Eightyeightdc Fashion Blog

Hey guys and gals. I am almost jumping for joy announcing the end of 2007. I had a rough year. full of scarce blog writing, scarce free time, and lots of bad luck. Come on 2008!!! It’s going to be a good one, I can feel it.

Our last X event, brought back the likes of our DC darlin’, DeNada Design. Virginia came back to help us wrap up the new year and get us in the spirit of christmas, showcasing her new line of scarves and t-shirts. If you missed out, you can catch her at various establishments around DC, like Nido and Trim. Next month, we are going to bring the t-shirt stylings of Dr. Gonzo. The Doc himself was one of our competition designers and he’s so great that we had to have him back to showcase his t-shirts and do a little live illustration for us. That’s in January, the third Saturday as always, come on down.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of having brunch with some kick ass friends in Adams Morgan. Though he showed up late and asked me to give a ride downtown, I decided to spend the afternoon with my good buddy Steve, Stereo Faith is you’re nasty. We strolled down 18th to a usual spot, Commonwealth to check out the new hats. Not for me, for Steve. I am not a natural hat wearer, though try as I may, my head is always far too large and I always look like I may say things like… “yo, that’s shizzle” or “that’s mad dope.” It just doesn’t work. But, I do learn the new lingo whenever Steve and I go shopping. Last time I was told that we were “goin’ in” and “shoppin’ Georgetown like it was 88.” This time, I learned that dudes are way into XXL gear again and if something looks too small aka fits, it looks “young, son.” I can’t keep up.

However, I did get a sneak peek at the new Stussy shop that’s opening up a couple doors down. I believe it’s the new baby of one of the owners at Commonwealth. It’s in early stages, but it’s hot. I’m not here to spoil surprises, but I got to see it, nyah, nyah, nyah…. I can’t wait.

Apparently Starter is losing it’s edge with all the sneaker shops and they are trying to get back into the game by releasing personalized starter jackets to shops country wide. Sounds cool already, but here’s why the marketing guy in charge over there needs a promotion and summer home… They gave away 5 jackets per store, each store’s name appears across the front and whoever the local team of area is, the jacket is in those team’s colors. Premium Goods jacket is New York Giants colors, and Commonwealth got them in the Georgetown colors. Brilliant. Talk about a collector’s item. Check out how hard Hypebeast is sweating theirs. SO jealous, but then again, if I wore one, I’d have to keep up with all the slang the kids use these days and im just not up to the challenge. Fo shizzle.

After Commonwealth we went down the Palace 5ive. Beautiful store. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful store. Nick Barkley was working and managed to tell me everything cool about all the best nikes they have, thank god nothing cool was in my size, because I’m broke as a joke. However, if I knew my dad’s size, I would have totally copped the “Old Spice” pair they had. Next time you get down to 14th and Florida, go stop in. The people they employ seem to know the inventory inside and out and it’s a total lesson in cool the second you step through the front door. Another big plus that keeps them ahead, they are a skate shop primarily. It’s hard to find Nike SBs anywhere else in the city.

Ah, so here’s to the death of 2007. Cheers. See you next year. xx holla

David passed me this article in the post the other day. I had to read it a few times before I could formulate an opinion. Part of me wanted to stick up for DC and its homegrown fashion, honestly part of me was a little hurt that X didn’t make the supporters list for DC’s DIY fashion scene. And then it just re-lit that flame in me. DC is severely under-represented in the fashion community. Come forward! Stake your claim! We’re dying for it. Pioneer something important!!! I mean, when the hell is another chance like this going to come along? To lead the pack in a major movement in this day and age, in this city! It’s terrifying, but when are you going to have another chance like this!? Don’t kick yourself later.

And our very own DC Design Darling — Virginia Arrisueño is having a trunk show at Nido tomorrow night. And as always, we have our X event this Saturday. This time around the push is to keep things LIVE. Live everything, including the fashion part of things. DC51 will be screen printing on site, you do not want to miss this. I know I’m bummed that I have to.

Are you doing something that you want out there in the world? Maybe you have a friend that needs a push. Let us know. We’re here to help, I mean… hell, I’ll set up a hotline if need be. Just step it up!

xx holla

Thank god. I don’t know about you all, but I was getting tired of my $70 electric bills for my princess abuse of the A/C. Finally, I don’t look like a weirdo when I walk to work, scarf clad and long pants wearing. This is MY season and I intend to enjoy it before the chilly gets swapped with arctic.

Check out DeNada’s scarves for the season… SO fierce.

X in September brought us Flux Rad T. Kenny came to us as a DC ex pat. He currently resides in Richmond, but that didn’t make him too far away to drag him back up here and save us on shipping and handling! He is the sole designer of his line, and prints on American Apparel through a friend’s screen printing shop. Can’t get any less homegrown than that! I picked up a few t-shirts, the green being my favorite! Kenny, come home!

El Harto Imports came to represent the more DIY of things in October. Lindsey, creator of the line, brought us a load of handmade bags for the carry-all girl in city. She really embraced the spirit of the event by bringing not only her bags, but her pandahead collection of trapeze tops (so fun) and thrift finds for our pleasure. She carefully showed me all of the painstaking detail that she injects into her work by hand. This girl knows how to line a bag. In case you missed her, you can catch her at her myspace page. Or at Smash Records

Be sure to check out X in November. Though I will be vacationing it up, it promises to be an excellent time… as always!

xx holla!

Hey guys, man am I sorry about the long wait. Life has been pretty bumpy lately and I have not had the brain space that this blog deserves, but thankfully, today it feels like the clouds have parted. An old friend of mine recently passed away (I seem to be going to more memorial services than weddings these days) and though we hadn’t spoken in a few years, it didn’t soften the blow. He was an inspiring, immensely talented and charming man that continues to reside in a safe, happy place in my heart. He will be missed.

If you want to do something awesome in the early spirit of the holidays, you could donate to his son at forp3.com and read some amazing memories about his life.

xx holla

“I love that all I have to do in the morning is put on my panties.” That about sums it up. Tons of panty clad poo-na-nee sauntering around on the playa. If you’re a fan of scantily clad men and women, bring sun glasses to remain discreet and tiger balm to soother your neck from all the head cranking. Sure it’s great to see a bunch of fit, hairless people walking around half-naked, if not naked. What’s even better and more daring is seeing some of the hefty lady’s amongst us just as confident, receiving the loving attention that we all deserve, while rocking corsets that flaunt their half-dollars. Now, for all the chunky lads letting it all hang out…come on now…have some decency.

My playa clothing directives were to “bring all the clothes you bought while in Thailand for the day (Translation = loose fitting, comfortable, airy gear) and be prepared for 50 degree weather at night”. I was also told to bring lots of T-shirts (overkill) and socks. I wore my flip-flops much more than I anticipated, and still avoided ‘Playa foot’ which is the result of the alkaline surface decimating one’s feet.

Burning Man’s inspiring atmosphere subsequently evokes a real DIY attitude, resulting in a litany of incredible creations and costumes.

One of the best things about the Playa is the opportunity to connect with people on a level unattainable in our normal, hectic and harried lives. I had the good fortune of linking up and connecting with my Walt Whitman Viking classmate Andrea Spratt, founder and artistic director of Kucoon (www.kucoondesigns.com) out of LA.

Andrea’s one of those special people that is consciously embracing a journey of discovery. She’s engaging, eager to learn and remains very connected with herself, her needs and mission. Camped in an RV with 7 beautiful women, Andrea set out to dress them each and every night with her latest couture gear.

I asked Andrea, a 6 year playa veteran, what it is that keeps her coming back.

“Burning Man reminds me of what is important, coupled with  the ironic challenge of nothing being important. The environment (harsh beauty) dust storms, sweet sunsets, the refreshing
breeze that only comes when you need it the most.
Being forced to deal with the demons that you have ignored all year in your world of busy distractions. My experience might be different from others but it is not always bliss, it is work. Most
importantly, Burning Man allows me the opportunity and space to
reconnect with old friends.”

Given 3 words to describe Burning Man, Andrea chose:
reflections, connections, creations

In explaining her fashion line, Andrea describes Kucoon as a mismatch of dirty and pretty things. She likes to combine the unexpected (lace and leather, cotton couture). Comfort is always key. Her inspiration is girlie tomboy.

As a noobie to the event, I was actually quite surprised at the urban-fringe fashion genius I encountered at Burning Man. I was expecting a lot of DIY costumes and fur (more on that below), but it was really cool to see how many Kucoonesque clad folks there were. For me, these folks represented the sexy, fringe side of urban culture that on the east-coast and in particular in DC we don’t get to see a lot of.  Having said that, I’m not sure that one would encounter said gear on the streets of LA or San Fran unless at a Burner inspired event.

Besides soft, sweet skin, what’s better to touch and feel while in a dusty, arid environment that gets particularly cold at night? Fur. I can see why there is such a preponderance of Fur at Black Rock City. It feels good. It’s soft and comforting, when everything around you is harsh and rough and it keeps you warm on cold playa nights. I couldn’t imagine having a fur couch at home, but on the playa I was like, bring it. The above picture is of two cheeky lads getting ready for the Billion Bunny March.

Other things that stood out for me from a fashion stand point:
+ Top Hats
+ Plumage – lots of feathers in hats.
+ Goggles (for dust storms)
+ Glowing/Blinking accutrements, accessories (EL-Wire, LEDs, hokey spokes, Blinkies and yes…glow sticks, but not nearly as many as a rave at Nation).
+ Masks (The surgical kind, power tool kind or bandannas)
+ Sarongs (Dav, you mad-man you)
+ Jewelry: www.myspace.com/230811954

It is not hard to understand how Burning Man reconfigures and reorients people’s lives. The amount of ingenuity, innovation and inspiration established in a more-or-less safe and experimental environment is nothing short of incredible. The roll of fashion cannot and should not be understated in the affair as how we clothe or don’t for that matter, is intrinsically linked to how we carry and express ourselves in any environment. The ability of a place to push all of ones limits is truly a gift that should be embraced, cherished and experienced. No doubt about it, there is nothing like Burning Man and Black Rock City in the world. Get your ticket for 2008 and start putting together your wardrobe!

Wow, July and August’s X events were awesome. Last month we had One Small Star come in and sell her fine goods… (please please check out her collection, you aren’t going to find anything else like it). We were lucky enough to have her come down and share her vision on what’s good these days in the jewelry world. I was a big fan of her recycled aluminum earrings and most people at the event were bowled over by her lariat necklaces. With so many ways to tie a necklace, the options were endless. Everyone had a lot of fun trying them on and making up personal combinations. If you missed her at the event, you can still catch her at her personal website or on Etsy.

July was awesome over at the X camp. I was honestly not sure that we could top it. If you have not been over there yet… GET OVER TO BEBAR, THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH, EVERY MONTH! We try to get in as many local artists/designers/painters/dreamers/creators as we can. We are trying to create a community within the metro area that feels comfortable. A place where you can talk, share, think… do whatever you want to do without feeling trapped by social norms and insecurities. Everyone fits in here. Just ask Graham.

Oh man, July was truly something special, and like I said, I thought all events following it up were going to pale in comparison. I was SO wrong. August, we had the pleasure of hanging with Tina Seamonster (above), Craft Mutinist & Sara Dick, Crafty Bastard. We were lucky enough to meet them through Beth Magpie. If you came in June, you’ll definitely remember her sad little aliens.

Tina and I actually worked together before at a show over at Palace of Wonders. She didn’t remember me and my feelings were kind of hurt, but the level of energy this woman has, in addition to the fact that she is raising twin 2 year olds… I am surprised she remembered to come to the event. All’s forgiven. Her Zombie underwear was a huge hit.
She brought Sara Dick with her, Sara works over at the City Paper and is one of the founders of Crafty Bastards. Sara made some lovely playful ceramic pendants and custom door handles. I pried the gossip out of her on the next CB event… it’s going to be nuts this year. We talked for a really long time and she told me all about the project’s future goals and outreach. Keep your ear to the ground because Crafty Bastards is BLOWING up. You can read about all here.

I think the most fun was just hanging out with the ladies. There were so many people at the event, it was hard to get around… art and conversation EVERYWHERE. I do however want to send kind thanks to Morgan Muss aka Panda Head for coming to our event, she’s definitely been an early supporter of the X in DC event. We were really glad to see her. Now she just needs to take a hiatus from her impossibly busy life to get back to creating her hopelessly romantic babydoll numbers. DC needs them!!

If you have any interest in being a vendor at our X in DC event or know someone who you think would enjoy the experience… PLEASE send them to me. We’re trying to give everyone a shot and as I go through my resources, I don’t want to ever feel like I might be coming up short. Like I said before, this is a community building and inspiring event. There is no room for feeling left out, intimidated, or shy. We’re here to help, you just have to raise your hand and let us know where you are. Come hang out with us… we’re the motley bunch wearing nametags over at Bebar every third Saturday of the month.

xx holla

Hot new shop down on 14th and Florida, I recommend that you all run down there immediately for, as Nick Barkley so eloquently puts it:

“the store is half mens and womens streetwear and fashion, half dope ass skate shit in a boutique setting.

FEAT: NEW SHIT FROM
NIKE SB
STUSSY
VANS
FUCKING AWESOME
REBEL 8
SABRE VISION
ETC”

I love a Nick Barkley. Tell him hello for me when you pull through.

Though their website isn’t up and running just yet… there are plenty of mumblings around the internet. Check out pictures here, courtesy of Mr.Brightside. Thank you. If you are familiar with the Elite kids, don’t be surprised if you recognize a few heads when you walk through the door.

Get down there today because it’s going to be a skatekid’s wet dream:

2-5pm meet and get autographs from Stevie Williams & DGK and watch the Red Bull best trick contest.

See you there!

xx holla

I am not that great at celebrating holidays, and I don’t mean the ones that pass you by without so much as a blip on your radar, I am talking birthdays, thanksgiving, christmas, etc. But I saw some very interesting fashion at this evening’s party in celebration of another year the US has managed to stay independent from the UK. Nobody does political/national satire quite like DC. I wish I had taken pictures, but alas I did not. Just imagine the Village People rolled into a dance party in hot pants with stars and bars shaved in their heads. You are SO upset that I don’t have photos. I am too.

But, even in the most humorous sense, the chances being taken actually started to make me hate my current summer safe wear; black shortish length t-shirt, cuffed jeans, tres cute shoes. My winter uniform of choice; black long sleeve shirt, dark jeans, tres cute shoes/boots. No matter how I accessorize, I am bored, dying for color, and feeling semi out of touch as to what’s good these days.

Duh. Resource 1 - Panda Head.  I know I rave about Morgan all the time, but she’s really saving this city’s lazy, tan, khaki linen laden ass. I tried to get out to a party at Napoleon on Saturday night and I figured that parking in Adam’s Morgan might not be so bad at 1am… I am apparently an idiot and had no idea. I sat in the parking lot of a drunk 18th st, dying to turn anywhere. The best way that I could describe it was that I felt like I was driving through a 90% off Black Friday JCrew/Anthropologie closeout sale. Yes, I am a hater, but Morgan Muss/Pandahead has proven time and time again that for every ten clones, there is at least one breath of fresh air right on their heels. Check out the interviews, her amazing $40 thrift store challenge and see if you can find your friends. I’m considering hiring her to take charge of my style makeover.

ooooo, before and after. I smell a project!

xx holla!

This month’s X was a good one. Even though some would argue that I wouldn’t remember much… Hey, that’s what happens when you go on a scavenger hunt, then get called to brunch. Saturdays in June are meant for luscious cocktails and overall bad behavior. But enough about me, check out this guy…

The format has really expanded, this month we heartily invited Beth Magpie to come join in on the fun. She’s such a great lady, so creative and seems to have a generally crafty way about her. I showed up slightly later than I was supposed to (thanks brunch) and she had already set up her motley crew. And when I say motley, I mean that in the nicest way possible. She is a DIY pro, I saw earrings, worried martians, squawking bird prints, pressed petal necklaces, metal paintings — you name it, I bet she’s made it. In fact, instead of entertaining the bar until people started arriving, she was knitting a cozy for her phone because she wasn’t sure if she wanted to keep it or return it. Crafting is in her blood. If you missed her, you can check her out on Etsy… please do and tell her I sent ya.

So, it’s summer, get outside. It’s perfect time to get down to the markets and celebrate the DIY-ers. One particular group that Beth is a part of, Craft Mutiny, has DC on lockdown. I really love this group, they seem to be so involved in their community. Not only are they kicking ass and taking names, but they are also doing everything they can to take care of their own. In August, we are lucky enough to have 2 more mutineers come to X, Tina Seamonster and Charming Vices.

I love my share of reasonably priced to totally out of my league fashion, but there is something so gratifying — knowing that what you are wearing, is one of a kind, handmade, and making everyone jealous. Support your DIY scene!

Next month, we have Mike Cao  and Jen Onesmallstar. I’ll introduce them in the next entry and I promise it’ll be sooner rather than later! We just need to work out some deets before I tip my hand.

xx holla