Wednesday, February 18, 2009

go somewhere private where we can discuss fashion.

On the heels of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week I've decided to sum it up with LISSY TRULLIE.



Trullie, hipster model turned musician, was present at the La Baron party at the Bowery. She also DJs at Paul Sevigny's hotspot Beatrice. Lissy is worth checking out just to see that not everyone in that scene is so vapid. Her songwriting skills are actually pretty decent and her voice is incredibly unique.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In terms of New York party spots, I would also highly recommend Mr. West. One of the best hip-hop DJs I've ever heard and a pretty relaxing atmosphere make this a club frequented by Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Mary J. Blige when they are in town.

Most fun fashion show? I would say this is a tie between Jill Stuart and William Rast. The Jill Stuart show featured these amazing and sophisticated black lace pieces that I could see myself wearing. It also helped that The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Blonde Redhead accompanied the girls as they strutted down the runway. Justin Timberlake's line, William Rast, left something to be desired clothing-wise. The "New America" theme just didn't do it for me, but I was starstruck by the Hilton's, JC Chasez, Jessica Biel, Anna Wintour, and Carine Roitfeld.

Fashion Week was crazy, but it's good to be home.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

please don't throw it all away.

My New Favorite Song:


When I was doing my radio show over the summer I came across a demo. A song called "You're Making This Hard" by Irish indie band Sweet Jane. The song was reminiscent of Darklands (1987) era The Jesus & Mary Chain and featured a duo of male and female vocals, steady bass drum beats, and driving guitars. Unfortunately, they changed it up a lot for the version in their EP, which can be previewed on their myspace.

"Blackboots Blackhearts" is the title track on the EP. It is really the style of stuff I'm into right now. In lieu of something lovey and valentiney, I'll go with something that reminds me of exactly how I feel. Just the right blend of melancholy and feedback.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

secret knowledge of backroads.

My Stomping Grounds In:
The H Street Corridor / The Atlas District

Since speaking about Rock & Roll Hotel in my summer "nightowl" post, I have decided to expand and talk about a section of DC that I've been frequenting quite a bit.

H street NE is an up-and-coming area of DC. Once a bustling part of the city, the H Street District suffered setbacks following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the ensuing race riots of 1968. Recently, the area has been revitalizing and focusing on the arts & entertainment sector. Named after the famous Atlas Theater, the Atlas District boasts a number of hotspots. The area is a lot easier to access using public transportation following the recent addition of a free H Street Shuttle. It travels a convenient route between the Chinatown and Minnesota Ave metro stations. There is also the option of the X2 metro bus, or as always a trusty (and more costly) cab ride.

Besides Rock & Roll, my most frequented H Street venue is Sticky Rice. In fact, it is a lot like a second home. Foremost, the staff are wonderful and accommodating. I now consider many of them friends. The food is delectable and fairly inexpensive. They boast sushi and tater tots and they now have delicious brunch! After dinner, Sticky turns into a boisterous nightspot with a great atmosphere and a gong. Tuesdays are karaoke night hosted by the talented Andrew Herndon, Wednesdays are BLINGO hosted by the elusive Russell, and the weekends bring DJs, dancing, and trivia. Sticky Rice is the total package for a restaurant/bar establishment. Check out all the deets at http://www.stickyricedc.com.

Another restaurant in the area that I thoroughly enjoy is Dr. Granville Moore's Brickyard. This gastropub is meant to be a bit grimy, but the food is totally worth it. I am not a beer drinker, but all my friends rave that the offering of over 50 beers is spectacular. The Belgian fare is delicious and the low-key environment is relaxing and welcoming. I would highly recommend mussles, frites, and a brownie for dessert! More info at http://www.granvillemoores.com.