Inspired BY: The Nineties

Oh 90s grunge. How I miss you so.

Today's inspiration comes from my childhood, the 90s. Specifically the early to mid 90s grunge period. I derive a good amount of inspiration from this era. It's so sexy and raw with a solid air of rebellion mixed in for good measure. Granted it could just be the Dawson's Creek phase I'm going through right now, but that's a whole other story. Perhaps it's just the nostalgia rearing its head as I approach my 30s, but I am living for the music of the 90s, the fashion, the movies and television, etc. Give me a good babydoll or granny dress and boots, press play to some Garbage, and I'm set.

Sue me, I yearn for plaid tied around the waist lately.

So my question to you is, what from the 90s are you yearning for?

Courtney Love

Fiona Apple, Criminal Music Video

Kurt Cobain

Fashion sketch

Charlotte Ronson Spring 2011

Vena Cava Fall 2011

Claire Danes in My So Called Life

Singles

Waynes World

Listening to Who?!: The Civil Wars, Poison & Wine

't

This is the Civil Wars. If you don't know them, you are certainly missing out. Their quick rise to the collective consciousness has been exciting to witness. Between multiple Grammys and major tours with Adele, these two have been non stop in the music scene since their inception a couple years ago. With haunting voices, and harmonies between them, their melodic style is all their own. The video for their first foray into the public sphere clearly cemented their image to the public. These two are like their music, old fashioned in a modern world. In the best sense. Their looks are classic and stand out amongst the crowd. My only minor quibble with the style is with her belt. I agree that a belt defined her waist nicely and completes the look, however I think one with a nicer fabric would have given it a higher quality feel. I almost think a metallic, or jewelry inspired belt would have been an interesting choice as well, giving it an old world quality in tone with the video.

All in all, a great video from a great group with a great look.

THE Thing: Sujari Britt, 9 year old Cellist

As a cellist myself, I am automatically drawn to videos about cellists. This girl is different though, she is brilliant. I fully expect to see her permeate the classical consciousness for years to come as she matures into the musician she is. What talent, what poise, and what reverence for the music. She understands what it means to be a musician, how the music can affect the audience for years to come. She knows the depth, and that is astounding for a 9 year old. I can hardly believe she is that young because she speaks from such a place of profundity.

To see this amazing girl speak, please go here.

From her musical style, to her style with words, Sujari Britt is my favorite thing of the day.

You reach infinity girl.

The Art Of Selling: Burberry Eyewear

Marika Hackman for Burberry

Burberry's latest summer eyewear campaign consists of using on the rise British musicians to sell their unisex wares. And so far the result is beautiful and poignant. Give me a great black and white shot any day. The coolest part of the campaign is that they are actually incorporating the music into their advertisements. Each act will write their own Burberry single and perform in a music video for it as well. They will also perform said advertisements at events for Burberry around the world.

Um hello brilliance, so nice to meet you.

For that very fact alone, I am in love with this advertising campaign. It hearkens back to the days of the Gap celebrity ads, but on a much more defined, high end scale.

The Daydream Club, Adam Pickering and Paula Walker, for Burberry

Can we say sexy? This last shot is so subtly seductive, just call me enamored. I'll take both pairs please. And maybe her jacket.

For more information, click here.

Photos courtesy of Burberry

Listening to Who?! : Pentatonix, Somebody That I Used To Know (Gotye cover)

Okay I'll admit my choir girl fan tendencies are showing through. But I can't help it, I love this group. They combine solid harmonies and choral understanding, within the current pop stratosphere. How can 5 acapella voices sound so radio friendly? Explain that to me! You can feel the joy in their music, as much as the audience is excited for this song, they are too. And who wouldn't be in that amazingly talented group? I've been living for this song for a few days now, and original aside, this has to be the best harmonic arrangement. Most creative award would definitely go to Walk off the Earth however. But that's another story.

My only wish is that Pentatonix might have put a little more effort into the overall look. I think that it is balanced aesthetically, but forgettable as a whole. Now don't get me wrong, I am definitely not asking for matching outfits. Please, no! Yet a more defined style would have better serviced the video and perhaps called more attention to this hidden gem of a cover. Each member of the group should still look like themselves, just with more pop. I'm talking to you Kirstie especially, that boring purple shirt is not cutting it. I'm not totally ragging on their looks though, there a few honorable mentions: I love Kevin's red collared shirt, tie, and sweater combo. Now that's how you look like you're somebody! And Mitch's striped shirt is easily the most eye catching of the bunch, so way to go Mitch. Maybe try a printed scarf with it next time and see how much it elevates the entire look.

In the end, the video is worth watching for the music, and the music alone. Next time guys, try amping up the style quotient and see how that can help you generate more views. 'Cause a cover this good certainly deserves more than just a million views.

p.s Avi, fix that damn collar. It's driving me crazy.

Listening To Who?! : Kat Graham, Put Your Graffiti On Me

Music video by Kat Graham performing Put Your Graffiti On Me. (C) 2012 A&M/Octone Records

I am living, honey, LIVING, for the latest music video from the always daring, Kat Graham. It's called Put Your Graffiti On Me, and she certainly makes her mark all over the viewer. Outside of a crazy catchy song, the video itself is an infectious masterpiece, styled by none other than Mr. Brett Alan Nelson, Kat's personal stylist, and one of my favorite taste-makers out there. Brett is making a name for himself with the video's meteoric rise as his influence is all over the board. Sexy urban street wear, nostalgic in tone, but current in style, Mr. Nelson has outdone himself with this one. The video is trend conscious without being literal, and dating itself. It pushes forward and backward at the same time, and that is quite a feat. Said to be a collaborative effort between Brett, Kat and designer Jeremy Scott, the video fires on all creative cylinders.

If you haven't seen it yet, you're already late!