Elias by Annex Magazine

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breakfast at

d e s i g n s SKINGRAFT Designs is a LA based design house that was established in 2005 by two former circus performers, Jonny Cota and Cassidy Haley. Their interest in fashion and costume design has grown to incorporate several vast underground streetwear designs that have captured the interest of many. It wasn’t until 2007, when Katie Kay joined the two founders, that they released their first collection. The designers of SKINGRAFT focus on developing their leather touch and leathery costumes that distinctively identify their brand. Their products include both men’s and women’s wear, often times characterized as “post-apocalyptic couture”. The brand has since grown to become a popular fashion house with impressive celebrity followings like Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Amanda Palmer, and Adam Lambert.

that depicts gypsy-esque flamboyant aesthetics. 2009 was a busy year for SKINGRAFT as they inaugurated their designs for the first time at LA Fashion Week, in addition to launching their online store extending ordering and purchasing opportunities for the public. This attracted ample players and formed a firm foundation for showcasing their pieces. That same year to further their success and popularity, SKINGRAFT opened their flagship store in Los Angeles. SKINGRAFT Designs is consummately congruent with current innovative trends in fashion with unique styles at its best, which is what makes it so #relevant to us.

According to Cassidy (co-founder), the origin of SKINGRAFT Designs was sourced from storybooks and fairy tales. It started out with borrowing ideas from their tribal circus roots with inventive futuristic designs, resulting in high-end streetwear. The designs can be described as romantic, avantegarde, streetwear

“With honor comes care and precision, and these are precisely the attributes we strive for in our designs.” -JONNY COTA

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By: Candice Lee Lens by: Cassandra Rubio

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Vest Zalez Studio Leggings Undrest By The Sea Platforms Buffalo Accessories Stylistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Own

Swimwear Dolce and Gabanna Foxtail Happy Hoodie Friends Accessories Stylistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Own

EDITOR IN CHIEF

COPY EDITOR

DESIGNERS

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Ashley Garcia

Chelsea Acosta Anthony James Elena Cullen

PHOTOGRAPHER Kaleb Khu

Hannah Harris

Pikka Turangan

CONTRIBUTORS

Cassandra Rubio Erika Alcoran Nate Jensen

FASHION DIRECTOR

GLAM SQUAD

Desirae Rubarlena Ashley Lynn Hall Nialani Anthony Kymberlee Curti Niki Newman Anton Khachaturian

WRITERS

Alex Hoey Candice Lee Hayley Greer

CONTACT

Publicity Pr@Annexmagazine.com

SUBMISSIONS

Submissions@Annexmagazine.com

ADVERTISING

Marketing@Annexmagazine.com

Amanda Marie

IN THIS ISSUE FASHION Who’s Who In Fashion 14 Street Style 20 Get The Look 22 Inside Design 26 Stevie Boi 36 Coco & Breezy 37 Must Have’s 74

FEATURES ERIN SANDERS 31 RO SHON 32 JILLIAN ROSE REED 34 KELSEY BENNETT 46 JAMES PICARD 47

snooki 48 get the look:

foundation: Makeup Forever 21 HD, Kevyn Aucoin celestial bronzing veil, Llamasqua lipstick in box eyeliner: MAC fluidine in blacktrack

LIFESTYLE CATALINA ISLAND 71 ADAM SHEPARD 72

EDITORIAL EXODUS OF COLOR 4 SUMMER WITH CIROC 16 FEVER 40 Wildflower 76

MUSIC FOXES & DANNY SETH 58 TALLIA STORM 59 WALLPAPER 62 SABRINA ANTOINETTE 64

COVER TALK Annex cover shoot with MTV’s breakout star, the beloved Nicole Polizzi. Following a 4 AM call time for the Today Show Nicole gets straight to shooting, brining her ‘A’ game. She burst through the door with a positive attitude, a willing mindset, and good vibes. This hot momma has evolved into a beautiful, sophisticated, business woman. Although she’s standing behind amazing talents and companies such as her eponymous clothing line, music teams, boxing teams, and so much more, her reality days are hardly over. The highest rated show ‘Jersey Shore’ has branched off with ‘Snooki and JWow’ that will soon be back for a third season! Nicole is a full time mommy and recently engaged, but she can’t be stopped, as she has just begun! ‘It’s not as hard as I thought it would be. One being I have an amazing fiancé who is always there for me when I need to travel, go to meetings or events. So we never really worry about a babysitter, and NO we don’t have a nanny! And two, Lorenzo is such a happy and well-behaved baby that I never feel worried or stressed out.’ Shares Nicole, Read more on the star on page 48.

EDITOR’S VOICE

opelessly co-opted by social structure. The outcome of your life is contingent on the source of your life, sober up, take a step back, and engage in self-examination. Now taste and see, be mindful how you see effects how you do. I once read ‘don’t throw your pearls before swine.’ Reason being they will trample the pearls and turn to attack you. Our pearls are our dreams and the swine is the world. Let the source of your life be that passion that drives you to achieve those dreams that you throw to the skies, endless with opportunity. I hope to extend an inspiration of dreaming to each reader as you absorb the content within these pages of various individuals who throw their pearls to the skies. Reaping the positive outcome of an ambitious and passionate source of life.

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W H O ’ S W H O I N F A S H I O N English entrepreneur and former stylist at Italian Vogue, Tamsin Lonsdale brings success wherever she goes. Owner of the members only prominent Supper Club, the London socialite revived the traditional ways of entertaining through gorgeous dinner parties. Her wealthy clientele are invited to multiple events at the finest restaurants and estates throughout the cities. The exclusive dinner society is now in notable locations of Los Angeles, New York, London, and pop up events all around the world. Most recently, Lonsdale launched Lonsdale Productions to focus on event planning for private individuals, “so now everyone can have their own five star Supper Club experience without actually having to become a member.“

contactmusic.com

Russell Marsh has the modeling world’s Midas touch. As Prada’s main casting

director, he launched many successful names on the catwalk, including, Gemma Ward, Lara Stone, Jourdan Dunn, and Daria Werbowy. It’s Marsh who decides which model will rise through the ranks. After ending his contract with Prada last year, he’s lent his casting hands to labels like Celine, Christopher Kane, and Jonathan Saunders. When asked about how he’s able to find THE model he comments, “I am always asked about what I look for, but I find it hard to put into words. Casting is such an instinctive thing.”

models.com

As the founder of Simply Stylist, Sarah Pollack Boyd’s job is a busy one. After earning a degree in fashion merchandising from Philadelphia University, she discovered her love for fashion PR and events. In 2009, she launched Simply Inc. that specialized in PR, event planning, and brand campaigns and collaborations. Her style website, Simply Stylist, also features style experts who share industry insights with advice and tips. Boyd handpicks the stylists, editors, bloggers, and designers to collaborate with her website and/or events. Boyd has been credited as an expert by the likes of E!, Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and Marie Claire. She calls herself a fashion dot connector: “I call myself the dot connector...in another life I would have been a match maker. Now I just do it in the fashion world.” contributors.luckymag.com

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Ugo Mozie is a fashion artist with many titles: stylist, model, creative director, style

socialite, fashion editor, and CEO. After graduating from Barbizon School of Acting and Modeling, Mozie landed his first role in modeling for Sean John and G-Unit Clothing Co. with the help of Jay-Z. After moving to NYC, Mozie launched the fashion line Aston Mozie with his high school bestie/design partner Quinn Aston. Today, Mozie is most notably known for working with the likes of Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Chris Brown, and styling on the set of Sex and the City 2. Born of Nigerian descent, he often times finds the most inspiration from his homeland noting, “Every time I go to Nigeria, I always come back with so much inspiration. It’s like stepping into a different world. They value art, friendship, and family.”

theblaquebook.com

Hassan Rahim is an art director and graphic designer based in Los Angeles. He

uses photography, mixed media, and collages in his work to create strong contextual pieces. Rahim is known for his collaborations with street fashion brands OBEY, the Hundreds, and for art directing Iconography and THVM Rag. Growing up in Orange County and starting his adult life in Los Angeles, Rahim’s inspiration roots from skate culture and his music and urban influences creates somewhat of a muse for his art pieces. Most recently, Rahim started his own publishing company, Shabazz Projects to allow him to build a platform of producing magazines, contemporary art, photography, fashion, and limited edition books.

kiphoto.tumblr.com

From television, modeling, acting, contributing editor, to visual artist, Ivan Olita’s wide-ranging talents have doused our radars. As a model, he’s walked for renowned fashion houses like Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Valentino, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, and many more. As an editor, he’s worked with major publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Rolling Stone. Olita also uses his blog as a fashion diary for his works and daily inspirations. In 2010, his witty confidence landed him one of the leading roles of Italian miniseries, The High School. And as of September 2012, Olita assumed the position of editor-atlarge at L’Officiel Italy.

mondoteen.com

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it’s

summer cocktail time!

Ciroc has teamed up with Master Mixologist Billy Ray to create delicious cocktail recipes for all your Summer festivities and Entertaining Ideas.

Pomegranate Passion Coconut & Strawberry peach lemonade Lemonade Lemonade “Sunday Fun-Day” Cocktail by the pool has never been better. Fresh lemonade, pomegranate juice and Limoncello accentuate the natural sugars and fresh finish of CÎROC Red Berry, the star of this summer cocktail. -1.5oz. - CÎROC Red Berry -1oz. - Lemonade Juice -.5 oz. - Pomegranate Juice -.5 oz. - Limoncello -.5 oz. - Simple Syrup Build: In a mixing tin add all and shake with ice. Strain: Into a chilled coup class and Garnish: With a rose petal

Summer wouldn’t be complete without lemonade. The oils in fresh mint awaken the flavors of CÎROC Peach, lemon juice, and iced tea giving a new spin to an old favorite.

The aromatic quality of CÎROC Coconut is highlighted by its clean finish while red strawberries, honey, lemon juice, and soda water blend to create savory summertime flavors. -1.5 oz. - CÎROC Coconut -1 oz.- Lemon -.75 oz. – Honey Syrup -3 - Strawberries -Top - Soda water Build: Muddle strawberries. Add remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Strain: Into a Collins glass and top with soda. Garnish: With a slice of strawberry on the rim with a lemon twist.

- 1.5 oz. - CÎROC Peach -.75 oz. - Lemon Juice -1oz. - Ice tea -5 - Fresh* mint

Build: Smack the mint then place in mixing tin with all ingredients. Add ice and shake. Strain: Into a chilled Collins Glass with ice. Garnish: with a sprig of mint

summertime fruit punch lemonade

Nothing is better than watermelon in the summertime. Watermelon creates texture in this summer cocktail; while CÎROC Vodka and sparkling lemonade opens it’s liquid. Aromas of parsley lend whispers of summertime scents as agave nectar and lemon are added for balance -1.5 – CÎROC Vodka -.75 oz. – Lemon Juice -.75 oz. – Agave Nectar -4 Chucks- Watermelon -5 - Parsley Leaves -Top - Sparkling Pink Lemonade Build: In mixing tin muddle watermelon, strawberries, Blackberries, and parsley. Then add remaining ingredients and shake with Ice. Double strain: Into a Collins glass and top with sparkling pink lemonade. Garnish: Half sugar rim, assorted fruits and a lemon twist annex : elias

Dress TIG This Is Genevieve

Jumper Gaurav Gupta Shoes Luichiny

@annex mag sees street style Runway Gone Street Style

chartruese

Thomas Tait

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amintao

Gaining its name from a French liqueur ‘Green Chartreuse’ this halfway color between yellow and green was destined for exquisiteness.

landscape

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Take a picture, and put it on your clothes- it’ll last longer!

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orange

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trashne

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The sweet colour between red and yellow plays in Frida Gianniniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pantone land for the Gucci runway while sweeping the street style scene.

denim on denim

Valentino

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Dating back to the 18th century this sturdy cotton twill is functioning fashion. annex : elias

THE

GET LOOK summer 2013: we are handsome

Element $56 skatewarehouse.com

analog $94 analogclothing.com

Topman $50.00 topman.com Tommy Hilfiger $39.99 macys.com

Supra $50 suprafootwear.com

Element $56 skatewarehouse.com

bugatchi uomo $126 bugatchiuomo.com

nike $65 nike.com

Vans $55.00 shop.vans.com 22

Raen $106.00 karmaloop

Vans $65.00 shop.vans.com

Jim Jan Sunglasses $28 tillyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.com

Pacsun $15 Pacsun.com annex : elias

THE

GET LOOK summer 2013: gypsea

Black Milk $90.00 blackmilk.com

Nasty Gal $75.00 nastygal.com

Blackmilk $90.00 blackmilk.com

Chinese Laundry $134 Chinese Laundry heels.com We Are Handsome $209 wearehandsome.com

Foreign Exchange $29.00 shopfe.net

Wildfox Couture $135.00 dollskill.com wildfox $148 wildfoxcouture.com

Asos $76.36 asos.com

Enzo $114 Angiolini heels.com

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Jeffrey Campbell $138 ashburyskies.com

Steve Madden $99 stevemadden.com

lagarconne $143 lagarconne.com

Jeffrey Campbell $119 asburyskies.com

THE

GET LOOK summer 2013: vanishing elephant

80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purple $78.00 80spurple.com

Topman $56.00 topman.com

zara $79.90 zara.com

Mintcrew $50.00 mintcrew.com

Bruce MX $149.95

Castaway $98.00 kitson.com Hawkings $44.00 Mcgill

Happy socks $12.00 happysocks.com

Selected $127.00 Asos.com

Sperry Topsider $100.00 Karmaloop.com 24

zara $35.90 zara.com

Stance $10.00 Stance.com annex : elias

THE

GET LOOK summer 2013: camilla

Urban Outfitters $59.00

Gypsy Junkies $110.00

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Free People $358.00 freepeople.com

Gypsy Junkies $78.00 threadsence.com

UNIF $135.00 dollskill.com

for love and lemons $150.00 forloveandlemons.com

Jefferey Campbell $50.00 urbanoutfitters.com

boohoo $10.00 boohoo.com

Blonde Ambition $146.00 karmaloop.com

Alloy $7.99 Nasty Gal $18.00 nastygal.com

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Henri Bendel $78.00 henribendel.com

Jeffrey Campbell $225.00 urbanoutfitters.com annex : elias

asos $16.63 asos.com

J crew $65.00 jcrew.com

asos $74.81 asos.com 25

INSIDE DESIGN

SECOND/LAYER

annex: SECOND/LAYER’s aesthetic is very clean, cohesive, and androgynous. How do you balance each others input when creating a new design? Moreover, what is the creative process like in general?

at the same time. We have always been intrigued by the

SL: The creative process for us isn’t much of a balance. We all hear each other out and it all goes up on the wall. It’s never about who’s idea is who’s, it’s about who’s idea is best and then collaborating to make that idea better. We all have learned early on in our careers that an idea simply starts its journey once it is up on a wall. Good creatives know how to deconstruct ideas/designs to their core to fully understand where they are coming from, where they fit, and how they will be communicated. Not for nothing--we have all been cool our whole lives, but there are no egos in our studio, just the will to win and to create something new.

and Yohji Yamamoto and we have taken inspiration from

You guys no doubt succeed in making gender-neutral clothing, however it definitely takes an edgy woman to wear many of your pieces. Are there any touches of femininity or calculated decisions to make each outfit more welcoming to the woman consumer? We have been very calculated in choosing a silhouette that we believe to be very masculine yet very feminine 26

silhouettes of the mid-late 80’s and early 90’s by designers like Giorgio Armani, Rei Kawakubo, Jean Paul Gaultier, this time in fashion where non-gender bias forms could be considered both feminine and masculine. A woman can definitely feel feminine in any one of our pieces, if styled in the way we intend. Having just started in 2012, did the three of you always want to start a line? Were you already working in the industry? I think that for each of us, starting our own collection was inevitable. It just kind of happened when Anthony was moving to Paris and we had just finished a big re-branding job. It happened 100 percent organically. We put the first capsule collection together in a month and then all of a sudden we had some samples and some business cards and we were on the move. We have been in the industry for over ten years and those years have been amazing as far as the companies we’ve been able to work with. Getting to travel the world, create relationships, and

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learn this business along the way. We’ve definitely been blessed to get as much experience in the industry as we have. What are your inspirations/influences behind your designs? Our influences are derived primarily from our childhood and the influences that our neighborhoods have had on each us. Our silhouette has been inspired by the midlate 80’s and early 90’s from designers like Giorgio Armani and Yohji Yamamoto. Other forms of inspiration came from Minimal sculptors like Richard Serra, photographers like Peter Lindbergh, and light artist James Turrell. What is a typical day for the guys of SECOND/LAYER? 6 a.m. wake-up calls, then either, surf, skate, gym or whatever we all do physically to keep our heads straight…We get in the office about 10 a.m. to Anthony bumping some tunes on level 10. Then it’s off to the races till about 10 p.m. There is never enough time in the day. We have to give a shout out to our girls for putting up with us for the last year. If anyone has sacrificed, it’s been them. If you had to confine SECOND/LAYER into three adjectives, what would they be? Independent, Minimal, Firme

]

By: Alex Hoey

Good creatives know how to deconstruct ideas/designs to their core to fully understand where they are coming from, where they fit, and how they will be communicated.

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DREAMS Get Inside Annex’s Amanda Marie’s Head

reaming is the most simplistic sense of beauty I have ever found; it’s not on the surface, but within. Dreaming connects us with our own mind and sets off to the unfound and unresolved. When we dream, our mind wonders to our ambitions, goals, and what we want to possess in life. Although, once we are wide-awake we still dream about all the idealistic possibilities. I believe that when we are sound asleep we create our own dreams only to continue to strive and achieve in reality. Everything we do, say, and think day-by-day is reflected in our dreams. When you wake up, start the day off right with positivity. Only you can be the judge when it comes to knowing what you want to achieve. Look into the mirror and picture yourself as what you fantasize about and tell yourself that you’ve already accomplished it. The world is full of so many beautiful things that help us achieve what we thought we could never touch. When I need inspiration I look to the stars and

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feel the liveliness that they gift me with. Think of it this way; the stars linger above us every night waiting to explode our bodies with the endless about of energy that they have to offer. How extraordinary is this? Our dreams are determined by us and energized from the stars. Burrowing down to our core, dreams are the closest we’ve ever become to knowing our true selves. These thoughts are the deepest and most inspiring feelings that we could ever have been supplied with. Your mind is the one thing that you can control, so never stop wanting and most importantly never stop dreaming. While we grow older and fonder we might unintentionally forget our dreams. However, our brain is a bizarre machine that imprints all of our thoughts that will forever remain with us. With that being said, never be afraid to dream too big for the reason being that you have the stars on your side. Whatever you want to carry out, you can achieve. Dream on. 29

Dress PinkBasis Scarf Vintage Annex Closet Glasses Christian Dior

Erin Sanders Lensed By: Nate Jensen Hair Stylist: Ashley Lynn Hall Makeup Artist: Maggie Styled By: Amanda Marie

The Big Time Rush beauty Erin Sanders nods to the iconic Audrey Hepburn while capturing Hepburn’s essence Sanders manages to fuze herself. Erin is as sweet as she is beautiful and as grounded as she is talented. Hepburn lived by the words that nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible!’ Erin is nothing short of possible herself. 13 years after her discovery you can catch her on major networks like Nickelodeon, CBS, and so many more. In between maintaining a healthy lifestyle she’s staying focused on her promising acting career. Dress Vintage Annex Closet Glasses Annex DIY

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Dress Vintage Annex Closet

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Top Roxxane Nikki Jakcket Skingraft The Well LA

n o h S o R

Michael Jackson once urged â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Please go for your dreams. Whatever your ideals, you can become whatever you want to become.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The young, driven, successful individual that is Ro Shon can relate to Michael Jackson on that note. Moving on from Shake It Up and Dancing With The Stars Ro Shon has opened Grand Vault Studios where he spends most of his hours day and night, teaching dance classes to the public and working on new exciting projects.

Lensed by: Erika Alcoran Assisted by: Erwin Aviles and Ruben Cortez Hair by: Desirae Rubarlena Makeup by: Kymberlee Curti 32

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Top Roxxane Nikki Jakcket Skingraft The Well LA Shoes Silent Damir Doma The Well LA

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a i n l R l e i e J d

Top Debi Lynn Designs Shorts One Teaspoon Accessories Samantha Wills

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Dress and Shorts Ekaterina Kukhareva Shoes Old Gringo Accessories Gypsy Junkies

Lensed By: Kaleb Khu Styled By: Amanda Marie Makeup Artist: Anton Khachuturian Hair Stylist: Ashley Lynn hall The stunning redhead widely recognized as Tamara the sassy star on MTV’s Awkward, Jillian Rose Reed channels her inner Janice Joplin. As Janice once said ‘why should I hold back now,’ Jillian holds nothing back determined to pursue herstar struck, Hollywood acting dream. Recently winning both a Teen Choice Awardand People’s Choice Award for TV comedy stay tuned for Season 3 of Awkward.

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Dress Tbags LA Head Scarf Tolani Accessories Samantha Wills

stevie boi

Annex: Celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Kat graham, Zombie boy have worn your eyewear, who would be the ultimate celebrity to see in your designs? Stevie Boi: The ultimate celebrity I would love to work with would be Grace Jones. She is my biggest inspiration when it comes to art and fashion. I also love Leigh Bowery, David Bowey, and Iman. Those are some others I would love to design for.

‘Stevie Boi’s’ hot! Times magazine has even featured you amongst the 8 most powerful businessmen! How do you stay humble and focused? To be honest I get very nervous every time I see that interview. It’s amazing but at the same time I have to remember they featured me with eight other businessmen. Meaning I have way more work to do in order to be separate from a list of successful people. Not to sound like a selfish kitty cat, but I don’t want to share the litter box. Catch my drift? Haha

Your brand is both innovative, expressive, and cutting edge do you ever worry your designs might be too edgy? Is there such a thing as too edgy for you?

here is no such thing as too much in Stevie Boi’s vocabulary. The 22-year-old Baltimore based eyewear designer, with no formal training in fashion, started designing sunglasses with different materials bought from craft stores. In 2009, Boi founded SB Shades with breakthrough popularity soon after. His edgy and out of the norm kickin’ shades have garnered interests from major celebrities like Rihanna, Anna Dello Russo, and Snooki. Stevie Boi is the mastermind behind monster fashion icon, Lady Gaga’s most iconic eyepieces, as she was his first celebrity customer who loved his shades since his debut. Boi’s pieces have been in countless Gaga music videos including, LoveGame, Poker Face, and Judas, and designed her famous jewel encrusted shades for her Monster Ball tour. His most defining moments came when his designs were also featured in Vogue Italy and Vogue Japan. Stevie Boi almost always describes his designs as being “fearless art for fashion elites”. Without his fearlessness, he couldn’t take design risks that made him who he is today. He adores Grace Jones and finds inspirations from his surroundings rather than celebrity muses. “I describe my own style as edgy, clean, grungy and confusing” he said. “I like to dress the way that I feel rather than dress the way I want to look. I am deeply inspired by my environment. If I’m in a room full of metal, I want to wear silver. I also like to wear black too, it makes me feel powerful.”

I worry that sometimes my designs will not be edgy enough. I actually pull back when I design especially when I work on retail & luxury items etc. Recently I decided to go crazy with my designs. I want to create pieces people will still question in the future. I try my best not to design for the “times” but to design for the future.

What is your creative process like? Lots of wine & talk TV. I’m not a weird I need to be alone type of artist, I do have my moments. But mostly I like to be interactive with people. My environment usually inspires me to do crazy things. The distractions actually fuel the designing. Someone like myself with ADHD kind of needs that in order to stay focused.

It’s an Annex right of passage to describe yourself in three words. If you had to confine your aesthetic into three adjectives, what would they be? Extraordinary, Graphic, & Special.

BY: Candice Lee & Pikka Turangan Photos By: Josef Jasso Lil Debbi wears top by Tumbler and Tipsy

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annex: You two are not only designers, you are artists! Was this talent fostered at a young age?

C&B: We have always been creative as kids. Our parents encouraged our creativity. Growing up, we were the girls that liked to stay in and design! We would do anything from creating accessories, coloring, sketching, painting, sewing, and more. Our love for art started as babies—our mom told us that when we were still in pampers we had a favorite blanket and we twisted it up and made a bunny!

Young, successful, and brilliant! What is the driving force behind Coco and Breezy?

COCO &

BREEZY I

f you’re ever in the market for badass eye wear, meet identical twin sisters, Corianna and Brianna Dotson a.k.a. Coco & Breezy: just two chicks with a dream. Growing up in a small town in Minnesota suburbia, the twins found it hard to express their own style. The “other kids” never accepted their sense of fashion and they strived to be different. Breezy said, “people didn’t understand our outrageous style and wardrobe, so we almost felt like we were alone. People used to stare at us for our style and for being different, so we created a pair of sunglasses to kind of block ourselves from eye contact with other people.” Still, they had no intention of making their fashion statement into a successful business until after their move to NYC just after turning 19 years old. Just after two weeks of starting their new business, Ashanti wore one of their designs during the VH1 Hip Honors Awards. Soon, their brave bold attitudes and rocking designs were quickly caught on by the superstar likes of Kelly Osbourne, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga. Coco & Breezy both describe themselves as a young designer, entrepreneur, and artist. With futuristic designs and their acute attention to detail, Coco & Breezy successfully market their studded eyepieces to individuals who strive to dress outside the box. Their inspiration comes from Grace Jones and Michael Jackson’s studded jackets and metals. As sisters, they finish each other’s sentences, designs, and personal wardrobes. Their designs are a direct reflection of the twins’ personal style of colorful, innovative, metallic, and young designs. Coco & Breezy live with one motto: Work hard now, play later.

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Loving what we do and knowing that we are inspiring other people is what excites us to wake up every morning and work. Creating product or an item that people appreciate is like, “Wow.” It’s a great feeling to walk around and see people wearing our product— pretty unbelievable and excites us every time.

Has there ever been a major stumbling block where you thought you couldn’t move forward any longer with C&&B? If so how did you overcome this?

Giving up has never crossed our mind. Of course there has been “down times,” but what’s a successful business without its downtimes? In order to move forward with any goal, business, or anything, you have to have ups, downs, and room for mistakes. When making a mistake, it’s best to figure out the solution and try your best to not make [the same mistake] again. We are always staying positive and finding the good in every situation. You have to have a lot of passion so that during the rough times you don’t give up. We are absolutely in LOVE with what we do!

C&&B has blown up! When was that moment that you two knew Coco and Breezy was here to stay?

We have always been the type that when starting a project or a goal we know we have to make sacrifices. In the beginning of our journey—when we quit our jobs, sold our car, and moved to NYC with little money— we knew we had a purpose and we weren’t going anywhere. So, in the beginning we knew we were here to stay. The key is to never get “comfy” nor measure your success with someone else. We knew that putting ourselves in an uncomfortable situation, we were on to something. We have no choice but to push everyday to reach the bigger picture.

If you could sum up your aesthetic in one sentence what would it be? Fashionable yet functional.

By: Candice Lee & Pikka Turangan www.cocoandbreezy.com

DIY Floral Cat Eye Glasses

By Amanda Marie

Plain sunglasses are so mundane! So why not give ’em a little somethin’ somethin’?

Here we go!

First go get yourself a pair of shades, some sturdy glue, tweezers, and an assortment of acrylic flowers and small spikes! Feel free to add your own twist!

Carefully dab a little glue on that back of décor. Then place with tweezers on the frame and hold in place until the décor sticks in place.

Continue on, in whatever pattern or design you feel! Be creative! Do this until you feel you’ve done enough!

Afterwards, be sure to blow on the frames and speed up the drying process. After a couple hours your glasses are ready to wear!

5 Lens by: Cassandra Rubio

Now go take a bunch of adorable pictures in your new shades. Feel free to walk down the street and get tons of compliments!

‘we know we’re not all cut from the same cloth! If DIY isn’t for you, purchase your pair from Annex Magazine hand made by Amanda herself!! annexmagazine.com/diyfloralglasses’ annex : elias

‘DIANE’ ISSUE LAUNCH PARTY

SPECIALTHANKS TO: annex : elias

fever Mark Vision LA Camia Ford Models Lensed By: Kaleb Khu Assisted By: Cassandra Rubio Hair By: Desiree Rubarlena Makeup By: Niki Newman

Shoes House of Devali

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Swimsuit Haus of Pink Lemonaid

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kelsey bennett

elsey Bennett is a New York based photographer and artist. By age 12, her talented young mind already knew how to develop photos in a darkroom. She studied photography at Parson’s School of Design and at Savannah College of Art and Design. Later, she also obtained her business degree at Berklee College of Music. Bennett has had the opportunity to travel with and photograph legendary music artists such as, Amy Winehouse, Willie Nelson, and Lady Gaga. She has also photographed for Alexander Wang and Prabal Gurung during fashion week, backstage. Just 28 years old, and she has accomplished more than most at this age.

Kelsey Bennet just put on her fourth exhibition, titled, “Honeymoon Phase”. This exhibition debuted the intimate photographs she took of the legendary artists she traveled with, as well as some of her never before seen art. Her photographs were placed around the DRKRM Gallery in Los Angeles on walls painted completely white, to allow the guests to focus on her artwork without being distracted. “Honeymoon Phase” was a development of her work through time. Mixed with already-before-seen photographs and never-before-seen photographs, those who experienced this opportunity saw Bennett’s growth as an artist.

By: Hayley Greer

www.kelseybennett.com

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JAMES PICARD

anadian artist, James Picard was born with a creative and artistic mind, in which he taught himself how to paint. Artists such as, Francis Bacon, Pablo Picasso, Monet, and Rembrandt are those who impacted him as an artist, and influenced his work. His passion for art has truly shaped his life and career. James Picard strives to capture the hearts and minds of those who are emotionally wounded. He is known for his ability to bring out an emotional state just by a simple glance to one of his paintings. He explains, “In each of us there are wounds: emotional scars from trauma, abuse, abandonment, and fear. Some wounds are deeper than others but all result in suffering. These wounds, found in the dark regions of the human psyche, if ignored, manifest in other ways. Fear racism, violence, isolation, homophobia, and denial are the result of failing to look within and heal the wounds that lie inside.” On October 27, 2012, Picard embarked on his first large concept exhibition, where he previewed 48 paintings of his own at a Psychiatric Hospital in Vancouver. His art captivated the hearts of those who attended, and made a mark in their lives. This exhibition was titled “The Dark and The Wounded.” He was able to tour the world and display his work in different abandoned asylums and prisons. The sense of fear can come about when entering a dimly lit, abandoned asylum, and all while viewing meaningful paintings, thoughts of one’s past are likely to come about. A woman who attended the exhibit shared, “I turned to my right and it was then that I was face to face with a large six foot canvas entitled “Wounded Woman”. I could feel a lump forming in my throat, my eyes were becoming teary and I felt like I was transported to a time when I was a young girl struggling with my identity and a very deep scar which caused a life-long internal struggle I still carry with me today. This painting felt my pain and I felt hers.” This is Picard’s gift; he is able to tap into the subconscious mind of others through his artwork. He further explains, “The Dark and The Wounded series is not only about the consequences of a wounded and dark soul. It is about knowing that we all suffer, and that through compassion and awareness, for ourselves, and others, we can heal our wounds. This in turn can heal ourselves, our families, our society, and the world in which we all live.” James Picard has touched many lives, and he continues to improve the quality of our world through the unspoken words of his paintings.

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By: Heyley Greer www.jamespicard.com Lens By: Cassandra Rubio

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UP & COMERS FOXES Foxes

accessories KG&CO Lens By: Cassandra Rubio By: Alex Hoey

Danny Seth An English woman speaks seductively: “The British are coming.” Clean electronic sounds quickly take over the speakers, followed by a deep bass. And then enters Danny Seth, also known as Danny Seth, also known as Tinnie Tempah and A$AP Rocky’s white Jewish British child. With his futuristic flow and mixture of UK and US influences, Danny commands each song with such control and musical awareness, that you cannot deny its polished fun finish.

Seth is tackling one dream after the other; starting with his mixtapes and extending to his latest music videos. He is the up-and-comer in this trendy sect of artists who mesh the old with new and the current with the future. Annex had the pleasure to sit down with this talent to ask a couple questions: To download Danny Seth’s mixtape for free, go to dannyseth.com

His eighteen-track mixtape titled “Prespliffs Vol. II,” which is the second part of his “Prespliffs” series, exemplifies this element of completeness. Rather than thematically unifying each song, Seth gives us diversity with a wide range of production styles—including old school tracks, visionary sounds, and even samples of classical music. With much to hear, what you can count on is a rich integration of beat and flow. “Monumental Pt. II,” kicks off this most recent mixtape with a wonderful blend of classic and current rap; there is an air of simplicity mixed with an underlined refinement and energetic demand. “Crown,” “Toronto,” and “Lazy Days,” also follows through with this wonderful style, until “Almost Made It,” and “Stereotypes,” introduce a jazz-like life to Seth’s repertoire. “Flow,” “Paychecks,” and “Showing Off,” capture the playful new wave hip-hop movement; adding a whole new level to Danny’s sounds. Taking the rap world by storm with his gold teeth and unique swag, Danny

DaNNY

Its musicians like that remind us what music should be: captivating. Reeling her listeners in to a blissful place that is both uplifting and inspiring, the twenty-three year old from Southampton, England puts her audience in a trance with epic choruses that work in union with her stunningly controlled voice. She’s also got the quirky, endearing personality to match her talent. This is precisely why Foxes, whose real name is Louisa Rose Allen, is “the” girl to know. She gives the indie-pop genre beautifully steady tracks that dually channel lightness and power—they are smooth but effective; relaxing yet complexly moving. Allen lives out these dichotomies with such grace that listeners do not even recognize their existence until the song has ended. You may have already heard Foxes’ elegant voice in one of this years massive hits “Clarity,” which landed spots on many charts, including the sixty-fourth place on Billboard’s Hot 100. As a feature on German DJ Zedd’s single, Allen landed a performance on The David Letterman Show in early January and performed at SXSW, both being brilliant performances. But the British songstress had been gaining rapid attention since 2009. The story goes like this: at this point in Louisa’s life, she had decided to drop out of college and start playing small acoustic shows in the London circuit, all under her birth name. But soon after, Allen decided to switch her stage name to Foxes—to avoid confusion with English singer Lily Rose Allen—and debuted her first EP titled “Youth.” This sparked attention by Glee star Dianna Agron, which lensed by Rick Craft styled by Jessica Huerta

led to a couple Twitter interactions. Following this, Foxes quickly got signed by Sign of the Times, and had two songs “Youth,” and “Home,” featured on The CW’s “Gossip Girl.” With a growing following and a solidified musical style in check, Foxes’ single “Beauty Queen,” which released in April 2013 hit fans with everything we’d want: smart lyrics, a rhythmic progression of keyboards and drums, and of course, melodic vocals with a slightly raspy touch that is both addictive and lovely to hear. As expected, Foxes hit each note so effortlessly, that it blocked awareness from recognizing the difficulties at hand. Even more so, the track had an invigorating effect that left one with a sense of satisfaction. This wholesome moment that Foxes creates for her audience is no mistake; she has admittedly stated that a majority of her influences come from film soundtracks (along with the Spice Girls and Eminem). In singles like “Echo,” “Warrior,” and “White Coats,” listeners are presented with fairly gentle verses and then hit with strongly fulfilling choruses—serving as moments of total freeness. We feel blissfully aware yet caught in our personal experience. Her music is made for a movie soundtrack. As a self-proclaimed “hippie,” Foxes whimsical charm continues to endear us all. With a gentler Florence and the Machine-esque sound and a look fitting for a bohemian goddess, we look forward to hearing her debut album, to be released soon.

Dress Nicolas Jebran

She’s fourteen, has giant hair, and is gifted with a voice so powerful, that it might just outshine her eccentric fashion. And when I say might… I mean definitely. Scotland’s Tallia Storm succeeds in what so many artists strive for—she’s unique, balanced, and manages to combine the soulful sounds of the Motown era with the current styles of R&B. Although her first album has yet to be released, the four tracks available on TalliaStorm.com certainly give us a taste of what to expect. Poppy beats blended with jazzy undertones, the songs, especially “Real Friends,” offer just enough sound to complete each track, but it’s really Tallia’s lovely voice that takes center stage. She almost becomes another instrument. annex : elias

Being melodic and fierce, while also soothing and light, Tallia Storm is a rare musical gem that only comes every couple of decades. But what is perhaps most impressive about this young talent, is her ability to carve her own spot in pop culture amidst the sea of Lady Gaga’s, Ke$ha’s, and Nicki Minaj’s. I mean, you don’t end up on Fashion Police with a bland outfit! By: Alex Hoey Lensed By Erika Alcoran & Cassandra Rubio Assisted By Erwin Aviles and Ruben Cortez Hair By Desirae Rubarlena Makeup By Kymberlee Curti By Alex Hoey 59

Dress House of Devali

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Hi Tallia, I hope that you have settled into LA life well by now. Long gone are the cold dark nights of the beautiful yet dramatic but seriously cold Scottish highlands. Yes, LA is the place to be. Your lungs and asthma should be so much better now having moved to a warmer climate and no doubt your body is feeling the benefits of such a lifestyle change! But hey, who could have imagined that 3 albums later, you would have won a Grammy and been nominated for several others as well. It seems like an eternity since you performed at Sir Elton John’s concert at Falkirk Football Stadium in Scotland to some 17,000 people – and wow – at just 13 years of age. What a ride huh! Who would have guessed with that instinctual moment, when you handed your demo to David Furnish, that life would become such an adventure? You are truly blessed to have your family still surrounding you. Mum (still your best friend), Tessie, Zac and Johnnie are what keep you sane. Good old dad; songwriter & producer extraordinaire. All those years of practice with him jamming the jazz classics on his piano have truly paid off eh? Remember - family is the most important thing, without them nothing else matters. But lets not pretend, how crazy was it when you became as big as Justin Beiber, dueted with Trey Songz, B.o.B and brought out your own fashion line with Tessie. But I’m so glad you remained true to Tessie, she is your rock, (apart from being the coolest stylist on the planet). Remember blood is thicker than water and as long as you continue to be grateful, continue to work hard, this ride has only just left the starting gate! Let the storm climb baby! Lots of Love Tallia Storm PS. I really think that you shouldn’t have dissed Wiz and do a duet with him too, he is pretty awesome…

Shirt InSight Pants H&M Hat and Glasses Talents Own Shoes David

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RICKY REED RICKY REED RICKY REED Lensed By: Ben Tsui Styled By: Amanda Marie Makeup Artist: Anton Khachuturian Grooming By: Nialani Anthony Annex: You have played at all the major music festivals, including Bamboozle, Coachella, SXSW, and now soon to be Warped Tour! Which one did you like the most? ”Well they all have their own appeal. SXSW is that regular fling you see every spring, you’re guaranteed to have a good time but she might also leave you stranded, barefoot & drunk on the corner of 6th & Red River. Coachella however was that once in a lifetime shit. Like sleeping with a celebrity. Only you got to spend the whole weekend with her, TWO WEEKENDS IN A ROW!”

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Sabrina Antoinette

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Lensed By: Ben Tsui Styled BY: Amanda Marie Makeup Artist: Anton Khachuturian hair Sytlist: Nialani Anthony

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Blue Suede Shoes

At first glance, her long Mohawk and edgy clothing would have one assume that Sabrina Antoinette is the lead singer of a trendy rock band from Brooklyn. But thenher latest single “I Know You’re Out There,” begins to play and it becomes clear that were we wrong. The beat is catchy, her voice is girly and light, and the track has just enough power to become the nation’s newest dance anthem. Sabrina isn’t just a talented voice, what makes her a fresh breath of musical air is herwholesome, ultra relatable package. Italian native from Texas, with a rocker’s soul, pop and upbeat style, ultra explosive and confident, yet sweet and endearing. Any woman could find a piece of herself in Sabrina, and it is perhaps this quality that makes her music universally likeable and her image diversely welcoming. This is not to undercut her deep-rooted rock sounds. The covers of Queen’s “AnotherOne Bites The Dust,” and Pat Benetar’s “Love Is A Battlefield,” showcases Sabrina’s rough vocal abilities, as she throws in scratchy screams and pushes her range. It is this element of surprise, the switch from a pop-dance track to classic rock that reveals Sabrina’s authenticity; she is not trying to fit a mold, she is only following herpassions. To attempt to categorize this beauty would take away from this strongest point. Sabrina Antoinette’s pop diva glam gives the music world edge, pizzazz, and fiery Texan flavor.

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Jailhouse Rock

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#annextravels

catalinaisland Experience paradise, indulge in tranquility, spoil yourself with the Catalina life - where time truly slows down. With an abundance of land & water activities, ideal to spark anyone’s interest, whatever you engage in you’ll be subjected to the rich intimacy of the island.

Catalina Food Tour Stroll through Avalon to learn all the local restaurants and rich history hidden in the corners of the island. Erin, the tour guide, takes you on a delicious adventure, sampling some of the local’s favorite dishes. The Catalina Food Tour opens your taste pallet to a wide variety of cuisines Avalon has to offer. Enjoy swordfish on the pier, a savory steak at Steve’s Steak House, a beer float at CC Gallagher’s, or an award winning dark chocolate covered pistachio at the Catalina

metropolitan boutique experience. Only a few blocks from

a lover of the marine life. Paddle over kelp forests, play

the beach, The Aurora Hotel offers you a rooftop lounge

with the leopard sharks, or take photos of the Harbor seals,

to relax and enjoy the Catalina sun rays on a day bed. This

kayaking in Catalina is a must try in the Annex books.

romantic oasis is the right fit if you’re looking to get away

Great for couples or large groups, drop by the Descanso

from the city and put your feet up. Slip into a plush robe,

Beach Club, just past the Casino building & prepare for an

order a bottle of wine, get pampered in the spa room, or

adventure of a life time.

surf the web with complimentary WiFi, The Aurora Hotel is Annex’s choice of stay in Catalina Island. http://www.auroracatalina.com

will enable you to taste and see Avalon. http://www.catalinafoodtours.com/ $79

Island Golf Cart Rentals & Island Tour To visit Catalina Island we encourage one to live like an islander. Drop by Island rentals with

Parasailing Enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Catalina Island with the most exciting water sport activity, parasailing. Chris & Gary of Catalina Parasail specialize in

Uncle Ron, right across from the boat dock, and rent

and heart stirring parasail the air as a premiere parasail operator lifts you through the altitudes. For a 600’ lift, bring family or friends to fly with you and don’t forget to get the foot dip! http://parasailcatalina.com/ $65

Catalina Night Crawl Enjoy a specialty beer at CC Gallaghers, yellowtail tacos at The Lobster Trap or a cocktail at The Marlin Club. Catalina Island has premium bar & restaurants suited to fit any traveler’s fancy. CC Gallagher has a full wine & beer

come straight from the Avalon harbor. If you’re looking for a drink after hours, hang with the locals and drop by The Marlin Club to end your night right. And remember the

Greeted with a warm smile, the Aurora Hotel & Spa welcomes you to a new era of hospitality. Inviting you to a relaxing massage during your stay, this chic & modern hotel combines your traditional Bed & Breakfast with a

for nothing. The Avalon Grille features American regional dishes with an island touch. Offering seasonal dishes, it comes with a world-class selection of wines and microbrewed beers. Invite the family out or take your date; Avalon Grille is a great place to wine & dine on

up to Mount Ada and witness the former home of bubble

any given night. We strongly suggest the filet mignon

gum industrialist William Wrigley Jr. Then, enjoy the road as

with exceptional taste and texture, accompanied

you view the overwhelming, jaw dropping, breathtaking, landscapes that make up the Island.

with fluffy whipped potatoes and mouth watering seasonal vegetables. http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/

Catalina Island Museum Take a trip through the centuries in the Catalina Island

Descanso Beach Club Set in a romantic cove, the Descanso Beach Club is

Museum. Offering multiple exhibits to learn all about the

Avalon’s only oceanside bar & restaurant. Grab a drink by

island’s history and highlights, the museum is one of the

the bar or enjoy a cocktail on the sand, the beach club

oldest institutions in Avalon. The Avalon Museum has an

offers multiple extravagant ways to enjoy your stay. Want

extensive collection of ceramics produced by Catalina

some shade? The club provides beachside cabanas with

clay, that are dated as far back as the 1920’s. As well as

a patio spacious enough to seat a crowd. The Descanso

holding the largest photographic archive related to the

Beach Club is a great place to overlook the ocean and

island history, the museum has various American Indian

enjoy a little paradise.

remains that, at the moment, are housed in UCLA to be

http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/

studied by archeologists. Celebrity archives, Chicago Cubs training camp film, and American Indian artifacts, the Catalina Island Museum will give you a mind blowing experience on who and what the island has encountered. http://www.catalinamuseum.org/

Kayaking Kayaking in Catalina Island is a phenomenal way to experience what beauties the ocean has to offer. This

Aurora Hotel & Spa

For the Taste Around Avalon in 2012’

few hours to view the entire island. Start by taking a trip

menu, offering a variety of rare craft beers to quench one’s thirst. The Lobster Trap provides fresh caught fish that

beachfront grille wasn’t 1st place in the ‘Food

a golf cart during your stay in Avalon. All you need is a

providing a safe, easy, experience. Soar through

Avalon Grille Make your reservations ahead of time; this

Coffee & Cookie Co. Experience Avalon like a local with the Catalina Food Tour. This three hour informative guide

Kayakcatalinaisland.com $30

2-hour trip along the Catalina Island coast is the perfect getaway if you’re

ADAM SHEPARD ‘ONE YEAR LIVED’ is the compelling and transparent narrative of the year Adam spent spanning the globe: 4 continents, 17 countries, 42,134.6 miles. An inspirational book about an around the world trip that cost less money to take than if he had stayed home. ANNEX: What gave you the inspiration to take this journey? AS: In college, we got snowed in, and I made this list of the things I wanted to do with my life.

and visited many places in a 30-day period. And I had a great time because I saw that as

142 things on that list. Kind of like a bucket list except I didn’t want to wait until I was 70 to

the best way for me to see New Zealand at the time. In Central America, though, the most

start on it. Years later, at 27, I pulled it out and dusted it off and thought, “This is kind of bullshit.

enriching experiences came in two, two-month spurts of volunteering; literally staying in the

I’m either going to live this list or I might as well not have it.” So, I made the determination

same place for two months and getting to know the place a little more affectionately.

right then and there that I would start saving for the trip—two years to save for a trip that I

Same in Australia: I mustered cattle for two months, an opportunity that wouldn’t have been

planned to take for one year. In making a list that detailed my pursuit to live my life to the

as meaningful over the course of a week.

fullest, I cite two specific inspirations:

So, slow down. If you try to see it all, maybe you end up seeing nothing.

My parents have always encouraged my brother and me to get out into the world, to challenge our comfort zones, and to do things a little different than what is accepted as conventional. I read an essay in one of those Chicken Soup for the Soul books about a guy who had made a list of the things he wanted to do with his life. And then he actually did them. And that really inspired me, because everyone has a list. But few actually do anything on their list.

What was your favorite experience? Oh, man. So many. Definitely number one the list is meeting my wife. Second place is volunteering in Honduras. I had the opportunity to work with Honduras Child Alliance on a vacation activities program where we did crafts, taught English, read books, played soccer, etcetera with these kids while they were on their 3-month break from school (when they would otherwise have been out on the streets up to no good). Most touching for me were the smiles on these kids faces despite the fact that they were living such destitute lives. It gave me a lot of perspective on the human condition and spirit. Number three on the list is mustering cattle in Australia. Number four on the list is fighting bulls in Nicaragua.

How much did this trip cost you? $19,420.68 all in, including everything from supplies and vaccinations to food and drink to flights, lodging, and entertainment.

How were you able to afford this trip? I worked for two years as a bartender here in Raleigh, North Carolina. I saved all of the money I could and it required sacrifices that weren’t necessarily easy to make: I drove a super old Plymouth Sundance that wouldn’t kick out air-conditioning when going up an incline; I went out to eat on extremely rare occasions; I lived with three roommates I didn’t know; I cycled through the same five outfits rather than buying new clothes all the time. Ultimately, these weren’t real sacrifices like going to war or raising children as a single mother. So I put everything into perspective as I kept my eye on the potential that my present saving habits could allow me to have the greatest year of my life (and they did).

What advice do you have for American travelers? Moderate spending on alcohol and think twice before filling your pack with souvenirs. Most importantly, slow the tempo of your travels. We want to see everything we can in as short a period as possible, but that’s not always the best way to travel. A full memory card is cool, but will those represent the most lasting memories? In New Zealand, I bought a bus ticket

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MAKING MOVES IN FASHION

[

[ Q&A

annex: As Shop Til You Drop is one of the leading fashion magazines in Australia, tell us about your background and how that helped you snag this coveted internship. Tania: I studied Journalism with a minor in Fashion. It never crawled into my mind to pursue a career in fashion - it seemed too good to be true, like a summer fling. This burst of the idea of becoming a fashion journalist only occurred during my final year of college (most probably in the shower)... So I emailed my favourite magazine for a one-week placement. They welcomed me in with an enormous fashion cupboard, and I just knew I had to work there. On my last day they offered me to become an intern if I ever moved down to Sydney. And so here I am... A: We’ve all seen The Devil Wears Prada, life isn’t that fabulous behind closed doors at the headquarters of a magazine! Can you fill our readers in on a day in the life as an intern at Shop Till You Drop. T: No where is it close to the portrayal in The Devils Wears Prada; everyone is way too friendly and the office is zip-silent. I only come in once a week, so every week is completely different. One day I would be sent in a cab to pick up dresses and the next.. doing desk work for the editorial coordinator, helping with research and replying emails. What I could say is, I usually fall asleep during work and there hasn’t been a second where my head is nodding and bopping to sleep. A: Dress for Success - Working for a fashion magazine is there more pressure to dress up every day? What do you normally wear to the office?

By: Pikka Turangan http://www.shoptilyoudrop.com.au/

T: I wouldn’t say pressure, but Name: Tania Alwi putting in more effort... Like Age: 20 putting make-up on. Clothes Hometown: Brisbane, Australia wise, I usually put the best outfits School: Queensland University together when I don’t plan of Technology ahead the previous night. The Company: Shop Til You Drop dress code can be casual, not the Job title: Intern Assistant to the boring pencil skirt with matching Editorial Coordinator and blazer look (although that is quite Fashion Team a trend now). And working in fashion means you can wear just about anything. So one day I could be wearing Vans with a fluted skirt and other days.. harem pants - it’s easy dressing. A: The fashion industry is a tough business to be in; what do you think is your next step? T: My next step is to actually be paid to work in a fashion magazine. It’s a cut-throat industry, which I’m ready to work real damn hard to become an editor one day. A: Any tips or advice for the future Anna Wintours’ out there? T: Never be intimidated by the people you work for/with and do things you haven’t been asked to do; it will get you noticed (make sure you do that job correctly though). Believe in yourself and never self-doubt that you’re not good enough.

As h l ey ’s Musthaves women

Twist Band $6 thetwistband.com In topknots I trust, for the love of long locks- the twist band! No damages, no dents, Scouts honor!

rag & bone $255 intermixonline.com Since a Y back and scoop neck tan is chicer than a famers tan, I’m opting for this effortless Rag & Bone tall hem tank.

Voluspa Eboy and Peach Candle $18 anthropolgie.com “When I’m right I’m right, when I’m wrong I coulda been right, so I’m still right cause I coulda been wrong, you know” Get Rich or Die Tryin’

Encrusted Bandit Shorts $220 oneteaspoon.com Legz for dayz in these fantastically, rebellious, old school, rock n’ roll, glamour, encrusted bandits One Teaspoon Denim shorts.

LEGEND ON THE ROCKS $249 casteyewear.com CASTing shade all summer long in these legend on the rocks CAST Eyewear pear shell acetate sunnies. Wet Paint $8 wetpaintnails.com Pantone lovers playground, the magic is in the Glaze! Layering translucent glazes over any nail lacquer can create endless nail polish colors.

Primitives by Kathy Pillow Set $50 shopkitson.com While leather platform boots are Winter, and PVC so Spring, let’s turn to lucite this Summer. If you don’t already have them, they’re those ‘omg I wish I had those lucite boots for this outfit’.

LACE THONG $25 SOFT CUP BRA $60 monikachiang.com Barely there Monika Chiang underwear in a totally there canary yellow is an essential foundation layer to my effortless white tank with peek-a-boo scallop edges.

Jeffrey Campbell Clear Platform Boot $154 nastygal.com While leather platform boots are Winter, and PVC so Spring, let’s turn to lucite this Summer. If you don’t already have them, they’re those ‘omg I wish I had those lucite boots for this outfit’.

Ashl ey’s Musthaves

ZiraffeSwimShort $89.95 I’ll be catching a wave this summer in these swim trunks made out of cotton and nylon, providing a comfortable fit.

men

Boostcase $79 boostcase.com In between Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Vine, and Tumblr my iPhone’s forever in the red! A slim fitting phone detachable snap-on charger case doubles the battery!

pendleton sky jacquard towel $58 shopkitson.com Super sized towel to bathe in the sun rays with room for company.

Sneaker crowns $25-40 Show stopping SneakerCrowns amp up any sneaker head’s shoe game.

Etudes x Retrosuperfuture Sunglasses $268 Super sized towel to bathe in the sun rays with room for company.

LinenBlazer $69.95 Why wouldn’t I wear a red raspberry linen jacket? #FashionSays? Yes!

Two Tone Jeans $58 Have the perfect stretch, four colors to choose from, and fits slim to the leg. nike free inneva woven $199 Made with an intricate 360-degree woven textile, this shoe wraps around your foot for a glove-like fit. For 199$ you will be walking in topnotch flexibility & comfort.

Hershel Travel Suitcase $239 For the jet-setting, road hitting traveler– fashion meets function.

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annex o n t h e town Cat walk On The Skiline1010

Smart Car Test Drive

STYLE PR LAUNCH PARTY

PETITE PARADE

Hennessy Sonos Studios Complex Mag Event

DARK AND WOUNDED

STYLE PR LAUNCH PARTY

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New Now Next Awards

LA FASHION WEEKEND

Perez Hilton BDay

DRIPPED ‘LOVERS EDITION’

W Hotel Presents Symmetry Live

WHERE: W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, CA 90028 ABOUT SYMMETRY LIVE: Curated by W Hotels’ Global Music Director, Michaelangelo L’Acqua, Symmetry Live is a live concert series that brings W guests insider access to who’s new and next in music. Symmetry Live performances are held at W Hotels around the world and have included Cee Lo Green, Fitz and the Tantrums, Janelle Monae, Ellie Goulding, Phantogram, Theophilus London, LP, Neon Trees and Quadron.

annex : elias

Paul Nueman - Nueman’s kitchen

“Nueman’s Kitchen” is a New York based catering company lead by culinary artist, Paul Nueman. Alongside Paul is a team of professionals bringing forth plates of artistry to every guest one mouthwatering plate at a time. For over thirty years, Nueman’s Kitchen has catered events such as weddings, birthday parties, corporate breakfasts, receptions, to Annex’s photo shoots. With menu items such as, corn griddlecakes, cheddar cheese biscuits, chipotle marinated pulled pork, and tuna nicoise, any event catered by Nueman’s Kitchen is sure to be a delicious success. And if you really want to impress your guests, Nueman’s Kitchen is the first catering company to ever win an ACE Award for its excellence. What more could you ask for?

HYATT UNION SQUARE new york

By: Haley Greer

The Hyatt Union Square hotel is open and ready for reservations, that is if there is still availability! Only a few months since their grand opening the high coveted, sophisticated boutique hotel is located on 134 Fourth Avenue in New York City. With modern-style rooms carefully designed by the renowned interior designer Paul Vega that both capture and compliment the area’s vibrant spirit, maximizing the NYC experience. The hotel prides themselves on ensuring the most comfortable stay, with fabulous features including an incredibly enthusiastic staff, pet friendly accommodations, convenient iPad check-in, on-site bar and dining areas, and so much more. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Hyatt Union Square embodies everything as a hotel one may need during their stay to truly check in to in the lap of luxury and comfort. 84

annex : elias