Taking Fashion to the Next Level
August 2009
The New Black Leather isn’t just for Bikers anymore!
August 2009
XSS
32 Cover Story
Rocker Redux; The rise of leather
Model: Lauren McColloch, Photographer: Alejandro Llauro, Wardrobe Stylist: Erica Coronado, Make-Up Artist: Hollie O’Brien Jewelry by: Juniper Jewelry. Get the Cover Look: Unique Vintage Leather Jacket, $45 Double sided zipper belt, $20 (artpoolrules.com) Black pleather pants $100,(Dillards.com). Make-Up: To achieve a dramatic eye applya black eyeshadow to the base of your eye and heavy eyeliner to the bottom of your eye. Highlight your eye by applying white eyeshadow to the bottom of your eye brow. Finish the look by using a neutral pink lip color.
In This Issue 06
08
10
14
16
24
Fashionably Green Article by: Erica Coronado
Local Art Photographs by A. Llauro, Article by Erica C.
The Heat Is On Photographs by Alejandro Llauro
The Modern Bride Article by Melissa Beaton
Ask Geneva The Fashionista Q&A with Geneva S.
Shine your way to the top Photographs by Anony
Welcome to the Issue
Making the IMPOSSIBLE seem POSSIBLE
leather at Alexander Wang
Sparkle & Shine at Alexander McQueen
Fashion is an assortment of personal taste, self expression, and knowledge. How else would you learn about self image and trends if you don’t consume the knowledge your given? We gain knowledge from different sources. Weather we read it in the newspaper, watch it on the TV., or even read it on Twitter. One thing is for sure and that’s that we are all connected in one way or another. This year technology has really made an impact in our everyday lives. With this years recession it’s hard not to keep our minds on what’s going on in the word so why not change a little and “ Go Green” ? As the economy spirals we have decided to take better care of ourselves and one another. We want to live a better life style, eat healthier, and even travel healthier. Riding a bike to work and ditching your car is not only helping the environment but helping your health. Fashion has brought the organic all natural lifestyle to a much more broad audience. We can expect a lot in these coming up months, with a new president and new changes we can only progress in life. This year there is a reason to change and for the better. Fashion will always have new innovative ideas but we as a nation should stick together and make new innovative ideas to continue making history. In this month’s issue we cover a new swim suit designer by the name of La Daska Powell. She believes that everyday women should feel powerful and comfortable in a bathing suits, and that her designs are made for the everyday woman. Appling different ways to wear your bathing suits. Who say’s you need more than one bathing suit when you can get what you pay for? Leading the path to her own destiny she is making her dreams become reality. We also collaborated with an artistic leader in our local area, Marina Williams. She set goals at a very young age and followed her map to success. Owning her own gallery and vintage store has made her more than a success story it has also made her someone to look up to. Changing the way the community and artists look at art is a challenge and I don’t think anyone else could have done a better job. 2009 has had a wide variety of trends and fashion, in this month’s issue we celebrate the Rocker Redux Looks, Sparkle and Shine, and Swim wear for summer. Giving fashion a chance is what makes artists more encouragement to push the limits, and if it wasn’t for that we wouldn’t have a job. So cheers to a new year a new way of living and new fashion!
Erica Coronado
Prada
Alexander Wang
Michael Kors
FASHIONABLY GREEN Through the city; escaping the pollution and saving the environment with great style. By Erica Coronado
A
s we roll into 2009 we have had a more peace and earth friendly society and it has also caught on amongst the fashion world. Due to the recession people have become more aware of their surroundings and what they can do to go green friendly, recycle or even wear organic clothes. Everyone has become more cautious of the miles they put on their vehicles or have just right out sold their vehicles, due to the nature of the economic crisis everyday people have started taking their bicycles to work. It is cheap means of transportation, it is a reliable, easy to maintain, simple, and light weight . Riding your bike to work in a nylon skirt and high heels is no easy task not to mention that fashionistas like to add accessories like hats, purses, scarf’s, sunglasses, etc to
their wardrobe to stand out. Believe it or not bicycles have actually become an accessory. Trends come and they go So it was no surprise to hear that the fixed gear bicycle craze had even hit the runways. Fixed Gear bicycles have become overall popular in the public eye, and media especially in more urban areas and bigger cities. Accessories are a must when it comes to style but a bicycle on the runway? That’s taking fashion to a whole different level. Teen Vogue also featured an editorial with a fixed gear bicycle as an accessories, making it look trendy to match your bike with your latest gear. There are ways of staying fashionable on a bike, unfortunately we can’t all wear 4 inch heels while peddling. Riding a fixed gear bike can be difficult, not having breaks or gears on the bicycle can be dangerous for
anyone that is not an experienced rider. On another note, there is a UK accessory company called Cyclodelic. It was founded by two art students; Amy Fleuriot and Sarah Buck. They had a vision of making clothes more functional for female cyclist. Some of the accessories include capes, bags, satin cycling caps to customized bar grip tape, colorful mini D lock holsters and jeweled reflective trouser cuffs to prevent your jeans from getting caught in your chain. The accessory gear is bike friendly, bold and
bright to be seen by drivers, the material is waterproof and even goes to show that you don’t need to look boring when riding your bike. Cyclodelic is currently sold online and only in the UK at TOPSHOP which is Kate Moss’s clothing line. The fashion world has taken a liking to these new innovative ideas, rumors have circulated that Cyclodelic might eventually retail in the US but no date has been set. It’s another less-expected idea emerged that seems to be catching on : bike shorts as a layering piece. Michael Kors, Alexander Wang and Prada, just to name a few have had bike shorts appear in their 2009 clothing line. Why do we like this trend so much? It’s easy, it’s sexy, unexpectedly sporty, and throws the whole stigma about bike shorts being vulgar right our of the window, and least of all, it’s comfy. Fashion has always pushed it’s boundaries and will continue to as long as we’re here to make a fashion statement, but keep in mind that not all trends are always suited for everyone.
Accessories from Cyclodelic www.cyclodelic.com Left page red head girl on bike: Wells & Heels Fashion Show. Designers from left to right Prada, Alexander Wang, Michael Kors. Right Page top image Sports Vogue. Bottom left image Teen Vogue Accessories from Cyclodelic www.cyclodelic.co.uk
ModernBride The
Your WEDDING DRESS doesn’t have to be a follower, it can be a trendsetter. By Melissa Beaton
Here comes the bride; Not dressed in white. I could sit here and tell you that I always dreamed of my wedding dress, walking down the aisle, being handed off to the man that I love by my father, wearing an all white dress, looking like a princess in disney movie; but the truth is, I wasn’t one of those brides. Don’t get me wrong is not that I didn’t love the idea of being married, or of bride for that matter, I just never really pictured myself walking down the aisle wearing an all white dress. I’m sure there were days when wearing white actually meant something, but now a days it’s hard to fulfill that fantasy of walking down the aisle a virgin, offering ourselves for the first time to our husband. My now husband and I were together for 3 years before he popped the question to me, and
let’s just say that a lot of our dirty laundry was out, He definitely wasn’t a virgin and neither was I, so come wedding day I wanted to wear something that was going to represent who I was, and that wasn’t a white dress. I never saw myself doing the white dress thing, not when I saw the pictures of my parents’ wedding, not when I saw my friends walk down the aisle and not when I was browsing the stores looking for my dress. I’ve always considered myself somewhat of a fashion connoisseur so it took me all of two days to decide I was going to wear a couture dress at my wedding. Fashion now a days is putting a twist on the old snowy white dress. The new modern brides are choosing more colorful, fashionable dresses for their special day, and while wearing blue may not be
something you’re thinking of doing on your wedding day, some designers are putting some dresses out there that may just change your mind and make you want to re-design your entire wedding plan book. Vera Wang’s spring 2009 bridal collection showcased some beautiful colored gowns, and if no one is wearing the big stuffy dresses they wore back in the 80s anymore, why not update your style and shock everyone at the wedding. When you think about it, your wedding is supposed to be a day to celebrate the rest of your life with the one you love, it’s a day to show everyone one how much you love
lexander
Justin A
Jane Yeh and care for one another, so a day that you can wear over and over to that’s all about you should reflect those special events. your own personal style as well. My wedding was perhaps one A good wedding dress can cost of the greatest days of my you a small fortune so you can life, I will never forget it, do what I chose to do, instead And I’m sure the guests of spending all that money wont forget me either. So on a wedding dress you’re go ahead and make a stateonly going to wear once in ment at your wedding, at Vera Wang your life why not splurge on the end of the day you a couture designer gown and your husband are and wear that down the the only ones that need to aisle in a more contemporary be happy. wedding. Not only will you look amazing walking down the aisle on your wedding day, but you’ll have a couture gown
Vera Wang
Sherry Hill
Making art accessible and affordable for everyone Walking into an art gallery is something that intimidates a lot of people so naturally i was uptight about going to Art Pool. my previous experience in art galleries wasn’t the best, i didn’t feel welcomed and felt kind of intimidated, I’ve always been hassled by someone to buy some art just so they can make their commission, this had been my experience before when i did go to a gallery, but to my surprise when i walked into Art Pool all i received was a; “Hello there, how are you, take a look around I’m Marina let me know if i can help you with anything” Marina Williams the Creative Director and Owner of Art Pool was extremely welcoming and the place has such a great aura around it that you just feel like you have walked into your second home. The art hanging on the walls is nothing but genius and here you can actually enjoy it and soak it all up without anyone on your back pressuring you to buy it just so they can get their commission, walking in you truly feel as tough you’re welcome weather you’re an artist looking at your peers work or an art lover looking to add a piece to your collection. There
are various types of art being displayed at Art Pool at any given time, There are paintings, Photography, Installations, Sculptures, Jewelry and many more. Art Pool also hosts several local events like TRA’shion Fashion show, Film Fest and their famous Art Parties just to name a few. Marina truly makes this place a joy to go to, inspired by her mother it was always her dream to own her own gallery, not only does she provide a great place for fanartics to admire art, but she also works with artist giving them affordable rates to have their art displayed, something that is not very common in the gallery world, “Artists can display their art for a low price, it’s a great place for meeting people and networking with the community, It’s a great feeling seeing your work in a gallery and I’m happy to give artists that opportunity” she says. The fact that we’re in a recession makes people think art is dispensable but in fact art is around us everyday it really is a necessity, From your favorite T.V. show, to your favorite magazine art comes in many forms, it inspires us, moves us it challenges us, so next time you’re downtown saint Petersburg make sure you stop by Art Pool and soak up some of the wonderful art on their walls.
For information on these works of art and prices please visit: www.artpoolrules.com
Q&A: XSS Magazine had a chance to sit down with Marina Williams, owner of Art Pool to discuss her art, gallery and ispiration; Here’s what she had to say: XSS: First of all how can artists get their work displayed at Art Pool? Marina: Aritist can display their art for a low price. Our gallery does not go by commission which makes it very affordable for the artist and enjoyable for the customer, no one will ever be at your throat trying to sell you art. Art Pool is a great place for meeting people and networking within the community. It is also great exposure.
Art Pool is located at 1900 1st Ave N. Saint Petersburg, Florida 33710 for more information on the art featured or to become a contributing artists please contact (727) 655-8497
XSS: How often and what are the shows that take place at Art Pool? Marina: We hold a number of event that take place all through the year. Fashion Shows, Art shows, personal events, anything that brings designers, artists. models, photographers are held at Art Pool. Any form of art is welcome. The best way of checking out when the next even will be held is by checking out our website for more info www.artpoolrules.com. XSS: What does your logo stand for? Marina: It stands for a pool of art to dive into! It is a unique space and the variety of contributors make this place a big pool to dive into. XSS: Who is your inspiration? Marina: My mother! She is very supportive and my number one fan. She is very encouraging and one of my biggest heroes. XSS: What’s in store for the future? Marina: I hope for a more positive community, I’m hoping to expand and educate the community about art.
Ask Geneva
Contemplating a decision, Can’t make up your mind? Just Ask Geneva Smith
IN THE BUFF
CASE OF THE COLD FEET
>HEY I HAVE A PRETTY BIG PROBLEM, MY BOYFRIEND REALLY WANTS TO TAKE THE RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL BUT I DON’T THINK I’M READY FOR IT! I KNOW EVERY OTHER GIRL WOULD LOVE TO BE IN MY PLACE RIGHT NOW, BUT I JUST NEED SOME SPACE. I LOVE HIM AND STILL WANT TO BE WITH HIM BUT I JUST DON’T WANT TO GET MARRIED! IS THERE AN EASY WAY TO TELL HIM THIS?>>> Sweetie I have three words for you; Just do it! The only “big problem” I see if that you have been keeping this from him! Don’t feel bad about not wanting to get married sweet lady, just let your partner know where you stand so you don’t cause unnecessary drama. Also because you mentioned that you love him and still would like to date him, it seems to me like you might have a commitment issue. Just some food for thought love.
>I ALWAYS WEAR “REVEALING” CLOTHES WHEN I GO OUT AND PRETTY MUCH EVERYWHERE I GO! I JUST THINK IT MAKES ME LOOK GOOD, BUT I ALWAYS SEEM TO GET THE NASTIEST LOOKS FROM PEOPLE, SHOULD I STOP DRESSING SO REVEALING?>>> Darling, have you ever heard of the term “False Advertisement” ? The reason behind people giving you all of these disapproving looks is probably due to the fact that you’re being mistaken for a street walker, how unfabulous! It’s wonderful that you think you look amazing in these skimpy clothing, however there are ways to both look sexy and not cheaply thrown together. My suggestion? Take a long hard look at why you are adorning your body with these saucy threads every day of the week and try to understand that some times, less is not more.
ANTI XXX
>IT SEEMS LIKE MY BOYFRIEND ALWAYS WANTS TO WATCH PORN, IT WAS FINE WITH ME AT FIRST BUT NOW IT’S GETTING KIND OF IRRITATING, I REALLY DON’T NEED PORN TO GET OFF AND I WOULD HOPE HE DOESN’T
Ask Geneva EITHER! SHOULD I TELL HIM TO STOP OR JUST DEAL WITH IT?>>>Lovely girl the first thing you simply must know is this; if your man wants to watch porn, he will. Oh, I have seen how strong the pull is of these bare all winches! Now, don’t go getting your unmentionables in a further twist, as talking to him is not a lost cause exactly. Before you go extending your she claws, how about asking him why he has this seemingly profound love for porn? I think you will find the more you talk about this, the faster you are to come to some type of explanation and a possible resolution. Until then why don’t you stop acting like you are in a competition with these women, you got this girl!
RETURN TO SENDER
>MY BOYFRIEND LIKES TO WEAR SKINNY JEANS BUT THE PROBLEM IS THAT HE HAS A REALLY BIG PACKAGE SO WHEN HE WEARS HE HAS THIS HUGE BULDGE, I’M NOT COMPLAINING BUT HOW CAN I TELL HIM THIS?>>>Darling, I’m not certain of many things in this world, but one thing that I’m 100 percent sure of is that your smoldering hot boy toy knows just how large his “package” is, at all times. You see love, skinny jeans were invented for that reason alone, to enable us to take a little sneak peak at the goods. From what I’m hearing, it sounds like you either really do have an issue with him wearing these pants or you just wanted to write us and show off! In any event, get to enjoying him and his “bulge” for the love of God!
physically and emotionally) any ways? >I’M SEEING THIS You know, some one GUY RIGHT NOW once told me this: “GeWE’RE NOT IN A neva, you teach people RELATIONSHIP how you are going to WE’RE JUST SORT be treated.” All jokes OF FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS, I REALLY aside, take that to heart. You’re worth far more LIKE HIM BUT I’M than you think pretty NOT SURE IF HE girl, now act like it! FEELS THE SAME WAY ABOUT ME, I’M AFRAID IF I ASK BOHO-CHIC HIM FOR A RELA>ALL OF MY TIONSHIP HE’LL FRIENDS ARE ALSTOP TALKING TO WAYS CRITICIZING ME! WHAT SHOULD ME FOR WEARING I DO?>>> Oh lovely OLDER CLOTHES girl, don’t you underTHAT I BUY AT THE stand what the term THRIFT STORE. I friends with “benefits” PERSONALLY LIKE means? Sleeping with THEM AND I THINK some one and not beTHAT THEY LOOK ing in a relationship is GOOD. SOME OF fine, but don’t expect MY FRIENDS HAVE much out of the whole EVEN SAID THAT situation. Primarily THEY “DON’T WANT due to the fact that you TO BE SEEN WITH gave away the goods ME DRESSED LIKE with out making him I DO”. WHILE I work for it! If you’re THINK THEY’RE honestly scared that JUST JOKING, I he wont speak to after WANT TO KNOW IF I you reveal your true SHOULD JUST TELL feelings for him, then THEM TO SHUT how worthy is this guy UP AND ACCEPT of your affection (both ME HOW I AM OR
JUST A GIRL
JUST CHANGE MY STYLE?>>> While you’re at it, why don’t you just let your friends come in during your mourning routine and physically put your cloths on for you? Does that sounds super crazy to you? Well it’s no crazier than what you just asked me silly girl! They are your friends? What friends won’t be seen with you out in public? Now, there are ways to gracefully thrift store shop, and you know to always wash every thing you get right? Other than being completely tackless and smelly, I can’t understand why your co called “friends” wouldn’t want to be seen with you. They sound shallow and I’m guess they are just a bunch of price tag whores. I will say this; mix it up. Don’t be scared to piece together out fits from varying price ranges, I think you will be please with the results.
The Heat Is On Stand out at the beach with the Summer’s hottest swimwear looks from designer Ladaska Mechelle. Makeup & Hair by Darlina; Styling by Erica Coronado; Model Kristen Kleinsorge
Photographs by Alejandro Llauro
Bright colors and metalics are very in. THIS PAGE: Swimsuit, Ladaska Swimwear OPPOSITE PAGE: Swimsuit, Ladaska Swimwear, www.ladaskamechelle.com
Get the most out of your money by buying a timeless piece. THIS PAGE: Swimsuit, Ladaska Swimwear OPPOSITE PAGE: Swimsuit, Ladaska Swimwear, www.ladaskamechelle.com
Leather is back with so why not get a suit which shows you’re a fashionista, bright colors are also in this season. THIS PAGE: Swimsuit, Ladaska Swimwear OPPOSITE PAGE: Swimsuit, Ladaska Swimwear, www.ladaskamechelle.com
Sparkle & Shine
sparkle and shine at your next event! Make sure you stand out in the crowd by wearing some eye catching pieces. Makeup by Robyn liska; hair by andrea wilson & amber brunner Styling by Erica Coronado; Model audrey zak
Weather you’re going for a shocker or a statement these timeless pieces are a must. THIS PAGE: Blue Dress, $250, House of Ska (www. ivankaska.com) OPPOSITE PAGE: Black vintage dress, $56, Vintage belt $17 both available at Art Pool (www. artpoolrules.com)
Sometimes a little goes a long way! Couture dress from Nuria Matas available by special order only. Contact us for Nuria Matas’ contact information.
Metalics are still very in these two pieces are affordable addons to your wardrove! THIS PAGE: Silver Dress, $230, House of Ska (www.ivankaska. com) OPPOSITE PAGE: Black/Gold stripe jacket $43, Gold Pants $17 both available at Art Pool (www.artpoolrules. com)
Rocker Redux Leather isn't just for Bikers anymore! Leather is back, we’ll show you how to pull it off. Makeup and Hair by Hollie O'Brien; Styling by Erica Coronado; Model Lauren McColloch; Jewelry by juniper Jewelry
Photographs by: Alejandro Llauro
Jumpers all all the rage this season as well as anything leather. THIS PAGE: Pleather pants, $199, Boots, $69 both available at Dillards. Black Zipper belt, $19 Available at Art Pool (www.artpoolrules. com) OPPOSITE PAGE: Black jumper, $33 available at Art Pool (www. artpoolrules.com) Heels, $60 Available at Dillards, Jewelry by Juniper Jewelry
Spice it up with a leather suit or some high waisted shorts. THIS PAGE: Jacket, $40, Available at Art Pool (www. artpoolrules.com) Black Suit, Ladaska Swimwear, Price available on request (www.ladaskamechelle.com) Jewelry by Juniper Jewelry. OPPOSITE PAGE: Shorts, $17 Available at Art Pool, Scarf, $10 and Graphic T $25 available at Dillards.
Strong solid dresses are always in fashion, print pants are a seasonal thing! THIS PAGE: Print Pants, $15, Bronze belt, $28 both available at Art Pool (www.artpoolrules. com) Black top, Ladaska Swimwear, Price available on request (www.ladaskamechelle.com) Jewelry by Juniper Jewelry. OPPOSITE PAGE: Black muscle dress: GIVEAWAY!!! read pg.69
Make an entrance at your next even in either of these pieces! THIS PAGE: Black and white leather dress, $86 Art Pool (www.artpoolrules. com) Jewelry by Juniper Jewelry. OPPOSITE PAGE: Black Tule dress, $200 available at Dillards.
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