Fly Away

For our Mango Mamacita photoshoot, I sported a hat designed by my aunt Rumi, a beautiful fascinator with beading and feathers. I was so inspired by it's bird-like form that I decided to design and make an avian halloween costume.  I loved how easy it was to move and dance in, best of all, I felt like I was soaring.

All photos by Andra Georges

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Paisley Explosion

New Yorkers are notorious for loving black. But when I see such a vacuum of color, I recoil. For me, the brighter the more patterns, the better. So when I spotted this shirt from Munrowski & Mits at the Brooklyn flea, I knew it was made for me. Sheer cotton fabric- yes. Paisley print- yes. Purple tones- yes. This shirt just says "I am having more fun than you are". 

Shirt by Munrowski & Mits, Afghan Necklace from Brooklyn Flea, Vintage Bag, Corso Como boots

All photos by Nick Shepard

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Le Déjeuner Sur L'Herbe

Le Déjeuner sur L'herbe (Lunch on the Grass) is a strange painting. Of course, that's exactly why it's famous. A classically painted nude + some Marxist dudes + a nymph + a generic forest scene= Manet's genius. The painting was part of the Salon de Refusés, an exhibition of work that was initially rejected by Paris Salon- hello street cred (OWS eat your heart out). Anyway, if you crave more insightful criticism click here.

So of course, a group of SVA students and artists had to reinterpret this iconic painting in the place where art goes to die.... Bushwick. The Bogart Salon  hosted a "reflection upon and homage" to Déjeuner with live models reenacting the poses and the rest of us photobombing the scene. I love how the scenery seems to move around the subject, even the light is drawn to the figures. I think Manet would approve.

All photos by Nick Shepard

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Dynamism

These photos by Petrovsky & Ramone is among the most dynamic fashion photography I've seen. While their exact location is unclear, the cement, wire fence, and other urban geology gives their shoot a street edge. The colors are also in motion, only heightening the energy of the scene.

Nimue Smit & Imaam

by Petrovsky & Ramone for Glamour Netherlands

via Fashion Gone Rogue

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Arriving Soon to Etsy!

1960s Deep Orange Crochet Dress

All these will be available on Etsy tomorrow! Links to come

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Occupied

I frantically checked Twitter, trying to find out where the Occupiers were. It was October 15 and social media was abuzz, #OccupyWallStreet promised civil disobedience at the Citibank on Laguardia Pl. My adrenaline rose with each step towards Zuccotti Park, I couldn't wait to see the voice of my discontent.

But it wasn't my voice. It was too many voices with too many interests, united only by their frusteration in the status quo. And that is not enough for a movement.

Occupy feels like it is on the verge of being hijacked by people defined by their anger. I saw too many Ron Paul signs, too many V for Vendetta masks, heard too many conspiracy theorists to hope that this was a rational movement.

Zuccotti Park had the feeling of a Phish show gone on way too long. There were bags and garbage everywhere and it wasn't clear who was homeless and who was a protester. And while Times Square drew thousands of people, most of the energy was put towards challenging the police rather than collective thought. 

At this point, the movement has gone on too long without a coherent message or a real leader. There is so much energy right now, but I fear that it will be taken over by extremists and the center left will have missed its chance. I admire the attention and support that they have garnered so far, but now we need to exploit the momentum. Now is the time for Occupy to Act.

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When Doves Cry

I first saw Erotic City, The Prince Tribute Band, in a tiny little bar on the coast of Oregon. I walked in and boom, this small little man in sequins and velvet was making everybody dance. The Artist Formerly Known As or at least a guy who looked a lot like him was playing some very funky beats. So when I heard they were playing a Brooklyn Bowl, it was a no brainer.

Apple Picking

There is a strange exodus that happens in Autumn. Thousands of New Yorkers commute upstate (meaning Westchester) to enjoy a fall afternoon getting back to their rustic roots. Apple picking is an opportunity to do enough manual labor to deserve a snack. And let's be honest, that's much more fun than being an actual farmer.

Dress by Calypso, boots by Rocket Dog

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Cowgirl

Denim and cowhide make me crave tobacco. It stirs a borrowed memory of dusty horses and well worn boots. Thanks to a young lad named Sam, I smoked a delicious cigarette on a warm October day. My outfit pays homage no only to the brand, but to the god and the myth of the Marlborough Man, as told by Richard Prince.

Neon Mamacita photographs by Nick Shepard

Cowboy photographs by Richard Prince

Shirt by Madewell, Jeans by Witchery, Boots by Rocket Dog, Bag from Whispering Pines Catalog, Scarf from Eva Gentry  

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Frequent Fliers

Did air travel ever look so good? Pan Am flyers ain't got nothing on these baby boys. These cats know how to accessorize! Pin stripe suit? Check. Hot pink suspenders? Check. Tortoise shell loafers? Of course. These boys know how to fly in style. But a man ain't nothing without a woman or a girl.

Business Class by Miles Aldridge

for L'Uomo Vogue 

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Mango Mamacita

What happens when Neon Mamacita meets Ms. Mango Lassie? Ladies who Lunch on a Budget of course! Dressed to the nines, we crossed the intersection of Hipster and Stroller to visit Trois Pommes Patisserie in Park Slope. I have never had such a delicious quiche- butter, cream, egg, bacon and lots of it. The list goes on. For more about the food and more cheap eats visit TheMangoLassie.com

Like the outfits? Buy select pieces at Neon Mamacita Vintage. My hat by Rumi Tsuda.

All Photos by Nick Shepard

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Coming soon to an Etsy near you!

All these looks will be up soon on Etsy, links to follow!

1930's Golden Yellow top

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