Blackwork Tattoo Artist: Johnny Gloom!

At just 23, artist Johnny Gloom- the pseudonym of a Parisian tattoo artist (a she, not a he,) is a name that's on the come up in the realm of minimalistic, blackwork, traditional tattoo artists. 

Finding inspiration for designs in everyday life things, and describing herself as "sensitive to her own emotions," and using that as a guide for her work. "Love, Hate, Violence, Passion... Love is the burden of humanity, everyone recognizes it.... Graphically, I love simple things."

Obviously taking inspiration from fetichism, BDSM, film noir femme fatales, doomed lovers, etc. I love this style so much, because it shows that you don't need loud colors, lots of detail and intricate designs to convey a short story. 

Johnny Gloom and Ball & Chain dropped the brand new "ADORE" collection on Monday, August 8th, featuring apparel and accessories featuring the works of Johnny Gloom! My girlfriend and I are obsessed with the work of both Johnny Gloom, and Ball & Chain, and the two working together can do no wrong. She actually ordered a bunch of items from the ADORE collection drop from this past Monday, for her and myself, and words can't explain how excited I am!

Follow Johnny Gloom on Instagram: @JohnnyGloom
Follow Johnny Gloom on Tumblr: @danslamaisonnoire

XO
MEL

Orchard Corset Steel Boned Corsets!

Looking like the most "naturally pretty" girl has never been my thing. Obviously, the way I do my makeup, I don't strive to look like a "natural" beauty. I've always wanted to look other worldly, and something more fun! I've had colored hair, I've cut it all off, I've gotten tattoos, I've modified my body, and that is exactly what I've decided to do when it came to the decision of getting my first corset! This past Halloween I got my hands on my mom's corset, that she was wearing with her Mrs. Incredibles costume, and put it on, tightened it up all the way, and it was still very large on me, but pulled everything in, leaving a curved silhouette that I loved instantly! Another part of it was that some of my favorite drag queens corset really extremely, and that was definitely an inspiring aspect to me as well!

After doing some research, I came across OrchardCorset.com! They have tons of different styles or corsets, and they are almost ALWAYS having some kind of sale, so their corsets are very affordable, especially for the quality you're getting with these corsets! I have a couple friends who have gotten their first corset's from Orchard Corset, and they've all loved them as well! 

Orchard Corset has a customer service rep online to chat with you at any time you'd need them, to help you find a corset that will be perfect for you! I ended up going with the black mesh CS411 underbust corset! It's the perfect length for my longer torso, and it's great for wearing under clothes, which I what I'll be doing the most! I took a ton of pictures in different outfits while wearing my corset yesterday, check them out below! 

There are tons of videos about safe waist training, what not to do, and how to pick the perfect one for you! If you're thinking of getting your first corset, do your research first! Orchard Corset has tons of videos on their YouTube channel that can probably answer just about any question you may have! 
Happy/Safe corsetting! <3

XO
MELANIE

Thigh High Boots!

Thigh high boots have been a really big thing more recently, I've noticed. I've always loved the look of it, but never thought there would be a more casual way to style these kinds of shoes, without me looking too "dressed up." This past October I finally decided to purchase a pair of  thigh high boots from Forever 21 for just $50! I bought them for a Halloween look I was doing, never wore that costume, but I got some great boots out of it! I have looked everywhere online, and I've seen so many gorgeous pairs, but I never wanted to buy them anywhere online because I was worried I wouldn't be able to fill them at the thigh because I have thin legs, even though the pair I bought doesn't fit me all the way up, which is why I haven't worn them out yet. Adjustments need to made, when I decide to not be lazy. I would definitely suggest if you're going to get a pair of these, to try them on in store if possible, so you know they'll fit!

I love how versatile boots like this are, and I predict I'll be wearing mine a ton after I adjust them at the thigh! Here are some styles that I love that are worn with thigh high boots! 

XO
MELANIE

SEPTEMBER FAVORITES!

2015 needs to slow down, because I feel like I did my August favorites yesterday...... LETS GET RIGHT INTO IT!!!!!!!!

BEAUTY :

Sephora Bright Future Gel Serum

Contouring is still the huge make up trend still this month it seems, and earlier this month I told myself I'd stop using my Kat Von D foundation that's too light for me, as a concealer (IT'S FULL COVERAGE DON'T JUDGE ME.) I wandered into Sephora on a mall visit that I shouldn't have been buying makeup on, and saw they had just came out with a new concealer, and BOOM. I asked an associate at the store about it, and she said it was a dupe for the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (which I love but it's too expensive for me to justify buying) so I was instantly sold. It's definitely not as full coverage with the first layer, like the NARS concealer, but it's definitely buildable. The NARS concealer is $29, and the Sephora one is only $14 and pretty comparable, so it's definitely a new favorite! It blends easily, it comes in 20 shades, it's affordable, and is perfect for a highlight! I'll be repurchasing when I run out for sure!

FASHION:

Warm Beanie

This seems like such a basic thing, but where I live is in a ridiculous in between weather kind of thing right now. It's really warm during the day, and it gets really cool at night, and having a mostly shaved head, I always need to keep a beanie nearby to cover my head and ears. It's easy to throw on, be warm, comfy, and beanies look cute with just about anything, in my opinion!

INSTAGRAM PAGE:

@StudioMucci :

I came across this page through my explore page, and it caught my eye because of a bright pink colored picture like most of the pictures on Amina's feed! Amina Mucciolo is the founder of Studio Mucci Luxury Handmade Goods, a shop of home and party decal! She's best described as a unicorn in human form.

This month was pretty magical, because I got to see Purity Ring in concert, I went to my first Gay Pride festivities and meet some of my favorite drag queens! Overall, it was a pretty good month, but I'm excited to get into October, the spoopiest month of the year! I love Halloween so much, and my costume is going to be MAJOR. I'll probably do a video about that next month, so keep en eye out!

XO
MELANIE

Trius Garments

I wear a hat every single day, so I'm always on the lookout for new hat styles to wear! I'm really into snapbacks and fitted caps recently! I have quite a few of them, so I can always match to what I'm wearing that day! 

Drake once said, "Text from a centerfold, I ain't reply, let 'em know I read it though," and I've never loved a lyric so much, because I can't tell you how many times I've done that. So when I first found Trius Garments, one of their most popular hats, went hand in hand with that idea, with their "I miss you read at 1:43AM," I got a good laugh out of it, and followed their Instagram for more! Trius has some tees, but I feel like they're mostly about their hats, and these hats are major!! I think they go very well with the whole 90's, internet, pale, minimal, style that's been very popular recently!

Definitely check out all of their merchandise, on the Trius website, but I also love their Instagram feed (@triusgarments) , so check them both out!

Trius on Instagram: @triusgarments
Follow the owners of Trius on Instagram:
@bobby_knight
@popenorwalk
@m.m.milhouse

Now Trending: Septum Clickers!

I feel like this trend is going to be here for awhile, so I'm finally going to chime in about it! I thought this one was a temporary fad that was going to fade in a couple months, but I'm so happy I get to actually post about it, because I see it sticking around for awhile! Yes, I'm talking about the beautiful Septum Jewelry Clicker Rings! I can't even begin to explain how beautiful I find this jewelry! 

The first times I saw these rings, I was fascinated to say the least. Some of them look like little nose chandeliers, and it gets me every damn time. I also feel like they look regal as hell, and can make anyone look like a queen. I have my septum pierced, but I have to be very particular about what jewelry I wear in my septum, because if it hangs too low, it'll interfere with my philtrum lip piercing! Until I find one I like, that I feel like will look fine with my other piercings, I'll just admire all of the beautiful people I see wearing them! Some of my favorite fashion icons like Rihanna, FKA Twigs, Zoe Kravitz, Lady Gaga, and so many more have all been spotted rocking this look, and wearing it all too well.

If you like the look, but are squeamish about piercings, and needles, or you're not sure about the commitment of getting the piercing, NO FEAR. There are just as many faux septum clickers, as there are actual septum clicker rings (maybe even more faux ones, than pierced ones honestly..) So if you just want to try it out, you have plenty of options! 

Some of my favorite shops that have these rings are the LA based Handmade Jewelry Company, VIDAKUSH and UK based shoe and accessory company LAMODA! I've ordered one from Vidakush before, as a gift to a friend and when it came in, I was so pleased with how gorgeous, and well made it was! Also, you can find tons and tons of them on Etsy, and Amazon! If you're not sure about spending the money on a clicker online, and want to see some in person, head over to your local, reputable piercer at a tattoo and piercing shop, and take a look at the selection they may have. Since this trend is so big right now, more and more shops are beginning to carry these!

XO
MELANIE

Valfre Clothing and Accessories!

If you've ever felt anything in life ever, as a girl, you'll be able to relate to something from Valfre! Felt really good in lingerie? Felt like stuffing your face? Felt a little sassy? Femme Fatale? Yep, Valfre has something for all of that! 

Valfre the brand all started with Miss Ilse Valfre herself! It started with her artwork, and sharing it through a blog! As the following for the blog began to grow, Ilse decided to to create a brand based off of the artwork! Grabbing inspiration from everyday life, powerful badass women, and "peppered with touches of humor and satire," it's safe to say, Valfre is perfect for any Vile girl! Her characters are the perfect representation of a Vile girl, because her girls don't care what you think about their hair, makeup, tattoos, and she's not afraid to be herself! Valfre embodies that ideal perfectly, which is why I love Valfre so much!

What has evolved from art prints, to shirts, sweaters, jackets, purses, and phone cases! I recently purchased the "100% BOY TEARS 3D Phone Case" for my iPhone 6, and it's seriously the cutest little thing ever. I've seen all of my favorite bloggers sporting it on their phones on snapchat, and Instagram, and I just had to have one myself! I was also lucky enough to be gifted a Valfre "Grow A Pair Jacket" recently, as an early birthday present! 

Here are just some of my favorite Valfre designs, pieces, and prints! I've been very inspired by Valfre recently, and I know for sure when I put that Grow a Pair jacket on, I felt so cute, but oh so powerful and like a bad ass babe! I know there need to be more companies like Valfre, who can empower girls and women and make them feel like they can run the world, BECAUSE THEY CAN!! Valfre is growing everyday, and it never siezes to impress me what she comes up with!

Mel XO

Demode Clothing

Demode Clothing is a Raleigh, NC/New York based clothing company ran by A Johnson (@OnlyFame on Instagram.) Releasing new pieces almost several times a week, and always coming up with new silhouettes, Demode is definitely on the map for local fashion designers here in Raleigh.

Demode has been seen on Disney star Zendaya Coleman, and Vine famous KingBach himself!

I've been working closely with Demode Clothing for quite awhile now, and in that time, we've shot LookBoots, and I've modeled a handful of the pieces that have been released! I think my favorite thing about Demode is the obvious minimal and clean chic vibe that all of the pieces embody perfectly. It just goes to show that not everything has to be flashy and in your face to still be eye catching. The monochrome black and white designs keep it simple and chic, while still serving a high fashion street wear aesthetic.  

At the beginning of Demode, it was a lot of menswear, and as of lately, it has been marketing more towards women's fashion! I'd say most of their t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories are unisex, wearable, and affordable! I was able to interview A. Johnson and pick his brain about his future plans for Demode, and how he gets his inspiration for his brand!

What's your name?

- haha .. great way to start, my first name is Arkim, pronounced like R-Kim

Where are you from?

- I feel like im from everywhere, born and raised in Long Island, NY. Lived in NC for some years as well as Cali and Japan for a year

How old are you/how old were you when you started Demode?

- Currently 25, just turned 25. Began Demode in 2012 so that would make me 22 when I started.

Why "Demode"? Where did the name come from, and what does it mean to you? How does it reflect the stylistic aesthetic of the brand?

- Demode sounds exotic, very different. I came across the word on google translator, looking up different words for fashion in different languages when I saw it I was like I can work with this. It means out of style, out of date, retro. Its an oxymoron to the brand yet very relevant because fashion changes daily and I create daily so to me designs become very out of style on a mainstream level but on a consumer based level its still very wearable. I like to make people think beyond a word. hahaha...

Can you tell us a little bit about the background of Demode, and how you got started?

- Demode is a reflection of me and how I see things. The brand is completely personal and my ideas just so happen to be relative to the supporters. I started this brand simply to design for myself, I began to post photos wearing my horrible first designs but to my amazement people wanted them. Thats when it began. I self-taught myself how to do everything from screen-printing to sewing, so I can grow at the same pace the brand would. Its been a learning process and you can't let it get to you when things don't go right. I saved up money and kept investing it into the brand, sacrifice and hard work are important.

Where/how do you get inspiration for your designs?

-Traveling inspires me, people inspire me, other forms of art inspire me. Its all about the way you look at things. I get my inspiration by just paying attention to detail whether its from other brands or from what I see people asking for.

You do quite a bit of traveling- what are some of your favorite places to go, and favorite things to do there?

- Yeah... traveling inspires me, it allows me to see the world from different views. NYC is definitely home to me, it has so much culture you see people from all over the world in one area. It allows for more designs and creations. I just like to network, meet people, take photos and just live. 

How would you describe the brand (& yourself) in 5 words or less?

- Growing, Consistent, Original, Inspirational.

What's your team for Demode like?

- In the works, don't really have a team just yet, its been all me for the most part with some help from close friends here and there.

What is your goal with Demode/how far do you plan on taking Demode?

- Right now, i'm in the process of finishing a new collection, as well as the look-book. Then hopefully by june have a flagship store either in NC or in NYC, still debating. I plan on going as far as I can, I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

How do you feel the power of social media has aided the power of marketing for your brand?

- Social Media is incredible, it has honestly been a main source of branding and marketing for me because its so convenient. Im always designing, or out handling other things for the brand so its great that I can reach people by simply posting a photo in a matter of seconds.

Would you like to collaborate with any brands?

- It's definitely a possibility right now i'm still establishing Demode and building its following.

What are your plans for the future of Demode?

- A store in NYC, Miami, LA, or London. I have ideas that constantly revolve in my head, so you have to just wait and see.

Merci,
A. Johnson

He's very dedicated, and goal driven. Something to admire for sure.

Shop DemodeClothing, and use code "Melanie" at checkout for 10% your entire purchase!

Melanie XO

Pastel Princesses

So as some may know, I work at an H&M here in Raleigh. As a very trendy store, lots of trendy people come through, so of course, I get to see every current trend that I've been scrolling through Instagram looking at, come to life in my store, which is pretty cool. One I've noticed for quite awhile now, that doesn't seem to go away, is all of the Pastel Princesses I've seen come through! So many adorable pastel heads of hair come through the store, and I drool in envy. My best friend and roommate are both Pastel QUEENS! Lacy usually floats somewhere between lavender, and silver purple; and Summer is either lavender, or platinum white blonde.

Because of how dark my hair naturally is, and how much dye and crap I have on my hair from past styles and colors I've done, it will be nearly impossible to have a mane of beautiful pastel hair! So, for now I can just admire from afar, and from my laptop screen as I scroll through Pinterest. My hair board on Pinterest is an overload of styles and colors, but here are a few of my favorite Pastel Princesses! 

One of the most inspirational women I've been following on the internet for the past few years, is a Pastel Princesses, and her name is Angelina or ALB (Instagram/YouTube/Tumblr: Albinwonderland.) Angelina has had pink hair since she was 14 years old, and has been bright pink, and pastel for years!

She's the most empowering woman I've ever seen in my life, because she definitely preaches personal style, and individuality, which is something everyone could use in their lives. I watched a video of her's that really opened up my eyes, and helped me on my personal guide to self love and acceptance! Angelina was also probably the first lady who opened my eyes to feminism, and thank goodness for that. As cliche, and lame as it sounds,  I don't think I'd be as confident today had I not watched her inspirational and helpful videos.

I honestly don't see this trend dying any time soon, and I am not complaining about that one bit, because I love all of the little Pastel Princesses I see everyday. Keep on keepin' on you Princess Mermaids, I live for you!!

Melanie XO