Dark City Beauty

I wanted to show you what I was talking about in an earlier post when I said I had a growing fascination with veils. I don't mean in religious terms - that's a whole other discussion that doesn't belong here. This particular photo was shot by Ellen Von Unwerth for Vogue Italia, December 2006. I know, that's quite awhile ago...I just like the idea of a gothic-looking person out in bright daylight. Imagine turning a street corner on a blindingly bright summer day only to find a lacy black shadow of a person standing there? It's hard not to make an impression when you're dressed like that. Like a black inkblot on a bright white page, the juxtaposition of dark and light can be an image of beauty or contamination, but is nevertheless one to be noticed.

Blog Envy...

...and hat-hair-leg-tights-boots (high heeled docs) envy!


source

Heads Will Roll

I'm loving this video from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It could veer into gore, but the red confetti keeps it pretty. They must be on a Michael Jackson kick or something because Zero featured the obvious glove and jacket references, while this one has the outfit complete with exposed socks and black loafers...Definite 80s vibe going in both video and song. I love that kind of intertextuality.

What other references can you pick out? I'd love to know - yes, I'm that much of a nerd!


Directed by Richard Adoaye, this video reminds me why I like music videos.




*Unfortunately, Universal Music Group disabled embedding on theirs, so I had to go with a censored version.

The Vampire and the Nun

I'm not a big fan of the eroticisation of vampires (I don't like what it suggests), but these definitely caught my eye. I like the gothic romanticism in the clothing, use of nature, and the veil. Lately I've had a thing with veils. Maybe it's a desire for modesty, maybe not. I may have a slight fascination with funerals. Oh, and I recently ordered a copy of F.W. Murnau's Nosferatu (1922 I think), which I've seen once before, and I look forward to the morbidly austere interiors, coffin-shaped doorways, and action punctuated with music rather than voice. It begs for a future post, I think.

From Oyster magazine, courtesy of foto decadent.

Oh, Sylvia.

Favouritism

Fedoras, Trilby's, Kneesocks, Boots, Blazers, Suspenders, Bangs, Drummerboy Jackets, Wigs, Lanky Limbs, Waistcoats...What's Not To Like?

Atomic!

Always a fan of Debbie Harry's two-toned hair and rock'n'roll sex-kitten persona. What can I say, contemporary pop culture is boring the shit outta me, so I've been digging into the past.

FYI: Harry has given her approval for Kirsten Dunst to portray her in the Blondie biopic. I think Taylor Momsen looks the part, but Kirsten definitely beates her in the acting department.

On My Radar

1. Vintage Tees.

Super-soft and often lightweight, vintage tee shirts require little thought and look a million times better than mass market graphic tees. Let's face it, there's nothing worse than being out in public and noticing you're wearing the exact same shirt as the scowling teenager selling you ice cream! Besides, what better way to "wear your music"? Even better, they work for all body types! (FaceHunter)

MK's summer staples. Dirty hair optional:

(Olsen's Anonymous)

2. Tee-Shirt Dresses

What can be simpler than donning one piece, throwing on some accessories, and calling it a day? Whowhatwear ran this in their montly trend report a few months ago, when summer had yet to arrive. Now that it's here, and in full swing, simplicity and ease rein supreme. Pair with tiny shorts if you fear overexposure!

MK wearing a vintage tee as a dress...perfect for those who are either very petite or very brave.

(Whowhatwear)

These ladies epitomize summer ease.

(Stylesightings)

3. Patterned/Textured Hosiery, Stay-Ups, and Kneesocks. Especially kneesocks. These will surely come in handy during cooler summer evenings while adding a little sixties swing. Make like Kate Beckinsale and pair with a tee-shirt dress for a little extra coverage. Or, if you prefer, sheer stockings and hose combine whimsy and elegance. Alexa Chung, the queen of kneesocks, wears hers, both sheer and over-the-knees, with a dress. (Various Tumblrs: heart stockings from Betsey Johnson, the one's next to them are from Topshop, the stay-ups at the bottom are Agent Provacateur, and the centre photo is Ebay)

QUEEN

An old school Madge rocking the cropped tee, armful of bracelets, and chains long before the Cobrasnakes. And she's still rocking the arm candy, at least in this photo. Funny how everything old is new again.

Undercover Lover

From Russh May-June 2009. I think I've found myself a new magazine to get into...I just wonder if I can find it here! To Chapters we go...

Thanks to MrsJamesDean at TFS for scanning this.