here.

The Moment’s Hair: Rainbow Bright

Jessica Lapidos — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:58:40 +0000

Highlight, high bright, each dye I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the balls to dye mine bright. Now that the rainbow is a ‘do, there are quite a few ways to prismatically enhance your locks. Do it like Nicki Minaj or Avril Lavigne. Do it yourself or go to the boldest colorists out there. We’ve got the best tips to color yours.

The all over tie dye effect is the wildest. It’s like a tousled hippie, but ooh this chick makes it so chic. As can you.

If you want it done by the pros, say Hello Beautiful to your rainbow mane in Williamsburg.

Get more luminous ideas ahead for how to stripe it right.

SWEET TREAT OF THE WEEK: Good Batch Stroopwafel Ice Cream Sandwich

Amanda Gabriele — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:43:37 +0000

I would rather call this delectable-looking treat a sandWISH instead of ‘wich because I am dreaming of it right now. From the Good Batch at Williamsburg’s weekly Smorgasburg market, these mouth-watering, heat-relief treats are a steal at $5 a piece.

Dutch stroopwafels are skinny (hooray!) waffle cookies with a caramel filling. The Good Batch adds divine flavors of ice cream, like salted caramel and Frangelico ganache, from Adirondack Creamery. This is certainly a summer indulgence everyone needs to partake in before summer is over. For more info on the Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg, visit their website here.

Photo: NY Times

Best Outfits for the Best Outdoor Brunch Spots in NYC

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 24 May 2011 19:51:26 +0000

If you live in New York City, you know the best part of Saturday and Sunday afternoon is basking in the warm sunlight with great food and strong drinks. If you’re not a fan of brunch, you apparently live in the wrong city – on every block there is at least one place you can get Eggs Benedict and a Bloody Mary to stave off hangover blues. As warm weather nears, more restaurants are opening their walls and outdoor seating for your enjoyment. But what to wear to this fabulous, yet casual occasion? Our guide below tells you how to dress for our favorite brunch spots in NYC.

The spot
Il Bastardo, Chelsea

What to wear
Gap Jersey Maxi Dress $69.95, gap.com

A|X Armani Exchange Aviator Sunglasses $65, macys.com

French Connection Cleo’s Haze Clutch $158, usa.frenchconnection.com

Calvin Klein Blaire Wedge Espadrille $93.50, piperlime.gap.com

Lynn Ban Fintail Ring $1,600, kirnazabete.com

Topshop Moto White Denim Crop Jacket $80, us.topshop.com

What to order
Eggs Benedict with Imported Prosciutto and unlimited champagne

The spot
Southern Hospitality, Upper East Side

What to wear
Topshop Red Stripe Suntop $50, us.topshop.com

Gap High-Waisted Flare Jeans $69.95, gap.com

Diane Von Furstenberg Theia Caged Wedge Sandal $275, farfetch.com

American Eagle Outfitters Braided Skinny Belt $19.50, ae.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Aviator $98, piperlime.gap.com

What to order
The classic BBQ Combo and a Mint Julep

The spot
Caracas Brooklyn, Williamsburg

What to wear
Topshop Yellow Mini Floral Print Dress $80, us.topshop.com

Tom Binns Ethno Teknik Hand-Painted Swarovski Crystal Necklace $2,175, net-a-porter.com

kate spade new york “Make Waves” Bangle $78, nordstrom.com

Sonia Rykiel Dalya Platform Sandal $1,087, shopsavannahs.com

Malababa Pocahontas Bag $395, calypsostbarth.com

Illesteva Leonard 3 Sunglasses $230, lagarconne.com

What to order
Llanera Arepa with a Tropical Bloody Mary

The Spot
Juliette, Williamsburg

What to wear
Nasty Gal Flora Sweetheart Romper $68, shopnastygal.com

Reiss Classic Two Button Blazer $320, reissonline.com

Michael Kors Darrington Flap Hobo $895, neimanmarcus.com

French Connection Jakoba Platform Mule Espadrille $138, fashionbeans.com

Bonamano & Ferrari Rhinestone Bracelet $138, amrag.com

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses $145, swell.com

What to order
Roasted Banana Stuffed French Toast and a JOiE DE ViVRE

Did we miss anything? What is your favorite brunch spot in NYC?

The Heavy Pets get Fashionably Rocked

Jessica Lapidos — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:37:00 +0000

FashionIndie’s styling adventure with The Heavy Pets, an explosive rock-funk-jam band, began Wednesday. They’ve got to look fly for their concert TONIGHT (3/18) at the Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg. Thus, lead singer and guitarist Jeff Lloyd came along on this sartorial journey as the band ambassador, and tried on clothes with equal parts wariness and enthusiasm. The goal was to capture the sound of The Heavy Pets through this evolving look. We ran the gamut on the levels of fashion starting on high in the Maguire Steele PR showroom, rode the fast wave biggies like Zara, and rummaged through thrift treasures at Beacon’s Closet. The Pets scored some serious swag, and also hopefully learned a thing or two about the art of shopping and dressing. Check our before post to see what we’re working with, and see their new clothes after the jump.

We began the fashion search at Maguire Steele, the PR company that represents Timo Weiland, a designer we thought would evoke their clean cut hippiness. We arrived to find access to not only Timo, but to the Shipley & Halmos and Billy Reid collections, and Duckie Brown shoes. What a lovely way to start the day. Jeff was surprised to find himself liking this salmon Shipley blazer and green saddle shoes by Duckie; once he put them on, he saw the magic in them. Color and fit; bright and tight. That’s the vision.

Playing the green Timo Weiland vertically striped cardigan against the horizontally striped Billy Reid shirt made for optical illusionism – perfect for on-stage psychedelia. We tried with two Shipley & Halmos ties, one a conglomeration of pin thin geometric shapes, the other made of a mustard velvet (which totally called for heavy petting). We’re taking all of it along.

In the looks above, note the Shipley and Halmos pants: crisp, paper thin, glowing blue. Jeff really dug the look and feel of them. This sparked our next stop – Zara. Known in the masculine for modestly priced, modernly cut suits, I thought he might find a pant with a similar fit. Unfortunately, no fancy pants there captured our attention quite like Shipleys; the drawback to going from such a quality level of design down to one of the quickest of the fast fashion powerhouses (2 week turnaround from sketch to shelf!).

We did however conquer his need for new jeans. Imagine, he’s never owned a pair of skinny jeans! FashionIndie’s first instinct was mustard, for its ability to bring a bright spice to the stage. The look on his face when Mustard Slim Cut Jeans were suggested was dubious to say the least. We insisted he give it a try. In the fitting room, dubious shifted to contemplation, and very quickly to impressed contentment. Sold! To the man in yellow. He liked the fit so much, he got them in heather black as well. (TIP – Gentlemen, go to Zara right now… they’re only $39!)

We perused the rest of rushed retail row on Broadway from Broome to Bleecker from Urban Outfitters to Uniqlo, but nothing was jumping out at us. Man, were we spoiled by the gorgeous goods at Maguire Steele. Plus, mass market seems no place to find pieces to encapsulate the unique Heavy Pets sound. Time to switch things up,take it down real low, down all the way to Brooklyn’s poppin’ top vintage haunt, Beacon’s Closet.

Our instructions for The Pet: grab anything that strikes you. With that we end up with armfuls psychedelic patterns, bronze grommets, cowboy flair and a polyester disaster that shall remain on the hanger.

We pruned the options, ready to take eight new/old shirts in their varying sizes back to the rest of The Heavy Pets. The first piece on the rack? Pierre Cardin, $18.95. He looked at it skeptically, FashionIndie looked at it delightedly on him; we managed to convince acception with the tidbit that Pierre Cardin did introduce The Beatles to the Nehru jacket. Done and done.

The full styling goes down around 6:00 p.m. this evening when they are done with the soundcheck. As they are musicians, and this is fashion, that time is of course a rough estimation. But when it happens, we’ll be live tweeting @FashionIndie & @JessicaLapidos.

Come to The Brooklyn Bowl tonight to see The Heavy Pets perform in their new digs. See you there!

How to Tie a Turban in a Minute

Jessica Lapidos — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00:25 +0000

The abundance of both traditional and stylized turbans in existence have fallen into fashion as of late, as you may be aware. I’ve been wrapping my cashmere scarf ’round my head all fall and winter long like this. Based originally out of necessity to shelter my ears from the cold, and the terrible noise I was subjected to at Death By Audio in Williamsburg on Halloween the night of my turban epiphany, I grew to adore its versatility and insta-chic effect. Now with Spring so close, I’m adapting my personal turban-tying method to lighter materials: silk, chiffon and the traditional cotton. Watch my instructional video for a way to turn just about any scarf into a fabulous turban. Then check the authentic Indian, African and other international lessons on how to master the real shebang.

FashionIndie Technique – Quite possibly the simplest way to tie a chic turban:

Wrapping your head from the back also allows you to contain your hair entirely within the turban. Tie or pin back a bun ever so loosely so it’s easy to flatten, and let the fabric cup the hair.

Indian Sikh (male) - the most basic traditionally male method:

Though this is a masculine turban, it can also look fabulous on a woman. The trick seems to be wrapping diagonally to perfect that starburst in the center front.

Indian Sikh (female) – seemingly the most time and fabric intensive feminine method:

White turbans like this often note a higher rank in society. Perhaps that’s why they’ve made it so particularly difficult to achieve.

Indian Rajasthani – less complicated, more colorful method:

How to tie a Turban from Morgan's Ride on Vimeo.

This may be less particular about the folding, but you might need a buddy to get you started.

African Aso Oke – stunning damask, cross and tie method:

Easy to achieve statement piece that looks like a budding rose.

Jamaican Rasta Wrap - the best method to wrap up dreadlocks:

So, our instructor might not be authentically Jamaican, but by the length of his dreads, he seems highly dedicated. Perhaps an old Rasta Man taught him how to tie this proper turban.

Will you be trying a turban this coming Spring? It’ll keep your head fresh and cool if you do it right.

Photo from StreetPeeper

The Top 10 Vintage Haunts In NYC That Won’t Rob You Blind

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:04:03 +0000

I have to sympathize with New Yorkers who don’t know how to thrift. If you’re paying $100 for a no-name sundress or $80 for Doc Martens riddled with holes, you’re doing a poor job. As a child born and bred in the Midwest, I learned that 80s beaded silk evening gowns should cost $15 and vintage Fendi bags should only set you back $30. So in a city of extremely overpriced vintage stores, what’s a girl (or guy) to do? Take it from the master and check out my top 10 vintage spots in New York City where you can get the best merchandise for the lowest prices.

1. Loveday 31, Astoria
Owner and curator Ivona Bilicic knows her stuff – she used to be a buyer at famous rip-off Manhattan vintage store Screaming Mimi’s. But the merchandise at Loveday 31 is far from overpriced and much more carefully selected. Eccentric metallic shirts from the 80s share a rack with silk Givenchy shirts and Prada dresses. Uniquely shaped vintage bags are shown among locally designed jewelry and antique brooches. I recently bought a black, intricately knit shirt with metallic silver threads and 7-inch long fringe for $40.

Credit: Free Williamsburg

2. Beacon’s Closet, Williamsburg & Park Slope
Perhaps the most well-known local Brooklyn thrift store chain, Beacon’s Closet has something for everyone. Both locations have their fine points: the more-crowded Williamsburg store has about four times the merchandise ranging from beat-up tees to Pucci pumps while the slightly more refined selection at Park Slope requires less digging and waiting. Some of my best buys include an $18 Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater and $18 brand new Betseyville shoes.

3. Buffalo Exchange, Williamsburg
You won’t find a ton of vintage merchandise at Buffalo Exchange, but you might come across some cool new digs along the way. Designer denim for men and women usually costs less than $20 and a brand new chunky necklace will set you back about $8. There are great vintage finds too, like a pair of Marc Jacobs sandals I bought for $24 a couple years ago.

4. Housing Works, Upper East Side
Where do all of the wealthy UES women take their Ferragamos and Pradas when they don’t want them any more? Housing Works, of course. In my opinion, this location is the best of the 10 retail stores around the city. There aren’t a million downtown vintage hunters in your face, and the merchandise comes straight from Park and Madison Avenues. It also has the best vintage jewelry selection - I have at least a dozen pieces from my summer living in the same neighborhood.

5. Monk Vintage, Williamsburg
Where can you buy a rainbow striped bow tie, cummerbund and pocket square matching set? Monk Vintage in Brooklyn has about 10 for you to choose from. From the tutus suspended from the ceiling to mounds of vintage jewelry, you will find super fun and unique vintage pieces here. Dresses run from around $25 – $40 while a full suit will cost you about $100. Everything is in pretty good condition and the store is small, so you won’t spend hours looking for an outfit. The peach Polo Ralph Lauren Western shirt I got for $35 is still one of my favorites.

6. Goodwill, Chelsea
Of all the Goodwills in the city, why this one? Are the workers nicer? Absolutely not, but the selection is all that. This fairly new outlet isn’t too crowded, but it is fairly organized. If you’re familiar with Goodwill, expect all of the same prices and merchandise categories. Last week, I found a leather Coach computer bag in good condition for $20.

7. Vintage Thrift, Gramercy
From Manolos to mink throw pillows, this store literally has everything. You can get a stack of records with your dining room table and Italian designer ties with a retro KitchenAid mixer. Not only has Vintage Thrift been named Zagat’s #1 NYC thrift store four years in a row, profits go to The United Jewish Council of the East Side.

8. Viceversa, Williamsburg
Maybe the most overlooked Williamsburg thrift store, Viceversa is definitely worth your time. Stocked with equal parts men’s and women’s apparel, you can find everything from red cowboy boots to sequined muumuus. Prices here are dynamite – you can snag a fur coat for as little as $40. I bought an 80s rainbow sequin dress for $20 last year; I recently saw the same exact dress on Nasty Gal retailing for more than $200.

9. The Antiques Garage, Chelsea
Lauren from Corvus Noir introduced me to The Antiques Garage last summer when I interviewed her for FashionIndie. This place is insane. From 9 am – 5 pm every Saturday and Sunday, you can walk through this concrete jungle of every antique imaginable. It can be a little overwhelming, so take it slow – one table at a time. I bought a gorgeous leather, color-block bag with a chain strap for $10 the last time I was there.

10. No Relation Vintage, East Village
Nestled among the dozens of nail salons and pizzerias on First Avenue, No Relation Vintage is a rare gem. Little nooks throughout the store hold specifics like shoes or sundresses while scarves sit in a basket by the register, waiting to be impulsed purchased. In true East Village fashion, you won’t find a shortage of leather jackets or distressed band tees. Many a silk scarf from this old school thrift store hangs in my apartment.

Did I miss anything? What is your favorite NYC thrift store?

Watch Alexa Chung On The Topic of Love

Nicole Vardo — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:50:37 +0000

The day I got the chance to meet Alexa was in Brooklyn..all I have to say is definitely one of the shyest socialites out there, but it’s true she does have killer style! Watch Elle’s video interviewing Alexa one on one about her two true love London, and Williamsburg.

“Williamsburg is sort of like my lover, whereas London is more like my husband. I love my husband, and I’ll always be with him, but Williamsburg is so exciting.” Intrigued? Watch the clip.

Alexa Chung Loves Brooklyn

(credit: Elle)

10 Places Where All The Ridiculously Good Looking Guys Shop

Nicole Vardo — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:13:50 +0000

Thanks to GQ magazine we now know where to find all the true hotties in this world, more like hotties with style.

OPENING CEREMONY

OPENINGCEROMONY.US

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNINA

SID MASHBURN

SOUTHERN OBSESSION

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

SIDMASHBURN.COM

CONTEXT

WHERE NEW BRANDS BREAK FIRST

MADISON, WISCONSIN

CONTEXTCLOTHING.COM

THE WEBSTER

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA

ICONIC AMERICAN WORKWEAR

THEWEBSTERMIAMI.COM

CONFEDERACY

ITS NOT ALL ABOUT THE CLOTHES

LA, CALIFORNIA

SHOPCONFEDERACY.COM

STAG

DEDICATED ANTIQUERS

AUSTIN, TEXAS

STAGAUSTIN.COM

THE FIELD HOUSE

THE RETURN OF THE FIVE AND DIME

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

THEFIRELDHOUSEBALLARD.COM

HOLLANDER & LEXER

IT’S ALL ABOUT WILLIAMSBURG HIPSTERS

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

HOLLANDERANDLEXER.NET

IMOGENE + WILLIE

INNOVATIONS IN DENIM

NASHIVILLE, TENESSEE

IMOGENANDWILLIE.COM

UNIONMADE

WHERE AMERICA RULES

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

UNIONMADEGOOD.COM

New York City’s Best Spots for Culture-holics & Street Style Queens.

Nicole Vardo — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:14:04 +0000

Starting my daily routine going through my merry way to the FashionIndie office in the mornings, I always like to look around for my daily fashion inspirations of the day, as I’m sure all of you do no matter where you live, but being a fashion kid in New York City has it’s perks, what better way to start your morning off than along side some of the best dressed and most interesting people ever! Plus having a little Strokes and Vampire Weekend playing on my iPod in the back ground, coffee in one hand and a camera in the other… pure genius.

Lorimer

L train to Bedford

Chelsea Area

Columbus Circle

Astor Place./St. Marks

5th ave/53st.

Washington Sq. Filled with stylish NYU hipster lovin’

MODEL LUST: Christopher Fawcett’s Mustache Ride

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:32:34 +0000

Babyfaced heartthrob, Christopher Fawcett donned that Williamsburg staple, the pornstache (and a mini pompadour), for the latest campaign for Rufskin.

Thick and bushy, the stache harkins back to a time before manscaping, when disco was king and the YMCA wasn’t for kids.

Will the stache catch on nationwide? And for those of us unable to grow such a hirsute hair-lip, will there be a new industry for mustache mirkins?

NEWS: AllSaints Wraps the Fifth Anniversary of the Jelly Pool Parties

Amanda Gabriele — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:22:43 +0000

AllSaints is pleased to have completed a successful summer with the legendary Williamsburg summer concert series- Jelly Pool Parties – in celebrating the festival’s fifth year anniversary and last hurrah at the East River Park waterfront. Read more…

Agyness Deyn Wearing AllSaints Shirt & Shorts. Photo by Zac Sebastian

As a relative newcomer to New York City, with its recently opened SoHo flagship, AllSaints hosted a VIP backstage area and a digital flipbook station every Sunday throughout the eight-week-long free concert series in Williamsburg.

Jessica Hart Wearing an AllSaints Dress. Photo by Mike Mabes

Alexa Chung. Photo by Zac Sebastian

Swagger Mondays: Amy Spotted in Williamsburg

The Fashion Web — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:35:44 +0000

Today Swagger New York brings us Amy, a student at the New School they met while strolling in Williamsburg, NY:

The model like minx looked cool in Alexander Wang crushed linen shorts, a knotted Zara belt, a roomy tank, and chic round sunglasses. Loves!
What do you think? Does Amy have Swagger?
Read more about the encounter here.

LINK LOVE:Swagger Mondays: Amy Spotted in Williamsburg

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Dolce Vita for Target

The Fashion Web — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:30:17 +0000

Target has done it again, an incredible collaboration with Dolce Vita. The collection is comprised of various flats and boots. Two of the hottest trends this fall will be the military style and shoes/boots with hardware. This collection has a great pair of combat boots for $34.99. This particular pair of boots can turn you into a Williamsburg Hipster, but you have to have the attitude to match.

Another great trend this 2010 F/W season is studded shoes. Like Louboutin and other designers, studs will instantly update any pair of flats. These tiny little details can make any outfit standout. What’s great about this collection is that it is very affordable. Both pair of boots go for $34.99 and the flats go for $29.99.

I particulary like the studded oxfords and the combat boots. They are definitely on my fall wish list.

This collection is exclusively available at the new Target in East Harlem, but it is also available online (Click Here)

Photos via Target.com

LINK LOVE:Dolce Vita for Target

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BEAUTY: Where To Get Lindsay’s Famous Manicure

Marissa Moshell, Student — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:32:30 +0000

With all of the hype surrounding Lindsay’s “Fuck You” manicure during her court appearance, it seems to come as no surprise that some people would want to replicate the style. Naomi Yasuda, who has done the nails of Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, and countless other celebrities, says that Lindsay’s tie dye manicure was definitely airbrushed. Stop down at the Hello Beautiful salon in Williamsburg and Yasuda will replicate the tie dye effect, minus the “fuck you” that was probably sharpied on, for $50.

LINK LOVE: Fashionista

Fuck Iran, Gucci Now World’s Most Feared Nuclear Power

Saynt — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:28:52 +0000

A web developer for Gucci has built a nuclear reactor in Brooklyn. He’s threatened to go all Chernobyl on Williamsburg’s ass if he doesn’t see women end their geek look and upgrade to sling-backs and pastel printed dresses.

LINK LOVE: Gawker.com

Bird Get’s Ready to Boogie for Fashion’s Night Out

admin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:35:03 +0000

Bird, Williamsburg’s must haunt fashion destination, will be hosting a block party to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out with an exclusive offering from Vena Cava.

There will be specialty cocktails, pizza, disco DJ’s and carnival games as well as a limited edition Vena Cava dress which is being made from the designing duo’s archival fabrics. The dress will run you $100, the memories will last a lifetime.

Block-party revelers will also be entered into a raffle to win a studio tour and free dress from the designers.

Definitely a carnival I don’t want to miss.

LINK LOVE: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nymag/fashion/~3/0WfQYH7SaEM/bird_to_stock_limited-edition.html

LAST WEEKENDS PARTY(s): Caution! This Could Get Ruff.

Corey Moran — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:14:15 +0000

Summers in New York City are a blur as it is, but when you mix in the amazing nightlife scene and free alcohol, it’s like they never even existed. This weekend was no exception to that previous statement, because even as I’m typing this article I find myself remembering more and more from this amazing weekend that came and went way too fast.

I started weekend off at my seemingly new hangout The Annex for Ruff Club, which happens every Friday. The people and the scene are always great, and as one trendy person after the next files through the front corridor, you can’t help but get excited for the amazing DJ’s to crank up the volume and get the party going. However this Friday was different from the past. Our beloved women’s editor Kirby was celebrating her last night in the city before embarking on a month long vacation that has her back and fourth between Chicago, Los Angeles, and her home. So as Kirby, Hillary, Dez, myself, and our crew of trendy accomplices crowded around our table and bottles of vodka and champagne, there was feeling that we had to make this party a memorable (via photographs and text messages of course) one, and it did. The music was great, everyone was dancing, and the camera just kept on flashing, but when the time came, we all slowly filtered out of the club, each wandering our own paths home.

Saturday brought me a day of rest, as I tried to piece together the night before with my roommates and Hillary over brunch. It seemed that we all made it home in one piece, minus the one $200 Nike Dunk that some how made from my roommates foot, over the fence into the World Trade Center. As night fell it was time to saddle up again, so we headed out to our favorite local pub for cheap drinks. The place is so low key we usually have the whole place to ourselves, but as the drinks flow so do the invites we send to our friends, and before we knew it the place was pretty packed.

Sunday was rough. Some how the decision to go thrifting in Williamsburg was made, but the heat and the exhaustion left not only Hillary (as you can see above), but all of us in need for some AC and some good old cable TV (however I did score an amazing pair of boots for $25). A late night dinner before Entourage completed my weekend, and now I’m ready (I think) to tackle this week.

Be sure to check back this week, as there are a lot of events going on that I’ll be keeping you posted on! Thanks again to all the people at Ruff Club who keep the Fashion Indie crew happy, we love you to death! (Yes that means you Aaron). Be sure to check out the Ruff Club website for the calendar of wonderful events they are hosting, we’d love to see you out there!

STREET ZEROES: Is It Too Late to Abort?

Saynt — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:29:11 +0000

Sometimes I think it would be so flippin awesome to reside in Billyburg so that I can be closer to the budding fashion and art scene, but then I see shit like this and I’m thankful these people would get shot in the Bronx. Oh Boogie Down how I miss you…

Shop Indie: Alphabet Ears!

Kirby Marzec — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:00:28 +0000

Who knew such a simple concept could break so much fashion ground in Williamsburg? These tiny e.e. Cummings-esque alphabet studs may be as easy as ABC (no pun intended), but they are actually pretty cute! Each stud is sold individually in either 14K gold ($40 each) or silver ($28 each) and they even have a tiny heart stud! Forget friendship rings or “best-friend” necklaces, get your buddy best-friend initial earrings from Catbird! Or, if you’re in the mood for a few extra piercings, put a whole bunch oh holes in your ear and spell out ” I <3 Fashion Indie”…I’m pretty sure we can pardon our squirrelly friend Kimmy Nibbler and make you the new mascot of Fashion Indie! So, how about it?

For your ABC ears, check out Catbird!

I Hate Nappers

Saynt — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:45:17 +0000

Their rhymes are weak. Their style sucks. And they can’t dance for shit.

Why are they becoming popular?

Oh, yeah cause people are fucking stupid and easily fall for a gimmick.

The Jazzy Jeff/Pre-Million Dollar Movie Deal Will Smith look was never cool. These guys haven’t even attempted to make the look interesting by updating it. It looks like they just watched a full season of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and photocopied everything they saw. You’re not the new hipster, you’re not even close to being a blipster and I refuse to consider your shitty attempt to rehash the 90′s it’s own style category other than Napper (Nerd + Rapper = Nappers) because you are seriously putting us all to sleep. What’s so annoying is that this was purposely started. I’m sure it was a conversation at some Billyburg Salvation Army that got these boys talking about wearing 90′s retro wear and now they’re doing it and stinking up the streets with their visual vomit endouching style.

I’m starting to miss the good old days of rap, when cocaine and heroine dealers like Jay Z and Biggie Smalls ran the streets of Brooklyn. Now with all the white kids moving in we get vanilla flavored attempt at gansta.

So let it be known far and wide. The Retro Kids = Nappers. Kids that dress like they tripped into Kid n Play’s closet = Nappers. The Fresh Prince’s of Brooklyn = Nappers.

And I fucking hate Nappers.

Built By Wendy Sample Sale

Andy Wass — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:44:55 +0000

All weekend at the Williamsburg location, get some good deals on past season items from Built by Wendy for 50%-80% off.

Friday, Oct 3, 11am-8pm

Saturday, Oct 4, 11am-8pm

Sunday, Oct 5, 12pm-6pm

Indies to Watch: The Black Keys

Hilary Price — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:12:26 +0000

I LOVE THE BLACK KEYS. The psychedelic duo encompass soul, rock and folk. Though it sounds like a rough musical experiment, the Black Keys have mastered their multifaceted funky style. Their producer D.J “Danger Mouse”, also known as the counterpart to Gnarles Barkley, has ensured once again added his Midas touch to this collection of quality music. I am enamored with DangerMouse, so subsequently checked out The Black Keys. Each song has a distinct sound yet The Black Keys maintain a quirky continuity.

I basically drool over The Keys. The single thing I love most is their originality. Lately, artists have put themselves in a box, so it is hard to find a musical talent who takes risks. This band has filled my void. The Ohio natives enable easy listening. Simply, The Black Keys are wonderfully unpredictable. The Keys took a slight hiatus but thankfully have returned. Attack and Release is their newest album. The newest cuts are better than ever.

If not, Check out ”Psychotic Girl” and “Strange Times.” You’ll get hooked. Trust me.

Hipsters + Acid Trip Videos + Cheap Special Effects + Shamu = Seizures

Corey Moran — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:02:58 +0000

natalie portman’s shaved head – sophisticated side ponytail from thatgo on Vimeo.

This is the reason why hipsters can’t rule the world. When your band’s name is Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head you have no excuse why you shouldn’t be mocked mercifully. The song “Sophisticated Side Ponytail” is a true hipster gem. The cheap computer work that could be done with any Adobe program, and the unecessary amount of American Apparel spandex are the two tell tail signs of hipster destruction. I pray that this song never makes it out of Williamsburg. Who raps about Shamu anyways?

Shop: The Official Soap of Hipsters

Saynt — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:41:15 +0000

The official beer of Williamsburg (sorry Brooklyn Brew) has been made into soap. It seems someone discovered how fresh their skin felt after a night of binge drinking when they woke up in a cheap puddle of barfed up Pabst Blue Ribbon. The soap is available on Etsy and is by far the last thing I would ever want to bathe in, but hell, it would make a great gag/intervention gift for that special someone in your life who still hasn’t discovered their tolerance level.

You can find Beer Soap here for $4.75 a bar.