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 It means out of style, out of date, retro.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

"Dancing with Lights All Through The Night"

I feel like I could walk on stars in these babies.

So, as well ALL know, festival season is upon us! Honestly, how could you not know when all you see on your feeds everywhere is #COACHELLA2K15. I myself don't have any plans to go to any festivals, because nothing exciting happens where I live, but I can dream, right?

Every time I wear LED Light Up Sneakers, I have these nostalgic flashbacks to my childhood years wearing light up flashy shoes, jumping and stomping around everywhere to show off my cool kicks! Who knew, as an almost 20 year old, I'd be doing the exact same thing! Shameless... All I want to do in these shoes, is dance around to 90's music, and run around for hours in the night!

The first shoes I'd seen that were like these, were the ASHISH Light-Up Platforms (shown above) back in February of 2014 for TopShop! But as you may know, ASHISH/Topshop can be a bit pricey, and I'm all about finding a better deal if I can!

I'm a big follower of TiltedSole, and they recently got these babies from Starry Eyed by BESTFIT! The very simple silhouette of the shoe, and the contrast of the light up soles, are the perfect blend of minimal, and flashy! They're extremely wearable, comfortable, and of course, flashy!

These shoes are available in high top, low top, slip-on, and a variety of colors! The way they work, is there's a button on the inner side of the shoe, so you can just click the sides of your feet together, and launch into galaxy shoe heaven! Your LED color options are RED, GREEN, BLUE, YELLOW, TEAL, PURPLE, and WHITE! Everyone asks if they run on battery, but they are actually come with a USB charger than you can just plug in, and let charge for 1-1.5 hours for a full charge, that should last a total of 4-5 straight of light-up dance party greatness! 

I know everyone NEEDS a pair of these shoes for this Spring/Summer, because I already know these babes are going to be my go to shoe for every night out! Expect to see them a TON if you follow me on Instagram! 

Use code: MELREY15 for 15% off of your purchase at TiltedSole

MEL XO

Woman Crush: Wednesday Addams!

Who knew an 11 year old Christina Ricci, as Wednesday Addams, in a black with white peter pan collar dress would flash forward to 2015, and end up being such a huge trend. An effortlessly chic dress look, or a very last minute Halloween costume, accompanied by some braided pig-tails, tired eyes, pale skin, and a widows peak, the signature dress can be found at most clothing stores or websites! One of my favorite brands who kills the Wednesday Addams collar trend is a California based clothing, accessory, and shoe company, Deandri.

One of my favorite brands, Deandri , is consistently serving up some Wednesday Addams realness, whether it's a black with white collar dress, or a collared suspender crop top! They even have these fabulous BIBS! It may seem strange, but I feel like I remember thinking back years ago, "WHY hasn't anyone made something that I can put under any shirt/high neck dress as a collar?!" The internet is FULL of just little detachable collars, but when Deandri came out with the full bib, they changed the whole game! If it still sounds bizarre, check out the slideshow below, and be informed. Deandri is seriously killing the game with all of their innovative different takes on this contrasting collar trend! Every blogger I follow has sported pieces by Deandri, and tattooed mega babe, Kat Von D is crazy about Deandri. She's even gone as far to call their Black and White Grady Dress, "Dress of the Year!" I think Deandri fits the whole "Vile Girl" style so perfectly!

All Deandri photos taken from their Instagram: @Deandri

Well now that you've got your Wednesday Addams dress, you just need the make-up and hair to go along with it. Watch the video below to complete the look!

This signature style looks great on anyone, and I myself have a few pieces that go along well with the theme, so for Halloween at work, I did a Wednesday look, to keep it within dress-code. Tons of stores like H&M, Romwe, and Forever 21 have all carried, or carry pieces like these, at reasonable prices!

 

XO

Melanie

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

Two Fake Blondes

"Just a couple super fake blondes, crafting to support their root touch ups!" - Two Fake Blondes (Meghan Trimble & Katie Holland)

Meet Meghan Trimble and Katie Holland! Two ECU Fashion Merchandiser Graduates who decided to join creative forces to create what is known today as Two Fake Blondes! All of the products are hand made by these fabulous ladies themselves, and each is made special! From hand stitched patches, tie dyed shirts, clutch bags, and one of a kind dyed jackets, these girls aren't afraid to get messy with some dye. 

They love and encourage custom orders! Another thing I love about Two Fake Blondes is that they are all about customer suggestions, and hearing what their customers want to see next!

Katie and Meghan are only just beginning on their journey with Two Fake Blondes, but I see a bright future for these girls! Check out the promotional video they made to go along with the launch of their most recent addition to their shop, rainbow tie dyed socks and panties! 

Follow Two Fake Blondes on Instagram: @twofakeblondes 

XX

Melanie

Trends on the Rise: Reflective Fabric

When I think of reflective clothes, I just think of a traffic conductor, the people I see running every morning, or your average bicyclist. For the most part, I've only seen reflective clothes be more for fitness purpose. The first time I've ever heard of this reflective fabric being used in fashion, was when Alexander McQueen created these looks on the runway for his 2004 Fall Collection in Paris.

So how does it work? Well, first things first, not to be confused with A glow in the dark SURFACE that works as simple as turnING the lights out and that's how it glows. However, reflective objects and fabrics, work off of a separate source of light like a flashlight, camera flash, head lights, etc, to flash light back at you! It's initial purpose was to be able to be seen in the night time, for safety reasons of course. So bikers, police officers, runners, and traffic directors wear reflective vests, and reflective patches, to avoid being hit by cars if they're out at night! At first glance, the reflective material itself usually just looks like a almost metallic grey surface, but when a light is pointed on the material, it reflects back, giving off the white luminescent glow!

More recently, the flashy reflective look taking on more than just a sporty look, and it's slowly evolving to be more of a casual/street style trend. NIKE specifically has started to run with this trend, and while still being a sports oriented brand, most people wear NIKE as more of a fashion statement nowadays. Like most sport oriented brands, the logos on their shoes or apparel would be reflective, so if the wearer is on a run at night, and a car is coming by, they can be spotted and avoided easily. The trend is on the come up as a flashy thing for pictures! I see this trend in men's fashion a lot, but I need to see my ladies wearing this look more! It looks sick on men and women alike!

I recently came across a United Kingdom based clothing and accessories company called LFLECT who incorporates reflective elements in all of their pieces, with everything from head-bands, apparel, and even reflective yarn and iron-ons, so you like to DIY like I do, you can make your own custom reflective pieces! Shop LFLECT HERE

I haven't gotten my hands on any reflective pieces yet, but it is definitely at the top of the list of my must haves for Spring 2015.

Thanks for reading!

I'm very excited to be part of the Vile Blogging team! 

xx

Melanie 

WILD HEART COLLECTIVE

RECENTLY I WAS TURNED ON TO WILD HEART COLLECTIVE BY TRISHA PALMER. WHC IS BOUTIQUE STYLE ETSY THAT SPECIALIZES IN SOME OF THE BEST PARTS OF 70S POST HIPPY FASHION. THE KIND OF STUFF THAT PENNY LANE IN ALMOST FAMOUS WOULD BE INTO! CONCH BOLOS AND HAT BANDS ALONG WITH SOME ONE OF A KIND VINTAGE FINDS. SO CHECK THEM OUT AND SHARE THE LOVE!

Detroit Rose Candle Co.

Light Fires, Burn Bright. 

Detroit Rose Candle Co. Was started in September of 2013 by local actress, and artist Deirdre Skiles. The candles are hand poured in the historic Eastern Market neighborhood of Detroit, MI. Each candle is built with all natural vegan-soy wax, and premium fragrance oils. Scents are an homage to Michigan's fresh summers, rich autumns, and soulful winters, and are inspired by Detroit culture both past & present. 

With scents ranging from Lavender Love, to Leather, to Bergamot, to Milk and Honey, to so many more, there is a scent for each and every soul, and each and every home. 

For a full list of local Detroit Stockists, or to order one of he amazing scented candles online, visit the Detroit Rose Candle Co. Site, here.

 

Xo, 

Sar Elle

Leviticus Jewelry

Leviticus Jewelry is an inspired collection of pieces created by designer Tara Levitin. Named in homage to her brother Levi and the childhood nickname she once conjured for her older sibling, her line is imbued with a slightly dark, gothic sensibility.

Browse through her provocative collection and discover subtle historical details woven into Levitin’s very modern work. Moved by pieces from the past, from one-of-a-kind vintage baubles she’s unearthed at estate sales, to the storied black jet (mourning) jewelry popularized in the Victorian era, Levitin’s design direction reflects a sentimentality with a patina rich in history, yet current and on the cutting edge.

 

Created with metals such as black rhodium, silver, rose gold, and gold, since 2005 Leviticus Jewelry has graced the pages of publications such as Elle, Nylon, Allure, Daily Candy, More, and Inked, and has been worn by the likes of Kat Von D, Ginnifer Goodwin, Juliet Huddy and Leigh Lezark.

View the entire hauntingly beautiful collection,

here. 

 

xo, 

Sar Elle

Douglas and Co. Detroit

Douglas & Co. Detroit is a lifestyle from the heart of Detroit where life is lived.

We offer quality handmade leather products, made in Detroit. Our products are designed and built by people in the city where they live; created with less than 20 products per series. Our mission is to partner with surrounding communities to educate, train and develop individuals with skills to create quality leather products.  Douglas & Co. Detroit believes in the the fine craft of handmade leather goods.

Each item that Douglas & Co. Detroit produces is a labor of love that is deeply rooted in Detroit. One hundred percent of their manufacturing process takes place locally from start to finish, including the cutting, stitching and packaging. This enables customers to walk away with more than just a product; they also receive the intrinsic satisfaction of owning goods fashioned from a deep rooted passion. Each finished piece radiates with the heartfelt time spent massaging the leather, sewing and loving every step along the way.

 

You can view the entire collection at www.detroitandco.com

Xo, 

Sar Elle

HOMES EYEWEAR

Homes Eyewear are made in Detroit from the city’s deconstructed housing stock. This city has roughly 70,000 abandoned homes still standing, and within those contain plenty of usuable materials, literally lying around, waiting for a breath of new life.

Founded in 2012, Homes are made at their headquarters in Eastern Market, Detroit. The 60 step, labor-intensive process blends CNC technology, hand-craftsmanship and proven woodworking techniques to create a beautiful and all around sustainable pair of sunglasses.

The materials extraction process takes a lot of work in and of itself, before it even hits the Homes Shop. Once harvested and catalogued, the wood is processed to remove nails, paint, char and other debris. The boards are hand picked by Homes at Reclaim Detroit, and are hand cut into wood veneers, which are then transformed into the frames offered today.

The boards selected at Reclaim Detroit vary in species and age, most of which were old-growth wood, harvested during the logging boom of the 1800 and 1900s. While homes, both in the early 1900s as well as present day, are constructed using mostly softwoods (white pine, douglas fir), many do contain hardwoods, which are ideal for use in frame building. Your frames’ finish will vary with grain character and color, as well as the life of the home they come from, and how they’ve weathered the years of use and/or neglect. No two pairs of Homes Sunglasses are exactly alike. Each handmade pair is however subject to the same rigorous quality inspection, ensuring your sunglasses were made with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Purchase the Kercheval Frame (above) and any other style that Homes has to offer at their site here.

 

Xo, 

Sar Elle

Made By Niki

Since 2006, Made by Niki has been delighting a loyal following of fans with ground-breaking, award-winning lingerie. Thanks to Niki, shapewear is now something you can show off, underwear can be worn as outerwear, and you can go to work wearing a million pieces of string.

Designed in the heart of the English countryside, adored all over the world, Made by Niki is deeply rooted in a brave, experimental ethos, dedicated to bringing you something new every time you experience it.

Shop Made by Niki's Current Line anytime day or night, here. 

Xo,

Sar Elle

Vox Populi Jewelry

Accessories for the Modern Day Marie Antoinette, with a wicked sense of style.

Handmade in Dallas, Texas, Vox Populi Jewelry is bourgeois, kawaii, and absolutely over the top... Everything a girl could dream of for an accessory line.

Vox Populi has a vast array of accessories from studded sunnies, to custom harnesses, and gorgeous headpieces.To view the current line, or for custom harness orders, view Vox Populi here.

Xo,

Sar Elle

Majorey

Because you should all know by now, just how much I love lingerie...this week, I present to you another of my favorites, Majo Rey. Majo Rey is the Uruguayan lingerie brand of Maria Jose Rey.

 

Majo Rey was started in 2005 with the first collection, made-in house. The spirit has remained the same over the last ten years, as all Majo Rey Intimates are made in-house to ensure high-end production, and quality control of each garment, with an emphasis on quality materials and construction techniques.

 

From gorgeously designed seasonal pieces to exclusively designed pieces, Majo Rey gives you the chance to customize your intimates – Tailoring a la carte. The brand prides itself on quality and versatility, and creates lingerie which you may wear as outerwear as well.

You may shop the current collections, or place a custom order on Majo Rey's Site, here.

Xo,

Sar Elle

Sara M. Lyons

Self- Proclaimed "Professional Weirdo," Sara M Lyons is a 28-year-old Artist, Illustrator, and Nail Decal Designer from Southern California.

Her influences include Archie Comics, Cult Film, Punk Rock, Pop Culture, Skateboard Graphics, Barbie, The Occult, and Regina George. Much of her work focuses on femininity and vice, both celebrating and challenging the concept of Traditional Womanhood.

Sara’s nail decals (and all of her other itmes) are available via her shop, as well as a variety of e-tailers and brick-and-mortar retailers worldwide. 

Xo,

Sar Elle

Fabrik Marge

Marge is a Minneapolis, MN. based designer and seamstress that specializes in her incredibly unique Hoods.

Marge can create custom designs for you, ranging from a Hood to just about any other Fashion Piece you may need.

 

View Marge's Lookbooks, or inquire about a custom piece at her website, here.

Urb Clothing

URB Clothing is a German Based Clothing Company founded, and created by Joe & Sara Urb.

URB gained notoriety for it's Melting Tights, comprised of Nylon, Baby Powder, and Medical Latex.  Over the course of the last few years, many companies have tried to replicate Urb's aesthetic, but none quite compare.

Urb has recently started branching off from the Melting Tights, and has added some very intricate, high fashion pieces to it's new line. 

Be sure to check out the full line of Melting Tights, as well as the current line --for both women AND men, at the Urb Shop, here. 

Xo,

Sar Elle

Jenny Risher

This week's WCW focuses on the work of a local Detroit Legend, Jenny Risher.

Jenny Risher is an advertising and editorial photographer. Her continual strive for perfection, fresh style, and natural sensibility has afforded her the opportunity to photograph for many illustrious clients.

Her arguably most popular project to date is her book, Heart Soul Detroit, a self produced venture in which she interviewed and photographed 50 iconic Detroiters, including Iggy Pop, Smokey Robinson, Jack White, Dr. Jack Kevorkian, Lily Tomlin, Alice Cooper, Bill Ford Jr, Lee Iacocca, Eminem, Tim Allen and many others.

 

Jenny currently has several other projects in the works, including one that yours truly has been fortunate enough, and honored to be part of.

For more information on Jenny, to view upcoming projects and past works, or to contact her for booking, visit her website here. 

You can purchase Jenny's Book here.

Xoxo,

Sar Elle

Pamela Love NYC

New Yorker Pamela Love began making jewelry in her Brooklyn apartment in 2007. Since then, she has created a full production facility and design studio in Manhattan’s garment district.

The line is committed to sustainability and localized production. All gemstones and semiprecious stones are ethically sourced and almost all metal used is recycled. The entire jewelry-making process, from design to sampling to full-scale production, is completed domestically with the majority of it done in-house at Pamela Love’s Manhattan studio.

View and shop the current entire collection here.

Xo,

Sar Elle

OCC

Founded in New York City in 2004 by makeup artist David Klasfeld, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics started with a pair of Lip Balms. As an artist, Klasfeld wanted to develop products that met the needs of artists who weren’t satisfied with the traditional options found on the market, through a commitment to innovation in color, texture and selection.

OCC strives to be on the forefront of colour cosmetics, while honoring both our professional makeup artistry and cruelty-free heritage. OCC is proud to be 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free, as internationally certified by PETA.

Xo,

Sar Elle