UGH! It's M.I.A. being amazing again, guys! [Side bar to M.I.A.] You make me wanna do crazy things, Maya...like wear a Swarovski crystal-ed bra over a crumpled white tee.
Yes, I refer to her as Maya because in my head we're cool like that.
source
Right in line with the end of fashion week and American Apparel's shot at prints like never before with it's Afrika series, M.I.A. finally releases her eponymous clothing line that satisfies our need for fresh digs and ethnic prints.
Visit her website at shop.miauk.com for her eclectic collection of bombers, sweatshirts, tees and spandex jumpsuits. 
Photo Credit: Shop.MIAUK.com
With the baby bump and weight out of the way, a new album in tow and all my friends waiting for her return, we were due for an editorial from M.I.A.
Glad she got the hint...
photo cred
M.I.A. and Alexander Wang clean up so nicely for the MET Gala. While M.I.A. is known for her ludicrous style choices that seem the mesh so effortlessly with Bambo Banging moments and Alexander Wang carries the model off duty look better than his models, they both dressed for the occasion while staying true to their aesthetics.
Here's a nice summation of what's happened and what's to come!
So last night, I set out to the city to go to Tenjune. Really pretentious, model-laden, bottle popping kinda place. My girl Michelle, goes there "all the time" with her girl Ainjel, so no worries, right?
Wrong!
I get there to find out that Ainjel only has a plus 1 on her promoter's list. And as many times as they've been there, they send me over to talk to the owner to plea for entry. Not my style. So I dip...
All is not lost...here's the 'fit
Deets: really old H&M top (cut into crop), H&M skirt, Aldo Wedges, vintage belt, new highlights!
Working a little backwards...
Earlier that day, I got my hair colored by Mia of Younghsee Salon. I met her at the one of the Sobe Summer Friday parties. She suggested I go with more lighter browns, but I was nervous about that. I got a full head of highlights but my hair is still on the darker side. Next time, full faith in Mia!
Younghee Salon
64 N Moore Street
NYC 10013
212.334.3770
BTW: I made my hair curly myself...for deets hit up the comment section and I'll tell you how.
Then today, I wore that H&M shirt that wore to Tenjune. Don't judge me...I barely spent time in it! You might say I'm obsessed with cropped tops now. And that's fine. I am.
I'm dancing at home, practicing poses...
Poses for what??
A fashion show! If you follow my tweets, you know that a couple months ago I was randomly asked on the train to model in a show where my jewelry also earned a set! Don't miss the it next Saturday!
Also next weekend is a huge sale in DUMBO where I'll be vending! I'm super excited!!
Save those dolla, dolla bills ya'll!
Deets:
Sunday, August 23, 2009
2-7pm
Take the F train York Street
p.s. i finally got my Palladium boots from BPMW for covering their fall preview for The Fader...Can't wait for fall to wear them!
Photo Credit: Mike
Went to M.I.A.'s last concert last night! Yes. That's right. Her last one. I read a little while back that she was going to retire her recording career soon in order to pursue her art and design, she even has a clothing line in the works.
From left to right: Lauren, Me, Mike and Matt The funky-fresh, sometimes non-sensical, always political recording artist said last night during her McCarren Pool performance in Williamsburg, BK that this would be her last ha-ra, cancelling her Europe tour!
I was on my way to the port-a-potty when she said this and me and my girls made a u-turn early! Her last performance is worth holding it in!
All the following pics are taken by me courtesy of Mike's camera. Mine was dropped when I asked someone to take the group shot of me and 'em. So no pics until we can get together and get a new one! :-(
If you didn't make it to the Elle Files Fashion Fete, I missed you. And for those who did [special shouts to stylist, Pamela Shepherd [right below], Stephanye, Sandrine and many more]--wasn't it a blast? So many laughs over wine and the most amazing mini cupcakes, which the verdict is still open over how many actually equal a full sized cupcake. Another shout out to The Elles, Danielle [pictured last] and Michelle for a wonderful event.
But back to the point, TNEMNRODA. I showcased the new pieces under the new line as well as faves from Odd &Even. People always gravitate toward the shades and this weekend there were a few in particular...
Pam in the Mia Shades
[left] Mia Shades [right] Elizabeth Shades
Lace Floral Prescrips
Elizabeth Shades
Lace Floral Prescrips
So I've been M.I.A. for almost a week and I come back with two posts as if nothing happened, right?
...
I know you're smarter than that. I'm re-adjusting to the time constraints of a full-time job after making my own schedule for two months--freelancing, job hunting and posting whenever I felt like it (all the time).
...
I'll get this worked out soon. Promise.
1st pic: my version of summer Friday (which is like any other day of the week in PR) dressing. P.S. that "skirt" is actually a tube dress--love to wear things different ways
2nd: a few pieces from the Wendy Nichol's in-store event at Sucre that I reported on for Beauty News NYC last Wednesday
I love a boyfriend tank. And the graphic tube bra underneath gives it added interest.
The Sobe Summer Friday event was more than I expected with a vogue-ing Sobe mascot and a cute DJ who must have had a pile of numbers on his table by the end of the event (that's another story...). Here's some looks that caught my eye.
Trevor & Mia. He's with Chucks and a bowler hat. She with an A. Wang shoulder bag, shaved head and florals. They're married. What more is there to it?
CLICK THE SHOT TO GO TO THE FULL INTERVIEW!
M: What is your number one fashion do and don't?
S: Number one fashion do: Dress as you're most confident and comfortable.
Number one don't: Don't be trendy. It's so costly to follow trends because they change so quickly and it's lazy because it leaves no room for you to create a personal style.
S: Number one fashion do: Dress as you're most confident and comfortable.
Number one don't: Don't be trendy. It's so costly to follow trends because they change so quickly and it's lazy because it leaves no room for you to create a personal style.
M: Why do you think street fashion sections are popular in magazines?
S: Street fashion is so popular because it's inspiring! That's where high fashion comes from. It's a trickle up theory: "they"(designers, socialites etc) look to "us" (indies and emerging) for trends.
S: Street fashion is so popular because it's inspiring! That's where high fashion comes from. It's a trickle up theory: "they"(designers, socialites etc) look to "us" (indies and emerging) for trends.
David caught my eye though at first glance, he may look like the average NYC college kid.
But look a little closer.
Mismatched DCs. A metallic backpack. That, paired with a peacoat and blue jeans says that there's a diplo/M.I.A. spirit trapped in that All-American facade. I see you, David!
Did you go to Chay's Recessionista Sale yesterday?
I did! And I got this neat Navajo wool blazer/sweater straight out of the late '80s/early '90s.
Loves it!
Mia of Not Just Vintage was selling all her goods for 75% off just when I got there [at the end]! I would have gotten it at $30, but who would argue $9?
I was there. I witnessed it myself. We all walked out on M.I.A. leaving her behind in torrential storms that struck Governor's Island.
What a shame, she curated the festival herself and was showed up by her opening acts. What do you do when your sound isn't right and your fans can't tell "Boys" from "Bambo Banga?"
On a fashion note, check out my Krystal Rae piece, son! [I like to say "son" every now and then...it's completely against everything I represent and it's just ironic, don't you think?] I spoke about it a bit Krystal's work //HERE//...now watch it in action!
On the eve of New York Fashion Week, Mr. Wang releases his T Alexander Wang video for S/S 2011. Randomly forward and chic, the promo features Diplo [known for his partnerships with O.M.O. faves: M.I.A., Santigold, and Maluca] along with model Ashley Smith both awkwardly dancing to Amanda Blank's "DJ."
Mr. Wang, you win once again with this video. Now, I will be purchasing even more drapey knits this spring...if it ever gets here. Enjoy the vid and print ads below.
//posted by c. bilal salaam//
Caught this on my walk to the M.I.A. concert before my broken camera mishap. Not sure who the video was for. I'll add that as soon as I figure it out.
They just skated around while everyone else looked cool.
Like that.
And that.
Loved those silver kicks.
That's the star in the green striped shirt.
See missy with the bow tie? Note the jodhpurs also in the mix. Love it!