The Center Of Richmond: Rumors and surrounding areas

So as your elected leader of awesomeness I've decided to rename the part of town I am located in. The new name we came up with is THE CENTER!!!!!!!!!

We had a bunch of horrible names to choose from but I thought about my favorite places around the world and nothing beats going to the Center in Ghent. Clearly Rumors is the greatest place to go in Richmond. We are located in the heart of VCU. The center of creativity and independent business. We have 821 cafe, Harrison st cafe, Exile, Bunny Hop, Crossroads coffee, the Czar, the Camel, The Anderson Gallery, Panda Veg, Empire, Mojo's, 534 and the list goes on. This area has been famous for years and its our turn to make the next few years memorable. I need 100 percent participation in the transformation of this much needed area. So when you are headed down here call it the Center.

attitude. Serious fly attitude.Empire waist pea coats are usually only worn in blues and blacks. Nothing makes a statement like a bright yellow and red coat and a distinguised pair of glasses.

Spring Blues

I guess it is mandatory for every cute girl in Richmond to have a dirty pair of brown boots. Bre is wearing her own line Breconstructed that we sell at Rumors.

Remember when the ground was covered with snow two days ago. I love Global Warming.

-marshe

idle kids

For February's RVA Magazine fashion spread I chose to focus on a handful of my favorite Richmond bands. The title "Idle Kids" calls reference from an Inquisition song title off the album "I Think It's Called Inspiration"...which probably would have been a more appropriate title for this photo collection of amazing and motivating local artists. All color photos are by David Kenedy and all black & white photos are by PJ Sykes.

DJ Long: next party is February 20 at 534

Hail Hydra: next show is February 20 at Plaza Bowl

Diamond Black Heart: has shows at Rumors April 5 and May 7

Neckbrace: currently on a hiatus from shows because they're working on a soon to be released album

Mouthbreather: next local show is March 20 at Bagel Czar and March 21 at Rumors

No BS Brass Band: next show is February 20 at Robinson Theater Arts Community Center

Party Liberation Front: just had a party last week at the Camel that I hear was great

Brainworms: next show is February 20 at Plaza Bowl

The issue can be seen online here:

http://issuu.com/rvamag/docs/rvav4i11coverweb/13?mode=embed&documentId=090218033357-1a6eec9a682b4c6186b34b067d72cae2&layout=wood

Seed Bomb How-to Guide

What is a seed bomb?

Last week I didn't exactly know, but this Sunday Lauren Paige Richeson hosted a free seed bomb making workshop at Rumors, teaching and offering supplies to dozens of interested locals of all ages.

A seed bomb is a little capsule that contains everything needed to grow a plant, all bundled up. They are made with clay and filled with indiginous seeds custom made for various locations, so that they will grow to local conditions.

what you need:

powdered clay

wildflower seeds indigenous to the area

water

mixing container

stick

What to do:
1) mix powder clay & seeds in a mixing container.
2) add just enough water to make a nice muddy clay consistency
3) roll up the mixture into little balls like gum balls
4) let dry in a cool dry place for a few days
5) throw them in empty fields.

Thanks to photographer & new friend Megan Wagner for documenting the event.

If you or any of your friends have an idea for a community workshop, please contact Casey at Rumors Boutique: 804 726 9944.

Dressing in a Recession

Even though the economy has been whispering recession for a while, the effects of the decline probably weren't a major creative influence on fashion designers and their vision of Spring 2009. It's still unknown how current events will influence fashion's direction over the next few seasons, or how consumers will respond to what is offered.

Traditionally, the retail fashion buying cycle begins one year before the actual wearing season, with orders for the clothing placed six months prior. What we see in magazines and on runways today was actually created and developed way before most of us knew we wouldn't have reliable jobs or that stocks would be so low, or even that Obama had a chance of winning the election. Trend forecasting reports have been pushing bright colors as a solution to practical spending....as put by Michael Kors, "When the economy is tough, people want something that looks optimistic. No matter how much doom and gloom goes on, they want to believe that anything is possible."

I don't think it will be that simple to predict this time around. With economists predicting a two year recession, and artists of all mediums and sizes struggling to survive the sudden lack of available credit, it'll be interesting to see both creative and business design choices.

Of course the 1930s come to mind. Depression/Recession comparisons are everywhere, so why not apply it to clothing? Despite the reputation of the decade, Depression Era fashion was far from depressing. The 1930s were actually pretty historic when it comes to style. Hemlines got shorter, new fabrics such as nylon were developed, Schiaparelli invented the zipper, the ready to wear industry was furthered as uniforms were mass produced, and women had their 1st real need for for both daywear and nightwear...

Regardless of a woman's budget, a dress in the 1930s would be worn often and its design had to stand up to being worn well. Clothing couldn't look "out" after several seasons of being worn. Styles became more simple and accessories became important- simply because they had the ability to change the look of the same outfit from one day to the next. Maybe our financial situation and to be determined needs will quality over quantity as a breath of fresh air from the copycat times fashion is currently experiencing.

A weeks worth of Street Fashion Photography in Richmond

black and white pure contrast against Richmond's bleakly decorated public transport

GQ on the runways and off. Authentic Vans with fitted jeans a sweatshirt and a Classic Black leather coat

when dressed in predominately monotone colors its always a good idea to throw a splash of color into the mix to show a bit of your personality.

A stressed tee with a comfortable tights and a loose fitting tunic cinched with a belt

WHO SAYS PUNK BOYS DONT KNOW HOW TO ACCESORISE

Reminicent of Betsey Johnson from the 1990's... Finshnets ankle boots flirty flowers with a motorcycle jacket.

Layer yourself to death when riding fast during the winter.

Beware of babies stealing the spotlight.

Harrison street: VCU street fashion

Who would have known. When did Grace st become park ave... these are the street cuties of the day.

Emily

wearing her new jumper($12) from Rumors newly open thrift shop and a reworn flannel shirt. Black tights and simple black flats

Hershel

adorable as alwaysssssssssss in a vintage sweater and corduroy pants

Gabbi

shoes by Gola. sweater dress by insight. jeans by J brand. purse by DKNY

Alastair

boots military surplus. shirt reg white. tie 50's era square bottom. shirt dirty dirty American apparel. tight jeans by kill city. hacksaw from pleasants hardware.. glasses by china made.. and way to go for shopping local and independent at pleasants hardware.... you get a kiss on the cheek.

p.s remember when you wear rumors clothes into rumors you get 10 percent off... looking good makes you a winner. and rumors girls and boys always win. always win. always win.