Dead Lotus Couture

I've been on this random kick of obsessing over everything latex, and oil slick. I think it's from watching so many Violet Chachki videos, and consistently lurking her instagram, and watching Rihanna's "S&M" music video a hundred times.

I've always loved vinyl, and latex and I've been especially into it all recently, because I'm planning for my Halloween costume, because I'm going to be Him from Power Puff Girls, and wanted to wear a latex catsuit as skin instead of painting my whole body red. Yesterday, I stumbled across the London / Milan based company, Dead Lotus Couture, and immediately wanted basically everything.

"Dead Lotus Couture's identity is bourne of an emotional world, comprising sinuous, sensual shapes that reveal a dark spiky elegance with a sophisticated touch. Volumes and devious geometry are combined to bring out your foxiest alter ego."

A big part of what DLC stands by, is the way their garments hugs the wearer, so that every curve you want to see, is accentuated to the fullest, and shape your body to it's absolute best! A big part of why I love DLC so much is the photography on their entire site, including their product shots on the listings. All of the women look very powerful, and very sexy! 

Follow Dead Lotus Couture on Instagram:
@nange.magro_dead.lotus.couture

XO
MELANIE

Instagram Makeup VS. Drag Queen Makeup?

"My type of man is a man in a dress!" I always say.

With Drag Queens really coming to the forefront of media and pop culture, I thought I'd chime in a little. ALSO. Before you read any further, and are confused about the difference between DRAG and gender identity, please read this wonderful article I've provided HERE!

The MTV VMA's this past Sunday has been the buzz on everyone's newsfeeds on every social media, I'm sure, because I can't scroll even a second and not see something about Nicki Minaj dragging Miley Cyrus, or seeing #KANYE2020. If you watched the VMA's, or just saw at some point through social media, you probably know that as the 2015 VMA's Hostess' closing performance for the show, Miley Cyrus performed a song "Do It", off of her new album that I have absolutely no intention of listening to after this performance. I've always been sort of on the fence about how I feel about Miley, within the last few years, but I think I have a clear opinion after the VMA's. 

I LOVE DRAG QUEENS SO MUCH. I spend a lot of my free time keeping up with some of my favorite drag queens through their social media, and YouTube accounts, and I go to their shows when they're in town. Drag was introduced to me a few years ago, and I've been addicted ever since. It's inspirational for me in fashion, makeup, and style aspects of it all. I was really disappointed with the performance because the queens were literally used as props for SHOCK value for the mediocre song performance. EVERY single one of those women has a name, identity, and talent and not a single one of them was credited, even with a name. At the very LEAST, they could have been announced as most of them being drag super-stars from RuPaul's Drag Race, or ANYTHING for that matter. I won't drag this out any longer, and make this post more about me complaining about this performance, and let's talk about something VERY relevant, and talked about!

Is Instagram making girls into drag queens? I've been very interested in this topic for awhile now, because I myself follow tons of drag queens, and tons cis-gender female makeup artists, whose makeup  techniques are beginning to mirror each other, whether these women realize it or not. Am I saying it's a bad thing? Nope! Though, I think it's definitely interesting, and something worth talking about! I'm not here to clock the way anyone does their eyebrows, or highlight and contour their faces, but it's definitely good to know where these techniques have come from! 

Makeup artist Wayne Goss has had quite a bit to say on the topic, and as he put it, "We are using the exact same techniques with the same heavy hand..." and basically that these techniques were created to turn a male into a "heightened" featured woman, through the power of makeup, and aesthetics! I'd say I definitely agree with what he says, but I don't think it's a bad thing. I personally have tried some of these techniques myself, probably with a lighter, less experienced hand because I'm not a makeup artist by any means. BUT, if that's what you do with your makeup, and that makes you feel good, do you boo! It's just makeup, and it washes off and down the drain at the end of the day! 

I could talk about this a lot more, but I'll cut myself off right here for now! 

Watch the video below to hear more if you're interested! AGAIN. I'm not telling anyone how to do their makeup, do what makes you happy! It's your face <3

XO
MELANIE

August Favorites!

August has come and gone already. Everyone's going back to school, and fall is dawning upon us slowly. I love watching these kinds of videos on YouTube from all of my favorite YouTubers, so I thought it would be cute to start a sub-segment here on WCW about my favorites of the month! Basically, this is going to be a post going through a few of the things that I've been obsessing over, throughout the month of August in the categories of beauty, fashion, music, Instagram pages, and other random things I've been loving! Let's get right into it!

Beauty :

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Silk Creme Foundation:

So I've been looking for a new foundation for a few months now, because my skin has been changing so much recently with the weather and season! More recently, my skin has been pretty oily, and problematic. Before discovering this new holy grail foundation, I've been using MAC Studio Fix Fluid, Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation, and a Sephora Brand foundation. All of them are fine foundations, but not for me. Personally, I don't have the best skin, and I have lots of acne scarring, and I tend to break out a lot, especially because of my restaurant job. Because of these things, I like a full coverage foundation. I was shown this Laura Mercier foundation by the amazing girl at Sephora who worked there, and always knows what she's talking about. She gave me a sample, and used on me, and I fell in love. She applied it with a Beauty Blender (more on that later) and it basically transformed the way my makeup looks on my face. I used the sample, and the next day at work, I have several people comment that my skin looked it was glowing, and it looked healthy, and bright, which was so amazing to hear because I'm usually pretty self conscious about my foundation look. I got a few more sample pots of it, before I purchased it recently, because it definitely wasn't cheap. I finally had the $50 to buy it, and I'm so happy I did, because you get what you pay for, and I've been so happy with this foundation. It's my new favorite, and go to foundation! 

Beauty Blender Makeup Applicator Sponge:

I've used so many kinds of brushes, and sponges and nothing can even hold a candle to how much I love my Beauty Blender. I've bought either knock offs of the BB, and nothing has ever worked as well for me as it has! It's completely transformed the way I've been wearing my foundation, and concealer! It's definitely one of those makeup things that when you buy it, boom, you've done it, and you don't have to worry about buying again, for awhile, SO why not just go out and do it?! I realize that now, but before I did, I never realized the difference between a BB and the knock off ones I'd been using before, but the BB is a lot more squishy, softer, gentle on the skin, and it really blends your makeup really well! I don't even mind cleaning it! I was always really bad about cleaning makeup brushes, because it took so long, and I'd have to wait for them to dry, which took forever. You just put any kind of anti-bacterial soap on this bad boy, run it under some cold water, and squeeze squeeze squeeze until the water runs clear, and the BB is back to it's original color! I use my BB wet, as it was advised to when I bought it, so I can pretty much use it right when it's done being cleaned! I don't consider myself to be great at makeup or anything, but I do mine every day, and I've used it every single day since I purchased it. It's usually about $20, and it's well worth it!

SmashBox Step-by-Step Powder Contour Kit:

The same girl who put me onto the Laura Mercier foundation, also helped me find a contour kit that worked for me, and even showed me step by step how to contour, and highlight my face! Since my skin is on the oily side, I should use a powder contour kit so I'm not adding any more oil to my face, and this palette is perfect for that! It comes with an amazing brush that has worked really well whenever I've used this palette! The palette comes with three shades; the contour color, bronzer, and highlight color! There are millions of videos and walk throughs of how to contour, so I'm not going to get into that, but I WILL say, my makeup has never looked better after using this palette! The colors blend flawlessly, and even though I'm not great at makeup, this palette is really easy to use, and comes with basically a diagram next to the mirror IN the palette. It's pretty much fool-proof. 10/10 would recommend!!!!!

FASHION:

I've been so involved with work recently, and it's not a job I can dress up to (I'm a waitress at a Mexican and Colombian restaurant,) so I'm usually really casual. Since I don't ever have days off, I've been all about comfort recently.

Vans Sk8 Hi's:

I have 5 pairs of these sneakers in different colors, and I could LIVE in them basically, like I kind of already do. They're easy to throw on, but they still look good, and effortless. I won't say too much about them, but they're pretty comfortable, and wearable. I love them in all colors, and I plan on getting so many more pairs!

Ray Ban Club Master Sunglasses:

As sort of a TREAT YO SELF after moving into my new apartment, I celebrated by getting myself a new pair of sunglasses that I would cherish, and take care of. I usually keep sunglasses around for awhile, and treat them well, so a friend told me I should just splurge on a nice pair. I have a pair that look like a dupe of the club masters, that are from Urban Outfitters, which are great. But they're made cheaply, and the bridge bumper on them fell off, and that's when I decided, I needed to get a pair of Ray Ban Club Masters, because treat yo self, right? I wear them every single day, and I feel fancy as fuck in them! 

Instagram Page:

@NinaBlackWolf :

I love makeup artist Instagram pages soooooooo much. I could honestly scroll for hours, in envy. Nina's Instagram is definitely one of my favorite pages to lurk for an embarrassing amount of time. First of all, she's GORGEOUS. Hair, makeup, style, and relationship goals ALL over her page. 

I would recommend you check out any and ALL of the things I talked about here! 

XO
MELANIE

WCW: Amandla Stenberg

Sometimes great, and big things come in small packages. That is the exact case here with Amandla Stenberg! You probably recognize her as Rue, from the 2012 movie adaptation of The Hunger Games. Named after the Zulu word for power, has been quoted to be a force to be reckoned with, and she couldn't have been molded to be anything less than powerful, even at the young age of 16! Being called the voice of her generation because of her outward, and vocal opinions and stance surrounding the #BlackLivesMatter movement in the past year or so, she wants all to know, she will not remain silent. 

I've been following her on social media for quite some time now, and I'd say she's also becoming a fashion icon for a younger generation, as well as an amazing, and wise role model. It seems like a lot of her inspiration comes from very 90's silhouettes, and lots of vintage looking pieces as well. 

Follow Amandla Stenberg on social media:
Instagram: @amandlastenberg
Twitter: @amandlastenberg
Tumblr: amandla.tumblr.com/

XO
MELANIE

Prepping Your Wardrobe for Fall/Winter

As we all know, but probably don't want to admit to ourselves, Summer 2015 is coming to an unfortunate end. Anyone else feel like they did absolutely NOTHING? I can always tell Summer is just about over when I start to see back to school commercials, and advertisements with deals and sales! It's amazing because who doesn't like a good back to school sale discount. It's a bittersweet time, but we can all get through it together! Let's talk Fall and Winter fashion, shall we?

Fall is my favorite season of the year because of the fashion! I love cool weather, layering, leather, plaid, and knitted sweaters, and all of the above are fashion factors in the upcoming season! The photo above is of me last Winter, wearing my Vile "Some Like it Vile" bodysuit! 

So in celebration for the upcoming season, I'll be giving a quick run down of some pieces I think are pretty essential for the Fall/Winter season fashions!

THE LEATHER JACKET / BLACK BOOTS

"I thought my life would suddenly improve if I got a leather jacket, and I was literally 100% totally right." What more can I say about a leather jacket, honestly? Also, black booties, or combat boots instantly make an outfit look 10 times more bad-ass, with so little effort. Wear both of these babies together, and you'll be stopping traffic.

THE LONG CARDIGAN / PLAID

A long, draped cardigan is the perfect cherry on top of just about any outfit. An outfit as simple as a t-shirt, and denim shorts (or dungarees like shown here) can be amplified with a cardigan like this one, to give it an instant Fall, chic vibe!

THE DENIM SHIRT / BOOTS+SOCKS

One of my favorite things about fall fashion is mixing baggy, oversized silhouettes with tight, fitted silhouettes like this oversized denim shirt, and these velvet leggings! Another favorite is wearing socks peeked out over a pair of boots, over leggings like I imagine wearing this outfit! 

SHORTS+TIGHTS / BOMBER JACKET

Even though the weather will be cooling down, that doesn't mean you have to pack away your shorts just yet! Throw a pair of tights under them, and you've got a signature fall fashion style! I personally don't get very cold on my legs, so this works for me through fall and most of winter as well! 

I'd say my biggest inspiration for Fall fashion would have to be NYC based fashion blogger Luanna Perez of LE HAPPY! I've been following her for so many years now, and it's so amazing to see how far her blog has gone, and all of the opportunities she's been given!  Her looks are so well put together, and I love to see all of her looks in the Fall and Winter season! 

Follow Luanna Perez on Instagram: @Luanna90

XO
MELANIE

Christine McConnell, Gothic Bake Queen

If you ever wondered what kind of magic you would get if you put Tim Burton, Alfred Hitchcock, Vincent Price, and Paula Deen all in the same room, and they brainstormed on a project, Christine McConnell's sweet treats are pretty reminiscent of what they would all create together! The 32 year old, self taught baker, photographer, stylist and artist based out of LA, is the epitome of 50's housewife with a morbid and grotesque twist!

Baking is a hobby to McConnell, and she makes her living off of beauty photography, and other odd jobs! Trained in hair and makeup styling, but completely self-taught in baking, just by watching YouTube videos! Her hobbies and life work evoke the 1940's, 50's, and 60's but with a campy, creepy twist!

I first heard about Christine McConnell when she created "Seven Generations of American Women" by replicating women family members dating back as far as 2000 years! 

Follow Christine McConnell on Instagram: Christine McConnell 

XO
MEL

DIRT FEST 2015

WELL ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! DIRT FEST WILL BE  ROCKING OUT THIS WEEK! THIS YEAR IS GOING TO BE FULL OF GUILTY PLEASURES! BANDS LIKE FEAR FACTORY, COAL CHAMBER AND EVEN MUSHROOM HEAD! BUT WE ARE STOKED FOR THE STRONG MICHIGAN ACTS LIKE KING 810, CHILD BITE BEAST IN THE FIELD AND OUR BOYS IN WOLFSHARK! COME VISIT OUR TENT AND LETS PARTY HARD AND GET OUR METAL ON !  

Blogger to Follow: Eugénie Grey of FERAL CREATURE

Starting out in 2007, Los Angeles/New York City fashion blogger Eugenie Grey has made her mark on the fashion blogging community, and even further than that. Fashion, food, and travel are the main components of her blog! Since her start in the fashion blogging world, she's definitely taken over, and made a name for herself, having fashion clients such as DKNY, Calvin Klein, H&M, American Apparel, Levi's and Uniqlo! She's a brand consultant for many, a social media manager, and a psychology, and business management student, but her main passion is personal styling, and creative writing!

I think what I love most about Eugenie's style is that she's one of those fashion icons that can go from really put together and chic, to casual and kind of outlandish! She has a illusive and transcendent style, remarkable versatility, and she's definitely not your pedestrian fashion blogger! 

Follow Eugenie Grey on Instagram: @FeralCreature 

XO
MELANIE

WARPED TOUR 2015

Well its finally hear! We've been preparing all year for this lil midwest jaunt and we couldnt be more excited! The Vans Warped Tour is one of the biggest tours of the year! We are excited because our boys in We Came as Romans and The 68 are rocking out the whole tour! The Detroit date will be this friday at the Palace. We are stoked for the Wolfshark dudes winning the Ernie Ball BOTB so they will be rocking out the Ernie Ball stage. Also Taking Dreams and Rumours will be rocking the local stage! Head to the shelter this wed to see who wins the last installment of the Warped Tour BOTB and see who else gets to rock the stage! If you are going to be rocking out at warped tour this year...come visit our tent for some exclusive merch that we are releasing just for Warped! We are calling it "Sin Eater" -Aren

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

Kiuchi Brewery - Hitachino Nest Extra High

Ji bīru or, "local beer" has only been a thing to Japan since 1994 when tax laws were relaxed and breweries could produce fewer than 16,000 gallons. There are now over 200 microbreweries in Japan. The kiuchi brewery makes some of my favorite Japanese craft beers with the hitachino nest series. one in particular being aged in shochu barrels. shochu is sort of like sake but typically more diluted and weaker in alcohol, in addition to being more commonly brewed with barley instead of rice. Hitachino XH is considered a belgian dark strong ale because of its high alcohol percent and larger malt bill. its a pretty boozy tasting beer but also bready and sweet. even notes of brandy are there because of the shochu barrels. this brewery makes incredible beers and it was hard to pick which one to talk about. i recommend picking up a few of their brews as most places wont just carry one style. Cheers!

My Score - 95

rate beer - 96

beer advocate - 85

Style Inspiration: Aya Sato and Bambi

Aya Sato and Bambi are two women from Japan who basically do it all! The first time I had seen them was while aimlessly scrolling through Facebook, and coming across a video of these two badass babes dancing their asses off, looking cool as hell doing it too! Of course being the Japanese fashion nerd I am, I was instantly interested by just what they were wearing. It was when I researched a little further, that I realized that they were a couple, and I fell even more in love.

Talented on all levels, Aya and Bambi are models, photographers, fashion icons, and most impressively dancers! The two are madly in love, engaged to be married, and they are not shy about it, despite Japan isn't a gay marriage legal country. The two are able to do what they love together, and that's so inspirational. I'm so tired of hearing this, but.... GOALS. Their following on social media is expanding by the day! Aya and Bambi have been working side by side with the queen Madonna herself, as her backup dancers! CLICK HERE to watch Madonna, Aya and Bambi performing 'Living for Love'  on The Ellen Show from earlier this year! An absolutely visually Vile performance! The two were also spotted on the Vogue Magazine Instagram page modeling/dancing in "The 10 Best Bridal Dresses of the Season." I can't wait to see what their wedding is like, and what they end up wearing!

I'm such a sucker for Japanese fashion of all sorts, and they are doing it all right. The fishnets, platforms, harnesses, leather, lace, spikes, buckles, chains, all black everything, body piercings, shaved hair and typically dark makeup all just work so well together. Somewhere between BDSM and 80's punk fashion, Aya and Bambi are truly a different breed of fashionistas! Dancing in this fashion seems like it would be very hard to do, but nothing could stop these ladies. Keep an eye out for this power couple, I see them going very far! Even if their style isn't quite your cup of tea, I'm sure you'll at least be able to appreciate their spectacular dancing because it's really like nothing I've ever seen before!

Follow Aya on Instagram: @ayasato1006
Follow Bambi on Instagram: @bambi_0615

XO
MELANIE

TAKING DREAMS: CHUMP

CHUMP

CHəmp/

noun

informal

noun: chump; plural noun: chumps

a foolish or easily deceived person.

"how can this chump be a detective?"

WELL THE TAKING DREAMS DUDES ARE AT IT AGAIN! THE LONG AWAITED ALBUM "CHUMP" DROPPED AND IT RULES! ALL ATTITUDE-NO REGRETS. THE TITLE TRACK CHUMP HAS REMNANTS OF  LATE 90'S NEW METAL WITH TURNTABLE SCRATCHES ALONG WITH  DRIVING HOOKS THAT BRING IN YOUR INNNER RAGE! 

CHECK OUT THE TITLE TRACK OF "CHUMP" HERE:

Actual Woman Crush Wednesday: Ari Fitz // TOMBOYISH

First things first, before I start talking about this absolute queen of a human being, we need to have a definition of the word "androgynous":

androgynous
adjective an·drog·y·nous \an-ˈdrä-jə-nəs\

: having both male and female characteristics or qualities

: suitable for both men and women

Meet Ari Fitz, formerly known as Arielle Patrice Scott. Ari is a filmmaker, Youtube personality, and star of MTV's "Real World Ex-Plosion" and called "Most Compelling Cast Member" of the season, and was also voted on Buzzfeed as one of fifteen "Androdgynous Models you have to Follow on Instagram!" Ari was discovered by a photographer at a local festival she was attending, and was introduced to a top modeling agency in San Fransisco  , and instantly attracted some really big name clients like Levi's Sprint, Michael Kors, and Macy's! When she had time between all of her modeling work, she began to chase her dream of pursuing filmmaking as she always wanted to! With just $200, Ari put together her first short film "The Anniversary," which led her to be discovered by MTV, and that's when they contacted her about doing The Real World. She jokingly responded about being on the show, landed the part, and ended up being a crowd favorite! 

After the show aired, she wanted to find a creative outlet to utilize her talent in film, and interact with her growing audience, and that's when she started her self titled YouTube channel! In just a few months, her channel took off and in no time she had over 500k views. TOMBOYISH started right there with her channel as it all started to take off! TOMBOYISH is a segment of her YouTube channel where she visits different androgynous women fashion icons all over the country, who are everything from fashion designers, rappers, bloggers and models, about what androgynous fashion means to them, all while giving fashion advice for anyone looking for guidance for dressing more tomboy! All of these women are so inspiring, and I fell absolutely in love with the TOMBOYISH segment instantly when a friend introduced me to it!

With the success of her YouTube channel, and the great response the TOMBOYISH series, Fitz then started TOMBOYISH the clothing line because there aren't many options for those that are a little tomboyish! SHOP TOMBOYISH HERE!

I couldn't think of a better time to write about Ari than right now, with the recent legalization of same sex marriage in the entire United States! I know yesterday was the last day of Pride Month, but I'm just going to continue celebrating this huge milestone we've reached as a country! 

Ari Fitz is such a style inspiration for me, especially since I'm in this very transitional phase with styles right now, and I'm trying to find a style that works for me again. I feel like this YouTube channel is exactly what I've been looking for, so I will definitely be pulling inspiration, and ideas from a lot of the styling TOMBOYISH videos! I HIGHLY suggest checking out her styling videos, and the TOMBOYISH segment on her channel!

FOR MORE ARI FITZ (because I know I definitely can't get enough of this beautiful soul)

https://instagram.com/itsarifitz
https://twitter.com/itsarifitz
http://itsarifitz.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/itsarifitz

XO
MELANIE 

Dogfish Head - Festina Peche Berliner Weisse

Considered a bit of a neo-berliner, Dogfish Head's Festina Peche is one of my favorite summer seasonals. This year seems to be a bit more on the tart-side which, for my money, is great. Peach sugars are included in the fermentation process so the yeast is farting all that nice peachy flavor right into the brew. It's a light peach too so this isn't really that overly sweet type of brew. Extremely drinkable and refreshing. Perfect for this time of year. It almost has a pinot grigio essence to it and would pair great with the same things a white wine would pair with: fish, chicken and salads. A hazy straw color with a fluffy white head, the nose upon first pouring reminds me of what your sock would smell like after cutting the grass. I mean that in the best way possible. It's a little sweet on the nose but the funk is there. Berliners are meant to be drinkable and this one rings in at 4.5%abv so you can have more and more. A nice alternative to the overly sweet shandy beers that tend to find their way around this time of year. Cheers!

say hey to dogfish head! Twit - Insta

My Score_80

Rate Beer_60

Beer Advocate_83

Music Festival Looks: What to Wear?!

Festival season is at it's absolute peak right now, and I can't get enough of all of the cute looks I see my favorite bloggers rocking at them all! Nothing cool happens where I live, so I just admire from afar and imagine what I would wear...  A GIRL CAN DREAM OKAY!!!! 

When dressing for a festival, you want to be in a comfortable, lightweight, and cute outfit! Being in a desert, sharing space with hundreds to thousands of people, in 100+ degree weather, you really want to make sure your outfit is not only fashionable, but also functional! I put together three outfits that I would wear to a festival if I ever got the chance to go to one! 

This first look is a pretty simple one, but I feel like the appeal of it would be the contrast of the simple outfit, with the colorful accessories! The second look is pretty similar to this first one, and I did that on purpose, just to show that accessories really make the outfit for these looks! Since the weather is so warm out, most people (including myself) want to wear as little as possible, and when your outfit is minimal, it's just accessories that are really making the outfit come all together! The sneakers for comfort, since you're probably going to be doing a lot of walking, and dancing around!

Sunglasses, and a hat are essential for the hot and sunny desert days at a music festival! If you're not into sun hats, I would even do a visor of some sort with this look! I love this cardigan/knitted kimono with this look so much and I don't think it'll be too hot to wear it, since it isn't a solid knit, and it has all the holes in it! 

Who needs pants? A dress is always a good choice for hot weather of course, and with this tie dye dress being as flowy as it is, you'll catch every much needed breeze as they come! I paired this dress with a pair of lilac jelly heeled sandals to give it more of a 90's girl vibe! The cross body bag will be great for carrying the necessities for a festival like your phone, your lipstick, some cash for snacks and water, and maybe even a polaroid camera to get snaps of all the fun you'll be having! 

This last look is another fairly simple outfit, paired with some cute accessories that pull it all together! 

Here's a video all about festival essentials, what to wear, and what to pack!

If you're going to be going to any kind of festival this Summer, please be safe, drink lots of water, eat plenty, try not to stray from your group too much, and most importantly, HAVE FUN!

XO
MELANIE

WILSON: RIGHT TO RISE

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DONT KNOW WHO WILSON IS....YOURE FUCKING UP! WILSON WAS WITH US FROM THE START OF VILE. THESE DUDES HOLD THE FLAG HIGH OF WHAT IT MEANS "TO KEEP IT VILE" AND SPREAD "FUCKERY!"  WE ARE SO PROUD BECAUSE IN LESS THAN A WEEK WILSON WILL BE RELEASING THEIR SECOND FULL LENGTH ALBUM "RIGHT TO RISE." ON RAZOR AND TIE RECORDS  THE DUDES WILL BE HAVING A "LOCALS ONLY" RELEASE PARTY AT THE CROFOOT THIS SAT, ALONG SIDE WITH OUR BROTHERS IN WOLFSHARK. 

SO FOR THE TIME BEING WE'D LIKE TO TAKE A LOOK BACK AT THE LAST COUPLE YEARS OF FUCKERY, APPRECIATE THE ROAD THAT THEY HAVE FOUGHT FOR, AND GET STOKED FOR THE YEARS TO COME! XOXO -AREN 

Born Free

Born Free 7. Sturgis of the west coast, but without all the baggers and Kid Rock-esque bands playing with Bud Light/MTV sponsored banners on stage. A weekend where riders from all over the country ride to Irvine, CA on bikes both old and new, American or foreign, to convene and live out a weekend embracing the biker lifestyle.

Whether you live East Coast or West, North or South, I would highly recommend checking out this show. I spent a week last June, although unable to go, following a few riders make their way across the US. One in particular was Mikey Arnold (IG @mikeyrevolt) as he rode from Cleveland out to Cali, documenting the entire trip through his camera lens. Absolutely awe inspiring pics, from the canyons of Utah, the mountains of Colorado, or being stuck camping out with a burnt out exhaust, it is plenty to make you want to get up and just go.

There is nothing that I love more about riding than the sense of brotherhood that comes with two wheels and an engine, and if anything, Born Free is proof of that. So take the opportunity to check out the show here, or make your way out to the west coast for 2 days of rubbing shoulders with fellow brother and sisters.

Ride safe

-Justynn

The Bruery - Tart of Darkness - oak aged sour stout

I was at a bar last night where some older gentlemen next to me were experiencing their first sour beer. One guy said it tasted like a fruity bandaid. He's not wrong. Most people assume a beer with a sour taste has gone bad and cannot find the appreciation behind the talent it takes to make a truly good sour. It's certainly an acquired taste, but when you get it there will never be enough. One brewery who certainly understands the delicate art of funkifying beers is the Bruery out of California. Tart of darkness has all the great chocolately-roasty qualities of a stout but this ponys trick is an amped up carbonation(lessens when aged, highly recommended) and a HUGE sour bite. Even thinking about this beer makes the back of my jaw water. It's definitely overwhelming if it's your first dive into the sour world, but such a giant treat once you're addicted to them. A low 5.6%abv to so drink away. Honestly, buy a bottle and forget about it in your cool basement for a couple years. Thank me later. Cheers!

Insta - Twitter

My score: 100

Rate beer: 99

beer advocate: 94

TEALE COCO

"Teale Coco draws influences from what lies within us: sexuality, human anatomy, occultism, spirituality – combined with the beauty beyond our bodies: high fashion, subculture, fetish, to promote unique beauty in every form, creating powerful statement pieces that EMPOWER the wearer."

Meet Teale Coco herself, the self titled brand owner of Teale Coco the Brand! Brand owner, photographer, international model, designer, and entrepreneur all by the very young age of 23! Teale completed her bachelors degree in Photography, only to move onto modeling internationally. She's now represented by several agencies worldwide! Teale Coco the brand launched at the end of 2013! Teale shoots and edits all of the Teale Coco Brand lookbooks and editorials herself! She's an Inspirational, and powerful figure for sure.

Teale Coco the Brand is a clothing, accessory and harness lingerie company based out of Melbourne, Australia, who is made up of a team of of very gifted fashion students who specialize in everything from pattern making, design, and manufacturing! Teale Coco believes in providing the highest quality manufacturing for every piece they hand-make. Not only is Teale Coco passionate about providing quality assurance, they work with young and upcoming artists to support and promote the underground Australian and international art scenes! TC aims to make pieces that make the wearer feel powerful, while taking inspiration from sexuality, the human anatomy, occultism, and spirituality and combines it all with elements seen on high fashion runways, fetish, and subculture to promote beauty in all forms for all shapes and sizes! Custom orders are 100% encouraged, and it's a specialty of theirs! 

The video above is a collab video that Teale Coco did with Deandri, a company with similar inspiration that I've done a post on for #WCW a few months back!

XO
MELANIE