Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Babylon Cartel x AnmlHse

Where can I begin with these fine young men. I first discovered both Babylon Cartel & AnmlHse a couple of weeks ago when I hit up the Trillectro music festival in Washington, DC. The fact that they both had a really good amount of merchandise is what drew them to me from the get go. I'm so tired of seeing the same old "designers" release the same old "dope t-shirt lines". Can we all agree that this trend needs to die? To me, the point of creating your own line is to encourage innovation, especially in a fashion world that is slowly becoming more and more uniform. 
Babylon Cartel was born in Philadelphia, PA but has since relocated to LA. Don't go thinking their name is one they just grabbed out of the sky because it sounds cool. It's meaning is actually pretty amazing. They describe how they came up with it perfectly on their website. 

" Babylon, from the Hebrew “Babel” is interpreted to mean confusion, and by definition, a cartel is a formal agreement among competitors. The meaning behind “Babylon Cartel” is the joining of the often conflicting and confusing elements of mind, body and soul to work together to originate the most inventive forms."

Genius, and you see it in their merchandise as well. Every single piece in their collection has its own little back story, which makes the experience of wearing their clothing all the more enjoyable. It is literally is the definition of artwork you can wear. My current favorite is their Adidas Originals collaboration Trap Paradise Shirt (above). The imagery is stunning...most likely my next BC purchase as soon as they restock!
Lets talk about AnmlHse. These guys are a crew that found each other while at Art School also in Philadelphia. I find that their line not only incorporates art themes, but it's reflective of pop culture as well. The Warhol "Anml Soup" tee and the Youth in Revolt '89 snapback are my favorites. Of course they're both sold out, people know quality. I really shouldn't be complaining though, I still managed to buy a couple of their pieces when I met with them and BC at Trillectro. You all may remember the B&W varsity scrimmage pro-mesh jersey from my last post which was from AnmlHse. I also had to buy the Boobs tank in black as well that day. Honestly, how could I resist?
I promise you won't be disappointed if you check out both of these amazing up-and-coming design brands. There's a little something for everyone. Look out for more in-depth video coverage of both BC & AnmlHse in the coming future. These are a group of designers I definitely want to keep my eyes on.

oxo

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Afro Punk 2013

 I had a blast at this year's Afro Punk festival at Brooklyn's Commodore Barry Park. It was my first Afro Punk ever so I was extremely excited! There was so much culture it was intoxicating. Everywhere I turned there was a beautiful shot to be taken. I could have picked a million but I chose only a few of my favorites to share with you all. I wore a b&w varsity scrimmage jersey, one of the many amazing pieces from up-an-coming lifestyle collective group AnmlHse. Look out for my feature on AnmlHse and their partner brand Babylon Cartel later on this week.
Hope you enjoyed bambini.

oxo

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Onyx

Onyx
 

I admit that I'm being really cliche with this look but hey, whatever, sue me I love it. Personally, I would never wear this sort of sporty outfit without heels for fear of looking too boyish. Is there a term for such a phobia yet? Malemphia. There I created one. Now trust me I'm fully aware that the price tag on this fit is not in anyway affordable for the average girl, i.e. me, but I make these design sets as a way to dream. Use them more as a template for a look that you can create using similar design (unless you really can afford this items, in which case be my guest!)
 
I have some exciting new projects that I'm going to be slowly releasing thorughout the coming weeks so keep your eyes peeled!
 
oxo

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Guvnor's Ball

I fully intended for this review to be about my trip to Park Slope's Beacon's Closet, but what started off as a day of major disappointment turned into the day I stumbled upon vintage heaven, otherwise known as Guvnor's Vintage Apparel. After spending an hour in Beacon's Closet with absolutely no success and crappy pictures to prove it, I left feeling extremely defeated, which is I guess when the thrift God's decided it was time for me to experience the greatness that is Guvnor's Vintage Apparel. Being that I live in Park Slope I'm still trying to figure out how I've never heard of this place. It seems to have materialized over night. Walking in to Guvnors felt like walking to your Great Aunt's attic. Stock full with treasures collected over a lifetime of collecting.
This magical cropped bralet was the first thing I saw when I walked into the store. I knew it had to be a sign. Immediately after I begged the sales girl to take it off the display, I turned to find a magnificent pair of high-waisted denim shorts. They're collection of high-waisted shorts in general is something to be rivaled with.
 Now don't get me wrong, as great as this place is, the prices are definitely not on Salvation Army level. Guvnor's is the type of place that I'll come to for my vintage spurges. If you're looking for funky one-of-a-kind's, translucent stripper heels, leather motorcycle jackets, lacy bustiers or just some inspiration, Guvnor's is your one stop shop. Aside from all that, anyplace with a leaning tower of vintage chucks is OK in my book.
Guvnor's Vintage Apparel
178 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217

oxo

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Cerulean

 Cerulean, Cobalt, whatever you want to call it, this color will always have a special place in my heart. It's one of those colors that looks good on everyone, which is one reason I love wearing it. Try to ignore the fact that my pants are slightly wrinkled. I took these after a day of riding the 2 train and running samples to every corner of the city. Literally. I wore vintage trousers, an Asos crop top, Nasty Gal pumps (similar here) and a Cole Haan clutch. 

oxo

Monday, July 22, 2013

Tan Lines

...I'm sure we all have them right about now. Just a quick shot of my favorite heels of the moment. I hope you all can forgive me for being a ghost. I've been treating DCO like an abandoned child and trust me it hurts. My life has taken an unexpected turn and I'm feeling a little lost. The woes of being a 20-something living on your own in New York. I'm usually never open like this on here but I thought maybe people would relate? I know that nothing worth having comes easy. Going through tough situations and coming out of them without giving up molds you into a stronger person and gives you a foundation so that down the line, when faced with even harder situations, you're better equipped to deal.
Ok I'm done rambling.

cheers

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Circa : 1969

One of the many vintage items you can find scattered around my bedroom. One of my all time favorite Vogue covers, August 1969.

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. 

oxo

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Erin

I'm alive bambini! I have a good reason for my absence, and her name is Erin (always a woman's fault isn't it?) I was lucky enough to be chosen as the front of house showroom intern for the Erin Fetherston design group recently. Having an internship and a part-time job doesn't leave me much time for blogging but trust me, I'm gonna make it work even if it turns me into a zombie (a couture zombie could be cute right?). Last week we had our sample sale and it was my first time working one so I didn't really know what to expect. Talk about a mad house -- Ladies of all shapes and sizes came in there with a mission: to find amazing designer dresses before anyone else could grab them. This wasn't really hard considering pretty much every Erin Fetherston dress is uniquely stunning (promise I'm not just saying that because I work here!) I almost cried when they told me I could take home a dress of my own for all my work during the sale. I knew exactly which one I wanted: The Sabrina Dress. 
This dress reminds me so much of Marilyn Monroe - one of my inspirations - which is why I think I love it so much. It manages to be romantic and delicate even though it's a darker colored dress. The one I took is actually the prototype. In the final version the gold lacing is much more pronounced but I prefer muted gold. I can't wait to share more of my adventures throughout my time here with you all. I'm so grateful I'm working with such amazing people who truly want to see me advance in my career path. What could be better than that? Love you Erin!

oxo

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

HotLanta

I'm finally getting around to posting these long overdue pictures from my trip to Atlanta for the wedding at the end of last month. My family and I stayed in the GORGEOUS Chateau Elan & Wine Vineyard where the wedding was being held. During the days leading up the the main event my sib's and I frolicked around the grounds, sampling not only their amazing spa but the seven restaurant's that were scattered in the Chateau, all while simultaneously celebrating my birthday. 24 feels like 23 to me! For some reason I always expect there to be some huge shift in my aura when my birthday rolls around. Perhaps others can see it and I can't? Regardless, as much as I love GA I will never get used to the sweltering heat. I would have jumped into that fountain behind me if it wasn't for my brother holding me back. Wearing a black velvet top probably wasn't the best idea...
 For the big 2-4 I wore my favorite vintage Dolce & Gabbana wedges, BooHoo skater scuba skirt, thrifted top and earrings, shades from the Brooklyn Flea and a Burberry Hobo bag.
 Hope you enjoyed. Oh and Happy Hump Day!
 
oxo

Friday, June 14, 2013

Precious Metals

Precious Metals
 

I enjoy those rare moments when silver and gold look magnificent together. I want to definitely try my hand at more metallic pieces this summer. Silver especially. I've had my eye on the silver Pivotal wedge from Asos for a while now. Its crazy how humans can make predictions about the future that actually come true. I remember watching Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century when I was in elementary school and marveling at their 'futuristic' get ups. Everything was spandex, and shiny with bold bright and metallic colors. How did Disney know!?! The only thing they were really missing were the cut-outs and transparent pieces. Could anyone have predicted wearing less clothing would become the norm?...Sorry, dumb question.
 
oxo

Next Best Thing

"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary." -Cecil Beaton
Disclaimer
All photos are taken by me with my Canon T1i unless stated otherwise. All design sets are created by me using Photoshop or Polyvore. Questions? E-mail me: dryycleanonly@gmail.com
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