opening at civilian: hasan elahi & nilay lawson.

panda head interviews...breck from the apes.

amanda as majestic ape, breck as lucius twilight, jeff as ronald wolf, erick as jackie magik - onstage they're the apes, DC's favorite carnival ride of a band. never has such organ-heavy, punk-tinged psych-rock encouraged such spontaneous handclapping; their shows are loud and nothing short of excellent. see them play this sunday at rock and roll hotel when, with brooklyn's pterodactyl, they open up for deerhunter.

how would you describe your style?
Senior fresh - somewhere between my southern grandfather and what I wore as a child.
do you pay attention to trends? how do you stay current?
Of course, I like to steal elements but never the whole package.
how do you pack for tour?
Three pants/jeans, three t-shirts, three short sleeve, three long sleeve, three pair of socks, three pair of shoes/sneakers (Same amount for any duration of time.)
does what you wear on stage differ from what you wear off stage?
Barely. Same clothes just arranged more as an “outfit.”
what city do you find to be the most stylish?
Not sure, everyone everywhere seems to be looking at the same websites.
how would YOU define 'stylish?'
Comfortable and fitting to body type. Some things aren’t for everybody
what's your favorite item of clothing?
Black short sleeve scrub (nurse shirt).
who or what do you find inspiring, style-wise?
James Brown, custom fit.
do you have any favored designers?
I tend to pick up Oscar De La Renta clothing at thrift stores.
do you make or customize any of your own clothing?
Have attempted t-shirts (success) and pants (not a success). I’ll try again tomorrow.

interview: morgan. photo from the apes on myspace. visit them there or at their website, where i found this, which i really like but couldn't find a way to use.

panda head interviews...

DC's own bellman barker churns out the kind of heartfelt, summer-friendly indie pop that makes you want to hold hands and barbecue while listening to 'molly maroon' on repeat. if you're as yet unacquainted with them (or are just in need of a soundtrack befitting the upcoming weather) see them tonight at DC9 - they're playing a bigyawn.net show with the beanstalk library and mikal evans band.

how would you describe your style?
THOMAS: I think it's something like Major Dad tries to fit in at a swinging barbeque with French asshole hipsters.
MIKE: i let aaron and tom use me as their dress up doll.
AARON: French asshole hipster.
do you pay attention to trends? how do you stay current?
THOMAS: I don't get much exposure to TV or magazines, so I mostly rely on my friends (like I'm Columbia Heights/Mt Pleasant current). If I like what people are wearing, I can be a sheep. Baaaaaa.
MIKE: um, mildly?
JOHN: Not particularly.
AARON: It comes natural.
what are your wardrobe staples?
THOMAS: For casual-wear I like jeans and a 60's/70's button-down shirt (short sleeves!) or sometimes a t-shirt - generally something with an interesting color or pattern. For work I really like these Ben Sherman dark charcoal slacks that my girlfriend bought me - oh, and Brooks Brothers no-wrinkle button-down shirts - I wouldn't say they're stylish but they definitely get me through the work week without too much effort.
MIKE: bootcut jeans, corduroy jacket.
JOHN: Chuck Taylors , black t-shirts, a light jacket (unless it's scorching hot).
AARON: Fashion briefs. Jeans.
does what you wear on stage differ from what you wear off stage?
THOMAS: Not really - although I'm more likely to save my favorite clothes for when I'm under the bright lights.
MIKE: only if you count the sock i put in my pants to impress the ladies.
JOHN: I do what I am told.
AARON: What did Albert Hammond Jr say?
what's your absolute favorite item of clothing?
THOMAS: I think fondly of my shoes, though I only have a few pair - blue and red pumas that I've had for years and are super-comfortable, off-white hi-top chucks that I noticed in an old Goldfrapp video - I've also got these red leather boots recently that zip up the sides - they are pretty bitchin' but also pretty uncomfortable.
MIKE: AC/DC 1996 Ballbreaker Tour T-shirt.
JOHN: My belt buckle, it's a family heirloom.
AARON: My Honduras belt.
who or what do you find inspiring, style-wise?
THOMAS: High collars, primary colors, Svenonius - check out those socks!
MIKE: The beards from the guys in ZZ Top.
what city do you find to be the most stylish?
THOMAS: Probably New York as far as I've traveled.
MIKE: La Habana, por supuesto, asere.
JOHN: NY.
AARON: Rapid City, South Dakota.
do you have any favored designers?
THOMAS: Can't say that I do as far as designers, but if I'm out of work before 6:30, I do try to go by Meeps, which is on my way home.
MIKE: not really.
AARON: Most local designers don't make men's clothes. I mean, that's ok for Tom, but what about the rest of us?
do you make or customize any of your own clothing?
THOMAS: Nope - too much time customizing muzak instead I'm afraid.
MIKE: nope - too lazy.
JOHN: No...I never took Home Ec.
AARON: I wear a bison pin that my friend Nyrhtak gave me.
how would YOU define 'stylish?'
THOMAS: If you even have an idea of what you want to look like and some idea of how to get there, you're probably doing pretty well and hopefully it will show. Just make it work...
MIKE: really it's just about being really really ridiculously good-looking.
JOHN: Looking good in what you wear, not TOO over-the-top.
AARON: short shorts?
what's your take on DC fashion?
THOMAS: Functional networking attire (for all walks of life) - work the room!
MIKE: It's hip to be square
JOHN: …
AARON: short shorts!

interview: morgan. pictures by shervin lainez of shervinfoto. bellman barker has both a website and a myspace page. they are very technologically advanced.

rock and roll hotel: STYLEistics pt3

that's it for pictures from the spring STYLEistics, at least from panda head! be sure to check BYT for their STYLEistics/garutachi comprehensive if you haven't already, and i imagine project beltway will be following up as well. a big big thanks to everybody who made it out for the event, especially those of you who stopped by the mao suite to say hi!
summer in the city,
morgan.

rock and roll hotel: STYLEistics pt2

panda head interviews...

before she was 1/2 of georgie james, laura burhenn was, and is still, one of DC's favorite solo artists. she'll be displaying her finely honed singing and songwriting skills at tonight's black cat backstage showcase (along with vandaveer, stella schindler, sean mcardle, brandon butler, and sarah azzara). should you be unlucky enough to miss tonight's show (or if you just need more laura in your life), rest easy - you can catch her may 3rd, as part the aforementioned georgie james, on black cat's mainstage.

how would you describe your style?
my style is eclectic and a bit bohemian with a nod to some current trends, some staple classics, and a hint of earthiness. i like to stay fresh and try new, unexpected combinations, but i'm also a taurus and like for my fashion to be at least a bit grounded. i love to pull things from vintage and thrift shops, department store sale racks, designer boutiques, yard sales, and the most unexpected corners. i still have a few pieces i found in an abandoned house in high school. a good bargain will always be my favourite, but i'm learning how to invest in special pieces.
do you pay attention to trends? how do you stay current?
i love my fair share of w and bazaar and vogue and even lucky to stay on top of the latest from the runways and from stores where things are a little more affordable. travelling is great for getting inspired, too. each little (or big) town has its own trends that aren't necessarily covered on the pages of magazines. so tying in a little something from the street style here and there is always fun.
what are your wardrobe staples?
boots! ever since i was very small i have loved boots -- boots with skirts, boots with dresses, boots over jeans, boots however you can work them into an outfit. there's a real sense of power you get from putting on some good boots. no matter if they're rugged and masculine or tall and sexy with stiletto heels, there's something about boots on a woman that says, "i'm not afraid to get dirty, and i'll kick your ass if i need to." that said, i need a good pair of jeans to go with my boots, or a hot black dress. i have a lot of black dresses -- all kinds of different cuts. they are my blank canvas with room for interesting accessories.
how do you pack for tour?
i tend to pack all of my at-that-moment-favourite stand-out pieces with lots of staple things (leggings, jeans, tank tops) to tie them together. i usually end up finding new ways to wear things i've owned forever when we're on the road because i have to look at the same shirts and dresses over and over again. i always leave a little room for new things that i'm bound to pick up along the way. since i tour with all boys, i try to pack light -- i refuse to be the one with the biggest suitcase. although, last summer i /did/ bring a bag entirely devoted to shoes...
does what you wear on stage differ from what you wear off stage?
there's usually not too much variation. the biggest difference is mostly day to evening. you won't see me wearing hotshorts and heels at 3 pm (as a general rule), but peacock feather earrings are something i'll gladly wear all day everyday -- onstage or off. sometimes i think about getting more into costuming. maybe someday. but for now it feels a bit gimmicky. i don't have anything against it-- it's just not my thing at the moment.
what's your favorite item of clothing?
right now i'm madly in love with these brown suede and snakeskin pointy-toed flat-heeled boots, and i wear them all the time. i also love these black, 80's-style slouchy boots that i got at a twice-as-nice store awhile back. and my black velvet military jacket. and i never go anywhere without my red-and-gold fringey scarf that my mom brought back from israel over 20 years ago. it's good for giving warmth or a splash of color.
who or what do you find inspiring, style-wise?
one of my dearest friends since childhood has always been a style inspiration to me. we learned to find thrift-shop treasures, sew and rework clothes, and scour new places and people, and all the magazines for new (and re-newed) things together. travelling is always an inspiration. and people on the street. sometimes people put two things together and unknowingly create genius. i'm entirely inspired by earth- and socially-friendly fashion. to make/wear great fashion is one thing, but to do that and have it do something more is always a great thing. i think this is mirrored in my approach to songwriting, too. if people are going to listen to what i have to say, i want for it to be worth their while. always onward and up.
what city do you find to be the most stylish?
different cities are stylish in different ways. i love new york for some things (dirty big city style with a hint of andy warhol mod), LA for others (bohemian, sun-soaked earthiness), austin (eclectic vintage goodness), and even DC. DC isn't a fashion city because politicians and college kids aren't necessarily the jetset fashionista crowd, but if you look close enough and in the right pockets, there are definitely some good things going on here.
any favored designers? why do you like their clothes?
while i do graze through the pages of magazines, i feel like i'm a bit out of the loop to spout off my favourite designers. i do love stella mccartney, zac posen, marc jacobs, and of course more that aren't coming to mind just now. and i really do love muss from DC (am i allowed to say that here??)...
do you make or customize any of your own clothing?
yes, both. i love to buy thrift shop pieces and rework them. and it's been awhile, but i have made some things from scratch. it's exciting to get a swath of fabric from a store (new or vintage) and turn it into something. it's like the dress was already in that piece of cloth, i just had to sew and snip the right angles and coax it out. i have this wonderful little robin's-egg-blue sewing machine. my next project is not actually going to be clothing. i want to learn the art of quilts. i'm gonna start with one made of my old concert tshirts...
how would you define 'stylish?'
as much as i love the art of fashion, i wouldn't put the definition of'stylish' in a little box. people who know who they are and aren't afraid to let it show through on their sleeves are stylish. people who have found themselves (and their look) and aren't going to change it no matter what you tell them are stylish. i have special style love for people who aren't afraid to try new things -- and who will revel in them when they do.

interview: morgan. photopraphs by shervin lainez of shervinfoto. for more on laura burhenn, visit her on myspace or at her very own laboratory records.

rock and roll hotel: STYLEistics. part 1.

part two comes later, and i'll be posting links to other pictures from the night as they come up.

panda head interviews...

jessica reynoza is 1/4 of the willowz, a band hailing from anaheim, california that for the last several years has been lumped in (along with a bunch of others that came about around the same time - the white stripes, the vines, etc.) under the heading 'garage revival.' though they're well known for their contributions to michel gondry's 'eternal sunshine...' and 'science of sleep' soundtracks, it's their full-lengths that separate them from their peers - 'the willowz are coming' and the much acclaimed 'talk in circles' show a heavy and unique influence of punk, blues, and pop that makes for well-rounded rock and roll. their latest album, the folk-tinged 'chautauqua,' was just released on dim mak. pick it up sunday night when the willowz play the red and the black with panda head BFF's new rock church of fire.

how would you describe your style?
My style is a perfect expression of my age, gender, personality, career, growing up in Anaheim, and unlike most people I put a little effort into it. I guess some people like my style.
do you pay attention to trends? how do you stay current?
I do pay attention to trends because it is super interesting to see how quickly people grab on to the trends and what lengths people will go to keep up with them. Sometimes it will be the worst trend and it is so funny to see what people will do to be ordinary. I don't really care about staying current with them, but if there is one that I think is fitting to my personal style then I might look into it a little more.
what are your wardrobe staples?
1. tights- I love all colors of tights and I like wearing them with my dresses and skirts.
2. boots- I love my big black boots and wear them with everything.
3. headbands- they just make your hair look great when you are having a frizzy hair day.
4. jeans- Southern California girls always have jeans on. ahhaha.
5. short dress- looks good with them tights.
6. leather suede jacket- looks good over anything.
7. flats- I like them in all colors.
8. necklaces- I can't seem to get away from them.
how do you pack for tour?
I pack all my wardrobe staples and if I can fit anything else I squeeze it in. I tend to pack very light in a small suitcase. I noticed in the past that I would over-pack and not even wear half the stuff I packed, so I just take what I need and I don't mind wearing the same clothes over and over.
does what you wear on stage differ from what you wear off stage?
Not really, I love dressing up all the time. I think the only thing different from my on stage and off stage is maybe my hair and makeup. I like to look over glamorous on stage and when I am off stage I just lay back a little and let the sun hit my face.
who or what do you find inspiring, style-wise?
1. birds
2. butterflies
3. tropical fish
4. Heidi Follin
5. flowers
6. Kim Gordon
7. sea shells
8. Courtney Love
9. precious stones
10. Dita von Teese
11. Gwen Stefani
12. ceramic cats
13. Marilyn Monroe
14. puppies
do you have any favored designers?
I really really like Marc Jacobs' designs even though I can't afford any of the clothes he makes. I like his designs because it reminds me of how I like to dress - a little of the past mixed with the present. Maybe one day he will make some stuff for me and I will be so ever happy.
My other favorite designer is Betsey Johnson - everything she designs reminds me of when I first got into fashion when I was in highschool and [I] like the idea of keeping a childlike perspective when expressing oneself in style. They are the two designers that remind me of rock n' roll when it comes to fashion.
do you make or customize any of your own clothing?
Sometimes I like to draw a picture of myself on a plain t-shirt and wear it, or if I have an old vintage dress from a thrift store that is too long I get out my scissors and make it short. That is about as close as I get to customizing.
what city do you find to be the most stylish?
New York city - I lived there for about two months and I absolutely loved how the people there really put effort into what they wore when they went out into the street. It made the crowded city visually gratifying.
how would YOU define 'stylish?'
Being able to express who you are through language, fashion, and physical action.

interview: morgan. photo uncredited from the willowz at dim mak. for EVEN MORE willowz, visit them at their website, blogspot, or myspace page.

shop. drink. dance. repeat.

the countdown to STYLEistics has officially begun! this saturday night at rock and roll hotel, come meet me & muss vintage, kenny & flux rad, meg & enderby, cortney & clap, angie & EYEsore, lindsay & el harto imports, rory & superperfecthair, jesse & realm, and amy & treat. get there early to buy your super-limited edition, for-charity, STYLEistics t shirts, and to take advantage of the free booze, drink specials, and heatherette giveaways. djs ca$$idy, cale, and austin will be providing the soundtrack, and stick around afterwards for garutachi and a dj set from johanna and JD of le tigre!
while i hope everybody's been stoked on the interviews and features that have been running while i've been busily getting ready for this thing, i want to make up in a big way for the lack of picture posts - saturday night panda head will be all set up in the MAO SUITE! so head upstairs and allll the way back to shop muss vintage and to pose for panda head pictures, as well to meet our suite-mates amy and chris of treat - and don't forget, treat will be hosting free hair and makeup touch-ups from vidal sassoon.
so for those of you in DC, please stop by the mao suite and say hi - and everybody can expect a major photo update on monday! until then, check out joel's and svetlana's pictures from the last STYLEistics and get all amped. see you saturday!

meet your STYLEistics designers...

last but not least, click to read BYT's interview with amy of treat!

panda head interviews...evan mast of ratatat.

i saw ratatat for the first time kind of by accident - they were playing black cat and i had nothing to do that night; i bought tickets based on the fact that i remembered a friend wearing a ratatat pin on their coat at one time or another. i was ill-prepared for the extreme awesomeness of the show but managed to hold it together through the breakdancers, the screaming girls, and the otherwise totally insane crowd-and i left with a new favorite band. their music has been described as everything from hip hop to 'indietronica,' but it's probably easier to say that ratatat is two guys (evan mast and mike stroud), two guitars, and a sickening amount of synthesizer. don't miss tomorrow night's late show (10pm) at the 930 club with openers despot and hexa.

how would you describe your style?
a neglected pet. future magic.
do you pay attention to trends? if so, how do you stay current?
it's hard not to in new york. you walk outside and everybody has a yassir arafat scarf under their chin, you can't help but notice. i'm not quick enough to follow up on it. i'm still wearing the same kind of stuff i was wearing when i was 15.
what do you spend money on, clothing-wise?
i absolutely hate shopping for clothes. sometimes when i walk into a clothing store my hair stands on end and i have to flee. so i try to keep shopping trips down to once or twice a year. then i buy as much as possible and hope i can make it last for at least 6 months.
how do you pack for tour?
a pair of jeans, some t-shirts and then as many boxers and socks as i can cram into my bag.
does what you wear on stage differ from what you wear off stage?
mostly silk bathrobes off stage. i like to lay back in a bathrobe and complain about stuff.
what's your absolute favorite item of clothing?
my friend dave just bought a navy blue sweatshirt with a big white ying yang on the front. it doesn't belong to me, but thats my favorite at the moment.
who or what do you find inspiring, style-wise?
serge gainsbourg. everyone knows he has the best style, right? and ghostface killa. giant gold eagle sticking 6 inches off his wrist, dinner plate medallion... oh, and cam'ron, because he'll be like 'yeah i've got a big purple chinchilla on my head but you're gonna respect me.'
do you have any favored designers?
james kendi. kendi ties. he only makes ties. i like loomstate too & clarks.
do you make or customize any of your own clothing?
i recently customized a striped sweater with a nickel sized coffee stain just below the collar.
what city do you find to be the most stylish?
cleveland.
interview: morgan. picture uncredited from the ratatat website. be ratatat's fan.com on their myspace page.

meet your STYLEistics designers...

click click for BYT and to get to know jesse of realm!

superperfectSTYLEistics?

click for BYT's interview with rory sheridan of superperfecthair!

smash! reopens!

i remember going to smash! as a teen and buying the shit out of their manic panic; in later years i'd stop by to check out the local designer racks - especially pieces by daisy lacy. after closing up shop in the summer of 2006, daisy and her boyfriend matt have reopened the store in its new adams morgan location. they'll continue to carry the punk, indie and alternative CD's, LP's and 7"s smash! has been known for since opening in 1984, and not only will they still be selling locally designed clothing but they're throwing in vintage as well.
i'm excited (along with half the city's female population, i imagine) to have steady access to daisy's creations and to her vintage collections, and it's also rad to have yet another independently owned record store open up in the neighborhood. as of right now they're only accepting cash and they're not yet stocked up on hair dye (probably a good thing for me, as this made me oddly nostalgic for all of this), but otherwise they're back in business. visit them on the second floor of 2314 18th st NW.

your friend and mine...

click for BYT's STYLEistics interview with lindsay of el harto!

fashionistas that care are cryyyying out loud.

jaja of ugoseven filled me in on 'fashion feeds children,' a shopping event the DC fashionistas are hosting this saturday from 3-7 at ultrabar. vintage clothing, local designers' wares, cosmetics and accessories will be for sale (with a portion of the proceeds going to feed the children), and they're also offering free drinks, music, massages, and a lounge in which to park your boyfriend (if you can get him there at all). i went to an event of theirs last year and it was way classy and fun; there's really nothing like getting tipsy for free in the middle of the day and talking about clothes. and it's FOR CHARITY. consider it a STYLEistics prerequisite - see you there!

meet your STYLEistics designers...

click click for BYT's interview with angie of eyesore!

because you KNOW chung tite...

read BYT's STYLEistics interview and meet cortney of clap!

930 club: albert hammond jr., the mooney suzuki.

meet your STYLEistics designers...

click to go to BYT and meet meg of enderby and enderby nest!

m street: georgetown.

meet your STYLEistics designers...

click for BYT's interview with kenny of flux rad!

columbia road: adams morgan.