Dark and Stormy

Perhaps it was all the blustery walks on the Oregon coast growing up, because I love my beaches dark and stormy. Sunbathing is too static for me, I feel like a roasting chicken rotating on a spit. Sure I love reading US Magazine while simultaneously drinking a Diet Coke and eating Cape Cod potato chips (epic combination), but the damn sand gets everywhere.

So I opt for the Veni, Vidi, Vici approach, I come, I surf, I conquer. That was how it went on Friday at my new favorite place in New York City, Far Rockaway. And thanks to my friend Billie and a truly excellent boardwalk, my feelings about stormy beaches have remained unchanged.

----------------More Rockaway after The Jump-------------

Click Read More

Vintage Shopping Guide: New York Edition

I always get a lot of questions about where I have bought pieces of my vintage collection. The answer is, all over; I'm always keeping an eye out for great finds. But I find myself returning to some stores over and over, drawn by their selection, curatorial taste, and value. Here is a list of some of my favorites, so go forth and shop.

I will also update my sidebar with the names and addresses of these stores for easy reference. And keep an eye out for new cities and additions. 

Manhattan

Amarcord- The Soho branch of this vintage house focuses on European designers such as Missoni, YSL, Mugler (you know, all the good ones). The prices are on the higher side, but reasonable given the quality of the pieces and Lafayette street location. (Women and Men's wear)

Edith Machinist: Walk down a couple steps and find yourself in vintage shoe heaven. Shoes, boots, and bags cover nearly every surface with their perfectly worn leather. But be sure to check out the clothes too, I've bought some great pieces here. (Women's wear)

Narnia Vintage: I always find something I love in this tiny store on Rivington. Featuring a killer mix of contemporary consigned pieces and beautiful vintage pieces, it's hard to leave this place empty handed. I find that the vintage is reasonably priced here while the consignment pieces really pay the rent. (Women's wear)

Ritual Vintage (formerly Exquisite Costume): If you are looking for truly old pieces, from the 1910's- 1940's this is the place to come. Best of all, the pieces are all still wearable and good condition. There is also a selection of newer designer pieces but the strength really lies in the older stuff. (Women's wear)

What goes Around Comes Around: This is definitely one of the pricier vintage stores you will find, but expect that extra cash to buy unforgettable pieces and excellent service. It's like the buyers know how to buy the perfect example of every vintage piece- the perfect denim jacket, the perfect sweater, the perfect gauzy dress. Definitely ask the shopgirls about lower priced pieces, because they are still pretty awesome even if they don't carry a designer tag. (Women and Men's wear)

Williamsburg

Amarcord: The Williamsburg branch is like Soho's little sister; the clothes tend to be less mature, a little funkier, and definitely cheaper. Although I feel like the quality of some of the pieces has gone down at this location, I still find the occassional gem at a great price. (Women and Men's wear)

Beacons closet: If patience isn't one of your virtues, don't go here. To add fuel to the fire, whoever controls the music is obviously a sadist because they play the absolute worst bands I've ever heard. BUT if you can make it through that, this massive warehouse of used clothing is an absolute treasure trove of vintage and designer finds on the cheap. (Women and Men's wear)

Le Grand Strip: What I truly appreciate about the owner, CC's, taste is that she embraces all that is fun, feminine, and sexy. The clothes that she selects really work on a woman's body, especially for those trying to impress a gentleman. (Women's wear)

10ft Single by Stella Dallas: This store is an excellent combination of thrift and vintage. The front end is devoted to clothes from the 1980s on, at prices that is every hipster's dream. But be sure to wander into the back room that holds the real vintage pieces. The only bummer about this shop is the entire lack of any help from the employees, they just don't really give a shit.

----------------------------------------All of South Brooklyn after the JUMP-----------------------------------

Let's Hear It for The Boys

I had been wanting to do a menswear post for a while, but I have to admit that I was pretty baffled by men's fashion. Most guys I know hate to shop, like really hate it. The get clothes from moms or girlfriends on their various holidays and as a result their style lacks an argument of design that is seen more in womenswear.

But I don't give you guys enough credit, men have been really pulling it together, thanks largely to a growing appreciation for vintage fashions and of course fashion blogs. Photographers like the Sartorialist favor dapper European men who haven't lost their love of the pocket square. A Conversation on Cool and The Impossible Cool inspire us with vintage photographs of the most effortlessly beautiful people who ever lived. Then of course, blogs like A Continuous Lean and The Art of Manliness give overall guides on how to be a modern man.

Our shoot was inspired by images from a 1950s motorcycle tour of Europe. Under the strict guidance of my friend Dave (who also lent us his wardrobe and modeling skills), we biked through Brooklyn capturing the little moments along the way.

Styled by David Ban and Annie Shepard

Photographed by Nick Shepard

More After The JUMP

Water Under The Bridge

Ghostly visions under the Brooklyn Bridge. Benna is wearing a 1930's overdyed slip, a 1930's embroidered jacket, a 1920s Egyptian Silver Shawl, and a 1970s belt. Check out my Etsy store for more vintage offerings.

More after the Jump!

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

More photos after the Jump!

4th of July n' shit

In honor of my recent move to Williamsburg and my landlord's absence, my brother and I decided we had to take full advantage and have a rooftop BBQ. Who needs the Hamptons when you've got a tar slicked rooftop and a New York sunset like this?

More after the jump!