Richmond street style: October

Autumn colors grace the streets of Richmond. Head to toe perfection

nice guys finish first. Flannel with a well fitted vest. Good job boys. Nerd fantasy accomplished

simple yet pulled together american apparelesque

Aenaes Aenaes Aeness.. always looking so good..

recession is near shop local. the decline of western civilization

When I was a young girl I dreamed of one day making it in the big world. One day I would find my niche and I would open up my own business. Be my own boss.

So I moved to this enchanted place called Richmond Virginia where the streets were still made of cobblestone and I could walk into a bar where everyone knew my name. I could spend a restless Sunday going into independent shops in carytown then catch brunch at a mom and pops little diner. Those days are becoming few and far between. With the economy spanking America the way it is. I watch my favorite bars, shops, galleries and restaurants put up their going out of business signs.

I've always had so much pride for the fan district keeping out major business. But how long will it be before there is a taco bell on campus. When will a H&M or Forever21 move across the street from my boutique. When will Ikea and Walmart open up on VCU campus. And when will Fridays and Olive Garden put all of our diners out of business. These are the days approaching. We are IN A RECESSION. why isn't anyone talking about it. Have you noticed how impossible it is to find a job. Have you noticed how high unemployment is. Do you realize how high gas is. This is a reality. Why is it not on the covers of all the newspapers. How can people care so much about what is happening in the rest of the world and care so little about what is happening in their own home. RECESSION is not near it is here.

recession

Casey and I work over 80 hours a week to keep our store open. And we are proud of it. We have amazing customers who refuse to let us do bad. So thank you so much. But time is ticking and lots of people need help. Supplement 4 things you do a week with independent business. It may be a little less convenient but you know where your money is going. And its right back into the city. Here are some suggestions.

CHOP SUEY BOOKS over Barnes and nobles

CROSSROADS COFFEE or ROSTOVS over Starbucks (and if you go to Starbucks you should know better)

PLAN 9 or Rumors records over Amazon (that is right there are no more record shops in Richmond... because everyone stopped going to record shops a long time ago)

Hospitality, EuroTrash, Henry, Ftwrks, Need, Rumors over Forever 21, American Apparel, H&M and urban outfitters

821 cafe over fast food

Strawberry st cafe, Nicks, Ellwoods or the Farmers Market over Ukrops and Kroger

House of Lukaya over 10,000 villages.

Fan Video over netflix and blockbuster

It would be that simple to save Richmond Small business. Even when it comes to buying gas. Stop going to 7-11!!!! that money does not go back into the city. It doesn't. Its that clear. And its really that simple. Just wait until it hits you.

goodbye, nonesuch, acacia,bogarts,jumpin j's, Ukrops,Movie Gallery, Good-bye art supply store on broad. Nancy Raygun, Poesis, Le Petite France and the list goes on and on.....

Marshe'

"The economy is getting worse, according to 79 percent of small-business owners polled in the survey. That's up from 71 percent last month and reverses a previous decline. Even more worrisome is that while the number of businesses experiencing cash-flow problems had also fallen in May, it has increased now, from 39 percent to 42 percent."

"This country needs and will hit rock bottom in the near future and then we will open our eyes to bringing back manufacturing and a sense of pride and patriotism to the country that was founded by our relatives.

Importing, Immigration, Job creation, Health care and rising prices for fuel, groceries and health costs are key concerns for our politicians and society to take a very serious look at in the very near future.

Matthew Bandyk from usnews.com

I AM SO ANGRY AND I AM 24. why isnt anyone else angry..... why isnt anyone angry.

A Society In Which No Tear Is Shed is Inconceivably Mediocre…

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NZD2VOGK

Another brilliant soul lost to suicide. I found this 16 year old Brazilian artist on Emusic today and I was transformed to my youth. Memories of Leonard Cohen, Bright Eyes, Belle and Sebastion come quickly when you listen to these heart felt songs written out of love and depression. -Marshe

"I know what it's like to be left out when all your friends try the new hip suicide thing," sang young Brazilian songwriter Yonlu — AKA Vinicius Gageiro Marques — in what became the first track of a remarkable posthumous debut assembled from music the 16-year-old left behind after himself committing suicide in 2006. ("Yonlu" was the screen name Marques used on the songwriters’ bulletin board where he posted several of these tracks). Some of the songs on this surprisingly uplifting collection — notably "I Know What It's Like," "Luana (Mêcanica Celeste Aplicada)," and "Waterfall" — stand up with the best Brazilian popular music on record. Others are obviously the work of a young experimentalist who had yet to find his voice and, in a very real sense, died trying.

Several tunes on A Society in Which No Tear Is Shed... address suicide directly, though usually with a deceptive, self-mocking wink. "I'll tell you why I wanna die," Yonlu sings of his latest romantic failure in "Humiliations"; he cries wolf again in the strangely literal "Suicide," which concludes, "Now my suicide is lit by the sunset/ It's pretty sad if you ask me." Indeed. As artistically precocious as he was emotionally fragile, Yonlu sounds more mature and confident in Portuguese — check out his suave cover of Vitor Ramil's "Estrela, Estrela" and "Luana (Mêcanica Celeste Aplicada)," a lush tropicalia-infused nod to sweet American teenage pop circa 1956 or so — than singing in his self-taught English. At his best, Yonlu combines the cerebral sophistication of tropicalia star Caetano Veloso with the tragic fragility of Nick Drake. Yet judging by the rough edits and musique concréte of tracks like "The Boy and the Tiger" and "Q-Tip," Yonlu had plenty of room to grow as a sonic scientist. His wordless crooning in "Waterfall" is guaranteed to blend brilliantly with Panda Bear on your next heartbreak-inspired mixtape.

Repeat offenders in Richmond

I usually see this doll walking down the streets of Harrison with vibrant bright colors, big 60's Sunglasses and a huge smile on her face. She looks just as vibrant in this fashion forward Lamixx detachable hooded overall and innocent vintage lace shirt. Lace stockings are a hard look to rock but paired with simple colors it gives her outfit an edge that reflects her personality. Ebony I give you two winks and a twirl

Some people know they look good. I'm pretty certain this guy is one of those people. Just look at that belt. It is fierce. Dark denim jeans with a simple cross necklace. Shades to block the haters and a sweater Kanye West wishes he owned.

If this girl isn't the lead for a hipster punk band I don't know what is wrong with Richmond. I am loving these tights with the big framed glasses. A mouth full of braces and a body covered with style.

Lady Gaga watch out. This girl has stolen your style and your attitude. Every sassy girl needs a pair of glasses that reads DIVA APPROACHING. Jump suits with rhinestones are so sexy.

Azia psychology major at VCU is a no hassle kind of girl. 70's vintage leather boots and a bright purple pencil skirt show off her flirty figure while her belt and cardigan lets you know shes all business. The scarf and bag show off her personal style and I am a huge fan of it girl. Work it.

I swear I thought Lisa Bonet's daughter Zoe walked into my store the other day. This girl is a unicorn. I was almost afraid to look her in the eyes. Some people have a style other people have an essence. She is bohemian, she is free, she is earthy, she is sweet. She reminds of a throw back to the late 70's. Wear your soul on the outside.

Adrian 16 years old and a style that rivals people twice his age. Seriously when did people in highschool start dressing good. All we had in my high school was American eagle. Fake vampires and wanna be oi punks.

I love a man in pink. I love it. I love it. Put a vest on and you immedietly have style.. You don't even have to button it up. Black shoes. Black vest. Black pants. Don't mind the shirt this boys got a dark side hes willing to share.

-marshe

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

rose that grew from a crack in concrete:

Did you hear..
Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete?
Provin nature's laws wrong
It learned to walk without having feet
Funny it seems but by keeping its dreams
it learned to breathe FRESH air
Long live the rose that grew from concrete
when no one else, even cared

- 2pac

Created by Dutch design house Demakersvan, they state: “The Lace Fence project translates that line of thinking. Fencing is a sign how we modified and cultivated our environment. Like brambles fences are rising rampantly around us. What would happen if a patch of embroided wire would meet with and continue as an industrial fence. Hostility versus kindness, industrial versus craft.”

When I saw this I was blown away. It is hands down the most innivative form of graffiti I have ever seen. It is so original and profound. It reminded me of of how a single artistic idea can change people. A single act can change a nation. Never stop making art. Never stop expressing yourself. It is okay if noone understands your vision.

-Marshe

Alison M Brady

things that make you go ummm.

-marshe

repost from style press

back to the basics: Via Snella

New spring collection by Via Snella, colorful and textured but simple.

By combining the strength of timelessness and the enjoyment
of the unexpected, Via Snella has created male fashion since 2006.
Via Snella believes that the classic will always connect with the modern.
In the merging of the two, we explore bold colors, peculiar details and
an unusual selection of textiles. The end result is uncomplicated,
modern fashion with plenty of opportunity for individualism.

http://www.viasnella.com/

Matthew Roberts: Art versus the recession

What is your 1st art experience that you can remember?

-At the mall i grew up near, they had a large print of Gorges Surat's Pointilisim piece- "a Sunday Afternonn..." A little girl is staring right at you and has a blurry face, it always freaked me out. Later in life i watched "ferris bueller's day off" where Ferris' friend Cameron has a simular experience in an art gallery. Sadly my dad still dosent own a Ferrai

What do you like to collect?
-I have an odly large collection of Rubiks Cubes. Different colors and types. I like solving them randomly in public, it still catches people off guard but only takes me about a min.

Have your parents supported the idea of you being an artist?
-Yes, although i've paid for most of my equipment through my photo and video work my parents have always supported me in my pursuit of this feild. For example- art college, helping me find jobs

Tell me about your most inspiring friend
-Growing up i had a baby sitter, her fiance Vince hung out with with me and taught me soo many things. He helped me be more of an individual and to avoid doing stupid shit.

Matthew Robert for Rumors

What are your experiences with collaboration, art related or not?
-Shooting a short film with no crew or doing a photoshoot with no model dosent always work. Friends have always stepped in and later on working with professionals helped me learn a lot. Nothing ive produced that has gotten any attention was done entirely by me.


Art versus the recession...do you think this will be a blessing or a curse?
-I respect the balance, good and evil ups and downs. History has shown great art in terrible times. Great things can and will come from this era. Also, the starving artist will make his come back.

Where were you when kurt cobain died? Did you care?
-I was 5yrs old, i dont remember much until about 14yrs old.

What did you want to be when you were 10?
-Always loved the idea of flying, wanted to be a jet pilot or part of the Black Knight Paratroopers. Then one day i learned the majority of piolts started out in the military, dream ended.

What is your favorite item of clothing you didn't pay for?
-I own a early 90's neon blue ski suit onesie. A friend baught it for me at a thrift store and yes, i still wear it snowboarding. (here's a link to a photo of me in it last season)
http://www. flickr. com/photos/brendanlane/2233415864/

What is the last show you went to?
-Tim and Eric Awsome Show Tour at Toad's Place, I wore the ski suit and got to meet the whole cast :)


Tell me something true.
- I enjoy photography but i could really care less where it takes me, it's hard to say what I mean but somehow a camera helps. If i can produce one photo that one person can look at and know exactly how i feel, Id take that over any photo job.

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

HOW TO DRESS LIKE ANDY WARHOL

• Wear an oversized blonde wig. This, above all else, is a trademark of Warhol's signature look.

• Wear a shirt with horizontal stripes, ideally white and black stripes, or white and blue stripes.

• Wear a leather jacket It should be a pretty standard leather jacket, not one with chains or anything resembling a biker's jacket.

• Wear tight-fitting, black pants. Black jeans will work just fine.

• Wear black boots. They should be fairly plain looking.

• Wear dark sunglasses. Warhol was almost always photographed wearing sunglasses.

I found this online at how.com and i think its amazing. Oh Andy. How I love you. How you have enhanced my life.

-marshe'

Rebecca Urge: New Divas changing the world of fashion

So Urge and Rumors are blood brothers. Rebecca is by far one of my favorite classy ladies. Rebecca likes to relax by shopping at rumors and making fun of several of our clothing selections. While holding up a cross color wind breaker she told me that she refused to believe that they were in style. I began to rattle on about my favorite current artist and how their style is influencing a generation. So My dear Rebekah here is a few of the top artist changing fashion with there in your face attitude and style.

M.I.A

Yes we all know her. But were we all at her first show in D.C at the 9:30 club 3 years ago. I think not. Because I was there and didn't see any of you in the half empty crowd. Well enough about my impeccable taste. M.I.A is a British-Sri Lankan singer that is well known for her dance hall hits. With a graffiti inspired 90's throw back style and two mind blowing albums she set a new bar for all d.j's and female acts. M.I.A is Swagger. Only a boss could perform 9 months pregnant on the grammys. M.I.A has a new line coming out called kala couture it will include “bomber jackets, leggings and T-shirts, all done up in the bold hues and graphic prints for which the singer is known”. If you like her style you should check out. Schwipe from Australia and CTRL from Finland.

LadyGAGA

The new queen of ny dance. One of my favorite new ladies on the rise. Miss GaGA was signed for a short amount of time to def jam at the young age of 19 but it wasn't until she started poppin hot tracks with akon when she rose on the scene. With a oversexed bowie-esque vibe this 22 year old is not hard to fall in love with. She is latching onto the scene like Madonna. Get comfortable world, Stefani Germanotta is not going anywhere. She already has tired artist like Christina BOOlera biting her style. I love miss GaGa. Shes sexy she knows it. She owns it. And we happily follow. With style icons Peggy Bundy and Donatella Versace I am looking forward to the launch of her new line.

If you like Ladygaga's style you should check out American Apparel, Versace and Lamb clothing.

KIDSISTER

Chicago's finest kid sister. I first heard about her from thehoodinternet.com with a chart smashing song "got her nails done" and a hot video to match kid sister is setting up her dynasty. Rocking pagers, side ponytails, fly nails, bright windbreakers and a no nonsense attitude her flavor rocks smooth with catchy songs you can drop your ass to. She is known for being Kanye's favorite girl which is understandable with a degree in film from Columbia College and one film under her belt I'm sure she will surpass everyone's expectations. If you like Kid Sisters style I suggest you find the dopest nail spot, a great blonde wig and hit up your local thrift shop.

YELLE

A french must see. Yelle is well known for her amazing tecktonic video “A Cause Des Garcons” on YOUTUBE. Well at least that is how I heard about her. Her low budget video's and spastic performances are mind blowing. I can't understand a thing she says but I know all the words. If you like Yelle's style you should check out Evil Genius, Burgers&Friends and Death clothing from Iceland.