From Philadelphia
Music: "Bummer Summer" by PO PO. Find on
iTunes.
UO Summer Dresses 2012
If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen and into our 2012 summer dress collection—these dresses will keep you cool even on the hottest of nights.
From New York
The Tourist x Burkman Bros Launch Event
Join us tonight at our 5th Ave Urban Outfitters store (521 5th Ave & 43rd St.) to celebrate the launch of The Tourist X Burkman Bros collection! There will be food, drinks, free Lonely Planet Travel Books, and music by DJ Luis Angel Cancel. Learn more about the collection by reading our interview with the Burkman Bros and then RSVP here!
From Los Angeles
Surf Daze Interviews: Stone Cold Fox
Stone Cold Fox are one of the latest labels to be picked up at Urban Outfitters for the Surf Daze Collection. We spoke to them about a few of their favorite things, the life of being a Stone Cold Fox and much more.
How did Stone Cold Fox begin? What were you doing before?
D: It began after Cydney graduated for fashion design in San Francisco, and I graduated for merchandise marketing and business in L.A. We both had to move back home, and we started a blog with Cyd’s senior collection, which we added on a few more styles. We did it all in her parents extra room and we were cutting all the orders out on a kitchen table and Cyd was sewing in a little room. From there we worked side jobs and did SCF at night, and it slowly grew from there. We got picked up in a few stores, got an official work space and website, and we just take it day by day and have so much fun with it.
I imagine Penny Lane from Almost Famous would have stocked her suitcase before Morocco with everything from your label. Do your inspirations change each season or are there certain things always fueling what you want to do with your latest collection?
Cydney: She would definitely pack lots of SCF and beautiful vintage pieces! The inspirations do change for every collection, but we always stick with the SCF aesthetic. Very '70s, lingerie inspired, delicate pieces that feel vintage.
What's the normal routine over at SCF headquarters? C: It's quite hectic here; we answer a ton of emails every day, we cut out personal orders. I try to set aside some time to make a new item every day, pattern work and sketching. Dallas is working with our production team getting all the items ready for stores. We sometimes have fittings in the office with brides, or just people who want to come in. And sometimes we go to LA and get prints, and fabrics for orders.
Where would your go-to surfing destination be and why?Dallas: I have always wanted to go to Brazil and check out the beautiful beaches and the culture over there. I heard there are great jewelry and accessories stands right on the beach and that sounds like heaven to me! I would also love to go back to Bali. We went there about two years ago, and it seriously changed our lives. That place is magical.
What are you listening to, in and out of the office?
C: Right now I’m really into Alabama Shakes, Fleet Foxes, Tennis, and Brian Jonestown Massacre.
What kind of things do you collect?D: Yes, we do love to collect. We might have a bit of a shopping problem. We love our carved out skull heads from Bali, antique embroidered Turkish throws and pillows, coffee table books, Moroccan rugs, cow hyde rugs, and beaded crystal glasses.
Getting inside your closet, what are you grabbing first in case of a fire?C: My leather Friend of Mine shorts, this amazing crochet vintage slip, and my fur jackets. Luckily almost all of the SCF items are at the office so they are safe.
D: Oh that’s a hard one. I would try to save all my shoes, these amazingly soft leather pants from The Row, and my antique turquoise cuff and matching earrings.
Who would be your dream person, alive or dead, to dress?D: I would say Jane Birkin and Kate Bosworth.
Do you plan on expanding SCFHome, your bedding collection?C: Yes! We love home décor so much. We are coming out with our newest home collection in May 2012, and we will probably do one a year. We have redone our entire work space, and decked out our new home in Venice Beach. The home wears are so amazing, with the most beautiful linens and silks mixed with laces. This time we are graduating into more kitchen wear, and some new bedding.
What would be your dream to do next? Footwear? Shades? A store?C: I think a store would be really cool, and bringing in one or two accessories. We did a cow-hyde clutch in our second collection that was so amazing, so I would love to start doing travel bags or small clutches again.
D: Definitely footwear—that would be my dream! I have so many ideas already and I have always loved shoes. Whenever we go to flea markets or antique shops, Cyd is always the one who finds the amazing clothes and I find the amazing accessories. I would love to do it all and open a shop. That’s what I originally went to school for, so one day we will have our own shop filled with SCF and amazing accessories!
X - Jen
From New York
The Tourist by Burkman Bros
We met up with the Burkman Bros at their new office in Midtown West to get the details on their latest collection, The Tourist. Here we talk about their inspiration, their travels, and what it's like working with your family.
Hey guys, can you introduce yourselves?
We’re Doug and Ben Burkman of Burkman Bros.
Where did you grow up?
Doug: We grew up in Canada but we’ve lived in New York for about 15 years now.
Ben: Our mother’s American so we have dual-citizenship.
How did you get started in design?
Doug: I went to a design school in Canada and when I was done college I moved to New York and started working as a designer at Gap.
Ben: I started working at the age of 23 at Gap as an assistant designer; I kind of came in through the back door. I put together a creative project and they offered me the position.
Why did you want to start your own brand?
Doug: You know, you work in a big company for so long and you see your designs on the streets and on the subway, you get to a point where you’re like, “Maybe I can do this by myself.”
What made you decide to work together? Doug: Ben and I have always worked together. Even when we were little kids we had jobs together and it was on our path to continue to work together, I suppose.
How many people are on your team? Doug: There’s the two of us and another brother who handles e-commerce and shipping, and the day to day. Then we have a whole slew of assistants, interns, and people who come and go on a project basis.
Is it harder or easier to work with family? Ben: It makes it easier. We have such a long history and a deep understanding of how each other operate. Working with family probably has a lot more benefits compared to a relationship that could sour and fall apart. Your brother is a lifelong friend.
Do you ever disagree over designs? Ben: All the time!
How do you get passed that? Doug: Someone goes storming out of the office! (laughs)
Ben: I feel like with everything in life, it’s a compromise. So, if someone feels very strongly about something then we let them pursue it.
Can you tell us about The Tourist collection that we are currently selling? Doug: We’re really excited because a typical Burkman Bros collection can be a little on the expensive side sometimes, and we wanted to be able to offer our point of view to everybody. The price points are amazing. You can get a whole outfit for under $100 dollars.
What was your inspiration behind it? Doug: The Tourist collection in particular was inspired by a summertime trip to Greece that we took last year. We’re largely inspired by travel. We go to different places around the world that help us form our collections on a seasonal basis. The Tourist is kind of the younger brother to that. The clothes are definitely geared towards a slightly younger guy but it has the same spirit. There are some really cool pieces with patterns and there’s a blue, white, and red color palette.
What is your favorite item in the collection? Doug: A shirt with printed fish on it. I think prints are super cool now in men’s fashion and this is a geek-chic way of wearing a print.
Ben: My favorite is the white short. The white short in summer is such a great staple and ours is really amazing engineered jacquard-stripe across the front.
Doug: Also the accessories we did were pretty cool. We did bracelets which we are kind of known for. Additionally, there is a rope sandal by Gurkee’s, that is pretty cool. We’re selling a couple of colors exclusive to Urban Outfitters.
Where are some of the other places you’ve traveled together? Ben: We go to India together on a regular basis. This year we went to Hawaii with some of our friends. It can be super tacky and super touristy but at the same time it’s beautiful and there’s tons of stuff to do. You can go surfing, you can go hiking—everything’s there.
What’s the best tourist spot in New York?
Doug: Whenever I have someone in from out of town I bring them to the top of the Rockfeller Center. It has an amazing view of the whole city. You can see the Empire State Building, which is really great. A lot of people go to the top of the Empire State, but it’s nice to be in another building to look at it.
Any final thoughts?
Ben: Look for more amazing things to come from The Tourist by Burkman Brothers!
From Philadelphia
Surf Daze
Behind the scenes of Ryan Kenny's photo shoot in the Australian wild, featuring looks for Tallow, Surf Electric by Bethany Mayer, and Insight.
From Philadelphia
Ask Our Beauty Buyer: Part 2
Last week you tweeted us your beauty questions, now our beauty buyer Marlyn has your answers!
Marnie: HOW TO GET PERFECT EYEBROWS?!
Marlyn: This is my forte! Comb eyebrows straight up to reveal your natural eyebrow arch. Trim all eyebrow hair that extend more than approximately 1/8 inch above your top eyebrow line. Pluck all hairs that grow below the natural eyebrow arch. Comb hairs back into place. Pluck all hairs that grow above the top eyebrow line. Lay a pencil vertically along the inside of your nose toward your forehead. The point where the pencil hits your eyebrow is where your inner eyebrow should begin. Pluck all hairs that fall inside of this point. Line a pencil up between the outer edge of your nose and the outer edge of your eye. The point where the pencil crosses your eyebrow is where the eyebrow should end. Trim or pluck all hairs that grow beyond this outer point.
Caitlin: how should I change up my beauty routine from winter to summer? #askUOMarlyn: Here are my tips for fuss-free summer beauty:
2.
Bronzer adds instant warmth to your face, sweep color on the bridge of your nose, top of your cheekbones and lightly hit the forehead and chin to finish.
3.
Lip gloss. I love juicy colors like coral, bright pink, and lilac for summer.
4.
Pretty toes. Choose a shade that is unexpected like charcoal gray, or try something fun like ombre toes—a different shade on each one!
5.
Body Art. Summer is the time to show some skin, why not decorate it? Use traditional henna patterns or create your own!
From Los Angeles
No More Dirty Looks
In their witty book and blog,
No More Dirty Looks, bicoastal BFFs Siobhan O'Connor and Alexandra Spunt get to the bottom of what's toxic and what's not in your shower and makeup bag, and offer tips on how to green your routine. You can trust them to find the freakiest DIY techniques (who knew beets make a great lip and cheek stain?) and road-test the latest skin, hair, and makeup products on the eco-scene. Below, the dynamic duo shares their story (and some tricks of the trade) with UO. -Eviana
Why did you become crusaders for clean beauty products?Alexandra: Siobhan was visiting and we thought it would be a great idea to get Brazilian Blowouts for a party we were going to. Of course, it turned out to be a terrible idea! We now know (thanks to lab studies) that the treatment we got contained extremely high levels of formaldehyde—a recognized carcinogen—which explains why we were given goggles for our burning eyes. But we're also grateful for the BB because it was our big a-ha moment.
Siobahn: From there we just basically tore through our apartments and starting reading the tiny print on all our beauty products. We became total ingredient junkies and figured if we didn't know about this stuff, other women probably didn't either. So we wrote the book and started the website we wished existed, but didn't.
A: We made a promise to each other when we started writing the book that we wouldn't turn into crunchy hippies, because that's not what this is about—it's still about feeling glamorous and pretty, just without harmful chemicals. That said, I think Siobhan has done better at keeping the promise! I have my crunchy moments.
S: She does! I am definitely crunchy in other ways—I can get pretty airy-fairy—but I don't really look that way. I like beautiful and aesthetically pleasing products. I'm way less DIY than Alexandra.
What are some of the things that surprise people the most about how toxic most beauty products are?
S: We get a lot of "whoa, whoa, whoa!" when we tell people there may be lead in their lipstick, mercury in their mascara, or formaldehyde in their salon treatment—and all of those things are true! But what's worse, to us, is the stuff that's in your shampoo, your face cleanser—the things you use every day. People are also usually pretty shocked when they learn that because of trade-secret laws, the ingredients in all synthetic fragrances (which are in everything!) do not have to be listed on labels. Finally, the simple fact that the FDA has banned fewer than 10 ingredients for use in cosmetics—when Europe has banned more than 1,000—tends to be a holy-shit moment.
What are your five favorite beauty products and why?
A: That's like asking us to choose between our children! Not that we have children. I mix it up, but you'll usually see
RMS makeup in my arsenal, because it feels good and is really easy to apply on the go. I've also stayed loyal to
Rare Elements conditioner, despite its high price (I rotate it with cheaper brands), because it smells like heaven and is even thicker than my old Pantene for curls.
S: I don't mind playing favorites—though mine tend to change, too! I'm currently obsessed
Tammy Fender's Intensive Repair Balm, which I'm not using to really repair anything, but I find it calms redness and has improved the overall look of my skin. I also love the newly reformulated cleanser from
Kahina Giving Beauty,
Ilia lipsticks in bright coral and pink, and I won't leave the house without
Lotus Wei's Infinite Love perfume, which smells lovely but also has mood-enhancing benefits that seems to rub off on whoever I'm around! (See? Airy fairy.)
Any new lines or that you're excited about?
S: I'm digging
La Bella Figura. I'm not sure how new the line is, to be honest, but it's great.
A: Like Siobhan said:
Ilia! It's an amazing newer line of clean lipsticks and creamy blushes that feels hydrating, has lasting power, and comes in really playful colors.
Anything you've tried that seemed weird but is surprisingly effective?
A: Not washing my hair.
S: Putting pure plant oils all over my body, hair and face. People who haven't tried it will think you are totally bananas for doing this, but it doesn't break out even my totally sensitive skin. It's cheap, too.
What are some of your wackiest DIY rituals?
S: I like mixing my own body scrub with brown sugar and tons of vanilla and olive oil, but that's about it. Oh, and I use honey on minor cuts and blemishes as a wound ointment, like you might use Polysporin. That's pretty weird, but it works!
A: Washing my face with honey, though that seems perfectly normal now. (See? Kinda crunchy.)
From Elsewhere
OBEY THE GIANT-The First Narrative Film About OBEY
OBEY THE GIANT is the recently funded Kickstarter film about OBEY creator Shephard Fairey. The project is the first narrative film about Fairey's legacy (think of it as The Social Network for the art world) and depicts the origin of his Obey the Giant street art campaign at RISD. The film shows us where it all began and gives hope to all artists who are trying to do something bigger than themselves. You can back the film here!
From Elsewhere
Lush Caca Mama Hair Dye Bars
Hair dye is one of those things that seem unavoidably toxic. Searching online for a way to tone down my brassy old highlights without choking on fumes, I discovered... A chocolate bar? The whimsically monikered, chemical-free Caca Mama Bars from Lush combine henna with other natural-dye ingredients like coffee and indigo to create colors beyond the basic red. The base is cocoa butter, and just like you're making hot chocolate, you shave it and melt it before letting it cake onto your hair for up to a few hours. Though the process is slow and supposedly quite messy, most of the online reviews are raves; some even swear the stuff seals up split ends. And when you consider the foul, cancer-causing chemicals that soak right into your scalp when you use regular dye—and what probably happens when they get rinsed down the drain—it seems worth a shot. -Eviana
From Philadelphia
Ask Our Beauty Buyer: Part 1
Last week you tweeted us your beauty questions, now our beauty buyer Marlyn has your answers!
Amber: I'm trying to grow out my hair as quickly as possible. Any suggestions on how to this/new styles to try while in the process?Maryln: Growing out your hair can suck, but think of it as an opportunity to try new things with your hair. When bangs start to grow and get in your eyes, shift them to one side—you can use a mini flat iron to get them to go in the direction you choose. Another great trick is a small twist or braid to one side. Start with your bangs and add a section of longer hair to blend into the twist. Pin above the ear with a
cute barrette. As far as your ends go, adding a wavy or curl at the bottom hides dry or split ends. Use two large hot rollers (one for each side of the hair) to create a quick curl without looking like Shirley Temple.
Sara: What is best strategy when applying bold lip colors like coral & fushia? lip liner before/after stick? I was never taught!
Marlyn: Before is best, it gives you a shape to fill in. To keep color in place use concealer around the perimeter of your lips. To go one step further, blot lips with a tissues and then dust translucent powder over the tissue to hold color in place. Now you're ready to try out some bold lips, like
these shades by PAUL & JOE.
Beauty Tip: The Hair BowPut your hair in a ponytail on top of your head. (To get it in the right position flip your head upside down and brush the hair from root to tip to get it smooth and in the right direction.) Once you have the pony split it into two even sections. Bend the left section into a loop and pin on the ends on the back right side, do the same on with the other section in the opposite direction. Tuck any unruly pieces under the loops. That’s it! Easy. For an even easier way, try a clip-on hair bow like
this one by Hershesons. This look is great for a night out or for prom!
From Vancouver
Ilia lip color
In my ongoing quest to green my makeup routine, I've come across some everyday keepers (Tarte mascara, Korres mineral powder)—but when it comes to my lips, natural brands haven't quite been up to snuff. I like lip color that's sheer but ultra-bright, and—this is crucial—free of shimmer or wet shine. For that I'd been resigned to some chic but not-so-earthy brands containing parabens, mineral oils, and other drying, chemical crap. Finally, the perfect hybrid is here: Ilia, which makes 85% certified organic, botanical-based lipstick and tinted lip conditioners in vivid, interesting, sparkle-free colors that any Balenciaga-loving, Hanneli-following fashion-phile would be happy to wear. My new staple: Shell Shock, a bright pink-orange that moisturizes like butter and looks like a faint wash of electric Kool-Aid. -Eviana
From Philadelphia
Prom Style Icon: The Lisbon Sisters
It's no secret that Sophia Coppola's film adaptation of The Virgin Suicides has reached a cult-like status with teenage girls everywhere—and for good reason. The five Lisbon girls' lives, experiences, struggles, and moments of desperation resonate deep within anyone who's ever been a 13-year-old girl. When school hunk Trip Fontaine gets permission to bring Lux to the prom, the girls get to escape from their parent's strict ruling for just one night. We've picked a few items that we think the Lisbon sisters would have enjoyed before the missed curfew and inevitable crackdown.
KNT By Kova & T Chiffon Floral Maxi DressMrs. Lisbon would never tolerate anything too revealing (she'll add an inch to the bust line and two to the waist and hems). We think Lux would look perfect in this floral maxi, complete with sheer flutter cap sleeves. We also found a few choices for
Mary,
Bonnie, and
Therese—we'd like to see her try to turn those into sacks!
The Lisbon girls may be doomed for total isolation but this free-spirited floral crown will help them let go for the night and dream of a better tomorrow.
The Lisbon girls should have made it a point to capture their entire prom night—if not for themselves then for the neighborhood boys who would try to figure them out for years after their deaths (but never could).
From New York
Baggu leftover-leather keychains
The ladies of Brooklyn-based accessories brand Baggu are sustainable-style superheroes. Not only have they made the once-dowdy reusable grocery tote lighter, better, thinner, and stronger; they've single-handedly made it cool enough to be your regular bag, with spot-on pop colors, luxe leathers, and print collaborations with designers like Mociun. Now, they're stepping up their commitment to waste reduction with the launch of two leather keychains—a wedge-shaped coin purse and a wrist loop for those can't-find-my-keys moments—made from small cuttings, left over from making their leather bags and pouches that would otherwise go to waste. The hides are tanned in upstate New York, and the keychains are made in the US. They'll be sold online starting May 1, in a range of fun shades like lemon yellow, grapefruit, and mint. - Eviana
From Elsewhere
Kryptonite Skins
The ever-present black and orange mini U-Lock can be a little drab for some, but Kryptonite offers these kits to replace the original rubber casing. Mix and match a couple of them and you've got a pretty unique way to keep your bike safe. -Bob
From Los Angeles
UO Interviews: Vanessa Mooney
Vanessa Mooney is a jewelry designer based out of Downtown Los Angeles. Here we talk about her latest collection and she give us some tips on how to choose jewelry that's right for you.
Hi Vanessa! What are some of the things you're into?
I love the beach, the mountains, the ocean but I also love the city—L.A., NYC, and Paris! I have always been interested in anything related to the arts whether it was music, painting, or fashion. I grew up in Hollywood so music and street style were always something I related to and was into. I have a love for anything that is creative and inspires others to be creative. I find beauty in so many things, like people and their expression of what is interesting and beautiful to them.
Tell us about your latest collection.
This collection was fun for me! I was inspired by color and I got a little wild with it. I felt like I was designing with this idea of a powerful woman. I was excited to do some really fun pops of color with mixed metals, and some cool jewelry that had a bit of an Aztec warrior feeling. From living and working in Downtown Los Angeles, I am always walking by fabrics, colors, prints, murals, buildings, and people! I took from that and mixed textures and colors. There is a mixture of different time periods and cultures with an edge.
What inspires your jewelry making?
For me it's always an accumulation of sights, feelings, and ideas that start off my collections—I am always looking and watching everywhere I go. I always feel a combination of inspiration as I get going and the pieces are completed. I like that feeling of random combinations that occur when I am done and I look at the overall collection! It doesn't feel forced but more of a flow from one piece to another.
What type of girl wears your jewelry?
I feel I design for that girl on the street, who you pass by and look twice. It is for someone who isn't afraid to be themselves, and tries to experience new things in life and their travels. I think the girl that wears my jewelry wants something different, so instead of doing what she sees other people do, she makes it her own in whatever way she does!
What are your favorite pieces of jewelry that you've designed?
The "Fight the Power" pieces this season! I love the layer-able rings and bangles—they make me feel sexy and strong. They are all metal and have an African punk rock feel to them, which I am totally into right now!
What are some tips you would give to someone who is interested in buying jewelry, but doesn't know where to start?
Definitely build a collection of pieces! Jewelry is super fun and can make clothing exciting. Start with something that gives you a good, sexy, tough, or fun feeling when you have it on, while also complementing your body or personality! I surprise myself all the time with suddenly wanting to wear something I would have never thought I would be into. You just have to go with it try not to limit yourself!
Do you have any idols when it comes to jewelry?
I don't know that I have idols but I really admire the work that other jewelry designers do.
Pamela Love,
Pade Vavra—there are so many!
If you could only wear one piece of jewelry for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would have to be the ring my husband gave me almost ten years ago when he asked me to marry him! It's a vintage diamond from the late 30's and it's my most important piece of jewelry I own.
Thanks Vanessa!
Xoxoxo
From Philadelphia
Prom Style Icon: Kat Straford
Katarina Stratford is the uptight, always-pissed older sister in one of our favorite '90s movies, 10 Things I Hate About You. Described in the script as "eighteen, pretty—but trying hard not to be", Kat spends her time reading Sylvia Platt and hating everything high school. Unfortunately for her, she gets wrapped up in one of those incredibly predictable movie bets where the bad-boy hottie of the school, Patrick (played by the ever-so-dreamy Heath Ledger, RIP!), is forced to take her to prom. Let's just say we don't feel too bad for her. Here are some picks in honor of Miss Statford—the anti-prom queen!
Although school is full of oppressive patriarchal values that dictate our education, that doesn't mean you can't look totally hot in a '90s thin-strap inspired dress for the big night. Plus, the slit on the side makes it easy to run when you’re hightailing it out of the prom.
Hey Kat, we know you hate Patrick's big dumb combat boots, but we hate your platform thong sandals. These are a good clunky compromise between the two.
Lucky for Kat, choker necklaces are back in style. Lucky for us, pearls aren’t. We love this modern choker with a little bit of edge (at least enough to scare off Joey "eat me" Donner).
Even an angry feminist wants flowers for prom. She wants you, she needs you, oh baby, oh baby!
Kat might claim Patrick had no effect whatsoever on her panties, but we all know you don’t buy black lingerie unless you want someone to see it—plus, no underwear lines!
Could this mini journal be any more perfect? Okay, it could be the size of a binder, but still! It's great for any angsty after-prom writing. BRB, we're crying watching the
video of Kat's poem for the 100th time. ;(
From Philadelphia
Prom Vibes: Pretty Goth
It's totally cool to sulk around the dance floor on your prom night. Isn't that what being goth is all about? Going to popular high school events and hating everyone? Give everyone a satanic eye-roll in these super "doom and gloomy" dresses and accessories. Stay grim!
A long lace dress screams "I'm at a funeral" which basically is the same thing as "I'm at prom."
A shorter dress is easier to dance in, because I know you'll be doing a lot of dancing (aka moping around).
Make your toes as pointy as vampire teeth with these black wedges.
Gotta stay religious at prom! LOL, not! This will just give you some '80s goth flair. - Hazel
From Japan
Ojaga Design
Your $$$$, your phone and your lighter (for lighting candles, incense and fireworks, not cigarettes) should all be decked out with as much colored leather as possible.
From New York
Izola
Above are some of the great understated products by New York brand Izola who produce a variety of home items and personal accessories. The extra pocket-friendly circular flasks come in three and five ounce sizes with eight different engraved messages to pick from in addition to a blank one. -Bob
From Philadelphia
"Irises in a Monet Garden" Claude Monet 1900
Prom Vibes: Painted Lady
Want to look like a beautiful painting for prom without slathering yourself in watercolors? Check out these gorgeous dresses and accessories that have some painterly vibes without the actual paint. You'll look like a work of art! The boys at prom will be all, "Girl, you'd probably sell for bajillions of dollars at auction!"
Did you get paint on your dress? Kidding! Try this floral dress with kimono sleeves.
Wear a dozen colors at once with this floor-length cutie.
Brighten up the dance floor with these chunky Jeffrey Campbell heels.
Not into the long dresses? Try a mini! They're better for dancing anyway! - Hazel
