M+B Art Gallery

Yesterday TBC was looking to indulge in a little bit of week end fun, so we went to the M+B Art Gallery to see Alex Prager's "Week-End" collection.  The photographs looked amazing; Prager's attention to detail pays off and it's great to see how vivid and vibrant the color of the photos look in person. We suggest you make a trip to Westwood to see for yourself, the exhibit ends March 6, 2010.

Style Report: Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung; English personality, model, and ex host of MTV's cancelled show " It's On with Alexa Chung." One half of us here at the TBC likes her quirky mixed  and matched style. She has a style that's full of eclectic choices and  informed classics. She always takes experimental choices on the red carpets, dresses for her own body, and always looks comfortable in her own skin.

      

                         

                        

                         

5 Must Have Items That Every Girl Needs in Their Closet

1. Black Blazer
2. Black Leather Jacket
3. Great Pair of Jeans (Black or Blue)
4. Printed/Graphic Mini Skirt
5. LBD (Little Black Dress)

Urban Outfitters Black Blazer: $78

Urban Outfitters Black Leather Coat: $128

Forever 21 Rosy Avant-Garde Skirt: $15.80

Urban Outfitters Black or Blue Skinny Jean: $54

Nordstroms Ruby Rox Sequined Dress: $54

All of these are must have items because they last you through all seasons. You can mix up all of these pieces and come up a ton of outfits; you can dress them up or you can dress them down. Plus these prices aren't that bad for items that can last you a lifetime. We're not saying to buy these exact items, but to get these key basic pieces in styles that fit your body type or your personality.

Paris Nights/New York Mornings

One half of TBC is head over heels with Corinne Bailey Rae's The Sea. Paris Nights/ New York Mornings is a favorite for the morning drive. So, imagine the amount of excitement that was experienced when this came on...

Street Style 2.22.2010

                                                                   

Who: Kathy Han

What: rose tank layered over leggings and black shirt paired with a turquise purse

Where: Long Beach, Ca

Why: We loved her accessories( Ray Ban Glasses and Bow Earrings); can't go wrong when you pay attention to details. 

I think I'm In Love- Jacoby

Visit his youtube page there's a link to download the song :).

The Master of Suspense

After seeing "Shutter Island" TBC felt that the film was a directorial nod to the once great Alfred Hitchcock. The acknowledged master of the thriller genre, who brilliantly blended sex, humor, and suspense. One of his many sayings, that seems to have inspired the film "Shutter Island" in our opinion was "Always make the audience suffer as much as possible." If you've never seen any of his films, we suggest that you check out "Vertigo" and "Spellbound" with the amazing James Stewart and Gregory Peck.

- BY CANDACE REELS

French Vogue

First solo black model since 2002 covers French Vogue, that's a total of 8 years.  The March cover features the beautiful  18 year old model Rose Cordero. Hopefully they won't wait another 8 years, because there are so many beautiful black models in the fashion industry. It's the starts of a new decade, we think it's time for a change.

Shutter Island

photo credit: the film stage

Leondardo DiCaprio plays a U.S. marshall who takes on the case of locating a missing patient at Shutter Island. With the help of his partner (Mark Ruffalo), he finds that more  questions arise than answers. While attempting to make sense out of it all, he has to deal with haunting memories of his past.You'll find a lot of twists, turns, and shocking moments  in "Shutter Island" that  leave you on the edge of your seat. Overall, TBC thought it was a "mind trip", we walked out a little confused and entertained (the latter weighs more than the former). We suggest seeing it if you're really into mystery and suspense. In the mean time we're going to find the book it was adapted from because we have a few questions of our own.

NYFW 2010 Snapshot

This is just HOT!!

TBC loves men in suits = )

Who: Lee Pace, Jared Leto, Chace Crawford, Ryan Phillippe, Kellan Lutz, Mehcad Brooks

Where: Calvin Klein Men's Collection Fall 2010

Model City

TBC just finished watching a full hour of RED models featured on BET Centric's new reality show "Model City". The show follows black male models and everything that comes along with the industry including: scouting, drama, prodding egos, and of course flawless bone structure.

We really liked the show because it was entertaining. Plus, we got a chance to see a different side of the fashion industry that doesn't get too much light (the models personalities). Honestly, we weren't surprised by the "frenemy" relationships. But, we were a little surprised by one of the leading men, watch the show tonight at 8 p.m. to figure out which one it is.

Hint he's dating a very successful model. 

Tamera Mowry Sings "Im Going Down"

Simply because we loved, loved, loved when she performed it on "Sister,Sister" and we think she puts Mary J. Blidge to shame (TBC remembers this episode like it was yesterday, we won't go into that). Watch the clip from "Sister, Sister" below and click here to see her sing it now.

Sky Ferreira

A clever mash up of The Beatles and Dr. Dre & TBC fancies it.

Open Love Letter to Alex Prager

We're quite sure you've noticed that TBC doesn't shy away from the expression of love. Alex Prager's art has been catching our eye since 2006 and we don't want to be coy about the obsession anymore. We want the L.A. native to bring her show back home. Maybe this letter will be luring enough to do the trick... we hope. 

Dear Alex, 

There's a luring mystery behind your photographs that we just can't get enough of. Maybe it's the waxiness of the models skin, the different body types used, their daring poses, vintage clothes, or faux hair. Whatever it is, the concept works.

Being original is hard these days and we love you for steering clear of generic. Yet, you understood that it's important for your work to be gentle on the eyes which avoids confusion. We're looking forward to seeing these photographs in person one day! Till then we'll quietly comb through the corners of the web to find more of your work. 

All The Best,

The Bazaar Collection

Btw, we're suffering from location envy. If you're in New York go see her collection, we'll live vicariously through you! 

Ayo "Lonely"

Who: Ayo

What: Video for "Lonely"

Why: Her music has a calming vibe and we were once enamored with her earlier tune "Down On My Knees"

"Lonely"

"Down On My Knees"

All Pinned Up Art Collection at CSULB

TBC got a chance to speak with  artist Ashleymarie Sey DeBondt, from the "All Pinned Up" group art show. She discussed the concept of the collection, her favorite piece, and future showings. 

You can see this show at California State University, Long Beach in the Dutzi Gallery from February 14-18th. Gallery hours are mon-thurs 12pm-5pm, Wed 12pm -7pm.

TBC: Where did the concept from "All Pinned Up" come from?

ASD: The theme for the show came from my love from the classic American pin up art and it's evolution into it's own genre. I wanted fellow artists like myself to push our own styles and interpretations of the phrase "All Pinned Up" and see what results came from it. Needless to say, the results were quite pleasing.

TBC: What artists are involved?

ASD: All artists in this show are or have been a [CSULB] Art major (mostly Illustration, Animation, some Drawing & Painting and one Sculpture major who decided to do her first 2D piece).

Here are the artists that participated, in no particular order:
Ashleymarie Sey DeBondt, Jacqueline Monroe, Jonathan Kiser, Cyndee Barber, Jamyla O'Neil, Daniel Adoff, Jenna Puente, Diana Mordin, Marcus Johnson, Vincent Lee, Mariya Suzuki, Kate Gorrell, Shawn Braden, Nancy Chiu, Ian Montelongo, Jennie Cotterill, Steve Tran, Michael R. Leon, Darren Vandercapellen, Jasmine Gagnier, Stacy Moffatt, Dustin Burkes-L., Walter Mencia, Greta Schimmel, Josh Davis, Stephanie Sherwood, Daniel Padron, Jarrett Csupo, and Steven Pillai.

TBC: What's your favorite piece from the collection and why?

ASD: Wow, honestly the whole show is my favorite piece from the collection. The result of what everyone came up with is the ultimate collaboration piece that I am completely enchanted with. We would not have had such a great show with the high quality and talent that was exhibited for this show. I am proud to say I was apart of this show, and that the work shown is of my fellow artists and illustrators.

TBC: Where can we see your work next?

ASD: Well, the next place you can see my work is going to be in the "Fairytale" show, exhibiting in the Merlino Gallery at CSULB. My friend and fellow colleague, Jacqueline will be curating the show and I will be assisting her in the endeavor. The reception will be Sunday, March 14 from 5pm - 7pm.

Tresses Trend Report: Side Braid

The skill of looking delicately disheveled is achievable with a side braid. This distinct style has been spotted everywhere: from our campus, to celebrities, and most notably the runway ex. Miu Miu Spring 2010, as well as Alexander Wang Spring 2010.  We love this look because it brings up childhood nostalgia of sitting and listening to stories about Rapunzel's long locks. See images below for inspiration:

Pronunciation List of Fashion Designers

It's New York Fashion Week, and you want to talk about your favorite runway shows. But, you're not so sure how to pronounce a certain designer's name. Believe us, the TBC has been there. It wasn't until 2008, via Guts and Guile, that we learned we were supposed to make all of the "t's" in Yves Saint Laurent silent. Before that day, we always  butchered the famed designers name. It takes time to learn the proper pronunciation of them all but, here's a head start on the process. Godspeed ladies and gents!

list via glamour.com

Japanese Cartoon

Japanese Cartoon defies description.  But, if we had to put the sound into words without getting too cliche... we would say it's a mix of hip hop, rock, and house music with British influence. Each song is different from the next and it carries a hypnotic trance (ex. Benga). What made us notice Japanese Cartoon? The lead vocalist is non other than Wasalu Jaco a.k.a Lupe Fiasco (his name alone lends credibility). 

Take a look: 

Product Review: Bobbi Brown's Extreme Party Mascara

"Our boldest mascara ever"- Bobbi Brown

Pros

1. Bobbi Brown's Extreme Party Mascara will separate your lashes ,make them longer, thicker, and curly simultaneously. 
2. It has a great texture, which is a plus because, you can avoid the messy clumped look.

Cons

1. It's extremely hard to remove, but hey that might be a plus. We want our lashes to last through rain sleet and snow right?
2. The Price: It costs $22 dollars, and it's one of the smallest bottles of mascara that we've come across. 

Overall, TBC suggests buying it. Although it's a little on the pricey side, it's perfect for a dramatic look without the damages that other mascara's may come with. 

DVF Fall 2010 READY-TO-WEAR

Diane Von Furstenberg’s fall 2010 collection’s tag line: “I always wanted to live a man’s life in a woman’s body.” The collection featured tailored jackets over flirty dresses, slouchy cardigans over silk dresses, pinstripes on jackets, tweed and felted wool blazers layered over short organza dresses. Metamorphosis was also a theme “femme fatale she is who she wants to be. Soft and feminine pieces with metallic striped trousers, cable-knit sweaters, black leather bustier dresses and chiffon ruffles. Clothes were filled with embellishments, plus gorgeous prints straight out the 70’s. There’s been a lot of focus on wearable layering clothes during NYFW thus far and DVF was all over it.

An Oldie, but a Goodie

Motown Classic



You can never go wrong with Smokey Robinson and the Miracles


- BY CANDACE REELS

Robert Pattinson: Details Magazine

Robert Pattinson is featured on the cover and in the pages of the 10th Anniversary Issue of Details magazine which is devoted to the “Remasculation of the American Man.”While Mr. Pattinson’s quotes are sure to gain some attention, we think it’s the accompanying photo spread that will get all of the attention. *WARNING This is not a magazine issue for young twihards.

Some snippets from the magazine interview:

On his emotional sight: “The only emotional connection of relevance is with my dog. My relationship with my dog, it’s ridiculous.”
On his dream job of political speech writing: “You’d have two or three minutes to affect someone. Make them hear you…I quite enjoyed doing the press for Twilight because there was a similarity. But you’d better have something to say. I felt a responsibility to be fascinating.”

- BY CANDACE REELS

New Music: LeToya Luckett "Good To Me"

LeToya "Good To Me" from Music'N'BS on Vimeo.

Her follow up to "Regret", we like it... thoughts? (The Video seems to be broken, we'll update with a new one later!)

Rag and Bone Fall 2010 READY-TO-WEAR

Fall 2010 READY-TO-WEAR is all about layering and menswear. And designers David Neville and Marcus Wainwritght of Rag and Bone did not disappoint. Their inspirations for their collection were Scottish Highlanders layering for an urban battle and “crazy English guys who climbed Mount Everest in the twenties in tweed.” Every look was multifaceted, models were layered to a delightful degree, and had pieces that could be worn straight off the runway; which who doesn’t love that. You saw all this and more with their first look that hit the runway; blue plaid shirt worn under a gray wool vest with a knit kilt, plaid scarf, cashmere legwarmers and tall black combat boots.  The parade of hits continued with knit jackets, ponchos, leather dresses, blazers, shirt dresses, men’s cardigans and surplus of other separates. There's something there for everyone in this collection. This being Rag and Bones first womenswear- only show they did an amazing job, many believe this is their best yet. 

 Below are more looks from the collection as well as a video: