L to R: Pete Wentz, PJ Harvey and David Cook. Pete Wentz photo taken from The Labor Party blog.
Get started on your career as a rock star. You know you think about it. What it would be like to perform in a large stadium to thousands of adoring fans. Maybe you watch “American Idol” and secretly think that you can sing way better than half those contestants. I mean, the shower really has great acoustics. Maybe you’re awesome drumming with your pencils in your cubicle. Or, you’re about to break the top score in Guitar Hero, and you’re ready to rock it out live with the big boys.
Well, before you head on your way to global music domination, better get started with the whole image thing. Go “on tour” around town with your entourage of friends, and don’t forget to rock your Rock and Republic jeans while flashing your bling.
Get the Rock and Republic “On Tour” Looks:
The Diva
Left: Rock and Republic Cosbie in Hellrider Leopard.
Right: D&G Dolce & Gabanna Risky Watch with inset crystals.
The Frontman
Left: Rock and Republic Colburg in Riccochet Blue.
Right: Studded Pyramid Belt 3 Row by Heart Rock.
The Music Mogul
Left: Rock and Republic Vaughn in Riccochet Extreme Blue.
Right: Spinner Chrome Rhinestone Turntable Belt Buckle. Available online at Hot Buckles.
The Grammy Artist
Left: Rock and Republic Kasandra in Definitive White.
Right: Sheila Fajl Faceted White Onyx Square ring. Available online at Blue Luxe.
– Kathy Ng Hassan
This sweet sixteen caught my eye as I was walking through downtown Millburn, NJ.
Rebecca Jarsolovsky’s smile reminded me of a modern day Leather Tuscadero from Happy Days. come on, tell me that you don’t see the resemblance?! This teen, who says her style is alternative, has got it going on from head to toe.
I should have asked her who her hair colorist is — nice ‘do Rebecca!
Rebecca’s wearing jeans by Tripp NYC, sneakers by Vans, a t-shirt of a local band from CT called One Last Trip and a canvas Hello Kitty bag. When I asked her what her favorite jeans are, she said, "Skinny jeans by either Tripp NYC or Hydrolic".
Support your local bands for the T-shirt. Get the jeans at Karmaloop.
– Nikki Cho Russo
If you want your kid to be a little rockstar with a global conscience, you need to get a pair of Pura Vida jeans to add to their collection. Pura Vida nyc is a premium denim collection that includes casual clothing such as knitwear and jackets for infants and toddlers.
Pura Vida nyc cares about the world we leave to our children; they use organic cotton wherever possible, to lessen the use of pesticides.
Jasper is rocking Pura Vida’s Geo skinny jeans, with a CBGB t-shirt and
H&M suspenders. The Geo skinny jeans are actually part of the
girls line, but this style and cut can be unisex (the Geo chocolate is
on sale at Baby Bazaar). The skull and bones slip on sneakers
are made by Morgan & Milo. For more info on where to buy Pura Vida
Jeans go to their website.
– Nikki Cho Russo
Photo credit: Sterling Andrews.
Chanteuse Jessica Fichot, is not your average French Chanson style performer. With her 2007 debut album, Le Chemin, Fichot is set to sate her fans with some expected and swoony chansons, like “Si,” and rouse them with her upbeat gypsy jazz numbers, such as “Je Sais Que Tu M’aimes.”
Based in Los Angeles, and back from a brief West Coast tour, I caught up with Ms. Fichot and a couple of her musicians, Dave Wilson (clarinet, sax, flute) and Brandon Turner (bass) at the Downbeat Cafe in Echo Park, a day before one
of their rehearsals, in preparation of their upcoming performance at Pasadena’s Make Music Pasadena, which is inspired by France’s Fete de la Musique.
“It’s not exactly a democracy right now,” Fichot half-jokingly admits. “But I take input from all my musicians, because they know
their own instruments best.” In fact, the loose collaboration produced
some positive arrangements and it’s evident in the new album. New listeners
would might also be surprised that Fichot has the ability to convincingly cover an
international and eclectic mix of Portuguese, Russian and Spanish songs seemingly without
much effort.
“I don’t actually speak Portuguese, Russian or Mandarin, but I do try to mimic the accents as best I can.” She writes her own songs. At times, Fichot’s vocals seem to channel Edith Piaf, Tori Amos and French First Lady Carla Bruni.
Photo credit: Andy Sheng
Like ingredients in fine French cuisine, Fichot’s vocal stylings can be
described as liquid butter: smooth throughout and rich in
melodies, poetry and emotion. Her performances are polished and lively. Through her music, the audience is often transported to the far reaches of Europe. After attending a couple of Fichot’s past performances in 2007, I can attest that this lady is going places.
While on tour, Jessica travels with her accordion, merchandise and her jeans. “I wear jeans practically every day when I travel; however, I do have stage clothes like dresses that I pack.” Bandmate Turner says of Fichot’s dress style, “The music is so organic, and I think the way she dresses on stage really reflects and complements that.” In terms of fashion, Fichot plays down her fashion sense. “I don’t pay much attention to labels, and I tend to shop at local, interesting boutiques, rather than at malls.”
In reference to life on the road, Fichot tends to rough it. “For any
artist who is not a big star, it’s very hard to tour in the traditional
sense, like rent a bus.” Jessica has had to get creative sometimes and
catch rides with local musicians that might be playing at the same
venue. “We stay at our friends houses a lot wherever we go.” With
Jessica’s talent, she won’t need to crash on too many couches for much
longer.
Catch Jessica Fichot live this Saturday, June 21 (2 p.m.) at Make Music Pasadena. Early arrival is highly recommended.
More information on Jessica Fichot and upcoming performances can be found online at MySpace or JessicaSongs.
L to R: Turner in Gap jeans; Fichot in France’s tres chic Morgan jeans with embellished back flap pockets; and Wilson in Imperial Denim’s Duke Raw Japanese Selvedge, from Self Edge in San Francisco.
– Kathy Ng Hassan
Skinny jeans aren’t for everyone — one could argue and say that on
some girls, it looks like two sausages with the unpleasant over flow of
the muffin top. Worn the right way with the correct fit, skinny jeans
can actually be very slimming.
If you have a fuller body type I would suggest wearing flowing tops
such as trapeze, wing-bat, dolman-sleeved, caftan tops and dresses that
fall below your hips — it will give you good coverage for your stomach
and hip area. Also, experiment with layering a long tank top with a
longer sleeveless cardigan for the same coverage. A big bold necklace
and funky shoes to help direct the eyes away from your middle area to
your top and bottom areas. Great cleavage helps, too.
– Nikki Cho Russo
The Warehouse Sale is back at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, June 29. They are having a VIP sale day on Saturday, June 28. Purchase VIP tickets for $15 here.
RSVP here for free general admission.
– Kathy Ng Hassan
Hey, all you mamas-to-be! Just say “NO” to frump when your nine months begin. Pregnancy does not mean you have to give up on being the most fashionable lady around!
Halle Berry rocked her J Brand Mama J jeans throughout her pregnancy and always looked superfine. J Brand Mama J jeans are cut just below the belly and have elastic panels on the sides. Genius! All you mamas out there know what I am talking about when I say it was a pain in the butt (no pun intended) to have that full coverage elastic front panel on your maternity jeans slide down under your belly constantly. Or how about when your shirt would ride up to expose the not so sexy oompa-loompa elastic band?
These fall right under the belly, but thanks to the stretch panels on the side, they still have the same aesthetics as a regular jean. Wearing a cute short top or your letting your belly go bare still looks cute as hell!
Mama Js were exclusively made for A Pea in the Pod and can be bought at the store or J Brand online.
To top off your J Brand Mama Js check out:
1. Ruby Fay’s “Love Hurts” t-shirts. I can’t begin to tell you how many compliments I got on her t-shirts.
2. Cadeau’s Silk Geo Tunic for the bohemian in you.
3. LaRok’s Lurex Mini Caftan, oh so chic!
Pics of yo-mama-to-be J Brand Mama J jeans and tops to go with them in the slideshow:
– Nikki Cho Russo
When shopping for a pair of jeans that can be worn out to lunch or out to a new hot spot I always go straight for J brand. With the variety of styles they have to offer I know that I can never go wrong.
Jessica Simpson is wearing a pair of J Brand 910 Skinny Jeans. These low rise jeans gather tightly around the ankle and are available in black and dark washes for $158 here!
How she manages to stay in ‘em after a heavy meal at Dos Caminos in NYC is beyond me. Maybe it’s the big shirt?
Pic from our friends at Denimblog.
–Jacqueline Rezak
Some people prefer to wear white jeans and tops to contrast with their
summer tan, but to keep the jeans white, you need to take some precautions.
If you follow these simple steps, your white jeans should last longer than your summer fling.
– Denim Diva
Related Stories:
Summer Resort Wear: White Denim Edition
Ask a Denim Diva: Carpenter Jeans.
Ask a Denim Diva: Purple Jeans
Love Story (1970) is one of the most popular tearjerkers of all time.
Inspired by Ali MacGraw, the young, fresh-faced Love Story star, J Brand Love Story jeans are popular with today’s celebs – Penelope Cruz, Paris Hilton, Katherine Heigl, Katie Holmes, Heidi Klum, Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer and Rachel Bilson (whose style channels retro MacGraw) are fans.
The jeans, which start fitted against the leg and flare into a tasteful modern bell leg, come in all shades. From jet black to bleached pale, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Get the Love Story Look:
Look 1 – The Co-Ed Meets the Jock: The Love Story in Super Dark.
Smooth and curve conscious, these jeans say you’re seriously desirable, but you wouldn’t give out your digits to just anybody. Paired with Geren Ford Teal Cotton Contrast Tee. Available online at Singer22.
Look 2 – Warming Up: The Love Story in Summer.
Make him fall in love with your sun-kissed beauty. Stay cool in these light wash jeans. Paired with a playful, fitted Gingham Bow Top. Available online at Top Shop.
Look 3 – Chilly Days:
J Brand Love Story in Bayou.
A broken-in looking denim jean with whiskers and knee crease marks. Take long walks with your beau in your casual denims, and leave your upper-crusty attitude
behind. Stay warm and ever so stylish with an edgy Studded Trench Coat in Gold, by Burberry. Available online at Burberry.
70s Flair, Mod Chic.
Complement your 70s-style J Brand jeans with these accessories that pay homage to the Ali MacGraw or Jane Birkin in you.
Left: Prada Eyeglasses, style 141/V. Available online at United Shades.
Right: Michael Kors Canyon Pump. Available online at Zappos.
Note: if you do decide to buy the J Brand Love Story jeans, please make sure your shoes show through. Jeans that cover your feet completely not only look ridiculous, it’s a wasted opportunity to show off your gorgeous Choos.
– Kathy Ng Hassan
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