Machine Madness

Clichés Y Tonterías

I am head-over-heels for this female street artist. Rarely do you see a lady who can seriously run with the big dogs, but Nancy Charles is handling it. I don't know much about this street-artist besides she is pals with my hometown buddy, Bart Budwig. She recently completed his cover art for his latest album, Whiskey Girl.

  Charles' work is colorful, loud and is bound to strike a nerve. Not only is she making her mark on the unsuspecting streets, but also with other up and coming artists. I assume that contemporary artist, Banksy, may have had some influence on this spray-can junkie. On Charles' tumblr page she calls, Exit Through the Gift Shop(the Documentary featuring Banksy's work),"the best documentary ever made".

  It does my heart good to see this kind of intense talent from a fellow-female. She's the type of woman I want my daughters to take an interest in. Her energy is being put into creativity and an artistic revolution as far as I'm concerned. I don't know what Nancy Charles' motive is, if she is featured in exhibits, if she's ever had a magazine cover, if she's all about the Benjamins or creating a legacy...but she has my attention.    

Lolita Fashion

What is Lolita fashion?

     

      Lolita is a subculture of fashion characterized by sassy Victorian get-ups. This brave style originated in Japan as a small street fashion and quickly spread to other countries including the U.S. Lolita has been reported to be not only a fashion, but a life-style. A woman exhibiting Lolita-like qualities would be elegant and dignified. She would enjoy traditional feminine activities such as baking and sewing. The purpose of Lolita fashion is not to be sexy, but instead be poised or cute. Lolita dresse hem lines are regularly tea-length or close to the knee. There is certainly a sense of modesty to this quirky scene.Within the Lolita style are sub-styles which include gothic, casual, costume, sailor, and sweet.



Rating

     I randomly came across this topic of Lolita fashion and I absolutely had to comment on it. Overall, I give the whole mess a thumbs up! I think it's different, it's edgy, it's fun. Ever since about my junior year in high school I have loved bending the fashion rules. Buying goofy thrift store outfits or uniforms with other people's names embroidered on them. So this stuff is right up my alley! I love that it's modest. Modesty is key to my fashion. I am a little on the heavier side so I don't need to be flaunting my muffin top and ending up on people of walmart.com. I like to dress to my size. My religion also teaches that modest dress standards are appropriate for daughters of God and I try to follow that principle. That's why I love the frilly, knee-length dresses that accentuate my waste and cover my American thighs. I can't get enough of the vintage prints and unique details in each outfit.

  I would label this fashion movement 100% original. I would feel most comfortable sporting some of the more casual Lolita styles. My only reservation with it is the more extreme or "gothic" variations. I would seriously be creeped out if I saw those two pink-haired Japanese girls walking down the street!!

   

A Note About
Lalaloopsy


     Lalaloopsy dolls have been compared to the Cabbage Patch Kids or Raggedy Ann in popularity. Each doll's outfit and accessories reflect Lolita's innocent characteristics. There is a general "sewing" theme to each Lalaloopsy doll that correlates with the Lolita style of propriety. I would have to say that the success of this doll is solid evidence that Lolita fashion has reached the U.S. My daughter owns a Lalaloopsy doll, as do all of my nieces. When our friends see the doll for the first time they are often a little unsure of it.  You either adore them or think they are totally freaky. I feel the same goes for Lolita fashion in general.

Lalaloopsy dolls are avaliable at these locations.

Review: Field Tripp @ the Clubhosue, July 28th

(Front man, Dan Allmond of the band Field Tripp)

Thursday night the band Field Tripp entertained a small crowd at the Clubhouse venue in Tempe, Arizona. This was my second time at the Clubhouse, the first time I was elbow-deep in Fun ballads. Although it seemed brief, the Field Tripp set did not disappoint me. Bug's on the Blades is my jam!The band has been transformed several times, but this time things seemed to click. Field Tripp holds an Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zero's quality it's history of large numbers. The last time I saw Field Tripp was at the Rouge in Scottsdale. It seems as though Dan calls up all his musician friends and invites them to jam on stage.The Rouge was a good show, but a bit chaotic. Two drummers, a stand-up bass, LOTS of guitars, banjo, etc. Thursday night at the Clubhouse was certainly more organized, but didn't lack the meat.

 Dan Allmond (guitar/vocals), Brian Mabry (guitar/clarinet), Amir Azzabi (drums), Paul Balazs (bass) and Eliz Christy (vocals/keys)

Dan is the one constant member in this whirl wind of talent. From the first time I heard the indie-rock grooves there was something familiar. Live, they have a very raw, garage band quality that makes you feel like one of the cool kids. The softer songs are romantic and easy to start slow-dancing to. I loved my husband's arm around my waste during those songs!

I recently commented on Dan's weight loss and asked him what he is doing differently he replied,

"I'm laying off the beer." 

 Coming from a musical background, I was not impressed with Field Tripp's former female vocalist. I think one of the smartest changes to Field Tripp was the addition of keyboard/vocalist, Eliz Christy. The urban songstress's voice blends perfectly with the rest of the group. The rhythm is spot on which is impressive with all of the time changes and break downs. The new album will became a life-soundtrack really quick.

Self-proclaimed influences include Modest Mouse, Beach Boys, Built to Spill, Elliot Smith and the Beatles. Although there is catchy familiarity, the songs all ring with whole hearted originality. The recordings available on the Field Tripp Facebook will give you a good idea of their vibe, but overall DOES NOT do them justice and does not include the current members. I recommend picking up their new album, Super Ego-Friendly, or checking out a live show.

Field Tripp's Next Show:

7pm Tuesday, Aug 9th 2011

The Rouge, Scottsdale, AZ